Easier Movement, Happier Life

Send Mary a message Maybe you’re learning a new form of bodywork and you can’t wait to use it to help your horse. But your horse says, “No thanks!” In this episode, you'll hear about the strategies I use to help horses relax, enjoy and benefit from hands-on work.   In this episode, I discuss: - The importance of understanding your horse's past experiences - The power of connected breathi...

Send Mary a message How can this feel easier? It's one of my favorite questions. But for many of us, we're so used to trying hard, to struggling, that we forget that things could feel easier for us and our horses. This episode discusses the common "addiction" to struggling with horses and its negative impact on the horse-human relationship. Key Takeaways - Importance of movemen...

Send Mary a message Rocking your horse can have positive effects on a horse's muscles, nervous system, and overall movement. Rocking should be done with lightness, effortlessness, and pleasure for both horse and rider. Being well-organized and coordinated is important for effective communication with the horse.   Key Takeaways from this episode: - Dressage rider realizes that her horse isn&ap...

Send Mary a message Did you know that your horse’s sternum plays a key role in helping your horse round the back easily? The sternum and ribs are often overlooked, yet they play a key role in ensuring horses have freer, healthier and more comfortable movement. In this episode, Mary Debono discusses the role of the rib cage in reducing stress and wear and tear on the horse’s back, neck and limbs. W...

Send Mary a message 💥 Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse ! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse In this episode, Mary Debono delves into the common challenge of girthy horses who dislike being tacked up and shares her mission to transform it into a positive experience for you and your horse: Transforming Tacking...

Send Mary a message 💥 Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse ! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse Wish your hips were more flexible or comfortable? Learn why the Feldenkrais Method Ⓡ is different from stretching and strengthening programs. To improve your hips, explore this holistic, whole-body approach to movement...

Send Mary a message Learn why the Feldenkrais Method Ⓡ is gaining in popularity among equestrians. This innovative approach can improve your flexibility, balance and strength. And it can feel almost effortless.    In this episode, you'll hear how the Feldenkrais Method can improve your ability to ride easily and comfortably - at any age!     Want to know more?  Key Takeaways:    Feldenkrais M...

Send Mary a message Ready to improve your body awareness?  Mary Debono guides you through a transformative body scan exercise designed to enhance your body awareness and melt away tension. Discover how subtle shifts in your own body can lead to a more harmonious connection with your horse. This practice will not only improve your riding skills, but also leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Y...

Send Mary a message 💥Want to learn how to help you and your horse even more? Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse ! 🐴 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 💥 Would you like to be more supple, balanced and strong? Would you like to improve your horse's movement too? In this episode, we'll discuss why simp...

Send Mary a message Learn Practical Strategies to Cultivate Awareness and Release Tension Join host Mary Debono as she explores the harmful effects of doing too much, both for humans and horses. Through anecdotes and insights, discover how excessive tension impacts movement and well-being. Learn practical strategies to cultivate awareness and release unnecessary effort. Tune in for a transformativ...

Send Mary a message Do you feel crooked in the saddle? You're not alone! In this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Horses, we'll dive into the problem of uneven seat bones. This common issue isn't just about aesthetics. It can affect your riding ability, contribute to a lack of confidence, create physical discomfort, and even throw your horse off balance. It’s an incredibly common...

Send Mary a message You may pay attention to how your horse looks and feels, but do you notice how your horse SOUNDS? Listening to your horse's footfalls can help you detect imbalances in your horse's movement and posture. And catching such imbalances early, while they're hardly noticeable, may prevent them from turning into more serious problems. In this episode, Mary will explain...

Send Mary a message Want you and your horse to move easier and feel better? In this episode, you'll learn about 4 key characteristics of healthy movement for you and your horse. You'll hear why one or more of these essentials may disappear when you tack up your horse or step into the saddle.  Learn how you and your horse can embody these 4 qualities in your everyday life for a healthier...

Send Mary a message Host Mary Debono, Feldenkrais Method Practitioner, shares insightful stories and practical wisdom on the profound impact of cultivating flexibility of body and mind for horses and riders.  Mary describes real-life examples, showcasing how gentle, mindful movements can lead to remarkable changes in posture and physical comfort as well as the emotional well-being of both humans a...

Send Mary a message Feel begins with being aware of your own body and movements. Here's an effective exercise that can help you become more sensitive to yourself AND your horse.    Enhancing awareness of your own body is the first step to developing a greater feel of your horse. But it doesn't end there. It's also critical to be aware of your horse's body and movements.  In thi...

Send Mary a message Would you like to take something that you're probably already doing and make it much more beneficial for your horse? In this short episode, you can learn how to: Develop your ability to tune in to your horse and identify areas of tension or soreness Reduce neuromuscular tension in your horse, promoting relaxation and comfort Stimulates the CLTMs, specialized nerve fibers t...

Send Mary a message Many of us move in ways that lead to injury, strain and pain.  That's a recipe for resistance and frustration - for both you and your horse!  In this episode, you'll discover how to use the 4 pillars of healthy movement to improve your athletic ability and be a better partner for your horse.    1. The Four Hallmarks of Healthy and Efficient Movement (00:00 - 05:59) 2....

Send Mary a message Did you know that YOU get to decide who you are? Not your parents, teachers, siblings, friends, coworkers, or random people on the internet.  But most of us don’t realize that. We’ve let others shape us and decide who we are. We create our identities, often at a young age.  And these identities can often prevent us from achieving our full athletic and creative potential.  The g...

Send Mary a message Let's talk about how you - and your horse - can effortlessly improve your movement and well-being. Despite aging, injuries or even limiting beliefs! Here's what you can learn in this episode:  1. Keeping Mobility, Flexibility, Balance and Confidence Despite Aginng or Injury (or both!) Tips to Help (00:00 - 05:58) 2. Embracing Biological Optimism: Compounding Benefits...

Send Mary a message Let's talk about how you can effortlessly improve your movement. And your horse's performance.  Many of us force ourselves into a straighter posture and endure uncomfortable stretches in an attempt to improve our position and flexibility. And we use that same mindset with our horses. We use our seat, legs, hands and voice to "get" a horse to bend through a c...

Send Mary a message This episode will introduce a novel way to improve shoulder movement in you and your horse.  And it's all about working with the rib cage! Mary will describe the innovative way she helps humans and horses overcome ligament and tendon injuries and restore free, healthy movement to the shoulders. You'll hear what NOT to do as well. Mary explains why stretching the limb...

Send Mary a message Do you wish your horse was more willing and enthusiastic? Do you ever think of your horse as lazy or stubborn? Do you wish your horse would pay more attention to you? In this episode, Mary gives you tips to use leading as a fun way to connect with your horse and have a more willing, enthusiastic equine partner. Done mindfully, a simple activity, such as leading your horse, can...

Send Mary a message Discover how haltering sets the tone for your interaction with your horse and how simple changes  can elevate your equine relationship. You'll hear how mindful haltering can even improve your horse's willingness and athletic performance! In this episode, you'll learn why it's important to pay attention to subtle cues that your horse is giving you that can ei...

Send Mary a message In this episode, you’ll learn how horses and humans get stuck in “habit ruts” that contribute to stiffness, soreness and general unhappiness. Mary will explain how to use small changes to your everyday routine to break out of that rut and help you and your horse become more flexible, focused and enthusiastic.   You’ll discover how to use novelty and variation to improve balance...

Send Mary a message Understanding and Addressing Back Pain in Horses and Riders  Back pain and stiffness is a very common problem for horses and humans alike. And there's often a common reason why your back - or your horse's back - gets stiff and sore.  In this podcast episode, I explain what that reason is and how you can prevent back soreness or stiffness in you and your horse.   I als...