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The Willing Equine

by Adele Shaw, CEBC

Welcome to the official The Willing Equine podcast, with your host Adele Shaw. A podcast dedicated to improving the horse/human relationship, encouraging science based and ethically minded horse training, and a species appropriate way of keeping horses. www.thewillingequine.com

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Episodes

  1. Episode 84 // Are You Doing Enough? Part Two

    They say 'ignorance is bliss.' With education comes responsibility. When we begin to learn more about more ethical ways to care for our horses, it can feel incredibly overwhelming at first. Suddenly we're inundated with the newest research in holistic health, species-appropriate care, and ethical...

  2. Episode 83 // Are You Doing Enough? Part One

    They say 'ignorance is bliss.' With education comes responsibility. When we begin to learn more about more ethical ways to care for our horses, it can feel incredibly overwhelming at first. Suddenly we're inundated with the newest research in holistic health, species-appropriate care, and ethical...

  3. Episode 82 // How R+ Training Improved my R- Training

    While I strongly believe that positive reinforcement-based horse training is the way forward, negative reinforcement is still prevalent in the horse world and is therefore worth discussing. I'm not here to judge or shame anyone for using one method or another, I simply wish to share my…

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  4. Episode 81 // Meeting Your Horse's Needs at a Boarding Facility Part Two

    For many equestrians, owning a horse means keeping them at a boarding facility. Boarding facilities allow owners to meet their horse's needs without having to own the land to do so. And while this opportunity is a fantastic arrangement for many, it can sometimes create challenge when it comes to...

  5. Episode 80 // Meeting Your Horse's Needs at a Boarding Facility

    For many equestrians, owning a horse means keeping them at a boarding facility. Boarding facilities allow owners to meet their horse's needs without having to own the land to do so. And while this opportunity is a fantastic arrangement for many, it can sometimes create challenge when it comes to...

  6. Episode 79 // What's Holding You Back from Trying R+? Part 3

    In this week's episode, we dive back into the series, "What's holding you back from trying R+?" I posed this question to my social media followers several months ago and can't wait to dive into the answers with you! There are many legitimate concerns and doubts when it comes to switching over to...

  7. Episode 78 // What's Holding You Back from Trying R+? Part 2

    What's holding you back from trying R+? I posed this question to my social media followers several months ago and can’t wait to dive into the answers with you on my podcast! There are many legitimate concerns and doubts when it comes to switching over to using positive reinforcement to train your...

  8. Episode 77 // What’s holding you back from trying R+? Pt. 1

    In this week's episode, we dive into another series. This time, we're talking about 'What's holding you back from trying R+?' I posed this question to my social media followers several months ago and can't wait to dive into the answers with you! There are many legitimate concerns and doubts when…

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  9. Episode 76 // Riding with R+

    Have you ever wondered if it's possible to ride with positive reinforcement? Maybe you're confused about how to train tactile cues without using pressure, or wonder whether it is possible to compete with an R+ trained horse. In this episode, I answer common questions, doubts, and myths about…

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  10. Episode 75 // Proprioception, Movement Science, Driving, & Genetics: An Assortment of R+ Myth Busting

    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...

  11. Episode 74 // Relationships, Release, & Relaxation

    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...

  12. Episode 73 // Panicked, Over-threshold horses : Is R+ Effective?

    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...

  13. Episode 72 // Can R+ Be Used With Aggressive, Dangerous, & Explosive Horses?

    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...

  14. Welcome Back: 2024 Updates & 3 Behaviors That 'Can't' Be Trained With R+

    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...

  15. Episode 70 // Best of 2022

    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...

  16. Episode 69 // Kids & Horses

    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...

  17. Episode 68 // Helping Horses With Poor Social Skills

    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...

  18. Ep 67 // R+ Is Not A Method

    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...

  19. Episode 66 // Beware of Flashy Marketing

    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:...

  20. Episode 65 // Senior Horses and the Non-Ridden Equine

    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

  21. Episode 64 // Preparing for Unfortunate Events

    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…

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  22. Episode 63 // Bringing New Horses Home

    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...

  23. Episode 62 // The Successful R+ Lesson Program

    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...

  24. Episode 61 // Ethical Horse Businesses

    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...

  25. Episode 60 // Behavioral Medication For Equines

    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...

  26. Episode 59 // The Hoof's Impact On Behavior: A Conversation With Alicia Harlov

    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…

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  27. Episode 58 // Grief & Shame in Horsemanship

    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…

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  28. Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW

    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…

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  29. Ep 56 // Equine Trauma: Prevention & Recovery

    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...

  30. Ep 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities

    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…

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  31. Ep 54 // Welcome Back To Season Four and Updates! (Part Two)

    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…

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  32. Ep 53 // Welcome Back To Season Four and Updates! (Part One)

    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…

    more
  33. Ep 52 // Helping Horses Adjust To Turnout

    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...

  34. Ep 51 // What Equestrians Can Learn From The Dog Training World

    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…

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  35. Ep 50 // Introducing New Horses

    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,...

  36. Ep 49 // Listening To Your Horse With Jim Masterson

    "You don’t want to ignore the horse. Everything we do with this type of bodywork, we are paying attention to what the horse is saying. And so, you have to adjust what you are doing to what the horse is saying so that they’re as relaxed as possible - because it doesn’t work if they’re not…

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  37. Ep 48 // LIMA For Humans and Supporting Change: Part Two

    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…

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  38. Ep 47 // LIMA For Humans and Supporting Change: Part One

    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...

  39. Ep 46 // Young Horses & Preparing For Shows

    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...

  40. Ep 45 // How R+ Horses Respond To Pressure

    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...

  41. Ep 44 // Lesson Programs With R+

    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...

  42. Ep 43 // Is Your Horse In A Toxic Relationship With You?

    This episode began with answering a listener's question about bonding with their horse, took a deep dive into "toxic relationships" in the middle somewhere, and ended with 5 (or was it 6?) steps towards improving your relationship with your horse. We also look at operationalizing "willingness",...

  43. Ep 42 // A Conversation With Ryan Cartlidge

    I'm excited to share this wonderful conversation with Ryan Cartlidge of Animal Training Academy with you guys! In this episode we discuss... ✦ What throwing spaghetti at the wall has to do with brave and resilient learning ✦ How our feedback towards other may directly impact their motivation to…

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  44. Ep 41 // What Pumpkin Has Taught Me

    As promised, here is the episode talking about Pumpkin! This episode is all about my beautiful mare Pumpkin, what she has taught me, how she has challenged me, how she's transformed over the years, and so much more! We talk about: "Slow", "resistant", and "lazy" horses. The different ways fear…

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  45. Ep 40 // Resetting, Renewing, and Avoiding Burnout

    WELCOME BACK listeners! Looking forward to season three and a fresh new year! As we go into 2021 I wanted to talk about starting off the new year in such a way that we can avoid burnout, "enjoy the ride", and not get so focused on checking off that to-do list that we forget about the joy that the...

  46. Ep 39 // Love Without Conditions

    I've gone back and forth on whether to do this episode or not... annnnnddddd here we are. Be warned, this is a very emotional episode. This episode is dedicated to my late mare Tiger (she's the podcast cover photo), and all that she taught me. I explain some more about how I lost her, her…

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  47. Ep 38 // When Horses Don't Like Food Reinforcement

    It's not that common, horses not wanting to take food from a human, but it happens to varying degrees from time to time... So I think this is an important topic to address! What do you do when your horse doesn't want to take food from you, but you want to train with positive reinforcement? In…

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  48. Ep 37 // Riding With R+ (Clicker Training)

    Brought to you by popular request... An entire episode about riding with positive reinforcement and clicker training. In this episode I talk about what it looks like, why the stopping for food isn't a big deal, how you build up to more complex behaviors, I compare the process between R- and R+...

  49. Ep 36 // Achieving Balance

    In this episode I take a broad topic or "idea" and apply it to many areas of horse training. We dive into what balance looks like, how we can achieve it, what areas it's important to prioritize it in, and so much more! ✦ www.TheWillingEquine.com✦ Instagram.com/TheWillingEquine ✦...

  50. Ep 35 // Aggression Within The Herd

    I can't tell you how many times I've heard, and continue to hear, about horses that can't be turned out with other horses because they are too aggressive or.. because the other horses are too aggressive towards them. It's unfortunate that the individual horses are often blamed for this, or that...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to the official The Willing Equine podcast, with your host Adele Shaw. A podcast dedicated to improving the horse/human relationship, encouraging science based and ethically minded horse training, and a species appropriate way of keeping horses. www.thewillingequine.com

HOSTED BY

Adele Shaw, CEBC

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Willing Equine have?

The Willing Equine currently has 84 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Willing Equine about?

Welcome to the official The Willing Equine podcast, with your host Adele Shaw. A podcast dedicated to improving the horse/human relationship, encouraging science based and ethically minded horse training, and a species appropriate way of keeping horses. www.thewillingequine.com

How often does The Willing Equine release new episodes?

The Willing Equine has 84 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Willing Equine?

You can listen to The Willing Equine on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Willing Equine?

The Willing Equine is created and hosted by Adele Shaw, CEBC.
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