The Invisible Blueprint: How Your Energy Field Shapes Your Riding
Have you ever noticed how your horse seems to sense your mood before you even touch the reins? Or how some rides flow effortlessly while others feel tense, no matter how much you try? It turns out there may be more at play than we realise.
In this post, we explore fascinating research from the 1930s that can change how you think about mindset, energy and horse riding.
Who Was Harold Saxton Burr?
Harold Saxton Burr was a neuroscientist and anatomist who asked a bold question: what organises life?
Unlike modern scientists, who are often highly specialised, Burr explored a wide range of topics. He was interested in how plants, animals and humans grow, heal and function, and what guides these processes at a deeper level.
His research led him to discover life energy fields. While this may sound “woo woo”, Burr approached it scientifically. He found that
- All living beings are surrounded by a measurable energy field in horse riding and human performance
- Changes in this energy field often occur before physical changes in the body
- The energy field acts as a blueprint, guiding the body rather than simply reflecting it
Why Burr’s Research Was Overlooked
At the time, Burr’s ideas were controversial and challenged conventional medical thinking.
- Energy fields were invisible and fluctuated daily
- The research suggested we could detect issues before physical symptoms appeared
- Acceptance of this work might have reduced reliance on pharmaceuticals and traditional medical interventions
Despite this, Burr’s research aligns closely with modern science, energy work and what many riders intuitively know about horses today.
How This Relates to Horse Riding
So, why should equestrians care about energy fields?
Horses are highly sensitive animals. They respond not just to our physical aids but also to our thoughts, emotions and tension. Burr’s research suggests that
- Your thoughts and emotions influence your own energy field in horse riding
- Your energy field interacts with your horse’s field even before you give an aid
- Calm, neutral or relaxed states can improve performance
- Tension, anxiety or overthinking can disrupt the connection with your horse
Think about a time when you were tired but rode a session that felt surprisingly smooth. Your body may have moved more naturally because your energy field was not disrupted by stress or overthinking.
Even in group settings, energy fields can overlap. You might sense another rider’s nerves in a warm-up arena, which can subtly influence your own mood and your horse’s responses.
How You Can Use This Insight
You cannot see the energy field, but you can influence it. Simple steps to improve your riding and connection with your horse include
- Pause before mounting and take a moment to breathe and reset
- Check your mindset and focus on calm, constructive thoughts rather than tension or worry
- Be aware of tension in your body and relax your muscles and posture
- Choose your emotions deliberately so they positively influence your horse
By consciously shaping your mindset and emotional state, you influence both your own body and your horse’s responses. Burr’s research reminds us that we are the easiest part of the system to control.
Of course, you can also use NLP, Time Line work or hypnosis to bring your mindset to where you want it to be, more quickly and more easily.
Takeaway
As we start 2026, consider this your invitation to explore the subtle yet powerful ways your mindset and energy field in horse riding influence your performance. Calmness, focus and awareness are not just abstract concepts. They are tools that ripple through your body, your horse and every ride you take.
If you’re interested in using the horse’s own energy to heal and move back into energetical alignment, check into my new website (should be ready in February 2026).
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my newsletter (add your email below) for more insights on mindset and performance. Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us how your mindset influences your riding.
