Reinforce the Horse: Recent Episodes
Alyssa Reiman & Jason Reiman
Dad and Daughter, (Jason and Alyssa), discuss their love and passion for horses. Sessions will include topics of trust, training, techniques and more. Whether you're an experienced equestrian or not, we're confident you'll find meaningful, positive, and life-changing discussion here on Reinforce the Horse.
Peggy Okelly began her career in San Francisco as a CPA with KPMG Peat Marwick. In 1990 with two young girls in tow she moved back to my hometown in the Napa Valley and founded St. Helena Olive Oil Co. After 25 years of growing the business, Peggy suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury rendering her a stranger to herself.
Having little access to her executive functioning, Peggy listened to the cues of her body leading her on a path of mind/body/spirit connection. Along the way she gathered teachings from healers of all medicines. Peggy's most profound healer continues to be Roxy, a Warmblood Mare, who she met while recovering in the Eastern Sierras of California. Their mutual struggle with disregulated nervous systems created an immediate and powerful connection. With no specific intention other than to share insights from her healing journey with Roxy, Peggy found herself delving into a profound exploration of the human-horse connection. Together, they learned to befriend and tend to their biology leading to deeper healing and connection.
In gratitude, Peggy created Congruence Tucson, a place to share and hold the space for other human and horse awakenings to the healing power of their true nature.
Connect with Peggy Okelly:CongruenceTucson.com
Instagram
peggy@congruencetucson.com
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Kathy Moffatt is an Equine Experiential Learning Facilitator, Transformational Life Coach, Reiki Practitioner, and writer.
Although loving horses all her life, her real involvement began in the mid 90's when she and her husband bought a farm. Embodied horses then appeared.
Her love of learning brought her down a path of becoming a student of riding, horsemanship, and stable management. She was particularly drawn to dressage where she studied and competed for a time. Competition though was really not for her, it was the art of riding and the horse connection that she loved most.
As life challenges presented, a cancer diagnosis, the death of her mother, and her youngest son struggling with addiction, Kathy found herself going to the horses. Sitting on a rock, the horses would come and hold space. It was her therapy. She knew there was something profound about this. What was this feeling, this felt sense, this connection?
Her curiosity and intuition lead her to a stable practicing equine assisted learning with children at risk. She became witness to a profound interaction with a beautiful elder mare and a young man. It became a sudden knowing that this was what she was supposed to be doing. She did not need words, she knew what it was, she knew what she needed to do.
Kathy quit her corporate job, researched programs, and became a student.
She a picked a program based on attunement to emotions, the honouring of horse as a partner, neuroscience and profound connection to spirit through shamanic practices.
It is all about energetic connection.
Kathy launched her practice in 2022. She combines the horse connection with other energetic modalities like Reiki, sound bathing, forest bathing, and yoga all done in partnership with horses and nature.
She is currently working on a book about a “Mothers Journey Through Adoption, Addiction, Finding Healing and Purpose through horses.”
Connect with Kathy Moffatt:
Facebook
Instagram
https://rideaubreezestablesandwellnesscentre.com/
kathy.moffatt@me.com
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
From a very young age horses have been THE passion in Kathy’s life. Even though Kathy grew up in the suburbs of London with totally a non-horsey family, somehow the love of the horse was always the most powerful thing in her life.
Kathy comes from a scientific background gaining a BSc (Hons) degree in Zoology. Her mindset then was always based on the scientific paradigm of you had to be able to “measure it, replicate it and explain it” for it to be true. If those criteria where in place, she was happy. If they weren’t she didn’t want to know.
That was until in 2003 when with her horse Midnight she went to a horsemanship clinic with clinician Len Judd. For her this clinic was the moment of transformation, a spiritual experience that changed her life.
From that weekend forward, as she stepped into and embraced the world of energy and connection, her need for scientific explanation fell away and her mind set became
“My Experience is my Truth.”
Now 21 years on, after many years of studying energy, quantum physics, healing, spirituality and training in several energetic modalities, Kathy is well-established in her own work which she calls Point of Balance.
Through this purely energetic work her aim is to help the person or animal she is working with move back into balance at all levels - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
This move back to balance not only helps them to heal themselves, but also helps them realise their unique power and potential.
Kathy knows categorically that is the horse that has not only led her to the wonderful people around her today, but also continues to lead her into deeper and deeper insights of the fundamental aspects of this World and indeed The Universe, namely that everything is energy and everything is connected.
Kathy’s work includes carrying out sessions in person and at distance with both people and animals, and she feels so blessed and grateful to have clients both people and animals, all over the world.
Connect with Kathy PriceWebsite - www.kathyprice.co.uk
Email - info@kathyprice.co.uk
FB Point of Balance - https://www.facebook.com/pobwithkathyprice
Personal page - https://www.facebook.com/kathy.price.507/
Instagram - kathypricepointofbalance
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Rupert is the creative force behind Horse Boy, Rowan is his mentor, teacher and muse. Together all aspects of Horse Boy begin and from there the wider team helps to develop each aspect.
Rupert Isaacson was born in 1967 in London to a South African mother and Zimbabwean father, and grew up half in London, half on a remote horse farm in the British countryside and also with Africa looming large in his life. Coming from a family of pioneers and adventurers – Russian Jews who went to Africa on his father’s side, British, Dutch and mixed race settlers on his mother’s side – Rupert’s grandparents were journalists, war correspondents, cattle ranchers and artists. His father is an architect and his mother a sculptor.
So making your own destiny is something he grew up with. A journalist for the British and American press from the early 1990s (Daily and Sunday Telegraph, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Independent on Sunday, Esquire, National Geographic, Conde Nast Traveller – among others), he has also published several guidebooks to Africa and India, and is he author of three non-fictional memoirs: The Healing Land (a New York Times Notable Book), which tells the story of his family in Africa, and of his own time spent living with the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert; The Horse Boy (a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller), which tells the story of his journey across Mongolia on horseback with his autistic son Rowan; and The Long Ride Home, which tells of the three subsequent healing journeys he and his son made to Africa, Australia and the Navajo Reservation, as well as his discovery of how horses can help autism and special needs in general.
Rupert also runs the Horse Boy Foundation, from his New Trails ranch near Austin, Texas, which offers services to autism families, and helps direct several satellite centers offering similar services in North America and Europe.
In partnership with Iliane Lorenz he also teaches Horse Boy Method, Horse Boy Learning (a homeschool technique aimed at autism, ADD and ADHD families among others), and other kinetic learning techniques, along with Stress Free Dressage, a way of introducing riders to the higher levels of equitation without being screamed at(!).
A successful documentary filmmaker – The Horse Boy and Endangerous – and write and conceiver of reality TV shows (The Quest – which aired on ABC in 2014 – was his original concept and he helped produce the show), and in addition his mainstream Hollywood projects include The Horse Boy feature film and The Goth Lords.
A career in human rights runs parallel to all this. In 2004 he founded the Indigenous Land Rights Fund, which helps hunting and gathering tribes gain legal title to their ancestral land and which helped the Bushmen of Botswana win the largest land claim in African history in 2006 – as a result of which he is now banned from Botswana (!).
Finally there is his first love – horses both cross country riding, and classical dressage (he works closely with the Valenca Family in Portugal and studies with Christian Bachinger of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna). A small time breeder of Lusitano horses, Rupert relaxes by reading historical novels, planting trees and drinking beer, especially IPAs. He quite likes wine too. And food.
Connect with Rupert:info@ntls.co
https://ntls.co
https://longridehome.com
https://athena-equine.com/
https://kidsmustmove.com/
https://horseboymethod.com/
YouTube:
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Our guest today is Tracey Lynn Campbell, owner of the TLC Sanctuary in Cornville, Arizona, USA. The lifestyle and opportunity to help horses and other animals found Tracey while she was on her own healing journey during a massive lifestyle change. Doors kept being opened and she kept walking through them…
Tracey is passionate about the mission of TLC Sanctuary which is to ensure that all horses are treated with the dignity they deserve throughout their lifespans while creating a loving environment for all living creatures, so all can thrive.
Connect with Tracey & TLC Sanctuary:Facebook
www.tlcsanctuary.org
Instagram
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Lisa Murrell, founding partner of Equine Alchemy and MetaSystem Integrated Strategies, has spent the last 20 years working globally to help her clients achieve breakthrough results in business development and team/executive coaching.
Lisa has developed the only International Coach Federation Approved Coach Training program through working with horses in the world which utilizes her extensive experience in both coaching and business development with horse wisdom.
Lisa’s work in Executive and Team Coaching, Life Coaching with and without horses, and Leadership Development with horses, are guides for integrating the wisdom of horses into personal and professional transformation. Lisa provides workshops, coaching and mentorships in Arizona and Georgia in-person, online and privately.
Connect with Lisa Murrell:lisa@equinealchemy.com
www.equinealchemy.com
Facebook
X
YouTube1
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
As a Spiritual Catalyst for Evolution, Scarlet Ravin has been traveling the world for over 20 years studying with many different teachers from all walks of life. Her inner drive to Enlightenment has shed Light on many topics helpings others heal themselves and find Harmony in their Life. As an International Best Selling author and founder of White Fox Medicinals, Scarlet now resides on an expansive Horse Ranch guiding others through Earth Medicine, Star Filled Alchemical Formulas and teaching via an online School "Curandera Eyes."
Scarlet works with Medicine Horses, horses that have special needs or have been long forgotten due to their deep trauma. These horses can unlock much healing for humanity, and her mission is to show the world the importance of Medicine Horses at this time. with her newly launching book, "Medicine Horse Speaks."
Her way of moving through this world is a dance between the old shamanic Curandera ways and the new Light from the Stars coming into our Earth at this time. If you seek remembrances of who you truly are, that is what Scarlet is here for at this time.
Connect with Scarlet Ravin:www.starwalkerranch.com
www.whitefoxnectars.com
www.scarletravin.com
www.psilocybinformulations.com
YouTube
Instagram
X
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Curry is a retired U.S. Army soldier and the Director and President of Triple R Horse Rescue in Cave Creek, Arizona, USA. He has a love and passion for horses and rehabilitation which extends beyond the work and focus of a typical horseman.
Connect with Curry Eversole and Triple R Horse Rescue:
Curry@triplerhorserescue.com
Facebook | Instagram | X
www.triplerhorserescue.com
Send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
A lifelong equestrian, Warwick initially focused his competitive efforts on reining, eventually becoming an NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) Reserve World Champion and representing Australia at the 2010 & 2018 World Equestrian games.
Along the way, Warwick not only discovered a passion and a talent for teaching, but he also became aware of a consuming curiosity about how things can be done differently. For the past 13 has been sharing knowledge in his online video library, social media and his Youtube Channel, which has amassed over 27 million views.
A chance encounter with a horse 7 years ago that shifted his perspective on horses and life a complete 180 degrees, he is now excited about teaching connection and relationship based interactions and training with horses. An offshoot of that caused him to start The Journey On Podcast, where he interviews amazing people from around the world and learns about the path that led them to a perspective that may fall outside of our cultural and societal conditioning.
The Journey On Podcast has amassed over 3 million downs and has spawned an annual Live Podcast Summit event on 3 continents.
Warwick is also the author of The Principles Of Training, which has been an Amazon best selling book in the Equine category.
Warwick's Book:
The Principles of Training: Understanding The Relationship Between You and Your Horse, and Why Effective Training Works.
Connect with Warwick Schiller:
YouTube
Facebook
www.warwickschiller.com
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Christine Dickson is a renowned coach and mentor with a passion for helping individuals achieve their deepest dreams and create abundance in their lives. With years of experience in personal development and a deep understanding of unconscious resistance, Christine has a unique talent for guiding people to discover their true potential.
As a coach, Christine has helped her clients clarify their purpose, release the weight of their past, and live a healthy and fulfilling life. She believes that everyone has a story worth telling and that understanding and harnessing this story is key to unlocking personal and professional growth.
Christine's approach combines practical guidance with mindset shifting tools like IEMT and Hypnotherapy . She works closely with clients to overcome obstacles, build self-confidence, and develop strategies for achieving their vision. Her coaching sessions are known for their warmth, humor and encouragement, creating space for exploration and transformation.
In addition to her coaching work, Christine is an inspired speaker and retreat facilitator. She regularly shares her insights on personal growth and storytelling, encouraging audiences to take action and live their best lives. Through her work, Christine has empowered countless individuals to find clarity, embrace their stories, and create a life filled with abundance and purpose.
Connect with Christine:
www.onthepathcoaching.net
onthepathcht@gmail.com
onthepath_mentor Instagram
On The Path Facebook
Christine Dickson Facebook
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Today's session is a life update, more info about our upcoming children's book, Hasta La Vista Leukemia, and a request for help for our 3-horse herd. We appreciate you taking the time to listen.
Connect with us:
podcast@reinforcethehorse.com
Instagram
Facebook
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Kim McElroy has been drawn to horses since childhood, and as soon as she could hold a crayon, this manifested as her art. For more than thirty years, she has been known for her intuitive understanding of the sentient nature of horses and her ability to infuse her art with their spiritual energy. She distills this energy into expressions of the horses' quintessential essence in ways that transcend how they are traditionally defined. Through her incredible mastery of pastels, and her talent in writing about her visionary insights, she conveys the power and beauty of the horse’s form—yet more than that, she offers us a timeless glimpse of its soul.
In 2000, Kim and her husband, Rod, created SkyeLandeSea sanctuary in Washington State, where they provided loving forever homes to rescue horses and a menagerie of other animals. Their sanctuary is now home to a resident herd of wild but well-fed deer, and two capricious house cats.
Kim is the co-author and illustrator of the upcoming Fall 2024 release The Council of Horses Oracle Card Deck and Guidebook, and illustrator and co-creator of Way of the Horse: Equine Archetypes for Self-Discovery Card Deck and Guidebook by Linda Kohanov.
Kim's mentions:
Avenger's art and blog
Spirit Sketch Story
Darma's story series
Connect with Kim McElroy:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritOfHorseGallery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiritofhorse/
Website: https://www.spiritofhorse.com/
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Katherine Griffin attended UC Davis for pre-vet medicine out of high school and chose a different path of running a therapeutic riding program for 6 years.
Since 2018, she has been studying energy medicine and became a certified Functional Alignment Specialist in The Tucker Biokinetic Technique, an Emotion Code practitioner and a Masterson Method practitioner.
Katherine is now back to college as a pre-veterinary medicine student at Southern Oregon University and looks forward to combining her knowledge of Eastern and Western medicine as part of her future veterinary practice.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Baylee Summer is a marketing and business strategist expert, who helps ethical horse trainers create profitable businesses by leveraging social media. Aside from her day job, Baylee is a devoted student of life, with horses being her primary spiritual teachers.
Book Baylee Mentioned:
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
Connect with Baylee:
Instagram @bayleejoysummer
Baylee on Facebook
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
In today's quick episode, we talk about the fantastic film, Rescued Hearts!
Last year, we had the privilege of connecting with Dana and Krisanna, the passionate filmmakers behind RESCUED HEARTS. From the moment they stepped on our property to capture our stories, we knew they were on to something. Their energy is divinely magnetic. Clearly they've successfully channeled all that positive energy into this film! They're creating a captivating documentary focused on uncovering the miracles, mystery, and science of healing with horses.
Dana and Krisanna have embarked on a journey across the globe to deepen their understanding of the profound bond between humans and horses. Their film aims to inspire millions worldwide to connect more deeply with these sacred animals and, in turn, with themselves. (Visit their website rescuedheartsfilm.com to learn more about the documentary)
As the project moves into its final phase, the filmmakers are excited to share an exclusive SNEAK PREVIEW of the film as a part of a fundraising event to help bring their vision to life.
Here’s how you can be part of this exclusive experience:
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GET YOUR TICKET HEREto view exclusive footage available from February 12-19. Experience powerful learnings and insights from individuals who live and breathe the horse-human connection. While tickets are complimentary, we lovingly request donations for the sneak preview.
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JOIN THE LIVE ZOOM EVENT on February 15th at 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET
During this time, the filmmakers will showcase additional footage, dive into the film's impactful themes, and invite everyone to engage in a lively Q&A session with them and some of the remarkable individuals they filmed with.
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
In this episode, Alyssa interviews Jason about his first adventure to India in October 2023. This is a great conversation packed full of vulnerable dialogue between dad and daughter.
We discuss so much in this episode...raw, vulnerable stuff about life, spirituality and, of course, horses made their way into the conversation. :)
Mentions:Tryshe DhevneyMiracle Morning, Hal ElrodHeadspace
Denise Elizabeth Byron, Mentor & Visionary Guide
Journey On Podcast with Warwick Schiller
Inner Engineering by Sadhguru
Isha Sacred Walks
Jason's Upcoming Books:
From Horseback to the Himalayas: a war veteran’s journey within, finding love, healing cancer
Hasta La Vista Leukemia
Follow Jason on Instagram or Facebook or send an email to podcast@reinforcethehorse.com to let us know you're interested in the books! :)
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Kate Neligan is an Equine-Partnered Life/Business Coach who helps her clients with their intuition, emotional intelligence, and empowered leadership both virtually and in-person with horses. Kate left her VP of Marketing career at a movie studio to pursue her calling for the transformation that is possible from the human-animal bond. She is certified in Equine Experiential Education and has a Master's degree in Spiritual Psychology.
Kate is passionate about helping women to thrive and is a best-selling author with stories in the books “The Power of Being a Woman” and “Women Will Save the World.” She is also an Animal Communicator & Healer and is published in the books “Animals” and “Nature” by Common Sentience. Kate is a motivational speaker with a TEDx talk on perfectionism. The Awakening With Equines certification program and 40 card oracle deck she created is for new or next-level equine-partnered coaches who are trailblazing new paths with humans and horses.
The book Kate mentioned:
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
Connect with Kate:
www.kateneligan.com
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Ruby Doss is a holistic equine nutrition and wellness consultant (with an emphasis on holistic nutrition), as well as trainer. She helps people become the best possible stewards for their horses’ physical, mental, and emotional health.
Connect with Ruby:
Podcast: The Whole Scoop
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @rubydossequine
Rubydossequine.com
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Jordanna Anawalt is Hupa woman descending from the Hoopa Valley Tribe of Northern California. She acknowledges that the beautiful Central Oregon land that she currently resides and works upon is the original homelands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs who ceded the land in the Treaty of 1855.
Jordanna works as a Congruent Communication Coach with humans and horses, a Medicine Drum Dreaming Guide, an artist, a story holder, and a communication channel for those without spoken language. She is the creator of Equine Experiential InnerStanding™ and the specialization of CHOICE Horsemanship™. Her work focuses on guiding humans and horses to oneness by revitalizing indigenous approaches to live in harmony with the natural world.
CHOICE Tribe was founded in 2019 out of a deep admiration and reverence for the Horse alongside Jordanna's indigenous heritage―Hupa―which honors the inextricable connection between the natural world and spirit plane. The programs CHOICE Tribe presents to the world are an embodiment of the original knowing that there is no separation between Nature and the People, because we are Nature.
Jordanna is an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe of Northern California. She has indigenous ancestry in the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation of Northern California and in the geographic regions of the Azores, Yucatan, and Scotland.
The book Jordanna mentioned:
Aloha Qi Gong
Connect with Jordanna:
www.choicetribe.com
Jordanna on Facebook
Choice Tribe on Facebook
Instagram: @choice_tribe @choicehorsemanship
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Life Coach, Equine Facilitated Learning Instructor, Grief facilitator, Stage IV BC Thriver and best-selling Author of Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses and her latest children’s book ‘Comanche the Wild Mustang’. Tara has been sharing her journey with cancer for almost 7 years, through her various social media pages. She aims to find joy in adversity, even with her dance with cancer. She is the founder of Wind Horse Sanctuary in Kaua’i, Hawaii and a certified Eponaquest ‘Equine Facilitated Learning’ instructor, life coach, workshop leader, writer and dancer. Tara is grateful to be alive and lives with two horses, one dog and a plethora of cats on her beloved tropical island!
Connect with Tara:
Wind Horse Sanctuary
https://www.instagram.com/taracoyote/
https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote/
Tara's Books:Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses
Comanche the Wild Mustang
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Trudi Dempsey is a certified equine behaviour consultant with the IAABC and an accredited animal Behaviourist with the ABTC her love affair with horses began as a small child and her work today as an equine behaviourist and trainer aims to recreate those healthy relationships she had with ponies when growing up.
Trudi draws on her experience as a classical dressage coach to improve a horse’s physical balance and her knowledge of how horses behave and learning theory to address behaviour and training problems.
Based in the UK, Trudi supports clients locally, travels internationally to present at conferences, clinics and workshops and creates and presents courses online through the IAABC Foundation and Understand Horses. She writes for horse and behavior magazines, guest lectures at universities, mentors and trains equine charity staff and hosts the Lead a Horse to Water podcast.
Books Trudi Mentioned:
The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain
Plenty in Life Is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace
Nonprofit Organization Trudi Mentioned:
Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys
Connect with Trudi:
X
YouTube
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
About Patrick Sullivan
At 26 years old, Patrick took his first horsemanship lesson in March 2015. He did not grow up around horses, nor was he passionate about them until much later in life.
Patrick grew up in Dallas, TX but was not involved with horses, instead had a passion for soccer. He played high school, collegiate, and professional soccer. Patrick coached collegiate soccer for 4 years starting in 2011, and was the head soccer coach for a high school. In 2015, Patrick graduated with his MBA in International Management from the University of Houston- Victoria.
Once Patrick found horses in 2015, he was hooked. He was constantly learning and wanting to develop his skills. Over the past 8 years, he has accomplished as much as he could have ever imagined in such a short period of time. He has developed a passion for liberty horsemanship and the power it has to transform the horse human connection.
About Avery Sullivan
At 6 years old Avery had her first horseback riding lesson, and after that she was hooked. Growing up she rode a wide variety of horses and competed in many different disciplines.
She discovered liberty horsemanship in 2019 and that ignited a passion that she has been following ever since. There is something indescribable about connecting and communicating with a horse completely at liberty. That passion has led her to join both Modern-Day Horsemanship and Gamilah Unbridled, in hopes to spread that feeling to many more horses and people around the world.
Connect with Avery & Patrick at Gamilah Unbridled
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GamilahUnbridled/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamilahunbridled/?ref=badge&hl=en
Website: https://www.moderndayhorsemanship.com/
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Shalyce grew up riding horses in the mountains of AZ, beginning with a Welsh pony she fell in love with, who died when Shalyce was 8-years old.
Adolescence and young adulthood took her away from horses as she pursued a degree in human development, got married and had six children who she dedicated her early adulthood to. With three babies under four years of age, Shalyce earned her master’s degree in educational psychology. Always in the back of her mind was her desire to open an equine therapy facility. Instead, she began teaching online psychology and human development classes so that she could stay home with her kids while also homeschooling them.
Three months after her sixth child was born, Shalyce adopted a mustang from the Canon City facility, with no idea what she was getting herself into. Life then taught her how little she knew about horses and about our mind and behaviors. Her mustang, Silveny, and a later mustang named Freedom, became her lifeline through some incredibly difficult experiences, and they became the best teachers of her life.
Shalyce continues teaching psychology classes online, supporting her kids—who are now all in public school, and sharing the lessons learned from her mustangs. She is still aiming to work with horses to help humans. Although, it seems it may be unfolding differently than she originally envisioned.
Book Shalyce Mentioned:
The Illusion of Money: Why Chasing Money Is Stopping You from Receiving It
Connect with Shalyce:Instagram: the.touch.of.a.mustang
Facebook: The Touch of a Mustang
X: The Touch of a Mustang
TikTok: The Touch of a Mustang
Email: thetouchofamustang@gmail.com
Website: Thetouchofamustang.com
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Ashley Avis is a thirty-six-year-old award winning writer/director/editor of six feature films, including Disney's BLACK BEAUTY starring Oscar winner Kate Winslet; the upcoming CITY OF ANGELS for Warner Bros. based on Wim Wenders' classic, and the critically acclaimed WILD BEAUTY: MUSTANG SPIRIT OF THE WEST.
WILD BEAUTY, which has won numerous awards on the film festival circuit and debuted in May 2023, marked a five year long passion project for Avis. The documentary is a cinematic journey into the world of wild horses, along with a journalistic exposé into the corruption befalling them. The film has been called "groundbreaking" and has garnered support from major environmental organizations, lawmakers, celebrities, and children.
A passionate advocate for horses, Avis is the Founder and President of The Wild Beauty Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization which rescues horses and creates educational programs for children. Ashley and her husband and producing partner, Edward Winters co-founded Winterstone Pictures in Los Angeles.
Connect with Ashley:
@ashleyavis (instagram)
@ashleyavisdirector (facebook)
www.ashleyavis.com
@wildbeautyspirit (instagram)
@wildbeautyfoundation (facebook)
www.wildbeautyfoundation.org
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
As a Renaissance Woman, Lidia loves her roles as a high performance coach, healer, and horse advocate. Lidia is the founder of AponaHealing.com,
Lidia Kuleshnyk (aka Lady Apona) brings together 30 years of
passion, expertise and wisdom in pathways, for every stage of
personal development, to help you live a Centered, Connected
and Conscious™ Life.
Lidia’s Apona Healing Ranch offers Equine-Assisted Therapy and Equine Healing Retreats to help you return to wholeness through heart-centered, transformational relationships with horses. Equine Healing Retreats are a powerful pathway to reclaim your health, regain your energy and refine your power. At Apona Healing Ranch, retreats are designed for your unique goals and needs,including private, group and corporate retreats.
Through her own incredible journey, starting at the age of 10,Lidia developed a deep relationship with horses, animals and nature. This connection helped her heal her chronic health conditions, master her inner power and reclaim her sovereignty.
Lidia now loves sharing her passion, vision and mission as a Thought Leader, 3 X Best Selling Author, Columnist with Expert Profile Magazine and Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine.
Learn more and connect with Lidia: www.AponaHealing.com
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
A lifelong student and admirer of American wild horses, Scott Beckstead is a leading voice for our wild herds in his role as director of campaigns for Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action. He grew up with horses on his family’s farm and spent much of his childhood and youth on horseback in the mountains of Idaho. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and his JD from the University of Utah, Beckstead worked as a litigation attorney in private practice for 17 years on the central Oregon coast before going to work full-time in the animal protection sector. During his time on the coast he also served as the mayor of Waldport, Oregon from 2002 to 2007.
He became known for his special expertise in the field of animal law, and has taught that subject at the University of Oregon and Willamette University law schools. In 2000, he co-authored Animal Law, the first casebook on the subject, and continues to teach animal law, wildlife law and policy, the Endangered Species Act, animal agriculture law, and cannabis law and policy as an adjunct professor at Willamette University.
Because of his close familiarity with horses, livestock, and farm animals, Beckstead provides training to law enforcement agencies on how to handle and work with those animals, and how to investigate equine and livestock cruelty and neglect.
Beckstead lives with his family in Sutherlin, Oregon.
Scott's FaceBook
Scott's Email
http://centerforahumaneeconomy.org
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Adele Shaw is an internationally recognized horsemanship mentor, behavior consultant, and trainer focused on creating a positive relationship between horse and human through science-based training and care practices. Drawn to horses labeled as “trouble makers” and “lost causes” from an early age, Adele has always had a passion for understanding the “why” behind behavior and a deep desire to help horses find their way back to wellness. This holistic approach examines the horse’s environment, lifestyle, and physical and mental soundness to ensure that the horses are not simply surviving, but truly thriving in their life and relationship with their human caretakers. As a teacher, Adele is supportive and understanding of both horse and human, and tailors her lessons to provide the most personalized, accessible, and ethically-minded coaching possible. Her approach goes beyond method: by offering flexible training and care systems, the well-being of the horse and the empowerment of the student always remain the primary goals.
In addition to her hands-on work with specialized rehabilitation cases at her ranch in Texas, Adele maintains an active role in the equestrian community through her clinics, online student programs, courses, blog, podcast, and social media outreach. As she connects with students across the globe, Adele remains dedicated to making information on behavior science, positive reinforcement, LIMA principles, the humane hierarchy, and species-appropriate care practices accessible and achievable for every horse owner through The Willing Equine.
Get in touch with Adele:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thewillingequine/
https://www.youtube.com/thewillingequine
https://www.tiktok.com/@thewillingequine
https://www.facebook.com/thewillingequine
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Cameron has lead a pretty eclectic life filled with diverse experiences, marked by his passion for advocacy, creativity, and a drive to make the world a better place. The grandson of a Virginia coal miner, Cameron's journey began when he joined the Army National Guard, something he felt he needed to do from the time he was young and watched the Twin Towers fall. From there he interned for Congressman Jeff Denham, gaining valuable insights into the workings of politics.
But the tides were pulling him in a different direction. Embracing his creative side, Cameron took a leap of faith and moved to New York where he spent several years as a theater actor, starring in a wide range of plays, from the comedic one act "Pet Lawyer" to the intense and brutal "Prophet: the Story of Nat Turner".
While his show business aspirations were taking shape, Cameron's life took an unexpected turn when an abused Tennessee Walking Horse named Awesome Gal entered his life. Rescued from a horrible situation, Cameron and his mom worked together to rehabilitate Awesome Gal which forever altered the course of his life. The bond that formed between Cameron and Awesome Gal became a source of inspiration, leading him to create a film centered around Awesome Gal's journey of resilience and redemption. This film not only touched the hearts of viewers but also garnered critical acclaim, earning an impressive twelve awards
But Awesome Gal had another effect on Cameron: She awakened in him burning drive to make a difference in the world. Cameron dove head first into political advocacy by authoring the groundbreaking Veterans for Mustangs Act (HR 726), which is currently before Congress. This legislation aims to save both our veterans and our wild mustangs.
Learn more about and contact Cameron at:
Email:
veteransformustangs@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/veterans4mustangs
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Kate Solisti is President of Kinship Enterprises and is dedicated to giving animals a say in their care and in our world.
Kate is a leader in the field of Inter-species Communication, having translated animals’ thoughts, feelings and needs to caring humans since 1992. Kate has authored six books published in nine languages and co-edited a seventh with author and playwright, Michael Tobias.
She is an inspiring teacher and speaker featured nationally and internationally on stage, radio and television. She is a recognized expert in dog and cat nutrition, Flower Essence therapy and energy healing, addressing the whole animal - body, mind and spirit.
Kate’s passion is giving voice to all members of the animal kingdom, so that they can participate with human beings in improving their own health and well- being as well as that of all species and the planet. To that end, she hosts a membership community, The Harmony Pack, where people passionate about the non-human beings on Earth can learn from each other and collaborate for the good of all Life.
She lives with her husband, Marcus Kurek and two fabulous felines in Vermont.
Visit her at www.KateSolisti.com.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
I’m writing in response to the recent PBS Documentary Human Footprint Ep. 1 Strangers in Paradise.
The letter is too long for the show notes section. Please contact us or visit us on Facebook if you'd like a copy to read/reference.
This film should be removed from public access, immediately, and PBS should provide a public apology!
https://www.pbs.org/video/strangers-in-paradise-sd5mkz/
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Chris Nichols has been working with and rescuing horses for close to 25 years. She is formerly EAGALA certified as a horse specialist and has been H.I.G.H. (Horse Inspired Growth and Healing) and H.I.P. (Horse Inspired Psychotherapy) since 2017. Chris is a founding board member and current President and Executive Director of The Medicine Horse Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of horses that have suffered abuse, abandonment, neglect or are at risk of falling into the slaughter pipeline. In addition to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of these animals, The Medicine Horse Project partners these horses with people seeking hope, healing and inspiration through their H.I.G.H. and Resiliency Through Horsemanship programs.
The Medicine Horse Project operates on Chris and her Husband, Morgan's 80 acre off grid ranch in rural northern Nevada.
https://www.facebook.com/medicinehorserescue
www.medicinehorseproject.org
info@medicinehorseproject.org
https://www.instagram.com/themedicinehorseproject/
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Shelby Dennis is an IAABC certified equine behaviour consultant with hundreds of hours of schooling in equine sciences at University of Guelph.
She has loved and been around horses since the young age of 4 and offering professional training services for the last 6 years. Her horse experience is well rounded with experience showing Arabian horses, competing in the hunter, jumper and dressage arenas along with galloping racehorses and restarting OTTBs, rescue horses and even wild horses.
Connect with Shelby:
http://youtube.com/c/shelbydennis96
http://MilestoneEquestrian.ca
http://shopmilestoneeq.com
http://Patreon.com/sdequus
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Horses are a vital part of Mona’s life. Mona’s relationships with horses began the moment she was able to walk. From then on every free moment was spent with horses.
Mona is most at home when she is with horses whether that be cleaning the stalls, riding bareback out on the trails or in remote country.
Riding bareback has taught Mona the importance of balance with a light hand in creating free movement, balance, congruency and willingness in her horse.
Mona’s health journey has given her a unique perspective and a strong understanding of the importance of being present, free of judgement, patient, and how the human is the key when connection is to be realized.
From a young age, she found her empathetic nature always trying to make things better for horses and this led her to the realization that she, as the human, was the key. Using her energy, curiosity, visual acuity and awareness, she learned to decipher what horses were saying.
Her empathetic nature also houses a warrior goddess that seeks inner peace, energetic congruency, and worth, not only for herself but for all she comes into contact with.
Feeling seen, felt, heard and understood are integral to “worth” for both horse and human. Safety is only realized once worth has been established.
Mona’s strong desire for congruency and to give worth and inner peace are the defining factors for giving the horse a voice by teaching others how to connect and communicate with horses. Through her Partner Up workshops, she now uses this fluency to teach others how to better connect, communicate and attain anatomic congruency with their horses.
Info about Mona's Partner Up Program:
https://berkanafarm.ca/partner-up-program/
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Erik Molvar is a wildlife biologist and Executive Director with Western Watersheds Project, a nonprofit environmental conservation group that works to protect and restore wildlife and watersheds throughout the American West.
Erik's conservation work has included wilderness inventories in Wyoming's Red Desert, defending public lands from massive oil and gas projects during the George W. Bush administration, leading sage grouse and lesser prairie chicken conservation efforts, and reforming livestock grazing on western public lands. He appears in the new film about the wild horse issue, 'Wild Beauty Mustang Spirit of the West'.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
~
Wild beauty
she came to me
From this so called
Land of the Free
Stripped from herd
self
dignity
still white shining bright
My heart can see
Some say dumb
with no feel
I say
Come on man
Get real
Sitting in her presence
before sunrise
She's strong as any other
guru alive
Namaskaram to
her divine delight
a mere reflection of
the starry night
~
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
A chat with Jason about how he recently learned how to navigate both positive and negative feelings just a little better.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
May is mental health awareness month. In this short session, Jason talks about healing and the profound wisdom he learned which was shared in the fantastic documentary, Love Heals.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
A few days ago, Cody, my Bashkir curly gelding friend, and I shared another powerful moment. It was dark, the stars were shining and Cody's blaze glowed in the dark. This poem came to me as I stood with him and reflected on our past, present and future. Our relationship illuminated and meaningful - friendship.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Today's special guest is Rachel Windchaser, Rewilding Coach and Horsesmith™️.
As a self-professed lifelong student of the horse, Rachel's journey with horses began at three-years-old when her father presented her with her first pony.
Rachel attributes a lot of her success today to her Dad who would remind her to "be Kind and Check your timing” - a mantra she teaches her coaching clients, today.
Aside from her Dad, Rachel says the very best teachers have been the horses in her life.
Rachel founded the ReWild Your Horse Spirit and Horsesmith™ Programs after living with a herd of Colonial Spanish Mustangs as part of the revival of this endangered breed in Spain. This huge project led to the first Colonial Spanish Mustang foal in approximately 200 years in Spain.
As a rewilding coach, Rachel brings a lifetime of experience and knowledge to her clients. Her unique combination of humor, kindness, generosity, and empathy creates a welcoming environment where individuals can explore their relationship with themselves and their horses.
She specializes in helping individuals rewild their connection with their horse by understanding their own nature and developing practical skills that they can use in their daily lives. Her approach combines horse-human neuronavigation with her own life experiences and knowledge - resulting in a truly effective coaching experience.
Overall, Rachel says her goal is to help her clients achieve their goals and strengthen their relationships with their horses. She believes that everyone has the potential to succeed, and she's honored to be a part of their journey towards rewilding.
Rachel's website
Rachel's YouTube Channel
Rachel's FaceBook Page
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Trying to find and understand my life's purpose has caused me some unrest over the decades. This has changed a great deal recently. Today, this poem came to mind which, I think, summarizes well:
What is your purpose
Purpose to live
Life here on earth
is there more
What is all of this striving for
Awakened by light
feeling bliss
Swept up in the sea of consciousness
Wanting yearning seeking to find
More more more peace tranquility
Soundness of mind
Letting go
simply sitting silent
To be
Knowing and feeling
embodying free
Freedom from pain agony strife
Freedom from the need to prove
Freedom from the burden of carving out
a specific life
For life carries on without confines
of space and time
Understanding this you'll soon find
purpose comes from the still silent wave
not from your yearning
or something you crave
purpose intended to be
a simple expression
a manifestation
of sitting
Silently
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
The more I dive into life on the farm - especially interacting with horses - the more I find myself becoming more aware of our sentient nature.
~
Sentient
Open to perception and feel
things tangible
and those which are not
A beast so far from human form
Yet so close to heart
An expression of loving kindness
Simply being in their presence
What would it be like
Have you considered
The magnitude of all that is
And all that could be
If we would just love
Unconditionally
We demand respect
Often misunderstanding altogether
Going about our ways
Spewing a wake of destruction
in our path
As if mother earth does not care
She does
So much peace and tranquility
is available
ripe for harvest
ready to give birth to new life
We have ignored that truth
Caught up in a multitude of things
As if we're wrapped in a web
Of our own inability to be
Sentient
~
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
This morning, a poem came to me - one I didn't think much about sharing. Then, I stumbled upon this quote from Sadhguru:
"We need to stop looking at Human Beings as resources. They are not commodities but Lives. With the right nurturing, they will Blossom into someone remarkable." ~Sadhguru
I love these rather simple serendipitous moments.
Here's the poem:
~
The significance of you
One eight billionth of humans alive
A mere speck in the grand scheme
Significant still
Part of the whole
which does not exist
without you
Your experience
Your struggles
Your successes
Your problems
Your victories
All playing out before the world
That of your own perception
making shaping reality
Created but creating
Loved but loving
A single molecule combining
To become
The significance of you
~
Thanks for listening 🙏❤️🐴
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Jason, flying solo again...a quick session on the idea of gratefulness and a recent poem to go with it.
~
Grateful for the here and now
Grateful for what was
Grateful for what will come to be
Your presence here like a gift
Eloquently wrapped, placed
under the Christmas tree
Grateful for the misunderstood
Grateful for my childhood
Grateful for the things I know
Ability to just let it flow
Where to go
A deep knowing and understanding
From within
Grateful more
Now more than ever before
~
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Today's session is brought to you by a Facebook post that popped up on my (Jason) feed by Rebecca Bee:
"The old paradigm is shifting.
Sensitive used to be labelled as weak.
Sensitive people have been conditioned to believe that their sensitivity and empathy is weakness.
However, sensitivity is true strength. This resolve is getting stronger.
So many of the leaders in the world have been born out of fear and lack, and are actually some of the most weak and insecure characters who present as strong and powerful.
This is going to change. The world cannot continue in this way and the whole paradigm is going to turn on its head.
Uncaring, competitive, self motivated gain at the expense of others…will all be seen as weakness.
Empathic, caring, consideration of self and others at the expense of neither…will be seen as strength."
Rebecca's post strongly resonated with me and reminded me of a recent poem I wrote and also - yes, of course - my work with horses.
Bring out your fiery blaze
Don't be afraid
For fear has no place
Where there's joy love and grace
Keep seeking and you will find
Life worth living
It's already here
Keep going
Keep delivering
For love flows through you and all
Connected by light
We are one
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Jason shares his recent fascination with writing poetry. Not having written poetry in the past, the art seemingly unlocked and he's written nearly 20 poems in a mere week's time.
The poem shared today is about his transition from approaching horses as vehicles, to recognizing they are living, sentient beings who desire relationship.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Just a poem/short story that came to me (Jason) following some halter work I did today with Sinsi, the beautiful mustang mare.
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Our guest today is Lockie Phillips, a professional ballet dancer who transitioned to working with and training horses full time. Lockie is an Australian native who currently resides in Spain.
Lockie takes a rather unique approach when training horses. His mission is helping deeply caring equestrians create emotionally balanced horses using
Science, Empathy & Feel.You can find out more about Lockie and Emotional Horsemanship at: https://www.emotionalhorsemanship.com/
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Today, we're talking with Dr. Allecia Maine.
For over 28 years she has been a Divine Feminine Channel successfully translating the truth of the animals for thousands of her clients by providing precise, accurate and often lifesaving information to thousands of humans about their animal’s health, behavior, soul partnership, natural leadership, nutrition, and crossing over issues.
She is a unique combination of Master Animal Communicator, Holistic Dog Trainer, Medical Intuitive, Distance Body Alignment and Energy Medicine Researcher, Natural Horsewoman and Soul Relationship Coach, as well as Author/Workshop Presenter/PhD researcher.
Her work is based in the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi Gong and the Quantum Physics principles that validate that Everything Is Energy and Everything Is Connected. She honors the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a being and sees them as inseparable to bring about true healing.
Allecia works with horses around the world, releasing body tension and unrecognized pain to allow for their bodies to realign themselves naturally and quickly which often shows up as a rapid shifts in behavior and health issues.
She holds a PhD in Holistic Health Counseling. Her ground breaking long distance research study with 27 formerly Wild Mustangs validated the important role that body misalignment plays in behavior issues.
She is the creator of Animal Heeler™ TV on youtube- where each episode explores what is possible in helping animals heal their behavior, health, relationship and crossing over issues naturally through the Quantum Energy Field.
https://youtube.com/c/theanimalheeler
You can contact Allecia at: Info@AnimalHeeler.com and visit her site at: AlleciaMaine.com
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Join Jason as he shares more about his personal journey of healing. He opens vulnerably about finding love, peace and joy through much inner-work supported by yoga, meditation, and of course, HORSES.
Jason divorced in 2014 after nearly 14 years of marriage. This devastating situation was coupled with the difficult beginnings of a new business and an overall sense of internal hatred for himself, despite his best efforts to feel differently.
Depression and anxiety became his way of life.
Through a gradual process of incorporating meditation techniques, first learned by sound healer, Tryshe Dhevney, and the Headspace app, followed by other self-development tools learned in Hal Elrod's book, Miracle Morning , Jason began to heal.
In 2017, Jason was diagnosed with leukemia and has since learned that cancer isn't a death sentence. Rather, the diagnosis is an opportunity for extreme inner healing and finding love.
Mentions:
- Tryshe Dhevne
- Headspace
- Miracle Morning
- Inner Engineering
- Journey On podcast
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Recording this session was beautifully inspiring for us and we hope, as you listen, it inspires you too.
This episode is brought to you from four hearts that beat just like yours. It is about love and the pain we experience on our journey there . We share what's been going on lately - internal and external changes about ourselves, our hearts and environments. We discuss the importance of being able to love and forgive yourself before you can offer the same to another being. Alyssa brings up her research of holocaust survivors and talks about love and forgiveness in that light.
Mentions:Warwick Schiller's JourneyOn PodcastJenna Darko, PhDLinda Kohanov, Author
Music by Justin Tamminga
Music provided by Justin Tamminga
Did you know that horses can enjoy artistic expression? In this session, Alyssa talks about her newfound artistic partnership with her mustang, Willow.
As part of the training journey, Willow and Alyssa discovered the fun and art in painting! Yes, that's right, Willow paints!
To learn more about Willow and to purchase her beautiful art, head over to WillowPaints.com.
Today, we're talking about connection.
We think it's safe to say that, at the core of life, there is an innate desire to connect. Without connection, life would be dismal at best.
Over the years, our ability to connect with our horses has grown. As a result, our ability to connect with the humans in our lives has grown as well.
A cancer diagnosis can present itself as a thick dark cloud upon one's life. It also carries with it an immensely strong reminder of our human mortality. It doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, though.
In recent years, horses have been an integral part of life for Alyssa and Jason, alike. They believe horses have a unique ability to take part in the journey of life - including the ability to help us heal - emotionally, physically or otherwise.
In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about cancer.
They discuss Jason's diagnosis of a rather slow-progressing type of leukemia called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. This heartfelt talk between dad and daughter exposes some of their fears and weaknesses, while also some of the positive aspects a cancer diagnosis can bring about in life. These include a newfound awareness, stronger willingness to remain present and the overall joy that comes from living rather than being dominated by fear.
In this session, Jason and Alyssa share their individual ideas about about expectations, goals, training and life in general.
Jason and Alyssa talk about some of the basic aspects of adopting a previously wild mustang in America. The process is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with help from the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF). In addition to some of the adoption basics, Alyssa and Jason talk about what they've learned after adopting their TIP-trained mustang mare, Willow.
If you work for BLM, MHF or otherwise have information you'd like to share, please reach out to us at podcast@reinforcethehorse.com - we'd love to have you as a guest on our show.
Everything we do in life has some connection to the art and science of relationships. In this session, Jason and Alyssa talk about relationship - specifically, how horses appear to be masters of the art, and how we humans can learn a lot to help us in our relationships with our horses and other humans in our lives.
An extension, of sorts, of Alyssa's story. In this session, Alyssa and Jason share their memories and life lessons learned through Mocha, our beautiful American Quarter Horse Mare. Sadly, Mocha passed away in 2021. Her death was a catalyst for us to approach horses - and ourselves - in a different, more mindful and intentional way.
Jennifer Kirk BA ,BN, RN, EFLP is the founder of Dragonfly Meadows, a Canada-based organization which provides Equine-Facilitated Learning workshops for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and other professional caregivers.
Jennifer is a practicing Registered Nurse with 17 years experience. As an RN who has worked the majority of her career in critical care, she knows all too well the challenges nurses face. Throughout her career, she has experienced, firsthand, the myriad changes within the health care system which have had a significant impact on nurses. These include: increased workload, low morale, high turnover rates, moral injury, compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and poor work life balance, to name a few.
Jennifer desired to find a way to help nurses understand and manage the stressors of their chosen career. She completed her first Equine-Facilitated Learning workshop in 2012. She is a certified Equine Learning Professional through PRO-EFW ( Canada). A magazine article on Compassion Fatigue was an "A-ha" moment for her and she began offering Equine-Facilitated Learning Workshops for Nurses in 2014.
Jennifer lives in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia Canada with her husband Scott, her miniature dachshund Dixie as well as her 3 miniature horses, Sugar, Captain and Luna as well as her full sized horses Tinker and Annie.
While Jason never expected to fall in love with horses, he talks about how the past few years of partnering with them have been instrumental to his own personal healing - emotionally, physically and otherwise. In just a few short years, this military veteran found himself struggling with the aftermath of military life, divorce and a cancer diagnosis.
In this session, Alyssa shares her story of how horses have changed her life. She talks about her earliest memory of horses and how they have helped her overcome one of the most difficult times in her life. Alyssa has been a horse-lover since she can remember but began her personal horsemanship journey in 2018 with her Quarter Horse mare, Mocha. Sadly, Mocha passed on after suffering a fractured pelvis injury. Alyssa shares her story with Mocha and the new love of her life, Willow, a previously wild mustang mare.
You may have heard that horses have a unique way of connecting with and ultimately assisting humans in healing processes. Since we began our journey with horses, we've found this to be remarkably true.
In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about some of the ways they've experienced healing - emotionally and otherwise - with their horses.
Horses not only require but actually enjoy grooming. Join Alyssa and Jason as they discuss this relaxing process as they share a grooming/brushing session with their horses, Willow (a previously wild mustang mare), and Cody, (a domestic Bashkir Curly gelding).
In this short session, Alyssa and Jason discuss some of the art and science behind the idea of pausing to perform. Evidently the idea is a rather old cowboy concept called "dwell time". This special time of subconscious reflection helps horses (and humans) learn new tasks more effectively and efficiently.
"Just an animal" is perhaps a common phrase humans use to describe our non-human furry friends, including horses. In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about how partnering with horses provides a unique perspective that encourages thinking of them as more than just animals.
A lot of people enjoy horses in their life primarily to ride. In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about riding - specifically, the importance of teaching your horse and establishing a strong relationship long before beginning to ride.
Alyssa & Jason unpack and discuss their hashtag, #CommunicationNotControl. The idea is to prioritize a strong relationship based on communication, choice and trust, rather than attempting to assert dominance and control. After all, horses can overpower humans regardless of tack or technique. Acknowledging and embracing that fact goes a long way toward a strong and trustful relationship with horses.
In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about one of their favorite horse behaviors: laying down. For Jason, witnessing horses laying down came as quite a surprise. Discussion includes training techniques - which sadly often includes controversial methods. Alyssa describes how she focused on developing a trustful relationship with her Mustang, Willow, ultimately resulting in the sharing of this special moment - all without any pressure.
Methods of training are rather hot topics in the world of horsemanship currently. In this session, Alyssa and Jason discuss horse training methods, including positive reinforcement (R+) and negative reinforcement (R-). While they each have their own opinions and ideas, they attempt to be as unbiased as possible. They provide some pros and cons of each method and open up the invitation to share your experiences.
In this session, Alyssa and Jason, citing the book “Evidence-Based Horsemanship” by Dr. Stephen Peters & Martin Black,compare and contrast the similarities and differences between the horse brain and the human brain. They discuss the process of trailer training, different types of trauma, reasoning processes, control and much more.
Book Reference: Evidence-Based Horsemanship, by Dr. Stephen Peters & Martin Black (ISBN10: 1600476856)
Podcast Reference: Because of Horses podcast
In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about the fascinating eyes of the horse. You'll learn how horses share similarities with our eyes but also the unique aspect of their eyes which help them survive in the wild as prey animals.
Article referenced in this session:
https://equinewellnessmagazine.com/horses-eyes-ears/
By Justine Griesenauer, DVM
Horses can teach us a lot about ourselves and life, in general. In this session, Alyssa and Jason talk about expectations and how we - as humans - often approach things with our expectations taking control. They discuss how it's important to manage our expectations while also listening to the horses - not going too fast or too slow.
Alyssa and Jason talk about choice as it relates to us and our horses. Alyssa brings up Jason's prior military experience and vaccination mandates. They give some examples in horse training that they've learned from study and through their personal journeys.
This is the very first episode of the Reinforce the Horse Podcast! Today, Alyssa and Jason introduce themselves and their horses, Willow and Cody. They share the vision and purpose of this channel and close with what they're grateful for on this Thanksgiving Day, 2021.