Curious Equestrian – Details, episodes & analysis

Can you really 'speak horse'? Equine behavior expert Melanie Watson reveals why this popular notion might be holding back your relationship with horses.

In this myth-busting episode, we explore:

• Why humans can't truly 'speak horse'
• How horses actually perceive and communicate with us
• Revolutionizing equine education and training methods
• Retraining an ex-racehorse for para-dressage

Melanie draws on her unique background in East African and decades of experience in horse training to challenge common misconceptions about horse-human communication.

Learn more about Instinctive Horse Training: Facebook: @instinctivehorsetraining Twitter/X @elanieswatson LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/horsewhisperer

Equine artist Nica Quinn poses a jarring question: Have we misconstrued our love for horses?

This episode unravels:

• Quinn's pivot from trail guide to artist - a catalyst for reimagining horse-human bonds
• Concrete tactics to rekindle your childlike horse fascination (minus the naivety)
• The untapped potential of quiet presence around horses - no saddle time required
• Harnessing art as a lodestone for conscious equestrians

Quinn's narrative upends long-held equestrian assumptions, offering fresh insights for everyone from competition riders to casual admirers. She argues that we forge more authentic connections with horses by honing our instincts and embracing creativity.

This isn't mere philosophical meandering. Quinn delivers actionable strategies to transform your equine interactions, whether you stable a string of horses or simply sketch them from afar.

Tune in for a robust exploration of horse love in the modern era. You'll emerge with innovative approaches to elevate your equine encounters.

Join Andrea Wady in this inspiring video discussing how senior equestrians can thrive at every age. Andrea shares valuable insights on staying active and engaged in the equestrian community as a senior horse rider. In this episode, Andrea focuses on a vital yet often overlooked topic: empowering older horse riders. Together, we explore the challenges and stereotypes ageing equestrians face in the saddle and in everyday life. Our conversation tackles the realities of ageing, from navigating menopause to adjusting riding techniques and managing horse care as one's physical and mental capacities evolve. We delve into broader issues, too, discussing how to resist being marginalized in riding lessons and life decisions and the importance of maintaining an empowered decision-making role in our interactions with horses. Andrea shares invaluable advice on preserving and enhancing our equestrian lifestyle as we age and setting new, ambitious goals for the future. This episode is a beacon of inspiration for older horse riders and a crucial listen for younger equestrians planning a lifelong journey with horses. It's about refusing to be boxed in by age and embracing every phase of life with confidence and joy. Learn more about the Wise Riders Community: https://andreawady.com/wise-riders/ Curious Equestrian is produced by https://horsemanship-journal.com/

Nicole Sherwood shares her compelling journey through the world of horsemanship. From early challenges with a spirited pony to finding her path in Western riding, Nicole's story is one of deep connection, perseverance, and discovery.

Listen as Nicole opens up about the highs and lows of her equestrian adventure, revealing the transformative power of equine partnership. Through tales of triumph and moments of uncertainty, she highlights the invaluable lessons learned along the way—both in and out of the saddle.

Nicole's introspections provide a unique lens on resilience; her experiences shed light on how horses bring joy, challenge us to evolve, and guide us through life's most arduous moments.

Follow Nicole on Facebook @urban horse school or Instagram Nicole sherwood (@urban_horse_school) • Instagram photos and videos

This episode takes us into the heart of the Athena Herd Foundation, a place where transformation is as natural as the rain nourishing the earth.

Founded by the visionary Jennifer Geach and Graham Green, Athena Herd is not just a sanctuary for horses but a haven where humans and horses forge deep, healing connections.

Through the conversation, we uncover the origins of Athena Herd, from its inception to becoming a leading force in equine-facilitated interactions. Jennifer and Graham's stories are a testament to the power of passion, vision, and the courage to follow an unconventional path.

As we dive into their narrative, we discover a world where horses are respected as sentient beings, living in harmony with their natural instincts on a track system designed to mimic their ancestral environments. This approach promotes their well-being and enhances the therapeutic experiences for those who seek solace and understanding among the herd.

Graham shares his transformative journey from the corporate world to discovering the profound impact of mindfulness and emotional intelligence, facilitated by the gentle wisdom of horses. With her deep equestrian roots, Jennifer recounts the evolution of her relationship with horses.

The Athena Herd Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and transformation, offering profound lessons on mindfulness, compassion, and the strength found in vulnerability.

In this episode of the Curious Equestrian podcast, Anna Louise Claydon warmly welcomes the esteemed horseman Bernd Hackl, known affectionately as Bernie. With over three decades of experience, Bernie shares his wisdom on the deep connection between horses and humans. He advocates for empathy, understanding, and a return to traditional, hands-on horsemanship. Bernie's philosophy is rooted in self-awareness and the pursuit of a genuine bond with our equine companions. Listeners are invited to reflect on their approach to horse training, inspired by Bernie's dedication to changing the equestrian world through kindness and mutual respect. Learn more about Bernd: berndhackl.de For more information about UK clinics with Bernie: https://www.facebook.com/BlackfordGlen/ howdy@blackfordglen.com Horsemanship Journal produces the Curious Equestrian Podcast. For more podcasts, articles and videos, visit horsemanship-journal.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 2:41 – The Journey into Horse Training 4:00 – Understanding the Horse's Perspective 8:29 – Challenges in Horse Training 13:19 – The Importance of Patience and Understanding 17:31 – The Significance of Inner Self in Horsemanship 19:58 – The Color of Energy 20:54 – Dealing with Difficult Horses 22:25 – Breeding and Behavior 28:09 – The Essence of Good Horse People 31:15 – Authenticity of Horses 31:54 – Approach to Horse Training 33:33 – Understanding Horse Psychology 34:59 – Extreme Trail Training 38:39 – Challenging Horse Abilities 39:11 – The Western Riding Route 40:46 – Learning from Horses 43:14 – Facing Tough Things Underneath the Surface 47:51 – The Future of Horse Training 50:37 – Purpose within the Equestrian Community

In this episode, listeners will be enveloped in a sense of warmth and inspiration as Cat, an Equestrian Relationships Coach, shares her journey and insights into deepening horse-human connections. Through her unique blend of relationship coaching, psychology, and attunement-based horsemanship, Cat illuminates the path to more fulfilling and empathetic equine partnerships. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming barriers and enhancing their understanding and bond with their horses. This episode is not just informative but a heartwarming experience that encourages personal growth in horsemanship. Learn More about Balance & Align https://www.balanceandalign.com The Equisential Podcast with Cat Roy-Stanley & Tracey Duncan https://open.spotify.com/show/0ftH21BPkMHkxSxrMEp8tR

Join us in this enlightening episode of 'The Curious Equestrian' as we delve into the world of Animal Communication with our special guest, Ginny Horton. Renowned for her unique ability to spiritually connect with horses, Ginny shares her insights and experiences in the realm of non-physical communication techniques. 🔹 About Ginny Horton: Ginny's journey in animal communication began with her deep love and understanding of horses. Her approach goes beyond the physical, tapping into the emotional and physical insights of these majestic creatures. Through her work, Ginny aims to strengthen the Human-Animal Bond and promote Horse Welfare. Connect with Ginny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ginny-Hort... 🔹 In This Episode: Spiritual Connection with Animals: Discover how Ginny uses intuitive methods, including Crystal Divination, to understand and communicate with horses. Overcoming Skepticism: Hear how Ginny addresses doubts and brings about a new perspective on Intuitive Animal Healing. Transformative Stories: Be inspired by real-life examples where animal communication led to positive changes in horse care and treatment. 🌟 Tune in to this episode to explore the fascinating world of animal communication and its impact on horse welfare. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more intriguing content on 'The Curious Equestrian' channel!"

Join us in this enlightening episode of "Curious Equestrian", produced by Horsemanship Journal, as we explore the world of equestrian performance coaching with the renowned expert Barbra Schulte. A master in the field, Barbra will share her journey from speech pathology to becoming an influential figure in horse training and coaching. Discover the secrets behind achieving peak performance in the equestrian arena as Barbra discusses the importance of mental toughness, the art of communication with horses, and how to cultivate a winning mindset. Whether you're preparing for competition or aiming to enhance your horse-rider connection, this episode is packed with insights on managing nerves, overcoming challenges, and achieving a state of 'flow' while riding. Barbra also delves into the deep, emotional aspects of equestrianism, including coping with personal tragedies and building a trust-based relationship with your horse. Her approach to setting goals, both personal and competitive, will inspire you to rethink your strategies for the year ahead. Perfect for competitive riders, leisure riders, and everyone passionate about equestrian pursuits, this episode is not just about riding skills but about personal growth and developing a profound connection with your equine partner. Tune in to transform your riding experience and elevate your equestrian journey with Barbra Schulte's expert guidance. Learn More About Barbra: https://barbraschulte.com/ 🐴 #EquestrianExcellence #PerformanceCoaching #HorseRiderBond #MentalToughness #EquestrianMindset #BarbraSchulte #CuriousEquestrian 🌟 Special Announcement from Horsemanship Journal and the Organizers of Unbridled Connection: If this episode inspired you to delve deeper into your equestrian journey, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Join us for the "Unbridled Connection" retreat from 22nd to 23rd March 2024. This exclusive, immersive program, organized by us at Horsemanship Journal, is designed to help you develop a profound connection with horses, improve your horsemanship skills, and rediscover joy and clarity. Led by experts Helen O'Hanlon and Lindsey Crosbie, this retreat is perfect for anyone seeking to blend personal growth with equine wisdom. With only 10 spaces available, don't miss your chance to be a part of this transformative experience. Learn more and secure your spot here: https://unbridled-connection.com/https://horsemanship-journal.com/

Redefining Horsemanship with Joe Midgley Welcome to our latest episode, where we dive into the mind of Joe Midgley, a trailblazer in the world of equine training. Joe, the founder of the Good Horsemanship YouTube channel, is changing the narrative around horse training by focusing on psychological connections rather than physical dominance. In this episode, we unpack Joe’s philosophy and practices that are reshaping the equestrian landscape. Key Points: Mental Connection Over Physical Force: Joe Midgley’s approach to horsemanship advocates for a mental bond with horses, stepping away from the traditional ego-driven methods of starting young horses. Expansive Educational Platform: Midgley’s influence extends beyond YouTube, with a comprehensive website offering a wealth of resources on horse training for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Innovative Training Techniques: He is a strong proponent of training with proper bridle fitting and teaches horses “the reach” to ensure balance and prevent leaning. Joe’s Personal Horsemanship Journey: Listeners will get a glimpse into Joe’s personal growth in the field, including how he won a coveted apprenticeship and how he has consistently put the well-being of horses first, even in competitive scenarios. Advocacy for Equine Welfare: Midgley shares his dissatisfaction with a competitive scoring system that often neglects horse welfare and how his commitment to ethical practices has been shaped by his mentor and the traditions of buckaroo and vaquero horsemanship. Case Study - Remy: The episode will also detail the training journey of Remy, highlighting the importance of understanding equine mouth anatomy and preparation from a young age, while sticking to a philosophy that champions respect and feel over force. Final Thoughts: Joe Midgley’s work is a testament to the profound connection that can be achieved between humans and horses when empathy and understanding are at the forefront. His teachings not only revolutionize horse training but also inspire us to reflect on how we can apply similar principles of respect and connection in our own lives. Resources: For those looking to learn more about Joe’s methods or to delve deeper into good horsemanship, check out the resources available on his website and YouTube channel. @thegoodhorsemanshipchannel7206 https://www.joemidgleyhorsemanship.co... Join us next time as we continue to explore stories of inspirational individuals and groundbreaking approaches in the world of animal training and care.