Talking Horses

This podcast is for people looking to communicate in a more refined respectful way with horses. I have spent most of my life looking for better ways of achieving lightness, responsiveness and a feeling of being totally connected to my horses. I would love to share my thoughts and thought of my guests on this journey with you. You can find more information about Steve Halfpenny on his web page and Facebook page. https://www.stevehalfpenny.com https://www.facebook.com/light.hands.equitation

Last refreshed: August 18th, 2025 at 1:32 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Dr Rena McFarlane talking about polyvagal theory

In this episode, Dr. Rena gives us an overview of the polyvagal theory and how it relates to horses as well as generally talking about horse-human communication.

Dec 31, 2024•37 min

Talking to Dr Shelly Appleton

Lately, a few of my students have been talking about Shelly's approach to horsemanship, so I thought it would be great to catch up with her here and have a chat.

Dec 11, 2024•56 min

John Saint Ryan and Tim McGaffic talking about their new film "Get The Mind and the Feet will Follow"

John Saint Ryan and Tim McGaffic talk with Steve about the film they have recently finished. It goes into how the ideas and techniques that Tom Dorrance used to work with horses can be explained using equitation science and learning theory. You can access the Get The Mind and the Feet will Follow movie here : https://johnsaintryanhorsemanship.vhx.tv/products

May 27, 2024•54 min

John Saint Ryan talking about Tom Dorrance

Steve talks with John about what he learned from Tom Dorrance about presenting things to horses and students in a way that helps them both learn. This episode is for over an hour in length and as usual John and Steve drifted of the topic a few times! John always talked of Tom with great reverence and it is always a pleasure hearing him share lessons learned from Tom.

Jan 21, 2024•1 hr 6 min

Dr Susan Fay

It was great to talk to Dr Susan Fay about her book Sacred Spaces and her journey to connecting with horses on a spiritual level. I found the book very insightful and explained a lot of the unseen attributes of great horsemen.

Apr 22, 2023•31 min

John Saint Ryan talking about learning theory

I recently listened to John's Audio book "A Voice For The Horse" on Audible and found Johns explanation of the terms used in Equitation science learning theory invaluable. As a result I asked John to talk a little about it in this podcast. It is always great to catch up with John and as always there are stories thrown it about lessons learned from Tom Dorrance. Link to John's book on Audible...

Jun 08, 2022•50 min

Lester Buckley

Lester Buckley is an unusual, multi-disciplinary teacher of both horsemanship and the principles of Classical Dressage. He is respected among his peers as one of the most accomplished equestrians and gifted teachers in the business today. Lester grew up in the historic cattle country of North Texas. He earned his B. S. in Equine Science from Sul Ross State University in Texas. As part of his college education, Lester worked with Ray Hunt in colt starting and horsemanship classes over a four-year...

Jan 16, 2022•34 min

John Sain Ryan

It was great to talk to John about how he got into horses and his time with Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance. John became a close friend of Toms and works to keep his legacy alive. You can find out more about John and buy Tom and Ray's books as well as other items on his website. www.johnsaintryan.com

Oct 30, 2021•55 min

Talking to Jeff Sanders a 6th Generation Vaquero

It was great to talk with Jeff about why the Californian Central Coast were so different. We and also chatted about gear, some of the misinformation out there about how the Vaqueros trained their horse. Jeff's second book is nearly ready for sale so we spent some time talking about his books and if he will write another one. ( Yes we will) Jeff Sanders was born in Merced California and raised on the Central Coast, right in the heart of Vaquero country. Jeff is a 6th generation Californian. He is...

Sep 29, 2021•46 min

Kas Interviewing Steve

Karen Fitzpatric is one of Steve and Irena's long time friends and the UK clinic organiser. She interviews Steve and asks him what got him into horses in the first place and asks him about the events that shaped his horsemanship journey.

Sep 14, 2021•47 min

Talking to Warwick Schiller

It was great to speak to Warwick about his early days in reining competition and the events in his life that caused him to look at things differently. Warwick is very much into helping horses by educating people to be more aware of how they think and perceive the world and the situation they find themselves in. I really enjoyed our chat and love the direction he has chosen to travel as he works on building his own knowledge and sharing it with the world. Warwick's Website: www.warwickschiller.co...

Aug 25, 2021•46 min

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