The Daily Ride

Video Episode Available at: https://youtu.be/RXLUROgzmuc

In this episode of The Daily Ride, I dig into the learning science behind "productive struggle": why performance and learning are not the same thing, how do you really learn (and remember) things best, and what your brain's error signal is doing before you're even consciously aware that you've made a mistake. Then I bring all of this back to the barn — how this same research explains the timing behind traditional pressure-release horse training, why showing a horse the answer doesn't actually seem to teach them anything, and why the most skilled horsemen (and teachers) spend most of their time doing what looks like nothing at all. It also has a lot to say about learned helplessness: what happens when our effort doesn't impact our outcomes, and the toll it can take on our long-term memory when we rescue a struggling learner too fast, whether horse or human.

❤️ Support TRUE HEART HEALING❤️

To support True Heart Healing and donate directly, visit us at https://www.truehearthealing.org Direct Donations: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/true-heart-healing

📚 Sources for every study mentioned: Full list on Youtube episode.

Video Episode Available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zk8fpi9gA2g

Why do animals play — and why do humans seem to stop?

In this episode of The Daily Ride, Morgan explores play as something much bigger than entertainment. Play is a biological system found throughout the animal kingdom, and research suggests it plays an important role in brain development, cognitive flexibility, emotional resilience, and our ability to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

We’ll look at how scientists actually define “true” play, what happens in the brain while we’re playing, and why young animals spend so much time chasing, wrestling, pouncing, exaggerating movements, and deliberately putting themselves in situations where they aren’t completely in control. In a sense, play may be practice for the unexpected: a safe place to experiment, make mistakes, recover, and try something different.

We’ll also get into what happens when animals are deprived of opportunities to play, what that research might tell us about human development and animal welfare, and why play tends to disappear from our lives as we get older. Somewhere along the way, being bad at something becomes embarrassing, productivity starts taking over our free time, and activities without an obvious purpose can begin to feel like a waste- but maybe purposelessness is part of the point!

Finally, Morgan shares some simple ways to bring play back into adult life as an opportunity to be curious, experiment, laugh, move, create, and occasionally be terrible at something- just because it’s fun.

❤️ Support TRUE HEART HEALING❤️

To support True Heart Healing and donate directly, visit us at https://www.truehearthealing.org Direct Donations: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/true-heart-healing

Full Research Reference List available on Youtube: https://youtu.be/zk8fpi9gA2g

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Special thanks to Ben Dellenbach for the original intro music and ⁨@darylbrownproductions⁩ for the video mentorship.

#TheDailyRide #HorseHealing #Play #psychologyresearch #HealingJourney #Coregulation #Podcast

This episode contains photos and videos from Morgan and her community. For the best experience, watch the video format at: https://youtu.be/qK3tnzS4bzY

Grief is a universal experience, yet it's often misunderstood. Many people think of grief solely as a reaction to death, but in reality, grief can encompass a broader spectrum of emotional responses to any form of loss. In this episode, Morgan explores the profound and multifaceted nature of grief, especially as it relates to animals, horses, and our loved ones. She shares personal stories contributed from within our community to underpin scientific insights and spiritual perspectives on grief. This episode aims to help listeners navigate their own grief journeys with hope and kindness, knowing that they are not alone in their experience.

Key Topics Covered:

-The neuroscience of grief and attachment

-The theory of Continuing Bonds after loss

-The unique grief of pet loss

-Spiritual perspectives on animals in heaven

-The impact of grief on identity and love

-How horses process- and help us process- grief

-The dual process model of bereavement

-Practical ways to support grieving others

-🎙️Voices from our community🎙️

❤️ Support TRUE HEART HEALING❤️

To support True Heart Healing and donate directly, visit us at https://www.truehearthealing.org

Direct Donations: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-...

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Special thanks to Ben Dellenbach for the original intro music, and ⁨@darylbrownproductions⁩ for the video mentorship.

#TheDailyRide #HorseHealing #HealingJourney #Coregulation #Podcast #Perception

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCkefPjk9oRxQsvwthJIh7LQ/collaboration/UCY32MHUYrOyysS4EQ-CphHQ

🎥 Watch this episode on video!

https://youtu.be/RyQqIX_q3JI

What is your face saying about you? Much like reading horse whorls and features, can our human faces give us insight into ourselves?

Whether you’re naturally skeptical or deeply curious, this episode is an invitation to explore a different way of looking at ourselves.

This week on The Daily Ride, I’m joined by Dr. Todd Frisch, chiropractor, speaker, and founder of Why the Face?, to discuss the fascinating world of face reading. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, TCM principles, and his own observations, Dr. Todd shares how he believes our facial features can offer insights into personality, communication styles, emotional patterns, and overall well-being.

Together we explore:

• What face reading is and the nine primary face shapes and the characteristics often associated with them
• How facial observations may influence communication, leadership, and relationships
• The connection between emotional experiences, health, and the face
• Gender differences in communication and emotional processing
• The role of kindness, personal responsibility, and intention in healing
• Why learning to better understand ourselves may help us better understand others—including our horses!

Whether you’re interested in psychology, holistic health, personal growth, or simply love conversations that challenge you to see the world from a new perspective, this episode offers plenty to think about and encourages you to share your gifts with the world- with kindness and love.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following The Daily Ride, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who loves exploring the connection between people, horses, and lifelong learning.

Follow Dr. Todd and get your face read too at www.wtfwhytheface.com and follow him on social media at:

Instagram: @wtf_drtodd

TikTok: @wtf_why.the.face

Facebook: @WTF.Dr.Todd

Subscribe to Why the Face on Youtube: @WTFWhytheFaceAnalysis

📗 Get the original "WTF? Why the Face": https://wtfwhytheface.com/product/book/

📘 PRE-ORDER "WTF2? Why the Face": https://wtfwhytheface.com/product/wtf2/

#WhyTheFace #DrToddFrisch #FaceReading

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❤️ Support the TRUE HEART HEALING❤️

To support True Heart Healing and donate directly, visit us at www.truehearthealing.org

Direct Donations: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/true-heart-healing

⸻

Special thanks to Ben Dellenbach for the original intro music, and ⁨@darylbrownproductions⁩ for the video mentorship.

#TheDailyRide #HorseHealing #HealingJourney #Coregulation #Podcast #Perception

🎥 Watch this episode on video!

https://youtu.be/o6-g5R-khpc

Are you ready to step into the arena?

In this ✨VIDEO✨ episode of The Daily Ride, Morgan explores one of the most misunderstood yet powerful forces in both horsemanship and human relationships: vulnerability. Drawing from Teddy Roosevelt's 1910 “Citizenship In a Republic” speech and the research of Brené Brown, this episode dives into what it truly means to walk into the arena—at the barn, and in life.

You’ll hear:

• The neuroscience behind emotional attunement and mirror neurons

• How vulnerability creates safety in both humans and horses

• The role of co-regulation and nervous system healing

• The story of another US President whose life was shaped by horses

• How emotional attunement is rooted in biology, not just intuition

• How healing happens in relationships

• How safety is created through presence, regulation, and honesty

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🎥 Watch This Episode on YouTube for the full experience:

https://youtu.be/o6-g5R-khpc

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❤️ Support the Mission❤️

To support True Heart Healing and donate directly, visit us at www.the-daily-ride.com

Discount Links to Support THH:

🛌 COZY EARTH PROMO:

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🧤Bear Knuckles:

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Special thanks to Ben Dellenbach for the original intro music, and ⁨@darylbrownproductions⁩ for the video mentorship.

#TheDailyRide #DaringGreatly #Vulnerability #ManInTheArena #ushistory #Horsemanship #HorseHumanConnection #EquineTherapy #HorseHealing #HealingJourney #Coregulation #podcast #growthmindset #lifelessons

Morgan shares part 2 of 2 of her conversation with Becky Gonzalez, a fellow horse owner and christian who has boarded her horses at the USAFA for years.

In this conversation, Rebecca Gonzalez shares her profound connection with horses and how they serve as a source of healing and emotional support. She discusses her experiences with horse rescue, the challenges of caring for them, and the deep bonds formed through these relationships. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of allowing horses to be themselves and the lessons they teach about trust, love, and resilience. She also expresses her aspirations to create a therapy ranch for women, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of equine companionship. Morgan and Rebecca discuss their belief that horses are sentient beings that offer emotional healing, and the bond between horse and owner can be deeply transformative. Rescue and rehabilitation of horses can lead to personal growth, and horses themselves thrive when allowed to live naturally and freely. Rebecca shares her experience in learning that trusting in God can help navigate life's uncertainties, horses can teach us about resilience and love, and every horse has a unique story and potential to heal.

"They are daily reminders of grace."

To support True Heart Healing, visit us at www.the-daily-ride.com

COZY EARTH PROMO: You get 41% OFF the entire website ( plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

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Bear Knuckles: You get 15% OFF the entire website (plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

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code: THEDAILYRIDE

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/kite-flight/towards-the-light

License code: S6ZTE4BT2OKQTDHM

Morgan shares part 1 of 2 of her conversation with Becky Gonzalez, a fellow horse owner and christian who has boarded her horses at the USAFA for years. Their conversation explores the profound journey of horse ownership, focusing on the emotional and spiritual connections formed between humans and horses. The discussion highlights the rescue of Becky's heart-horse named Tansy, the bond that developed between her and her owner, and the lessons learned about faith, surrender, and maternal instincts. Through personal anecdotes, Becky reflects on the transformative power of love and connection in the context of animal rescue and ownership.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Surrendering control can lead to unexpected blessings.
• The journey of horse ownership can mirror personal growth.
• Maternal instincts in animals reflect deep emotional capacities.
• Horses can experience grief and attachment similar to humans.
• Animals can sense and respond to human emotions.
• Faith is the foundation of life-changing relationships.

To support True Heart Healing, visit us at www.the-daily-ride.com

COZY EARTH PROMO: You get 41% OFF the entire website ( plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

www.cozyearth.com

code: THEDAILYRIDE

https://cozyearth.com/discount/THEDAILYRIDE

Bear Knuckles: You get 15% OFF the entire website (plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

https://buybearknuckles.com/

code: THEDAILYRIDE

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/kite-flight/towards-the-light

License code: S6ZTE4BT2OKQTDHM

In this episode of the Daily Ride Podcast, Morgan delves into the multifaceted concept of positive reinforcement in training animals, using examples from her horse and dog. She emphasizes the importance of not only rewarding desired behaviors but also controlling the environment and creating positive associations to enhance learning and communication. The discussion covers the distinctions between reinforcement and punishment, the significance of setting up a conducive environment for training, and the deeper psychological impacts of positive reinforcement on both animals and humans. Morgan concludes by encouraging listeners to focus on progress rather than perfection in their training endeavors, and most importantly, to make sure you both are having fun together!

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Positive reinforcement is effective across all species because we all deserve to be heard and valued.
• Controlling the environment can prevent undesired behaviors by stacking the deck in your animal's favor.
• Creating positive associations enhances learning experiences.
• Reinforcement increases behavior frequency, while punishment decreases it.
• Positive reinforcement fosters two-way communication between trainer and animal.
• Understanding an animal's emotional state is crucial for effective training.
• Positive associations can transform negative experiences into positive ones.
• Training should be a fun and engaging experience for both parties.
• Mindfulness in training can lead to better outcomes and relationships.
• Progress is more important than perfection in training.

To support True Heart Healing, visit us at www.the-daily-ride.com

COZY EARTH PROMO: You get 41% OFF the entire website (plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

www.cozyearth.com

code: THEDAILYRIDE

https://cozyearth.com/discount/THEDAILYRIDE

Bear Knuckles: You get 15% OFF the entire website (plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

https://buybearknuckles.com/

code: THEDAILYRIDE

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/kite-flight/towards-the-light

License code: S6ZTE4BT2OKQTDHM

In this episode of the Daily Ride podcast, Morgan discusses the transformative power of trick training in building a deeper relationship with her horse, Trueheart. She emphasizes the importance of communication, trust, and understanding a horse's personality in the training process. She walks the listener through how she trains some example tricks and shares how her horse has added her own interpretation sometimes. Through positive reinforcement and engaging activities, Morgan shares how trick training has not only enhanced their bond but also contributed to both her and True's mental well-being.

Key Episode Takeaways:

• Trick training enhances communication between horse and owner.
• Building trust is essential in horse training.
• Understanding a horse's personality is crucial for effective training.
• Positive reinforcement is key to successful trick training.
• Trick training can improve a horse's mental health.
• Engagement in training leads to a stronger bond.
• Trick training can be a fun and rewarding experience.
• Horses can understand cues and language through training.
• Creating a safe environment is important for both horse and trainer.
• Trick training can be done safely with protected contact.
• Trick training is for every horse/human duo
• Tricks can be useful for husbandry and aren't just frivolous fun!

To support True Heart Healing, visit us at www.the-daily-ride.com

COZY EARTH PROMO: You get 41% OFF the entire website ( plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

www.cozyearth.com

code: THEDAILYRIDE

https://cozyearth.com/discount/THEDAILYRIDE

Bear Knuckles: You get 15% OFF the entire website (plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

https://buybearknuckles.com/

code: THEDAILYRIDE

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/kite-flight/towards-the-light

License code: S6ZTE4BT2OKQTDHM

In this episode of the Daily Ride Podcast, Morgan Downey explores the fascinating world of equine sensory perception, comparing it to human perception. The discussion covers various senses, including hearing, smell, taste, and vision, and delves into how horses process sensory information differently than humans. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to enhance the bond between horses and humans, particularly in training and therapeutic contexts.

Books Mentioned:

Horse Brain Human Brain : https://a.co/d/4NkWke1

To support True Heart Healing, visit us at www.the-daily-ride.com

COZY EARTH PROMO: You get 41% OFF the entire website ( plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

www.cozyearth.com

code: THEDAILYRIDE

https://cozyearth.com/discount/THEDAILYRIDE

Bear Knuckles: You get 15% OFF the entire website (plus 15% of your purchase is donated to THH)

https://buybearknuckles.com/

code: THEDAILYRIDE

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/kite-flight/towards-the-light

License code: S6ZTE4BT2OKQTDHM