The Willing Equine

In this episode I am joined by Alicia Harlov of The Humble Hoof, for a discussion about the relationship between hooves and behavior. Alicia Harlov is a full time hoof care provider on the North Shore of Massachusetts, and a member of Progressive Hoofcare Practitioners. She also creates The Humble Hoof podcast, where she interviews equine professionals about factors that affect hoof health. She loves educating owners on how to grow the healthiest hoof possible and believes that getting a horse sound is often a matter of finding the right pieces to the puzzle. https://thehumblehoof.com/ @thehumblehoof We talked about how hoof pain can impact behavior, the importance of open communication with our hoof care providers, preparing our horses for the farrier, and so much more! Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-59 --- 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 Julia Alexander and Bex Tasker for a discussion about grief and shame in horsemanship. We talk about perfectionism, getting "lost in our heads", allowing ourselves to be learners and to make mistakes, and so much more. It's a really important conversation that I hope you will take the time to listen to. This episode was recorded for TWE Academy in 2020, and we decided to release it to the public as a follow up to our most recent podcast episode, Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW. To watch the accompanying video and to hear more conversations like this one, join the Academy! Enrolment opens in July, and you can jump on the First-to-Know List today. We would love to have you! More about Julia Alexander and the work that she does: Julia provides compassionate therapy, education and consulting services rooted in anti-racist, social justice and liberatory frameworks. She offers a safe and accepting space to alleviate shame, heal trauma and discover inner resilience. Her approach is founded on an unwavering belief in the healing power of safe connection, and a deep knowing that sustained relationship to nature plays a major role in human healing. She specializes in providing eco and equine-assisted psychotherapy in the areas of childhood relationship trauma, coming out, systemic oppression, and shame held by white-bodied people. She combines her expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer a unique form of equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. Through this work, she loves supporting people in exploring connection, dialogue, choice and consent. https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/ @juliaalexander_lcsw More about Bex Tasker and her work: Bex lives on a small farm in Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand with her animals and young family. She runs classes for dogs and their humans, junior animal trainer classes and regular horsemanship clinics from her home property.  She also travels around New Zealand and overseas to deliver clinics and lessons to horses and their passionate and dedicated humans.  As well as the "real life" teaching, she has a thriving online membership community, and run regular coaching intensives with students from all over the world.  In early 2019 she partnered with her good friend and experienced youth worker Brooke Friend to establish a successful youth programme, focused around ethical animal training, life skills and mental health. https://www.clickertraining.co.nz/ @positively_together Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-58----grief-and-shame-in-horsemanship --- 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 talk to a very special guest, Julia Alexander, and we have a wonderful conversation about Equine Assisted Therapy. We discuss some of the experiences we have had with Equine Assisted Therapy in the past, and how these past experiences have brought up thoughts and questions about the ethics and emotional state of the horses involved.  We also share our plans for what the future of Equine-assisted therapy could look like, and how incorporating consent-based training and cooperative care could have a positive impact on the horses, clients, and therapists alike.  More about Julia Alexander and the work that she does: Julia provides compassionate therapy, education and consulting services rooted in anti-racist, social justice and liberatory frameworks. She offers a safe and accepting space to alleviate shame, heal trauma and discover inner resilience. Her approach is founded on an unwavering belief in the healing power of safe connection, and a deep knowing that sustained relationship to nature plays a major role in human healing. She specializes in providing eco and equine-assisted psychotherapy in the areas of childhood relationship trauma, coming out, systemic oppression, and shame held by white-bodied people. As a social justice educator, she offers customized consulting, curriculum design and group facilitation to individuals, teams, and organizations who want to understand their experiences and beliefs in the context of systemic oppression. She combines her expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer a unique form of equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. Through this work, she loves supporting people in exploring connection, dialogue, choice and consent. https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/ @juliaalexander_lcsw Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-57 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

It is inevitable that at some point in your horse's life they will experience a stressful, or even traumatic, situation, such as trailering to the vet or evacuating in the event of a natural disaster.  In this episode, I discuss several steps you can take to help your horse recover from traumatic events, as well as share some practical ways to prepare your horse (and yourself) to prevent the experience from becoming a traumatic one. www.thewillingequine.com Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-56----equine-trauma-prevention-and-recovery --- 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 been in a situation with your horse that you looked back on and regretted? We've all been there; none of us are perfect...including myself.  In this episode, I discuss a messy situation with Finn that lead to some unique learning opportunities. We can't change the past, but we can plan for the future and know better for next time! www.thewillingequine.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

2022 has arrived, and I have LOTS to share with you guys! So much so that I had to split this episode into two parts. In this episode, you will hear information about.... The TWE Academy, hear about some of my plans for 2022, and hear updates on each of the horses. Finn (Where did his mane and tail go?) Raven's (under-saddle and EPM) Cashmere (Is she here to stay?) River (Under-saddle and ??? Some big news here) Candy & Cash (Aging, weight, and pain management) June (You'll be seeing her around a lot!) Pumpkin (Fractured molars and ligament injuries) Plus... a discussion about creating a medical support team for your horses, problem-solving mysterious medical conditions, and how just one or two vet exams are not enough to rule out pain! For More Information On PSSM : Websites: http://equiseq.com/learning_center/health/polysaccharide-storage-myopathy-pssm https://www.immubiome.com/blogs/horse-resources-and-education/things-to-know-about-pssm https://pssmawareness.com/2020/11/what-is-pssm2/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/Sp223pUYBRE https://youtu.be/nKHIGDjwCmM https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0WwcXotj6AuIxEKR-BD5A Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gukeAibVssKRwlcGqcaRB?si=tDe3YE_YStK5x0Qtu5diaA&nd=1 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4plajNICEY8fPu3Sjzf1Gx Facebook Groups: 'PSSM & MFM Awareness' https://www.facebook.com/groups/pssmandmfmawareness 'PSSM Forum' https://www.facebook.com/groups/202978353056065 How to test your horse for PSSM1 & PSSM2: https://generatio.de/en (PSSM1 & 2 - UK & Europe) https://www.animalgenetics.eu/Equine/Genetic_Disease/PSSM.asp (PSSM1 - UK & Europe) http://www.equiseq.com/ (PSSM 2 - USA & rest of the world) https://www.animalgenetics.us/equine/genetic_disease/PSSM.asp (PSSM 1 - USA & rest of the world ) To Learn More About The Willing Equine : www.thewillingequine.com Podast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-54----welcome-back-to-season-four-and-updates-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

2022 has arrived, and I have LOTS to share with you guys! So much so that I had to split this episode into two parts. In this episode, you will hear information about.... The TWE Academy, hear about some of my plans for 2022, and hear updates on each of the horses.   Finn (Where did his mane and tail go?)  Raven's (under-saddle and EPM) Cashmere (Is she here to stay?)  River (Under-saddle and ??? Some big news here)  Candy & Cash (Aging, weight, and pain management)  June (You'll be seeing her around a lot!)  Pumpkin (Fractured molars and ligament injuries)  Plus... a discussion about creating a medical support team for your horses, problem-solving mysterious medical conditions, and how just one or two vet exams are not enough to rule out pain!  Episode Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-53----welcome-back-to-season-four-and-updates-part-one www.thewillingequine.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thewillingequine/support

Are you interested in turning your horse out more but worried for their safety? Do they run the fences, call, stress, and in general act in a panicked way when turned out? Maybe they even act like they would prefer to be in their stalls and don't like the pasture! This episode is JUST for you. I explain my process to helping introduce horses to more turnout or to full time pasture life in a safe and low stress way. Low stress for them, and for you! I also share some of my personal stories of where "just turn your horse out" has not actually been the safest approach.  www.thewillingequine.com Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-52----helping-horses-adjust-to-turnout --- 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 talk to the amazing Denise Fenzi! All about the similarities in dog training and horse training, bridging the gap between training methodologies, bringing positive reinforcement into our interactions with human learners, keeping in mind all the parties involved (owner/caregiver, trainer, animal learner, and society), and so much more!  "Denise Fenzi (she/her) has titled dogs in obedience, tracking, schutzhund, mondioring, herding, conformation, and agility. She has two AKC obedience champions, perfect scores in both schutzhund and Mondio ringsport obedience, and is well known for her flashy and precise obedience work. While a successful competitor, Denise's real passion lies in training dogs and solving the problems that her own dogs and her students' dogs present. She is a recognized expert in developing drive, motivation, and focus in competition dogs, and is known internationally as an engaging speaker and an expert in no-force training for sport dogs. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to train and compete with dogs using motivational methods in sports where compulsion is the norm. In addition to training and speaking, Denise is a prolific writer.  Denise thoughtfully and persistently works to break down the barriers that prevent people from obtaining a truly interactive and mutually enjoyable sport relationship with their dogs. Fenzi Academy is the culmination of her efforts as a forward step in providing progressive information to any trainer who wishes to learn." You can learn from Denise Fenzi through her many social media platforms or through her website(s)! https://denisefenzi.com/ https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/ --- 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 how to safely introduce new horses to each other? Or integrate a new horse to an established herd? In this episode I share with you my process and thoughts on the matter! I've successfully introduced many horses to herds and to companions with minimal to no bickering, injuries, or scary moments. The goal is peaceful introductions with safety in mind! Even the most intense resource guarders and poorly socialized horses CAN learn to safely interact with companions, and SHOULD have equine companions. www.thewillingequine.com Find The Willing Equine On... Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and even Twitter! Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-50-introducing-new-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

This is a two part series!  For our 48th episode on the podcast Brie Simpson of PATH Equestrian joins me to discuss "pure" positive reinforcement, LIMA (and the humane hierarchy) for human learners, damage control vs structured training, setting you and your horse up for success, transitioning from traditional training to positive reinforcement, and so much more! We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear if you have any questions for Brie and I on this subject. This is a topic that is near and dear to both of us and we hope that this episode helps you, as a listener and potentially someone working to incorporate R+ into your interactions with your horse, and encourages you! "Brie Simpson is the founder and owner of PATH Equestrian in Ontario Canada. She is studying to be a Certified Horse Behavioural Consultant (CHBC) through the IAABC and has been training and working with horses for over 14 years. She has dedicated her last 4 years to researching and studying equine behaviour, positive reinforcement training, the learning theory and equine enrichment. Brie is extremely passionate about improving the day-to-day life and basic handling of horses and wants to help advance the equine world into using more compassionate, humane and science-based methods of training." https://pathequestrian.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

For our 47th episode on the podcast Brie Simpson of PATH Equestrian joins me to discuss "pure" positive reinforcement, LIMA (and the humane hierarchy) for human learners, damage control vs structured training, setting you and your horse up for success, transitioning from traditional training to positive reinforcement, and so much more! We hope you enjoy this episode and would love to hear if you have any questions for Brie and I on this subject. This is a topic that is near and dear to both of us and we hope that this episode helps you, as a listener and potentially someone working to incorporate R+ into your interactions with your horse, and encourages you! "Brie Simpson is the founder and owner of PATH Equestrian in Ontario Canada. She is studying to be a Certified Horse Behavioural Consultant (CHBC) through the IAABC and has been training and working with horses for over 14 years. She has dedicated her last 4 years to researching and studying equine behaviour, positive reinforcement training, the learning theory and equine enrichment. Brie is extremely passionate about improving the day-to-day life and basic handling of horses and wants to help advance the equine world into using more compassionate, humane and science-based methods of training." https://pathequestrian.com/ Stay tuned for part two! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

We cover two topics, of similar nature, in this episode! To begin with... all the things you can do with young horses BEFORE you ever get on to ride! This can really help take away the pressure to get to those first rides, and put you WELL ahead of the game when it is the right time! Second, we discuss preparing for shows from home. Especially during this recent season in pretty much everyone's life with the pandemic. A lot of us haven't been traveling with our horses much and the shows have been largely virtual. It may be a bit of a surprise for your horse to suddenly return to the show arena after such a long time away, but it doesn't have to be!  ✦ www.TheWillingEquine.com✦ Instagram.com/TheWillingEquine ✦ YouTube.com/TheWillingEquine ✦ Facebook.com/TheWillingEquine ✦ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

In this episode I share with you my experience in how horses that are trained with clicker training, focused on positive reinforcement, respond to negative reinforcement (or pressure & release) training. I also provide suggestions for boarding and other situations where you horse may be handled periodically by people trained traditionally, how to help horses understand traditional handling, and give examples of situations I've been in where I had to switch over to negative reinforcement. ✦ www.thewillingequine.com ✦ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

In this episode Steph K of @stephkequestrian shares with us her recipe for success in combining a thriving rescue/rehab program with a successful lesson program! We also discuss.. ✦ “Career training” for horses ✦ Personality/temperament changes in horses ✦ Rehoming rescue/R+ horses ✦ Instructor personality types and matching with the right students ✦ Personality/temperament matching of horses and humans ✦ And sooooo much more! If you want to learn more about Steph's program, check out her website at https://www.skequine.com/ or find her on Instagram @stephkequestrian --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support