✨ Patterns That Speak: Building Confidence & Connection with Your Horse

Want to know what YOUR HORSE thinks you’re asking for? How they interpret your cues? Or — if you use R+ — what THEY think they’re being rewarded for?

So often, there’s a gap between what we intend and what they perceive. It’s in that gap where behaviors fall apart, or never end up looking the way we imagined.

There’s a powerful way to bridge that gap — working patterns. Not just dressage tests or obstacle courses, but patterns with visual & tactile feedback that help both you and your horse see what’s really going on.

What I Mean by Feedback Patterns

These are setups using physical elements in the arena or on the ground — poles, mats, cones, barrels, rings (like hula hoops, with safety modifications), targets.

• Poles on the ground help clarify things like step placement, rhythm, and how your cues are being received.
• Mats and targets can give tactile feedback.
• Chalk or paint markers offer visual feedback — not for the horse necessarily, but incredible for us to see what we asked, how our body was, where our energy was, etc.

These patterns aren’t about jumping hurdles or big obstacles — they’re about clarity. They help your horse understand exactly what you’re asking, and help you observe exactly how they understand it.

Try This at Home

Here are a few ideas to explore in your next session:

• Set up two poles on the ground and ask your horse to walk between them slowly.
• Place a mat or a target at a distance. Reward approach and pause.
• Use paint or chalk to mark a shape on the ground. Notice what your horse does when you ask them to move through it or stand in it.
• Pause often. Observe their ear position, breathing, head height, weight shifts.

Every little bit of observation builds understanding — and a shared language.

Join Us This Weekend: Pattern Clinic (Sept 19-21, Burgaw, NC)

If you’d like hands-on learning and guided feedback, we’re hosting a Pattern Clinic this weekend (Sept 19-21) in Burgaw, NC.

• Whether you ride or prefer ground work, you’ll leave with tools and insight to build deeper connections.
• Prefer to audit? That’s perfectly fine too — seeing others work patterns often gives huge leaps forward.

Can’t make it in person? I offer online coaching & live lessons too — happy to jump on a call and find what works best for you.

If you want some of the patterns we used recently in our Compassionate Horse Click R+ challenge message me.

Recipients of this group get a special offer to join our private paid community where we do tons of fun challenges just like this — come join us!

Message or call/text 910-471-5445 for details or to reserve your spot at the clinic or get more details.

Let’s build clarity, confidence, connection together!