Horse Training in Harmony

In this episode, I’ll talk about horses’ ears and what it means if they are back during training sessions. I’ll talk about 2 different training-related possibilities and the 2 different solutions that go with 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 studen...

In this episode, I answer a question about using food rewards. Many people have trouble using food rewards because their horses end up getting pushy and distracted by the treats, and they end up creating bad behavior instead of rewarding good behavior. The good news is there are steps you can take to set you and your horse up for success.   About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of D...

In this episode I share an interview I did a while back with International dressage trainer and rider Luis Lucio of Spain. He has competed at the highest levels and has also explored and embraced natural horsemanship. I ask him how he knows if his horses are happy, and what he does to keep his horses happy even with the demands of competition. I think you are going to love this conversation. &nbsp...

We all want our horses to be easy to ride and play with. In this episode I’ll talk about how we shouldn’t expect it to be easy to make things easy, what it means to work hard (how that’s different than being difficult), and why you need to fall in love with the process. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing...

In this episode is about Leg Yields. I’ll talk about what they are, why you want to do them, and the most important reason for doing them that most people don’t realize! 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 based on a blog I wrote about Sneaky Disempowerment and 7 steps to avoid it. I’ll talk about what we can do to help ourselves stay at our best.   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 aroun...

In this episode I’ll talk about frustration. It’s an emotion we all have experienced at some point or another. I’ll share some insights into it, I’ll talk about why we want to learn how to manage it, but I’ll also talk about how it can sometimes serve us.   About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equ...

In this episode I talk about the dangers of comparing ourselves to others. For some, comparison can inspire and energize, but for so many students it only serves to discourage and deflate. I’ll share my thoughts on this dynamic and offer some solutions. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian e...

In this episode I will talk about anticipation vs assumption. I’ll look at how we can use consistency and variety in an artful way to achieve the result we want from our horses. I’ll share some very specific examples of exercises you can do to create a state of readiness that is so important in our equine athletes.   About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an...

Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking is a Speaker, Coach, and Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience helping people create and achieve their goals. She’s developed unique systems to help her clients get a grip on their time and step up to the next level in their life or business. She is also a friend and horse-lover. In this episode we’ll be talking about how to have time to do the things you lov...

In this episode I’ll share 12 principles of Dressage Naturally. These are some of the most important guidelines for success. When things start going wrong, I always remind myself of these principles. They are foundational, so they are always the best place to start when trying to problem-solve.   About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally reco...

This is a recording of an interview I did with Dr. Jenifer Zeligs as part of a Happy Horse Interview Series. Jenifer is the author of Animal Training 101 and has worked with a wide range of exotic animals as well as horses. She currently works with Sea Lions. I think you will love her insights and educated perspective on this subject!   About the Guest: Jenifer Zeligs, Ph. D is a world renown...

This is a recording of a 2020 interview I did with Luca Moneta (Grand Prix Jumper from Italy). We talked about the subject of Happy Horses. He shares his thoughts on what makes horses happy and how he helps his horses be more happy. His accent is strong, but what he says is so powerful, I know you will find it worthwhile to listen to!   About the Guest: Luca Moneta is a third level instructor...

The 2020 (2021) Olympics just finished, so I thought I would muse about my thoughts around competition, and what quality is most needed in equestrian sports in order for us to continue to have a future on the main stage.   About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. ...

It’s an amazing feeling when our horses are truly ‘with us’. In this episode I’ll talk about what that means, and some things we can do to experience it more often.   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 aroun...

This episode marks 1 full year of my podcast! I am celebrating and musing about this past year. Along the way I’ll talk about emotions, challenges, and motivation. Thank you for making this podcast in the top 1% of all podcasts globally!   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 talk about using your energy. I teach that we need to use our intention and body language and energy with our horses, but what does that really mean? HOW do we really do it? In this episode I’ll explore and explain different types of energy such as invisible, inviting, sending, and surrendering energy.   About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturall...

In this episode I’ll talk about something I think about a lot when training and maintaining my horses. I also use this technique when teaching, to help students learn how to choose what to focus on when training their horses at home. That technique is to identify the ONE thing that will have the biggest impact for achieving the best result for your horse. We can often think of lots of things we wa...

What to do when your horse says: ‘I don’t like that’... In this episode I answer a question about a horse who doesn’t like going into the barn at the facility they board at. She wants to know how to handle it when her horse shows her he doesn’t like something. This is something we all have experienced at one point or another and I love that this question is being asked… It shows a respect for the...

In this episode I’ll be speaking with Dr. Juliet Getty of Getty Equine Nutrition (https://gettyequinenutrition.com/). We’ll talk about how to feed your horse like a horse, supplementation, and CBD for horses. You’ll want a pen and paper for this one!   About the Guest: Dr. Juliet M. Getty has been working with horses and their owners for more than 25 years. As a horse owner herself, everythin...

In this episode I speak Daniel Nevins, a fine art painter and licensed professional psychotherapist. We discuss art, life, harmony, and how they all connect to horses. You may want to have a pen and paper handy for this one, and plan on listening a couple times. To learn even more about what Daniel offers go to: https://www.anxietysolutionsasheville.com / and http://www.danielnevins.com/   Ab...

In this episode I speak with one of the top 10 body language experts in the world, Greg Hartley. We’ll talk about reading body language, interrogation techniques and how they relate to horses and horses training (they are remarkably similar) - He’ll also talk about our own body language and the importance of your own awareness of it, and what to do when you feel fear. About the Guest: Greg Hartley...

In this episode I’ll answer a student’s question about how to ‘start over’ with her older horses, now that she realizes that the experience they have had their whole lives was not so good for them… but she simply didn’t know a different way existed. This episode is great for anyone looking to start fresh with their horses, no matter what their age. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator o...

In this episode I’ll be talking with Carla Bauchmueller of The Intuitive Rider ( theintuitiverider.com ). Carla is a level A licensed trainer of the German Federation, Centered Riding Instructor and yoga teacher… I really enjoyed talking with Carla. She exudes joy and it is quite contagious. We’ll talk about finding magical moments with our horses and in life, the power of breath work, and masteri...

In this podcast, I’ll share some musing about lessons I’ve learned while riding - a tractor! I’ll talk about the dangers of getting stuck in ruts and the power of erasing stories. This one is about horses, but it’s definitely about life too. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author, and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational...