Welcome back to The Mirror in the Stall, where we explore the reflections our horses offer us and the deeper connections we can build when we truly listen.

In this episode, I sit down with Susi May, whose journey from traditional horse training to a more intuitive, empowering approach has reshaped the way she connects with horses—and with herself. Moving to Western Australia and working with her horse, Hercules, were pivotal moments in her evolution, leading her to embrace animal communication, presence, and a deeper understanding of emotional connection in training. She shares the personal challenges she faced, including injuries and the pressure of conventional methods, and how those experiences ultimately deepened her awareness of both her own needs and the emotional needs of her horses.

We explore how shifting away from dominance-based methods allows both humans and horses to step into their own power, fostering relationships built on trust and respect. Susi talks about how presence, attunement, and real-world experiences—like her deep connection to the ocean—help her horses feel seen and understood. Amber Lydic joins the conversation, sharing her own experiences of self-discovery through horse training and how redefining success has led her to a more holistic approach. Together, we dive into the emotional and nervous system awareness that plays a crucial role in our interactions with horses, and how practices like grounding exercises and honoring a horse’s voice can create profound transformation for both human and horse.

This conversation isn’t just about training—it’s about how horses teach us to show up fully, embrace our own growth, and build connections that go beyond technique. So take a breath, settle in, and let’s explore what our horses are reflecting back to us today.

Three relationship themes from this conversation:
1. Relationship to Empowerment – Understanding how both humans and horses can step into their own voice and autonomy.
2. Relationship to Presence – How slowing down and truly being with our horses shifts the depth of connection.
3. Relationship to Nature – The healing influence of the natural world, from the ocean to the land, in deepening our awareness and connection with horses.