In this episode of Talking About Horses, host Patrick King interviews Dr. Claire Tunes, an equine nutritionist, about the complexities of horse nutrition. Dr. Tunes shares her journey into the field, the importance of understanding equine digestion, and how to assess a horse's nutritional needs. The conversation covers the significance of forage in a horse's diet, methods for determining a horse's weight and body condition, and the relationship between nutrition and building top line strength in horses. Dr. Tunes emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to equine nutrition, considering both dietary components and the horse's overall health and fitness. They discuss common mistakes in feeding horses, the role of supplements, and the critical nature of vitamin E in maintaining equine health. The conversation emphasizes the need for proper dietary management and the significance of testing to ensure optimal nutrition for horses. In this conversation, Clair discusses the critical role of sodium and hydration in horse health, emphasizing the importance of proper salt intake to prevent colic and maintain performance. She explains how dehydration can significantly impact a horse's performance and the necessity of electrolytes during strenuous activities. The discussion also covers the relationship between gut health and anxiety in horses, advocating for a holistic approach to managing horse behavior and performance through diet and environmental factors. They also discuss the importance of understanding horse behavior, daily movement, and nutritional requirements. They explore how to restore gut health after illness, the roles of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, and the significance of managing inflammation. Clair shares valuable lessons learned in her career and offers practical tips for horse owners to ensure optimal nutrition for their horses.

In this episode, Patrick King and Tammy Elkayam explore differing perspectives on the effectiveness of backing a horse up, the significance of proper execution, and the potential physical and emotional impacts on horses. Through their dialogue, they emphasize the need for professional collaboration and the importance of setting horses up for success in their training and care. They delve into the intricacies of horse training, focusing on the importance of balance, posture, and the physical capabilities of horses. They stress the necessity of mindful training techniques that prioritize the horse's well-being, and the importance of communication between horse and rider. The dialogue emphasizes the need for riders to inspire their horses rather than force them, highlighting the significance of understanding the horse's body and emotional state. The conversation also touches on the challenges of miscommunication in the equestrian world. Throughout, they emphasize the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, and the learning process in horses, as well as in riders.

In this engaging conversation, Jim Masterson and Patrick King discuss the intricacies of horse training and bodywork, emphasizing the importance of the horse's active participation in the process. They explore how to read horse responses, the significance of tension release, and the correlation between bodywork and training. The discussion also touches on the challenges of uncovering hidden issues in horses and the principle of non-resistance in training, providing valuable insights for horse enthusiasts and professionals alike. Patrick and Jim delve into the complexities of horse behavior, focusing on the significance of understanding tension, body language, and the importance of clear intentions in training. They explore how horses communicate through subtle cues and the necessity of recognizing physical limitations. The discussion also highlights the paradox of a horse's sensitivity to their environment while being able to tolerate discomfort, emphasizing the need for trainers to be aware of these dynamics to foster a better relationship with their horses. In this conversation, Jim and Patrick explore the intricate relationship between bodywork and horsemanship, emphasizing the importance of communication, patience, and collaboration in caring for horses. They discuss the role of farriers, the significance of softening in training, and the lessons learned through experience in bodywork. The dialogue highlights the need for a holistic approach to horse care, integrating various techniques and perspectives to enhance the well-being of the horse.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King interviews Karen Rohlf, a renowned horse trainer who blends traditional dressage with natural horsemanship. Karen shares her journey from a young rider to a professional trainer, emphasizing the importance of understanding the horse's emotional and mental well-being. The conversation explores the evolution of training methods, the significance of holistic approaches, and the need for effective communication between horse and rider. Karen highlights the concept of self-carriage and the distinction between acceptance and obedience in training, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate and understanding relationship with horses. In this conversation, Karen and Patrick explore the intricate relationship between horse and rider, emphasizing the importance of listening to the horse's needs and preferences. They discuss the concept of the 'happy athlete' in dressage, highlighting the significance of creating a harmonious environment for the horse. Karen introduces her Happy Athlete Training Scale, which prioritizes the horse's happiness and well-being as foundational to effective training. The conversation culminates in the announcement of a new online course designed to empower riders to foster better communication and understanding with their horses. Patrick and Karen explore the nuances of horsemanship, focusing on the importance of communication, connection, and emotional fitness in training. They discuss the concept of finding a 'sweet spot' in riding, the significance of understanding the horse's needs, and the role of experimentation in training techniques. Karen emphasizes the need for open conversations about horse welfare and the evolving landscape of horsemanship, encouraging riders to focus on one key area for improvement at a time. The discussion culminates in a powerful message about the potential for growth and improvement in ways that may not yet be imagined.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King engages with Dr. Paul Haefner and Justin Haefner of Riding Far, exploring their unique approach to equestrian training that combines sports psychology with horse training. They discuss the importance of understanding both the horse and rider, the significance of collaboration in training, and the need for effective communication in horse-human relationships. The conversation also delves into the challenges of addressing fear and anxiety in riders, the cultural influences on learning, and the dangers of pseudoscience in equestrian practices. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of authority in practices, the limitations of science, the importance of experience in learning, and the multifaceted nature of fear in both riders and horses. They emphasize the need for critical thinking and exploration beyond mainstream beliefs, the significance of hands-on experience in horsemanship, and the intricate relationship between fear and performance in equestrian activities. They talk about the importance of understanding thresholds and the window of tolerance for growth. They explore the significance of training relaxation responses, the necessity of connection and safety, and the concept of stacking success rather than triggers. The discussion also highlights the different types of fear, the need for regulation and activation in horses, and the balance between energy and relaxation for effective training. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that functionality goes beyond just addressing fear and anxiety, focusing on the fundamentals of training and connection. This conversation delves into the intricate relationship between riders and horses, emphasizing the importance of emotional regulation, core wellness, and effective teaching strategies in horsemanship. Paul, Justin, and Patrick discuss the significance of matching riders with appropriate horses, the emotional challenges faced by riders, and the need for instructors to understand and manage these emotions. They also highlight the development of training programs aimed at improving the emotional and pedagogical skills of riding instructors, ultimately fostering a more supportive and effective learning environment for riders.

In this episode of Talking About Horses, Patrick King interviews Daniel Dauphin, clinician and expert on bits and horsemanship. They discuss the science behind bits, the importance of understanding horse behavior, and the journey of becoming a skilled horse trainer. Daniel shares his experiences with colt starting, the pressures of training, and the significance of mentorship in developing as a horseman. He emphasizes that success in this field is as much about people skills as it is about working with horses. In this segment, Daniel Dauphin discusses his multifaceted approach to horse training, emphasizing that his expertise extends beyond bits. He shares insights from his extensive research on equine behavior and communication, debunking common myths such as the significance of a foamy mouth. Daniel highlights the importance of understanding the horse's tongue as a key indicator of comfort and communication, and he explains why he continues to use bits for their sensitivity and ability to convey subtle cues. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the need for riders to be more aware of their hands and the impact of their cues on the horse's behavior. In this conversation, Daniel Dauphin and Patrick King delve into various aspects of horsemanship, focusing on the importance of awareness, the introduction of bits to young horses, and the controversial topic of nosebands. They discuss the significance of movement in training, the impact of trauma on horses, and the complexities of bit fitting, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the horse's comfort and communication. In this conversation, Patrick King and Daniel Dauphin delve into the intricacies of bit fitting, the importance of understanding horse anatomy, and the educational resources available for riders. They discuss the structure of Daniel's online course, the significance of transitioning between bits, and the challenges facing the horse industry today. The conversation emphasizes the need for awareness in horsemanship practices and the role of humor in teaching and learning.

Links mentioned:

TheBitCourse.com

DauphinHorsemanship.com

In this episode, Patrick King interviews Donna Snyder-Smith, a seasoned equestrian educator with over 40 years of experience. They discuss Donna's recent retirement, the challenges she faced, and her journey through the equestrian arts. Donna shares her insights on the evolving equestrian industry, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of her experiences with horses on her life. The conversation highlights the significance of balance in training and the deep connections formed between horses and humans. In this conversation, Donna Snyder-Smith discusses her journey with PTSD and the profound healing she has experienced through her connection with horses. She emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma, the energy exchange between humans and horses, and the ongoing nature of healing. Through personal anecdotes and insights from her book, she illustrates how horses can facilitate personal growth and emotional healing, highlighting the need for trust and sensitivity in the horse-human relationship. In this conversation, Donna Snyder-Smith shares her journey in horsemanship, discussing the challenges she faced, the influence of masters like Nuno Oliveira, and the importance of groundwork and energy exchange in building trust with horses. She emphasizes the need for a deeper connection with horses, the future of horsemanship, and the lessons learned throughout her career.

Links mentioned in this discussion...

Donna's Facebook page: Horses as Healers - the new role of Equines in the 21st century

The Alchemy of Horses (Donna's new book)

Direct from publisher: https://rdrpublishers.com/products/the-alchemy-of-horses-a-journey-of-self-healing

Amazon: https://a.co/d/3qHKoBT

In this conversation, Patrick King and Jec Ballou delve into the intricacies of equine fitness and conditioning. They discuss the importance of customized fitness plans for horses, evaluating movement through video analysis, and understanding horse physiology to enhance training effectiveness. The conversation emphasizes identifying imbalances and asymmetries in horses, training techniques for dressage and working equitation, and the significance of frequency, intensity, and duration in a comprehensive training schedule. Jec shares insights on how to build confidence in horses and the necessity of varying training to achieve optimal results. In this conversation, Jec and Patrick discuss the importance of variety in training sessions for horses, emphasizing the need for different durations and intensities to prevent plateauing and enhance fitness. They explore the significance of proprioception and how it can be affected by repetitive training. The discussion also covers the benefits of incorporating high-intensity workouts, the cumulative nature of fitness gains, and the value of utilizing natural obstacles for training. Additionally, they address how to tailor workouts for individual horses, monitor the fitness of senior horses, and the advantages of track systems for promoting movement.

Find out more about Jec and her books, programs, and services at jecballou.com, Facebook at facebook.com/JecAristotleBallou and YouTube at youtube.com/user/jecballou

The book we were talking about in this episode is 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses, and it can be found here: jecballou.com/store/p/33-strength-and-fitness-workouts-for-horses-pre-order

The customized fitness plan can be found here: jecballou.com/store/p/private-online-coaching