Horse Wise

Episode 76: Why "good loops" are so important in horsemanship and life. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at https://horsewisecoach.com/scholars/  Each month, the group studies a specific podcast episode --- with customized lessons, videos and private zoom Q&As with Horse Wise podcasts guests.

Episode 75: I interview Dr. Stephen Peters, author of Evidence-Based Horsemanship. Dr. Peters is a neuroscientist who specializes in brain functioning. He has studied the equine brain extensively. His book, co-written with horseman Martin Black, outlines good horsemanship practice actually tracks with how a horse’s brain operates. You can follow Dr. Peters and his work at https://horsebrainscience.info as well as on social media at https://www.facebook.com/evidencebasedhorsemanship If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at https://horsewisecoach.com/scholars/  Each month, the g

Episode 74: In this third episode of the “F-word” series, I discuss the fear of looking bad while riding or working with your horse. And how that seemingly minor fear can sometimes grow into a very negative experience for the horse. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at http://horsewisecoach.com/scholars  Each month, the group s

Episode 73: In this second episode of the “F-word” series, I discuss the fear of missing out (aka FOMO) in horsemanship. And how that particular fear often sets us up to actually miss the most important things that the horse is offering us. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at http://horsewisecoach.com/scholars  Each month, the

Episode 72: In this first installment of the “F-word” series, I discuss the fear of running out of time to learn horsemanship. And how that very fear is exactly what our goal in life should be. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at http://horsewisecoach.com/scholars  Each month, the group studies a specific podcast episode --- w

Episode 71: Why “one small good thing” is the most important principle I bring to my horsemanship practice.  At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at http://horsewisecoach.com/scholars  Each month, the group studies a specific podcast episode --- with customized lessons, videos and private zoom Q&As with Horse Wise podcast

Episode 69: The Horse Wise Scholars podcast study group holds a special, encore Q&A with Dr. Janet Jones. Dr. Jones is a brain scientist and former professor of cognitive science - as well as a lifelong horsewoman and trainer. In her ground breaking book, Horse Brain, Human Brain, Dr. Jones does an in-depth study of the neuroscience of horsemanship.  She describes the scientific differences between human brains and equine brains —while telling entertaining stories of horse case studies. This book is must read for all students of horsemanship! For more information on Dr. Jones’ work, please visit her website at https://janet-jones.com/ and for more information on how to join the Horse Wise Scholars study group, please go to http://horsewisecoach.com/scholars/ At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straight

Episode 68: In this episode, I discuss the gifts I received from three special horses this holiday season. Merry Christmas to all my listeners, clients, fans and equine teachers! At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise Scholars at http://horsewisecoach.com/scholars  Each month, the group studies a specific podcast episode --- with customized

Episode 67: Zoe Mazepa is a young horsewoman full of heart, integrity and love for the horses. Her dedication, hard work and commitment to the art of horsemanship is inspiring. Plus she has tons of entertaining stories about her ongoing horsemanship journey. I really enjoyed interviewing Zoe! She is down to earth, funny and full of enthusiasm — and she has a true calling for her work with horses. If you would like to follow her adventures, please check her on social media at https://www.facebook.com/zoe.mazepa and https://www.instagram.com/zoemazepa/   If you would like more information on Rocking X - A Horseman’s Academy, please check out their website at https://www.rockinx.org/ At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or gen

Episode 66: I took a recent sabbatical to study the concept of pressure and release. What I learned was that there is a huge difference between moving away from pressure versus going toward softness. Both approaches might seem like they get to the same goal. But they each have very different ways of HOW you reach the goal — whether you only move away from pressure (a negative) or whether you actively seek something positive (softness). This is true for both people and horses. How you get to the goal is just as important (maybe even more important) than reaching the goal itself. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And

Episode 65: Cowboy clinicians taught me that grit and refinement go hand in hand. Horsemanship is the art of balance — yin and yang. As Buck Brannaman once said, “Gentle in what you do. Firm in how you do it.” This lesson was profound for me — and kept me safe years later while working with a troubled horse. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewisecoach.com/ And if you’d like to keep up with our news and updates, please join our email list or follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/HorseWiseCoach/ https://www.instagram.com/horse_wise/ If you love the podcast and want more in-depth study,  please check out Horse Wise

Episode 64: Dr. Janet Jones is a brain scientist - as well as a lifelong horsewoman and trainer. In her groundbreaking book, Horse Brain, Human Brain, Dr. Jones does an in-depth study of the neuroscience of horsemanship. By explaining how equine brains work, Dr. Jones demystifies horse behavior and the common misunderstandings between horses and riders. She describes the scientific differences between human brains and equine brains —while telling entertaining stories of horse case studies. This book is must read for all students of horsemanship! For more information on Dr. Jones’ work, please visit her website at https://janet-jones.com/ At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way).  If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit

Episode 63: The ONE key to horsemanship – do you know what it is? If you’re like many horse people, you’re always on the lookout for it. The secret tip, the ultimate hack, the one thing you MUST know. Social media marketing and sponsored ads are full of “the one thing” and the “amazing secret” that you can get by just clicking the link (and buying the advertised service).The trouble is that there are SO many of those “secret tips” – how do you know if you’re buying the right one? I ‘m here to help. I’m going to share the ONE real key you need to know. Ready? There is NO one thing. There are no shortcuts or amazing hacks in horsemanship. You just have to take the time to study and practice horsemanship consistently. Not with big dramatic activities once a month or twice a year. But instead with small daily actions that steadily increase your knowledge and skill. It’s called the compound effect. It’s how horses learn, people change and new patterns develop.The compound effect is the strategy of reapin

Episode 62: Karen Rohlf is the creator of Dressage Naturally, an innovative teaching program that combines dressage and natural horsemanship. Her work includes a ground breaking book (the first to combine dressage and natural horsemanship), one of the first ever video library classrooms and a super unique approach to training your horse in harmony. In our discussion, Karen shares her insights, teaching philosophy and overall love of horses! Her adorable dog Remi also makes an impromptu appearance in the episode. For more information on Karen and Dressage Naturally, please check out her program at http://dressagenaturally.net At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Wise Services, please visit our website for more informa

Episode 61: I had a long and twisted horsemanship journey, starting as an adult beginner.  With time and good teachers (mostly horses), I eventually became a trainer and a coach. But I never forgot where I came from.  That’s why I started the Horse Wise  podcast -- to share my personal study of horsemanship. And to interview people who know more about it than me. The podcast now has listeners in all 50 states – AND 59 countries outside the US! People tell me all the time how much they enjoy the podcast. And they always want to know more. This got me thinking. What if there was a way that people could ask follow-up questions to my guests -- and get mini-lessons on specific podcast topics? All organized in a simple format, easy to follow and keep up with. I got so excited about this idea that I’m starting a new study circle! On June 1, 2021, I’ll be launching Horse Wise Scholars group, which will be a monthly subscription. It will include monthly horsemanship goal (based on podcast episode), alon

Episode 60: Jade Favre is an incredible TB and OTTB expert. In addition to running a successful racing operation, Jade has helped rehome hundreds of OTTBs directly from their racing connections. In her spare time, she raises adorable children and occasionally sleeps lol. Check out this episode to learn more about Jade’s work and her passion for helping OTTBs into successful careers as sport horses. And pls visit her website at JadeFavreSportHorses.com to see all the gorgeous horses in her listings. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). I'm excited to announce that we're starting a new podcast study program!  it will include monthly horsemanship study topics (based on podcast episodes), weekly tutorial and private interviews/Q&A with podcast guests. Simple, fun and focused! If you’d like more

Episode 59: Jec Ballou is the ultimate equine fitness and physiology expert. Her books on corrective exercises, dressage tools and equine training tools have helped thousands of horses and riders. Originally a competitive dressage rider, Jec changed her focus to equine biomechanics after meeting Manolo Mendez. Her journey has included exhaustive study of equine biomechanics, rehabilitation and performance — as well as a far ranging literary study in multiple topics. Jec is an accomplished trainer and writer — her books summarize complex veterinary concepts into easily understood training and conditioning guidebooks for equestrians. Please check out her work, books, online courses and videos at www.jecballou.com. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices,

Episode 58: Ginger Gaffney is the trifecta of horsemanship. A renowned teacher and trainer, Ginger also is a highly successful author. Her debut memoir, Half Broke, details her experiences with an alternative prison ranch in New Mexico. The facility conducts a daring experiment: setting the troubled residents out to retrain an aggressive herd of horses. The horses and prisoners both arrive at the ranch broken in one way or many— the horses often abandoned and suspicious, the residents, some battling drug and alcohol addiction, emotionally, physically, and financially shattered. Ginger Gaffney’s job is to retrain the untrainable. With time, the horses and residents form a profound bond, and teach each other patience, control, and trust. Ginger’s book has received much critical praise and accolades — including selection as a NY Times Editors pick. Please check out her work (both literary and equine) at www.gingergaffney.com. At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can lear

Episode 57: Wendy Murdoch is an internationally recognized teacher, clinician and author — as well as the creator of the Sure Foot Equine Stability Program. A trained scientist, Wendy has dedicated much of her professional life to the study of the equine nervous system. A serious riding injury in the 1980s drew Wendy into the world of the human nervous system — and how to teach the body to relearn stability and balance again. In addition to the innovative Sure Foot program for horses, Wendy has pioneered news ways to teaching riding instruction in fun ways that include her knowledge of horse and human nervous systems. Her avid curiosity about learning theory combined with her passion about horses  makes Wendy especially fun to interview! Please check out her work at www.murdochmethod.com At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a pra

In this episode (#57), I discuss how horses don’t care about your politics. They respond to your presence and your actions -- right now and in the moment. Too often, I see people using horses as a blank screen -- on which they project their emotions, worldview and political beliefs. When the horse doesn’t behave in a way that correlates to those premises, some people will blame the horse than re-evaluate their approach. But the truth is that the horse reflects back reality at all times. Whether we choose to accept that or not is what determines our growth in horsemanship (as well as in our characters). At Horse Wise, I teach people tools so that they can learn how to coach themselves and their horses to progress together as a team. It’s a fun process that shows you how build a good partnership with your horse (in a practical, straightforward way). If you’d like more information on mindset practices, audio coaching or general Horse Services, please visit our website for more information:  http://horsewise