Welcome to my 2025 passion project. 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?

Sorrell Bush is the Corral Boss at Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, where we hold our Dude Ranch Cowgirl Yoga retreats. Her talents include managing a herd of 100+ horses, their care and training all year round; managing a busy summer guest season at the ranch with hundreds of riders of all different levels, and honoring our Cowgirl Yoga requests to meditate in the presence of her herd, take pictures with them, and do weird things in the round pen.  She handles all of this with a smile and preternatural calm.

Sorrell, how do horses make us more mindful? 

In a world where social media often portrays an unattainable version of perfection, where the demands of work and life leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and where success is too often prioritized over our health and relationships, horses offer us a much needed escape. They provide a space where we can disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with something authentic and grounding. An opportunity to gain perspective and clarity is something we can all benefit from.

As the corral boss at Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, it is heartwarming to witness the impact our horses have on those who visit.

I watch Sundog, one of our kid’s horses, carry a six-year old who has never been on a horse before. The young rider may begin the week hesitant and fearful, but with support and gentle encouragement he gains confidence in steering, stopping, and traversing obstacles. Before long he laughs gleefully as he and Sundog trot down the trail. I know for that child, he is feeling unstoppable.

I see Blarney help fulfill a woman’s lifelong dream of riding an Appaloosa through the mountains of Montana. For her, this experience offers a brief but powerful escape, a chance to leave behind the stresses of life and immerse herself in the beauty and serenity of nature, all while forming an unspoken bond with Blarney.

I witness Lefty carry a loving patriarch to the top of a mountain alongside his family to visit the location where his wife’s ashes were spread. As Lefty carefully navigates the rocky terrain his rider finds a moment of peace and reflection, allowing him to honor his late wife and the cherished memories they created at the ranch.

Most importantly, I see the ways that our herd forces me to be mindful and present, whether it be on the trail, wrangling, or in the round pen. I know that any bad day can easily be made better by spending time in the saddle. Escaping to the beautiful trails, enjoying nature, and building a partnership with my horse is truly therapeutic.

When I am working with the young horses, I know they are acutely aware of my emotions. If I step into the round pen with a horse, any issues or frustration I am feeling must stay outside the gate. Bringing negative emotions into the round pen or a training ride will only cause the horse to feel anxious and uneasy, as I am supposed to be a leader. Horses are present, attentive, and deliberate in every moment, and they call me to be the same. In their presence, I’m reminded of the importance of being my best self—showing up with intention, patience, and kindness. It’s a lesson I carry with me long after the day is done.

Yeehaw & Namaste.