The River Tiger Podcast from Dynamics Coaching

I came across Karen's research while reading up for the discussion section of one of my PhD study papers. In this conversation we explore systems thinking, how it applies to horses and equestrianism, welfare, training and lots more. I hope that you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. My guest on this episode is PhD candidate, Karen Luke. Karen Luke researches rider motivation and safety...

In this episode we revisit the importance of considering where an athlete or learner is focusing their attention and why focus of attention is so important for skill acquisition, retention, and transfer. My guests bring the topic to life with an overview of the research literature to date. We also discuss some of the challenges of research, application to practice and why this area is so important...

My guest Mark O'Sullivan is an associate professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and an 'A' Licence Football Coach. Mark is also a co-author on my concept paper, 'Can't jump, won't jump.' In this conversation we explore why Mark chose to go back into academia and follow a PhD researching coaching and skill acquisition from an ecological dynamics persp...

On this episode I am joined by event rider and equestrian coach, Alex van Randwyck. I met Alex through mutual coach development work and found her insightful, humble and with the ability to connect with others and communicate with refreshing clarity. So of course, I asked her if she would consider being a guest on my podcast! I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. Alex shares so many...

Where performers direct their focus of attention has significant impacts on performance and learning.  Coaches typically use instructions and practice design to direct a performers attention, intentionally or not. However there is generally a miss-match between coaching practice (instructions that are internally and form/technique focussed) and research (which advocates an external focus of attent...

Part 2 of my conversation with US show jumper, Lacy Stormes.

Show notes to follow. My fabulous guest, Dr Gal Ziv can be found on Research Gate at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gal-Ziv 'Gal's main research interest is the role of attention and perception in human performance of motor skills. Specifically, he is interested in the role that visual attention plays when learning complex skills such as flying an aircraft or performing surgery.&ap...

My fabulous guest this week is USA showjumper, Lacy Storme s. In the first part of this episode Lacy shares how she ended up with a barefoot horse and becoming more curious and, almost accidentally, going against the 'do what has always been done, how it's always been done' advise. This was a fascinating conversation and I learnt so much. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Part t...

My guest on this episode is Dr Carrie Ijichi. I reached out to Carrie after reading some of her research about how horses cope and respond to stress. Her research is refreshing, much needed and will hopefully help us to understand our equines better. In this conversation Carrie brings to life how a horses personality is influenced by biology and experience, and how in turn, that influences the way...

Nia is an Equine Nutritionist and Podiatrist with a particular interest in species appropriate feeding and management of the horse for optimum health and performance. She is a Director of Finer Forage, a natural horse food and supplement company. She is also a tutor at Areion Academy where she teaches equine nutrition, and co-owns Pony Pedicures with Ali. www.areion.co.uk/een www.finerforage.com w...

My guest this week is the fabulous equine ethologist, Renate Larssen. We covered so many topics exploring the intersection of equine ethology, learning and skill acquisition. I know that this is a long podcast again, but it was so worth it. We delved into so many areas including, philosophy, ethics, relationships, agency, research directions, and lives worth living. My guest, Renate Larssen Etholo...

My guest on this episode is Dr Niels Feddersen . Niels is a postdoctoral researcher in sports science. He studies organisational culture and power relations in elite sports organisations in the UK, Norway, and Denmark. Niels obtained his PhD from Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK. In the research, he collaborated with several Olympic sports organisations, the FA, and Premier League f...

I am very excited to share this podcast with you. My guest Dr Paula Silva is a researcher who I have been a fan of for many years, and has been hugely influential to me. I'll add some topics to these show notes later - I'm doing a late night edit.

I am very excited to share this podcast with you. My guest Dr Paula Silva is a researcher who I have been a fan of for many years, and has been hugely influential to me. In part 1 we explored many themes including: 1. What is anti-fragility? 2. How does anti-fragility differ from resilience? 3. Why we might want to stop trying to train/ coach perfect form and patterns. 4. How bodies learn to move...

For episode 30 I am delighted to welcome back one of my guests from episode one. Dr James Stafford joined me to explore the practical applications of measuring perception-action coupling, this time applied to concussion. James can be contacted on j.stafford@incisiv.tech   Twitter @JamesStafford94 Video https://youtu.be/YlidtcdMxyQ Website https://incisiv.tech

I believe that this is probably the most important topic that I have explored on these podcasts, and that embracing and using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHPE) could transform equestrian sports. Firstly, I need to apologise to Sue for being over enthusiastic and not the best host. It was due to my excitement and passion for supporting what she has been doing. This is a conversation that I will...

Themes covered in this episode include: How our personal philosophies can be constrained by external metrics such as what we judged on (medals for example). Staying open to being surprised by what others can do. Replacing expectations and 'supposed to' with attentive responsiveness. Challenging our assumptions. Finding spaces to have time and the environment to explore thinking. How we m...

Themes covered in this episode include: What is a coaching philosophy and do we need one? Understanding experiences from others perspectives. Learning through corresponding/ interacting together. Best intentions, staying curious and humble. My fabulous guests bios and links to other content and resources are in part 2 due to word constraints. Bibliography The meaning of some 'long words'...

Welcome to the podcast's first anniversary episode! My guest on this episode is Dr. Anne Bondi. Anne Bondi was a successful professional rider who competed at international advanced level both in eventing and dressage. In 2017, Anne was awarded a doctorate from the University of Sunderland for her novel research of horse, saddle and rider interaction and teaches world-wide, sharing her passio...

This is an audio version of the Motivation series I wrote a few years ago. It provides an introduction to motivation and learning and how coaching behaviours can have a big influence on both. The key themes covered are: Part 1. Motivation Theories There are many theories about motivation, but the one we’ll look at here is particularly useful for sports coaches and leaders. It is called the Self De...

On this episode, my lovely guest is Chris Adderson from For The Horse.   About my guest: Chris is an equine educator and consultant, top level rider and an equine and human movement expert. Chris helps passionate riders confidently achieve their riding dreams and goals without fears, doubts, so they can ride with ease and flow. From understanding and communicating with your horse on a deeper level...

On this episode, my lovely guest is Chris Adderson from For The Horse. It has taken me a long time to get this first part out, partly due to my work and PhD commitments and partly due to poor internet and difficulty in moving the recording from another computer. Please accept my apologies for the time and the sound quality. I hope that it does not effect your enjoyment of the great conversation.  ...

Link to the blog article https://dynamics-coaching.com/coaching/snow-rabbits-and-pooh-sticks-motivation-arousal-and-focus-of-attention-in-the-ugly-curve/

This is an audio version of the blog post 'Learning in the ugly zone: the importance of play and exploration.' The out-take at the beginning is Snoopy (my border collie) helping me by highlighting play and exploration with his 'squeeky piggy' Christmas present. The full blog post including the diagramme of the Ugly Curve can be found on the Dynamics Coaching website by followin...

I met Martina when I attended the Athletic Skills Model (ASM) Advanced Instructor course earlier this year. The course was excellent and I have used the practical elements regularly in all of my coaching and own practice since. I am exploring how to develop it for using with horses to help diminish the movement poverty that many horses suffer and to support healthy, happy and skilful movement in h...