The Equestrian’s Inner Life, a new podcast hosted by Pernille Hogg, explores the unseen journey of riders. Launched in October with an episode featuring six-time Olympian Mary Hanna, followed by a chat with Brett Parbery, it delves into connection, resilience, and the transformative bond between horse and human.
In episode three of The Equestrian’s Inner Life podcast, Pernille Hogg catches up with classical master Rafael Soto.
Ep 3. Rafael Soto: The artist of lightness
There are riders who train horses — and then there are riders who dance with them. Rafael Soto is one of the great classical masters of our time, a man whose riding doesn’t just follow principles but brings them to life with lightness, presence, and soul.
From the traditions of the Spanish Riding School in Jerez to the international stage, Rafael’s work has inspired riders and audiences around the world — not only for its technical brilliance but for the joy and harmony it awakens. To watch him ride is to witness art in motion.
Episode three of The Equestrian’s Inner Life podcast explores the deeper language of classical riding — where timing becomes feel, movements become music, and every gesture carries meaning.
‘The truest place to begin is from the ground…’
A master of in-hand work, Rafael Soto shows that the art of true collection starts with trust, calmness, and the gentlest conversations on the ground.
Rafael explains that every horse, not only the naturally gifted Grand Prix types, has the innate ability to collect his body and find balance — for in freedom, a horse organises himself effortlessly. Under saddle, this natural ability must be developed, and Rafael believes the truest place to begin is from the ground.
With regular work in hand, even just a few times a week, the horse learns to shift his weight, place his hind legs beneath him, and carry himself with greater ease. Simple, consistent exercises — small circles, shoulder-in, calm transitions, rein-back, and the lightest guiding touch — build trust, clarity, and communication long before the rider sits in the saddle.
Rafael emphasised that calmness is everything: horses are prey animals, wired to flee, and they must feel safe beside the handler. On the ground, eye to eye, the horse begins to understand what is being asked and gains confidence in both himself and his human. Over time, these quiet moments create a horse who can control his own balance, respond to subtle communication, and carry himself with lightness — making the progression toward the most difficult movements, even the piaffe, far more harmonious.
Click here to listen to ‘The Equestrian’s Inner Life’ Ep 3. Rafael Soto: The artist of lightness.
Available on all major platforms (YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify); search ‘The Equestrian’s Inner Life’.
