The Herd is Calling

🦄 Welcome to ‘The Herd Is Calling Podcast’!

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This Episode:

🎙The Universal Law of Connection: Why Your Presence (Not Your Power) Changes Everything

Every muscle in a horse—and a human—holds a story. What happens when we learn to listen?

What if your presence—not your power—is the real source of transformation?In this episode, we dive into the heart of relational horsemanship with Josh Nichol, exploring the subtle frequency beneath connection, the true meaning of leadership, and how horses can become mirrors for healing the stories we carry in our bodies. If you’ve ever felt like “doing more” wasn’t the answer—you’re right. This one’s for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why every muscle holds a story—and how horses reflect the parts of us we’ve hidden or suppressed. ✅ The Green-Yellow-Red-Gold model—a powerful roadmap for navigating dysregulation, growth, and healing in ourselves and our horses. ✅ The myth of obedience and how shifting from dominance to relationship unlocks true transformation. ✅ How to meditate like a horse—using presence, breath, and frequency to create peace in motion. ✅ Why authenticity is the antidote—and how showing up vulnerably can ripple through generations.

⏳ Episode Breakdown

00:00 | The Healing Space Begins Josh opens with a powerful reflection on presence, energy, and how healing emerges when we honor the space—especially from a place of love.

00:45 | What Every Muscle Holds Josh shares how both horses and humans carry energetic stories in the body, and how connecting to those stories changes everything.

01:55 | The Desire for Relationship Exploring the human longing for connection and the unconscious defense mechanisms that keep us from building true relationships—with ourselves and our horses.

03:00 | Letting Go of Obedience Josh explains how horsemanship becomes transformational when we shift away from obedience and begin to listen to the horse as a relational partner.

04:20 | The Mirror of the Horse How horses reflect our internal state, and why true leadership is about becoming the kind of energy others want to be around—not controlling outcomes.

05:45 | The Inner Journey & Natural Gifting Josh reflects on his early life in remote northern Ontario, the influence of curiosity, and how solitude in nature shaped his path.

07:10 | From Technique to Truth A candid account of how conventional training methods fell short—and how the struggle to work with difficult horses ignited Josh’s quest for deeper understanding.

08:45 | The Universal Language of Connection Introducing the concept of “the way”—an energetic frequency that transcends physical technique and invites authentic connection with all beings.

10:35 | Why People Like Josh When They’re Ready Josh shares how his teachings resonate most with people who are ready to turn inward—not just looking for quick-fix techniques.

12:00 | Green, Yellow, Red… and Gold A fresh model for understanding regulation, growth, and thriving. Gold = when challenge and peace coexist, allowing you to walk through life with empowered presence.

14:45 | The Calling vs. Exhaustion The reason walking in your true calling gives you energy—and how burnout often results from living out of alignment with your deeper purpose.

16:55 | The Ripple Effect of Real Leadership What happens when you lead from authenticity, and how your inner alignment creates outward transformation in people, horses, and community.

18:00 | Community as a Relational Practice Josh discusses how true community is built not around common opinions, but around shared relational principles like trust, empathy, and awareness.

20:20 | How Conflict Reveals the Real Work Conflict isn’t the problem—our triggers are. Josh breaks down how community breaks when we focus on surface-level disagreement instead of deeper self-awareness.

22:00 | Relational Horsemanship in Action Explaining how unmet needs—not disobedience—are the root of most horse behavior, and how honoring that transforms everything.

Learn more about Josh Nichol here:

Josh's Website

Josh's YouTube

Don’t Miss Other Episodes (& articles!) —

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Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections! 🐴✨

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PS—When You're Ready...

Ready to lead your first equine-assisted healing session? Download our First Session Template—discover how to build rapport, safety, & trust on day one, without overwhelming your client and horses! 100% free, but only for a limited time—Check out a new approach to first sessions, no matter your experience level. Get Your First Session Template Here!

Welcome to ‘The Herd Is Calling’

Don’t miss an episode, and access our articles and essays on Substack

Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE—it’s easy and totally free.

The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

“They Know When You Know”: The Secret Language of Horses & Humans

Before fight, flight, or freeze, horses scan for one thing: Who is paying attention? Attunement—not technique—determines whether your horse sees you as a safe place or just another unpredictable human. In this episode, Warwick Schiller breaks down why presence matters more than pressure, how perception shapes reality, and what horses (and people) are really responding to.

🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

✅ Why attunement is the missing key—how horses respond to your inner state, not just your techniques.

✅ The invisible language of presence—why horses instantly trust some people and disconnect from others.

✅ How self-awareness rewires everything—from your horsemanship to your relationships and leadership.

✅ What your horse feels before you move—the neuroscience of non-verbal communication and embodied energy.

✅ The universal power of attunement—how deep listening transforms connection with horses, people, and yourself.

✅ The ‘Black Belt’ of Horsemanship—why mastery isn’t about learning more, but about seeing with new eyes.

✅ Horses, trauma, and nervous system regulation—how safety and connection influence everything.

✅ How Warwick’s greatest lessons came from not knowing—the horse that challenged everything he thought he understood.

✅ Why leadership—on the ground or in life—isn’t about control, but about awareness.

✅ The surprising way a small shift in energy can change everything—from a horse that won’t lead to a child struggling with connection.

✅ Why most training methods skip the horse’s first instinct—not fight or flight, but seeking a friend.

✅ The hidden intelligence of horses—could they actually be guiding us toward consciousness?

✅ What it means to ‘balance, not find balance’—the mindset shift that changes everything.

✅ How a single conversation changed a life forever—and the ripple effects of attuned presence.

⏳ Episode Breakdown & Key Moments

[00:00:00] | They Know When You Know—Warwick Schiller on attunement, awareness, and why presence matters more than technique.

[00:01:24] | Meet Warwick Schiller—his story, his journey, and the philosophy that reshaped his approach to horses and life.

[00:03:08] | The one thing that separates great horsemen from the rest (hint: it’s not technique).

[00:07:55] | The ‘Black Belt’ of Horsemanship—why true mastery means relearning from a new perspective.

[00:15:47] | Balancing vs. Balance—Warwick’s game-changing insight on finding harmony in life and horsemanship.

[00:27:40] | The moment that changed everything—how one horse cracked Warwick’s perception wide open.

[00:36:30] | The Mustang that never slept—how attunement alone transformed a bolting horse.

[00:46:00] | The night everything shifted—Warwick’s spontaneous awakening and the conversation that shattered his worldview.

[00:51:00] | Vulnerability, Brene Brown, and the power of self-compassion in horsemanship and life.

[01:02:00] | How Journey On became a global phenomenon—Warwick’s surprising journey into podcasting.

[01:15:00] | The ripple effect—how one conversation changed a life forever.

[01:25:00] | Attuned Horsemanship in action—how one small shift made a horse completely relax for the first time in 10 years.

[01:39:00] | The hidden intelligence of horses—are they actually guiding us toward consciousness?

[01:51:00] | What drives Warwick? A personal story, a calling, and a message he couldn’t ignore.

[02:12:00] | Final reflections—how horsemanship, healing, and leadership all come back to the same truth: they know when you know.

ABOUT WARWICK SCHILLER:

International horse trainer, clinician, and author Warwick Schiller began riding horses on a farm in rural Australia when he was seven years old. Warwick’s modern training philosophy focuses on creating trust and connection between horse and human by emphasizing the importance of the horse’s mental well-being throughout the training process. Having spent most of his life training professional reining horses, he now spends his time solving behavioral issues across disciplines and empowering individuals with the tools and mindsets needed to create their own trusting partnerships with their horses.

Since publishing his first training video on Youtube in 2011, Warwick has created a vast online community founded on personal growth, positivity, and a shared passion for the wellbeing of horses. In addition to his online video library with over 800 real-time training videos, Warwick has created The Journey On Podcast, which interviews inspirational horse people from all over the world and shares their stories and mindsets.

CHECK OUT ALL THINGS WARWICK BELOW:

website www.warwickschiller.com

Podcast -The Journey On Podcast

Facebook group- Warwick Schiller Attuned Horsemanship

Facebook Page- Warwick Schiller’s Attuned Horsemanship

Youtube channel-@WarwickSchiller

Instagram-warwickschiller

Podcast summit- summit.warwickschiller.com

Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack for behind-the-scenes stories and unique content. 

Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections!

Continue the journey

If this way of being with horses speaks to you, you can learn more about our current programs and invitations at My Horse Journey.

Our work is for people who want a relationship with horses built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement — not compliance.

Start here:myhorsejourney.com

–Because they know when you know… and they know when you don’t.

Welcome to ‘The Herd Is Calling’

Don’t miss an episode, and access our articles and essays on Substack

Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE—it’s easy and totally free.

The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

Dr. Veronica Lac, founder of The HERD Institute, challenges traditional norms in favor of a more inclusive, relational approach—one that prioritizes attunement, adaptability, and social equity in healing with horses.

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why the dominant equine therapy model falls short—and what needs to change✅ How cultural competency shapes the horse-human relationship in ways most practitioners overlook✅ The power of language in equine-facilitated work—why words like “using” horses subtly reinforce outdated hierarchies✅ What it truly means to “partner” with horses—moving beyond tools and techniques to a more ethical, embodied approach✅ How belonging, social justice, and equine therapy intersect—and why this conversation is long overdue

⏳ Episode Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction & WelcomeJosh and Victoria introduce Dr. Veronica Lac and set the stage for a deep conversation about equine therapy beyond technique.

01:55 | Veronica's Personal Journey with HorsesDr. Lac shares her early experiences with horses, the cultural significance of equine relationships, and how her background shaped her approach.

08:17 | The Role of Embodiment in Equine TherapyA discussion on how working with horses is deeply embodied and how this principle shapes The HERD Institute’s model.

12:32 | Cultural Competency & Power Dynamics in HorsemanshipDr. Lac breaks down how cultural experiences shape interactions with horses and why traditional training methods often fail to consider these nuances.

21:14 | Moving Beyond Technique: Why Attunement MattersWhy a flexible, attunement-based approach is more effective than rigid exercises in equine therapy.

31:20 | Horses as Partners, Not ToolsChallenging the dominant mindset of "using" horses and shifting toward a true partnership model.

39:18 | Belonging, Social Justice & Equine TherapyHow systemic change in the industry ties into broader conversations about diversity, inclusion, and social justice.

44:51 | Creating Change: The HERD Institute’s VisionHow The HERD Institute is actively working to shift the paradigm of equine-assisted therapy through education and community building.

51:10 | Final Reflections & How to ConnectDr. Lac shares final thoughts and invites listeners to explore The HERD Institute’s programs, books, and resources.

🔥 Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Dr. Veronica Lac doesn’t just challenge the status quo—she offers a roadmap for change. This episode is an invitation to rethink how we engage with horses in therapeutic spaces. Are we truly honoring their agency? Or are we still centering human needs at their expense?

📚 Grab Veronica’s book: Obviously, I'm Not From Here—Embodying a Sense of Belonging with the Help of Horses, It's Not About The Activity—Thinking Outside The Toolbox In Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy & Learning, & MORE! Get Books Here

📍 Explore The HERD Institute’s groundbreaking work & Resources: herdinstitute.com

Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack for behind-the-scenes stories and unique content.

Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections!

Continue the journey

If this way of being with horses speaks to you, you can learn more about our current programs and invitations at My Horse Journey.

Our work is for people who want a relationship with horses built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement — not compliance.

Start here: myhorsejourney.com

TWelcome to ‘The Herd Is Calling’

Don’t miss an episode, and access our articles and essays on Substack

Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE—it’s easy and totally free.

The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

What if the parts of yourself you’ve buried hold the key to your healing? In this episode, we explore how horses—masters of presence—can reveal our hidden wounds and guide us back to wholeness.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ How the wisdom of horses reveals our unconscious patterns—and helps us heal them​.✅ The power of somatic therapy to process trauma—without retelling the story​.✅ How to navigate the tension between self-protection and vulnerability with horses​.✅ Why groundwork with horses brings up deep relational patterns—and how to move through them​.✅ The ripple effect of healing with horses—from personal breakthroughs to collective change​.

In this illuminating conversation, LMFT and equine-assisted psychotherapist Cara Gereau invites us into the layered world of somatic healing with horses. She shares how the relational feedback from horses brings forward the parts of us we’ve exiled—the ones shaped by trauma, self-protection, and unmet needs. From her personal journey leaving a high-powered corporate career to becoming a healer, to her somatic techniques with clients, Cara offers a deeply resonant look at what happens when we stop performing and start listening—both to our bodies and the horses beside us​.

⏳ Episode Breakdown

00:00 | Introduction and WelcomeThe hosts introduce the guest, Cara, and share the theme of today’s episode—resilience and navigating change.

02:15 | Cara’s Journey into Healing WorkCara opens up about her personal story and how life’s challenges led her to become a healer and coach.

07:42 | Overcoming Burnout: Cara’s Turning PointA raw conversation about burnout and how Cara reclaimed her joy.

12:05 | The Role of Horses in Cara’s Healing PracticeCara explains how equine-assisted experiences transformed her approach to trauma healing.

17:18 | Practical Tips for Coaches and TherapistsCara shares three actionable practices for integrating somatic awareness into client sessions.

22:40 | Facing Fear and Building ConfidenceA powerful dialogue on working with fear, both in life and in equine-assisted sessions.

27:03 | Navigating Loss and Grief in a Healing ProfessionCara reflects on how personal losses shaped her empathy and professional approach.

32:25 | The Power of Community in Healing JourneysWhy support networks are essential for practitioners and clients alike.

38:12 | What’s Next for Cara: Vision and Upcoming ProjectsCara reveals her next steps, including a new program launch.

42:50 | Final Thoughts and Where to ConnectThe hosts and Cara share how listeners can join the conversation and get involved.

🎧 Tune in, join the conversation!

Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack for behind-the-scenes stories and unique content. 

Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections!

Continue the journey

If this way of being with horses speaks to you, you can learn more about our current programs and invitations at My Horse Journey.

Our work is for people who want a relationship with horses built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement — not compliance.

Start here: myhorsejourney.com

Welcome to ‘The Herd Is Calling’

Don’t miss an episode, and access our articles and essays on Substack

Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE—it’s easy and totally free.

The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

What happens when life pulls you into the depths of loss, transition, and unexpected change?

You emerge—changed. After 14 months away, we’re finally ready to share why we left, what we learned, and why waiting is no longer an option.

✅ How grief and transformation shape the path forward—even when you don’t choose it

✅ The power of Why Wait?—and how it’s reshaping everything we do

✅ The role of community, not just as support, but as a true coalition of belonging

✅ Why stepping away was the only way to step forward

We thought we’d be gone for a few weeks. Instead, life unraveled, reassembled, and left us with a deeper understanding of what really matters. This episode is about more than where we’ve been—it’s about the universal experience of change, the kind that forces you to pause, reassess, and step back into the world with a new calling.

This isn’t just our story. It’s an invitation—to reflect, to connect, and to move toward what’s calling you…..Why Wait?!

⏳ Episode Breakdown

00:00 | Welcome Back – Our 14-Month JourneyWhy we disappeared, what changed, and why we’re finally back.

00:45 | The Deep Work of Grief & TransitionHow loss, change, and uncertainty shaped our path forward.

01:55 | Expanding Our Vision: Substack & The Healing With Horses CompassWhy we’re moving beyond social media and how you can join us.

05:09 | The Reality of Commuting, Relocation & Life OverhaulHow four hours a day in the car led to a complete lifestyle shift.

08:17 | Returning to Horsemanship: A Transformational Training ExperienceLessons learned from rehabilitating client horses—and ourselves.

12:32 | The MSW Journey: Pursuing Higher Education in Mental HealthWhy Victoria returned to school to deepen her impact in equine-assisted therapy.

17:57 | The Hawaiian Dream That Almost HappenedOur time at Hana Ranch and the opportunity that nearly changed everything.

21:14 | Letting Go: When a Child Leaves HomeThe emotional reality of Jacob’s move and navigating major life transitions.

25:26 | Moving Through Change: The Grief & Growth ParadoxWhy transition isn’t just about loss—but also about expansion.

26:22 | Unexpected Loss & the Weight of GoodbyeThe passing of Pilgrim and Blue—and what it meant for our family.

31:20 | New Paths, New Possibilities: The Power of RebuildingHow we turned obstacles into stepping stones toward something greater.

32:55 | Higher Education, Part Two: The OTD JourneyJosh’s decision to enter an accelerated doctoral program for occupational therapy.

36:40 | A Milestone Moment: James’ College JourneyHow our eldest took a bold step into his future at the University of Oregon.

39:18 | Merging Mental Health & Equine Therapy: A New ApproachHow evidence-based therapeutic techniques integrate with equine-assisted healing.

44:51 | The Ripple Effect of Healing: Why This Work MattersHow one person’s transformation can impact generations to come.

51:10 | The Future of Community & Connection: Why We Can’t WaitThe importance of building coalitions, forging deep relationships, and taking action now.

🎧 Tune in, join the conversation, and step into a new era of healing, connection, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack for behind-the-scenes stories and unique content.

Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections!

Continue the journey

If this way of being with horses speaks to you, you can learn more about our current programs and invitations at My Horse Journey.

Our work is for people who want a relationship with horses built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement — not compliance.

Start here: myhorsejourney.com

The Miracle, Mystery, and Science of Healing With Horses: Conversations with the visionary filmmakers behind ‘Rescued Hearts’ documentary. 

The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

Join hosts Victoria and Josh Williams on The Herd is Calling podcast for an inspiring conversation with filmmakers Dana Croschere and Krisanna Sexton. 

Through insightful discussions on their upcoming documentary 'Rescued Hearts,' explore the miracles, mystery, and science behind equine-assisted healing. 

Learn about personal stories of healing, the importance of authentic connection, and the profound emotional and psychological shifts facilitated by horses. 

Discover the unique presence horses bring into our lives, the healing power of nature, and the journey of reconnecting with our inner selves in this reflective and inspiring conversation.

00:00 Introduction to the Healing Power of Horses

01:05 Meet the Filmmakers: Dana and Krisanna

02:24 The Journey of Discovery and Connection

03:14 Dana's Personal Healing Journey

05:49 Krisanna’s Perspective and Hypothesis

09:05 The Evolution of Understanding

13:02 The Role of Fear and Connection

20:07 The Science and Mystery of Healing with Horses

41:09 Becoming a Horse Listener

41:54 The Healing Power of Horses

42:46 Personal Journey and Trauma

44:49 A Transformative Session

50:02 Making Horse Therapy Accessible

54:48 The Bigger Picture and Future Goals

57:52 Community and Collaboration

01:00:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections

❣️Don't forget to join Dana and Krisanna's email list to be the first to know about updates for their film, Rescued Hearts, including pre-release watch parties and more! 👇🏼

https://www.rescuedheartsfilm.com/

Find them on the socials:

https://www.instagram.com/rescuedheartsfilm/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086887737887

Continue the journey

If this way of being with horses speaks to you, you can learn more about our current programs and invitations at My Horse Journey.

Our work is for people who want a relationship with horses built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement — not compliance.

Start here: myhorsejourney.com

🦄 Don't miss out on the latest episodes, and BONUS exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else! 

Join our free Substack community, it’s the official home of 'The Herd is Calling'. 

👉🏼 Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE—it’s easy and totally free. See you on the inside! 

Join hosts Victoria and Josh Williams on The Herd is Calling podcast for an inspiring conversation with Tara Coyote, a life coach, equine facilitated learning instructor, grief facilitator, and stage four breast cancer thriver. 

Tara shares her incredible journey of healing, highlighting the transformative influence of horses through concepts like self-love, grief rituals, and their intuitive presence. She also delves into her work as a death doula, emphasizing the need to embrace death as a part of life. 

Tara discusses her book 'Grace, Grit, and Gratitude,' and the enriching experiences of living with horses. Tune in for inspiring stories, deep reflections, and the remarkable healing capacities of horses. 

00:00 Introduction to Aloha Ma and Self-Reflective Love

00:40 Meet Our Special Guest: Tara Coyote

03:08 A Day in the Life of Tara Coyote

04:55 Tara's Journey with Horses

07:38 The Healing Power of Horses

08:34 Tara's Cancer Journey and Resilience

13:35 Grief, Healing, and the Role of Horses

20:30 Understanding and Embracing Grief

34:18 Equine Facilitated Grief Rituals

42:15 Wind Horse Sanctuary and Its Inhabitants

43:17 Meet the Horses: Comanche and Blue

43:53 Equine Facilitated Learning: Balancing Needs

44:47 Post-Workshop Care for Horses

45:29 The Healing Power of Horses

49:33 Self-Care and Healing Journeys

59:00 The Role of Horses in Human Advancement

01:01:33 Exploring Equine Guided Learning

01:06:00 Personal Reflections and Lessons from Horses

01:09:19 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

✨ Follow along with Tara’s Journey and support her work at the following:

https://www.facebook.com/tcoyote

https://www.facebook.com/windhorsesanctuary1

https://www.instagram.com/windhorsesanctuary/

https://www.tiktok.com/@taracoyote

Look for her books:

Grace, Grit & Gratitude

Comanche, the Wild Mustang

More Resources From Tara:

Wind Horse Sanctuary

My Healing Journey Page

🦄 Did you know you can join the conversation?!

👉🏼Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack for behind-the-scenes stories and unique content. 

Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections! 🐴✨

Subscribe Now!

-💜 Don’t Miss Out! [FREE ACCESS HERE]

🦄 Don't miss out on the latest episodes, and BONUS exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else! 

Join our free Substack community, it’s the official home of 'The Herd is Calling'. 

👉🏼 Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE—it’s easy and totally free. See you on the inside! 

Join hosts Victoria and Josh Williams on The Herd is Calling podcast for an inspiring conversation with Jim Masterson, renowned equine massage teacher, former therapist for the U.S. Endurance Teams, and founder of the Masterson Method.

In this episode, Jim shares his journey into equine bodywork, the significance of genuine interaction with horses, and the transformative power of slowing down and attuning to the horse's responses.

Learn about the importance of collaboration over competition and the incredible impact of equine bodywork in therapy and service programs. Discover Jim's philosophies on mindfulness, the subtle communication between horse and human, and how his techniques not only help horses but also offer profound benefits to humans.

A must-watch for anyone passionate about improving horse-human relationships and enhancing equine well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Authenticity with Horses

00:21 Interview with Jim Masterson Begins

00:36 Jim Masterson's Background and Techniques

00:50 The Power of Collaboration in Equine Therapy

01:00 Impact of Equine Bodywork

01:17 Podcast Introduction and Episode Start

02:07 Jim Masterson's Career Highlights

02:44 A Day in the Life of Jim Masterson

04:24 Jim's Journey Back to Horses

05:47 Discovering Equine Massage

07:13 Learning from Experts and Personal Experiences

10:12 The Philosophy Behind Masterson Method

16:00 Collaboration with Mark Rashid and Dr. Peters

17:02 The Importance of Patience and Observation

21:14 Mirroring Between Horses and Humans

22:40 Equine Assisted Therapies and Emotional Connections

26:09 The Role of Bodywork in Equine Therapy

31:31 The Need for Mindful Groundwork and Bodywork

32:18 The Therapeutic Bond Between Humans and Horses

33:13 Uncovering Hidden Traumas in Horses

34:26 The Importance of Patience in Horse Bodywork

38:09 Transition from Performance to Teaching

45:18 Meditation and Mindfulness in Horse Training

50:53 Sharing Knowledge and Building a Community

✨ Follow along with our guest’s Journey and support their work at the following:

👉🏼 Learn more about The Masterson Method: https://mastersonmethod.com/

🦄 Did you know you can join the conversation?!

👉🏼Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack for behind-the-scenes stories and unique content. 

Join the movement exploring the art, science, and wonder of horse-human connections! 🐴✨

Subscribe Now!

-💜 Don’t Miss Out! [FREE ACCESS HERE]

The Healing Power of Horses: A Conversation with Melissa Jean PT

Join our free Substack community, it’s the official home of 'The Herd is Calling'. 

Click THIS LINK TO SUBSCRIBE

The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

Join hosts Victoria and Josh Williams on The Herd is Calling podcast for an inspiring conversation with Melissa Jean PT, a board-certified hippotherapy clinical specialist and equine specialist. 

Melissa discusses the profound healing potential of horses, the importance of connection and collaboration, and her advocacy work with the American Hippotherapy Association. She shares her background, the journey of discovering hippotherapy, and her commitment to equine welfare. 

The conversation delves into the physical and emotional benefits of horse-human interactions, the need for a trauma-informed approach, and the transformative power of connection and trust with horses.

00:00 Introduction to The Herd is Calling Podcast

00:35 Special Guest: Melissa Jean Jars

02:45 Melissa's Journey with Horses

04:52 The Magic of Equine Movement

06:13 Advocating for Equine Welfare

08:23 Healing Horsemanship and Vulnerability

18:55 Scientific Insights and Advocacy

29:17 A Childhood Connection with Horses

29:39 The Healing Power of Horses

30:43 Therapeutic Benefits of Equine Interaction

31:07 The Safe Haven of Horses

32:00 A Transformative Experience

34:43 The Importance of Gut Instinct

37:26 Holistic Healing and Equine Therapy

42:27 The Role of Connection in Therapy

51:03 Peace in the Paddock Program

54:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

✨ Follow along with our guest’s Journey and support their work at the following:

Learn more about Melissa at her website: https://www.melissajeanpt.com/

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 Discussions about decolonizing horsemanship with Kelsey Dayle John, Ph.D., Diné (Navajo)

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The Herd is Calling is a podcast from My Horse Journey exploring a different way of being with horses — one built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement.

Learn more at: myhorsejourney.com

In this episode of The Herd is Calling podcast, hosts Josh and Victoria Williams explore the profound connections between horses and humans with special guest Kelsey Dayle John. 

It was a great honor and privilege to have Kesley agree to be on our podcast. We had been following her work with horse human relationships and the concept of decolonizing horsemanship for some time, and were thrilled for the opportunity to have this rich discussion with her. 

In this podcast we discuss her work with interspecies learning, embodiment and relationality around horses, her perspectives on Equine Assisted Services, mustangs, the Navajo worldview, and so much more.

00:00 Introduction to The Herd is Calling Podcast

00:35 Meet Our Guest: Kelsey Dayle

01:52 A Day in the Life with Horses

06:07 The Challenges of Trailering Horses

07:11 Early Connections with Horses

11:30 Cultural and Experiential Learning

15:48 The Story of Bambi

23:46 Rethinking Horsemanship and Training

35:12 The Full Arc of Horse Relationships

37:28 Animal Colonialism and Relational Concepts

38:27 Understanding the Concept of Being a Good Relative

39:18 Exploring Animal Colonialism and Its Impact

42:45 Horses as Teachers in Decolonization

52:20 The Paradox of Native Education and Responsibility

01:03:31 The Healing Power of Horses

01:07:39 Equine Assisted Learning and Its Challenges

01:18:01 Respecting Horse Boundaries

01:18:34 Equine Assisted Services and Horse Agency

01:20:04 University of Arizona Project on Diversity and Inclusion

01:23:14 Mustangs: A Critical Perspective

01:34:39 Personal Stories and Lessons from Horses

01:50:14 The Sentience and Humor of Horses

01:55:35 Final Thoughts and Farewells

Kelsey's Bio:

Kelsey Dayle John is a member of the Navajo Nation. She is an assistant professor at the University of Arizona with a joint appointment in American Indian Studies and Gender and Women’s Studies. She studies equine/human relationships in Native American communities with a focus on the social, cultural, and historical narratives of horse/human relations. She was a 2021 National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow. She completed her Ph.D. and M.S. in Cultural Foundations of Education at Syracuse University. For her dissertation research, she worked in partnership with the Navajo Nation to document horse stories for the development of Navajo-centered education and research. Kelsey is certified in Equine Facilitated Learning through the HERD institute. She is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and in her spare time, she runs with her dogs and works with her horses.

Major Influences and References: 

Dismembering the Blog, Chrstine Ami https://www.christineami.com/dismembering-the-blog/teaching-more-than-sheep-building-a-curriculum-for-indigenous-animal-studies 

Lac, V. (2020). It's Not About the Activity: Thinking Outside the Toolbox in Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning. University Professors Press.

Schoen, A., & Gordon, S. (2015). The compassionate equestrian: 25 principles to live by when caring for and working with horses. Trafalgar Square Books.

McGreevy, P. (2004). Equine behavior: a guide for veterinarians and equine scientists. Saunders, an Imprint of Elsevier Limited.

Belcourt, B. R. (2014). Animal bodies, colonial subjects:(Re) locating animality in decolonial thought. Societies, 5(1), 1-11.

Watts, V. (2013). Indigenous place-thought and agency amongst humans and non humans (First Woman and Sky Woman go on a European world tour!). Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 2(1).

Kimmerer, R. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. Milkweed editions. 

Cajete, G. (2000). Native science: Natural laws of interdependence.

TallBear, K. (2011). Why interspecies thinking needs indigenous standpoints. Cultural Anthropology, 24, 1-8.

👉🏼Subscribe to The Herd is Calling on Substack

Continue the journey

If this way of being with horses speaks to you, you can learn more about our current programs and invitations at My Horse Journey.

Our work is for people who want a relationship with horses built on feel, trust, nervous system awareness, and mutual attunement — not compliance.

Start here: myhorsejourney.com