This phase used to confuse me as a rider. My horse would feel different. My timing felt off. My body felt tighter — especially through my hips, jaw, and breath. I used to assume I needed to push through. Now I ride smarter. In my luteal phase, I focus on supporting my nervous system first — because when my system is calm, my horse stays clearer too. Here’s what that looks like in practice: • Longer warm-ups — walking until my breath drops and my body feels present • Fewer transitions, done bette