Horse-Human Compatibility Quiz
We ride because it's fun...right? If you find yourself feeling a bit like you're in a toxic relationship with your horse every now and then (or maybe all the time) this might give you the insight you need.
This is based on the idea developed by coaching hundreds of horse-rider pairs in my decade plus of training and teaching, that there are four mane personality types, and these can be either compatible, or less compatible.
The four types are Feeler, Achiever, Cruiser, and Voyager.
If you find that you and your horse are a less compatible type, you can get training for. yourself to give your horse what they need, get training for your horse so that they can give you what you need, or a combo of both (the best option!) and I'm going to lay all of that out for you in about 3 minutes.
Let's start with your horse. When your horse is surprised by something unexpected, what is their reaction?
When your horse is faced with a challenge (maybe a higher jump or tough trail terrain), what is their response?
On your horse's best days, you'd describe them as
On your horse's worst days, you'd describe them as
On to you now, how would you describe your riding goals?
How would your trainer or friends describe you on your best day?
Where are your areas of growth?
Which horse breed would you be based on your personality?
You did the hard part, next up, your compatibility!
But first, please give me your email. I'll send you free articles, videos, and discounts to paid support options so that you can have a better relationship with your horse.
You're both Feelers
Feelers have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when you're in balance, both you and your horse are sensitive, sweet, and loyal. You might also be curious and intuitive.
But when you're out of balance you can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. You might be a chronic over-thinker, easily talk yourself out of things that you know you're capable of, or replay hard moments all night long.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When it's going well you and your horse might have a very sweet, deeply loyal connection. It might feel like you can read eachother's minds at times, and you co-regulate easily.
But when it's not going well you'll feel like you are feeding eachother's anxiety spirals. this can be a bit of an explosive partnership, and can do a number on your confidence.
The good news is, if you can learn to work with eachother's sensitive nature, you can really have something beautiful.
Now go check your email, there's a lot more help waiting in your inbox.
Your horse is a Feeler and you are an Achiever
Horses who are feelers have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when they're in balance, your horse is sensitive, sweet, and loyal. They might also be curious by nature.
But when they're out of balance feelers can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. Your horse might be a chronic over-thinker, bottle anxiety until they explode unpredictably, or feel a bit like riding a dragon some days.
As an Achiever, you have high sensitivity too, but you also have a lot of boldness. When you're in your zone you are brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. You have ambitions and you have a plan to get there.
When you're out of balance you might have strong opinions, rush your progress, or try to take on too much.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When it's going well, your confidence can help your horse to feel more brave. Your paired sensitivity can make you look and feel like you're one mind at times.
When it's not going well your boldness can amplify your horse's anxiety, making your horse even more reactive. And your ambition toward a goal can make you feel frustrated when your horse isn't going along with the plan.
The good news is that if you can learn to work together you can be a very athletic duo and achieve great things!
Now go check your email, there's a lot more help waiting in your inbox.
Your horse is a Feeler and you are a Cruiser
Horses who are feelers have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when they're in balance, your horse is sensitive, sweet, and loyal. They might also be curious by nature.
But when they're out of balance feelers can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. Your horse might be a chronic over-thinker, bottle anxiety until they explode unpredictably, or feel a bit like riding a dragon some days.
As a Cruiser, you are quiet and steady. When you are in balance you are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. You are happy to be wherever you are, and not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When you're out of balance, you might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for you to step up to face big challenges.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When your relationship is good you and your horse have a very sweet, quiet relationship. Neither of you are trying push or force the other to do something outside of your comfort zone, and you both are happily coexisting in a very lovely way.
Unfortunately this pairing is often out of balance, and when that's the case your insecurities and anxieties might feed eachother, making both of you feel nervous or uncomfortable often. Your horse's big reactions to seemingly little things might make you feel unsettled or overfaced. And your quiet style might make your horse feel as though nobody is steering the ship, which can lead a Feeler to catastrophise and become even more reactive and anxious.
The good news is that with a little bit of work you can find a quiet confidence that your horse feels really safe around and you can begin to have more trust in eachother.
Now go check your inbox, there's a lot more help waiting for you there.
Your horse is a Feeler and you are a Voyager
Horses who are feelers have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when they're in balance, your horse is sensitive, sweet, and loyal. They might also be curious by nature.
But when they're out of balance feelers can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. Your horse might be a chronic over-thinker, bottle anxiety until they explode unpredictably, or feel a bit like riding a dragon some days.
As a Voyager you are bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when you're in balance you have an excellent work ethic, you're steady and reliable, and you're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your back, and you don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, you might be clumsy, pushy, or insensitive to your horse's needs. You might find yourself in over your head in situations you don't know how to get out of.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When things are good (which is probably most of the time), your cool confidence helps to quell your horse's nerves and helps them feel a little more brave. Your horse reminds you to slow down and take note of the world around you. You balance each other in a really amazing way, almost like you complete each other.
When your relationship is out of balance it might be because you got excited about a new task or challenge that overwhelmed your horse. Don't forget to slow down to let their Feeler mind catch up to your ambitions. You can easily get sucked into your own world of ideas and adventure, and forget to include your horse in your plans. Don't overwhelm your horse, and you'll be just fine.
Now go check your inbox for more help! Some great resources are waiting for you there.
You are both Achievers
As Achievers, both you and your horse have high sensitivity and also a lot of boldness. When you're in your zone you are brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. You have ambitions and you have a plan to get there. Your horse is an athlete in their own right, and is more than happy to carry you to your high goals.
When you're out of balance you both might have strong opinions, rush your progress, or try to take on too much. Your horse might seem explosive, or might have big mood swings.
What does this mean for your relationship?
The good news is that this is a highly compatible relationship. You want the same things, and you're happy to help each other achieve greatness.
Sometimes all of this ambition can lead to burnout or epic knock-down-drag-out fights between you and your horse. You might find that there's sometimes a battle of wills, or that you kind of egg each other on in a bit of a toxic way.
The best thing you can do is get a fantastic coach and don't forget to rest and recover. You'll both burn out if you don't slow down now and then.
Now go check your inbox, there's more support and ideas waiting for you there!
Your horse is an Achiever and you are a Feeler
As an Achiever, your horse has high sensitivity and also a lot of boldness. When they're in their zone, your horse is brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. Your horse is an athlete in their own right, and will rise to meet any challenge you face them with.
When their out of balance your horse might have strong opinions, rush, or become hot and carried away. Your horse might seem explosive, or might have big mood swings.
As a Feeler, you have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when you're in balance, you are sensitive, sweet, and loyal. You might also be curious and intuitive.
But when you're out of balance you can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. You might be a chronic over-thinker, easily talk yourself out of things that you know you're capable of, or replay hard moments all night long.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When things are going well (which might be a rarity), your horse lends you the confidence to do some really great things. Although you might doubt yourself, with a horse like this, and maybe a great coach, you can do so much more than you ever thought possible.
But things get tricky when you start to feel a lack of confidence or anxiety creeps up. You might inadvertently set off your sensitive horse by riding stiffly or holding back.
The biggest hurdle for you is learning to trust your horse, and asking your horse to slow down to take care of you while your nervous system plays a bit of catch up.
Now go check your inbox, there's some really good stuff waiting for you there.
Your horse is an Achiever and you are a Cruiser
As an Achiever, your horse has high sensitivity and also a lot of boldness. When they're in their zone, your horse is brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. Your horse is an athlete in their own right, and will rise to meet any challenge you face them with.
When their out of balance your horse might have strong opinions, rush, or become hot and carried away. Your horse might seem explosive, or might have big mood swings.
As a Cruiser, you are quiet and steady. When you are in balance you are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. You are happy to be wherever you are, and not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When you're out of balance, you might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for you to step up to face big challenges.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When things are going well (which might be a rarity), you gently and calmly allow space for your horse to be the big personality in the room. Your horse lends you confidence and power, and together you can do so much more than you could each do alone. You quell some of your horse's fire, and your horse lends you a bit of ambition.
Where this can go wrong is when you feel overpowered or overfaced by your horse. When your quiet leadership isn't enough to keep your dragon horse on your team. Your horse might get the idea to just leave you behind and do whatever they feel is best, and you might not have the power to match what your horse is giving off.
If you can figure out how to draw on a quiet confidence and use some of your steadfastness for good, you can likely learn to wait out your Achiever horse and find yourself with one heck of a teammate.
Now go check your inbox, there's some really good stuff waiting for you there.
Your horse is an Achiever and you are a Voyager
As an Achiever, your horse has high sensitivity and also a lot of boldness. When they're in their zone, your horse is brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. Your horse is an athlete in their own right, and will rise to meet any challenge you face them with.
When their out of balance your horse might have strong opinions, rush, or become hot and carried away. Your horse might seem explosive, or might have big mood swings.
As a Voyager you are bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when you're in balance you have an excellent work ethic, you're steady and reliable, and you're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your back, and you don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, you might be clumsy, pushy, or insensitive to your horse's needs. You might find yourself in over your head in situations you don't know how to get out of.
What does this mean for your relationship?
This has the potential to be a dynamic duo. You could really take this somewhere special. When in balance, this is a harmonious relationship. Your quiet confidence lends your sensitive horse a bit of groundedness, and you easily use your work ethic to match your horse's high ambitions. This really is a dream team in any athletic endeavor.
When this is out of balance it can feel a bit like spinning wheels. You both want so badly to go do something that slowing down and working on mechanics, fine tuning strategy, and taking time for recovery can feel tedious and easier to skip all together.
Don't forget to enjoy eachother and find time for play.
Now go check your inbox. There's some really great stuff waiting for you over there.
You are both Cruisers
As a Cruiser duo, you and your horse are both quiet and steady. When you are in balance you are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. You are happy to be wherever you are, and not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When you're out of balance, you both might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for you to step up to face big challenges. Your horse might be prone to barn sourness, or it might be hard to get them to just move forward some days.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When it's good it's really good. You both have a similar outlook on life, you're happy to be right where you are, and happy to find yourselves together. You enjoy long, slow rides, bonding, and just doing the day to day tasks of horse keeping together.
When this goes wrong, however, it can be a bit like tug of war with no resolution. You both try to out-stubborn each other, but often nobody wins and you both just end up frustrated and tired. It's easy for you to lose motivation, or stop wanting to grow or learn.
Don't stop learning. There's so much good stuff out there that makes all of this so worth it.
Now go check your inbox, some of that really good stuff happens to be waiting for you there.
Your horse is a Cruiser and you are a Feeler
As a Cruiser, your horse is both quiet and steady. When in balance they are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. They are not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When they're out of balance, your horse might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for your horse to step up to face big challenges. They might be prone to barn sourness, or it might be hard to get them to just move forward some days.
As a Feeler, you have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when you're in balance, you are sensitive, sweet, and loyal. You might also be curious and intuitive.
But when you're out of balance you can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. You might be a chronic over-thinker, easily talk yourself out of things that you know you're capable of, or replay hard moments all night long.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When things are good (and this might be a rarity), your gently patience is just what your horse needs to come out of their shell and start to explore. And your horse's steady, predictable nature helps you to feel safe and quell your own anxieties in the saddle.
But when this goes wrong, which it likely does, your horse easily out-stubborns you, leaving you feeling hard on yourself, over-thinking, or even feeling like a failure. This doesn't really help though, all it does is get you stuck in a groundhogs day loop of stubborness.
The answer is for you to find ways to feel like a more confident leader in yourself so that you can give your horse the motivation they need to get up and get moving.
Now go check your inbox, there's some really helpful stuff waiting for you there.
Your horse is a Cruiser and you are an Achiever
As a Cruiser, your horse is both quiet and steady. When in balance they are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. They are not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When they're out of balance, your horse might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for your horse to step up to face big challenges. They might be prone to barn sourness, or it might be hard to get them to just move forward some days.
As an Achiever, you have high sensitivity too, but you also have a lot of boldness. When you're in your zone you are brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. You have ambitions and you have a plan to get there.
When you're out of balance you might have strong opinions, rush your progress, or try to take on too much.
What does this mean for your relationship?
When this relationship goes well (which it rarely will), you compliment eachother beautifully. Your boldness brings your horse out of their shell, and your horse's grounded nature tempers your sensitivity.
When this goes wrong, it's likely because you are much more ambitious than your horse. Your horse wants to live a simple life, enjoying the day to day. You have big dreams, and you're trying to drag your horse along.
It might be time to evaluate whether or not your horse is up to the task of carrying you to your dreams, or if one of you might need to sacrifice.
Now go check your inbox, there's some helpful stuff waiting for you.
Your horse is a Cruiser and you are a Voyager
As a Cruiser, your horse is both quiet and steady. When in balance they are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. They are not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When they're out of balance, your horse might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for your horse to step up to face big challenges. They might be prone to barn sourness, or it might be hard to get them to just move forward some days.
As a Voyager you are bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when you're in balance you have an excellent work ethic, you're steady and reliable, and you're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your back, and you don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, you might be clumsy, pushy, or insensitive to your horse's needs. You might find yourself in over your head in situations you don't know how to get out of.
What does this mean for your relationship?
This could be a great match. You might be a bit more ambitious than your horse, but that might be exactly what they need to get motivated. You bring a little liveliness to your horse, and your horse keeps you grounded in reality. Your horse also tolerates your imbalances beautifully.
When this goes poorly it's likely because you want more from life than your horse does. It would be easy for you to start to feel like you have to give your horse a pep rally just to get to the arena each day, and that can feel like a bit of a damper on your typically unflappable mood.
Now go check your inbox, there's some really great stuff waiting for you there.
You are both Voyagers
As a duet of Voyagers, you are both bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when you're in balance you have an excellent work ethic, you're steady and reliable, and you're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your back, and you don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, you both might be clumsy, pushy, or insensitive to your partner's needs. You might find yourself in over your head in situations you don't know how to get out of.
What does this mean about your relationship?
This is the dream team when it's going well. You both want the same things and you are so happily pursuing them. Both of you love to go adventuring, have strong work ethics, and tend to be steady and reliable.
When this goes wrong it's likely because you are both low in sensitivity, and might forget to check in with each other. You might accidentally push your horse too far without noticing, or your horse might be too stoic to let you know they're in pain or nervous about something until it becomes too big to hide. This can sometimes make these horses feel like they flip a switch, even though its bubbling for some time under the surface.
Just remember to pay attention to your horse's subtle cues and give them a little encouragement when you ask hard things of them. You'll be an unstoppable team.
Now go check your inbox, there's some great stuff waiting for you there.
Your horse is a Voyager and you are a Feeler
As a Voyager, your horse is both bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when they're in balance they have an excellent work ethic, they're steady and reliable, and they're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your horse's back, and they don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, your horse might be clumsy, pushy, or dull to your aids. Sometimes these horses seem to suddenly explode with no warning, but the reality is that they are very stoic and brave, so the tension and fear build quietly under the surface until it becomes just too big to hold anymore.
As a Feeler, you have high sensitivity and low boldness. This means that when you're in balance, you are sensitive, sweet, and loyal. You might also be curious and intuitive.
But when you're out of balance you can be reactive, anxious, and lack confidence. You might be a chronic over-thinker, easily talk yourself out of things that you know you're capable of, or replay hard moments all night long.
What does this mean for your relationship?
You probably couldn't have picked a better horse to balance out your feely sensitivity. When things are going well, your horse lends you the courage to try new things and branch out of your comfort zone. This is they type of horse that feels your nerves, and rather than take them on, they rise to the occasion to protect you in a steady and calm way. Your sensitivity also means you pick up on the tiny changes in your stoic horse's demeanor that clue you in long before those explosions arise. This is a dream team.
When things go wrong here, which they likely rarely do, it's likely because your horse can be a bit oblivious at times of your nervousness, which can lead you to overthinking and tense riding. This can make you feel even more out of control and a bit left behind as your horse might just go do the job without you.
The best thing you can do for your relationship is learn to trust your horse, and ask your horse to slow down and be patient while your Feeler nervous system catches up.
Now go check your inbox, there's some really good stuff waiting there for you!
Your horse is a Voyager and you are an Achiever
As a Voyager, your horse is both bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when they're in balance they have an excellent work ethic, they're steady and reliable, and they're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your horse's back, and they don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, your horse might be clumsy, pushy, or dull to your aids. Sometimes these horses seem to suddenly explode with no warning, but the reality is that they are very stoic and brave, so the tension and fear build quietly under the surface until it becomes just too big to hold anymore.
As an Achiever, you have high sensitivity too, but you also have a lot of boldness. When you're in your zone you are brave, athletic, and goal-oriented. You have ambitions and you have a plan to get there.
When you're out of balance you might have strong opinions, rush your progress, or try to take on too much.
What does this mean for your relationship?
This is a dynamic duo. You and your horse are made for eachother, even if it doesn't always feel that way. Your shared ambition and work ethic makes you a force to be reckoned with, and your sensitivity paired with your horse's groundedness means you are balanced and ready to take on any challenge.
When this goes poorly, it's likely because you both are trying to rush a goal or project, and you have a tendency to get carried away and hold yourself and your horse to too high of a standard. Remember to slow down and prioritize rest and recovery. And don't forget to have fun and be goofy from time to time. Not every ride has to move you towards your goal. In fact, you might find you get there faster if you take some scenic detours.
Now go check your inbox, there's some great stuff waiting for you there.
Your horse is a Voyager and you are a Cruiser
As a Voyager, your horse is both bold and not particularly sensitive. This means that when they're in balance they have an excellent work ethic, they're steady and reliable, and they're always ready for adventure. Most conflict rolls off your horse's back, and they don't take anything too seriously.
But when not in balance, your horse might be clumsy, pushy, or dull to your aids. Sometimes these horses seem to suddenly explode with no warning, but the reality is that they are very stoic and brave, so the tension and fear build quietly under the surface until it becomes just too big to hold anymore.
As a Cruiser, you are quiet and steady. When you are in balance you are patient, thoughtful, laid back, and a calm presence. You are happy to be wherever you are, and not particularly driven to compete or athletic extremes.
When you're out of balance, you might be shut down, stubborn, hard to motivate, or avoidant. You might find that you ride less and less when things are hard, or that it's challenging for you to step up to face big challenges.
What does this mean for your relationship?
You are a great team. Your horse's strong work ethic and steady nature balanced with your laid back attitude make you a fun and enjoyable pairing. You're both up for a little adventure every now and then, but expectations are low and you're just here to have fun anyway. You might have some more athletic goals, in which case this is the horse to get you there. Their willing and reliable nature make them the perfect partner for your Cruiser mentality.
When this doesn't go well you might find it's because your horse craves more stimulation that what you're able to give them. It's possible you're more of a weekend warrior type, one or two rides a week is your sweet spot. But your Voyager horse is constantly craving adventure. You might find that adding more enrichment activities, groundwork, and games might be enough to keep your horse happy on the non-riding days. Or you might find that asking your horse to kindly pack you down the trail would bring a little more fun and whimsy to both of your lives.
Now go check your inbox, there's lots of good stuff waiting for you there.