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Explore every episode of the podcast Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle

Dive into the complete episode list for Dangerous at Both Ends, Tricky in the Middle. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–26 of 26

TitlePub. DateDuration
"Does Positive Reinforcement Lead to Biting Horses?"23 Jan 202601:09:46

In this episode, Jen and Barbara revisit a conversation that’s come back into the spotlight, one that clearly still needs to be had. We’ve reimagined our original pilot episode and asked the big question again: does positive reinforcement lead to biting in horses?

While the original pilot is still available, this episode takes the discussion further. We dive much deeper into what actually causes biting in horses, unpacking the difference between correlation and causation, and clarifying why positive reinforcement itself isn’t the culprit it’s often made out to be.

This reimagined pilot is packed with new insights, updated perspectives, and fresh examples. You can absolutely listen to the original pilot and this episode together, they complement each other beautifully and offer plenty of new and interesting takeaways.

Enjoy the conversation.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"A Horse Without a Job, is Wasted"12 Nov 202501:01:25

This was our very first episode back in September 2023, and I’m reposting it here because it’s super relevant to our newest episode!

In this podcast, we try something a little different: a debate! If you’re familiar with debate club rules, one person must defend the topic and one must oppose it. We did this using the current research in the field and went head-to-head to hash it out.

There are points involved, plus some hidden secret words we have to sneak in to earn bonus points!

Debating topics in horse care and equitation is valuable. Jen and I do this for fun and learning, and we still love each other afterwards. Good learning comes from respectful debate and from exploring different ideas and research within the field.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 4: Positive Punishment22 Apr 202400:24:39

Ā In this episode, we take a calm and honest look at Positive Punishment, adding something aversive to reduce behaviour. We discuss why it’s widely used, why it can create fallout, and how it affects emotional state and trust. No judgement, just clear, science-based exploration to help listeners understand the implications.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.Ā 

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 3: Negative Punishment08 Apr 202400:19:04

Ā Here we explain Negative Punishment, removing something the horse wants to decrease a behaviour. We talk about time-outs, the role of clarity, and how to avoid frustration or confusion. A gentle, practical overview of a concept often misunderstood in training discussions.Ā 

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 2: Positive Reinforcement25 Mar 202400:24:17

Ā This bite-sized episode focuses on Positive Reinforcement: adding something the horse values to encourage behaviour. We chat about food rewards, scratches, marker signals, and what makes reinforcement actually reinforcing. Perfect for anyone curious about introducing R+ into training routines.Ā 

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 1: Negative Reinforcement11 Mar 202400:30:27

Ā In this quick bonus episode, we break down what Negative Reinforcement really is — and what it isn’t. We talk about the role of pressure and release in horse training, how timing shapes the horse’s experience, and how this form of learning can be used thoughtfully and ethically. Short, simple, and straight to the point.Ā 

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"Is Riding Bitless Safe?"27 Feb 202401:30:54

In this episode, we explore a big and sometimes hotly debated question in the horse world: Is riding bitless safe?

We look at what the research says, how bitless bridles actually work, and the factors that influence safety from training and communication to physical comfort and emotional wellbeing. We also unpack some of the common myths and assumptions (on both sides of the bit vs. bitless conversation).

This isn’t about declaring one method ā€œrightā€ or ā€œwrongā€ it’s about understanding the horse’s experience, improving clarity in our cues, and making informed, welfare-focused choices that support the individual horse in front of us.

Whether you’re curious about trying bitless, already committed to it, or just want to hear a thoughtful discussion, this episode offers perspective, nuance, and plenty to think about.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"How Can Positive Habits Transform Life for Me and My Horse?"15 Jan 202401:18:02

In this episode, we take a closer look at how everyday habits, both human and equine, shape behaviour, wellbeing, and the relationship we build with our horses.

We explore what positive habits really look like for you and your horse, how they form, and why consistency matters more than perfection. From small routines around handling, training, and care to the internal habits we carry as humans ,such as expectations, emotional regulation, and timing, we discuss how these patterns influence learning and trust.

Building positive habits isn’t about rigid rules or doing things ā€œrightā€ all the time. It’s about awareness, compassion, and creating environments where both horse and human can succeed. This episode invites you to reflect on the habits you’re reinforcing, notice what’s working (and what isn’t), and make intentional choices that support welfare, learning, and a calmer, more connected partnership.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"How Can I Train My Reindeer for Santa?"18 Dec 202301:01:59

In this festive episode, we share the story of the time we were hired by Santa Claus himself to help with some behavioural modification for one of his reindeer!

This particular reindeer was having feelings about pulling the sleighĀ  and when you’re part of a global overnight gift-delivery team, that’s kind of a big deal.

With Santa’s permission (he was very generous and fully consented to the case being discussedĀ  he loves education!), we walk you through:

  • What the behaviour looked like
  • How we assessed the reindeer’s emotional state and motivation
  • The training plan we developed
  • And how it all turned out on the big night ✨

It’s a light-hearted, cosy, story-style episode full of seasonal cheer, training insight, and a reminder that even magical animals deserve compassion, patience, and good reinforcement schedules.

Grab a hot chocolate, curl up, and enjoy this oneĀ  it’s a Christmas treat. šŸŽ…šŸ¦ŒšŸ’«

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œHow Can I Tell if it’s Normal or Abnormal Behaviour?ā€06 Nov 202301:40:37

In this episode, we take a closer look at how to recognise what’s normal horse behaviour and what may be a sign that something is off.

We talk about how horses communicate stress, comfort, curiosity, pain, and emotional wellbeing and why context is everything. From subtle posture changes to bigger behavioural patterns, we explore how to observe horses with curiosity rather than judgement.

Understanding what is ā€œnormalā€ for an individual horse is key to good welfare, effective training, and strong relationship-building. This episode is all about tuning into the horse in front of us, listening to what they’re expressing, and responding in a way that supports them.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œWhat is Learning Theory?ā€06 Oct 202300:55:00

In this episode, we break down Learning Theory, what it is, why it matters, and how it shows up every day in our interactions with horses (whether we realise it or not).

We explore the core principles behind how animals learn, including reinforcement, punishment, shaping behaviour, and emotional associations. Most importantly, we talk about how understanding these concepts can make us clearer, kinder, and more effective in our training.

If you’ve ever wondered why a behaviour happens, why something works (or doesn’t), or how to build training that truly supports your horse’s wellbeing, this episode is for you.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"How Can I Set My Horse Up for Success?"29 Sep 202300:59:18

In this episode, we dive into one of the most important questions in horse training: How can we set our horses up for success?

We talk about what ā€œsuccessā€ actually means from the horse’s perspective, how environment and emotional state shape behaviour, and the small training adjustments that make a big difference. From clear communication to thoughtful reinforcement, we share practical ways to support your horse so learning feels safe, achievable, and enjoyable for both of you.

This episode is all about building confidence, reducing frustration (in horses and humans!), and creating those lovely ā€œah-ha!ā€ moments that make training feel good.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"But They have A Good life..."07 Nov 202501:56:21

We’re back! Jen had the audacity to go and get married, and now I’m here editing this and complaining about her selfish behaviour… prioritising love over the podcast (how dare she!) 🤣

It took us two hours to talk about this because it’s been way too long since we’ve recorded, so the chaos here is high and I refuse to edit more then I need to.

Will these episodes get shorter? Maybe, Hopefully?

Will they actually? Probably not. We just can’t stop.

Enjoy the madness. References below. I definitely recommend ā€œTea and Consentā€.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

References:

ā€œBut my horse is well cared forā€

Can’t jump, won’t jump

Tea and Consent

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

The Pilot - Does Positive Reinforcement Lead to Biting Horses?26 Sep 202301:10:47

Welcome to our very first episode! The audio is a little rough around the edges (we were still finding our sea legs), but the conversation is a good one.

In this episode, we explore a big question in the horse training world: Does positive reinforcement lead to biting?

We dig into what the research says, where the concern comes from, and how training approach, timing, and clarity can shape behaviour. Whether you’re new to positive reinforcement or already using it in your horse’s training, this discussion offers food for thought, reassurance, and maybe a few laughs along the way.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œWhy Is Foraging Behaviour So Important in Horses?ā€25 Nov 202401:33:43

Ā In this episode, we take a closer look at the role of foraging in equine wellbeing. Horses are hard-wired to graze for many hours a day, so what happens when we limit or disrupt this natural behaviour?Ā 

Barbara and Jen discuss their research, practical ways to support natural foraging, and how it links to emotional regulation, behavioural health, and performance. A must-listen for anyone wanting to support their horse’s welfare from the ground up.Ā 

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œDoes Dominance Theory Still Hold Up in Modern Horse Training?ā€14 Oct 202401:50:16

In this episode we dive into the controversial and widely debated topic of dominance theory. Is it still relevant, or has modern behavioural science moved on? We chat about what dominance theory actually is, how it came to influence horse training, and why it continues to spark disagreement today.

Join us as we explore what the latest research says, how dominance-based approaches compare with evidence-based, ethical training methods, and the real impact this has on horse welfare and human–horse relationships. As always, it’s an open conversation grounded in science, compassion and curiosity.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œHow Does Language Shape the Way We See Our Horses?ā€09 Sep 202401:11:55

We’re back from our summer break and kicking off a brand new season! šŸŽ‰

In this episode, we catch up on what we’ve been up to, what’s coming next for the podcast, and some of the things we’ve been reflecting on over the break.

Our main topic this week is language both the words we use when we talk about horses, and the ā€œlanguageā€ horses use to communicate with us.

We explore:

  • How the language we use shapes our mindset, expectations, and welfare decisions
  • The difference between describing behaviour vs. labelling the horse
  • How horses communicate emotional states through posture, movement, and subtle expression
  • Ways to shift from judgement to curiosity
  • And how a more thoughtful vocabulary can lead to better understanding and kinder training

This is a reflective, gentle, conversation-based episode a thoughtful place to start the new season together.

We’re happy to be back. šŸ’›

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œBehind the Slaughterhouse Gates: Irish Horse Industry ExposĆ©ā€17 Jun 202401:08:14

Welcome to a powerful and timely special episode of our podcast. In this edition, we tackle the investigation by RTƉ that uncovered shocking systems of animal-welfare abuse and food-safety failures in the horse-slaughter industry.Ā 

We’ll unpack:

  • How hundreds of horses declared unfit for human consumption ended up in slaughterhouses.Ā 
  • The Abuse that took place in the slaughter house, uncovered by RTƉ documentary.
  • The mechanics of identity fraud and traceability failures in the equine food chain.Ā 
  • First-hand interviews from protesters outside the slaughterhouse site and what it means for horse care, regulation, and public trust.

For the first time on our show, we dive deep into the uncomfortable side of the industry, exploring why these failures matter for us as equine professionals, and how we as behaviourists and caretakers can respond.

Join us as we listen, learn, challenge, and think about what real welfare, transparency and ethical oversight should look like in horse care.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"What’s the Difference Between Desensitisation and Systematic Desensitisation?"03 Jun 202401:33:40

In this episode, we chat all about desensitisation and more importantly, how it differs from systematic desensitisation. These terms often get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same!

We break it down in a practical and horse-friendly way:

  • What each method actually involves
  • How they’re used in behaviour modification
  • When things can go well… and when they can go wrong
  • Why careful planning and ethical considerations are key

Join us as we explore how to build confidence and reduce fear in horses using evidence-based approaches, with a dash of humour, honesty and real-life case examples.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 6: Extinction in Behavioural Modification20 May 202400:33:26

Ā Here we talk about Extinction, when a behaviour reduces because it no longer ā€œworksā€ for the horse. We look at what extinction bursts are, what emotional responses can show up, and when extinction may or may not be an ethical or effective choice. Clear, considerate, and welfare-focused.Ā 

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 5: Shaping Behaviours06 May 202400:37:30

Ā This short episode dives into Shaping, reinforcing small steps toward a bigger behaviour. We explore how to break behaviours down, how to celebrate progress, and how shaping creates confidence and curiosity in learning. Ideal for anyone wanting more softness, clarity, and joy in their training.Ā 

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"Is There Such a Thing as the ā€œBestā€ Way to Keep Horses?"24 Mar 202601:16:44

What does good actually look like for horses?

Not the version we’ve inherited. Not the version that’s easiest to manage. The version that actually meets their needs. It's tricky,

In this episode, Jen and Barbara dig into enrichment for horses.

We’re talking ethology. What horses are built for. What they’re missing. Why that matters more than any system label, plus how you can find the gaps and fill them Because this isn’t just ā€œtrack vs traditional livery.ā€ It’s about whether the life we’re offering lines up with the animal in front of us. The individual needs of your animal.

We pull in lessons from other industries, zoological collections/gardens (also caled zoos), cattle systems, places where thinking around individual needs and population-level welfare has moved on.

And then we bring it back to real life. Our horses.Ā  Our setups. Very different environments, where we all struggle to find that balance. And how we each tweak, adapt, and work with what we’ve got, by understanding what needs are being met… and what still needs filling.

Because there’s no perfect system. But there is better thinking for us as humans.


Got a situation you’re trying to figure out? Send us a voice note. Your horse. Your question. And we’ll work through it in a future episode.

Real cases. Real answers.

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œI feel like I am rushing through steps with my training, do you have any advice for me on how I can set my animals up for success?ā€19 May 202600:39:35

ā€œI feel like I am rushing through steps with my training, do you have any advice for me on how I can set my animals up for success?ā€

And honestly? If you’re asking yourself that question… you’re probably already doing better than you think.

Because the people worrying about going too fast are usually the people trying hardest to listen to the animal in front of them.

In this episode, we get into:

  • Ā Why trainers need to set themselves up for success tooĀ 
  • Ā Why reducing your training days can sometimes improve progressĀ 
  • Ā Why training the environment matters just as much as training the taskĀ 
  • Ā Person, Environment, Task (PET)Ā 
  • Ā How to know when to stop before excitement turns into greedĀ 
  • Ā The ā€œDrop, Stick and Goā€ frameworkĀ 
  • Ā The 3 D’s (or 5 D’s depending on who you ask)Ā 
  • Ā And what to do when progress slips during shaping plans, without just endlessly repeating old groundĀ 

Because good training isn’t about cramming more in.

It’s about knowing when to pause. When to simplify. When to support.Ā  And when to stop chasing progress for the sake of feeling productive.

—

Got a question or training situation you want us to unpack? Send us a voice note.

Your animal. Your question. Your chaos. And we’ll work through it in a future episode.Ā 

Real cases. Real answers. Real madness.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Bonus Episode 6: Jen Pretends She's Not Competitive & Barbara Killed a Rabbit15 May 202600:06:26

Hi All,

We’ve lots of B-roll and outtakes… mainly because me and Jen will talk for about three hours... The podcasts go up and somehow become an hour long through editing magic, somewhere in the middle!

But this is our downtime too. We’ll sit and talk absolute nonsense to each other for 45 minutes before & after recording, and sometimes there are little snippets left at the end of the timeline that I never quite know whether to include or not.

So here is how the sausage is made, why Jen insists she isn’t competitive (we don’t believe her), why we both enjoy playing golf despite being terrible at it, and how Barbara accidentally killed a rabbit while playing golf.

Enjoy this little bit of madness and behind-the-scenes chaos from our inner workings. We genuinely love doing these podcasts. It’s time we get to spend together, chat nonsense, argue about things, laugh at ourselves… and hopefully you enjoy some of the madness that comes with it too.


Got a question you are burning to asking us, nothing is off limitis, or do you have a behaviour issues you’re trying to figure out? Send us a voice note. Your voice, your question, your community is here.

Real cases. Real answers. All madness (guaranteed, the madness bit anyway).

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

"What is your Biggest 'Hot Take' on anything Equine or Animal Related?"12 May 202601:06:53

This episode starts with sneezing. Naturally. "I expect nothing lessĀ  from you lot ..."Ā 

Ā #JellyfishDontSneeze which somehow becomes important enough to deserve its own hashtag.

Then one of our listeners from Canada asked us: ā€œWhat is your biggest hot take on anything equine or animal related?ā€

Which immediately exposed the fact that Barbara didn’t actually know what a ā€œhot takeā€ was.Ā  Or for us Irish/UK folks… ā€œan unpopular opinionā€œ.

So Jen had to explain it to Barbara... And from there… honestly, things escalated.

We got into:

  • Ā why travelling horses alone in single trailers might be far worse than we admitĀ 
  • Ā why cribbing collars should probably be set on fireĀ 
  • Ā why ā€œmoving the feetā€ is often punishment dressed up as trainingĀ 
  • Ā why emotional regulation cannot be created through pressure and movementĀ 
  • Ā why allostatic load is massively oversimplified in horse trainingĀ 
  • Ā why behaviour is diagnostic information, not inconvenienceĀ 
  • Ā why cutting things out of bodies rarely ā€œfixesā€ the actual problemĀ 
  • Ā why separating the brain from the body makes absolutely no senseĀ 
  • Ā why confidence and competence are very, very different thingsĀ 

Also: Barbara says BeyoncĆ© isn’t very good. Ā  #YouAreCanceled

This episode goes everywhere, horse welfare, behaviour, medicine, BeyoncĆ©, training culture, critical thinking, a dead rabbit (see bonus Ep.) and the very human habit of accepting the first answer we’re given because it sounds confident.

Some of these opinions might annoy people. Good. Sure why not.Ā 
The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.Ā 


Got a question you are burning to asking us, nothing is off limitis, or do you have a behaviour issues you’re trying to figure out? Send us a voice note. Your voice, your question, your community is here.

Real cases. Real answers. All madness (guaranteed, the madness bit anyway).

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

ā€œTo scrape, or scrape not to be…...?ā€26 May 202600:31:31

It’s hot.

The horses are sweating.

And once again, the yearly horse-world civil war has begun: ā€œTo scrape or not to scrape?ā€

Every summer this debate comes back around social media like clockwork. Hose the horse down and scrape the water off immediately… or leave the water on because it actually helps cool them?

Apparently, according to some corners of the internet, if you leave water on your horse they will immediately boil alive.

So naturally… we decided to talk about the physics.

In this episode, Jen and Barbara get into:

  • Ā thermoregulation in horsesĀ 
  • Ā how horses manage heat in both summer and winterĀ 
  • Ā convection, evaporation, airflow, and why moving air mattersĀ 
  • Ā why cold hosing works on injuries (and why that same logic matters here)Ā 
  • Ā what humidity actually does to coolingĀ 
  • Ā wet bulb vs dry bulb temperaturesĀ 
  • Ā why high humidity and no airflow is the real danger zoneĀ 
  • Ā climate change, hotter summers, and why Ireland and the UK are particularly bad at handling heatĀ 
  • Ā misting systems, fans, and cooling strategies used in high-level competition horsesĀ 
  • Ā kangaroos licking their forearmsĀ 
  • Ā and somehow… the TitanicĀ 

Because no episode stays on track for long around here. WeĀ  had to talk about one of the biggest myths around cooling horses:Ā  that leaving water on the body somehow ā€œheatsā€ the horse up. Spoiler: that’s not how thermodynamics works.

The film of water absorbs heat from the horse, airflow helps remove heat through convection and evaporation, and moving water continuously increases cooling efficiency.

Science. Not Facebook comments.

This episode is part horse welfare, part biology lesson, part weather forecast, and part public service announcement during the Irish & UK heatwave.

Stay hydrated.
Mind yourselves.
And maybe stop arguing with strangers on the internet about scrapers.

—

Some of the science we talk about in this episode:

Thermoregulation
The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature despite environmental changes.

Thermoneutral Zone (TNZ)
The temperature range where the horse does not need to use extra energy to stay warm or cool. For horses this is commonly estimated around 5°C–25°C, though this varies with breed, coat, age, body condition, and acclimation.

Convection
The transfer of heat through moving air or water. Airflow over wet skin helps remove heat from the horse’s body.

Evaporation
When water changes from liquid to vapour, removing heat energy in the process. Sweating and water left on the horse both cool through evaporation.

Humidity
The amount of water vapour already present in the air. High humidity reduces evaporation efficiency, making it harder for both humans and horses to cool themselves.

Wet Bulb Temperature
A measure that combines heat and humidity to reflect how effectively evaporation can occur. High wet bulb temperatures are dangerous because sweating becomes less effective.

Homeostasis
The body’s process of maintaining stable internal conditions, including temperature, hydration, and metabolism.

Cold Hosing
Using running water to remove heat and reduce inflammation in tissues by transferring heat away from the body.


Got a question you are burning to asking us, nothing is off limitis, or do you have a behaviour issues you’re trying to figure out? Send us a voice note. Your voice, your question, your community is here.

Real cases. Real answers. All madness (guaranteed, the madness bit anyway).

Voice note your questions on WhatsApp to +353 85 143 8688 to have your questions answered on the Podcast.

Meet Your Hosts

Barbara Hardman (Bright Horse Equiation)
www.brighthorse.ie

šŸ“§barbara.j.hardman@brighthorse.ie ā˜Žļø+353 85 143 8688

Ā Jen Nash (The Equine Method)
www.theequinemethod.co.uk

šŸ“§ Info@TheEquineMethod.co.uk ā˜Žļø+44 7902920923

Ā© My Podcast Data