Remember the movie Avatar, James Cameron's sci-fi epic about human colonization of an alien planet called Pandora?
There's a part in which the hero is learning how to ride Pandora's version of a horse, a flying dragon-horse-like creature.
I love the scene because it distills so many essential truths about riding actual horses. It is a visually stunning, imaginative metaphor for what horsemanship should be, even though the partnership is between an alien avatar and a dragon-horse creature called a direhorse.
Remember, it's a metaphor!
By now you all know, I love movies, especially epic, sci-fi or fantasy, heroes' quests.
So, sorry, not sorry!
Back to the movie. First, the direhorse picks their rider.
There is a moment of resonance in which the direhorse consents to the partnership.
We see a beautiful and solemn reverence for the relationship shared between the two beings in which they acknowledge what's being asked of both of them, to give up a part of their singularity in order to move forward together, as one.
Then, the rider has to "plug into" the direhorse through their respective tendril-like appendages which are basically neural lines that serve as conduits for tuning into a collective consciousness that is shared between all living things.
Pretty cool right?
I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.
-Brene Brown
This connection allows the rider and the direhorse to communicate one on one with each other, through their thoughts and feelings.
The rider's ability to control and wield their thoughts and emotions as well as visualize their intentions is key to the partnership becoming stronger.
The rider must know themself, trust themself, believe in themself and love themself before they can ask the direhorse to carry them beyond the forest floor.
In the movie, the hero has a hard time controlling his racing thoughts, especially his insecurities and the limiting beliefs he holds about himself. In turn, the direhorse spins out of control, panicked and dangerously wild.
Sound familiar?
Once the hero becomes present, embraces his truth, and reclaims his inner power, finally untethered from the shoulds and the what-ifs of his mind, he and his mount fly together, gracefully around the planet.
Your life follows your attention. Wherever you look, you end up going.
-Martha Beck
The literal and physical connectivity between the rider and the direhorse opens up infinite space for limitless possibilities for what they can achieve together.
By now, I think you know where I am going with this.
Here's the point. When we ride, we plug into an energy that allows for two way connection between our horses and ourselves.
The energy flows whether we are conscious or not.
Our horse is receiving information either way and will be impacted either way.
When we ask our horses to partner with us, especially once we swing our legs over their backs, it is our responsibility to be fully present.
If we allow our racing mind or faraway thoughts to take over, we drown out our ability to attune with our horse's body. In this way, we pollute the energy flow with static which results in stress and tension and we lose the ability to sync in a way that is intentional and progressive.
Whether we relate the process to nervous system regulation or spiritual harmony or heartmath energy field or a silly, sci-fi movie plot, the outcome remains the same, our riding is a reflection of who we are.
As the mestre Dominique Barbier says, "We ride as we are."
PS—When You're Ready...
Ready to lead your first equine-assisted healing session? Download our First Session Template—a free professional framework featuring trauma-informed protocols, step-by-step guides, and bonus resources. Gain clarity and confidence, no matter your experience level. Click here to reserve your copy now!
P.P.S. Ready to take your practice further? Join the priority waitlist for The Foundations of Equine-Assisted Healing—a complete course and 12-session coaching experience. This program blends personal growth with professional development, empowering you to lead transformative healing sessions with clarity, confidence, and trauma-informed tools. Discover how to make this emerging field uniquely your own. Join the Priority Waitlist Here