In this episode we talk to the lovely Carol Layton from Balanced Equine. Carol had brought mineral supplementation into the everyday horse owners repertoire.

We talk about the importance of specific minerals and their place in our horses diets as well as how to put together a basic diet that suits the average horse.

If you want to find out more about Carol Layton or the products she has available, her website is balancedequine.com.au

Anna Minogue is back!

In this episode we talk about everything dentistry and bit fitting from the differences in mouth shape between breeds to the different actions of bits.

In this episode, we have the privilege of chatting with Dr. Lizzie McCready, a dedicated veterinarian on a mission to enhance the lives of animals everywhere. With a passion for ongoing learning and a heart for the equestrian community, Dr. McCready is committed to sharing her veterinary expertise to positively impact horses. She's all about empowering everyday horse owners with practical skills and invaluable horse-health knowledge, enabling them to provide the best possible care for their horses.

In this episode Kat and Shelley reflect on what their highlights and learnings from 2023 were. 2023 was full of lots of insightful conversations and clinics and 2024 will no doubt be the same ❤️

Dr. Sue Dyson is a well-known veterinarian and researcher in the field of equine health and welfare, particularly in the area of lameness and poor performance in performance horses. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of pain and discomfort in ridden horses.

We could say that this is an inspirational story of how Kate Nipperess, former jockey, returned to riding after a track work fall left her a paraplegic. But Kate is more than this. She is a wealth of knowledge about horses, especially thoroughbreds and how understanding their racing experiences can help you transition them off the track. You can follow Kate on instagram: @katenipperess You can help support Kate on her quest to get to the para-olympics by adding to her Go Fund Me campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-me-fund-my-paralympic-campaign

In this episode, we delve into the world of float loading, training, and safe driving with horses on board. Float loading is something that should be easy and lets us get out and about and see the world with our horses, but often this isn’t the case. Kat and Shelley touch on the many different aspect of towing a float with horses and options to make things a little smoother.

In this engaging podcast episode featuring renowned farrier Daisy Bicking, delve into the captivating world of equine hoof care. Discover the pivotal role of hoof angles and their profound influence on your horse's well-being. Daisy Bicking's expertise shines as she unravels the mysteries behind the significance of hoof angles, sharing insights that every horse owner needs to know. With her wealth of experience, she provides valuable guidance on how maintaining proper hoof angles can transform your horse's overall health and performance.

After many years of nagging Kat & Shelley finally managed to get Dr Heidi McGrath on the podcast. Heidi is an incredible asset to the equine industry. She is a veterinarian with a passion for podiatry and lameness while understanding the importance of looking at the whole animal.

Lisa Agius-Gilibert from The Glorious Hoof provides hoof care services in the Hawkesbury region of New South Wales. In this episode Kat and Lisa combine their expert insights into hooves and we talk a lot about laminitis and the connection between the gut and hoof health. For more information about Lisa: www.theglorioushoof.com.au

We want you to meet someone pretty amazing - Linda Goldspink-Lord. Linda is the director of Poseidon Animal Health the manufacturers of well known equine gut support product Digestive EQ. This episode will open your mind to the impact of stress on gut health and the cascade of detrimental effects this can create. To find out more about Poseidon Animal Health: https://poseidonanimalhealth.com.au/

So you have bred a foal or maybe purchased a young horse that is not yet under saddle... what do you do now to ensure things don't go pearshaped? In this episode Kat and Shelley take you on a captivating journey through Kat's experience with her weanling, Harley. They dive into the details, discussing the progress Kat has been making. Kat and Shelley share insights into preparing horses for starting, shedding light on how to select the right person to start your horse or what to do if you’re contemplating the rewarding venture of taking on the task yourself. Finally they discuss what to do with your horse when you bring it home from being started.

In this episode Shelley explains two terms she wishes to bring into the vehicular of the equestrian world. "New Home Syndrome" to bring attention to what horse's can experience when they are moved to a new home. And, "New Horse Syndrome", which is to bring attention to what happens to people when they get a new horse and how the unfamiliarity of the new horse can set the scene for distrust to occur.

Guess who’s back?! Back again! Join us for another fun and educational conversation with Kerry Thomas. We dive into his latest creation: a comprehensive glossary of terms which further defines herd dynamics and sensory soundness. We also talk about his upcoming seminars across Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth in November which will cover the practical application of herd dynamics.

Jemima Key runs an equestrian business called "Sweet Iron Co" that became more successful as soon as she started doing everything considered wrong in terms of marketing. This is not the only thing where Jemima has bucked the trend as she discovered the effectiveness and fun of clicker training. This episode will have you both laughing and inspired!

A special episode with Bec Ham who is an equine nutritionist at Kentucky Equine Research. We delve into equine nutrition and managing fat ponies, exploring the importance of a balanced diet tailored to each horse's needs. She most correctly points out - what a horse eats can either help or hinder them. Discover practical strategies for weight management, considering exercise, grazing, and metabolic conditions. We go down the rabbit hole of overweight horses and Bec gives some insightful reasons why that "fat pony" is still "fat" even though it is ridden a lot and lives in a permanent diet paddock!

In this episode of the Canter Therapy, we explore polyvagal theory with one of our favourite experts, Tami Elkayam. Discover how our muscular skeletal system and nervous system intertwine, debunking oversimplifications. Join us as we unravel the complexities behind this exciting topic.

Join us as Ian Leighton from Ian Leighton Horsemanship explores the captivating topic of 'Things That Aren't as They Seem.' We dive into hard-mouthed horses, soft hands, contact, and straightness while gaining many other valuable insights to enhance our understanding.

Dive into the world of running a successful equine business with Lisa Agius-Gilibert from The Glorious Hoof in Sydney. With a unique background in the corporate realm, Lisa brings invaluable insights and expertise to the table. In this episode, she shares her firsthand experience and breaks down the essential steps to thrive. From mindset shifts to setting boundaries, Lisa's wisdom extends outside the equine industry, offering actionable strategies for success in any field you're passionate about.

In this episode Kat and Shelley talk to Kat Charlton about her incredible journey helping her young horse Sam rehabilitate about breaking his hip and other serious damage after a horrific paddock accident. At the time of injury Kat was advised to put Sam down as no horse had ever recovered from such a horrific injury. Kat has shown that is not the case and her holistic approach is both interesting and inspiring.

In this episode Kat and Shelley talk about living consciously through daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly check-ins with your horse. Having awareness around the everyday goings on with your horse can help strengthen both your relationship and performance.

In this episode Shelley picks Kat's brains about one of her biggest frustrations when helping people with their horse - horses that are sore in their feet. Everyone wants their horse to be calm, willing and confident but this will never happen unless the horse is comfortable in their feet and body. Kat explains hoof pain and its ramifications and what can be done about it.

In this episode we talk about training tools! Rope halters, bits, hobbles, side reins and more! We give our experience and opinions about all the controversial things!

In this episode Kat and Shelley talk about finding motivation to ride when there are so many things that make it hard. Things such as the weather to a lack of company. They explore what they have learnt about motivation and how doing something you want to do is more about being strategic than waiting around to feel ready. In this podcast four (4) books that contain interesting insights into motivation and habits were mentioned. They are: 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins Atomic Habits by James Clear Can't Hurt Me & Never Finished by David Goggins

Kat and Shelley discuss what they discovered at Herd Dynamics Seminar presented by Kerry Thomas From THT Bloodstock. They report what happened, what they thought and what they learnt. Everyone cares about physical soundness but what about sensory soundness which has such an impact on the emotionality of the horse and its ability to regulate stress. To learn more about herd dynamics and sensory soundness you can check out our 8 part interview series with Kerry. You can also check out Kerry's website thtbloodstock.com

Anna Minogue has a love of learning and has followed her curiosity for learning through a career in vet nursing before she studied as an equine dentist. She now uses her understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, training and the role of the rider; to aid her in bit fitting and bridle fitting. This episode touches on a bit of everything, teeth, bits and bridles! You can find out more about Anna on Facebook at: The Bit Fitter and Anna Minogue -Equine Dentist And on Instagram at: thebitfitterau

Melinda Macaulay provides us with an insight into posture and position while riding. She has a background in Sports and Exercise Science and helps break down the ideas for us in simple terms. This episode discusses working with what you’ve got and improving yourself to be the best you can for both yourself and your horse. You can find find Melinda on Facebook and Instagram @StrongStableSeat

In this episode Kathryn & Shelley have the pleasure of chatting with Ian Leighton. They get to discuss all the important aspects of ‘good old horsemanship’ and how older principles impact the way we currently work with horses. You can find Ian on Facebook and Instagram @ianleightonhorsemanship

The internet and social media has had a big impact on the equestrian world. It has allowed ideas to be spread and made experts more accessible. However, sometimes you can get lost in the relentless bombardment of voices in your newsfeed.  It is hard to pick a path to follow. Shelley is one of those voices and in this episode she describes what she is doing to provide a place to spell out her process.  If you are interested in joining Shelley's membership group, it is called the Calm Willing Confident Horse Society and information can be found out about it here: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/members 

Nahshon Cook is a insightful horseman and has an incredible vocabulary. His unique way of saying describing things help people to better understand the connection we have with horses. This episode discusses the rehabilitation of horses’ bodies and minds, and link the two have with each other. We also talk about the influence that humans have on their horses, and in turn that horses have on their humans. “We make the most progress when we don’t feel like there is too much to do”. You can find Nahshon Cook on Facebook at Nahshon Cook Horsemanship.

This week we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Lysette Smith from Candid Equitation. Lysette has such an incredible amount of experience travelling the world, working with horses. She has learnt to keep horses in both extremes of heat and cold and worked in numerous professional stables in a range of disciplines. If that isn’t cool enough (it is), Lysette has also overcome both cancer and sepsis and discusses the impact these have had on her work with horses. If you’d like to find out more about Lysette Smith, look her up on Facebook and Instagram @candid_equitation

2022 is coming to an end and it’s time to reflect on the year we have had! It’s a great opportunity to set our intentions for 2023 and goal setting can really give us purpose. Shelley and Kat discuss the year they have had (including Equitana) and some of the things they are working on for next year. Thank you for all the incredible support of our listeners this year and we are so excited for next year.

In this episode Kerry talks about his visit to Australia and the Herd Dynamics Seminar he will be appearing at on the 25-26 March 2023 at Sutton Forrest, New South Wales.  

If you are interested in attending this event please see website for more information: https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/blogs/herd-dynamics-seminar 

In this episode Shelley and Kat discuss the needed stepping stones along the way of choosing your horsewomanship path. How to choose a mentor, how to sort through the information on social media and so many other tangents and rabbit holes.

In this episode Kat gives some great tips about hoof care in winter. We go over ways to look after your farrier during the wet weather as well as how to look after your horse’s hooves. Kat also tells us the exciting news about her new course she has released, "Hoof Care Basics - The Essential Guide to Understanding & Caring for your Equine’s Hooves". Kat has created this course as a resource for owners to improve their understanding of hoof care and how to monitor hoof health and management choices. Listeners of this podcast can use the coupon code CANTERTHERAPY to get 20% off the listed price. Click here to find out more and enrol: https://calmwillingandconfidenthorses.thinkific.com/courses/hoofcarebasics

Our herd dynamic conversations continue with Kerry M Thomas.  In this episode we delve into what it is Kerry is evaluating when he goes to yearling sales to help owners to select their next race horse.  Kerry reveals his process of creating a short list and how he has reviewed and adjusted his evaluation techniques over time.

Everyone is wanting to do the best for their horse.  But how do you do that in a world full of polarised advice.  How do you sort out the trends from advice that is good and advice that just "looks" good but can be flawed. Tami Elkayam gives us her advice how to navigate the horse world.  How to be open minded, but not so open minded our brains fall out! Find her on Facebook at: Tami Elkayam Equine Bodywork Website: https://elkayamequinetherapy.com and her excellent educational resources on Vimeo: Elkayam Equine Therapy.

Training Using Herd Dynamics: Another great episode with Kerry Thomas. In this episode we talk about the practical application of training horses based on a horses’ herd dynamics. Horse can be defined as having either individual or group herd dynamic tendencies and these tendencies are going to impact the way they learn, how quickly they learn and more importantly, the best way to train them.

There are some common things that we see again and again in horses. Often these horses are struggling with their current training and when you take a closer look they have an unsoundness. When have an obligation to our horses to ensure they are as comfortable as possible so that they can learn as best as possible.

PTSD in Horses: And we are back for Part 5 of our Herd Dynamics Series. In this episode we dive into the idea of PTSD in our horses and what it looks like. PTSD doesn’t just happen from that time your horse was beaten with a whip, it’s much more complicated than that. We need to be aware of the ways in which we keep horses and the impact of their living environment has on them. Every physical response we get from a horse is linked to an emotion that they are feeling. We need to set them up to successfully navigate situations, being a sense of safety and contentment to their lives. ‘Horses are emotional creatures and respond to how they feel. People are scared of the emotions of horses and just want the learned behaviours to be the only thing (they show)’

Breed Traits: We are so excited to have Kerry back for Part 4 of our Herd Dynamics Series. This week we got to delve into a conversation about breeding horses and the consideration of herd dynamics when choosing mares and stallions. While athleticism and conformation are important aspects, we feel that behavioural genetics are often left out and harder to define. Kerry talks about his experiences breeding for specific herd dynamic traits and this allows us to go even deeper into the ideas we have previously discussed. ‘The less road block you have in the way mentally, the quicker the coaching, the faster things are going to go for you’

Amy Skinner is an incredible influence in the equestrian world. She writes amazingly and manages to merge the ideas of horsemanship and classical dressage for relaxed and harmonious relationships with our horses. Find her on Facebook and Instagram @Amy Skinner Horsemanship https://amyskinnerhorsemanship.com/

Tami Elkayam is an equine bodyworker based in San Jose, USA. She is an incredible equine body worker, writer, artist and educator that can change the way to see and appreciate horses bodies forever.

In this interview Tami describes how her journey started and how her intense interest and passion for understanding the horse's body has furthered her education and ability to track down the root cause of problems.

Such a super fascinating episode and a great expert to follow on social media as she is so dedicated to sharing her insights.  

Find her on Facebook at: Tami Elkayam Equine Bodywork, Website: https://elkayamequinetherapy.com. and her excellent educational resources on Vimeo: Elkayam Equine Therapy.

Understanding Outsourcing: We are joined again by Kerry Thomas for Part 3 of this fantastic conversation about Herd Dynamics. In this episode we talk about some real life situations, delving into it from the horses point of view and understanding them better. We discuss horses going out and about at competitions, separation anxiety and how to thoughtfully manage herds at home.

To find out more about Kerry and his services check out his website: https://thtbloodstock.com 

Recently there has been lots of discussion about the autonomic nervous system. Shelley and I discuss the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and their impact (or lack of) on the way that we train horses. Inspired by the explanations of the stress response described and documented by American Psychiatrist Bruce D Perry, a well-known expert in trauma.

In this episode Shelley and Kat talk about "cookie cutter" training approaches for horses. They discuss why they are criticised but also about why they have merit.

Luke Thomas is the absolute master of handling foals. Over the last few years he’s handled thousands (literally) of foals and learnt how to ‘hack’ them. You’ll be surprised when he explains what he can achieve in 10 days with only 10-15 minutes a day

A fascinating interview with Amber Espinoza from Isidro Espinoza Horsemanship (Arizona, USA).  Amber and Isidro train horses for the public and have a special interest in competing in Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions and Endurance racing.  We discuss common problems of taming mustangs, the needs of working with these horses and the lessons they teach. Amber also describes the complexities of the wild horse situation. They share their stories, knowledge and skill via social media and have created a new platform called the "Perpetual Training Toolbox" - because with mustangs you can NEVER stop learning. They have numerous approaches ready to share through their video library, community and monthly Q&A sessions.  To find out more about Amber and Isidro check to their website: isidroespinozahorsemanship.com

Inherent Tendencies Verses Learned Behaviour

In this second brilliant conversation with Kerry Thomas we delve into more insights into herd dynamics and how important it is to recognise and appreciate the horse at this level of their individual hard wiring.   Kerry introduces the idea of a horse's individual herd dynamics and the extent of their basic instincts to outsource to a herd the processing of sensory changes in their environment and emotional stress.  In other words when horses get triggered to feel stressed, either by changes in their environment or acute stress they may be experiencing when being worked, they will be triggered to seek the reassurance and comfort of other horses.  When this is not able to be done, they will struggle and may become emotional and distressed. Part of developing a good partnership and connection with the horse is being able to nurture their abilities to do this but to also get them to turn towards us to help them feel a sense of security when they are triggered.  In other words, they need to look toward us. Kerry explains how important it is to modify training approaches for individual horses.  For example, horses that may be slow to struggle to process sensory data and distance may need more time to adjust to fence height changes in show jumping.  Unfortunately, horse's struggling with this might be misinterpreted as being difficult and put under more pressure which can lead to the horse becoming overwhelmed. This episode will deepen your understanding and appreciation of horses and their emotional response to situations and how we can help them.

If you are struggling with your horse's frame, steering or posture because your horse is pulling your arms out of their sockets, won't settle into the contact, grinds its teeth, chomps at the bit, throws its head, gets its tongue over the bit, over-bends, avoids the bit it is heavy or hard in the mouth, leaning on the bit, avoiding the bit, being resistant, chomping the bit, putting the tongue over the bit or just won't go on the bit - you need to listen to this podcast! Shelley discusses how she has just released a new course called "Foundation of Contact & Connection".  The course outlines the key responses a horse must understand in order for you to build and nurture a quality contact and connection with a horse. Kat talks about her journey with Roger and how she has improved his contact and connection by finding the gaps in his foundation and addressing soundness issues. This podcast will reveal that there is a lot you can do to improve your horse’s acceptance of the bridle than just changing bits,  bridles, tightening nosebands, shortening the reins, or using draw reins!  There is complexity it to it but Shelley has a way of demystifying it and making it simple and achievable for everyone.