Rider Trust Map

January 24, 2026

The Michelle Method: Rider Trust Map

1. 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?”

2. 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?”

3. 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?”

4. 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?”

5. 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

6. End-of-Session Gratitude

    •    Watch horse move freely

    •    Acknowledge effort: “Thank you for your work today”

    •    Note wins: micro-choice, calm response, engagement

7. 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.