Basic steps how to guide a horse from stress to calmness. (Matthias Geysen)

These images show step by step how I make contact with a horse.
In the beginning of the movie you see me riding Maya in the condition that she was brought to me: stressed, mistrusting the environment, showing the urge to flee from any dangers. A normal pace is difficult to achieve and there is no way I can keep her still for a moment.
Normally I would never ride a horse in this condition. These images are only made to show you the state she was in before I started to work with her.
Maya’s history is that she was bred to become a jumper, but due to her sensitive character and the inappropriate treatment for this type of horse she had many negative experiences that made her lose her calm and her trust in human beings.
She was conditioned to think that every human approach meant that something was expected from her. She had developed an extreme consciousness that noticed the slightest signal and even enlarged it.
The problem is now the man who sends too many signals to the horse without actually realising it. One can say that the cause of the problem is constantly nourished unconsciously, which always creates new conflicts.
In order to deal with Maya’s fears and nervousness towards us, I had to start from scratch. She is now allowed to experience all the steps that were skipped in her first training, regaining her trust, in herself and human beings. Now she can discover the world with a fresh pair of eyes, explore and enjoy it together with man.

[@allisonjames2923]

So beautiful to see how calm, trusting & happy she is now. I wish all horses & humans got to experience that

[@jillybalfour4207]

Spending time with a nervous horse, just being with it, not asking for any action is the start of trust. We so seldom do this, always wanting something from them. Giving time without demanding anything must be a rare experience for most horses . Thank you so much, your tape was a joy to watch.

[@jayATUK]

Oh my god, this is so amazing..! She completely trusts you. Even on the road with the cars behind her, she's not bothered in the slightest and feels that she's safe with you. Absolutely beautiful.

[@kristineneumann7770]

You possess the gift of intuitive communication, leadership through silence and compassion, innate observation, the skills of respectful and loving horsemanship and the calm and peace that animals gravitate to. Poetry and beauty in motion. Thank you so very much for sharing your journey with Maya.

[@christianerik2299]

Hello 👋

[@doodles54321]

Amazing horsemanship, I feel like too many people today want to be the best riders instead of striving to form beautiful relationships like the one forged here

[@annanorton1793]

So true

[@quirkybird4947]

Yes very true

[@samanthalategan6990]

This is one of the best videos I’ve watched of people connecting with their horses. Thank you.

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Samantha

[@CharlotteWeb100]

4:07 As a really poor but horse mad kid in the early 80's the nearest thing I had to riding lessons was helping a local gypsy cob dealer to back and school horses he bought for next to nothing and brought on for selling at auction later. At the time it was the butt of jokes and bullying from other horsey girls cos I learned and rode with virtually nothing but an old knackered halter and two frayed ropes clipped to the side as makeshift reins. He always emphasised the need to use my body language so it's reflected back and said “If you feel tension like he's gonna kick off and start bucking, relax your whole body, loosen up and take a big deep breath. It'll nearly always be your own tension that's feeding his” and 9/10 times he was spot on. I do remember using voice as well as a gentle touch i.e. teaching a horse to slow or stop, back up or change direction from touch and calm vocal i.e. “Back” which we did from the ground first then hopped up and found most horses did straight away with you on them. Amazing what a difference it makes when you have that direct contact that's otherwise lost underneath the bulk of a saddle. This is a beautiful example and reminded me of that same guy I'm so grateful to have learned from. Stunning horse too.

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Charlotte

[@albidor99]

thank you, true horsemanship. I was taught to ride bareback when I was 7, over 50 years ago. Your connection with a horse when you ride this way is so so important. Thank you again.

[@kyliegobereau2375]

♥️ And this what a true kind soul does to a horse.

[@annanorton1793]

Absolutely beautiful and true.

[@marynametka1588]

Hmm. What a true kind soul does with a horse

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

You not only relaxed the horse, watching this video relaxed Me. What a lovely partnership you have, I hope you always keep her because I think it would break her heart to be parted from you.

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Carol

[@kayminvanderwalt3246]

The poor horse body language is so sad she is so confused and the bit is hurting her so much. I love the transition she is much calmer and not confused

[@coldwhitespring5004]

I just love that these videos are out there to be shared, all horses deserve such kindness and peace. And desperate owners need to see that there are other ways. Thank you

[@rrr441]

We had a rescue horse who was very stressed out like that... except when my little sister was near him. It was astonishing, he became so gentle when she brushed him or walked him.

[@CharlotteWeb100]

My daughter never cared for riding but since being very young just felt more at ease working from the ground and has the most remarkable knack of befriending and getting the best from horses and ponies dubbed the most dangerous. One retired racehorse that had been turned out and untouched for four years straight had a reputation and was deemed unsafe. No word of a lie or slightest exaggeration my tiny 5'4 teenage daughter had made friends, got a halter on him, brought him out of the field and was sat up on his back in the smaller arena within the space of an afternoon. Everyone gives off a certain vibe and energy which bounces back and it's surprising how often the younger, least experienced people like my daughter and your sister give off an energy that horses respond to and seem to recognise as not being anything threatening. Can't learn that either I don't think it's a gift.

[@lilyloveslife2737]

Speechless over this! I didnt know this level of change and control in a horse was even possible, but this gracious 'marriage' between horse and handler/rider is truly amazing and beautiful. What a gifted horseman. HUGE THANKYOU for filming this for us.

[@hannahwaterstorm929]

This music describes the feeling of horsemanship perfectly

[@christianerik2299]

Hello Hannah

[@Carroty_Peg]

No bit or shoes!!! Bravo!!!!!

[@heartjourney4824]

I don't like when animals are used or when people want to ride/tame them. But this feels quite different ✨ She shows the love and trust that animals and can feel although they have been mistreated before💗 And I see your trust for her as well. Amazing the body language, and telepathic communication, you have with each other

[@juanortizyepez7253]

"Maya", as you know, in the Indian cultures represents the illusory world. By transcending it with the presence of spirit, all is revealed as one. Thus human and horse become unity to share reality together. So grateful to be able to see it.

[@gillycooper8717]

Riding bareback was how I learned & it served me well as I grew up. The bond between horse & rider is magical & built on mutual trust.

[@PawneeStormChaser]

It’s crazy that you got that horse to the point where you didn’t even have to provide much input at all, with no saddle or reins. Wow.

[@Pernilledj1]

Soooo beautiful connection - horses ARE just the most beautiful souls

[@christianerik2299]

Hi

[@acceptingWhatIS]

Utter beauty felt - tears and joy - thank you Maya and thankyou Matthias - to ride like you is my life's goal.

[@lax1992]

I thought only Gandalf could pull this off

[@PsychicIsaacs]

That is truly amazing! I have a horse that is like Maya was. She is very good natured, but has a lot of fear when people try to ride her. You give me hope, so thank you!

[@sk.n.9302]

We had horses running loose & they would follow us & hang out by the kitchen door, but this is amazing. I’m awestruck.

[@mimileggett7154]

Wow! That's awesome! How wonderful to have that connection between horse and rider like Mathias and Maya have between them. Thank you for your example of true horsemanship!

[@directionerfeb1st]

This is maybe the most inspiring videos I’ve watched in a long time. My horse is sometimes exactly like the horse in the video. He can be calm and relaxed one day but a lot of days I have a horse like the mare in the begging... he’s stressed, nervous and explosive exactly like that horse. I don’t know what causes him to get that way. it’s very difficult for me to help him. Incredible what you did with her!

[@GreenlifeFin]

Can it be pain related?

[@cottoncandy4486]

Had a mare like this, took me an hour to get past a fallen tree after a storm. But once I started her I had to finish , eventually through patients we got past the tree. But my heart had a good work out that day. But after that although she prance and snorted, she was great. A lot of it was bluff. Beautifull work. You get nowhere with force.

[@allisonjames2923]

As someone else with an amazing connection with her horses put it - “they can feel a tiny fly brush their skin”, so they feel every bit of communication we give them with our body movements, smell, voice & everything about us. When we can harness that connection & build unshakable trust, we can unharness the horse.

[@alinaovanesso5971]

You definitely exude some beautiful energy Matthias:) mesmerizing.. Of course it is a wonderful work by the film maker too and the music. But in combination it is something truly therapeutic. Big hug to ur gorgeous horse 🤗💛💛💛

[@salsim315]

I don't know how to put it words what i feel now. But it was simply unique companionship and must be very liberating the moments for each other. Thank you sharing with us and hope it continues after 2 years.

[@bloodyvvolf69]

That's what I was looking for. Bringing calmness through trust in a horse that is anxious about something and not by working them out, punishing them or hurting them to be obedient. Thank you for sharing your way!

[@MchI4-84]

Beautiful and no rocket science.. this man really listening to horses, thank you 🙏🏼

[@joannamcguire4103]

Love it when you see a connection like this❤️

[@christianerik2299]

Hi how are you

[@HarryVerey]

A wonderful horseman . Inspiring

[@lizdg3892]

A thing of beauty. Heart & soul.

[@christianerik2299]

Hello Liz

[@kristinaburkhardtzakariase4722]

this is just so incredibly beautiful. the trust she has gained with you

[@Mainecoon_Izzy]

Wonderful video! Been contemplating replacing bit with bosal. Our new Quarterhorse gelding acts just like this mare in beginning. I feel like maybe some horses feel totally restricted with a bit & saddle. I used to take care of a mule and she was absolutely fun to ride as long as you let her drive. The minute you tried to steer her with reins or kick her, she’d protest! She was completely safe and very smart ❤️💯

[@malcalevy6964]

Ich bin sehr beeindruckt!

[@JamilaMusayeva]

This is so beautiful!

[@MaryMDunn1]

So beautiful . This is a wonderful horse and rider relationship developed from patience and kindness.

[@christianerik2299]

Hello Mary

[@jckanzel]

Very nice patient and skillful work with her. You really brought her out. Same obviously appreciates your leadership.

[@nicolematthews]

Well done Matthias, your a gift to the horse world. Beautiful work!

[@fernandoferdinand4866]

That was beautiful to see a horse develop trust in a meaningful way. 😘💯👍🙏

[@CarriePalmer-xb2ie]

I'd love to know the exact steps you took in doing this... I don't even care so much about liberty just about my horse being about to slow down and think, trust and remain calm. LOVE THIS!

[@oldsagerat]

You sir, have a gift. A gift you need to share. I also loved that saddle ! Amazing !

[@monicacoutinho6014]

Pure beauty. My heart melted

[@trixdom786]

great trust, wonderful moments. Really wonderful work. I just wished the hooves would be cared for as much as the relationship. sad inturn in the front.

[@piasolala6266]

This is truely the best video I watched in a while. I don't even know what to say but wow!

[@lshea1949]

So beautiful that I found myself weeping - thank you Matthias for your example of being a kind caring patient soulful person

[@renatejoo4844]

Ein wahrer Held! 👍💕

[@Cloacting]

total confidence, that's an impressive work

[@ThomasDoubting5]

His seat and posture is perfect.

[@rachaelrogers2104]

That horse is the perfect size for you. You look great on her back. Thank you for the positive video.

[@elianemach2750]

This is breathtaking

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Eliane

[@rebeccawright4071]

What a beautiful connection - very inspiring to watch thank you.

[@Galemor1]

Thanks for showing before and after, in the first view.. It's so much easier to see the difference then.. Lovely progress, I will recommend watching Warrick Schiller, for a more in depth view, of how to get to the first step. He's got a principle of training series (free), that's worth gold..

[@christianerik2299]

Hello Anne

[@carlosbeirao6070]

Absolutely amazing!!!

[@gabrielesommer3725]

Wirklich sehr gute Arbeit 👍👏 So sollte es sein ♥️

[@brittanyritenour4695]

I love how he controls the horse with nothing at all, too me thats good horsemenship, the horse also enjoys doing it as well. This guy seems intuned with animals. I don't believe u need tools to be a good horse person.

[@Jinka1950]

You are so right.

[@brittanyritenour4695]

@@Jinka1950 :)

[@brittanyritenour4695]

@Lv11 Your welcome!

[@fuddyduddyhorsemanship]

Hi Matthias, I was given a horse like what you describe in your text. total distrust in humans. On top of that she was ill and for a couple of years they couldn't find out what it was and she was ridden in her poorly condition. I'm not a professional horse person, I'm a physiotherapist, qualified for humans and animals. So my thoughts always are to take the pain away, then take the fear away. And then you can really start working with them. Thanks for sharing your inspiring work. Even though from a UK perspective riding without a hat is setting a bad example. The queen has been criticized for it as well.lol

[@janicelansel2909]

Love this video.

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Janice

[@bluejay3333]

So beautiful to be one with your horse!! I miss my teenage friend so much!! 😢 Royal

[@LifeWithHorsesTV]

This was GREAT! I LOVE this!!

[@lindseyroberts5472]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@chadwickaren]

You did a wonderful job! A true labor of love!

[@carlap480]

Beautiful and magical. Love your work, respect and kindness. 😍🙏🇵🇹

[@redcedar8292]

If only I had the confidence to do this! Beautiful to watch

[@sidilicious11]

Quite wonderful transformation!

[@rachaelrogers2104]

This horse IS BEAUTIFUL GOOD JOB WELL DONE

[@tallemeshkin1849]

Omg this is such an amazing transformation !

[@temdowdle7026]

Bonjour Mathias,your way is what we are all searching for. Thank you for sharing. Trevor in South Africa

[@kembrskaggs]

This made me cry how beautiful

[@kimdawkins7074]

Wish this connection for all horses and riders

[@bjk1234xoxo]

Wow 😮 you did a wonderful job communicating and building trust ! This is inspirational 🥰

[@cynthiamarston2208]

Yup. My dream. Out alone just my horse and i bareback and no bridle-less. I did get the at liberty on the ground with her. She was very herdbound. I suppose that was life trying to teach loner me something....i still have her and im old lady now

[@gen9640]

Magnifique ! Dans le respect mutuel...

[@sentinelle609]

Beautiful leadership and best relation with the horses. 😊 Happy lucky horse !

[@bianca4858]

wunderful ! THANK YOU !

[@gailmckay5551]

Absolutely awesome

[@PiPi-bn1cf]

Fantastico... Un video meraviglioso, un senso di fiducia e rispetto mai visto prima... Grazie...

[@caroletimpson-wiltowski3731]

Astonishing!

[@melrichardson2392]

Beautiful job ,I could feel it thankyou.

[@heididelateja7573]

BREATHTAKING JOURNEY! ❤‍🔥

[@christinepallardy8479]

Très beau travail de connexion et d amour.... Très belle confiance et amitié 😍😍

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Christine

[@alayamcgill7166]

I believe every bit of this!!! Absolutely incredible what can be accomplished through communication... I will share this video - more people NEED TO KNOW!

[@good__enough]

Lovely. Thank you.

[@christianerik2299]

Hi

[@tiny-ff8je]

Great Understanding and trust, well done.

[@suzannestone798]

this was amazing to watch!

[@Digger72]

Beautiful horsemanship.

[@brentonkelly3780]

wow, just wow! what a connection they have

[@joeconnolly8326]

That is so beautiful to watch... absolutely amazing 👌😃👌

[@gustavosilvacm8932]

You did a wonderful job!!

[@user-jw6bk9qq2u]

Какая красота!Браво хозяину!Трогает до слез...Любовь творит чудеса.

[@Mainecoon_Izzy]

Translation please........

[@hothi13singh]

So young and so talented.

[@carolinelemonnier7676]

Wow, this is just so beautiful !

[@christianerik2299]

Hi Carolina

[@silky2204]

Beautiful.

[@iberianzebroproject3660]

I love your video, did almost the same thing with my very sensitive Lusitano mare, but not in liberty on the street. Very inspiring, thx for sharing

[@julia0k]

That is so lovely to see ❤

[@joiwind54]

Fantastic - if only there were more people like you and like us all who try to be friends with our fellow creatures - excellent video - thank you so much a lesson to us all xx