Polyvagal Connection

Are you tired about me teaching about connection yet? If you know me well or have taken classes with me you have heard me talk about this at great lengths. Let’s expand this conversation a bit more and why I believe this to my core.
🐴❤️The Power of Polyvagal Connection in Horsemanship
At Hosanna Horse Haven, we focus on creating meaningful and safe connections between humans and horses. One of the tools we use is polyvagal training, a practice rooted in understanding how our nervous system impacts connection, trust, and communication.
Horses, like humans, are deeply social beings. They naturally rely on social engagement to build bonds and maintain harmony within their herd. When we approach horses with regulated nervous systems and an awareness of their social cues, we tap into this innate ability to connect.
✨ Why is this important?
Before we ask anything of our horses—whether it’s groundwork, riding, or building deeper partnerships—we focus on fostering a space where both horse and human feel calm, safe, and socially engaged. This connection allows us to:
• Regulate ourselves so the horse sees us as a safe and approachable presence.
• Build trust by engaging with their natural communication system.
• Strengthen the bond through shared moments of connection and mutual understanding.
✨ Social Engagement in Action
This is where the magic happens. Social engagement with horses means:
• Making eye contact without pressure.
• Being present and aware of their nonverbal cues (ears, breathing, posture).
• Matching their energy through movement or stillness.
• Using soft tones or calming body language to show you are a safe partner.
✨ What does this look like at Hosanna Horse Haven?
It might start with deep, intentional breathing to calm your own energy. From there, we focus on attunement—being fully present with the horse and allowing them to guide the connection. By meeting them in this social space, we communicate safety and respect, laying the foundation for true partnership.
At Hosanna Horse Haven, our approach goes beyond riding—it’s about creating partnerships where both human and horse feel seen, understood, and valued. 💙 Together, we work on the connection before the action.
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