The Horse Doesn’t Care About Your Ego: Lessons from 42 Years in the Saddle

There’s a moment, for many lifelong horsewomen, that isn’t often spoken about.The moment where things begin to change. Where experience is still there… but the body, the pace, the way of doing things starts to shift.In this first episode of The Year of the Horse, I sit down with Deb Donnelly, a horsewoman with over 40 years of training experience, to talk about what horses really teach us… not just about riding, but about being human.This is an honest, grounded conversation about ego, ageing, learning, and the quiet truth behind a life spent with horses.This episode is for you if: You’ve spent years around horses and know there’s always more to learn  You feel the gap between how things look from the outside… and how they actually feel  You’re navigating change, in your riding, your body, or your role in the horse world  You want a deeper, more honest connection with horses (and yourself) In this conversation, we explore: Why ego quietly blocks progress in horsemanship  The difference between how others see you and what’s really happening  How horses mirror our human relationships  What happens when you can no longer ride the way you once did  The overlooked value of older, experienced horses  Why forgiveness is one of the most important qualities in a horse  The importance of staying open, curious, and willing to learn A key takeaway you can use immediately:Stay open.Find people you respect. Learn from them. Take guidance when you need it.And when you’re working with horses, or choosing one, look beyond perfection.Look for: Forgiveness  Experience  Stability  A horse that meets you where you are now About Deb DonnellyDeb Donnelly trained horses professionally for over 42 years before retiring and turning her focus to writing.She is the author of:Square Corners: Horseman, Horsewoman StoryCommon Ground: Horses and HumansHer work explores how horses reflect our behaviour, relationships, and emotional awareness — offering lessons that extend far beyond the barn.You can follow her work and read her ongoing book releases here: 👉 Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/debdonleyauthorpage/If this episode spoke to you… you don’t have to just listen quietly on the sidelines.There are two ways to step in:→ Join the conversation inside my group This is where these ideas continue, expand, and turn into real discussions with other horsewomen: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theequineempress 👉 → Or, share your story on the podcast If you have experience, insight, or a journey that could help others… Message me “PODCAST” and let’s explore a conversation.