The Centaur

This interview with Amy and Nate Bowers highlighted the power of relationships—both with each other and through their work with horses. Amy is a trainer and eventer who teaches lessons and clinics for horse owners across the U.S. Nate is also a trainer who works with cattle and offers cow clinics. Both are passionate horse people, and both are highly ambitious. Amy was ranked No. 23 among the top...

Angelo Telatin's passion for horses began in his childhood in Italy. Because he wasn't allowed to ride as a child, he found other ways to be around horses. Working as a swim instructor and singing in an a cappella choir taught Angelo to rely on kinesthetic learning, timing, voice, and feel—skills that became foundational in his riding and teaching. He began riding at 21 years old. Learning as an a...

Jessica Litt is a former professional horse jockey, tea importer, and competitive marathon runner. In 199, after a 14-year career as a jockey, she retired and took over her family business, The House of Tea. In 2020, she relocated the business to Aiken, South Carolina. Along with running a business, Jessica competes in marathon events and earned second place in her age group at the 2022 Beirut Mar...

Cat Caldwell Myers is the founder of The Adventure Paradox podcast, which blends personal growth, mindfulness, and outdoor adventures with animals to empower individuals to live authentically. Drawing from her background in outdoor leadership and coaching, she helps clients embrace curiosity and step into their potential while navigating their fears. Cat is an Equine-Assisted Life Coach and offers...

Kimry Jelen is an equine artist and painter residing in a small town in the Oregon High Desert. Her work is inspired by the natural beauty of her surroundings and the horses she encounters. With a background in fashion design, she previously collaborated with Royal Robbins, a prominent figure in the early climbing community of Yosemite and the founder of Royal Robbins Clothing. Kimry has exhibited...

Sylvia Zerbini is a ninth-generation circus artist, raised by trapeze artists and wild animal trainers. She is a former star performer with Cavalia and Ringling Circus, captivating audiences worldwide. Today, she showcases her unique show, Grande Liberté, featuring a herd of Arabian horses at prestigious venues. When not performing, Sylvia teaches equine liberty and aerial fitness, and she hosts i...

Alex Conrad is a professional eventer who founded Conrad Equestrian in 2018. He recently participated in a 4-star event and offers clinics, lessons, and training. Alex emphasizes that "riding is only 30 percent" of his work with horses. He is a true advocate for horses and is dedicated to mentoring young riders. www.conradequestrian.com To learn more about the Centaur Podcast and sign up for free...

The Centaur Podcast is on the road! I was a volunteer at the Thoroughbred Makeover created by The Retired Racehorse Project to showcase the trainability and talent of off-track Thoroughbreds. The competition is intended to inspire good trainers to become involved in transitioning these horses to second careers. This is the only national gathering of the organizations, trainers, and farms dedicated...

Jeanette Gower has been breeding Australian Stock Horses for over 55 years in South Australia, operating under the Chalani prefix. Together with her daughter Kim, they have achieved notable success with their stud across Australia. In addition to breeding, Jeanette taught adult Equine Studies for 19 years and has written various books and articles for equine publications. She is also the author of...

As an instructor and educator, the best way to learn is to ask for feedback from your students. So I did! This is a very special interview where I spoke with two students who participated in my unmounted equine learning program, and their mother who played an active role in bringing more homeschool families to my new program. This show is dedicated to Hunter, Romeo, Pixie and Fluff. We love you! T...

Kate Neligan is an equine-partnered coach and facilitator. She found her calling to awaken the world through the power of the human-animal bond. She partners with horses and goats to help people become more present and connected so they can shine brighter and achieve their dreams. She offers in-person and zoom sessions. She is based in California. www.kateneligan.com

Dr. Joyce Harman is a retired veterinarian who holds certifications in acupuncture and chiropractic care, and has received advanced training in homeopathy and herbal medicine. She created Harmany Equine Clinic, a holistic equine practice where she treated all types of horses from backyards to Olympic caliber. She has served as past president for the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association...

Julie Robins is an equine behavior and relationship specialist with a passion for helping equestrians confidently develop safe, fun, and functional equine partnerships for any discipline. She created The Horsemanship Academy in 2005 to share her knowledge and expertise. In 2023, she created the non-profit, Leg Up Experience to share the healing power of horses with first responders and veterans. S...

Paula Josa-Jones is a dancer/actor, choreographer, writer, visual artist and movement educator known for her visually rich, emotionally charged dance theater. Her work includes dances for humans, inter-species work with horses and dancers, film and video. Her dances have been produced in Russia, Europe, Mexico and throughout the United States. Paula produced RIDE, a theatrical performance that exp...

Diane Delano is the founder of the Wild Horse Rescue Center in Webster, Florida. They are dedicated to the preservation of America's wild horses. They rescue, rehabilitate and find new homes for wild horses, burros and other vulnerable animals. The 44-acre ranch provides a home to almost 50 mustang horses that were once roaming freely somewhere in the United States. In 2014, they purchased a large...

Susan Gordon is the co-author of The Compassionate Equestrian. She was a professional hunter-jumper trainer from 1983 to 2009. After retiring from training and teaching, Susan founded Green Pony Productions for the production of digital media content relating to social-justice issues for horses. She writes and blogs regularly regarding the 25 Principles of Compassionate Equitation. thecompassionat...

Part 2 of a phenomenal interview with Mary Ann Simonds, an esteemed equine behavioral ecologist, and Barbara Wheeler, a wild horse photographer. This is the first time I had them speaking together about the myths about wild herds, the overview of how they operate, and functional and dysfunction behaviors. The Centaur Podcast is also on Youtube. Check out the episode so you can see Barbara's photos...

Part 1 of a phenomenal interview with Mary Ann Simonds, an esteemed equine behavioral ecologist, and Barbara Wheeler, a wild horse photographer. This is the first time I had them speaking together about the myths about wild herds, the overview of how they operate, and functional and dysfunction behaviors. The Centaur Podcast is also on Youtube. Check out the episode so you can see Barbara's photos...

Karen Sussman is the CEO of the International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros (ISPMB. The organization was founded by Velma Johnston in the 1950s. We owe the survival of wild horses and burros on the North American plains thanks to Velma whose nickname was Wild Horse Annie. She dedicated her life to ending their inhumane treatment and slaughter. Karen has carried on Wild Horse An...

Piper Klemm is an educator, publisher, and equestrian who owns and publishes The Plaid Horse. Her mission centers around educating young equestrians in all aspects of the industry, with a particular emphasis on empowering young women to discover and share their voices and stories. The Plaid Horse thrives thanks to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team of women. Piper also launched The Plai...

Stormy May's early career included horse training, competition and work as a Chief Judge and National Examiner with the United States Pony Club. In 2006 she followed her dream to more deeply study the horse human bond, which resulted in the highly acclaimed documentary, The Path of the Horse. Now Stormy coaches people seeking to learn and grow from their relationships with horses and all life. She...

Mia Lykke Nielsen is the founder of "When Horses Choose," an innovative training program that adopts the language and behavior of a lead horse. Mia invites the horse to follow her as leader and only achieves that because it is up to the horse to make the decision. There is no need for pushing or coaxing. She reads horses just like people become absorbed by the twists and turns in their books. She'...

Mia Lykke Nielsen is the founder of "When Horses Choose," an innovative training program that adopts the language and behavior of a lead horse. Mia invites the horse to follow her as leader and only achieves that because it is up to the horse to make the decision. There is no need for pushing or coaxing. She reads horses just like people become absorbed by the twists and turns in their books. She'...

Kristi Huddleston is the founder of Harmony Hope Stables in Palm City, Florida. Her dedication to working with children in need is deeply rooted in her own experiences with childhood trauma. Having grown up in a difficult environment with an alcoholic father, Kristi attributes her healing journey to the support of a skilled therapist, the influence of music, her bond with horses, and her faith. Sh...

Janet Marlow, M.A. is founder of Pet Acoustics and the industry leader in pet hearing. She is an expert on how frequencies impact mental and physical well-being. Through clinical studies, she has shown the positive effects of music scientifically tailored for different animal species. Her findings have innovated the very process of contouring music for animal hearing ranges for behavioral health....