Menu
Sponsored Article
"Polle is not feeling well. It worries me a lot, and it really hurts my stomach to think about it. I have canceled teaching today. Oh, I really hope he gets better soon." That's what I wrote in my diary just over 5 years ago.
READ ALSO: Letting Go of Preconceptions About Life with Horses
Although everything seemed to be as usual, I sensed that something was not right. Something was "off" with my big, lovely dressage horse, Polle. There were no obvious signs of injury, and his outward appearance was still as impressive as it had always been. But as his rider and partner, I could feel that something in his energy, his behavior, and his performance had changed. It was a subtle feeling, perhaps only understandable by those who have had a deep connection with a horse. It was not visible to the eye, but it was very palpable to the heart.
As my groom so aptly put it, the diary was Polle's salvation. Had I listened to the many voices around me—from trainers, veterinarians, and other riders—who assured me that "there was nothing wrong," the situation today would have looked very different. This is not to say that one should not seek help from the veterinarian or equine physiotherapist when something seems off. My intuition and daily reflections through the diary allowed me to react before it was too late. What started as a necessity for Polle's health evolved into a deep, transformative journey with all my horses.
"Trust your instincts and take responsibility for your relationship with your horse."
Camilla Borregaard
My name is Camilla Borregaard, born in 1990, and I have lived and breathed equestrian sports all my life. My passion for horses has accompanied me through both joys and challenges, and this deep connection has shaped my path as a rider, instructor, and very much as a person. Over the years, I have experienced equestrian sports from many different angles—as a competition rider, dressage judge, instructor, and stable manager. I have delved into self-development, a deep understanding of the interplay between horse and rider, and new ways to understand and communicate with horses on a completely different level.
Since 2008, together with my parents, I have operated our own place, Stald Borregaard, near Hadsten, north of Aarhus. Here, I have spent the last several years refining my training and developing my sensitivity to the individual needs of each horse and strengthening the relationship between horse and human. Instead of focusing solely on competition and results, I have become deeply fascinated by the everyday relationships with the horses.
Keeping a diary for each of my horses opened a new world for me. It wasn't just about monitoring their health and performance but about gaining a greater understanding of each individual horse's needs, behavior, and personality. The more I wrote, the more I discovered patterns that I would not have noticed otherwise. Small changes in their daily routines, subtle differences in their mood or body language—all this became visible to me because I had a conscious practice of writing it down.
This awareness also created a greater connection between me and the horses. I got to know them on a deeper level and could better tailor the training to each horse's unique needs. I realized that small details could have a huge impact on our overall success and joy as a team. The diary became not just a reflection of my everyday life with the horses but a tool to create a deeper connection and understanding.
My relationship with horses changed as I began keeping a diary. What had been a more mechanical approach to training—focused on technique and results—was replaced by a far more heart-centered connection. The more I wrote, the more I opened up to their inner being. I no longer listened only to their physical signals, but also to their energy and emotional state. It was here that the major transformation took place. As I began to experience these profound changes in my relationship with my horses, I knew I had to share this experience with others. Thus, My Horse Diary was born. My vision was simple: To give riders (around the world) in equestrian sports the opportunity to achieve the same awareness, sensitivity, and joy in their interaction with their horses, as I had experienced. It was not just about improving riding technique, but about building a genuine and strong connection based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
This journey was not just a technical development as a rider, but a loving journey. I got to know my horses better than ever before. I discovered that being attentive and conscious in my interactions with the horses not only improved their performance but also created a deeper mutual respect and trust. My sensitivity to each horse was sharpened, and I was able to more effectively tune into their unique needs, which in turn created a stronger connection between us.
When I began to experience these profound changes in my relationship with my horses, I knew I had to share this experience with others. That's how My Horse Diary was born. My vision was simple: to provide riders (worldwide) in equestrian sports the opportunity to achieve the same awareness, sensitivity, and joy in their interaction with their horses, as I had experienced. It was not just about improving riding techniques, but about building a genuine and strong connection based on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
The idea of keeping a diary about my horses and my training was created with love for horses and their people. It is a tool that invites riders to be curious about their horses daily, to ask questions, to listen, and to be aware of the small signals that might otherwise go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I hope the diary can inspire riders to challenge old, limiting beliefs about how horses “should” be, or how things “should” be done. We should evolve together with our horses, have fun, and above all, be happy.
Equestrian sports, like the rest of the world, are undergoing changes. What used to be the standard—one method for all—is now being challenged. The "one size fits all" approach no longer exists, neither for people nor for horses. Each horse is unique, and so are their needs. Their physical and mental well-being depends on our ability to adapt to their individuality and to be mindful of the small details that can make a significant difference in their lives.
A horse diary is a tool to help riders develop this awareness and incorporate it into their daily routines. It encourages curiosity, asking questions, and challenging traditional ways of doing things. By keeping a diary of your experiences with your horse, you can uncover patterns and signs that may have previously gone unnoticed. This gives you a deeper understanding of your horse and aids in making decisions that benefit both your and your horse's well-being.
The purpose of My Horse Diary is simple: as riders, we should create a deeper connection with our horses, have fun, and evolve together. Joy and well-being must always come first. When we prioritize our horses' well-being over ambitions and expectations, we will find that both we and our horses thrive better—both mentally and physically. Our horses will become happier, more engaged, and more willing to cooperate because they feel seen and heard.
When we listen to our horses and to our own intuition, we create an environment where both horse and rider can develop together in harmony. And this is where the true magic happens. Our relationship with the horse is not just based on technique and results but on trust, love, and mutual respect. We learn to listen to the small signals that might have previously gone unnoticed, and we discover that our horses have much more to tell us than we previously realized.
My journey with Polle taught me an indispensable lesson: to trust my instincts and follow my heart. This is the key to a true, healthy, and joyful relationship with your horse. By keeping a diary and reflecting on our experiences with our horses, we can develop the awareness necessary to ensure their well-being. I have learned that when we listen to our horses, we also learn about ourselves. Horses are mirrors that show us who we are, how we communicate, and where we can grow.
Building a deeper relationship with your horse is not just a journey into the horse’s world—it is also a journey into our own consciousness
Camilla Borregaard
My goal is to help riders create this awareness and find joy and satisfaction in their daily interactions with their horses. I believe that keeping a diary can help with that.
With love, Camilla Borregaard.
