Horse Training in Harmony
Do you want to advance up the levels without sacrificing your horse's welfare and your relationship with him? Do you find it confusing trying to reconcile competitive training techniques with methods that prioritize partnership? Get ready for some fresh insights and a deeper understanding of how to progress with your horse. This podcast invites an evolution in your training and learning experience. Karen Rohlf will give you specific techniques and exercises, ‘outside the box’ concepts, and perspectives from top professionals. This show will explore how you can create stronger partnerships and healthy biomechanics, and will help you be your best self...
EP278: Tricks and Treats
In this episode I’ll talk about why I teach my horses tricks, the benefits of doing it, and how it affects our relationship.
❤️ Show your love & support for the pod: Make a one-time donation.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a prio...
EP277: Equine Sleep Deprivation - Dr. Joseph Bertone DVM
In this episode I talk with Dr. Joe Bertone, DVM about his work with Equine Sleep Deprivation. He shares what it is, the many possible causes, and how you can help horses who may not be getting enough sleep.
❤️ Show your love & support for the pod: Make a one-time donation.
About the Guest:
Dr. Bertone, DVM, MS Dipl. ACVS is currently a Professor of Equine Medicine at Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine and an adjunct professor at California Polytechnic Institute, Pomona, California.
He received his DVM a...
EP276: Horse Brain Science with Dr. Steve Peters
In this episode I talk with Dr Steve Peters about about our horses' nervous systems and how they function and adapt to the horse’s life experience and training. He is a fountain of information and in this conversation we talk about how we can put this information into practice with our horses. Get ready to take notes on this one!
❤️ Show your love & support for the pod: Make a one-time donation.
About the Guest:
Dr. Stephen C. Peters, Psy.D., ABN is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, neuroscientist, author, and interna...
EP275: Notes From The Road
In this episode I share some observations from my last two trips: An event in Italy with multiple presenters where I found common threads, and a clinic in Maine where once again I saw the power of the Finding The Sweet Spot in action.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for tra...
EP274: Sharing The Love
In this episode you’ll hear from me and some of the DN licensed instructors as we share what we love about connecting with students on our live calls inside the Sweet Spot course. You’ll hear how fulfilling it is not only for students, but for the instructors. There’s something special that happens when like-minded people come together with the goal of being our best for our horses.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students...
EP273: Reintroducing The Sweet Spot
In this episode I reintroduce a previous episode about the Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics concept and protocol because it’s THAT important. It can transform the way you train, and it is an incredibly powerful tool for cooperatively improving your horse’s posture and way of moving. Even if you’ve listened to this before, you’ll hear something new this time. This protocol has stood the test of time and has repeatedly caused breakthroughs with even seasoned professionals. It is so much more than just an exercise. It is a philosophy and a method based on principles that the...
EP272: ROI
In this episode I talk about paying attention to what you are putting in and what you are getting out of your training sessions. There’s a magic ingredient that can help you get the best return on investment.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on par...
EP271: Normal Isn't
In this episode I talk a bit about how we humans can get into a rut of what is normal and expected, and what can happen when two people have a different opinion of what is normal and expected.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on part...
EP270: Brideless
In this episode I talk about why you might want to try bridleless riding, and how to get started.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to...
EP269: It's HOT!
In this episode I talk about how I do things differently when it’s hot out. It’s all about accepting and adapting.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She beli...
EP268: Priming Our Attention
In this episode I talk about the importance of knowing what is coming into our attention. It can create a soundtrack for everything we do. Often it is the difference between those yucky days, and the magical days.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on part...
EP267: Ask Karen Anything - Tricky Treats
In this episode I answer a question about giving food rewards when the horse becomes obsessed with the food, stops focusing, and gets frustrated.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believe...
EP266: Ask Karen Anything - Program Mismatch
In this episode I answer a student’s question about trusting the program she is in when it doesn’t seem to be working for her horse.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view...
EP265: Ask Karen Anything: Fear
In this episode I answer a student’s question about how to handle fear as an older rider - but it really applies to riders of any age.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a po...
EP264: Pressure, Deadlines, and Pretending
In this episode I’ll talk about how sometimes pressure, deadlines, and a bit of imagination helps you break your own patterns and discover better results.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced poin...
EP263: Chickens & Eggs
In this episode I’ll talk about rider balance, horse balance, and how to improve both when each is taking the other out of balance. I’ll also relate this to improving body work and movement dynamics.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on p...
EP262: Pressure Release Reward
In this episode I talk pressure and release and positive reinforcement in an (hopefully) helpful way, freeing you from the extreme opinions and helping you play where the truth is - in the middle. I also have a big announcement
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a p...
EP261: Find Your Way
In this episode I talk about how YOUR way is more important than THE way. The path is only right, if it’s right for you.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She...
EP260: Emotional Freedom Tapping with Sarah Louise Lilley
In this episode I talk about Emotional Freedom Tapping with Sarah Louise Lilley and we are also joined by DN Instructor Shawna Lewis who uses EFT for herself and her horses. I think you’ll find this episode really interesting and useful.
About the Guest:
Sarah Louise Lilley is a clinical Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or “Tapping”) practitioner. A sought after coach and speaker, she helps equestrians overcome fears, blocks and trauma.
Known for her holistic and heart-centered approach, Sarah equips riders with tools that cultivate ease, trust, and clarity by releas...
EP259: Accepting Praise
In this episode I share a story about the power of accepting praise and contemplate whether to hold on to, or not, the old measures of success.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point o...
EP258: How to Learn Online
In this episode DN Instructor, Shawna Lewis and I talk about learning in online courses - why so many are disappointing, and what makes it possible to totally transform your riding in an online course. This discussion will help you spend your education money and time more wisely.
About the Guest:
Shawna Lewis is a Dressage Naturally Licensed Instructor, living in North Carolina. Shawna has been Karen’s assistant at Dressage Naturally since its early years. She has been the Dressage Naturally ‘Course Concierge’ and is very in touch with the student experiences. Shawna is master...
EP257: Rehabilitating The Equine Athlete
In this episode I talk about the pillars of rehabilitation I use when helping an equine athlete return to a mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy state.
And the good news, is you can use these same pillars to train in a way that avoids the problems in the first place.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual...
EP256: Teaching Priorities
In this episode I reflect on my recent conference with all the DN Instructors, and share one piece about priorities for teaching.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes...
EP255: Using The Happy Athlete Training Scale
In this episode I explain a way to use the HATS to make better progress while prioritizing your horse’s well-being. It’s a short but hopefully very helpful episode that you can put into practice right away.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority...
EP254: When Your Horse Knows Best
In this episode I talk about when my horse makes the best decisions, and how we need to be paying attention and ready to set aside our egos when that happens.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a pos...
EP 253: Exuberance Or Trouble?
In this episode I talk about how we should feel about our horse getting ‘big’ when online or at liberty. Will it make it more likely they’ll leap and buck under saddle? Is it OK or not OK to allow it?
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training ho...
EP252: What to Do When You See Mistreatment
In this episode I continue my exploration of what we can do to help horses when they are being mistreated. Helping to improve horse welfare isn’t just about taking action in the worst cases, it is about bringing awareness to the smaller moments in a way that creates change.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Kare...
EP251: USPC Equine Welfare Task Force
In this episode I am joined by the USPC Equine Welfare Task Force, made up of: Dr Stacy Anderson, Heather Bell, Dr Laura Thompson, Christina Keim. In creating this, they are leading the way for education on equine wellness and will have a huge influence on a new generation of horsemen. This is so important and I’m excited to have these wonderful women on the pod. I think you’ll love hearing about what they’ve created and will be left feeling optimistic.
About the Guests:
Christina Keim, M.Ed., M.F.A. is an...
EP250: Low Performance with Dr Jenny Susser
In this episode I speak with high performance expert Dr Jenny Susser, a self described athlete, scientist, horse lover and people expert. She helps people with high performance, but today I’m going to ask her about embracing contentedness with “low performance”… and what that even means. This talk will get personal as I share some challenges I’ve been having at this point in my life & career.
About the Guest:
Dr. Jenny has a doctoral degree in Clinical Health Psychology, specializing in Sport & Performance Psychology, Dr. Jenny is a New York State licensed psy...
EP249: Postural Rehabilitation with Dr Judith Shoemaker & Dr Karen Gellman
In this episode I am joined by Dr Judith Shoemaker and Dr Karen Gellman. They talk about Postural Rehabilitation and why horses may not respond to treatment. It is often due to underlying imbalances and they discuss different areas you’ll want to look at. Free webinar about Postural Rehabilitation.
About the Guests:
Judith M. Shoemaker, DVM, is well known practitioner and educator in integrative veterinary medicine and therapy. A 1980 graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Shoemaker's 32 year experience in clinical practice focuses on holistic medicine and therapy, utilizing chiropractic, acup...
EP248: Your Horse's M.O.
In this episode I talk about your horse’s M.O. Is there a quirk or behavior that continues through as you train? That even if you improve it, it comes back… how do we feel about that and what do we do about it?
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for traini...
EP247: Wanting To
In this episode I muse about how my horses and I navigate our feelings of ‘wanting to’ do things together (or not). I’ll share some stories of my horses and hopefully leave you feeling a little more free.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority...
EP246: My Horse is Perfect
In this episode I talk about how perfect my horses are - not just my horses, but your horses, and all horses! This is not some superficial positive thinking, it’s a context and an attitude that has a tremendous influence on how you train and live with horses.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is...
EP245: Wild Horses with Scott Beckstead
In this episode I’ll be talking with Scott Beckstead of the Wild Horse Refuge in Colorado. We’ll talk about how he is helping wild horses who have been rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management return to a life of freedom.
About the Guest:
A lifelong student and admirer of horses and all equines, Scott Beckstead grew up with horses on his family’s farm and spent much of his childhood and youth on horseback in the mountains of Idaho. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and his JD from t...
EP244: Pressure & Freedom with Elsa Sinclair
In this episode I talk with Elsa Sinclair of Taming Wild. I invite her to discuss her opinion on pressure, escalating pressure, and freedom. She offered a unique and nuanced opinion about pressure and how it fits into her Freedom-Based training techniques.
About the Guest:
For ELSA SINCLAIR, horse training has been a lifelong pursuit, but her career took a turn when one day a student asked her if horses really enjoyed being ridden, and more importantly, if they knew they had a choice in the matter. Without an answer for her student, Sin...
EP243: Narration
In this episode I talk about the power of narration. It’s a technique I use to build confidence, gain clarity, minimize fear, and to stay in the moment.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a posit...
EP242: Fun With Numbers
In this episode I have some fun with numbers, starting with a loose calculation of how much time I’ve spent practicing with horses, then somehow I move on to balance, connection, and resistance.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to...
EP241: You Don't Have to Feel Bad
In this episode I talk about a disturbing situation where some professionals are actively making students feel bad about themselves in the name of caring about horses. I’ll share my thoughts and how you can avoid falling into this trap.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a prio...
EP240: A Conversation with Tik Maynard
In this episode I talk with Tik Maynard, professional event rider, author, and two-time winner of The Road To The Horse colt starting championships.
About the Guest:
Tik Maynard is a renowned equestrian from Canada. He is a trainer, and author of 2 books: In The Middle Are The Horsemen, and Starting in The Middle…. He is known for his expertise in horsemanship, eventing, and colt starting, notably winning The Road To The Horse colt-starting competition twice.
He represented Canada in Modern Pentathlon at the 2007 Pan American Games and has competed at the advanced leve...
EP239: Me & My Energy
In this episode I talk about energy; not the kind that has to do with bigger gaits, or stronger aids, but the kind that effects how we are doing what we are doing.
About the Host:
Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.
Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teac...
