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Can I Ride Your Horse?

Don Jessop

It’s a question I don’t ask lightly.

“Can I ride your horse?”

Not because I’m dying to get in the saddle—frankly, I ride a lot already —but because sometimes, riding your horse can be the fastest, clearest way to unlock what’s missing in your partnership.

There are two key reasons I might hop on your horse, (with your permission:)

1. To help your horse learn something new or break through an old, stubborn habit.

Some horses get stuck. They carry tension or resistance in certain moments—maybe they freeze when you ask for forward or toss their head when you pick up contact. They’ve learned patterns, good or bad, and sometimes a kind professional rider can introduce a new feel, a new set of responses that help them shift out of those patterns.

2. To show you that it’s possible.

I’ve seen it again and again—smart, caring horse owners who just can’t quite believe their horse can do “the thing.” Whether it’s a relaxed canter, a quiet trailer load, or a smooth transition, their doubts become the horse’s limits. But if you watch your horse respond to a different approach and succeed at something you thought was impossible—that changes everything. Belief is contagious.

What I’m Looking For While I Ride

The moment I take up the reins or move your horse out, I’m feeling for feedback. I’m listening with my seat, my hands, my intuition. Every cue I give is like a question: “How do you respond to this?” And the horse always answers. Maybe with softness. Maybe with hesitation. Maybe with a big ol’ “Nope.”

Here’s what I’m paying attention to:

• Cues and reactions.

Does the horse understand light signals? Or are they dull, confused, or bracing against pressure? Are they reactive or unresponsive? This tells me a lot about how they’ve been handled and what kind of conversation they’re used to having with a rider.

• Hesitations and brace points.

Is there a delay between my request and their response? Do they tighten up during transitions? Do they rush? Do they freeze? Every hesitation tells a story—sometimes about fear, sometimes about confusion, sometimes about lack of balance or understanding.

• Try and curiosity.

Even if things aren’t perfect, I’m looking for willingness. A horse that’s trying is a horse I can help. If they’re checked out completely, that’s a different approach.

After the Ride: Coaching You Forward

Once I get off, the real work begins—not with your horse, but with you. I’ll share what I felt: where your horse shines, where he’s stuck, and where your communication might be missing the mark.

And then, I’ll coach you toward the next step—how to recreate those breakthroughs, how to build consistency, how to find feel and timing in the places it matters most. Riding your horse helps me get a clear picture but watching you ride is how we move forward together.

So, if you hear me ask, “Can I ride your horse?”—know that I’m not just taking the reins. I’m stepping into a conversation that includes both of you. A conversation about progress. About trust. About possibilities.

​And you might just walk away believing in your horse a little more than you did before.

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Don Jessop - Blog Welcome

Hi! I'm Don Jessop

With Mastery Horsemanship

I write to Inspire, Educate and Encourage You with Your Horse and Your Personal Journey.

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