Because of the Horse Podcast

Because of the Horse Podcast

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Because of the Horse Podcast episodes

  • EP 4: Wendy Murdoch | How Body Awareness Transforms Horse and Rider

    In this enlightening episode, Paula Curtis explores the fascinating link between body awareness, balance, and horse behavior with special guest Wendy Murdoch, creator of the SureFoot Equine Stability Pads. Together, they dive into how the Feldenkrais Method helps riders become more conscious of their movement, creating subtle yet profound shifts in how horses respond.

    Wendy shares how mindful movement and exploration not only improve rider safety and effectiveness but also deepen trust and communication between horse and human. Through curiosity, attention, and play, both horse and rider discover a new way of learning—one that honors the body, the mind, and the quiet wisdom of the horse.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | Understanding Our Bodies and Horses
    03:16 | The Connection Between Body and Mind
    06:07 | Balance and Behavior in Riding
    08:54 | Learning Through Movement
    11:46 | The Role of Exploration in Riding
    14:35 | The Journey of a Teacher
    17:05 | The Impact of SureFoot Pads
    20:06 | Empowerment Through Feldenkrais
    25:01 | The Power of SureFoot Pads
    28:37 | Understanding Equine Behavior and Balance
    33:29 | The Connection Between Feet and Behavior
    37:28 | Practical Applications of SureFoot Pads
    41:02 | Building Better Relationships with Horses
    44:11 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtoftheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    45 min
  • EP 8: Arianna Sakaris | The Transformative Power of Horses

    In this heartfelt episode, Paula Curtis and her guest explore the deep and timeless connection between humans and horses — a relationship that invites us into self-discovery, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Together they reflect on how horses mirror our inner world, guiding us toward presence, harmony, and greater awareness.

    The conversation touches on how understanding and respect can create lasting partnership, how presence exercises deepen our connection with both horse and self, and how these lessons ripple outward into our relationships, our communities, and even the world. It’s a beautiful reminder that peace begins with awareness — and that horses are here to help us find it.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Horses
    03:12 | Creating Harmony: The New Documentary
    05:40 | Transforming Failures into Learning Opportunities
    08:07 | The Importance of Presence and Mindfulness
    10:50 | Building a Partnership with Horses
    13:10 | Exercises for Mental Clarity and Connection
    15:40 | Reconnecting with Nature and Animals
    18:17 | The Role of Horses as Teachers
    20:52 | The Path to World Peace Through Individual Growth
    26:10 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On YouTube --> https://www.youtube.com/@ArtoftheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    37 min
  • EP 2: Callie King | Building Connection Through Online Equestrian Learning

    In this heartfelt episode, Paula Curtis sits down with Callie King, a dedicated riding instructor and horse trainer, to explore her inspiring path in building online courses for equestrians. Together they talk about the balance between theory and practice, how online learning can deepen real-life experiences at clinics, and the importance of finding the right teacher for both horse and rider.

    Callie shares her wisdom from years of riding, teaching, and endurance work — as well as her growing advocacy for Mustangs and the lessons they continue to teach her. This conversation reminds us that learning never really ends, and that kindness, patience, and curiosity are the true foundations of horsemanship.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | Introduction to Online Equestrian Education
    02:43 | The Journey of Creating Online Courses
    05:13 | The Importance of Theory and Practice
    08:15 | Enhancing Learning Through Online Courses
    10:55 | Finding the Right Fit in Equestrian Education
    13:47 | Lessons Learned from Horses
    16:25 | Exploring New Interests in Equestrianism
    18:54 | Final Thoughts on Learning and Growth
    23:01 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    24 min
  • EP 5: West Taylor | Unlocking the Secrets of Science-Based Horsemanship

    In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, West Taylor shares his journey into science-based horsemanship and how a financial crisis became the catalyst for a deeper understanding of horses. Through stories of wild mustangs, emotional breakthroughs, and practical insights, West explores how safety, curiosity, and empathy form the foundation of true connection. You’ll hear how understanding equine neurochemistry can transform training, why curiosity builds confidence, and how physical and emotional awareness shape every interaction. This episode invites you to see your horse—and yourself—through a more compassionate and scientific lens.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | Introduction to Science-Based Horsemanship
    03:18 | West Taylor's Journey with Wild Mustangs
    05:45 | Understanding the Equine Brain
    08:40 | The Importance of Safety in Horse Training
    11:12 | The Science Behind Horse Behavior
    14:12 | Emotional Memory and Horse Training
    16:49 | The Role of Curiosity in Training
    19:25 | The Impact of Human Emotions on Horses
    22:25 | Trailer Loading: A Case Study
    25:08 | Building Positive Emotional Patterns
    27:40 | The Power of Licking and Chewing
    30:40 | Conclusion and Key Takeaways
    40:04 | The Importance of Mental Relief in Learning
    45:10 | Understanding Horse Behavior and Communication
    50:20 | Rehabilitation of Shut-Down Horses
    54:57 | Exploring Heart Rate Variability in Horses
    01:00:22 | The Grocery Store Experience: A Lesson in Calmness
    01:12:26 | Safety Awareness and Mindfulness in Horsemanship
    01:17:51 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@ArtoftheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    1 hr 19 min
  • EP 1: Anna Twinney | Healing Connections Through Horses and Energy

    In this heartfelt conversation, Anna Twinney invites us to slow down, care for ourselves, and meet our horses with presence. She shares how horses read our inner world so clearly, and how mindful self-care, centered emotions, and energy awareness open a deeper channel for communication.

    We explore simple ways to notice energy shifts, support the body’s natural healing, and honor the horse’s identity and memories. The message is clear and encouraging: when we connect with intention and compassion, both horse and human can heal, grow, and find more ease together.

    Takeaways
    ☆ Self-care is essential for effective animal communication.
    ☆ Horses express emotions differently than humans, yet feel deeply.
    ☆ Being centered and grounded improves clarity and connection.
    ☆ Energy healing can benefit both horses and humans.
    ☆ Horses carry memories and emotions similar to ours.
    ☆ Energy work supports the healthy as well as the unwell.
    ☆ Understanding a horse’s identity can guide healing.
    ☆ Human actions and energy can trigger emotional responses in horses.
    ☆ Connection and intention are key in compassionate horsemanship.
    ☆ There are many meaningful ways to engage beyond riding.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | Welcome and introduction to Anna Twinney
    00:35 | From clinic life to retreat mode and why self-care matters
    01:36 | Centering, grounding, and opening the door to animal communication
    03:29 | Checking our emotions before we connect with the horse
    06:45 | Congruency over suppression and why horses feel the truth
    12:52 | Noticing energy movement: yawns, licks, breath, and softening
    15:43 | Being a conduit vs. getting depleted and attached to outcomes
    18:40 | Everyday uses of energy healing for joy, grief, travel, and performance
    21:32 | Horses in the now, with memories that still shape today
    24:10 | Practical ways to start: activating and feeling energy in your hands
    27:43 | Identity, purpose, and honoring who each horse believes they are
    31:00 | Redefining “usable” and giving back through connection and intention

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    1 hr
  • EP 12: Jason and Bronwin Irwin | Life Lessons Learned Through Horsemanship

    In this inspiring episode, Paula Curtis talks with Jason and Bronwin Irwin about their journey through horsemanship, horse breeding, and the unexpected adventure of producing their own television show. They share stories from the ranch, lessons learned from life in front of and behind the camera, and how every horse and every challenge has shaped their path.

    Together, they reflect on the patience, communication, and adaptability that both horsemanship and media production require. From learning the ropes of filming to understanding how temperament breeds true, Jason and Bronwin remind us that the best teachers often have four legs and that the lessons we learn with horses reach far beyond the arena.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | Introduction and Technical Setup
    00:34 | The Journey to Becoming TV Show Producers
    14:13 | Life Lessons from Horses and Horsemanship
    17:15 | The Journey of Self-Taught Horsemanship
    20:58 | The Importance of Breeding Programs
    25:30 | Navigating the Challenges of Filming and Editing
    32:22 | The Evolution of Marketing in the Horse Industry
    33:29 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On YouTube --> https://www.youtube.com/@ArtoftheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    34 min
  • EP 10: Barbara Schulte | The Emotional Connection in Equestrian Performance

    In this episode, Paula Curtis sits down with Barbara, a personal performance coach whose lifelong love of horses shaped her journey into helping riders reach their highest potential—both in and out of the saddle. Together they explore how our emotional state influences performance, how confidence is built from within, and how gratitude and self-awareness can transform our relationships with horses.

    Barbara shares stories from her early years on a horse farm in Illinois and reveals how every challenge on the path of horsemanship holds the potential for growth. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that riding is not just a physical discipline but a reflection of who we are becoming—and that trusting the journey is often the most powerful skill of all.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | Introduction to Personal Performance Coaching
    02:01 | Barbara’s Journey and Background in Equestrianism
    04:35 | The Impact of Mental Skills on Performance
    08:26 | Emotional Connection and Healing through Horses
    12:36 | Confidence: Understanding Your Why
    16:42 | Practical Tools for Personal Growth and Performance
    20:09 | Final Thoughts on Trusting Your Journey
    23:04 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On YouTube --> https://www.youtube.com/@ArtoftheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    24 min
  • EP 7: Stormy May | Creating Harmony with Horses

    In this inspiring episode, Paula Curtis explores the deep wisdom that horses offer us on the path of self-discovery and personal growth. Through heartfelt stories and practical reflections, the conversation reveals how mindfulness, presence, and awareness with our horses can transform not only our partnerships but our lives.

    Together, the speakers discuss how horses guide us toward harmony, how nature helps us reconnect with inner peace, and how every moment in the saddle or pasture can become a lesson in compassion and understanding. This episode reminds us that transformation begins within—and that by learning from horses, we contribute to a more peaceful world.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    00:00 | The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Horses
    03:12 | Creating Harmony: The New Documentary
    05:40 | Transforming Failures into Learning Opportunities
    08:07 | The Importance of Presence and Mindfulness
    10:50 | Building a Partnership with Horses
    13:10 | Exercises for Mental Clarity and Connection
    15:40 | Reconnecting with Nature and Animals
    18:17 | The Role of Horses as Teachers
    20:52 | The Path to World Peace Through Individual Growth
    26:10 | Podcast Outro + Music

    Resources
    ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket
    ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership
    ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/
    ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On YouTube --> https://www.youtube.com/@ArtoftheHorseman
    ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

    27 min

About Because of the Horse Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Because Of The Horse Podcast is a space for equestrians who believe that horsemanship is more than technique, it’s about building a quality relationship.