The Equestrian’s Inner Life, a podcast hosted by Pernille Hogg, explores the unseen journey of riders. Launched in October 2025 with an episode featuring six-time Olympian Mary Hanna, followed by chats with Brett Parbery, classical master Rafael Soto, and American Olympian Steffen Peters among others, it delves into connection, resilience, and the transformative bond between horse and human.
Ep.12. Just breathe: The invisible aid every rider carries
Who would have thought that your own breath could be the key to becoming a better equestrian?
In this powerful conversation with world-renowned breathwork master Dan Brulé, we explore how the simple act of conscious breathing can transform not just how you ride, but how you live.
Dan has spent over five decades teaching breath to Olympic athletes, Navy SEALs, and elite performers across the globe, Brulé shares how riders can harness the same principles to unlock presence, balance, and a deeper connection with their horses.
From the science of breath to the soul of horsemanship, this episode is a reminder that every great ride begins with one conscious breath.
The breath as connection and control
In conversation with Dan Brulé, one of the most compelling insights is how rarely we experience true relaxation while remaining fully conscious. For most people, the deepest level of relaxation occurs only in sleep — when the mind switches off and the body is finally allowed to let go. Breath, however, offers another pathway. It allows us to remain awake while entering that same profound state, creating a level of presence that sharpens awareness, improves reaction time, and deepens connection.
As Brulé explains, the breath becomes the bridge between body and mind, regulating not only our physiology, but also the quality of our thoughts, emotions, and performance. Smooth, flowing breath supports clarity, while erratic breathing reflects inner tension and a chaotic mind. What becomes particularly relevant for riders is the realisation that our breathing patterns are constantly shifting — in moments of pressure, distraction, or flow — often without our awareness. By learning to notice the breath in everyday situations — in traffic, in challenge, or when everything is moving effortlessly — we begin to recognise patterns and make meaningful connections.
From there, subtle adjustments can be made, and over time, this awareness develops into an edge. At the highest levels of performance, where technical skill is closely matched, it is often this quiet mastery — the ability to regulate oneself through the breath — that makes the difference. Yet it does not stop there. As awareness deepens, so too does the capacity for connection beyond the individual. Breath becomes a means of synchronisation — not only within oneself, but between individuals — creating a shared rhythm and a co-regulated state that strengthens communication and trust. Increasingly, science is beginning to validate what ancient practices have long understood: that the breath influences brain states, physiology, and performance in measurable ways.
Available on all major platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify); search ‘The Equestrian’s Inner Life’ and through Pernille’s website.
