In this episode, I sit down with Kat from KatjaCaptures to talk about the power of horses in art, and particularly in photography. Images of horses often stay with us long after we’ve seen them because of the way they resonate within us.

Kat shares how she approaches photographing horses fully in their own state and how that impacts the presence felt in her photography. Katja's images exudes the peaceful nature of the horse when she enters their world instead of pulling the horses into hers.

We also explore why these images can affect us so deeply. How something as simple as looking at a horse can shift your state, bring awareness to what you’re carrying, and help you move through struggles.

This is a conversation about more than photography. It’s about presence, perception, and why horses— even through an image—have the ability to bring us back to a more peaceful state of mind.

Connect with Katja:

Website: https://www.katjajensen.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/katjascaptures
Collector’s Club (newsletter & new work announcements): https://katjajensen.myflodesk.com/optin

In this episode, I talk with Kathleen Saucier, case manager and co-founder of Samson’s Strength Sustainable Veterans Project, about the work being done to support veterans through connection with horses.

What started as a personal experience for Kathleen and her husband grew into something much bigger. We talk about how horses helped them navigate stress and life after service, and how that experience shaped the work they now do with other veterans.

We also get into what’s really happening in these interactions. Not just that horses “help,” but why—how they influence the nervous system, increase awareness, and create opportunities to build skills for a healthier life.

This conversation offers a clearer understanding of how horses can support mental health in a practical, grounded way—and why that matters for veterans working to find stability and move forward.

This episode was produced in collaboration with #podcastathon where podcasters come together for a week and support a non-profit by sharing about them on their podcast.

Samson's Strength Sustainable Veteran's Project is also participating in the Horses for Mental Health campaign, of which The Touch of a Mustang is also an ambassador for the organization.

Connect with Kathleen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sssvp.org

Website: ⁠sssvp.org⁠

Instagram:  @samsonsstrengthveteransproject 

Support the Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ26sOgLL0TegAJ77O00

Please reach out if you are interested in being a sponsor for the podcast!

Building a nonprofit often begins with a powerful sense of purpose—but turning that passion into a sustainable organization requires more than good intentions.

In this episode of The Touch of a Mustang, I sit down with Rob Harter, a nonprofit executive with more than 30 years of experience building and leading social impact organizations. Rob shares what it really takes to move from an idea driven by passion to an organization capable of creating lasting impact.

We talk about the common pitfalls that cause many nonprofits to struggle—from leadership blind spots to mission drift—and the practical principles that help organizations stay aligned with the work they set out to do. Rob also shares insights from decades of leadership experience, coaching leaders, and hosting the Nonprofit Leadership Podcast, which reaches listeners in over 170 countries.

Whether you're thinking about starting a nonprofit, already leading one, or simply passionate about creating meaningful change in the world, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to build something that lasts.

If you care deeply about a cause and want to see that passion translate into real-world impact, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what it takes to build something that endures.

Connect with Rob!

Instagram: @nonprofitleadershippodcast

Facebook: @Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Linked In: @Dr. Rob Harter

YouTube: @Nonprofit Leadership Podcast

Support the Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

https://buy.stripe.com/8x2bJ26sOgLL0TegAJ77O00

Please reach out if you are interested in being a sponsor for the podcast!

In this episode we enter the world of horse medicine and intuitive guidance with Chloe Elgar, a psychic medium and intuitive guide living on her ranch outside Austin. After more than a decade helping humans navigate their own healing journeys, Chloe created the life she had always envisioned—welcoming a magical herd of horses, including her mustang, Sahara.

In this episode, we explore the evolving horse-human relationship, the transformative power of simply sharing life with horses, and the unique healing experiences that unfold when we honor horses as partners rather than tools. Chloe shares her approach to horse medicine, the magic of mustangs, and how deep connection—without riding—can open new pathways to understanding, growth, and personal transformation.

Join us for a conversation about life, intuition, and the extraordinary lessons our equine companions can teach us along the way.

Connect with Chloe!

Website: www.channeledbychloe.com

https://www.instagram.com/channeledbychloe/

https://channeledbychloe.substack.com/

Online Shop: www.nightwinggoods.com

https://www.instagram.com/threespiritranch

Support the Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

Many of us who have spent time with horses understand that our time with them changes something about us. It's difficult to describe, to explain. Often, it's referred to as magic.

I sit down with Dr. Leanne Nieforth who studies this very thing, to talk about what the research says. Do horses really help people and what is it that creates the change?

Leanne Nieforth is an Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Interaction at the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University. With a PhD in Human-Animal Interaction, a Master of Science in communication, and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, she has a unique interdisciplinary approach to study human-animal interactions.

Her rigorous research portfolio includes both quantitative and qualitative exploration, incorporating both theoretical and empirical analyses. She has applied these analyses to multiple populations of individuals and multiple species of animals. To date, she has 29 peer-reviewed publications with additional publications under review at high impact journals. She has also written five book chapters and multiple extension publications focused on human-animal interactions. She is dedicated to researching evidence-based approaches for developing safe and effective interventions and experiences that foster mutually beneficial partnerships between humans and animals. She also has more than a decade of experience as a certified practitioner by multiple equine-assisted services organizations.

Outside of work, Leanne enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, dog and horses.

Connect with Leanne!

Human-Animal Partnerships and Interactions (HAPI) Lab Website: https://vet.purdue.edu/discovery/nieforth/Personal Website: www.leannenieforth.com

Support the Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

In this episode, we dig into the realities of horse rescue with Erin and Casey of Rescue Ranchito. What does it truly mean to rescue a horse? What happens behind the scenes after the excitement of a save from slaughter has passed? What does it entail to rescue an animal for life? We talk about the true costs of horse rescue, from the finances to the mental load. And of course, we visit about the powerful role Mustangs have played in the lives of these sisters. Rescue Ranchito, aims to transform America's Mustangs from at-risk rescues into cherished adventure partners. They step in to intercept Mustangs and burros before they enter the slaughter pipeline, countering potential trauma with a quiet period of rehabilitation and assessment. They don't believe in a one-size-fits-all timeline; instead, they design a unique training plan for every animal, remaining deeply hands-on to ensure they thrive. Their goal is not just to rescue them, but to prepare them—at their own pace—for a successful life in a loving home.Connect with Erin and Casey!Website: https://www.rescueranchito.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558132586013Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rescueranchito/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ @RescueRanchito  Support the Podcast!https://buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

Sometimes, it's worth going for your dreams, even if they seem unreasonable and unwise from the outside looking in.

In this conversation, I talk with Nicci Lynn an horse-loving entrepreneur, mom of eight, and Mustang enthusiast with a heart for America’s wild horses. She runs The Branded Bronc, a western-inspired apparel and embroidery business rooted in her love for the equestrian lifestyle.

Nicole’s journey with mustangs, and with life, reflects a lesson she learned from her parents, who always inspired her to “just go for it!” Luckily, she married a man who not only has put up with, but has been supportive of her crazy dreams for the past 25 years.

That mindset has carried her through raising and training wild-born horses, running a business, building and remodeling projects, and homeschooling her kids. She believes mustangs embody the same grit and resilience she strives to live by, and she’s passionate about sharing their worth and their stories to inspire others to step into challenges with confidence and heart.

We dive into a conversation with Nicci about all it entails to jump into the world of wild horses while raising a large family and especially why it's not impossible if it's something you want and are ready to commit to.

Connect with Nicci!

www.TheBrandedBronc.com

https://www.instagram.com/the_branded_bronc/

Luke Reinbold has spent the last twenty-five years learning about and becoming a better man because of horses. Beginning as a self-described impatient young man with an anger problem, horses have helped him learn a better approach to life. Luke has competed in Obstacle competitions, Ranch Horse, Versatility, Mustang makeovers, as well as making a living training horses and starting colts. Now Luke travels the country helping horses to be understood by teaching people to communicate in ways that both understand through clinics and his extensive video presentations on various social media platforms, totaling millions of views.

In this episode, horseman Luke Reinbold shares his journey from a young boy fascinated by horses to a successful horsemanship professional. He discusses the importance of communication, patience, and learning from mistakes in training horses. Luke emphasizes the need for compassion and humility in both horsemanship and life, highlighting how personal experiences shape our understanding of these principles. The discussion also touches on the impact of social media on horsemanship and the importance of embracing imperfection in our journeys.

Connect with Luke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=homescreenpwa

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/@Lukereinboldhorsemanship

Support the Podcast

https://buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

Jimmy Wiseman, trainer and owner of 3Y Ranch & Rehab, shares the story of a Mustang who changed more than just his training approach. This horse reshaped his perspective on life, patience, and connection.

In this episode, Jimmy discusses the lessons he learned from the wild horse, how it influenced the way he works with all horses, and the personal growth that came from embracing challenge and trust.Listeners will walk away with insights on building authentic horse-human relationships, shifting mindset under pressure, and applying lessons from time spent with Mustangs to everyday life.

Connect with Jimmy!

https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.wiseman.9

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567685597310

Support the Podcast:

https://buymeacoffee.com/thetouchofamustang

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Ashley Avis, director of Disney’s Black Beauty, filmmaker of Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West, and tireless animal advocate. We cover her inspiration behind these films and her current work with The Lost Horses Campaign to raise awareness about the horse slaughter pipeline in America.

In this episode, Ashley shares:

• Her experience filming Black Beauty

• The story and impact of Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

• The realities of the horse slaughter pipeline and why advocacy matters

Chapters:
00:00 – The Journey Begins: Black Beauty and Its Impact
02:46 – The Wild Horse Crisis: A Call to Action
05:51 – Documenting Wild Horses: The Making of Wild Beauty
08:52 – Legislative Advocacy: Using Film for Change
12:07 – The Power of Storytelling: Connecting with Audiences
14:49 – The Lost Horses Campaign: A New Initiative
17:59 – Rescue Stories: The Reality of Kill Pens
25:59 – The Journey to Rescue: A Happy Ending
26:38 – Manipulation in the Horse Auction Industry
27:48 – The SAFE Act: A Legislative Hope for Horses
31:06 – Addressing the Misconceptions of Horse Overpopulation
33:03 – The Equine Community's Responsibility
34:17 – The Cost of Compassion: Euthanasia vs. Slaughter
38:02 – Navigating Divisive Opinions on Horse Welfare
41:39 – The Power of Collective Action for Horses
42:56 – Rescue Stories: Healing Through Connection
50:39 – Taking Action: How to Support the Cause

Support The Touch of a Mustang: https://buymeacoffee.com/touchofamustang

Connect with Ashley:
www.ashleyavis.com
www.wildbeautyfoundation.org
www.winterstonepictures.com

WILD BEAUTY: MUSTANG SPIRIT OF THE WEST available now:
https://youtu.be/2rVD43mFrjU

Tags / Keywords: Ashley Avis, Black Beauty Disney director, Wild Beauty Mustang Spirit of the West, Lost Horses Campaign, horse slaughter pipeline, wild horse advocacy, animal rescue, equine advocacy, Mustangs, horse conservation