A Horse Lover’s Guide

Here is a series of articles that I’ve written over the years about horsemanship and achieving harmony and an autotelic experience.

Kristi Smith 8/10/26 Kristi Smith 8/10/26

Emotional Maturity in Horsemanship:

Emotional Maturity in Horsemanship: Why Our Focus Shapes Our Results

Horsemanship is more than a technical skill. It is a reflection of our emotional maturity, our ability to regulate ourselves, and our willingness to stay connected when things get complicated. Horses feel everything. They respond not just to our aids, but to the quality of our intention. When we cultivate emotional maturity, the entire horse–human relationship becomes clearer, kinder, and far more effective.

Kristi Smith 6/29/26 Kristi Smith 6/29/26

Comparison and Judgment: The Quiet Killers of Joy

Comparison and judgment are two of the most reliable ways humans drain joy from their own lives. They work quietly, often disguised as motivation, discernment, or “just being honest,” yet over time they create dissatisfaction, insecurity, and emotional distance—from ourselves and from others.