The Equestrian Connection

Miah O’Cain is an equine sports massage therapist and the owner of Highland 3:5 Equine Services. She has a vast knowledge of additional supportive techniques and modalities - many of which we’ll discuss today. This includes redlight therapies, Tuning Forks, Bemer, and cryotherapy.

Her ultimate goal is to find the root cause of pain and dysfunction and then fix the problem at the core, not mask it. She does this by bringing body, mind, and soul back into alignment.

On this episode, we discuss the different body work modalities and technology, how to know what is best for your horse, and so much more.

Connect with Miah:

MD Equestrians is a company that designs and sells bitless bridles and accessories, as well as their new bareback pads. With products available in sizes from miniature to extra-large, the mission is to make this way of working with horses accessible for everyone.

The founder, Marloes Blok, is a young entrepreneur who had the idea of starting this company after going on her own bitless journey when her horse was showing signs that he didn’t want to wear a bit.

On this episode, we discuss what it’s like to start and run your own business, her advice to other young equestrian entrepreneurs, being a social media influencer, getting started with bitless riding, the differences between side-pull bitless bridles and hackamores, and so much more.

Connect with Marloes:

Website: https://www.mdequestrians.com/

Kerri’s early awareness included a natural ability to communicate with animals and all of life in subtle realms of consciousness, through energy and presence. With wisdom, guidance and communication from many teachers (human and non-human), she assists to help you recognize your capacity to experience connection and communication through presence, through the heart.

Without dependence on a modality or system, Kerri has blazed a new trail on the road to freedom from limitations and conditioning. On this trail, all species are welcome and integrate through frequencies of communication. The greatest gift she can give to you is her own purity of expression, sharing her own journey, to help you see that if she can do it…so can you.

On this episode, we hear Kerri’s inspiring journey and discuss horse-human communication, becoming more aware of your own intuition, and so much more.

Connect with Kerri:

Website: https://www.generateharmony.com/

Jenn Savage is an equine bodyworker and educator with the mission to help educate and empower horse owners who want what’s best for their horses above all else.

She believes in the importance of giving back as much as we can to our equine athletes, especially when we ask big jobs of them. So, she’s on a mission to empower others with knowledge and resources to help prehab their horse while training like a Savage.

In this episode, we discuss signs your horse may need body work, what your warm-up routine may be missing, the importance of prehab, building a community of like-minded horse people, and so much more.

Connect with Jenn:

Website: www.savageequineservices.com

Paul Court is a renowned horse trainer and gained fame for his notable achievements in the racing world. He made history as one of the youngest trainers to win the esteemed New Zealand Cup, guiding Terror To Love to victory for three consecutive years—an accomplishment matched by only two other horses and not seen since 1960.

With 32 wins and earnings of $2.5 million, Paul's exceptional training abilities shone through. His expertise transcends borders, earning him respect across Australia for his versatile methods. Paul's success extends to Australia and Canada, demonstrating his

Starting his journey at 29, Paul's experience handling 40 to 50 horses simultaneously has provided invaluable insights into effective communication and dedication required for success.

His dedication to improving the industry led to the creation of Stable Hub, aimed at enhancing stable management and supporting fellow trainers.

Learn more about Stable Hub:

Website: https://stablehub.ca/

Wendy’s desire to understand the function of both horse and human, her curiosity, and her love of teaching have led her to be able to help both the horse and the rider.

She combines her creative talents with her scientific training to break down larger concepts of horseback riding as well as horse health into simple, easy-to-understand, bite-sized “chunks” for students of all ages, abilities, and disciplines. Her ability to make learning enjoyable, engaging, and fun through in-depth presentations helps her students connect the dots and achieve their goals.

Wendy’s willingness to embrace new ideas led her to develop the SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program and SURE FOOT Equine Balance Pads, which allow horses to reprogram their own brain in order to feel more grounded, secure, and confident so they can become a more willing partner.

In this episode, we discuss nervous systems, balance, SURE FOOT pads, personal experiences, giving the horse a say, and so much more.

Connect with Wendy:

Gabriela, aka Gaby, Reutter is the reigning #1 female Chilean show jumper. Her career is decorated with accolades, including more recently the team Bronze Medal at the 2022 South American Games in Paraguay, as well as victories in FEI classes, Nations Cup events, and European tours.

Gaby’s career is a true testament to her spirit and unwavering dedication. From leading performances at Spruce Meadows and The Hampton Classic to securing top ranks at junior/young rider South American Games, her journey is filled with impressive accomplishments. Notably, her partnership with Rocky saw them on top in prestigious competitions in recent years.

In 2018, Gaby founded Lumiere Horses Inc., a testament to her vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the year, you can find her travelling across the United States, Canada, and Europe, fueled by her ambition to become the first Chilean woman show jumper to represent her nation's colors at the Olympics since 1972.

In this episode, we discuss all things ambition, balance, staying on track with big goals, and so much more.

Connect with Gabriela:

Website: https://www.lumierehorses.com/

Dave Thind is the founder of the Dave Thind Method, otherwise known as DTM, which is the breakthrough combination of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® and the German classical training system. DTM helps you improve your seat, feel what your horse is communicating and improve the effectiveness and clarity of your aids.

Originally from Canada but now living in the US and spending summers in Germany, Thind has himself competed at the Grand Prix level in dressage and jumping. He is a noted equestrian biomechanics authority, with several published articles and appearances as an expert guest or lecturer to his credit. He received his German 'Trainer A' license in 2007 with a nearly perfect score awarded to him from the German National Federation. He holds an International Trainer Passport Level III and is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, which means he is able to teach both Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and the hands-on work, Functional Integration.

With DTM, you’ll awaken your body’s innate ability to ride softer, with greater feel and better results. You’ll learn how to release the physical and mental tension, as well as “over-effort” that blocks the full expression of your horse’s talent.

In this episode, we discuss common riding challenges, self-carriage of the human, and Dave walk us through an exercise to introduce us to Feldenkrais.

Connect with Dave:

Website: https://www.davethindmethod.com/

Holly Barnett is a professional Breathwork Facilitator with a background in Applied Neuroscience, and the founder of her method, Intero Breath.

You may recognize Holly from episode #31 where we chatted about saddle fit. Holly has been a saddle fitter and equine bodyworker for two decades but was beginning to notice a shift in herself and a shift in the way she worked with horses.

Holly’s method, which she calls Intero Breath, is a practice that combines the profound healing and regulating properties of Interoception & Breathwork.

In this episode, we discuss Intero Breath, how it can change our relationship with our horses, how it can impact us as equestrians and humans, the ability to heal, and so much more.

Connect with Holly:

Website: https://www.interobreath.com/

Ian Benson’s focus is the relationship between horse and human. He believes that all change comes from us as humans. This means: “We need to be the change we want to see in our horse”.

The method of Humanship is about the whole relationship between you and your horse, all the parts of each of our characters coming together to create the relationship as it is now. Humanship includes a comprehensive philosophy and a practical approach with everyday exercises from the ground and from the saddle. The focus of the exercises is on implementing them in everyday life with the horse and on refining communication from horseback.

Connect with Ian:

Website: http://www.humanship.co.nz/