The Willing Equine

Remember my social media post where I asked you all what *couldn't* be trained with R+? Thank you to everyone who commented, sharing their take on behaviors they believed would not lend themselves well to an R+-based approach. I decided to go through the comments on my podcast, diving into some myth-busting and explaining how I might teach the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part four of this series), I dive into how whether or not R+ can be used in the following situations: Building genuine trust & relationships Achieving the release of tension Creating relaxation & calmness around the food If you missed parts 1, 2 & 3 be sure to head over and give them a listen! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

Remember my social media post where I asked you all what *couldn't* be trained with R+? Thank you to everyone who commented, sharing their take on behaviors that they believed would not lend themselves well to an R+ based approach. I decided to go through the comments on my podcast, diving into some myth busting and explaining how I might go about teaching the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part three of this series), I dive into how whether or not R+ can be used in the situations of: Horses coming off of stall rest Panicked, over threshold horses Trailer anxiety Be sure to stay tuned for part 4 of this series! And if you missed parts 2 & 3 be sure to head over and give them a listen. Part One Part Two --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

Remember my social media post where I asked you all what *couldn't* be trained with R+? Thank you to everyone who commented, sharing their take on behaviors that they believed would not lend themselves well to an R+ based approach. I decided to go through the comments on my podcast, diving into some myth busting and explaining how I might go about teaching the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part two of this series), I dive into how you can safely implement R+ with: Aggressive horses Horses with severe food anxiety Foals/young horses Horses who display dangerous/explosive behavior (bucking, rearing, bolting, etc.) And more! Be sure to stay tuned for part 3 of this series! And if you missed part 1, be sure to head over and give it a listen here. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

Welcome to season 5 of TWE podcast! After a long break from recording episodes in 2023, I'm so excited to be back. We kick off the first episode of season 5 by sharing some BIG life updates on the TWE herd, including moving homes, herd changes, and more! I also share my personal and business related goals for 2024. Then we dive into some myth busting! A while back I posted a photo on social media, asking commenters to share behaviors that they believed COULDN'T be trained with R+. In this episode and the one that follows, I'll be sharing my take, which is that R+ works for ALL behaviors! I'll discuss how you can go about teaching your horse that specific behavior using R+, and share some tips and tricks along the way. In this episode, we evaluate 3 behaviors. - Long duration ridden behaviors (dressage tests, jump courses, trail rides, etc.) - High school dressage movements - Tactile cues (Cues that look like traditional R- cues) So tune in to see just how you can teach these behaviors with R+! Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/messageSupport this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

Season 4 of The Willing Equine Podcast has been filled with so many wonderful discussions and interviews. I'm so grateful for everyone who joined me as a guest on the podcast, and for the thoughtful conversations that we shared. And of course, thanks to my listeners for following along! In this episode, we're taking a ride through some of this season's most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy! Show Notes: 4:45 - From Episode 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities 15:59 - From Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW 24:22 -  From Episode 59 // The Hoof's Impact on Behavior : A Conversation with Alicia Harlov 35:00 -  From Episode 60 // Behavioral Medication for Equines with Janna Dewey 43:05 - From Episode 63 // Bringing New Horses Home Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-70-best-of-2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

Have you ever wondered if R+ trained horses are safe around kids? Maybe you're concerned that if you give your horse a choice, they'll become dangerous around children! In this episode, I address these concerns, and discuss how R+ trained horses are actually safer around children! I share some personal anecdotes from my own experiences with horses and children, talk about some of the reasons why traditionally trained horses may be more prone to explosive and dangerous behavior, and share my process for helping horses be comfortable, confident, and safe around kids. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-69----kids-and-horses --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about introducing a horse that has poor social skills to a herd I talk about the importance of being proactive with our weaning practices and foal management, addressing gut health and physical discomfort, how to set up your pastures to minimize resource guarding, and so much more Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-68-helping-horses-with-poor-social-skills --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I dive into operant and classical conditioning, and explain how positive reinforcement itself is not actually a 'method.' I talk about the importance of being flexible in our training styles, how every horse and human is an individual with a unique learning history, and how different training styles work for different learners. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-67-r-is-not-a-method --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I share some tips on how to sift through all the media and marketing that we consume. I talk about how social media can't share the whole story, the importance of being educated on the latest research, and how to spot red flags in marketing. Episode Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-66----beware-of-flashy-marketing --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

This episode is dedicated to my gelding Cash, who passed away recently. I share his story and how he was a shining example of just how valuable a non-ridden horse can be. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-65----senior-horses-and-the-non-ridden-equine --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, we discuss the difficult topic of what should happen with our horses in the unfortunate event we are unable to care for them anymore. We discuss the importance of contingency plans, finding a suitable caregiver, providing clear written instructions, setting aside financial support, and so much more. Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-64-preparing-for-unfortunate-events --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode I dive into helping our horses transition through moving into a new home, whether you are moving your current horse to a new facility, sending them to a trainer, or bringing home a new equine partner! I share my process for making this transition smooth and stress-free, as well as some tips that trainers and facility owners should consider to help horses adjust to new homes. To learn more about helping your horse adjust, check out Episode 35 of my podcast, Aggression within the Herd, and Episode 50, Introducing New Horses, as well as this blog post. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-63----bringing-new-horses-home --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

This episode is a continuation of the previous, Episode 61 // Ethical Horse Businesses, and ties in as well to Episode 44 // Lesson Programs with R+, with Steph K. I discuss the keys to a successful lesson program, including knowing when you are experienced enough, knowing when your horse is experienced enough, how a horse's personality type can impact their suitability to be in a lesson program, and so much more! Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-62-the-successful-r-lesson-program --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about whether or not it's possible to run an ethical horse business. In short - it is absolutely possible! I share my own experience growing up at a lesson barn, some simple changes businesses can make to improve the lives of their horses, the importance of having a good understanding of how to run a business, the benefits of working as a team with other like-minded equine business owners, and so much more! If you're interested in learning more about how R+ can be applied in a lesson barn setting, check out the podcast I did with Steph K of @stephkequestrian, Episode 44 // Lesson Programs with R+ Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-61-ethical-horse-businesses --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

In this episode I am joined by Janna Dewey! Janna Dewey is a Behavior Consultant for Behavior Vets located in Colorado where she specializes in working with animals who have behavioral sensitivities. Prior to working with pets, was a zoo keeper for 10 years at different facilities within show and education roles. She has always had a passion for working with equines and grew up working at different barns learning to ride various disciplines such as jumping, dressage, barrel racing, and polo. Janna loves to work with horses out on the trails and to help them feel comfortable in a variety of situations. She is earning her Master’s degree in Counseling through Regis University in order to help those with sensitive animals. She also has a graduate certificate as an Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner and is a Certified Professional Bird Trainer. Janna is currently accepting equine clients both virtually and, within areas of Colorado, in person sessions. This leads us into a great discussion about behavioral medication for equines, when to consider medication, how success is defined by the individual, where to find a behavior vet, and the importance of having a team of equine professionals on your side. To learn more about Janna and the work that she does, you can reach out to her at Janna@behaviorvets.com, or head to the behaviorvets.com website. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-60-behavior-medication-for-equines --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support