horse-play: Noun 1. rough, boisterous play."this ridiculous horseplay has gone far enough" A listener asks a question about a horse that bucks when being lead. I discuss two main concepts; how the rider views the horses maturity age and the concept of 'earning the right to be near me' (and me earning the right to be near them). I also share tips on how I address this and how I prevent it from becoming an allowed way of thinking and acting.

A listener calls in and asks reports that she can only touch her nine-month-old foal if she is holding food. In this episode, I describe how this situation might be viewed differently from the horse's perspective…and how the caller might even be coming across as sneaky or suspicious. Then I describe one way to set up a situation where the owner can practice showing up and taking actions that will reward specific behavior in the foal. This exercise will increase the amount of emotional pressure the foal can handle, which will make touching and future training easier.

"I'm terrified to ride her. I'm terrified to be in the pasture with her. I'm terrified to screw her up. I'm scared to get on. I've tried to ride my old horse to gain some confidence back. But at this point in time, I'm scared and I want to find the joy I used to have in riding. Any help would be great." While answering this listener question, I discuss the difference between a physical threat causing discomfort or mental thought causing discomfort. I discuss separating physical danger from what it feels like to experience your mind creating an emotion. I also share how to identify a 'clean' emotion, so you can decide if it is useful or if it is holding you back.

Help! "My horse "flinches" at everything. I mean everything – including me sniffing. Somedays are worse than others. My trainer has kindly talked to me about it being me. I try so hard to be relaxed and positive, but I will admit, I am a bit "on guard". Any tips for this situation!?!?!?!?!" I have certian situations where I feel this same way and I'm sharing the exact tool I use in this situation. I explain how it allows me to feel more in control and prepared, gauge my level of tension, and desensitize myself and my horse to startling noises.

A listener asks a question about 'changing the story in your head about a horse…and knowing when it's time to move on.' Often times, the story we have in our head is a mixture of fact and story. Separating out the facts is useful. Pretending the facts don't exist, so we can pretend to have a different story, is not useful. It IS natural to have one story about a horse that does change over time in a healthy way. The phrase 'not the right fit for me' is also used, which could point toward several things, including the idea of a horse 'fitting' you or having a temperament that you enjoy in a similar way as your best friend. Finally, I bring up the way that I would approach looking at this question if I were exploring it myself.

Today, I'm answering two questions about fearful horses. I'll discuss the dance I see between the natural flight instinct, training, a horse's speed of learning and accidental rewards. Sometimes the idea of flight, fight, or freeze can leave us thinking that horses are limited. What makes some horse more reactive? What role does the riders' response to the situation play in future situations? What is a 1-second spook? Here are some new ways to look at a common problem.

Why do some horses resist bending in the direction of the circle when being lunged or ridden? Two listeners called in asking versions of this question. The answer includes; defining bend and counter-bend, deciding why we want bend, determining the 'big picture' with bend and why some horses seem distracted. I also introduce the concept of 'rebound', or the horses desire to immediately pull away from the bending rein. I share two different reasons this happens and offer new ways to look at the challenge of bend.

A listener asks about how to prepare her 4 year old for his first big horse show. Topics discussed when answering include:

• how to prep depending on the result you're after (big show or first show),
• the importance of understanding your horses default (naturally steady, naturally skeptical),
• knowing the training routine/pattern that helps your horse recover
• how to prepare yourself and your horse for the feeling of 'focused intensity' that riders often have at shows.

Observant riders become skilled at predicting what the horse needs to produce confidence and consistency. First this happens at home…then it transfers to shows.

Obstacles can become stepping stones to your dreams! In this podcast I'll discuss; Why people avoid setting goals or quit, the role of dreams, dealing with the obstacle you know…and the obstacles you don't. As a bonus, I also share how to make more theoretical the goal's like 'gain confidence' into actionable, measurable steps. If you are ready to take consistent steps towards your dream, go download the free workbook and PDF that go with this and get started today!