First Do No Harm

Latest Episodes:

Overfacing your horse. Do you know when to stop? Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

A mantra in our school is to stop on a positive note feeling like you could've done more. As type A achiever equestrians we tend to feel something amazing when riding and keep chasing that feeling. I want it again, I want it more, I want it better!! However, quite often what we are feeling is our horses best effort. If we don't stop and reward for effort and drill for perfect behaviours our horse will go sour at best and get frustrated and throw dangerous behaviours at worst.

In this episode we will talk about how to bring down a shaping plan so that we are rewarding for effort and setting our horse up for success, not only today but in the rides moving forwards.

Ready to become a Holistic Equestrian? Join our free webinar - https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

A common mistake we make in understanding our horses resistance Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

Join us in this episode, the first of 6 in this mini series on developing willingness and overcoming resistance.

In this episode we discuss one of the mistakes we make as a horse rider if our only tool in the tool box is to escalate pressure.

Ready to become a holistic equestrian? Jump on our free webinar

https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

Horse personalities and acupressure with Susan from elemental acupressure | Part 3 Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Can you truly connect with your horse and understand its unique needs?

If you're struggling with traditional horse training methods, feeling the tension between structure and connection, or simply want to create a deeper bond with your horse, this episode is for you.

In this final part of our podcast interview with Susan, we explore the world of acupressure and the five-element approach to horse training, providing insights on how to create harmony and relaxation. We discuss the importance of grounding, relaxation, and establishing a positive relationship with your horse. Learn how to move beyond traditional conditioning methods and embrace a more holistic approach to training and connecting with your horse.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

👉 How grounding and relaxation are key to building a better relationship with your horse.

👉 Why traditional training methods might not always be the best approach for achieving harmony.

👉 The five elements that guide the acupressure training, each representing different archetypes in horses.

👉 How to choose the right techniques and lifestyle changes to support your horse's unique needs.

Connect with Susan:

https://elementalacupressure.com/shop-home/

https://elementalacupressure.com/easyacu/

facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elemental.acu

LET’S CONNECT!

Website: https://www.equestrianmovement.com

Our instagram handle is https://www.instagram.com/equestrian_movement/

and fb https://www.facebook.com/EquestrianMovement

the school instagram handle

https://www.instagram.com/equestrianspiritaustralia/

and fb https://www.facebook.com/katiebonifaceequestrian

Ready to start your connection based journey? Join us for our webinar: https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

Horse personalities and acupressure with Susan from elemental acupressure | Part 2 Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

Are you struggling with outdated training methods that seem to create more stress than harmony with your horse?

Many riders and trainers get caught in a cycle of forceful or fear-based training without realizing the toll it takes on their horses' well-being. You might be getting results, but are they really worth it if they're breaking down the communication and trust between you and your horse?

What if there's a better way to train that not only produces results but also deepens the bond with your horse?

Traditional methods often rely on pressure and control, which can lead to fear-based responses. This doesn't foster a true partnership. Instead, let's explore a more compassionate approach that centers on creating a safe environment where both you and your horse can thrive.

In this episode, we're joined by Susan, a renowned expert in horse training and bodywork, to discuss transformative approaches to working with horses.

Susan shares her insights on creating a felt sense of safety and belonging for your horse, which allows them to relax and fully engage in training. With years of experience in the field, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge on how to shift from traditional methods to a more harmonious approach.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

👉 How traditional training methods can create unnecessary stress and fear in horses

👉 The importance of compassionate leadership and emotional agility in building a strong relationship with your horse

👉 Tips and techniques for creating a sense of safety and belonging in your horse training

👉 How bodywork and mindfulness can transform the way you interact with your horse

Connect with Susan:

https://elementalacupressure.com/shop-home/

https://elementalacupressure.com/easyacu/

facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elemental.acu

LET’S CONNECT!

Website: https://www.equestrianmovement.com

Our instagram handle is https://www.instagram.com/equestrian_movement/

and fb https://www.facebook.com/EquestrianMovement

the school instagram handle

https://www.instagram.com/equestrianspiritaustralia/

and fb https://www.facebook.com/katiebonifaceequestrian

Ready to start your connection based journey? Join us for our webinar: https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

Horse personalities and acupressure with Susan from elemental acupressure | Part 1 May 29, 2024

Show notes

Do you struggle to connect with your horse in a way that respects their autonomy and honors their unique personality? Many horse trainers and owners find themselves relying on high-pressure tactics, leading to tension, resistance, and a lack of genuine connection. It doesn't have to be this way.

If you've ever felt like your horse was resisting you or exhibiting behavioral issues, it might be a sign that the communication between you is off. Traditional training methods often focus on submission and pressure, which can create tension in both the horse and the trainer.

Instead, what if you could create a harmonious relationship with your horse by tapping into ancient methods that prioritize relaxation, consent, and individualized attention? In this episode, we're joined by Susan, a seasoned expert in five-element acupressure and Shiatsu massage, to help us explore a different approach.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

👉 How Susan's practice of acupressure and other bodywork techniques can help create a deeper connection with your horse.

👉 The importance of asking for your horse's consent before engaging in physical contact and training.

👉 Ways to identify and understand your horse's unique personality type to tailor your training approach.

👉 Techniques to encourage relaxation in your horse, leading to improved movement, health, and behavior.

Connect with Susan:

https://elementalacupressure.com/shop-home/

https://elementalacupressure.com/easyacu/

facebook - https://www.facebook.com/elemental.acu

LET’S CONNECT!

Website: https://www.equestrianmovement.com

Our instagram handle is https://www.instagram.com/equestrian_movement/

and fb https://www.facebook.com/EquestrianMovement

the school instagram handle

https://www.instagram.com/equestrianspiritaustralia/

and fb https://www.facebook.com/katiebonifaceequestrian

Ready to start your connection based journey? Join us for our webinar: https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

Spooky behaviour with animal naturopath Kerri Hyland | Part 2 May 22, 2024

Show notes

How Can You Improve Communication with Your Horse Without Resorting to Aggression?

As a horse owner or student of horsemanship, you might find it difficult to communicate with your horse without resorting to aggressive methods. In this episode, our guest Kerri, an equine expert, explores the common pitfalls in horse training and why forceful techniques often lead to more problems than solutions.

Aggressive training methods may seem like a quick solution, but they often result in confusion and distrust. Horses, as prey animals, are highly sensitive to human emotions and can easily pick up on stress and anxiety. This episode delves into how to build a partnership with your horse through patience, understanding, and a commitment to creating a stress-free environment.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

👉 Why traditional methods that rely on aggression or heavy-handed techniques can be harmful to your horse.

👉 The significance of building a relationship with your horse based on trust rather than fear.

👉 The detrimental effects of inconsistent cues and how they confuse your horse.

👉 Effective ways to reduce stress in both you and your horse to improve communication.

Connect with Kerri!

Website: www.vibrantanimalhealth.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vibrantanimalhealth/

Find out more about Katie and her work on her:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilinghorsellc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smilinghorsellc1

https://h-elp.org/about-the-h-elp-foundation

LET’S CONNECT!

Website: https://www.equestrianmovement.com

Ready to start your connection based journey? Join us for our webinar: https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

Spooky behaviour with animal naturopath Kerri Hyland | Part 1 May 15, 2024

Show notes

Ever wondered how natural therapies can help anxious and stressed animals?

Many of us know that managing stress and anxiety in our pets, especially horses and dogs, can be challenging. The fear, the nervousness, the inability to learn or focus – it’s enough to drive any animal owner up the wall. What if you could reduce that stress and anxiety without resorting to harsh medications?

Today's guest is Kerri Highland, an animal naturopath and nutritionist who specializes in horses and dogs. She works with herbs, nutrition, and nutraceuticals to offer natural solutions for a variety of animal health issues. Her remote consultations allow her to help clients across Australia, focusing on customized approaches to each animal's needs.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:

👉 The benefits of using herbs and nutraceuticals for animal health

👉 Why stress and anxiety can hinder learning and memory in horses

👉 Practical natural solutions to help animals cope with stress and anxiety

👉 Tips on balancing nutrition and supplements for optimal animal health

Connect with Kerri!

Website: www.vibrantanimalhealth.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vibrantanimalhealth/

Find out more about Katie and her work on her:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smilinghorsellc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smilinghorsellc1

https://h-elp.org/about-the-h-elp-foundation

LET’S CONNECT!

Website: https://www.equestrianmovement.com

Ready to start your connection based journey? Join us for our webinar: https://www.equestrianmovement.com/sayyes

How to ride bend May 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode we cover foundational training principles that need to layer on top of each other to describe bend to a horse so that improves their balance on turns and allows you to do tighter turns with more balance and speed. We go into the training theory of it and how that will influence the horses ability to execute the ask or create resistance.

Take the first step towards becoming a holistic horse rider and join our free webinar say yes to a happy willing horse

Do you communicate in a way your horse understands? May 02, 2024

Show notes

Join us in this episode as we discuss the different types of communication that can be happening with our horse and how that translates through to the saddle and their ability to progress under saddle.

Take the first step towards becoming a holistic horse riding and join our free webinar "say yes to a happy, willing horse"

Help my horse is running through the bit! Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Join us in this episode as we unpack a training problem that came up with one of our students recently with one of our school horses. In this episode we dig into the different elements that I worked through with the student for her to gain the confidence to manage the problem.

Want to test the waters of becoming a Holistic Horse Handler? Jump on our free webinar "Say yes to a happy, willing horse"

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