Horse Training in Harmony

In this episode, I’ll talk about a trending message that I think is inaccurate and unhelpful. In fact, I think it is working against the best interests of horses and the humans that care so much about them. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of al...

In this episode, I talk about the Dressage Naturally Happy Athlete training scale, and how you can use it as a blueprint for decision-making with your horse. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in...

In this episode I answer a student’s question about how sometimes when riding her horse gets too close to the fence and her legs get rubbed into the arena boards. She shares what her instructor has told her, and of course I’ll share what I think, and give a blueprint for problem-solving such things. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recogn...

In this episode, I talk about why partnership isn’t enough. It’s time to claim your cape and be your horse’s superhero! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturall...

In this episode, I’ll riff off of a student's question to our FB group where she was wrestling with feeling emotionally and physically dysregulated, and what she ‘should’ do with her horse during those times. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of...

In this episode, I’ll describe what I call the Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics. It is a key concept in Dressage Naturally. It can transform the way you train, and it is incredibly powerful as a tool for cooperative training of your horse’s posture and way of moving. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing...

In this episode, I answer a student question about a horse that resists circling on line. My answer includes a specific exercise, as well as some important psychological nuances about how to do the exercise. It’s not just about ‘getting the horse to circle’ it’s about figuring out how to cause the horse to understand and be motivated to join the circle. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and crea...

In this episode I’ll share some words from Nuno Oliveira. They are simple yet powerful and something you can apply to your riding starting today. This also dovetails beautifully with principles and methods taught in my Dressage Naturally program. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educatio...

In this episode I’ll talk about the different types of sessions we can do with our horses. I’ll share how Math class, Gym class, Recess, and Field Trips all play different and important roles in the well-rounded education of your horse in horse school. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian ed...

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of their equine partners. Today we will be talking about needle-shyness, and what we can do to make getting injections a better experience for the horse and the handler. About the Guest: Dr. Lily Wilson, BVetMed BSc(Hons) MRCVS, has a wide breadth and depth...

In this episode I’ll talk about beautiful moments with horses and how we can be sure they are beautiful… Who gets to say? If a horse piaffes in the forest and no one is there to judge it, can it be beautiful? Let’s explore that. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She...

In this episode I talk about one of the most unfortunate terms in the horse world: Breaking Horses. Help me eliminate that word, and even more importantly that practice. We don’t want to break horses, we want to prepare them. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She tea...

In this episode we’ll take a break from techniques, dressage, and horsemanship. I’ll share one of my favorite prose poems. It is something I read regularly. It’s a powerful piece and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches s...

In this episode, I answer a student’s request for me to share more about my own physical challenges, and ways I have dealt with them, as well as how age affects our riding. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from arou...

When is nothing something? What does the foamy head of a beer have to do with living in possibility? In this episode I’ll talk about one of the most powerful exercises I’ve never done. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and leve...

I’ll talk about my perspectives on self-carriage. It’s not just the result of a perfect half halt, it is a mental, emotional, and physical state of being that can be developed much sooner than you think. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all d...

In this episode I’ll talk about a dynamic of human thinking, how it can help us and how it can hurt us. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual progra...

In this episode I am joined by equine fitness expert, Jec Ballou. We talk about how to bring a horse back into foundational fitness after a break. You’ll get lots of valuable information you can use. Everyone is going to need this information at some point in their horse journey. About the Guest: Jec A Ballou’s business is Jec Ballou Equine Fitness and Performance She is a horse trainer and top-se...

In this episode I talk with international dressage rider, trainer and author David De Wispelaere. We talk about his love for horses, and his thoughts about the dressage world and what makes him and his horses happy. I found him to be a kindred spirit and am so happy to have connected with him. I loved our conversation and I think you will too. About the Guest: David De Wispelaere is an internation...

In this episode I talk about the value of the heart-centered equine professional and how important they are for the welfare of horses. I’ll also talk about how some have lost their way, and how to help bring them back to their hearts. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm...

In this episode I’ll talk about why you want to practice riding without reins It can be a humbling experience, but the benefits in the long term make it well worth the effort. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from a...

In this episode I’ll talk about how to know if it’s OK to ‘push’ our horses to do something that seems hard for them. This is a very common question that all trainers and riders have at some point with every horse. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches studen...

In this episode I talk about Curiosity and why it has a big impact on your horse’s trainability and willingness to learn. You may be wondering if I am referring to your, or your horse’s curiosity… I guess you’ll have to listen to find out! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational par...

In this episode I discuss nosebands - What they are for, why I don’t use them, and enough information for you to make your own educated decision about using them in your practice. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels fr...

This episode is a note to students (and trainers) about taking the time to do the basics and why a horse education is about so much more than just riding skills. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the worl...