Being “Horse Crazy” Isn’t a Hobby — It’s a Calling (And Neuroscience Agrees)
Apr 19, 2025
Being “Horse Crazy” Isn’t a Hobby — It’s a Calling (And Neuroscience Agrees)
For those of us who grew up “horse crazy,” it’s not just something we do — it’s who we are.
We try to rationalize it. Tame it. Walk away from it when life gets complicated. But deep down, we know: this isn’t a phase. It’s a calling.
A bond with horses is more than just a passion or pastime. It’s a force that shapes our identity, rewires our brain, and anchors our soul. And while the outside world might call it a “hobby,” science — and your heart — know better.
What It Means to Have a Calling
Few people experience a true “calling” in their lifetime. But those who do report feeling a powerful sense of direction, fulfillment, and resilience.
Research shows that people who follow a calling experience:
✨ Higher motivation and well-being
✨ Greater resilience in the face of failure
✨ Stronger focus and mental clarity
✨ A sense of purpose that sustains them
In short, a calling isn’t just something you love — it’s something that transforms you from the inside out.
The “Horse Crazy” Brain
When you spend time with horses, your brain lights up.
Interacting with them triggers your reward system, releasing dopamine — the brain’s “feel good” chemical — which explains that uplifted, grounded feeling you get after a ride.
Even more, your prefrontal cortex (the center for focus and resilience) becomes more active when you're doing something purposeful. That’s why you keep showing up, even after setbacks, long drives, vet bills, or hard rides. Purpose doesn’t just pull us forward — it fuels us forward.
Why We Keep Getting Back On
Anyone who rides knows: failure is part of the deal.
But here’s what the research says — when something is a calling, you view failure differently. Instead of quitting, you problem-solve. You grow. You come back stronger. The brain actually produces less cortisol (stress hormone) and more activity in areas linked to reflection and rational thinking.
So when the course doesn’t go as planned, or the lesson leaves you frustrated, your brain is still building something deeper: resilience.
Horses Are a Mirror
Science tells us that being around horses activates the Default Mode Network — the part of the brain tied to empathy, reflection, and self-awareness.
That’s why time at the barn feels different. It’s where you connect back to yourself.
Where you're allowed to feel deeply.
Where your vulnerabilities and strengths are reflected back in 1,200 pounds of honesty and grace.It’s not just therapy. It’s transformation.
Trusting What You Can’t Explain
You may not know why you’re pulled toward this life. You just are.
That’s the mystery of a calling. Purpose-driven goals activate brain regions tied to long-term thinking and trust — even when the outcome isn’t clear. It’s what allows us to follow an unconventional path with conviction, because something deeper than logic is guiding us.
This Is More Than a Hobby
If you’ve ever wondered why horses feel like your anchor, your oxygen, your truth — now you know.
This isn’t something to explain away. It’s something to embrace.
Being “horse crazy” is a deep, sacred call. A purpose that shapes who you are. And both your heart and neuroscience agree: this path is worth following.
Ready to Honor Your Calling?
If you're looking to deepen your connection, rebuild confidence, or ride with more purpose — start with my Confident Rider Workbook. It's built for riders who know this isn’t just a sport... it’s soul work.