Horse Wise

Episode 85: What to do when ending on a good note goes wrong.

Episode 84: How a few small changes made a big difference in my horsemanship.

Episode 83: Under pressure with your horse? Become the release for him, the open door that guides him to peace. And remember — it’s never too late to become what you might have been. At least that's what George Eliot said.

Episode 82: The difference between nice ladies and macho cowboys as horse owners. It's not as big as you might think.

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 podcast guests.

Episode 81: The difference between gurus and guides in horsemanship education -- and why I have such a strong preference for the guide approach.

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). 

Episode 80: Brent and Kris Graef on how to make the right thing obvious (for both young horses and people). For more information on their wonderful horsemanship work, please go to https://www.brentgraef.com/  This interview is part of the series "Teachers who teach the teachers" in my Horse Wise Scholars podcast study group.

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).

Episode 79: The difference between fixating on rewards versus pursuing knowledge (for you and your 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).

Episode 78: Amy Skinner and I discuss emotionalism in horsemanship. Or as I like to put it, the wrong kind of “feel” to offer your horse. Please check out Amy’s work on her website https://amyskinnerhorsemanship.com/

t 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).

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).

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

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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). 

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 reaping huge rewards from small, seemingly insignificant actions. Small choices + consistency + time = significant results. Simple. Not easy. But always rewarding (in the long run). 

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

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.

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.

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).

Leading a horse is one of the best ways to communicate with your horse — in ways that translate into practical results under saddle. In this episode (#56), I discuss why your lead rope is nothing like a leash -- and why that's a good thing.

As part of the our youth education services, we have started a Horse Wise® Horsemanship Buckle for 4-H groups. In this episode (#55), I discuss the buckle standards and why we decided to start this specific initiative. The buckle requirements focus on learning ground work techniques -- to help young riders become more aware of their horses (and learn to "do less sooner" for better partnership and performance). Prize includes the buckle AND $100 cash prize. If you work with a 4-H club and are interested in our buckle series (and its requirements), please email me at horsewisecoach@icloud.com.

Alicia Landman has devoted her life to the study and dedicated practice of horsemanship. I’ve been inspired by her work for years — and I especially admire her willingness to always evolve as a horsewoman and teacher. In this episode (#54), we discuss the importance of embracing the basics — and how fun it is to discover new nuances in those basics each year. Alicia also shares her decision to take a sabbatical from teaching for a month — so she can focus on her young horses and on developing her skills even further. Please check out Alicia’s work at https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Byberg-Landman-Horsemanship-169812219699049

In this episode (#53), I look back at 2020 as it draws to a close.. For me, this most unusual year was full of unexpected gifts. Most especially, a return to classical study that led me to become a better student of the horse. Happy New Year from me and the equine teachers (Santo & Cozy) at Horse Wise!

Often the biggest questions have the simplest answers. In this episode (#51), I discuss how two words (“it depends”) have given me much insight over the years — especially in 2020.

Sometimes horsemanship insight comes from unexpected sources. In this episode (#48), I discuss how big waver surfer Laird Hamilton, yoga workouts and a tall QH named Santo helped me learn several key lessons.

Renowned horsewoman Kathleen Beckham has spent decades in pursuit of horsemanship excellence. A lifelong student of the horse, Kathleen shares her knowledge via her blog, FB study group as well as ongoing lessons, clinics and coaching sessions. I’ve followed Kathleen for years on FB — and have found her blog posts to be incredibly helpful and insightful. What is remarkable about Kathleen is her dedication to personal growth and ongoing learning in her own work. As a talented young professional trainer, Kathleen’s world was upended by a debilitating stroke at age 28. Undeterred, Kathleen steadily climbed out of a long rehab and returned to her work in the horse world. Since then, she has continued to deepen her skills (and stretch herself beyond her comfort zone). From traveling clinician to riding for the public to developing colts into safe riding horses — and then writing about each step of her journey in wonderful detail — Kathleen truly is always thinking about horses. For more information on Kathleen and her work, please visit:

It’s easy to get fixated on a certain result and grit our teeth through the process to achieve that result. But the irony is that the process itself is actually the result. Join me on this episode as I discuss how this is true in both horsemanship and life in general.

Many times, riders feel frustrated and behind schedule with their horse. It can be tempting to rush and try to catch up as fast as possible. But ironically this approach will have the opposite effect — and will create more setbacks. In this episode, I discuss why the hurry and catch up mentality works against both you and your horse. I also examine the classically negative (if unintentional) motivation behind this mindset— and how to ask yourself a key question to avoid this pitfall. The bottom line is that it isn’t about getting more things done with your horse (as fast as possible). Instead, it’s about how to get the right things done with your horse. The little things that help him become balanced, straight and supple —and that mean the most to the horse. Those are the things that we never “catch up” on — but instead are the focus of each ride, slowly and steadily building a consistency and compound effect over time.

No one will be surprised to learn that my favorite way to coach involves talking. I’m known for my colorful teaching style — lots of vivid metaphors, humorous stories and (of course) laughter. My regular clients will recognize serious curriculum concepts like “giant stripper boobs” and “50 lbs of queso in your pockets.” While I’m not exactly the Spanish Riding School in terms of presentation, I love to coach — and my favorite way to do is through audio coaching. In this episode, I describe what’s unique about my customized audio coaching services (besides references to strippers and queso). I also include a real audio coaching segment I did for a special client and her horse. Best of all, I include a super fun offer to my listeners to email me any issues with their horses or horsemanship that they would like assistance with. I will be selecting one or two each week — and will do a customized audio coaching segment for them on the podcast! My email is horsewisecoach@icloud.com 1

“Horse trainers train horses. Horsemen work on themselves.” -Tom Dorrance

“Horse trainers train horses. Horsemen work on themselves.” -Tom Dorrance

The concept of turning loose is very important in horsemanship. When a horse “turns loose” and trusts a person, it is such a key moment. The horse essentially allows the person to guide him fully — even into unknown situations and circumstances. It is not exactly submission (in my opinion) — it’s more of a voluntary surrender to allow the person to fully direct his feet, mind and body. It’s an honor and privilege when a horse lets down his guard and allows himself to trust a person. In this episode, I share the story of Ellie, a fierce little mare who could not turn loose — even when it was a life or death situation.

When horses are in a state of learned helplessness, they are shut down and in a form of cocoon. Over time, they have learned not to try — to always stay within their comfort zone. Sometimes this can show in a horse as a stoic form of behavior (on the surface). The horse seems unflappable — mostly because he isn’t entirely present. But — once you ask him to go outside his normal routine or habits, that same horse will often become very emotional and troubled. People also can learn not to try. In this episode, I discuss the difference between a horse and a person who both displayed learned helplessness during key sessions with teachers.

One of my favorite books is Turning Pro by Stephen Pressfield. It describes the importance of taking ownership in your work (and your life). The book is short, direct and full of humor. When I finished the book, I sat back and thought about a particular mare long ago. She was injured, frightened and needed to be transported asap from a busy fairground facility. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my usual mentors weren’t available — and I had to figure out a way to safely load her on the trailer. While well-meaning spectators offered advice and tools ranging from ropes to brooms to holistic solutions. It was quite an experience for both me and the mare!

Most of us dread the idea of doing things wrong. But the only way to learn how to do something right is to do it wrong at first. Or many times. When it comes to riding and horsemanship, we have to learn (and feel) for ourselves what the right things are. A good teacher will help set it up so you can discover what the right thing is on your own — rather than just being told to do something a certain way. And of course the same is true for horses!