Mindful Riding™ is mindfulness riding, an original concept and riding method developed by Anneli Westlund. It is a unique approach to riding where the foundation is a deep contact and a genuine relationship with the horse, a riding through the breath. By combining mindfulness with riding, a way of being with the horse is created that is based on contact and reciprocity, where both horse and human are given space to be in their natural rhythm. In mindfulness riding™ where the core is connection, presence, energy, feeling and balance, riding is created in harmony with the horse and the common goal is to achieve balance in both mind and body. Through soft touch where the aids are light from the start, riding is created where it is an invitation, not a requirement. Instead of traditional pressure- and release methods or negative reinforcement, Mindful Riding™ is an approach where the horse is a true partner in the dance we create. The philosophy and riding method rests on classic and timeless principles of self-carriage, centered presence and harmonious movement, inspired by older riding cultures where relationship was always the foundation. Anneli has developed Mindful Riding™ through her own experience, her education and her deep understanding of the language of horses, and creating connection with horses at liberty, shaped into a unique riding concept where connection and a genuine relationship with the horse always come first.

​

​

Mindful Riding™ through the breath. Mindful riding™ is a riding philosophy where riding grows out of breathing, presence, energy and a deep relationship and connection with the horse. It is a riding that is based on mindfulness in its purest form – being completely and fully in the present moment, with an open and responsive attention, concentration and body awareness. With mindfulness riding, every movement becomes a conversation, every step an invitation and every pause a space where the horse can express himself. Discover connection, presence and harmony in riding with mindfulness - in every thought and breath.​In Mindful Riding™ with mindfulness, we build communication aids through intention, balance and what I call Feeling of touch™ – Touch Connection®, a soft, living touch and contact that never forces, never presses and never takes over. The horse is allowed to be free in his body and free in his expression, and that is precisely why the horse chooses to follow.

 

Mindful Riding™ is a protected riding concept that is based on an energy-based, deep, silent dialogue between horse and rider. It is mindfulness riding where the relationship comes before the technique, where communication occurs through connection, energy and body language where each step grows out of reciprocity and freedom of choice, instead of demands.​

​

In Mindful Riding™ we meet the horse as a partner. We work without pressure and without shaping the horse through resistance. Instead, we build contact through invitation, by giving space and by letting the horse carry itself, both physically and mentally. It is about being mindful, centered, grounded and present in the body. About letting the energy speak first, before any movement occurs. About letting the horse feel that it is free to express itself, free to choose, free to be in its own balance. When the horse feels this freedom, a different type of interaction arises – an interaction where the horse follows because it wants to, not because it has to.

 

Mindful Riding™ is based on the same basic principles that horses use with each other in the herd: clarity without harshness, leadership without dominance, movement without tension. It is a riding where we carry ourselves, so that the horse can carry itself. Where we communicate through the small shifts of the body, through breathing, through intention and through what I call Feeling of touch – a soft, living touch of contact that never locks, never presses and never takes over.
It is a riding that grows out of the relationship. A riding that is based on balance, rhythm and feeling.
​
What is Mindful Riding™?
Mindful Riding is not a method with steps and techniques. It is a way of being. A way of meeting the horse in the present. A way of creating a riding that feels as natural as the silent communication between two horses moving together in freedom.
This is where the deepest connection arises. And this is where the riding really begins.
​​
Mindfulness riding™ is a riding that is based on the nature of the horse, herd logic and the deep relationship between horse and human. The horse meets as a free individual. Riding is based on the human first finding their own balance, their own centering and their own presence. When the body is still inside, when the energy is clear and the intention is pure, the horse can feel it directly.
In this form of riding, communication is subtle. It occurs through the body's posture, through the direction of the energy, through small shifts in weight and breathing. The horse does not follow because it is trained to obey, but because it feels safe in the stability of the person. Leadership is soft and clear, without dominance, without pressure, without pushing the horse forward.
​
The rider carries himself, so that the horse can carry itself. The movements grow out of balance, not from reining or driving. The horse is allowed to express its power, its pride and its natural posture without being corrected. It is a riding where the horse is allowed to be a horse and where the rider becomes more present, more responsive and more true.
It is a riding that is based on relationship, not technique. On energy, not signals. On inner stillness, not external control.
Mindfulness in riding means that the rider is centered, grounded and present in every moment. We listen to the horse's energy, to its small shifts in balance, to its way of breathing and moving. We do not respond with technique, but with feeling. We do not lead by taking, but by inviting. We create space for the horse to find its own self-support, its own rhythm and its own pride.
​
This form of riding is where the horse follows the human's energy and posture rather than physical aids. Where the rider carries himself so that the horse can carry himself. Where the relationship is the foundation and the movement grows out of a silent interaction between two beings who meet in balance.
Mindful Riding™ is not a method with steps and techniques. It is a way of being. A way of meeting the horse with respect, presence and openness. A way of creating a riding that feels as natural as the silent communication between two horses moving together in freedom.
.
​​Copyright & Trademark
Mindful Riding™ mindfulness riding™ is used as a trademark for Dancing With Horses AB, a concept, riding method created by Anneli Westlund. All content belonging to these concepts – including philosophy, structure, texts, descriptions, exercises, educational materials, audio files, illustrations, digital products, is covered by copyright according to Swedish and international law.
No part of Mindful Riding's philosophy, methodology may be copied, distributed, reproduced, taught through courses, lessons, coaching, reworked or used for commercial purposes without written permission from the copyright holder. This also applies to parts of the concepts, descriptive texts, method names, terminology and pedagogical approaches.
​
Mindful riding™, mindfulness riding™, riding with mindfulness is based on a unique approach that combines presence, energy, balance and genuine relationship between horse and rider. The concept describes riding as an invitation, not a requirement, and communication that occurs without pressure and concession methods or negative reinforcement. Mindful Riding™ can be done with or without a bit. The focus is not on the equipment, but on the relationship, energy and gentle communication between horse and rider. All material describing this concept, including the term Feeling of touch™, is protected as an original work. It may not be used by third parties in marketing, teaching or commercial contexts. Confusing concepts are considered infringement under the law. Unauthorized use of these concepts, trademarks or materials is infringement under applicable law.
​
Copyright © 2026 Anneli Westlund - Dancing With Horses AB. All rights reserved.​​

 

​​​​​​​

​