Horse Training in Harmony

In this episode I talk about a happy shift I have noticed with beginner and novice riders I have seen these days compared to the past. It has to do with a change in priorities. 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...

In this episode I’ll be talking about the brain and the butt. How they relate, when you need to connect them, and when you need to separate 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 all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics...

In this episode I respond to a student’s question about ‘endings’, specifically when dreams we have with our horses come to an end. This will be more about life lessons than horse lessons… but isn’t it always horses who cause us to strive to be our best? About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian...

In this episode I’ll talk about the idea of dominance and submission. It’s less of a scientific dissertation, and more of a discussion of those terms and the practical application in real life. Plus there’s a bonus story about the power of belief. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educati...

In this episode I’ll talk about a recent symposium hosted by the Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute where I was invited to do 2 demonstrations. I’ll share about the event and the highlights of my demonstrations and of course, will gush about how cool my horses are. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changin...

In this episode I’ll be talking with Mary Debono. She is a certified Feldenkreis practitioner focused on helping horses and riders enjoy freer, healthier movement even if challenged by injury, arthritis, anxiety or pain. We found a lot of common ground with how we approach improving horse’s movement so I think you will really love our conversation! About the Guest: Mary Debono helps horses and rid...

This episode is Part 2 of last week’s pod, where I continue to look at how to improve your horse’s movement. We’ll look at some often-missed root causes for unhealthy biomechanics and the most important conversations you need to have with your horse in able to improve how your horse moves. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clini...

In this episode, I’ll look at how to improve your horse’s movement. I’ll talk about the very first steps that are usually over-looked. Instead of jumping right into aids to change their bodies, we’re going to take a moment to observe. This is Part 1. Part 2 is the next episode. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is...

In this episode I talk with DN instructor Michelle Young, from Canada. In becoming a DN instructor, she realized how DN clinics can be much different than what some people may expect. So we’ll chat about why clinics in general are valuable, and what makes DN clinics so special. About the Guest: Michelle Young is a trainer and instructor who helps create connection and understanding between horses...

In this episode I’ll talk about Opposition Reflex - what it is and how to deal with it 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 her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual progra...

In this episode, I share one of my horse’s personal breakthrough moments. It was less about training and more about helping him reconnect with his playful power. This is a horse that has caused me to re-evaluate my goals and expectations, and re-define what success looks like for the horse, rather than for myself. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an interna...

In this episode I answer a student’s question about leading and following. She wants to go deeper into following to create more harmony but without giving up her leadership. I’ll discuss some concepts around this, and will also describe how to practice it with your horse.  About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is...

In this episode I’ll talk about ways to measure your success without competing. It’s so helpful to measure your progress so you know where you are and what you need to work on… even more importantly so you can realize how far you’ve come! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational para...

Want to hang out with me while I do some chores? In this episode you will come along with me as I spend some time grooming Ovation and finishing up some chores one evening. I’ll muse about having an intention even for ‘mundane’ moments, noticing differently, health benefits of loving on your horse, and mostly, you’ll just be with me as I hang out with my horses. Hopefully you’ll find this at least...

In this episode I’ll be talking with Clare MacLeod, MSc RNutr. Clare is an independent Equine Nutritionist who is registered with the UK Association for Nutrition. She has expertise in equine health and fitness, and provides advice and consultancy to horse owners, managers, vets, and the horse feed industry. She also offers an equine nutrition learning center which is a searchable resource where y...

In this episode we discuss 6 essential gymnastic abilities. These are the skills that live inside all the movements as you go up the levels. What’s nice is that you can master these abilities starting earlier than you think, so when the harder, more physically demanding versions come up you are ready! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally reco...

In this episode I talk with friend of the pod, Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking of True Focus Coaching. Dr. Sarah is a Speaker, Coach, and Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience helping people create and achieve their goals. We’ll talk about the importance of fueling yourself first, and learning how to get the important things done so your time and energy spent can have the biggest positive im...

In this episode I’ll muse about how to be a perfect DN student - only kidding - It’s all about you creating YOUR dream, and using us to help you get there. 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 h...

In this New Year’s episode I’ll talk about the value of taking things lightly, plus story-time with Karen as she reads a light-hearted story by Mark Twain. 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 h...

In this episode I’ll talk to world-renowned veterinarian and equine educator Dr. Alberto Rullan. Dr. Rullan lives in Ocala, FL where he owns Performance Equine Veterinary Services & their on-site rehabilitation & condition center EPIC: Equine Performance Innovative Center. He was voted the #1 vet in Ocala and EPIC has the honor of #1 equine facility, no small feat in a known known as The H...

In this episode I’ll share key takeaways from a recent DN instructor meeting. I’ll share about important themes in DN, and how we aim to help you! 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 clinic...

This episode is not just for the professionals! It’s for everyone. If we want horses to have a happier life, we ALL are part of the team of support. In this episode I’ll talk about the importance of helping heart centered horse professionals with three things that will help them thrive. I’ll offer some advice and things they can start doing right away to create a more fulfilling, sustainable and p...

If you want to progress, you have to be ready and willing to change. In this episode I’ll take a closer look at the paradox of change, and how to be better at it. 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 wor...

I invited 5-Star Master Parelli Professional, Liberty expert, and friend David Lichman to the pod to talk about what he calls: Liberty as a lifestyle. This episode will give you a lot to think about when it comes to your daily life in partnership with your horses and will tempt you to think about who you need to be for your horse to want to be with you. About the Guest: David Lichman is a 5-Star M...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon that has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of their equine partners. Her special interests are: species-appropriate husbandry; anatomy and locomotion; pain physiology; ethical training; and mutually beneficial coexistence of people with the natural world. Lily is now combining her passions into a...