In the past we’ve shared videos of people competing their horses bridle-less. Usually, however, it’s due to a mishap on the course — the bridle somehow malfunctions and breaks or falls off, and the rider and horse amazingly complete their round. It makes all of us take a deep breath and think, “Whew!” But this one is a bit different. In this round at WEC in Ocala, FL, Brendan Wise completes a round on his horse Lyric in just a neck rope — and it’s freaking awesome! We should all aspire to ride this smoothly and with this level of connection.

Happy Thursday, Horse Nation. Go riding!