Talking About Horses

In this episode of the Talking About Horses podcast, Patrick King welcomes back neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Peters to explore the biological intersection of horse training and brain science. The conversation dives deep into the concept of allostasis—the horse's ability to adapt to arousal during learning—and emphasizes why "rest and digest" periods are neurochemically essential for consolidating new information. Dr. Peters explains how handlers can move beyond just "shaping behaviors" to effectively "reshaping the brain" by understanding nervous system states, utilizing the power of the pause, and providing horses with agency to create lasting, positive habits.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuroscientist and horseman, discusses the intricate relationship between horse behavior and brain science. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the horse's brain to improve communication and training methods. Dr. Peters explains concepts such as sympathetic arousal, myelination, and the impact of trauma on horses. He advocates for a more evidence-based approach to horsemanship, encouraging riders to foster curiosity in their horses and to recognize the significance of resetting the nervous system for effective learning. The conversation also touches on the future of equine neuroscience and the potential for technology to enhance our understanding of horse behavior.

Summary In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King interviews Paul Belasik, a respected international rider and author, discussing the evolution of dressage and the importance of classical equestrian ideals. They explore the significance of fundamentals in riding, the influence of classical literature, and the challenges faced in modern dressage. Paul emphasizes the need for critical thinking and education in equestrian training, while also addressing the historical context of riding techniques like long and low. The conversation highlights the balance between winning and ethical riding practices, ultimately advocating for a deeper understanding of horse biomechanics and the art of riding.  

Summary This conversation explores the upcoming Best Horse Practices Summit, focusing on the importance of collaboration, practical application, and the diverse backgrounds of the presenters. The discussion highlights the significance of creating a welcoming environment for learning, the role of body work in horsemanship, and the various techniques that will be shared at the summit, including relaxation through the bridle, contact, and one-handed riding. The presenters emphasize the need for a supportive community where attendees can engage, ask questions, and learn from each other.  

Summary In this episode of 'Talking About Horses', host Patrick King is joined by Dr. Paul Haefner and Justin Haefner from Riding Far to discuss their new program, 'Emotions in the Arena'. The conversation explores the importance of emotional awareness in riding instruction, the challenges instructors face in managing student emotions, and the need for a safe learning environment. The guests share their insights on how understanding the nervous system can enhance the relationship between riders and horses, and how their course aims to equip instructors with the tools to better support their students emotionally. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of building resilience in learners, both in the context of horse training and general education. They emphasize the role of supportive relationships in developing resilience and the need for instructors to understand and manage emotions effectively. Practical applications of these concepts in training are explored, along with an overview of a course designed to help instructors enhance their teaching skills.  

In this episode of Talking About Horses, host Patrick King interviews Dr. Claire Tunes, an equine nutritionist, about the complexities of horse nutrition. Dr. Tunes shares her journey into the field, the importance of understanding equine digestion, and how to assess a horse's nutritional needs. The conversation covers the significance of forage in a horse's diet, methods for determining a horse's weight and body condition, and the relationship between nutrition and building top line strength in horses. Dr. Tunes emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to equine nutrition, considering both dietary components and the horse's overall health and fitness. They discuss common mistakes in feeding horses, the role of supplements, and the critical nature of vitamin E in maintaining equine health. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper dietary management and the significance of testing to ensure optimal nutrition for horses. In this conversation, Clair discusses the critical role of sodium and hydration in horse health, emphasizing the importance of proper salt intake to prevent colic and maintain performance. She explains how dehydration can significantly impact a horse's performance and the necessity of electrolytes during strenuous activities. The discussion also covers the relationship between gut health and anxiety in horses, advocating for a holistic approach to managing horse behavior and performance through diet and environmental factors. They also discuss the importance of understanding horse behavior, daily movement, and nutritional requirements. They explore how to restore gut health after illness, the roles of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, and the significance of managing inflammation. Clair shares valuable lessons learned in her career and offers practical tips for horse owners to ensure optimal nutrition for their horses.

In this episode, Patrick King and Tammy Elkayam explore differing perspectives on the effectiveness of backing a horse up, the significance of proper execution, and the potential physical and emotional impacts on horses. Through their dialogue, they emphasize the need for professional collaboration and the importance of setting horses up for success in their training and care. They delve into the intricacies of horse training, focusing on the importance of balance, posture, and the physical capabilities of horses. They stress the necessity of mindful training techniques that prioritize the horse's well-being, and the importance of communication between horse and rider. The dialogue emphasizes the need for riders to inspire their horses rather than force them, highlighting the significance of understanding the horse's body and emotional state. The conversation also touches on the challenges of miscommunication in the equestrian world. Throughout, they emphasize the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, and the learning process in horses, as well as in riders.

In this engaging conversation, Jim Masterson and Patrick King discuss the intricacies of horse training and bodywork, emphasizing the importance of the horse's active participation in the process. They explore how to read horse responses, the significance of tension release, and the correlation between bodywork and training. The discussion also touches on the challenges of uncovering hidden issues in horses and the principle of non-resistance in training, providing valuable insights for horse enthusiasts and professionals alike. Patrick and Jim delve into the complexities of horse behavior, focusing on the significance of understanding tension, body language, and the importance of clear intentions in training. They explore how horses communicate through subtle cues and the necessity of recognizing physical limitations. The discussion also highlights the paradox of a horse's sensitivity to their environment while being able to tolerate discomfort, emphasizing the need for trainers to be aware of these dynamics to foster a better relationship with their horses. In this conversation, Jim and Patrick explore the intricate relationship between bodywork and horsemanship, emphasizing the importance of communication, patience, and collaboration in caring for horses. They discuss the role of farriers, the significance of softening in training, and the lessons learned through experience in bodywork. The dialogue highlights the need for a holistic approach to horse care, integrating various techniques and perspectives to enhance the well-being of the horse.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King interviews Karen Rohlf, a renowned horse trainer who blends traditional dressage with natural horsemanship. Karen shares her journey from a young rider to a professional trainer, emphasizing the importance of understanding the horse's emotional and mental well-being. The conversation explores the evolution of training methods, the significance of holistic approaches, and the need for effective communication between horse and rider. Karen highlights the concept of self-carriage and the distinction between acceptance and obedience in training, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and understanding relationship with horses. In this conversation, Karen and Patrick explore the intricate relationship between horse and rider, emphasizing the importance of listening to the horse's needs and preferences. They discuss the concept of the 'happy athlete' in dressage, highlighting the significance of creating a harmonious environment for the horse. Karen introduces her Happy Athlete Training Scale, which prioritizes the horse's happiness and well-being as foundational to effective training. The conversation culminates in the announcement of a new online course designed to empower riders to foster better communication and understanding with their horses. Patrick and Karen explore the nuances of horsemanship, focusing on the importance of communication, connection, and emotional fitness in training. They discuss the concept of finding a 'sweet spot' in riding, the significance of understanding the horse's needs, and the role of experimentation in training techniques. Karen emphasizes the need for open conversations about horse welfare and the evolving landscape of horsemanship, encouraging riders to focus on one key area for improvement at a time. The discussion culminates in a powerful message about the potential for growth and improvement in ways that may not yet be imagined.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King engages with Dr. Paul Haefner and Justin Haefner of Riding Far, exploring their unique approach to equestrian training that combines sports psychology with horse training. They discuss the importance of understanding both the horse and rider, the significance of collaboration in training, and the need for effective communication in horse-human relationships. The conversation also delves into the challenges of addressing fear and anxiety in riders, the cultural influences on learning, and the dangers of pseudoscience in equestrian practices. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of authority in practices, the limitations of science, the importance of experience in learning, and the multifaceted nature of fear in both riders and horses. They emphasize the need for critical thinking and exploration beyond mainstream beliefs, the significance of hands-on experience in horsemanship, and the intricate relationship between fear and performance in equestrian activities. They talk about the importance of understanding thresholds and the window of tolerance for growth. They explore the significance of training relaxation responses, the necessity of connection and safety, and the concept of stacking success rather than triggers. The discussion also highlights the different types of fear, the need for regulation and activation in horses, and the balance between energy and relaxation for effective training. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that functionality goes beyond just addressing fear and anxiety, focusing on the fundamentals of training and connection. This conversation delves into the intricate relationship between riders and horses, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, core wellness, and effective teaching strategies in horsemanship. Paul, Justin, and Patrick discuss the significance of matching riders with appropriate horses, the emotional challenges faced by riders, and the need for instructors to understand and manage these emotions. They also highlight the development of training programs aimed at improving the emotional and pedagogical skills of riding instructors, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective learning environment for riders.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King interviews Daniel Dauphin, clinician and expert on bits and horsemanship. They discuss the science behind bits, the importance of understanding horse behavior, and the journey of becoming a skilled horse trainer. Daniel shares his experiences with colt starting, the pressures of training, and the significance of mentorship in developing as a horseman. He emphasizes that success in this field is as much about people skills as it is about working with horses. In this segment, Daniel Dauphin discusses his multifaceted approach to horse training, emphasizing that his expertise extends beyond bits. He shares insights from his extensive research on equine behavior and communication, debunking common myths such as the significance of a foamy mouth. Daniel highlights the importance of understanding the horse's tongue as a key indicator of comfort and communication, and he explains why he continues to use bits for their sensitivity and ability to convey subtle cues. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the need for riders to be more aware of their hands and the impact of their cues on the horse's behavior. In this conversation, Daniel Dauphin and Patrick King delve into various aspects of horsemanship, focusing on the importance of awareness, the introduction of bits to young horses, and the controversial topic of nosebands. They discuss the significance of movement in training, the impact of trauma on horses, and the complexities of bit fitting, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the horse's comfort and communication. In this conversation, Patrick King and Daniel Dauphin delve into the intricacies of bit fitting, the importance of understanding horse anatomy, and the educational resources available for riders. They discuss the structure of Daniel's online course, the significance of transitioning between bits, and the challenges facing the horse industry today. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness in horsemanship practices and the role of humor in teaching and learning.   Links mentioned:  TheBitCourse.com DauphinHorsemanship.com

In this episode, Patrick King interviews Donna Snyder-Smith, a seasoned equestrian educator with over 40 years of experience. They discuss Donna's recent retirement, the challenges she faced, and her journey through the equestrian arts. Donna shares her insights on the evolving equestrian industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of her experiences with horses on her life. The conversation highlights the significance of balance in training and the deep connections formed between horses and humans. In this conversation, Donna Snyder-Smith discusses her journey with PTSD and the profound healing she has experienced through her connection with horses. She emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma, the energy exchange between humans and horses, and the ongoing nature of healing. Through personal anecdotes and insights from her book, she illustrates how horses can facilitate personal growth and emotional healing, highlighting the need for trust and sensitivity in the horse-human relationship. In this conversation, Donna Snyder-Smith shares her journey in horsemanship, discussing the challenges she faced, the influence of masters like Nuno Oliveira, and the importance of groundwork and energy exchange in building trust with horses. She emphasizes the need for a deeper connection with horses, the future of horsemanship, and the lessons learned throughout her career.     Links mentioned in this discussion... Donna's Facebook page: Horses as Healers - the new role of Equines in the 21st century   The Alchemy of Horses (Donna's new book) Direct from publisher: https://rdrpublishers.com/products/the-alchemy-of-horses-a-journey-of-self-healing Amazon: https://a.co/d/3qHKoBT

In this conversation, Patrick King and Jec Ballou delve into the intricacies of equine fitness and conditioning. They discuss the importance of customized fitness plans for horses, evaluating movement through video analysis, and understanding horse physiology to enhance training effectiveness. The conversation emphasizes identifying imbalances and asymmetries in horses, training techniques for dressage and working equitation, and the significance of frequency, intensity, and duration in a comprehensive training schedule. Jec shares insights on how to build confidence in horses and the necessity of varying training to achieve optimal results. In this conversation, Jec and Patrick discuss the importance of variety in training sessions for horses, emphasizing the need for different durations and intensities to prevent plateauing and enhance fitness. They explore the significance of proprioception and how it can be affected by repetitive training. The discussion also covers the benefits of incorporating high-intensity workouts, the cumulative nature of fitness gains, and the value of utilizing natural obstacles for training. Additionally, they address how to tailor workouts for individual horses, monitor the fitness of senior horses, and the advantages of track systems for promoting movement. Find out more about Jec and her books, programs, and services at jecballou.com, Facebook at facebook.com/JecAristotleBallou and YouTube at youtube.com/user/jecballou The book we were talking about in this episode is 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses, and it can be found here: jecballou.com/store/p/33-strength-and-fitness-workouts-for-horses-pre-order The customized fitness plan can be found here: jecballou.com/store/p/private-online-coaching

This episode somehow was lost in the shuffle and missed getting an official "episode number," so I'm calling it episode 53.5, as that's where it fell on the calendar of interviews (between episode 53 with JJ Tate, and 54 with David Koss). In this episode, Charles de Kunffy joins me to talk about the principles of classical horsemanship. 

In episode 53, JJ Tate joins us to talk about classical dressage in the competitive arena.

In this episode, Charles de Kunffy joins us to talk about riding in Academies and the importance of remembering history.

In this episode, Dominique Barbier talks about his background, relationships with horses, and the idea of collecting the horse rather than compressing the horse.

In this episode, Anja Beran joins to talk about classical dressage and her history and approach.

In this episode, Patrick is joined by Dr Gerd Heuschmann to talk about classical horsemanship, the horse in good balance, and good riding vs what we often see in modern competitive dressage.

In this fascinating and deep-dive episode, Bettina Drummond joins me to talk about the dimensions of riding, the "myths and legend" of Nuno Oliveira, the direction of modern dressage, and more. Bettina is a highly regarded trainer and teacher in the French classical system of riding.  One of only two Americans and two women to be named an Honorary Écouier of Saumur's Cadre Noir, she shares her unique journey, starting from riding South Carolina Marsh Tacky's at age three to spending 17 years in training with master Nuno Oliveira beginning at age seven. In this conversation, Bettina offers an intimate and unfiltered look into the demanding, yet ultimately empowering, formation she received from Oliveira.  She describes him as a "tsunami of a human being," a true master who had a tremendous knowledge of classical techniques but was often intolerant of weakness or physical fear. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding of classical horsemanship that goes beyond modern interpretations, offering practical, biomechanical insight into true lightness and balance.

Carl Bledsoe joins me in episode # 55 to talk about his back story and what led him to make a drastic change in his career and life path, plus horse welfare, continuous learning, and more.

In this episode, David Koss and I talk, face to face, about cross training, the role of competition in training, and more.

In episode # 42, Wendy Murdoch again joins, this time to talk about COVID and SureFoot pads

In episode # 48, Linda Parelli joins us to talk about communication, psychology, and natural horsemanship being applied in dressage.

In episode # 41, Charles de Kunffy joins to talk about the rider's seat and aids.

In episode # 40, Jane Pike joins to talk about mental skills for riders.

In episode # 47, Thomas and Shana Ritter join us to talk about dressage, long reining, Feldenkrais work, and more!

In episode # 46, Jec Ballou joins us to talk about equine fitness.

In episode # 39, Charles de Kunffy joins to talk about rider education, horse development, and so much more.

In episode # 38, Dr Paul Haefner joins again, this time to talk about goal setting and attainment.

In episode # 37, Wendy Murdoch joins to talk about rider awareness, biomechanics, SureFoot, and more

In episode # 36, Leslie Desmond joins for another lively interview, and also answers some questions from listeners.

In episode # 45, Karen Rohlf joins to talk about the development of a happy athlete.

In episode # 35, Dr Paul Haefner joins to talk about rider psychology and fear.

In episode # 44, Warwick Schiller joins to talk about personal growth, horsemanship growth, "woo woo" and so much more!

In episode # 43, Luis Valença and Sofia Sofia Valença, join to talk about dressage, history, Nuno Oliveira, and more, during the COVID shutdown.

In episode # 34, Mike Corcoran joins to talk about saddle fit and how the horse changes with movement. The post Ep # 34, Mike Corcoran, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship Facebook page.

In this episode of Coffee Conversations, Patrick discusses his thoughts on trailer loading – preparation for the horse and human, common challenges, problem solving tips and more. The post COFFEE CONVERSATIONS (3) Trailer Loading Challenges and Thoughts appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode # 33, Jim Masterson joins to talk about the Masterson Method of bodywork for horses, reading horses, and much more. The post Ep # 33, Jim Masterson, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode # 32, Dr Joyce Harman sets a new length record… at nearly 4 hours!  This interview is full of so much insight on the uses of integrative health and wellness practices for horses.  Look for a future broadcast with Dr Harman, as there is still so much more to chat about! The post Ep # 32, Dr Joyce Harman, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode # 31 of TALKING ABOUT HORSES, Patrick’s visits with Anna Blake about the parables of writing and riding, the instincts of the horse and the human, calming signals from the horse, and SO MUCH MORE!  Enjoy this wonderfully fun episode! https://pkhorsemanship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/annablakepodcast.mp3 The post Ep # 31, Anna Blake, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode #30 of Patrick King’s “Talking About Horses” audio broadcast Leslie Desmond joins us once again – this time to dive deeper into her time with Bill Dorrance and the writing of the book “True Horsemanship Through Feel.” The post Ep # 30, Leslie Desmond, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode #29 of TALKING ABOUT HORSES, Jonathan Field joins to talk about the development of his horsemanship, mentors, “seeing the horse,” liberty work and more! The post Ep # 29, Jonathan Field, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

For episode number 26, Leslie Desmond joins to chat about horsemanship, feel, Bill Dorrance and more! *Just a warning – we had some audio and connection issues during this broadcast and apologize for any troubles in listening. https://pkhorsemanship.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Leslie-Desmond-TALKING-ABOUT-HORSES-Episode-26.mp3 The post Ep #26, Leslie Desmond, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode #28 of Patrick King’s “Talking About Horses” audio broadcast Bruce Sandifer joins to talk about the process of developing the Classical Californio Bridle Horse. The post Ep. #28, Bruce Sandifer, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

How do you like your coffee? Join me for a cup! Chatting this morning about taking care of the small and “boring” stuff. What are your thoughts? The post COFFEE CONVERSATIONS (2): Take care of the small and “boring” stuff appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

How do you like your coffee? Join me for a cup, and lets have a chat during this NEW shorter form podcast, COFFEE CONVERSATIONS. Chatting this morning about the idea of “not letting the horse win” in a working or training situation. What are your thoughts? The post COFFEE CONVERSATIONS (1): “Don’t let the horse win…” appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.

In episode #27 of Patrick King’s “Talking About Horses” audio broadcast Charles Wilhelm joins to talk about horsemanship, problem solving, lessons learned throughout the years, and more! The post Ep. #27, Charles Wilhelm, TALKING ABOUT HORSES appeared first on Patrick King Horsemanship.