Hold Your Horses: Finding Yourself (and Maybe Your Inner Peace) with the Enneagram

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to really see yourself? We all have blind spots—patterns we’ve been stuck in for so long they feel like second nature. And that’s what I love about the Enneagram.  It seamlessly offers insight into your personality, motivations, and growth paths. But here’s the thing: reading about your type is one thing. Experiencing your patterns in real-time? That’s where transformation happens.

This is why combining the Enneagram with equine-assisted services (EAS) is so powerful. Horses are incredible partners with humans, offering relationship and connection in a way that impacts, transforms, and teaches. They respond to your energy, your intentions, and the way you show up in the moment. They hold space for you to explore yourself in a way that’s safe, nonjudgmental, and deeply relational.

Let’s take a closer look at how horses support each Enneagram type on their growth journey…

Type 1: The Reformer

Letting Go of Perfection

Type 1s are all about doing things “the right way.” But when perfectionism takes over, it can create tension—in your body, in your relationships, and even in the way you try to connect with a horse.

Horses don’t care about “perfect.” They care about presence and authenticity. When you soften your approach and let go of rigid expectations, you can experience in real time what it feels like to bring that health into a relationship.

How the horse helps: The horse teaches you that connection isn’t about getting it all right—it’s about being present, open, and accepting of yourself and others.

Type 2: The Helper

Putting Yourself First

As a Type 2, you probably have a knack for sensing what others need. But sometimes, that focus on giving can leave you drained or disconnected from your own needs.

Horses are great at responding to this dynamic. If you overextend yourself or try too hard to “win” the horse’s affection, they easily disconnect with you. When you focus inward—grounding yourself and honoring your own needs too—the horse feels safe in your space and your connection.

How the horse helps: The horse shows up in relationship with you better when you don’t earn love through effort. Your presence alone is enough to build a meaningful connection.

Type 3: The Achiever

Slowing Down to Be Real

Type 3s are natural go-getters, always chasing success and looking for ways to shine. But with horses, your accomplishments don’t matter—they care about the real you.

When you stop performing and simply engage with the horse as you are, something shifts. The horse senses your authenticity and responds with trust and connection.

How the horse helps: The horse invites you to put down your “to-do list” and experience the freedom of being seen and valued for who you truly are.

Type 4: The Individualist

Balancing Emotion and Connection

As a Type 4, you feel deeply, often wrestling with emotions and searching for meaning. That emotional intensity can be isolating at times, but horses meet you exactly where you are.

If you’re caught up in your feelings, the horse might feel uncomfortable or unsafe to connect with you, until you ground yourself. Once you connect with your emotions in a calm, balanced way, the horse finds more safety in the connection, offering their steady presence.

How the horse helps: The horse helps you discover that emotions don’t have to overwhelm connection—they can enrich it when held with balance and presence.

Type 5: The Investigator

Stepping Out of Your Head

Type 5s love to think, analyze, and observe from a safe distance. But connection with a horse is a full-body experience—it asks you to step out of your head and into the moment.

When you engage with the horse physically, whether by grooming, walking with the horse, or simply standing nearby, you discover how energizing and grounding it feels to connect beyond logic.

How the horse helps: The horse helps you move from observing to participating, showing you that connection thrives in action and presence, not just thought.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Trusting Yourself and Others

Type 6s often look for reassurance, wondering if they can trust themselves or the world around them. Horses are excellent partners in helping you build confidence.

When you approach a horse with calm, steady energy, they respond with trust and cooperation. If you’re unsure or anxious, the horse reflects that too. This real-time feedback helps you practice trusting your instincts and taking small, confident steps.

How the horse helps: The horse supports you in developing inner trust, offering a partnership that grows stronger as you lean into your own courage.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

Finding Depth in Stillness

Type 7s are always on the go, chasing excitement and avoiding discomfort. But horses don’t rush—they ask you to slow down and meet them in the present.

When you take a moment to pause, breathe, and simply be with the horse, you start to notice the richness in stillness. It’s a deeper kind of joy, one that comes from genuine connection rather than constant activity.

How the horse helps: The horse invites you to savor the moment, showing you that depth and connection can be just as fulfilling as new adventures.

Type 8: The Challenger

Softening Into Connection

Type 8s are strong, bold, and protective. You’re a natural leader, but sometimes your intensity can overpower relationships. Horses respond best to calm, consistent energy, encouraging you to soften and meet them where they are.

When you let go of control and approach the horse with vulnerability, they mirror that trust back to you. It’s a powerful reminder that connection doesn’t require dominance—it thrives on mutual respect.

How the horse helps: The horse supports you in balancing strength with softness, deepening your connections without losing your power.

Type 9: The Peacemaker

Stepping Into Leadership

Type 9s love harmony and tend to avoid conflict, but that can sometimes mean holding back or shying away from leadership. Horses, however, need clarity and direction to feel safe.

When you take the lead and guide the horse with confidence, you step into your own power in a way that feels natural and authentic. It’s not about force—it’s about clear, steady communication.

How the horse helps: The horse helps you discover that being a leader doesn’t mean losing your peaceful nature—it means owning your voice and presence.

The Unique Role of Horses in Growth and Connection

Horses are more than mirrors—they’re partners in your growth journey. They don’t judge or overthink; they meet you where you are. As you discover things about yourself, the horse stays with you, offering a deep connection that feels grounding and healing.

At The Healing Reins, we’ve seen how powerful this process can be. Combining the Enneagram with equine-assisted services helps you not only understand yourself better but also experience transformation in real time. It’s about connection—to yourself, to others, and to the incredible wisdom of the horses.

Ready to explore your growth path? Let’s step into the arena together.

We offer individual and group experiences in the Driftless area - a short drive from Winona or La Crosse communities. Inquire about our on-site airbnb farmstays and booking a retreat with us for your group!