As a mom, do you tend to beat yourself up? Do you tend to feel as though you are not doing anything right, no matter how hard you try?

In this episode, I tell two different stories during lessons from two very different trainers, and how one only focused on the mistakes, the other focused only on what was going well, using the mistakes as bonuses in the right direction.

I discuss how these stories can illustrate what goes on often in a mom's mind, and how we can take our thoughts captive, to learn to focus on what is going well, instead of the downward spiral of beating ourselves up.

I also discuss how this same concept points us to the Lord and how He looks at us.

If you want more information on Stacy Westfall, check out her website (and her courses) at www.stacywestfall.com

I got a lot of wonderful feedback on the last episode having to do with Resistance, and so I decided to do a follow up episode outlining my daily routine, and how I've found little hacks to beat resistance, especially with winter coming and the cold weather. I outline how I get up early and get to the barn (and how I am a much better mom because of it), how I motivate myself with my sticker chart, how to do small reps with your horse that build up into bigger goals (and how to celebrate each success), and much, much more.

Ultimately, if there's one thing I could have you take away from this episode, it's that a little goes a long way, it is possible to motivate yourself and be your own best accountability partner, and having a hot drink in your hand at all times when it's cold helps a ton!

Do you ever feel resistance to doing the things you want to do, or love to do? Specifically with horses?

In this episode, I share a story about how I overcame resistance recently, and how it sneaks up in so many different places in life.

I share how I've been learning to overcome resistance, and strategies to keep going.

I share how it's important to focus on our why behind what we do. I talk about how it's important to use those gifts and things that bring us joy.

Do you ever have an all or nothing mentality? Where if you can't do something 100%, then you might choose to not do it at all?

I know I do. This has recently been brought to my attention, and it's fascinating how it applies to both our horsemanship and motherhood. In this episode, I talk about how that "all or nothing" mentality has affected me, and what I've done to help overcome it. I talk about how 15 minutes is golden, and how to use a sticker chart to encourage yourself in achieving goals.

Welcome to season 2 of the podcast. After a summer break, it feels good to be back. Stay tuned for more! Blessings!

Have you ever experienced a dream, and it did not unfold the way you originally thought?

In this episode, I chat with Yvet Blokesch, of the Feather Light Academy, about her experience into motherhood while being an equestrian and horse trainer. 

We discuss topics around:

*Pregnancy while having horses

*Processing and adjusting when unexpected things happen

*Setting realistic goals while being a mom with horses 

*Treasuring every moment spent with our horses and children, choosing to stay in the present with them and not be distracted.

*Acknowledging hard days, but being able to see the big picture.

*How to have and hold to your opinions with horses and children

*Choosing one thing that makes you happy and do it, even a little bit, every day. 

Also tune in to hear what she said are three skills she’s cultivated while being a mom and horsewoman. It is absolute gold.

What an encouraging conversation this was! 

Find out more about Yvet here. 

The Feather Light Academy: https://featherlightacademy.com/about-yvet/

I have heard that one of the missing pieces in our lives today (whether with our children, our horses, our training schedules, work, etc.), is the recognition and need for rest. 

I am not talking about plopping on the couch with your phone to scroll after the kids go to bed, but true rest, the kind God calls us to in His Word. 

In this episode, I chat with Master Naturalist, teacher, and podcast host, Eryn Lynum, about the beautiful and necessary gift it is to rest. She has recently written a new Bible Study called, “The Nature of Rest,” which we reference throughout the conversation. I have recently been going through the study myself, and have enjoyed it immensely! 

In our conversation, we discuss the following questions: 

1. What is God’s pattern of rest in Scripture and how can it transform our lives?
2. Is Sabbath relevant and realistic in today’s modern world? 
3. How did Jesus model rest for us?
4. As moms, how can we practically prioritize rest in the midst of busy days with children?
5. What would you say to those who equate rest with idleness or laziness? 
6. What would you say to a woman who struggles with guilt when resting?
7. How can we practically experience more rest in our days, weeks, and seasons?
8. How can staying in the wonder of the Lord and His creation help us rest more?
9. What does abiding with God look like and how can it lead to more rest?

In addition, we talk about actual examples of rest in creation, through hummingbirds, bears, bees and more. Eryn also shares practical advice on how to rest, remembering that a little goes a long way. Also, we marveled at how God’s design works, that we are created to work from a place of rest.

Here are the links mentioned in the episode: 

Eryn Lynum's Website: https://erynlynum.com

"The Nature of Rest" Bible Study: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891

Nat Theo Podcast: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo

*Note, my kids love this podcast!

"Rooted in Wonder" book: https://a.co/d/1U9o1hD

Family Sabbath Guide: https://erynlynum.com/familysabbath

Have you ever stopped to be amazed at the wonder it is that we get to work with horses? And that they are willing to be trained to do such amazing things for us? I train my horse in a reward based way, and so when I work with him, I "mark" the maneuver I want by releasing cues, or a treat, lots of scratches in his favorite places, or a bit of everything. It is amazing how willing he is to repeat the same maneuver for more encouragement and reward!

In this episode, I talk about how encouragement is such an amazing tool in our horsemanship and motherhood. I tell a few personal stories about how encouragement has blessed me, when I was a child.

I also talk about how we don't need to rush with our horses and with our children. We can go slow and steady. See the big picture. Take deep breaths. They're still learning, and we are too. It's all for God's glory, and our joy.

I also mention my conversation with Monica Geyen from last week quite a bit in this episode ,so be sure to check it out here.

Blessings!

Have you ever been told, as a mom, "Oh you're so busy!" Or, "You've got your hands full!" Or perhaps you've come to a mom's group, and the topics seem to focus on how hard and chaotic motherhood can be? You come away feeling more drained than encouraged.

In this episode with writer, speaker and mama to 7, Monica Geyen shares how we can practically tell the truth about our children, from a biblical perspective, to combat that temptation to complain about our children.

This episode is full of scripture and truth. It's encouraging and uplifting. A perfect episode for Mother's Day weekend!

Mentioned in this episode:

*Four truths mentioned in scripture about how the Lord sees children

*Practical advice for encouraging other moms in our journey of motherhood together

*How influence plays a part (what we pay attention to grows)

*How to be like Jesus with our children. "Come."

And much, much more!

This episode is to be paired with an article that Monica wrote for Desiring God. You can find it here: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/tell-the-truth-about-children

You can also find more by Monica Geyen on her website here: https://www.monicageyen.com

Happy Mother's Day from Mama in the Saddle!

More about Monica:

Monica Geyen is a lawyer turned homeschooling mother and writer. She is married to Chad, and the delighted mother of seven, ages 12 down to 7 months. From a Hindu background, Monica was drawn to the Lord through Pastor John Piper’s sermon series at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Romans and hearing the gospel from her now-husband, Chad. Over the last 20 years, God has cultivated in Monica a heart for encouraging missional living. After her transition to being a stay-at-home mom, Monica discipled law students through InterVarsity and began to teach the Bible to her children and women at Bethlehem. She has served for 14 years as a small group leader alongside her husband Chad, who also serves as an elder. She currently writes for Desiring God, continues to love to teach God’s Word, counsels couples alongside Chad, and speaks on various topics, including missional living, marriage, and motherhood. Monica loves read alouds with her family, embarking on new adventures, playing outside, and dreaming up fresh plans with the Lord, Chad, and her children about how to live as a family on mission. 

Are you in need of a dose of childlike wonder and gentle encouragement to pursue your passion for horses while being a mom? Then tune into this amazing episode where I talk with Maddy Whitford about staying in the wonder, how horses teach us major life lessons (especially in parenting!), and much, much more.

Maddy Whitford is an experienced horse trainer and horse behavioral expert based in Kulnura, Central Coast NSW, Australia. Maddy and her husband work as a team starting horses under saddle and helping ‘problems’ horses thrive. Maddy is passionate about listening to horses, using compassionate methods to problem solve difficult behavior. Maddy loves teaching people how to help their horses and with her experience has developed methods to bring out the best in the horses she trains and let them shine. Her philosophy is, "Kind methods creating lasting results”. The horse’s emotional and physical wellbeing is always prioritised and kind, compassionate methods are used for happy horse and human partnerships, focused on safety, kindness and success.

Mentioned in this episode:

*How to respond to feelings of selfishness and guilt when pursuing horses as a mom.

*Being kind to yourself.

*How being with horses makes us better moms!

*Why it is important to dream as a mom and equestrian.

*How to manage time in order to make time to ride/be with your horse

*You don't need to ride to make progress and enjoy horses.

*Stay in the wonder

* Encouragement for moms who are thinking of giving up their dreams of horses. "Don't sell your saddle yet, mama."

*Enjoy your horses, enjoy your children.

And much more!

Maddy Whitford can be found at her website here: https://whitfordequestrian.com

She is on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

On her website, Maddy offers a monthly subscription to her library of educational videos. In addition, she writes on "Ask Maddy", answering a broad range of horse-related questions.

Are you a horse crazy mom who has taken some time off from horses, but keeps feeling that niggling urge to get back into the equestrian world? Or maybe you're a mom who has loved horses her whole life but has never had the chance to be around them, and you feel like perhaps it's never going to happen? Well if that's you, then this podcast is going to be a huge encouragement for you, and is a must listen.

In our conversation, Adele and I talk about all things restarting in the horse world, and starting for the first time. We discuss practical steps, and walk through a detailed way to find a solid trainer who can help you, and the importance of learning.

We also discuss staying in the wonder of our horses and kids, and slowing down to enjoy them both.

Links mentioned:

We mentioned Adele's online course several times in the episode. Check it out here: https://www.thewillingequine.com/academy

Find Adele's info here:

Website: https://www.thewillingequine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewillingequine/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/thewillingequine

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewillingequine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewillingequine
third conversation together! Check out our first two conversations in the links below:

Part 2: Setting Up for Success