January 24, 2026
The Michelle Method: Rider Trust Map
Pre-Horse Check (Before Touching the Horse)
• Pause and breathe: 5–10 slow breaths
• Scan body: shoulders, jaw, chest – soften tension
• Ask: “Am I calm enough to lead without forcing?”
Observation Window (Groundwork / Grooming)
• Watch ears, eyes, breathing, posture
• Resist labeling or judging
• Note: tension spots, areas of relaxation, energy level
• Ask: “What is this horse telling me right now?”
Micro-Choice Invitations
• Offer small movements: step, shift weight, stretch
• Release immediately when horse responds
• Acknowledge effort (pat, soft voice, soft contact)
• Ask: “Did I honor their choice?”
Riding Session Regulation
• Start with calm, organized walk
• Check body: breath, tension, balance
• Adjust ask to horse’s current state
• Release pressure promptly
• Ask: “Am I riding from presence or force?”
Exercise Reflection (After Each Exercise)
• Did I ask clearly?
• Did I notice signals I might have missed?
• Did I escalate unnecessarily?
• Note one small improvement for next repetition
End-of-Session Gratitude
• Watch horse move freely
• Acknowledge effort: “Thank you for your work today”
• Note wins: micro-choice, calm response, engagement
Weekly Deep Reflection
• Where did I overstep or override?
• Where did I succeed in honoring agency?
• Where could I improve patience, timing, or regulation?
• Pick one micro-goal for next week
Quick Reminders While Riding
• Regulate first, ask second
• Observe first, interpret second
• Micro-choice over macro-demand
• Reflection is responsibility, not blame
• Gratitude cements respect
You can print this out or write it in your journal and tick boxes as you go. It’s designed so that even a few minutes per step builds trust with the horse and rewires your nervous system for safer, more respectful leadership.