Beyond Training: Horse Trainer Bernie Hackl on Self-Awareness and Connection

Interview with Bernd Hackl

When Anna Louise sat down with renowned German horse trainer Bernie Hackl for this week's podcast, I expected we'd hear about training techniques, problem-solving strategies, and perhaps some cowboy wisdom from his three decades of working with horses. What unfolded instead was a masterclass in self-awareness that transcended the arena walls – though I suspect Bernie would arch an eyebrow at such a lofty description. He's not one for fancy philosophizing.

Here's a man who, at age 14, was already solving other people's horse problems while his peers were still mastering the art of staying on. It's the kind of origin story that would make most professional trainers either preen with self-importance or affect false modesty. Bernie does neither. He simply describes it as having "a good hand with horses," which might be the greatest understatement since someone described breaking in their first stallion as "a bit tricky."

Bernie's concept of the "golden ball" – that internal light we all carry – stopped me in my tracks. Not because it was particularly revolutionary (though try finding that in any classical training manual), but because of how seamlessly this experienced horse trainer connected this deeply human quality to our work with horses. "Some horses understand that they make me happy," he shared, describing his beloved Highland pony princess. It's the kind of statement that would sound impossibly twee coming from anyone else, but Bernie delivers it with the matter-of-fact certainty of someone stating that water is wet.

What struck me most was Bernie's evening ritual, which sounds like either the beginning of profound self-discovery or a slightly pretentious whiskey advertisement. Each night, over a glass of scotch (though he assures us banana milk works just as well – a substitution I'm not entirely convinced about), he faces himself in the mirror and asks the hard questions: What could I have done better? Where did I succeed? Where did I fall short? This isn't just self-improvement – it's accountability. And yes, I tried it myself last night. The mirror part, not the scotch part. Though, in retrospect, perhaps the scotch would have made the whole self-confrontation business a bit easier.

His perspective on the "always the human's fault" debate was refreshingly nuanced, particularly in an industry where nuance often gets trampled under the hooves of absolutist thinking. Yes, some horses are born challenging (or as Bernie colorfully put it, some are "born little assholes" – a technical term I'm sure you won't find in the British Horse Society manual). But it's our responsibility to meet them where they are, to help them navigate our world with clarity and consistency. It starts with something as simple as teaching them to reach for their halter – 2,500 times a year of choosing softness, of building trust through repetition. That's not a typo, by the way. Bernie actually calculated it. Because apparently, that's what German horse trainers do in their spare time when they're not staring into mirrors or drinking banana milk.

The man has an interesting take on the modern equestrian world's obsession with technology and constant learning. While most clinicians are busy creating online courses and posting daily training tips on Instagram, Bernie suggests we might all be better off spending less time Googling and more time in the barn. It's the kind of radical simplicity that makes you wonder if he might be onto something. After all, horses haven't read any of the books written about them, and they seem to be doing just fine.

The interview reminded me why we started Curious Equestrian. We're not here to simply pass along training tips or regurgitate conventional wisdom (though if you're looking for either, the internet has about 3.7 million options for you). We're here to question, to grow, to face uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our relationships with these extraordinary animals. As Bernie notes, you can't be a good horse person without being a good person, period. It's the kind of statement that sounds obvious until you really think about it, at which point it becomes either profoundly insightful or completely terrifying, depending on your level of self-awareness.

For those who haven't listened yet, this episode goes far beyond horsemanship. It's about authenticity, about the courage to look in the mirror – literally and figuratively – and face what we find there. It's about understanding that our journey with horses is inseparable from our journey as human beings. And if that sounds a bit too philosophical for your taste, don't worry – Bernie also talks about practical things like extreme trail training, where horses navigate obstacles that would make a mountain goat think twice.

Bernie holds clinics at Blackford Glen on a regular basis. If his insights in this interview are any indication, those lucky enough to work with this thoughtful horse trainer directly are in for something special. Though I suspect he'd dismiss such grand pronouncements with a characteristic shrug and probably suggest we all just go spend more time with our horses instead of reading about him.

Want to experience Bernie's wisdom firsthand? Reach out to Blackford Glen Western Riders through Facebook or Instagram @blackfordglen, or contact them at howdy@blackfordglen.com to learn about upcoming clinic opportunities. Just don't expect any banana milk – I have a feeling that's strictly reserved for evening self-reflection sessions.

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What did you think of Bernie's perspective on self-reflection and horsemanship? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Bonus points if you've actually tried the mirror exercise (with or without the scotch).