Riding in Gratitude

Dennis Cappel
17 minutes ago
2 min read

Clear Mental Horsemanship with Dennis Cappel

There’s something about being around horses that grounds a person in gratitude. It doesn’t matter if I’m saddling up for a ride, trimming one’s feet, or just leaning on a fence watching them graze somewhere in that moment, peace shows up.

I’ve spent a lifetime with horses, and when I look back, I see that they’ve given me far more than ribbons, trophies, or skills. They’ve given me purpose. They’ve shaped the way I see life, and the way I see myself. Every horse I’ve worked with has taught me something some lessons were gentle, and others came a little harder, but each one helped me grow.

Early on, I thought success was measured by how far or fast I could go with a horse. These days, gratitude shows up in the quiet moments the soft feel in a horse’s face, a deep breath of release, or that stillness that comes when both our minds settle into the same rhythm. That’s when I remember why I do this.

Horses have a way of reflecting your state of mind back to you. If I’m scattered, they show it. If I’m calm and clear, they match it. That mirror has been one of my greatest teachers. It’s not always easy, but it’s honest. And that honesty has brought me more peace than I ever expected to find.

There were times in my life when I questioned my direction times when things didn’t go as planned, and I wondered what it was all for. But no matter what was going on, the horses were steady. They kept me anchored. They gave me a reason to get up, to keep learning, to stay humble, and to show up with my best effort. Through every challenge, they’ve been a source of purpose, peace, and joy.

Probably the most gratifying thing the horses have given me today is the opportunity to see other people enjoy the benefits that come from learning through my life experience. To watch others, succeed with their horses seeing

their confidence grow, understanding deepen, and their connection strengthen is one of the greatest gifts a horse has ever given me. It’s a full circle kind of gratitude, and it humbles me every time.

Gratitude isn’t something I try to feel anymore, it’s just there. It’s in the smell of leather, the sound of a horse chewing hay, the feel of a good rein connection, and the friendships built through this way of life. Every horse, every person who’s crossed my path through them, has added meaning to my journey.

At this point, riding isn’t about reaching a destination, it’s about appreciating the trail itself. I’m thankful for the horses that keep reminding me what truly matters: presence, patience, and peace.

That’s the kind of ride I never want to end.

With Gratitude,

Dennis Cappel - Master Horseman

www.cappeltrainingandshoeng.com