04/16/2026
The last two days Mojave has started his rides like this after I get on. The exact movement that used to cause him to bolt with previous trainers.
It feels like he’s seeing clearly for the first time with his new shades. They have made a difference, no doubt. Still, like most things, they are not the magic fix.
What has made the biggest difference is giving him space to be curious.
I did not guide him, distract him, or try to control the outcome. I let him explore what used to feel scary.
Today I put my hand down for him to touch when he swung his head right. The moment he did, I felt his hind end tuck. I knew exactly what used to come next.
Bolting.
Every time before, riders would pick up the reins to stop him. This time I did the opposite. I grabbed my horn and left the reins loose.
He went to take off, took two steps… then stopped.
He realized he did not hit the bit.
Big exhale.
I talked to him, praised him, and let him sit there until he was ready to walk on.
I have been excited about our progress. So much so that my ambitious side set a goal to be out of the round pen by the end of April.
It is April 15th… and we are not even close.
Today I had to check myself.
Are you going to ride from your ego, or your intuition?
Being a bodyworker has completely changed how I see riding. I work with thresholds every day, finding the edge where a horse can feel, release, and process without being pushed past it.
Those same thresholds exist under saddle.
So I went back to that.
Right up to the line. Not past it.
Enough for him to process and build confidence. Not enough to force obedience.
That is where real change happens.
Being brave is not about pushing limits.
The moment you lose your horse’s trust, it is incredibly hard to get back. That trust is the only reason Mojave keeps trying.
Break that, and you lose everything.
So I will ask you the same question I had to ask myself today.
Are you riding from your ego… or your intuition?
Because my intuition is what kept me safe in the saddle today.
