The Willing Equine

Latest Episodes:

Episode 64 // Preparing for Unfortunate Events Aug 30, 2022

Show notes

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

Episode 63 // Bringing New Horses Home Aug 16, 2022

Show notes

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 Herd, and Episode 50, Introducing New Horses, as well as this blog post.
Podcast Transcript:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-63----bringing-new-horses-home

Episode 62 // The Successful R+ Lesson Program Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

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-successful-r-lesson-program

Episode 61 // Ethical Horse Businesses Jul 19, 2022

Show notes

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 about how R+ can be applied in a lesson barn setting, check out the podcast I did with Steph K of @stephkequestrian, Episode 44 // Lesson Programs with R+
Podcast Transcription:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-61-ethical-horse-businesses

Episode 60 // Behavioral Medication For Equines May 31, 2022

Show notes

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. Janna loves to work with horses out on the trails and to help them feel comfortable in a variety of situations. She is earning her Master’s degree in Counseling through Regis University in order to help those with sensitive animals. She also has a graduate certificate as an Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner and is a Certified Professional Bird Trainer. Janna is currently accepting equine clients both virtually and, within areas of Colorado, in person sessions.

This leads us into a great discussion about behavioral medication for equines, when to consider medication, how success is defined by the individual, where to find a behavior vet, and the importance of having a team of equine professionals on your side.
To learn more about Janna and the work that she does, you can reach out to her at Janna@behaviorvets.com, or head to the behaviorvets.com website.
Podcast Transcript:

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-60-behavior-medication-for-equines

Episode 59 // The Hoof's Impact On Behavior: A Conversation With Alicia Harlov May 17, 2022

Show notes

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 sound is often a matter of finding the right pieces to the puzzle.
https://thehumblehoof.com/
@thehumblehoof

We talked about how hoof pain can impact behavior, the importance of open communication with our hoof care providers, preparing our horses for the farrier, and so much more!
Podcast Transcript:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-59

Episode 58 // Grief & Shame in Horsemanship May 03, 2022

Show notes

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 Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW. To watch the accompanying video and to hear more conversations like this one, join the Academy! Enrolment opens in July, and you can jump on the First-to-Know List today. We would love to have you!
More about Julia Alexander and the work that she does:

Julia provides compassionate therapy, education and consulting services rooted in anti-racist, social justice and liberatory frameworks. She offers a safe and accepting space to alleviate shame, heal trauma and discover inner resilience. Her approach is founded on an unwavering belief in the healing power of safe connection, and a deep knowing that sustained relationship to nature plays a major role in human healing. She specializes in providing eco and equine-assisted psychotherapy in the areas of childhood relationship trauma, coming out, systemic oppression, and shame held by white-bodied people. She combines her expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer a unique form of equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. Through this work, she loves supporting people in exploring connection, dialogue, choice and consent.
https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/
@juliaalexander_lcsw
More about Bex Tasker and her work:

Bex lives on a small farm in Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand with her animals and young family. She runs classes for dogs and their humans, junior animal trainer classes and regular horsemanship clinics from her home property. She also travels around New Zealand and overseas to deliver clinics and lessons to horses and their passionate and dedicated humans. As well as the "real life" teaching, she has a thriving online membership community, and run regular coaching intensives with students from all over the world. In early 2019 she partnered with her good friend and experienced youth worker Brooke Friend to establish a successful youth programme, focused around ethical animal training, life skills and mental health.
https://www.clickertraining.co.nz/
@positively_together
Podcast Transcription:

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-58----grief-and-shame-in-horsemanship

Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

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 cooperative care could have a positive impact on the horses, clients, and therapists alike.
More about Julia Alexander and the work that she does:
Julia provides compassionate therapy, education and consulting services rooted in anti-racist, social justice and liberatory frameworks. She offers a safe and accepting space to alleviate shame, heal trauma and discover inner resilience. Her approach is founded on an unwavering belief in the healing power of safe connection, and a deep knowing that sustained relationship to nature plays a major role in human healing. She specializes in providing eco and equine-assisted psychotherapy in the areas of childhood relationship trauma, coming out, systemic oppression, and shame held by white-bodied people. As a social justice educator, she offers customized consulting, curriculum design and group facilitation to individuals, teams, and organizations who want to understand their experiences and beliefs in the context of systemic oppression. She combines her expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer a unique form of equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. Through this work, she loves supporting people in exploring connection, dialogue, choice and consent.
https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/
@juliaalexander_lcsw
Podcast Transcript:

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-57

Ep 56 // Equine Trauma: Prevention & Recovery Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

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.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-56----equine-trauma-prevention-and-recovery

Ep 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

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

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