52. What Riding Lessons Don’t Teach You (But Your Horse Needs Most)

What are the most important horsemanship skills that riding lessons never teach you?In this powerful conversation, Anna Fox of Equus Enlightened is joined by lifelong friend and former professional groom Ellen Peebles to explore the seven missing pieces in traditional riding instruction. From awareness and energy to relational consistency, autonomy, and leadership in flow, they unpack what truly shapes horse behavior and partnership—beyond technique, ribbons, and perfect distances.Ellen shares her experience working in high-level competition barns, internationally as an exercise rider, and behind the scenes as a groom—where she witnessed firsthand how pressure, ego, and performance culture impact horses’ nervous systems. Together, they discuss horse communication, emotional regulation, energy awareness, and why slowing down can actually accelerate learning.If you’ve ever felt like something was missing in your riding lessons, or you want to build a deeper, more ethical partnership with your horse, this episode will open your eyes.Plus: a simple experiment you can try this week to develop awareness and autonomy with your horse.Perfect for riders interested in:• Horse behavior and nervous system regulation• Ethical horse training and horsemanship• Improving riding through feel and energy awareness• Developing true horse–human partnershipFind me on social media as @equusenlightened.  Join our Facebook group titled Horse-First Dressage: Compassionate Training and Connection or join the community and the Dressage Naturally Video Classroom at www.patreon.com/equusenlightened.You can also view videos of the riding episodes or listen to all of them on YouTube. My channel is https://www.youtube.com/@equusenlightenedRead blogs or find more links @ https://linktr.ee/equusenlightenedFind out more about Reconnect, Rebuild, and Ride with Heart https://equusenlightened.com/reconnect-rebuildFind more about Tad Coffin's work at https://www.tadcoffinsaddles.comEmail me at [email protected] Riding!