Horse Training in Harmony

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

We’re taking a little summer break from the pod. See you in September!  

Often we who want harmony and lightness can tend to focus on doing less, asking for less, and being as invisible as possible. In this episode I talk about how sometimes we want to do more, ask for more, and be more obvious in our requests.  

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...

In this episode I speak with Christina Keim, author of Unwanted, The Causes and Effects of America’s Horse Population Crisis. This is a book every horse lover needs to read, and I’m so happy to share this with you. It’s a subject that is uncomfortable to look at, but necessary.  

About the Guest:

Christina Keim, M.Ed., M.F.A. is an award-winning equestrian journalist and professional horsewoman with over 25 years experience in the industry. Her written work has appeared extensively in top equestrian publications, and she is the author of the new book...

In this episode we’ll meet my newest DN licensed Instructor, Niki Wilde Broadhead from Utah. She has a background in foundational horsemanship and a passion for cowboy dressage and teaching. 

About the Guest:

Niki has a strong background in foundational horsemanship, foal handling, and problem horses. She is a cowboy dressage endorsed clinician and a cowboy dressage level 3 judge with distinction, and has spent many years advancing adults and children. She is a really dedicated and enthusiastic  horsewoman, student, and instructor and I’m happy to introduce her to you. You can find her on Face...

This episode is a reintroduction of one of the most important concepts I teach, the Happy Athlete Training Scale. 

This is the framework for ethical training with a prioritization on your horse’s well-being. This training scale is ALWAYS in the back of my mind as I assess my horses and make my day-to-day and moment-to-moment training decisions. It’s simply my best, most simple description (so far) for explaining how to make those decisions.

About the Host:

Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is...

In this episode I give you a simple technique you can use in many different situations to improve what’s going on between you and your 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...

In this episode I talk about some of the challenges of being a horse professional for many decades, how things change, and perhaps a more positive way to navigate 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 horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a posi...

In this episode I talk about how to keep track of all the things we need to keep track of when we’re doing stuff with our horses, and how do we know if it’s us that need to change or our 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...

In this episode I’ll talk about some ways I help myself make decisions with my horses (and life). 

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 the he...

In this episode I talk about intention and surrender, that delicate dance between having a plan and allowing things to happen naturally, between leading our horses to do things, and allowing them to offer. 

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...

In this episode I take a look at horse welfare and how we can respond to situations where we think a horse is in a less-than-ideal situation. I’ll share three models, two to help you assess a situation and one to decide how to respond. 

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...

In this episode I answer a listener’s question about the challenge of deciding when to stop riding when it is the horse’s decision to stop. 

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...

In this episode I talk about animal consciousness. It’s a big subject that can get confusing quickly, and that’s why I wrote a fable 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 training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced...

In this episode I talk about the magical stuff, those synchronous, rare moments when the stars align, and how maybe they are much more ordinary in the best way possible.

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, an...

In this episode we revisit episode 87 on Going Through because it is such an important subject! This episode is about throughness in the dressagey sense of the word, and it’s also about going all the way through a process… so instead of getting stuck in the messy middle, you find your way to the beautiful stuff on the other side. Even if you’ve heard this one before, listen again with new ears… I’ll bet there is something you need help getting through right now that this will help you with. 

About the Host: 

Karen Rohl...

In this episode I share a couple favorite must-have flexibility exercises from my book. I also share my birthday wish!

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...

This episode is all about the Sweet Spot program and how it helps you find more harmony with your horse in an empowering and transformative way. At the time this is episode is released registration for the program is open (it only opens twice a year) so we want to make it easy for you to know if it’s right for you either now or in the future. You’ll hear from me and some SS students. 

About the Host:

Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is ch...

In this episode I am joined by DN Instructor Shawna Lewis. We answer questions from listeners. There are questions about connection with the reins, low energy horses, reactive horses, crooked horses and taking lessons.

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...

In this episode I’ll tell a funny little scary story that is remotely horse-related and then I’ll share 5 pieces of advice that will help you with horses (and maybe with more than 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 well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approa...

In this episode I talk with Sandra Beaulieu, the award-winning author of FREESTYLE: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music. Sandra is a USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist, a USDF Freestyle Bronze Bar recipient, and a USDF "L" Graduate.  

She saw a need in the dressage world for do-it-yourself freestyle information and is passionate about helping riders begin the dance with their horse.  

We’ll talk about why you might want to ride to music even if you don’t want to do a competitive musical freestyle… and how to start creating one if you do. S...

In this episode I talk about a couple of excerpts from my book. This time it’s about lateral work and self carriage.

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 belie...

In this episode I talk about the most important middle between reward and punishment: Communication and Dancing.  

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 the heart of ou...

In this episode I talk about when it’s appropriate to prioritize improving how your horse moves. Doing it too soon or too late both have consequences…The most important thing is you learn how to do 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 horses with a priority on part...

In this episode I’ll talk about variety - the kind we choose, and the kind we don’t.  

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 the heart...

In this episode I muse about motivation and WHY we do horses… and how that may or may not affect the results we get. I’ll also share another story of how smart my horse Atomic is. 

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 studen...

In this episode I talk with Dr. Karen Gellman who specializes in biomechanics. She is part of a team of people who created the Postural Rehabilitation program. We’ll be talking about Equine Dentistry and Posture. It is full of valuable information. Not to be missed! 

About the Guest:

Dr. Karen Gellman is a graduate of Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, and has a doctorate from Cornell in animal locomotion biomechanics. She has advanced training and certification in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic and has practiced these and other holistic modalities since 1995.   She teaches internationally about...

This is a bonus New Year Letter from Karen.

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 the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our...

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of their equine partners. Today we talk about Dr. Lily’s 3 Pillars: Attuned Assessment, Whole-hearted decision-making and Compassionate implementation, as well as her 4 deep roots for health and happiness. It’s a conversation packed with information that I think you are going to LOVE.

About the Guest:

Dr. Lily Wilson, BVetMed BSc(Hons) MRCVS, has a wide breadth and depth of passions and expertise. Lily has w...

In this episode, I’ll be sharing 3 random thoughts: A story about how smart horses are, some beautiful irony in the horse world today, and some reassurance for the people most worried about their horse’s well-being. 

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 studen...

In this episode, you’ll be joining me while I do night check on Atomic. You’ll share our private special time together and muse about relationships 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 well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and bala...

In this episode I talk about the power of the basics and some essential things you’ll want to get great at. 

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 get...

In this episode, I’ll muse about harmony. It’s not about everything being perfect. You can harmonize with disharmony! 

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 the h...

In this episode, I tell a story about some recent performances and teaching I did at the Iberian Showcase at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. I’ll share my experience and the behind the scenes story. 

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 stud...

In this episode, Karen talks about suppleness and key factors to help your horse maximize his potential for it! It’s an important quality that has mental, emotional and physical aspects. It’s an amazing feeling to ride a supple 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 priorit...

With double bridles and spurs now being optional in some dressage competitions, it is bringing up questions about why they are allowed at all, and why they would be compulsory. In this episode Karen explains the use of double bridles and spurs. 

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...

In this episode I describe how I have my property set up so horses get a lot of freedom, choice, and variety, while still keeping things safe, functional, and easy for me to work within.

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...

In this episode, I share a core concept in the DN program. It’s the key to getting results, and even more importantly, it’s the key to YOU creating and re-creating results independently.

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...

In this episode I talk about a dynamic where a loss or a limit can actually create dramatic positive lessons and improvements. The trick is to master the dynamic so you don’t have to learn the lessons the hard way.  

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 priori...

In this episode I talk about the technique of asking for permission from your horse. This is an important element of building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding.

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...

In this episode I talk about how to practice making better training plans for you and your horse. It’s less about recipes and more about knowing possibilities, paying attention to results, and being willing to mess it up and try again.

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...

Episode Summary: In this episode I try to untangle my mind around what dressage is, and reconcile the dressage I do with the sport of dressage. In the end, it’s about taking back the term dressage. 

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 stude...

In this episode: I’ll talk about the importance of advocating for our horses, and how that advocacy actually has to start with ourselves.. 

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 be...

Episode Summary:

In this episode I talk about how we can be firm while being fair, clear while being compassionate, and be non-negotiable while still giving horses the opportunity to have a choice. 

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 appr...

In this episode I talk about transitions. I’ll give you some exercise to do with transitions to help your horse’s overall balance, engagement, and nimbleness.

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...

In this episode I explore common phrases I hear students use to describe their experience when learning DN. I seek to discover exactly why they say it, and what they were missing before. My hope is that this episode will help you stay more on track in your own journey.

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.

...

In this episode I am joined by Mary Richards to talk about enrichment which is basically about how to keep our horses in a way that allows them to be the happiest horses they can be. I think you’ll really love this conversation where we’ll learn how even small changes can make a big difference. You’ll learn about Social, Cognitive, Sensory, & Physical Enrichment. 

About the Guest:

Mary Richards is an expert in animal behavior with a particular focus on equines. With over 15 years of experience as a zookeeper, Mary honed her skills in beha...

This episode re-introduces a popular episode from the archives about the famous (infamous) half halt. The half halt is an important concept in dressage - AND it’s a term I actually rarely use. I get a lot of questions about it, and anyone who has studied dressage or has taken dressage lessons has been asked to do a half halt. If you’ve ever been confused about what a half halt is or how to do it, keep on listening to this original episode on half halts. 

About the Host:

Karen Rohlf, author...

This episode is a re-introduction of a favorite episode of mine that goes more into our own minds rather than just horse training techniques, but I promise, what is in this episode will be a HUGE help to your horsemanship. It talks about what we notice, how our neurology works against us noticing everything we can notice, and it will give ideas for how to notice more of what we need to notice in order to improve. I love thinking about this kind of stuff, and I hope you enjoy listening to this replay of episode 104: Noticing.

...

In this episode I talk about Brace, and more importantly, what we can do about it. As you might guess, the solution is a little about the horse, and about us. It takes 2 to keep a brace going, and it’s our responsibility to dissolve 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 know...

In this ‘Best Of’ episode I reintroduce an episode where I talk about an important belief that often is the root of conflict between horse and rider. It’s so important I want to revisit it again! 

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...

In this episode I am joined by Jim Masterson, founder of The Masterson Method – a breakthrough form of equine bodywork which helps enhance performance, suppleness, mobility, and comfort whilst developing the relationship and bond of trust between the horse and owner.

About the Guest:

Jim Masterson is the founder of The Masterson Method – a breakthrough form of equine bodywork which helps enhance performance, suppleness, mobility, and comfort whilst developing the relationship and bond of trust between the horse and owner.

He began his career in 2000, working on horses competing in U.S. Show Jump...

In this ‘Best Of’ episode I reintroduce an episode where I talk less about what to learn and do, and more about the process of learning and doing. It’s one of my favorite episodes and worth highlighting again. 

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 partner...

This episode goes deep into the HTIH archives as Karen re-introduces one of her favorite topics. It was the very first episode released: "What Makes A Good Rider?" This is something we all need to be thinking about every day with our horses, and Karen’s perspective on this subject may be different than what you think.

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...

In this episode I describe a lesson I taught recently in order to illustrate a practical application of some Dressage Naturally principles. This will help you understand how I strategized my approach to a challenge and hopefully it will help YOU be able to strategize, too! 

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 know...

In this episode I share a question from a student (and my answer) about her rider position. It’s not so much about what is the correct position, but how to approach improving it in the context of training your horse. How do you train your horse when you know you have things you need to improve in your own position?

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 arou...

In this episode I am joined by Heidi Lowthorp and Niki Wilde Broadhead, who are part of the Transform Your Business Dream Team that help heart-centered horse professionals. They will be sharing stories of their own transformations, what was difficult and how they overcame it. If you are a horse professional prepare to be inspired.

About the Guests:

Niki Wilde Broadhead has been studying all facets of Horsemanship for over 25 years. While her study of horses has been extensive, she has found that she enjoys helping others most of all. She not only wants to h...

In this episode I talk about how important it is that the really nice, compassionate, heart-centered horse professionals thrive.

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 th...

In this episode I talk with Sandra Beaulieu about creativity and horses, and how you can express your own creativity with your horse.

About the Guest:

Sandra Beaulieu is a creative equestrian that combines her passion for dressage, equine art, and musical freestyle to inspire and help others have fun with their horses. She is an author and performs with her horse at special events like Equitana, the Equine Affaire, and BreyerFest. She believes that positive energy, love, and creativity are the key ingredients to create a strong bond with your horse. You can learn...

In this episode I continue the theme  from the last episode which was about the importance of knowing WHY you are doing an exercise. This time with more of a dressagey focus. 

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...

In this episode I’ll talk about the importance of knowing WHY you are doing an exercise. This will apply to the most basic or advanced exercises. When you don’t know why you are doing an exercise you can miss golden training moments.

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...

In this episode I’ll talk about the importance of advocating for our horses, and how that advocacy actually has to start with ourselves.. 

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...

In this episode I talk with Dr Karen Gellman who specializes in biomechanics. She is part of a team of people who created the Postural Rehabilitation program. We’ll be talking about the multi-faceted approach to helping your horse. 

About the Guest: 

Dr. Karen Gellman is a graduate of Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, and has a doctorate from Cornell in animal locomotion biomechanics. She has advanced training and certification in veterinary acupuncture and veterinary chiropractic and has practiced these and other holistic modalities since 1995.   She teaches internationally about posture, locomotion biomechanics, equine dentistry and veteri...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jane Pike, who helps me answer a student’s question about anxiety vs. excitement. Jane will share a bit of her own personal journey, and will talk about how relaxation, excitement, and anxiety all relate, as well as the importance of creativity. 

About the Guest: 

Jane Pike is a coach, writer, poet, and horsewoman from the South Island of New Zealand. In the horse world, her work focuses on practices and understandings that increase vitality for both humans and horses, incorporating nervous system awareness to both mindset...

In this Happy New Year episode Karen ponders the different cycles that we can experience in life and of course horsemanship.

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 ge...

A quick message of gratitude for all listeners before I take a podcast hiatus until January 5th.

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 the heart of...

In this episode I’ll answer a student’s question about whether it’s ever OK for a horse to be behind the vertical. It’s an important subject, not only for dressage riders...

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 teachin...

In this episode I’ll talk about riding bareback, the pros and cons, the hows, and the whys..

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 the he...

Everyone’s looking for the best system, the magic exercise, and the necessary techniques. These are important, for sure, but there’s something else that makes all the difference. In this episode I’ll attempt to define the elusive secret sauce.

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...

In this Thanksgiving episode, I’ll be contemplating gratitude for all the things that didn’t go as planned or that might not have been welcomed or appreciated at the time they happened.

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...

In this episode, I am joined by professional dog trainer Brenda Aloff. She is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker, clinician and author. She’ll be answering a student’s question about how to keep horses and dogs safe around each other. Brenda is also an equestrian so she is the perfect person to ask! If you have dogs and horses you’ll really enjoy this conversation.

About the Guest:

Brenda Aloff is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker, clinician and author. At clinics, she is known for straight-forward talk, a passion to make the daily...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Raquel Butler of Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics, in Australia. We’ll talk about listening to your horse when something doesn’t feel right, and the importance of a multi-faceted approach to rehabilitation.

About the Guest:

Dr. Raquel Butler graduated from BVSc Melbourne University in 2004, and worked in mixed practice in Australia and overseas for 8 years before branching into Integrated Veterinary Therapeutics, her own mobile-based practice treating animals with bodywork.

She has completed a Graduate Diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine encompassing chiropractic and osteopathic techniques as well as reha...

In this episode, I’ll tell the story of a recent bareback and bridleless performance I did with Natilla. I’ll share how we prepared, how it went, and of course, some super cute stories about my big beautiful mare.

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...

In this episode, I’ll talk about a trending message that I think is inaccurate and unhelpful. In fact, I think it is working against the best interests of horses and the humans that care so much about them.

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...

In this episode, I talk about the Dressage Naturally Happy Athlete training scale, and how you can use it as a blueprint for decision-making with your 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...

In this episode I answer a student’s question about how sometimes when riding her horse gets too close to the fence and her legs get rubbed into the arena boards. She shares what her instructor has told her, and of course I’ll share what I think, and give a blueprint for problem-solving such things.

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...

In this episode, I talk about why partnership isn’t enough. It’s time to claim your cape and be your horse’s superhero!

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 be...

In this episode, I’ll riff off of a student's question to our FB group where she was wrestling with feeling emotionally and physically dysregulated, and what she ‘should’ do with her horse during those times.

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 studen...

In this episode, I’ll describe what I call the Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics. It is a key concept in Dressage Naturally. It can transform the way you train, and it is incredibly powerful as a tool for cooperative training of your horse’s posture and way of moving.

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.

Ka...

In this episode, I answer a student question about a horse that resists circling on line. My answer includes a specific exercise, as well as some important psychological nuances about how to do the exercise. It’s not just about ‘getting the horse to circle’ it’s about figuring out how to cause the horse to understand and be motivated to join the circle.

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 aro...

In this episode I’ll share some words from Nuno Oliveira. They are simple yet powerful and something you can apply to your riding starting today. This also dovetails beautifully with principles and methods taught in my Dressage Naturally program.

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 pr...

In this episode I’ll talk about the different types of sessions we can do with our horses. I’ll share how Math class, Gym class, Recess, and Field Trips all play different and important roles in the well-rounded education of your horse in horse school.

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 know...

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of their equine partners. Today we will be talking about needle-shyness, and what we can do to make getting injections a better experience for the horse and the handler.

About the Guest:

Dr. Lily Wilson, BVetMed BSc(Hons) MRCVS, has a wide breadth and depth of passions and expertise. Lily has worked in practice treating pets, horses and livestock in a variety of settings including general practice...

In this episode I’ll talk about beautiful moments with horses and how we can be sure they are beautiful… Who gets to say? If a horse piaffes in the forest and no one is there to judge it, can it be beautiful? Let’s explore that.

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 k...

In this episode I talk about one of the most unfortunate terms in the horse world: Breaking Horses. Help me eliminate that word, and even more importantly that practice. We don’t want to break horses, we want to prepare them.

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...

In this episode we’ll take a break from techniques, dressage, and horsemanship. I’ll share one of my favorite prose poems. It is something I read regularly. It’s a powerful piece and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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...

In this episode, I answer a student’s request for me to share more about my own physical challenges, and ways I have dealt with them, as well as how age affects our riding.

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...

When is nothing something? What does the foamy head of a beer have to do with living in possibility? In this episode I’ll talk about one of the most powerful exercises I’ve never done.

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 stud...