Deb and I are back from a sabbatical of sorts, working on projects while absent from doing the podcast. This conversation goes a bit all over the place but has lots of interesting tidbits to take with you!

Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer developer of Training for Optimal Balance www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

Going solo right now since Deb is out of town for a few weeks and I am finally ready to start up again. This episode is about horsemanship in general, a little bit about my own journey and what I am looking for as a horse trainer. It's a mash up but with a point in there somethere as I talk about the less tangible parts of horsemanship such as balance, feel and timing.

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

FREE TICKET link for the Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair May 31-June 1, 2025 https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/a/23333/a2zsSgDH

NEW: Sign up for Kirsten's email list and get all four of the horse fair videos as part of the welcome sequence and a free monthly newsletter. Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  

Topic: Learning how to see and feel muscle use in our horse can be really helpful at understanding the underlying coordination. When the outer muscles are tight and hard, like well done meat, then we know the core muscles are weak. When chronic tightness shows up in one area, we know that too much weight is habitually carried in the opposite direction. Coordination is what dictates muscle use throughout the body. So no matter how many massages we give, the chronic tightness is perpetual until coordination is improved.

Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: We just could not resist giving our geeky answers to questions that non-horse people ask about horses on the internet. This episode covers questions 1-17 on a list that is posted on www.Prep4IAS.com. It was a random search because we were curious about what kinds of questions are asked about horses on search engines. Some questions were easy to answer and others actually involve more complicated answers. Join us for a horsey "pub-quiz" in this episode and let us know if you would like more of the same - should we finish the list?

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: A deep dive into the nonverbal language that horses use as their primary form of communication. What seems subtle, almost magical like horse whispering, is clear and obvious to our horses. With some practice we can we reawaken and refine our sense of touch so that we can begin to converse with our horses in their natural language instead of always asking them to learn our language.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: It is not uncommon to label a horse with a "behavioral problem" that is really struggling with a physical problem. Since horses can't talk to us in our language and tell us what is wrong, they have to act out through resistant behaviors or by not cooperating with us in order to let us know that something is not right. Even vets can label a horse with a behavior problem that is just a hard to find or diagnose physical source of discomfort or pain. As horse owners we need to really look at why our horse may choose "bad behavior" instead of cooperating and not just label problems as being naughty. Some horses may only feel uncomfortable in their jobs while others could be coping with significant pain. We might not know what is wrong immediately, but behavior problems are how our horses tell us clearly that something is wrong.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Learn about what essential ingredients are good for our horses and what ingredients are problematic regarding daily feed programs. Stephanie covers both the general needs for all horses and how each horse will have unique and specific requirements regarding supplements or extra nutrients. As a nutritional therapist, this information is not linked to any specific feed companies, which is usually how we horse owners tend to get our information.

Guest: Stephanie Carter, Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
Indigo Ancestral Health
www.stephaniecarterntp.com
True North Equine Vet clinic in Marshall, VA
stephanie@truenorthequinevet.com

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Both for riders and horses how we organize our head and neck balance relative to our backs will affect the coordination of the entire body. Learn the difference between how horses need to use their heads and necks as stabilizing mechanisms while developing balance in their back and hindquarters - much like humans need to use their arms as stabilizers while trying to gain balance. Understanding the importance of head/neck use as part of soundness helps us better understand how to use the reins and how to work with horses through the reins and bit without causing damage.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: How spurs and riding whips work dynamically as training aids while riding. What we reach for when our horse won't cooperatively move forward energetically can have long term consequences on the horse's balance and performance. Learn more about which tool to use and why.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: How we use our legs as riders is directly related to how well we stabilize our center of mass over our own feet and in alignment with gravity. Legs can become almost the sole point of stability for many riders but will have negative effects on the horse's ability to balance. Discussion involves recognizing our own leg use as riders and how to make substantial improvements.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Habits and instincts are unconscious ways that we use our thoughts, emotions and physical coordination in action. In order to make improvements to any habit, the very first step is to become consciously aware of habits or instincts that we use unconsciously. Only when we are dominant in the "rest and digest" parasympathetic nervous system can we bring the unconscious up to conscious awareness. Only when we are consciously aware of our habits and instincts do we have access to our power of choice. Choosing is our super power and the key to making improvements in our lives and riding.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Understanding that all of us go through 3 distinct phases when navigating change is helpful to the process and can help us adapt much faster to significant changes in our lives. Phase 1 is resistance and dislike Phase 2 is confusion and disorientation Phase 3 is integration, acceptance and new desired habits Change is hard for all of us, and recognizing these unavoidable phases helps us move through change without getting so stuck in the yucky parts.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Digging into how our human (and horse) nervous system works and how we have the powerful capacity to find our own sense of safety, calmness and restoration by setting aside time everyday where we allow our own parasympathetic nervous system to restore our bodies and minds. The power is within us to find more ease and joy in the life we have right now - today. Our own "rest and digest" nervous system affects every single part of our bodies and minds. When we allow it to operate fully then we find our spark of healing, spark of creativity or spark curiosity - PLUS it just feels good! This podcast is for all humans, not just riders and we hope you share it with someone it might help.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

FREE TICKET link for the Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair May 31-June 1, 2025 https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/a/23333/a2zsSgDH

NEW: Sign up for Kirsten's email list and get all four of the horse fair videos as part of the welcome sequence and a free monthly newsletter. Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  

Topic: It is actually quite literally true when we say that our body sort of has a mind of its own. Our nervous system is more than just our brain, it travels to all areas of our body and picks up information all the time. The power of our brain is to interpret information gathered by the nervous system and make sense of it, remember past stress events in order to avoid them and normalize whatever becomes habitual, even if it is not healthy for us. Fear is the visceral response that often gets us to tap into our body intelligence and start listening. But the nervous system outside of the brain can also be our best source of information regarding our balance, our relationship with gravity, especially while we are navigating the movement of a horse. This incredible resource of information is always available to us, we just have to learn how to listen to it instead of always trying to use our brain for every single job.

Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Breaking down the differences between "control" compared to "support" when it comes to working with horses. How there are vast differences between those two methods or ideas that affect how we communicate with our horses from the ground or in the saddle. When do we need control and when do we shift into support during training stages and how those ideas are directly related to our contacts and aids, especially rein contact.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Defining what rein contact really is for riders and how to go about developing an authentic rein contact. Discussion also includes how rein contact is related to our seat balance and what the purpose is behind taking the time to really learn a correct rein contact. Big topic for all of us as humans learning to communicate through the reins with our horses.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: What 'tracking up' means specifically, what it is supposed to indicate as a way of assessing a horse's balance - and why tracking up is NOT a good or reliable indicator of the horse's overall balance or even hindquarter engagement. The discussion also goes over judging criteria that is written compared to how judges actually judge during a competition.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: What are head-setting devices, how to they work and why would we use or not use them on our horses.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: The key differences between snaffle bits and curb bits, plus the differences in mouth pieces. Learn about the traditional uses of different bits in classical Western and English training programs and a touch about hackamores and bit-less bridles.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  
AND - For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Using obstacles can act as a positive stress or a negative stress for the body depending on how the body is balancing during the challenge. Outside obstacles, maneuvers or patterns to not necessarily create or enhance balance, they mostly challenge the current use of the body. While the challenge can act to facilitate a change of use, the challenge can also act to reinforce poor use or dysfunctional with added stress and strain. It all depends on HOW we and our horses balance during the challenge.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Taking a look at how our horse training paradigms can shape our daily work, expectations of ourselves and our horses and whether or not we are happily successful with our horses. Changing how we look at the building blocks of horse training can change everything - and change outcomes!

For a FREE Power Hour consultation please visit: www.kirstennelsen.com

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Are we searching for a feeling as a rider according to what someone is telling us to feel - or are we curious about what we feel while riding? Using our sense of touch, we learn to feel how our horse is moving moment to moment. This internal experience is different for every single person and every single horse. We cannot project what another individual is feeling internally.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Discussion about our internal world and how it is the key to improving riding, horsemanship and even moving through our regular lives with more ease and more control over ourselves. Tapping into our internal world has very few words that help us describe our experience but the experience is the very important point of learning about and becoming familiar with our internal world.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: "It's not how much weight we carry, but how we carry our weight" or in other words, imperfections, mechanical challenges or anomalies, size and shape of our bodies have very little influence on how well we can balance. Moving or riding in balance helps us become stronger and fitter - but we do not have to be strong or fit in order to move or ride in balance.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

FREE TICKET link for the Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair May 31-June 1, 2025 https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/a/23333/a2zsSgDH

NEW: Sign up for Kirsten's email list and get all four of the horse fair videos as part of the welcome sequence and a free monthly newsletter. Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  

Topic: Deb and I discuss what suppling horses means - which is to increase flexibility - but making our horses do yoga poses does not really help if our horse has a habit of moving with unbalanced body weight. Tension through the soft tissues always increases when body weight becomes unequal in any direction. In order to sustain healthy, supple muscles horses must learn to balance and control their body weight distribution during motion.

Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Understanding how the horse's shoulders work anatomically and why we have so many "shoulder issues" while riding. Also - the simplicity of how to correct shoulder issues especially during turns, circles and lateral work.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Heels down is an instruction we have all heard our entire life of riding. While it is an important instruction for all riders, especially novice riders, this instruction can also be taken too far and actually work against our balance and stability in the saddle. How we use all of our joints, not just our ankle joint, can make riding a lot easier or a lot harder.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Another one of those instructions that we have all had drilled into our heads while learning to ride - that also may or may not be interpreted in a helpful way with our horses. Taking a look at how we look, with our minds and our eyes - while riding our horses over fences, in a dressage test or just during our daily workout.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Interview with mental health coach Lynn Lawrence and discussion about how much we can learn from horses about coming into our bodies and out of our heads, how to stay in the present and how to let the past go.

Guest: Lynn Lawrence, mental health coach
Con Brio, Morriston, Florida
www.leofarmsinc.com
Facebook: ConBrio.by.LeoFarms
email: leofarmsinc@gmail.com

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Looking at normal verbal instructions regarding rider's hand use and rein contact and how we typically react to those instructions. How to develop better rein contact by becoming aware of the direction of force we generate in our own bodies while using the reins.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: "Shoulders back" is one of those very common riding instructions that we have heard most of our riding career. But how we put our shoulders back makes a huge difference to our rein contact and our seat stability. There is also a huge difference on how that instruction affects female riders versus male riders.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Discussion about our interpretation of how we move with the horse or how we sit still. Both instructions are not entirely wrong, but are also not entirely accurate. This podcast dives into the details of how we organize our bodies in order to do both - we feel like we are moving in order to keep our skeleton still while coping with the horse's forces of motion.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Defining rider position, which usually goes with language about how to control body parts, and defining rider balance, which needs a different language because it is about how to manage forces of motion. A good rider position does not always lead to good balance. But good rider balance always lands the rider in a classically correct riding position. How we think about our riding makes all the difference.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: How to make simple decisions as a rider and horse owner regarding saddle choices. Touch of saddle fitting theory, saddle design and what to check to make sure the saddle fits you as a rider and fits comfortably on your horse. What to know about professional saddle fitters - and why not to spend extra money getting a custom fit saddle.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Things to consider and think about before selling your horse and what to look at during the process. Whether selling for a profit or re-homing your horse to a better situation, as the horse's current owner we still have a lot to consider.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

FREE TICKET link for the Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair May 31-June 1, 2025 https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/a/23333/a2zsSgDH

NEW: Sign up for Kirsten's email list and get all four of the horse fair videos as part of the welcome sequence and a free monthly newsletter. Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  

Topic: We get to geek out a little in this podcast talking about rotation, which is a function of the spine, and how different it is ideally coordinated in horses compared to people. Addressing rotation issues is not part of any classical horse training and yet it is a reality that becomes a major source of lameness or poor movement if we don't know about it and how to address issues in horses. Hope you can stick with our wandering conversation that involves a bit of physics in order to understand a very important part of balance for horses.

Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Tips and things to think about when we go shopping for a horse. Best practices for finding a good match as a horse buyer and owner.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: A look at trick training, both the practical type tasks and impractical tricks we can teach our horses. Explaining the difference between positive reinforcement and how tricks can become stimulating mental puzzles for our horses or using negative reinforcement that can stress our horses out and cause fear when we make the task achievement the only goal.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Giving treats randomly to horses can actually cause problems but giving treats does not have to be taken entirely out of the picture. Learning how and why to use treats strategically can make treats a very useful tool for encouraging things we want our horse to learn or for overcoming challenges that our domestic horses have to deal with.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Discussion about different aspects of trailer loading related to safety and how horses keep us present with rapid emotional changes which are exaggerated during trailer loading training. Examples are discussed regarding just how bad things can go if we do not gain our horse's confidence with trailer loading.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: How to tell if your horse has a real fear issue or just lacks motivation. When to use treats or food as part of trailer loading and when to take more time because food is just not working. Reading body language and energy levels offered by our horse is how we determine which trailer loading strategies are working or not working for our personal horse. Also included is how to simulate parts of trailer loading or all of trailer loading as part of emergency preparation training.

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Basic Handling is all those things that we do handling our horses daily that are outside of normal training or work time. Issues related to leading, catching, picking up hooves, deworming, shots or tying can become huge challenges for both our horse and us. Learning how to reduce defensiveness and build trust by paying attention to our horse's energy level and body language are the keys to resolving day to day challenges.

Basic Handling Workbook - paperback and ebook versions
Available at  https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/ if issues with Basic Handling skills are currently a big challenge with your horse.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

NEW: Wexford Training monthly newsletter! Get micro lessons with Thoughts to Ponder, Info on new content, learning offers and updates to my calendar delivered to your inbox monthly by signing up on the email list.
Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com

Topic: Defining the difference between correct lateral bending and incorrect lateral bending in our horse's spine and how that relates to various lateral movements such as shoulder fore, shoulder in, half pass and pirouette. Just being able to do lateral movements does not ensure that our horse is mechanically correct or has healthy, functional lateral bending.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

Topic: Discussion with Dr. Gretchen Nelsen, DVM about laminitis, what it is, different types, what causes it and what the symptoms of laminitis are in our horses. Dr. Nelsen also shares when to call the vet, first aid treatments while we are waiting for the vet and things we can do to reduce risks of laminitis for our horses.

For case examples and radiograph details, this podcast is supported with a YouTube video showing some of the visual parts of laminitis. Please see Horse Geeks Lesson: Understanding Laminitis https://youtu.be/2tbLtPe6J9I

Guest: Dr. Gretchen Nelsen, DVM

Hilltop Equine in Eustis, Florida

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

Developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

Topic: How we can use the information provided from scientific research to improve our horse's movement and mechanical soundness. The different versions of how we are taught to help our horses become "straight on a circle" can either lead to ideal mechanical use of the spine or can actually cause dysfunctional use of the spine, leading to many performance issues, behavioral problems or painful lameness issues. Updating our training strategies to reflect what we learn from current research is how we can all help our horses remain healthy at all levels of riding.

Reference: "Spinal Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy" by Jean-Marie D. Denoix, DVM, PhD.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor

www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

Developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

Topic: Third episode reviewing and discussing the research paper, "Spinal Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy" by Jean-Marie D. Denoix, DVM, PhD. The focus of this discussion is on the spinal functions of lateroflexion and rotation in horses and how we can recognize dysfunctional issues.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor

www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

Developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

FREE TICKET link for the Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair May 31-June 1, 2025 https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/a/23333/a2zsSgDH

NEW: Sign up for Kirsten's email list and get all four of the horse fair videos as part of the welcome sequence and a free monthly newsletter. Sign up is at the bottom of the home page at www.kirstennelsen.com  

Topic: Navigating changes in coordination, for both people and horses, can feel like a tricky process. Bodies do not change in a straight progression, they change randomly and in unexpected ways. There are some overall changes that are really significant for both people and horses so we talk about the difference between stabilizing movement through good skeletal coordination compared to doing the same with muscular effort. This transition from muscular stability to skeletal stability is a big deal and a tricky process for all people and horses while improving balance. For horses, there is another big transitional change from stabilizing on the forehand, muscle or bone, into stabilizing through the back and hindquarters. This transition of coordination from the front to the back for horses is also a very big deal and happens gradually when it is authentic.

Guest: Deb Romero, Certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

Topic: Continued discussion of research paper "Spinal Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy" by Jean-Marie D. Denoix, DVM, PhD. Specifically discussing relationship of use between the cervical spine and head position with the thoracolumbar spine and hindquarters.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor

www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

Developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

Topic: Guest Sam McLean talks about the body working techniques she uses with horses and how they work. Acupressure, myofascial, heart math and T-Touch.

recommended videos, books and upcoming course

HeartMath Course link: https://www.rdrequine.com/service-pag...

Strolling Under the Skin video: https://youtu.be/ky0BmGP5nbU

Books: - Equine Myofascial Kinetic Lines (Fascialines.com) by Rikke M Schultz, Tove Due, and Vibeke Elbrond - The Spark in the Machine by Dr Daniel Keown
Guest: Sam McLean, professional equine bodyworker
www.rdrequine.com

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

Developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

Topic: Discussion and practical application of information published in the research paper: "Spinal Biomechanics and Functional Anatomy" written by Jean-Marie D. Denoix, DVM. PhD published 04/01/1999. This a long and important research paper that we will be discussing over several podcast episodes.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor

www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer

Developer of Training for Optimal Balance

www.kirstennelsen.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kirstennelsen.substack.com