Embracing Beginner's Mind for Better Horse-Human Connections

 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

Join hosts Victoria and Josh Williams on The Herd is Calling podcast for a deep dive into the concept of 'Beginner's Mind' and how it can significantly improve the horse-human relationship. They discuss the importance of practicing mindfulness and remaining open to learning, particularly in challenging situations like trailer loading. Through exploring Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki's teachings, they link these principles to horse training, emphasizing the value of maintaining a calm and observant state. The episode is packed with real-life stories and actionable advice on how to cultivate a beginner’s mind to enhance communication, reduce stress, and build a more profound connection with horses.

0:00 beginners mind podcast

01:36 Introduction and Welcome

01:45 Exploring Beginner's Mind

03:10 Mindfulness in the Horse World

05:16 The Challenge of Trailer Loading

06:47 Reframing Trailer Loading Issues

12:59 Building Trust and Relationship

16:00 Self-Compassion and Patience

18:11 Managing Stress in Horse Training

19:16 The Importance of Groundwork

19:36 Wisdom from Suzuki and Dorrance

22:34 Embracing Beginner's Mind

25:28 The Value of Basics in Horsemanship

31:38 Building a Relationship with Your Horse

34:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myhorsejourney.substack.com

7 Practical Techniques to Improve Your Relationship with Horses

🦄 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 as they delve into overcoming perfectionism for the benefit of their horses and themselves. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice on embracing mindfulness, practicing gratitude, and reframing negative self-talk. The discussion is enriched with techniques like silent and half-speed grooming, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and letting go of fear. The episode provides valuable insights for improving the horse-human connection, making it a must-listen for equestrians seeking personal growth and better relationships with their horses. 

 0:00 get over yourself podcast

00:57 Introduction: Getting Over Ourselves for Horses

01:32 Introduction: Overcoming Ourselves for Our Horses

01:47 The Concept of 'Nothing Matters'

02:23 The Concept of 'Nothing Matters'

02:44 Living Fearlessly and Embracing Courage

04:05 A Personal Story of Perfectionism and Fear

04:05 A Personal Story of Perfectionism and Fear

06:33 Lessons Learned and Mindfulness

13:27 Lessons Learned and Practical Advice

17:40 Mindfulness and Gratitude Practices

17:40 Practical Techniques for Mindfulness

21:51 Self-Compassion and Reframing

23:35 Conclusion: Letting Go of Perfectionism

🦄 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]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myhorsejourney.substack.com

7 Tips For Building A Compassionate Relationship With Self, So That You Can Connect More Deeply With Horses

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

Join hosts Victoria and Josh Williams on The Herd is Calling podcast for as they delve into the critical role of self-compassion and mindfulness in enhancing your relationship with your horse.

Drawing insights from experts like Eckhart Tolle and Kristin Neff, the discussion covers how mindfulness allows for a clearer perception free of judgment, and how self-compassion consists of mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness.

They highlight the impact of these practices on managing anxiety and self-doubt, and the importance of being present for improved communication and bonding with horses. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, the episode encourages listeners to view their riding practice as an act of self-care, enhancing both their own well-being and their connection with their horses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and the collective journey toward better horse-human relationships.

0:00 self compassion podcast

01:20 Welcome to the Podcast

01:41 Understanding Self-Compassion

02:47 Elements of Self-Compassion

03:42 Mindfulness and Its Importance

04:24 Common Humanity and Connection

05:00 Kindness and Tenderness

05:43 Self-Compassion in Practice

06:00 Anxiety and Self-Doubt

08:25 Mindfulness with Horses

20:18 The Power of Vulnerability

21:42 Join Our Community

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

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myhorsejourney.substack.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

In this episode of 'The Herd is Calling' podcast, hosts Victoria and Josh Williams embark on an insightful journey exploring the profound connection between horses and humans. They delve into their personal experiences and discoveries, emphasizing the interplay between scientific approaches and energetic exchanges in equine bodywork. Josh shares his initial skepticism towards 'energy woo woo' practices before coming to embrace the incredible feedback and communication he received through working with horses. Joshua and Victoria also discuss the holistic integration of anatomy, biomechanics, and heart coherence in understanding and improving horses' lives. Tune in for a blend of fascinating science-backed insights and heartfelt experiences aimed at enhancing your horsemanship practice.

 0:00 bodywork podcast

01:37 Introduction to Equine Body Work

02:31 The Zen Mindset in Horsemanship

03:27 Journey into Massage and Kinesiology

05:36 Discovering Horse Massage

08:58 The Ultimate Equine Athletes

13:31 Understanding Horse Communication

15:56 Exploring the Layers of Body Work

17:00 Diving into Energetic Connections

17:31 Understanding Heart Coherence

19:01 Comparing Horses and Humans

21:16 The Paradox of Science and Energy

25:41 Breathing to Being: The Four B's

29:01 Connecting Through the Nervous System

31:02 Conclusion and Next Steps

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 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myhorsejourney.substack.com