When The Work Feels Hard

January 3, 2026

There is something important to know.

Some of this work may feel uncomfortable. You might feel annoyed, defensive, or even upset. That does not mean something is wrong. It usually means something important is being touched.

Horses have a way of bringing our stuff to the surface.

When a horse won’t relax, won’t move forward, or shuts down, it can stir up frustration or blame. The Michelle Method asks you to pause right there and get curious instead of reactive.

Curiosity sounds like this:

“Why does this bother me so much?”

“What am I feeling in my body right now?”

“What might my horse be feeling too?”

That moment of curiosity is where change starts.

This work is for riders who are ready to take responsibility for their part of the partnership. Not in a blaming way. In an empowering way. When you stop seeing yourself as stuck or powerless, you gain choice. And choice changes everything.

It is also okay if you are not ready yet.

Anger, sadness, and blame are part of being human. You are allowed to be there. You can stay there as long as you need. But this work will only help if you are willing to listen with an open mind.

The Michelle Method is not about forcing beliefs or following rules. Take what feels helpful. Leave what does not. Your path with your horse is your own. There is more than one right way to get to a healthy, happy partnership.

When you do this inner work, your horse feels it first.

They feel your calmer body.

They feel your clearer communication.

They feel your patience.

Then it spreads.

You bring that same awareness into your barn, your home, your work, and your relationships. You become someone who responds instead of reacts. Someone who listens before pushing.

You do not need to be fixed.

You are already enough.

Your horse does not need perfection. They need presence.

You and your horse both deserve to feel safe, understood, and free.

This work is here to support that.