The Willing Equine

In this episode, we discuss the difficult topic of what should happen with our horses in the unfortunate event we are unable to care for them anymore.

We discuss the importance of contingency plans, finding a suitable caregiver, providing clear written instructions, setting aside financial support, and so much more.

Podcast Transcription:

In this episode I dive into helping our horses transition through moving into a new home, whether you are moving your current horse to a new facility, sending them to a trainer, or bringing home a new equine partner!

I share my process for making this transition smooth and stress-free, as well as some tips that trainers and facility owners should consider to help horses adjust to new homes.

To learn more about helping your horse adjust, check out Episode 35 of my podcast, Aggression within the Herd, and Episode 50, Introducing New Horses, as well as this blog post.

This episode is a continuation of the previous, Episode 61 // Ethical Horse Businesses, and ties in as well to Episode 44 // Lesson Programs with R+, with Steph K.

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about whether or not it's possible to run an ethical horse business. In short - it is absolutely possible!

I share my own experience growing up at a lesson barn, some simple changes businesses can make to improve the lives of their horses, the importance of having a good understanding of how to run a business, the benefits of working as a team with other like-minded equine business owners, and so much more!

In this episode I am joined by Janna Dewey! Janna Dewey is a Behavior Consultant for Behavior Vets located in Colorado where she specializes in working with animals who have behavioral sensitivities. Prior to working with pets, was a zoo keeper for 10 years at different facilities within show and education roles. She has always had a passion for working with equines and grew up working at different barns learning to ride various disciplines such as jumping, dressage, barrel racing, and polo. Janna loves to work with horses out on the trails and to help them feel comfortable in a variety of situations. She is earning her Master’s degree in Counseling through Regis University in order to help those with sensitive animals. She also has a graduate certificate as an Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner and is a Certified Professional Bird Trainer. Janna is currently accepting equine clients both virtually and, within areas of Colorado, in person sessions.

This leads us into a great discussion about behavioral medication for equines, when to consider medication, how success is defined by the individual, where to find a behavior vet, and the importance of having a team of equine professionals on your side.

In this episode I am joined by Alicia Harlov of The Humble Hoof, for a discussion about the relationship between hooves and behavior.

Alicia Harlov is a full time hoof care provider on the North Shore of Massachusetts, and a member of Progressive Hoofcare Practitioners. She also creates The Humble Hoof podcast, where she interviews equine professionals about factors that affect hoof health. She loves educating owners on how to grow the healthiest hoof possible and believes that getting a horse sound is often a matter of finding the right pieces to the puzzle.

We talked about how hoof pain can impact behavior, the importance of open communication with our hoof care providers, preparing our horses for the farrier, and so much more!

In this episode I am joined by Julia Alexander and Bex Tasker for a discussion about grief and shame in horsemanship.

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-58----grief-and-shame-in-horsemanship

In this episode, I talk to a very special guest, Julia Alexander, and we have a wonderful conversation about Equine Assisted Therapy. We discuss some of the experiences we have had with Equine Assisted Therapy in the past, and how these past experiences have brought up thoughts and questions about the ethics and emotional state of the horses involved. 

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-57

It is inevitable that at some point in your horse's life they will experience a stressful, or even traumatic, situation, such as trailering to the vet or evacuating in the event of a natural disaster. 

www.thewillingequine.com

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-56----equine-trauma-prevention-and-recovery

Have you ever been in a situation with your horse that you looked back on and regretted? We've all been there; none of us are perfect...including myself. 

In this episode, I discuss a messy situation with Finn that lead to some unique learning opportunities. We can't change the past, but we can plan for the future and know better for next time!

www.thewillingequine.com