What if your horse’s spook isn’t disobedience, but a sensory processing delay—or your own pressure showing up in their body? In this episode, Dr. Shelley Appleton of Calm, Willing, Confident Horses shares the pivotal story that changed her approach forever, the 80/20 skillset that forms the foundation of horsemanship, and why self-awareness is as critical as technique. We cover sensory soundness and herd dynamics (Kerry Thomas), protecting the show environment as a marble-jar of trust, rethinking “respect” as motivation and meaning, and how off-the-track Thoroughbreds benefit from no-rider canter therapy to rebuild force transfer. If you want calmer, more confident, more willing horses—and a clearer understanding of your role in the partnership—this conversation will change the way you ride.

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