How breathing helps you communicate with your horse

Horses are incredibly tuned in to the body language, energy, and intention of the people and animals around them — far more than we often realise. One of the ways we unconsciously communicate with them is through our breathing. In this article, we explore why horses respond so strongly to our breath and how we can use it more intentionally when working with them.

Our mare Luci relaxing in the paddock with Marvin the dog - both totally in sync

It’s not magic — it’s evolution

As prey animals, horses have evolved to be highly sensitive to the emotional and physical states of those around them. Like many prey species, they naturally synchronise with members of their group to stay safe.

Think about how a flock of birds lifts off the ground almost in unison, or how a herd of deer suddenly bolts — that’s evolution at work. When one animal picks up on danger, the rest respond instantly. It’s a survival mechanism designed to help the group flee threats as quickly as possible.

Breathing is one of the subtle cues horses pick up on — and even synchronise with.

If you breathe deeply and steadily, you signal calm and confidence. Your horse picks up on that energy and relaxes too. On the other hand, shallow or rapid breathing can make your horse more alert, nervous, or unsettled.

Breathing affects your body language

Breathing is a powerful form of communication because it influences your entire body.

How you breathe affects your posture, muscle tension, and movement — all things your horse feels instantly. Deep breathing softens your shoulders, relaxes your hands, and steadies your body. If you’re tense or holding your breath, your horse senses that tightness and may become confused or anxious in response.

So, horses aren’t just reading your breathing — they’re syncing with it.

Our mare Rey sharing a moment with one of our students

How to use your breathing with horses

Here are three simple but powerful ways to incorporate breathing into your work with horses:

1. To build trust

In moments of tension or uncertainty, consciously slowing your breath helps keep both you and your horse grounded. The more consistently you do this, the more your horse will associate your presence with calmness and confidence. That trust builds over time: “You’re calm, so I can be calm too.”

A class teaching our students to use their breathing to move our mare Luci

2. To shift your body language

Breathing is one of the fastest ways to influence your physical and emotional state.

• Feeling stressed? Slow, deep breathing reduces anxiety.

• Low on energy? A few energising breaths can wake up your body.

If your horse is feeling tense or confused, adjusting your breath can soften your body language, helping your cues become clearer and easier for the horse to follow.

3. To cue transitions

You can use breath as a subtle aid to help guide your horse’s movement — both in-hand and under saddle.

• A deep exhale can encourage a horse to slow down or stop.

• Holding your breath for a moment can prepare them for an upward transition, such as from walk to trot.

Over time, these cues become part of the rhythm your horse learns to trust and respond to naturally.

Final thought

Around horses, your breath is always saying something — even when you’re not aware of it. By becoming more intentional with it, you’ll not only improve your communication but also deepen the bond and trust between you and your horse.

Want to go even deeper? Try spending a few minutes just standing with your horse, matching your breath to theirs. It’s a simple practice, but a powerful reminder that sometimes the best connection comes in the quiet moments.