Dancing with horses-Lessons from the herd

Pressure and Release: Are We Missing the Joy?

This week, we shared a fun video featuring Meg, one of our amazing Volunteer Ambassadors. On a rare warm winter day, she brought her signature sparkles and love to our herd, who were struggling to regulate themselves. Instead of forcing calm, Meg simply stayed with them—moving gently around the outdoor round pen, dancing and singing as the horses followed her lead.

Horses are naturally playful, and they seemed to enjoy the lighthearted moment. But as soon as we started filming, the energy shifted. They sensed our expectations, and suddenly, the joy became heavy. The pressure to perform felt uncomfortable, so they opted out.

Then, something interesting happened. When we let go of our expectations and simply accepted their choice, the tension lifted. With that release, the horses felt free again—and just like that, they joined the dance with Meg.

There’s a lesson in this for all of us. How do we show up for ourselves, in our daily lives? Do we carry rigid expectations that stifle joy and comfort? How can we find ways to release and allow the freedom of choice? What happens if we shift our mindset—releasing control, softening our approach, and simply being open?

Sometimes, the greatest connections happen when we let go. I invite you to take a few minutes to take deep, cleansing breaths and release all expectations. Just like our herd, you may find yourself dancing and singing with horses.