Welcome back to another episode of the Unstoppable Equestrian Video Blog — this is Video #74!
I’m Danielle Pooles from Dressage Plus, and in today’s video blog, I’m sharing how learning to breathe while riding can transform your ride — by helping you stay calm and creating more softness and willingness in your horse.
This is part one of a special 3-part series where I share simple riding habits you can’t do enough of — and today we’re starting with something most riders overlook: your breath.
Watch the video above to learn this in action!
Why Breathing While Riding Matters
Many riders hold their breath without even realising it — especially in moments of tension, nervousness, or concentration. But your horse feels this! Breathing deeply and intentionally during your ride can:
- Calm your own nerves and improve focus
- Help your horse relax and soften into the contact
- Create smoother, more balanced transitions
- Build better connection and trust between you and your horse
Before you reach for more rein or leg, try using your breath first. You’ll be surprised how much shifts when you simply breathe while riding by breathing out in your transitions.
Why We Forget to Breathe While Riding
It sounds simple — but one of the first things riders forget under pressure is to breathe. When tension builds, our breath becomes shallow or we hold it altogether, which then sends signals to our horse that something’s not quite right. When you breathe while riding, especially with intention and consistency, you override those stress signals and replace them with calm communication your horse can trust.
This is especially important during transitions or moments of uncertainty in your ride. By making your breathing part of your riding toolkit, you train both your body and your horse’s nervous system to soften, respond, and relax — even when you’re schooling difficult movements or dealing with nerves on competition day. The more you commit to this habit, the more second nature it becomes to breathe while riding, and the more you’ll notice your horse settling underneath you.
Simple Breathing Exercise to Try in Your Ride
This week, I’d love you to try this technique:
- Step 1: Before each transition (up or down), take a deep breath into your belly.
- Step 2: As you cue the transition, exhale slowly — let it be audible so your horse hears it.
- Step 3: Let the breath soften your whole body — shoulders, seat, hands, thighs.
Imagine your breath reaching your horse’s ears like a soft breeze guiding them forward.
Real Results from Real Rides
I’ve had horses shift from tight and tense to soft and willing just from changing my breathing. It’s one of the fastest ways to influence your horse’s mindset without applying more aids. And once you build the habit, it becomes second nature.
Your Breathing Challenge This Week
Before your next ride, set a reminder on your phone to breathe while riding, or put a sticky note on your bridle saying: “Breathe during every transition.”
Try it in transitions, half-halts, and even transitions into lateral movements. With consistency, you’ll notice:
- Your horse stretching more through their topline
- Softer contact and clearer transitions
- More relaxation — from both of you
Free Resource for Dressage Riders
Want more tools like this to help with your confidence, focus, and performance in the saddle?
Download my free Dressage Rider’s Competition Preparation Toolkit — packed with mindset tips and strategies to set you up for success.
External Tip for Further Reading
Want to learn more exercises to improve your breathing? Here’s a helpful article from Dressage Today, Better Breathing for the Dressage Rider.
Coming Next
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where I’ll share another one of those “can’t-do-it-enough” rider tools to create more success, ease, and enjoyment in your training.
In the meantime, you might also enjoy:
How to Overcome Nerves After a Week off!