Happy New Year and welcome back to my passion project – started in 2025, and kicking off 2026! I’ve asked all the amazing horse people that we work with on our retreats – in Montana, Argentina, Sweden and Costa Rica – to answer the question, how do horses make us more mindful?

Georgia is the general manager of Estancia Los Potreros, our Cowgirl Yoga Argentina partner. Georgia first came to the Estancia at age 19, as an assistant chef in the kitchen – thrown into the deep end – and quickly immersed herself in the Argentine way of life. Like so many who have been there, she fell in love with the place, finding not only a new home, but a family. Now having been at the Estancia for 8 years, she has undertaken virtually every job: from chef, to riding guide, to head of marketing (she is a social media genius – one look at their Instagram feed and you might drop everything and buy a one-way ticket to Argentina) and house manager. Her diverse experience allows her to expertly oversee guest care, ensuring every stay is personalized and unforgettable. Georgia’s enthusiasm is endless – and she always adds lots of humor and special touches to our retreats. She says the Estancia is “magic” – she’s the magician that weaves it all together.

Georgia, how do horses make us more mindful?

For me when I am with my horses in the corral or out on a ride, I realise that horses naturally take me into the present moment; it is impossible to be thinking about the past or working on internal problems, they draw one into the moment. I use riding as a way to clear my mind. Horses are incredibly sensitive to energy and body language, which makes them respond more to our moods and feelings than what we’re doing to ride them. I particularly notice this when I am riding my younger horses – when you’re around them, especially in close quarters or out riding, they pick up instantly on any inner tension, anxiety, or distraction and they reflect it right back to you. You can’t rush a horse (particularly a new horse) – you have to slow your breathing, soften your energy, and move with intention. They teach you to let go of the to-do list and worries and just be in the moment with them.

But it is truly the gaucho who can teach us about mindfulness and horses. A gaucho’s relationship with their horse is sacred – built on trust, necessity, and deep companionship. It’s not just about work or transportation; it’s a bond that runs to the core of identity. To a gaucho, the horse is an extension of himself. Every movement, every shift in weight or thought is felt and echoed by the horse beneath them. The connection is subtle and refined, and it often looks like they’re riding with nothing but intention. At Los Potreros there is huge pride in how a gaucho treats and trains their horse – no matter what, they will never rush it. A good horse is a reflection of the gaucho’s skill, patience, and heart, and they often talk about the pride they feel when they see our guests riding one of the horses they trained. They don’t just ride – they live alongside their horses. For a gaucho, the horse isn’t a possession – it’s a relationship, a friendship, a companion. #bemoregaucho

Yeehaw & Namaste.