Description
In The Mindful Equestrian: Recipes for Balance, Connection and Well-Being, you are invited to explore 18 transformative exercises designed to enhance this bond, grounded in the principles of mindfulness and holistic well-being.
You’ll find video clips throughout to help bring the exercises to life. They’re not polished performances. They’re real horses, real people, real moments – just like your own. A mix of breeds, ages and abilities, some are my ponies, some belong to clients. And yes, we had fun filming them – even before we knew they’d become part of this book.
Extract from Foreword: Horses have an incredible way of teaching us, not just about riding, but about ourselves. The connection between handler, rider and horse is one that goes beyond physical movements – it’s a partnership that thrives on trust, presence and mindfulness.
Read what Kelly Marks Founder of Intelligent Horsemanship has to say in her Five Star Review:
“The Mindful Equestrian is the kind of book I wish more horse people had on their shelves — not because it teaches you how to ‘do more,’ but because it reminds you how to be more. Grounded, aware, emotionally honest — with yourself and your horse.
What struck me most is how gently but clearly this book guides the reader inward. It’s not full of fluff or overcomplicated theory. It’s full of quiet truths — the kind that make you stop, think, and then notice your horse a little differently.
The included video links bring the book to life — not staged or polished, but honest, real-life work with horses. You see the nuance, the feel, the small wins that matter most. And what’s especially useful is how each exercise also highlights the physical benefits for the horse — not just emotional awareness for the human, but actual improvements in movement, balance, and connection.
Whether you’re doing groundwork, mucking out, or just standing quietly by a horse’s side, this book brings your focus back to what really matters: your mindset, your energy, and the way you show up.
I’d recommend The Mindful Equestrian to anyone who wants a deeper, more authentic connection with their horse — and themselves. It’s thoughtful, real, and beautifully written”.
Read more Five Star Reviews
Kelly Marks –
“The Mindful Equestrian is the kind of book I wish more horse people had on their shelves — not because it teaches you how to ‘do more,’ but because it reminds you how to be more. Grounded, aware, emotionally honest — with yourself and your horse.
What struck me most is how gently but clearly this book guides the reader inward. It’s not full of fluff or overcomplicated theory. It’s full of quiet truths — the kind that let you stop, think, and then notice your horse a little differently.
I especially appreciated the video content included through the book — not polished performances, but real, honest moments with horses. The kind of work that reflects real life: sometimes messy, often subtle, always meaningful. It adds a richness that brings the words to life.
Whether you’re doing groundwork, mucking out, or just standing quietly by a horse’s side, this book brings your focus back to what really matters: your mindset, your energy, and the way you show up.
I’d recommend The Mindful Equestrian to anyone who wants a deeper, more authentic connection with their horse — and themselves. It’s thoughtful, real, and beautifully written.”
— Kelly Marks
Sharron (verified owner) –
Absolutely brilliant!!!!
This wonderful book really reminds us that we need to be present, breath and enjoy every moment.
The recipe style makes the exercises so easy to follow and the accompanying videos are great. If you’re not so good with following written instructions, the videos break things down making it easy to understand and work through each exercise. The Mindful Moments throughout are a great, helpful reminders for the horses and humans we connect with in our lives.
Jacky Robinson (verified owner) –
I am thoroughly enjoying reading this excellent book. It has such a wealth of content, with clear step by step guidance, as well as QR codes which lead to video clips.
I am currently 6 weeks post ankle surgery so unable to
do very much , but it is a joy to visit my horse, sit outside his stable and read Sandra’s book.
The Mindful Equestrian provides wonderful insight and clear explanations , and emphasises that how we show up and behave around our horses is just so important.
Staying in the present moment is a skill we can all lose sight of when life is so busy.
Sandra’s book guides the reader through 18 Exercises and Mindful Moments , and includes details of the physical benefits to the horse.
I recommend this book to new and experienced horse owners alike.
Karen –
Thoroughly enjoying reading Sandra’s book The Mindful Equestrian. Beautifully written and illustrated the book contains easy to follow mindful exercises to help deepen the trust between you and your horse. The added bonus of video clips brings the exercises to life. A lovely reminder of how we should stay present around our horses to achieve the best partnership
Highly Recommended
Sarah Bough (verified owner) –
An essential book for any equestrian to be used as a long term resource. The training techniques are clearly set out and made achievable for all. However the book really comes into it’s own when they are combined with trust and mental health lessons for the horse and the human. This unique synthesis makes this a standout book.
Stuart Randell (verified owner) –
This is a must have book for anyone who wants to base their horsemanship on a present and mindful connection, that benefits the horse as much as it does you. The idea of QR codes after each exercise pointing you towards a short video to help is one I haven’t seen before. It’s so good to see some real world examples of the application of these techniques, rather than the staged managed ones you so often see. A book filled with horse wisdom from an expert that really helps to connect on every level. Highly recommended.
Jenny Everett –
An absolute must-have for every horse owner!
This book is packed with so much valuable information. It’s far more than a one-time read. It’s the kind of book you’ll keep coming back to, like a trusted reference guide or a “horse owner’s bible.” Every chapter is thoughtfully laid out in Recipes with beautiful photography, practical tips, and mindful moments that truly enrich your understanding.
What sets it apart are the integrated QR codes that link directly to real life video demonstrations, bringing the concepts and images to life in such a clear, helpful way.
Whether you’re just starting your horse journey or looking to deepen your connection, this book will show you how to communicate with your horse in a kind, relaxed, and meaningful way. It’s clear that so much care and experience has gone into every page. Highly recommended!
John –
The Mindful Equestrian is more than just a book—it’s a beautifully designed guide to a deeper, more connected experience with your horse. Practical, inspiring, and full of heart, it brings mindfulness into the stable in a way that truly makes sense.
Each exercise is laid out like a recipe—clear, simple, and easy to follow. Whether you’re an experienced equestrian or just starting out, you’ll find yourself coming back to these practices again and again. The format is inviting, making each session feel doable, not daunting.
Mindful moments are woven throughout the pages, helping you slow down, tune in, and bring presence to your every day. The photography is stunning—calm, grounded, and reflective of the bond between horse and handler/rider. The QR codes leading to videos, brilliant. They turn the book into an interactive toolkit, giving readers a chance to see the techniques in motion.
There’s also room for personal notes, space to reflect, and helpful top tips that make this more than just a read—it’s a companion on your equestrian journey.
Thank you for creating something so thoughtful and original. The Mindful Equestrian is a gift to all equestrians who want to grow with their horses, inside and out.
Debbie Newell –
The Mindful Equestrian is a truly unique book that transforms reading into an immersive experience. With QR codes linking to videos for each exercise, readers can move seamlessly from the page to real-life demonstrations. This innovative approach allows you to not only read about the techniques but also see them in action—making the learning process much more engaging and accessible.
If you’re seeking a deeper connection and more meaningful relationship with your horse, this book offers invaluable insights. Each chapter centers around the principles of mindfulness, patience, and presence. It encourages you to slow down, be in the moment, and enjoy the journey of training, almost as if you’re having a conversation with your horse.
This book is a real treat for any equestrian—whether you’re already working with a horse and want to strengthen your relationship, or you’re preparing for horse ownership. It offers thoughtful guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls, like rushing the early stages of a new partnership.
The Mindful Equestrian is not just a book—it’s an experience that brings horse and human closer together.
Kelly Brotherhood –
Absolutely brilliant!
Having worked directly with Sandra, I am so pleased we finally have a book which captures her award-winning horsemanship knowledge.
What truly sets this book apart is its thoughtful integration of visual aids and digital resources, allowing readers to engage with the material in multiple formats. The step-by-step illustrations break down complex concepts into manageable tasks, ensuring accessibility regardless of the reader’s experience level. Moreover, the inclusion of QR codes that link directly to instructional videos provides an interactive learning experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Sandra’s writing style is engaging and supportive, fostering confidence in readers as they embark on their journey towards better horsemanship. With sections dedicated to understanding equine behaviour, effective communication, and mindful training routines, the book serves not only as a technical manual but also as a source of personal growth for the owner. By weaving together practical instruction and philosophical insights, Sandra offers a comprehensive approach to equestrianism that emphasises both skill and compassion.
Whether you are looking to refine advanced techniques or seeking guidance on how to start your partnership with your first horse, this guidebook delivers valuable information, encouragement, and a sense of community shared by all who love horses. It is a resource you will return to time and again, each reading offering new perspectives and renewed motivation.
Sue Palmer (verified owner) –
I’ve known Sandra Williams for many years, both before and after she qualified as an Intelligent Horsemanship Trainer. She’s also the trusted guardian of my wonderful rescue pony, Bones (affectionately known as The White Prince), who has been part of our lives for an incredible 30 years and who features in this book.
I absolutely love the “recipe” concept Sandra has created — each exercise comes with its ‘ingredients’ and ‘instructions’ for building a deeper, kinder, more mindful relationship with your horse. These aren’t just training drills; they are invitations to slow down, notice, and work in a way that nurtures mutual trust and respect.
The 18 exercises are beautifully complemented by video clips — not glossy or staged, but real, honest moments with real horses and handlers. That authenticity makes this book a treasure for anyone who wants horsemanship that is grounded in everyday reality.
I’ve been part of Intelligent Horsemanship since before it officially existed, earning my Monty Roberts Preliminary Certificate of Horsemanship in 1998, and I’m passionate about the work Kelly Marks and her team have done to bring kindness, understanding, and science together in the horse world. The Mindful Equestrian embodies those values perfectly.
This is a book to read, re-read, and keep close by — whether you’re doing groundwork, sharing quiet time in the field, or simply wanting to reconnect with the joy of being with your horse. Thoughtful, real, and beautifully written.