Chloe

Chloe is one of the many four-legged teachers in my life. I prefer the equine teachers over the two-legged instructors. The four-legged ones tell the truth. They share more richness and timely lessons with us. They also do not have an agenda.

It is a very simple formula for learning. The more we become present and teachable, the more our world expands when we are with the horses. They gladly meet us when we are in present time and willing to learn on the horses’ schedule, not with our limited understanding and our human-centric minds.

Chloe and her human, Karen, dedicated many hours to help me pursue my goal of becoming a PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor some years ago. At the time, I did not realize that they were providing me with a foundation that would enable me to work effectively with any horse. Karen and Chloe helped me gain the confidence to quiet the ego’s ‘Great I Am’ messaging and listen to the subtle, yet powerful language of the horse.

In preparation for my test to become a therapeutic riding instructor, I visited Karen and Chloe almost weekly. After six months of working as an instructor-in-training at a local therapeutic riding center, I felt ready to drive to Connecticut and take my exam for the weekend. On the first day, we had lectures in a classroom, drinking lots of coffee. On the second day, we had to teach a riding lesson with a student in an unfamiliar setting while three examiners observed closely and took notes. On the third day, each prospective instructor was required to take a riding test on an unknown horse and do a basic dressage test.

As has often been the case in my experiences within the equine industry, I found myself as one of the few men present. During this particular weekend, I was the only man at the entire farm! Usually, there are one or two men working as barn staff, but not at this farm. I was surrounded by women, many of whom appeared to be under significant stress due to the examiners’ clear indication that not everyone would pass. I witnessed several women becoming emotional over their performance while taking the exam.

Only now do I fully appreciate the depth of Chloe’s gift to me. She helped me maintain focus on the greater purpose of working with horses and children. The certification that I renew every two years is not as valuable as I once thought.

What truly matters are the relationships we build with both horses and humans.

I often tease Karen that she and Chloe will be off to the Olympics once they finish their therapy careers. (For context: many horse trainers I have met like to mention their near-Olympic experiences. Horse people often have stories that grow more impressive over time.)

After navigating the weekend in Connecticut—earning a certification as a PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor, witnessing women struggle under pressure and crack, and spending three days in a challenging environment—I gained valuable insights into what not to do.

Chloe and Karen made it clear to me. They had seen it all. These are the principles that I adopted from them and I follow in my practice:

1. Keep it safe and fun

2. Make it inviting so students want to return

3. Let people learn at their pace

4. Remain teachable. Horses always spot the ‘know-it-all’ and will stay guarded.

5. Ask questions, particularly to the horses.

6. Get out of the way as an instructor, so the horse can do its job.

7. Take time to build a relationship with a horse.

8. When in doubt, dismount. In everyday terms, trust your intuition. The horses sense this before we do. I no longer offer riding lessons.

9. Find those who fan your internal flame (not those who extinguish it).

10. Breathe! And breathe with the horses.

A few days ago, I paid a visit to Chloe with Karen’s permission. I went there with the intention to show my appreciation for her guidance. When I got out of my car and entered the barn, Chloe greeted me at the open barn door adjacent to her paddock. She was waiting for me to share my stories and adventures about the horses and humans from my journey.

We shared notes.

‘It is all right there…….right in front of you…….always,’ says Chloe to you and me.

Camron Adibi is an Equine Therapist and Mentor helping kids reconnect with themselves and others through meaningful, nonverbal connection with horses. By engaging with the emotional intelligence of horses, children begin to build emotional resilience and a deeper sense of confidence. They learn to regulate their emotions, trust their instincts, and grow more comfortable expressing who they are. In a calm, supportive environment, they come to better understand themselves, form healthier relationships, and navigate a world that often feels too loud, too fast, or simply too much. This work isn’t about riding—it’s about connection. Through gentle, grounded experiences, kids discover their voice, build trust, and step into their full potential. www.camronadibi.com