Send Mary a text!

In this episode, Mary Debono continues her discussion on how to work with your horse's existing habits to encourage ease and comfort. Building on concepts from previous episodes, Mary explains the importance of introducing novel, non-habitual movements that engage the horse's nervous system in a positive way.

These movements do more than just improve your horse's athletic abilities—they also enhance their emotional resilience and foster a deeper bond between horse and human.

Mary delves into the science behind the use of gentle, slow touch, including the role of C-tactile afferents (CLTMs) in building trust and reducing stress. 

She offers practical tips for incorporating novelty and variations into your daily routine, such as tacking up from the opposite side or leading from the offside. 

By focusing on gentle, safe variations, you can help your horse feel more confident and connected, ensuring that both you and your horse thrive together.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with Ease: Begin by supporting your horse's current movement habits, building a foundation of comfort and trust.
• Introduce Novel Movements: Gradually incorporate non-habitual movements to stimulate the horse's nervous system and promote learning.
• Enhance Emotional Resilience: Novel movements can help your horse become more confident and less fearful of change.
• Strengthen the Bond: Gentle, slow touch can deepen the connection between you and your horse by activating an emotional area of the horse's brain.
• Practical Applications: Simple changes, like tacking up from a different side, can be powerful tools for introducing novelty while maintaining a sense of ease.

Resources:

💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses.   

Send Mary a text!

In this episode, Mary Debono builds on the previous discussion about why it’s crucial to work with, rather than against, a horse’s current movement patterns.

Mary explains how supporting a horse’s tendency for spinal extension, for instance, can be the first step in helping the horse discover healthier movement options, like flexion and rounding.

By exaggerating and then gently guiding the horse back to a more neutral position, the nervous system starts to feel safe and open to new possibilities. This method not only benefits the horse’s physical health but also fosters a stronger, more trusting bond between horse and rider.

Mary also touches on how important it is to involve the entire spine, rib cage, and sternum in these movements, emphasizing that healthy movement isn’t just about the back but the whole horse, including the horse's mind. 

This episode serves as a valuable guide for equestrians looking to improve their horse’s movement and deepen their connection through gradual, supportive methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Support Before Change: Supporting a horse’s current movement habits, even if they seem "incorrect," can create a foundation for lasting change.
• Safety and Ease: Ensuring the nervous system feels safe and comfortable is crucial for helping the horse explore new movement possibilities.
• Whole-Body Movement: Healthy movement involves more than just the spine; the rib cage, sternum, and other parts can also participate.
• Shared Awareness: Working together with the horse to explore movement creates a stronger bond and a more responsive nervous system.
• Gradual Progression: Changes in movement should be introduced gradually, respecting the horse’s comfort and existing patterns.

Resources:

💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

 In this episode of "Easier Movement, Happier Horses," Mary Debono delves into the often-overlooked concept of working WITH a horse's current movement patterns, however "incorrect" we may think they are, instead of trying to force a change. 

Mary explains how many equestrians, in their desire to help their horses move better, may inadvertently cause discomfort or resistance by attempting to immediately correct posture issues, such as a dropped back. 

Drawing on her extensive experience, Mary illustrates how gently supporting a horse's existing habits can create a sense of ease and safety, making the nervous system more receptive to learning new, healthier movement options. This approach not only improves the horse's physical well-being but also enhances its mental and emotional state. 

Mary offers a fresh perspective on fostering a deeper connection with your horse by respecting its current state and guiding it toward better movement through gradual, supportive methods. 

We'll continue this discussion in our next podcast episode. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Key Takeaways

• Forcing a horse to round its back can create discomfort and resistance.
• Supporting a horse's current movement habits can create a sense of ease and safety.
• The nervous system is more receptive to learning new movement patterns when it feels safe.
• This approach improves the horse's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Gradual, supportive methods foster better communication and a deeper connection between horse and rider.

Resources:

💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

In this episode, Mary tackles a common question: "Can you really increase flexibility and strength without stretching or pushing your limits?"

Drawing from the Feldenkrais Method, Mary explains how improving body awareness and reducing unnecessary tension can lead to greater strength and flexibility.

Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to move more easily and comfortably, this episode will guide you on how to achieve sustainable, long-term improvement in your movement, strength, and flexibility.

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Key Takeaways:

1. Awareness is Key: Improving body awareness helps refine movement, leading to natural increases in flexibility and strength.
2. Healthy Effort vs. Strain: Pushing beyond limits with strain can cause unnecessary tension and hinder progress, while healthy effort is sustainable and efficient, leading to greater strength and flexibility.
3. Neuroplasticity: The Feldenkrais Method leverages the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways, allowing for better movement and adaptation.
4. Application Across Disciplines: Whether you're an equestrian, dancer, or other athlete, Feldenkrais concepts can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
5. Integrating Feldenkrais into Daily Life: The benefits of Feldenkrais aren’t confined to the practice; they permeate all areas of life, leading to more ease and efficiency in everyday tasks.

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h87

💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

💥Get all the program details here: https://tinyurl.com/mwyh-0824. 💥

Body, Mind, and Connection. These are the three pillars that support a harmonious connection with your horse. In this episode, you'll learn why - and how to strengthen those pillars.

Unlock your potential as an equestrian with the Move with Your Horse Foundations program, a transformative 10-week journey starting on August 12, 2024.

Experience profound improvements in your movement, posture, and connection with your horse through live classes, recorded lessons, and personalized support—all grounded in the powerful Feldenkrais Method.

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h86

💥Get all the program details here: https://tinyurl.com/mwyh-0824. 💥

Send Mary a text!

💥Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist!💥 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴

In this episode, we conclude our six-step series on creating horse-human harmony. Step Six is the crucial final step: exploring and enjoying movement with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle.

Key highlights:

- A comprehensive review of all six steps to horse-human harmony
- Practical Feldenkrais-inspired exercises to improve your body awareness and movement
- Tips for integrating improved movement into your daily interactions with your horse
- Techniques for enhancing your horse's athletic performance through mindful grooming and tacking up
- Insights on how to deepen your connection with your horse through breath work and intentional movement

You'll hear about the importance of integrating all six steps for maximum benefit.

Whether you're a competitive rider or simply want to improve your horse's well-being, this episode provides valuable tools to enhance your equestrian journey.

💥Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist!💥 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h85

Creating Horse-Human Harmony Series:
Overview of the Six Steps: https://marydebono.com/blog/h81
Step #1: https://marydebono.com/blog/h82
Step #2:  https://marydebono.com/blog/h83
Steps #3-5: https://marydebono.com/blog/h84

Series on Rhythm Circles with your horse:
How Your Hands Can Improve Your Horse's Mood: https://marydebono.com/H14
This Small Move Has the Power to Heal: https://marydebono.com/H15
Talk to Your Horse's Brain, Not Muscles: https://marydebono.com/h16 

Questions? Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

💥Get a free audio/video exercise at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥

Learn about Steps 3, 4, and 5 of the Six Steps to Creating Horse-Human Harmony. 

Discover how to use your hands to relieve your horse's tension and improve their movement and well-being. 

In this episode, you'll hear practical tips to help your horse feel more comfortable and connected, including how to transform tacking-up into a bonding experience that enhances horse and rider harmony. 

Yes, you read that right. Your horse doesn't have to be girthy or cinchy!

You can saddle your horse in a way that ENHANCES their comfort, movement, and well-being AND improves your body awareness and movement. Now that's a win-win!  

Subscribe to "Easier Movement, Happier Horses" and ensure you don't miss the upcoming deep dives into each of these transformative steps.

💥Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist!💥 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

💥Get your special gift at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h84

Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

💥Get your special gift at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥

Mary Debono explores step two of her six-step framework for creating harmony between you and your horse.

This bonus episode focuses on the importance of intention, breath, and loving energy in connecting with your horse.

Mary shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, along with a free audio/video exercise available at marydebono.com/breathinghorse.

Discover how these simple, powerful strategies can transform your interactions with your horse, whether you're riding, walking, or simply spending time together.

Subscribe to "Easier Movement, Happier Horses" and ensure you don't miss the upcoming deep dives into each of these transformative steps.

💥Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist!💥 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

💥Get your special gift at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h83

The book mentioned: Grow Young with Your Dog by Mary Debono. It's available as a PDF for just $8.97 on Mary's website. Prefer a physical book or Kindle? Grow Young with Your Dog is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.   

Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

In this episode, you'll learn all about Step 1 of the Six Steps to Creating Horse-Human Harmony.

You'll hear Mary explain how enhancing your body awareness can lead to better communication, trust, and overall well-being for you and your horse.

Mary Debono, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method and creator of Debono Moves, guides you through practical strategies to improve your self-awareness and movement, ultimately enhancing your horse's comfort and performance. 

Key Takeaways

1. Self-Awareness and Movement: Developing self-awareness and improving your movement through the Feldenkrais Method is crucial for effective and compassionate horsemanship.
2. Embodied Understanding: Enhancing your body awareness allows you to understand and feel the benefits, leading to better athletic performance and overall well-being.
3. Enhanced Sensitivity: Improved self-awareness increases your sensitivity to your horse's subtle cues, enhancing communication and interaction.
4. Building Trust: Recognizing and respecting your horse's physical restrictions and movement habits fosters trust and paves the way to easier, healthier movement for your horse.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: Developing self-awareness makes you a more creative and effective problem solver in handling various equine issues. 
6. Clearer Signals: Improved movement leads to clearer and more discreet signals to your horse, making your aids more effective.
7. Safety and Responsiveness: Enhanced body awareness improves balance and responsiveness, increasing safety for you and your horse.
8. Mindfulness Practices: Regular mindfulness breaks and body scans help reduce unnecessary tension and develop better body awareness.
9. Compassionate Interaction: Greater self-awareness promotes more sympathetic and compassionate movement, leading to a deeper bond with your horse.
10. Stress Reduction: Improved self-awareness and movement help regulate your nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxed breathing, which positively impacts your horse.

Subscribe to "Easier Movement, Happier Horses" and ensure you don't miss the upcoming deep dives into each of these transformative steps.

💥Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist!💥 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h82

Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.  

Send Mary a text!

To join the Move with Your Horse waitlist, click here! 💥

In this episode, we delve into the core issues that equestrians face, both for themselves and their horses. Whether it's stiff hips, an aching back, or a horse that's resistant or stiff, these concerns all boil down to one essential desire: achieving greater harmony with your horse.

Join Mary Debono as she introduces the six essential steps to create horse-human harmony. Mary explains how the Feldenkrais Method and Debono Moves can improve your movement and awareness, ultimately enhancing your connection with your horse.

In this episode, you will learn why each of these steps is essential:
1. Improving your movement and self-awareness.
2. Using intention, breath, and loving energy to connect deeply with your horse.
3. Gentle hands-on work to relieve your horse's tension.
4. Reminding and retraining your horse's nervous system so that movement can be fluid and free.
5. Transforming tacking up into an enriching and bonding experience.
6. Using simple strategies to integrate your improvements, so you can enjoy moving with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle.

Subscribe to "Easier Movement, Happier Horses" and ensure you don't miss the upcoming deep dives into each of these transformative steps.

Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h81

Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider

Email [email protected]

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.