Horse Training in Harmony

In this episode I’ll talk about the 9+1 conversations you can have with your horse and how to use them to create different gymnastic movements and exercises. This episode will give you a new way of observing your horse and new exercises to try. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educationa...

In this episode, I’ll share my thoughts and strategies about what I do with my horses when I am traveling a lot or when my schedule is more erratic. It’s a really common challenge for busy people who want to make progress with their horses. This episode will give you ideas about how you can make progress even when your time with your horse is inconsistent. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and c...

In this episode I’ll talk about beginner’s luck, beginner’s mind, and the scale of competence, and how confidence can be over-rated… all inspired by a couple days in the kitchen making macarons for the first (and second) time. When I go into the kitchen, interesting things often come out… hopefully, this podcast is one of them. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally,...

Cathy Woods, creator of Body, Mind, Equine (TM), and author of Yoga for Riders; is a pioneer in combining yoga, mindfulness, and horsemanship to improve horsemanship from ground to saddle through the use of yoga postures and principles; supporting mindfulness in horsemanship and supporting equestrian wellness. In this podcast, I talk to her about what it means to create your own personal practice...

This episode is about the power of clear, concise, communication… I’ll share a funny story from a clinic and how it turned into a challenging, powerful, and effective exercise for forming questions and answers to problems. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teache...

In this episode I will explore the elusive, confusing, mystifying mystery known as the half halt - the dressage student’s white whale. Many other teachers have gone before me, claiming to be able to simplify it, demystify it and clarify it but they end up just complicating it. I’m usually pretty good at explaining things… So is this episode going to clarify or confuse or complicate the half halt e...

In this episode, I’ll share a couple of life hacks for making sure you do things you want to do. This will help you stop procrastinating, and will make it easier to make the progress you want to make. 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 disc...

In this episode, I’ll share a summary of a recent 4-part Video Series where I give 4 valuable lessons on how to improve how your horse moves, and each lesson has an exercise. I’ll lead you through a process of dreaming, observing, going back to determine the root of any issues, then explain how to use playfulness to improve your horse’s posture and way of moving. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, autho...

In this episode, I talk with popular clinician, educator, & podcaster, Warwick Schiller. Warwick comes from the reining world, where he was NHRA Reserve World Champion. He since has gone through a transformation in how he trains and teaches. In this conversation, we go into horsemanship, the horse business, personal development… and so much more! You can find out more about Warwick at: https:/...

In this episode, I’ll share another favorite exercise that you can try right away. You’ll learn how and why asking yourself 3 questions while you are playing with your horse can keep you focused, get results, and keep you calm. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She t...

In this podcast, I’ll explain one of my favorite exercises that can be done at a basic or advanced level. I call it The Grid and it can improve communication, seat connection, engagement, balance, timing, feel… I could go on and on. I think you’ll love playing with this! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changin...

Choosing who to work with can be a challenge. In this episode I’ll talk about seeing beyond the words that trainers and instructors say in order to get more of a real idea of what they are doing. 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 disciplin...

In this episode I am joined by DN Licensed instructor Shawna Lewis to talk about the challenges students have had with putting their horses in training. We’ll share stories of when it worked and when it didn’t, and will give tips for how to set yourself up for success if you think you need to put your horse in training. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an i...

We’ve all heard the phrase: ‘Awareness is the first step’. In this episode I’ll explore the art of noticing… And how it’s not as simple to do as it seems. 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 he...

In this super short episode I’ll talk about a really important question you need to have up your sleeve. It will help you stay clear and on track when you feel stuck or lost. 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 ar...

This episode is about one of the most important concepts in riding: Active Neutral. Active Neutral is where we embody, confirm, and allow that which we asked our horse to perform. It is a mental, emotional, and physical state where we want for nothing else. Most of the ‘magical moments’ we have with our horses are when we are in a state of Active Neutral. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and cr...

In this episode I’ll tell the story of how a normal dressage trainer started doing natural horsemanship (yeah it’s about me). I’ll share the horse that got me started, the most important change I made, and how it’s a different story from most. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational...

This is the 100th episode of the pod! To celebrate, I will be sharing lessons I found on page 100 of some of my favorite horse and non-horse books, including, of course, my own book: Dressage Naturally - Results In Harmony . There’s something for everyone in this episode, from an exercise to help with your horse’s connection with the reins, to living a life in love. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, au...

In this episode I consolidate information I gained from interviewing several other professionals about how to have happy horses. (You can find some of those interviews in previous episodes of this pod) I’ll pull together the common threads of what they said, I’ll give you some exercises to do, and will go deeper into some of the important points. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of...

What if, in times of tension, there was one question you could ask yourself that would lead to happiness? In this episode I’ll share a technique I use in life and horsemanship. I’m not sure if it is a horsemanship technique that informed my life or a life technique that informed my horsemanship, but it helps equally with each and I hope it helps you. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator...

In this episode I’ll talk about problems and problem-solving, but probably not in a way you’ve heard before. I’ll explore how we think about problems, and what we bring to the problem as the first step in solving it. This episode is for everyone, because everyone is going to experience problems. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized...

In this episode I’ll talk about the adjustments I make when it gets HOT. Hopefully this will help you and your horse have a more enjoyable summer. The concept of adjusting for weather could also apply to winter challenges, too. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She t...

In this episode I’ll talk about what to do to help a horse who has become arena sour. Whether your horse flat out refuses to go in the arena, or if he is just a flatter duller version of himself this episode will give you some things you can do to help your horse love the arena (or at least stop hating it). About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationall...

In this episode, you’ll meet DN Instructor, Michelle Young. Michelle will share the story of her horsemanship transformation and will talk about common student challenges (and her solutions). About the Guest: Michelle Young is a trainer and instructor who helps create connection and understanding between horses and humans. She specializes in dressage, healthy biomechanics, foundational training, a...

In this episode you’ll meet DN Instructor, Shelby Hume. Shelby will share five of her favorite concepts to help riders be the best they can be for their horses. This episode is chock full of tips and information! About the Guest: Shelby Hume has a unique background that includes 4H, reining, dressage, natural horsemanship, art and Tae Kwon Do. She was director of riding at a college with Equestria...