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 training methods. This shift can often come with a lot of guilt, and questions around whether or not we're truly doing enough for our horses. If these feelings are something you've struggled with, this ...
Sep 09, 2024•34 min
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 training methods. This shift can often come with a lot of guilt, and questions around whether or not we're truly doing enough for our horses. If these feelings are something you've struggled with, this ...
Aug 26, 2024•33 min
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 experiences and suggestions on how to ethically and mindfully apply negative reinforcement techniques. In this episode, I discuss: - How to skillfully and ethically apply negative reinforcement - Why I choose to u...
Aug 05, 2024•46 min
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 training and keeping our horses in a way that isn't considered traditional. In part two of this series, I share some practical strategies on how you can meet your horse's needs at a boarding facility, an...
Jul 22, 2024•23 min
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 training and keeping our horses in a way that isn't considered traditional. In this episode, I share some practical strategies on how you can meet your horse's needs at a boarding facility, and how you c...
Jul 08, 2024•33 min
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 using positive reinforcement to train your horses. In this series, I'll offer my suggestions and perspective on how you can overcome your doubts and try a new way of training with your horse! In today's ...
Jun 17, 2024•42 min
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 horses. In part 2 of this series, I’ll offer my suggestions and perspective on how you can overcome your doubts and try a new way of training with your horse! In this episode, I discuss how you can over...
May 31, 2024•36 min
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 it comes to switching over to using positive reinforcement to train your horses. In this series, I'll offer my suggestions and perspective on how you can overcome your doubts and try a new way of trainin...
May 14, 2024•25 min
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 riding with positive reinforcement.
Apr 23, 2024•46 min
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 myth-busting and explaining how I might teach the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part five of this series), I dive into how whether or not R+ can be used in ...
Mar 27, 2024•30 min
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 myth-busting and explaining how I might teach the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part four of this series), I dive into how whether or not R+ can be used in ...
Feb 27, 2024•21 min
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 some myth busting and explaining how I might go about teaching the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part three of this series), I dive into how whether or not ...
Feb 08, 2024•29 min•Season 5Ep. 3
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 some myth busting and explaining how I might go about teaching the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you! In this episode (part two of this series), I dive into how you can safely im...
Jan 22, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 2
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 related goals for 2024. Then we dive into some myth busting! A while back I posted a photo on social media, asking commenters to share behaviors that they believed COULDN'T be trained with R+. In this episod...
Jan 02, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 1
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 episode, we're taking a ride through some of this season's most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy! Show Notes: 4:45 - From Episode 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities 15:59 - From Episode 57 // A N...
Dec 27, 2022•56 min
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 personal anecdotes from my own experiences with horses and children, talk about some of the reasons why traditionally trained horses may be more prone to explosive and dangerous behavior, and share my proc...
Dec 13, 2022•55 min
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 resource guarding, and so much more Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-68-helping-horses-with-poor-social-skills...
Nov 15, 2022•39 min
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 different training styles work for different learners. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-67-r-is-not-a-method...
Nov 01, 2022•38 min
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: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-66----beware-of-flashy-marketing
Oct 04, 2022•41 min
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
Sep 13, 2022•40 min
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 support, and so much more. Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-64-preparing-for-unfortunate-events...
Aug 30, 2022•40 min
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 some tips that trainers and facility owners should consider to help horses adjust to new homes. To learn more about helping your horse adjust, check out Episode 35 of my podcast, Aggression within the H...
Aug 16, 2022•50 min
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 experienced enough, how a horse's personality type can impact their suitability to be in a lesson program, and so much more! Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-62-the-succ...
Aug 02, 2022•48 min
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 importance of having a good understanding of how to run a business, the benefits of working as a team with other like-minded equine business owners, and so much more! If you're interested in learning more abo...
Jul 19, 2022•43 min
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 education roles. She has always had a passion for working with equines and grew up working at different barns learning to ride various disciplines such as jumping, dressage, barrel racing, and polo. Jan...
May 31, 2022•1 hr
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 Humble Hoof podcast, where she interviews equine professionals about factors that affect hoof health. She loves educating owners on how to grow the healthiest hoof possible and believes that getting a horse s...
May 17, 2022•1 hr 5 min
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 hope you will take the time to listen to. This episode was recorded for TWE Academy in 2020, and we decided to release it to the public as a follow up to our most recent podcast episode, Episode 57 // A New...
May 03, 2022•57 min
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 about the ethics and emotional state of the horses involved. We also share our plans for what the future of Equine-assisted therapy could look like, and how incorporating consent-based training and cooperati...
Apr 12, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 57
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 events, as well as share some practical ways to prepare your horse (and yourself) to prevent the experience from becoming a traumatic one. www.thewillingequine.com Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewill...
Mar 29, 2022•41 min•Season 4Ep. 56
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 plan for the future and know better for next time! www.thewillingequine.com
Mar 15, 2022•49 min•Season 4Ep. 55
