When the Horse Leads Us Back Home – to Ourselves

What happens when young girls are given space to slow down, feel, and begin to truly listen – to themselves, to others, and to their horses?

This spring, I had the privilege of leading Empowerment for Young Girls – a program where self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and self-leadership come together in a safe and supportive environment. Several of the girls were equestrians, others simply longed to feel stronger on the inside. But all of them had something in common: the need to be seen, strengthened, and understood.

There’s something magical that happens when we connect with a horse. Research shows that horses are highly attuned to human emotions and body language – and they respond directly to our inner state. They don’t care about achievements, appearances, or grades – they reflect what we carry within. That’s what makes them such powerful partners in personal development.

A study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships (Pendry et al., 2019) showed that young people who participated in equine-assisted programs increased their emotional awareness, reduced stress, and improved their relationships – both with themselves and others. It’s no coincidence.

When a horse feels safe in our calmness, it follows. When we are scattered, it hesitates. This requires us to become aware of our own feelings and learn how to regulate them – the very foundation of emotional intelligence.

By practicing this with the horse as our mirror, we don’t just build a better connection with the animal – we build a better connection with ourselves.

In the Empowerment Program, we focus exactly on this: recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions. Replacing self-criticism with self-compassion. Practicing the courage to express needs and set boundaries. We use coaching, reflection, journaling, breathing, and empowering exercises – in a format that young people can truly absorb and carry with them. And the results have moved me deeply. One girl who barely dared to say her name in the first week stood confidently in front of the group by the end, presenting with a steady voice and sparkling eyes. Another said,

“I’ve learned how I work. And that there’s nothing wrong with me.”

This is why I do what I do.

When young people learn to understand themselves, to feel without fear, and to stand strong in who they are – they don’t just become better riders. They become stronger humans. Humans who lead themselves through life with warmth, integrity, and presence. And I truly believe it starts here – in the stillness, in the conversation, in the encounter with the horse and with oneself.

Want to know more about the program or bring it to your school, riding center, or youth organization?

📧 lina@memini.one

📞 +46(0)70-4401071

Together, we create space for the next generation to grow – from the inside out.