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The Willing Equine

The Willing Equine

By Adele Shaw, CHBC

Welcome to the official The Willing Equine podcast, with your host Adele Shaw. A podcast dedicated to improving the horse/human relationship, encouraging science based and ethically minded horse training, and a species appropriate way of keeping horses. www.TheWillingEquine.com
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Currently playing episode

Ep 41 // What Pumpkin Has Taught Me

The Willing EquineFeb 07, 2021

00:00
01:08:35
Episode 75 // Proprioception, Movement Science, Driving, & Genetics: An Assortment of R+ Myth Busting
Mar 27, 202430:22
Episode 74 // Relationships, Release, & Relaxation

Episode 74 // Relationships, Release, & Relaxation

Remember my social media post where I asked you all what *couldn't* be trained with R+? Thank you to everyone who commented, sharing their take on behaviors they believed would not lend themselves well to an R+-based approach. I decided to go through the comments on my podcast, diving into some myth-busting and explaining how I might teach the behaviors mentioned with R+. The answers might surprise you!

In this episode (part four of this series), I dive into how whether or not R+ can be used in the following situations:

  • Building genuine trust & relationships
  • Achieving the release of tension
  • Creating relaxation & calmness around the food

If you missed parts 1, 2 & 3 be sure to head over and give them a listen!

Feb 27, 202420:50
Episode 73 // Panicked, Over-threshold horses : Is R+ Effective?
Feb 08, 202429:08
Episode 72 // Can R+ Be Used With Aggressive, Dangerous, & Explosive Horses?
Jan 22, 202446:20
Welcome Back: 2024 Updates & 3 Behaviors That 'Can't' Be Trained With R+
Jan 02, 202438:26
Episode 70 // Best of 2022
Dec 27, 202255:44
Episode 69 // Kids & Horses
Dec 13, 202254:39
Episode 68 // Helping Horses With Poor Social Skills
Nov 15, 202239:21
Ep 67 // R+ Is Not A Method
Nov 01, 202238:19
Episode 66 // Beware of Flashy Marketing
Oct 04, 202240:57
Episode 65 // Senior Horses and the Non-Ridden Equine
Sep 13, 202240:12
Episode 64 // Preparing for Unfortunate Events
Aug 30, 202239:39
Episode 63 // Bringing New Horses Home
Aug 16, 202249:50
Episode 62 // The Successful R+ Lesson Program

Episode 62 // The Successful R+ Lesson Program

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.

I discuss the keys to a successful lesson program, including knowing when you are experienced enough, knowing when your horse is experienced enough, how a horse's personality type can impact their suitability to be in a lesson program, and so much more!

Podcast Transcription:

https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-62-the-successful-r-lesson-program

Aug 02, 202248:14
Episode 61 // Ethical Horse Businesses
Jul 19, 202242:58
Episode 60 // Behavioral Medication For Equines

Episode 60 // Behavioral Medication For Equines

May 31, 202259:31
Episode 59 // The Hoof's Impact On Behavior: A Conversation With Alicia Harlov
May 17, 202201:04:45
Episode 58 // Grief & Shame in Horsemanship

Episode 58 // Grief & Shame in Horsemanship

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

We talk about perfectionism, getting "lost in our heads", allowing ourselves to be learners and to make mistakes, and so much more. It's a really important conversation that I hope you will take the time to listen to.

This episode was recorded for TWE Academy in 2020, and we decided to release it to the public as a follow up to our most recent podcast episode,
Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW. To watch the accompanying video and to hear more conversations like this one, join the Academy! Enrolment opens in July, and you can jump on the First-to-Know List today. We would love to have you!


More about Julia Alexander and the work that she does:

Julia provides compassionate therapy, education and consulting services rooted in anti-racist, social justice and liberatory frameworks. She offers a safe and accepting space to alleviate shame, heal trauma and discover inner resilience. Her approach is founded on an unwavering belief in the healing power of safe connection, and a deep knowing that sustained relationship to nature plays a major role in human healing. She specializes in providing eco and equine-assisted psychotherapy in the areas of childhood relationship trauma, coming out, systemic oppression, and shame held by white-bodied people. She combines her expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer a unique form of equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. Through this work, she loves supporting people in exploring connection, dialogue, choice and consent.

https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/

@juliaalexander_lcsw

More about Bex Tasker and her work:

Bex lives on a small farm in Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand with her animals and young family. She runs classes for dogs and their humans, junior animal trainer classes and regular horsemanship clinics from her home property.  She also travels around New Zealand and overseas to deliver clinics and lessons to horses and their passionate and dedicated humans.  As well as the "real life" teaching, she has a thriving online membership community, and run regular coaching intensives with students from all over the world.  In early 2019 she partnered with her good friend and experienced youth worker Brooke Friend to establish a successful youth programme, focused around ethical animal training, life skills and mental health.

https://www.clickertraining.co.nz/

@positively_together

Podcast Transcription:

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

May 03, 202257:07
Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW

Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW

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. 

We also share our plans for what the future of Equine-assisted therapy could look like, and how incorporating consent-based training and cooperative care could have a positive impact on the horses, clients, and therapists alike. 

More about Julia Alexander and the work that she does:

Julia provides compassionate therapy, education and consulting services rooted in anti-racist, social justice and liberatory frameworks. She offers a safe and accepting space to alleviate shame, heal trauma and discover inner resilience. Her approach is founded on an unwavering belief in the healing power of safe connection, and a deep knowing that sustained relationship to nature plays a major role in human healing. She specializes in providing eco and equine-assisted psychotherapy in the areas of childhood relationship trauma, coming out, systemic oppression, and shame held by white-bodied people. As a social justice educator, she offers customized consulting, curriculum design and group facilitation to individuals, teams, and organizations who want to understand their experiences and beliefs in the context of systemic oppression. She combines her expertise as a therapist and social justice educator to offer a unique form of equine-assisted psychotherapy rooted in the ethical inclusion of horses in human treatment. Through this work, she loves supporting people in exploring connection, dialogue, choice and consent.

https://www.juliaalexandercounseling.com/
@juliaalexander_lcsw

Podcast Transcript:

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

Apr 12, 202201:14:18
Ep 56 // Equine Trauma: Prevention & Recovery
Mar 29, 202240:50
Ep 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities

Ep 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities

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

Mar 15, 202249:27
Ep 54 // Welcome Back To Season Four and Updates! (Part Two)

Ep 54 // Welcome Back To Season Four and Updates! (Part Two)

2022 has arrived, and I have LOTS to share with you guys! So much so that I had to split this episode into two parts. In this episode, you will hear information about.... The TWE Academy, hear about some of my plans for 2022, and hear updates on each of the horses.

  • Finn (Where did his mane and tail go?)
  • Raven's (under-saddle and EPM) Cashmere (Is she here to stay?)
  • River (Under-saddle and ??? Some big news here)
  • Candy & Cash (Aging, weight, and pain management)
  • June (You'll be seeing her around a lot!) Pumpkin (Fractured molars and ligament injuries)

Plus... a discussion about creating a medical support team for your horses, problem-solving mysterious medical conditions, and how just one or two vet exams are not enough to rule out pain!


For More Information On PSSM :


Websites:

http://equiseq.com/learning_center/health/polysaccharide-storage-myopathy-pssm

https://www.immubiome.com/blogs/horse-resources-and-education/things-to-know-about-pssm

https://pssmawareness.com/2020/11/what-is-pssm2/


Youtube:

https://youtu.be/Sp223pUYBRE

https://youtu.be/nKHIGDjwCmM

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0WwcXotj6AuIxEKR-BD5A


Podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gukeAibVssKRwlcGqcaRB?si=tDe3YE_YStK5x0Qtu5diaA&nd=1

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4plajNICEY8fPu3Sjzf1Gx


Facebook Groups:

'PSSM & MFM Awareness'

https://www.facebook.com/groups/pssmandmfmawareness

'PSSM Forum'

https://www.facebook.com/groups/202978353056065


How to test your horse for PSSM1 & PSSM2:

https://generatio.de/en (PSSM1 & 2 - UK & Europe)

https://www.animalgenetics.eu/Equine/Genetic_Disease/PSSM.asp (PSSM1 - UK & Europe)

http://www.equiseq.com/ (PSSM 2 - USA & rest of the world)

https://www.animalgenetics.us/equine/genetic_disease/PSSM.asp (PSSM 1 - USA & rest of the world )


To Learn More About The Willing Equine :

www.thewillingequine.com

Podast Transcript:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-54----welcome-back-to-season-four-and-updates-part-two

Mar 01, 202255:15
Ep 53 // Welcome Back To Season Four and Updates! (Part One)
Feb 16, 202254:35
Ep 52 // Helping Horses Adjust To Turnout
Dec 20, 202136:28
Ep 51 // What Equestrians Can Learn From The Dog Training World

Ep 51 // What Equestrians Can Learn From The Dog Training World

In this episode we talk to the amazing Denise Fenzi! All about the similarities in dog training and horse training, bridging the gap between training methodologies, bringing positive reinforcement into our interactions with human learners, keeping in mind all the parties involved (owner/caregiver, trainer, animal learner, and society), and so much more!
"Denise Fenzi (she/her) has titled dogs in obedience, tracking, schutzhund, mondioring, herding, conformation, and agility. She has two AKC obedience champions, perfect scores in both schutzhund and Mondio ringsport obedience, and is well known for her flashy and precise obedience work.
While a successful competitor, Denise's real passion lies in training dogs and solving the problems that her own dogs and her students' dogs present. She is a recognized expert in developing drive, motivation, and focus in competition dogs, and is known internationally as an engaging speaker and an expert in no-force training for sport dogs. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to train and compete with dogs using motivational methods in sports where compulsion is the norm.
In addition to training and speaking, Denise is a prolific writer.
Denise thoughtfully and persistently works to break down the barriers that prevent people from obtaining a truly interactive and mutually enjoyable sport relationship with their dogs. Fenzi Academy is the culmination of her efforts as a forward step in providing progressive information to any trainer who wishes to learn."
You can learn from Denise Fenzi through her many social media platforms or through her website(s)!
denisefenzi.com/
www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/
Dec 06, 202101:28:37
Ep 50 // Introducing New Horses
Oct 14, 202101:01:28
Ep 49 // Listening To Your Horse With Jim Masterson

Ep 49 // Listening To Your Horse With Jim Masterson

"You don’t want to ignore the horse. Everything we do with this type of bodywork, we are paying attention to what the horse is saying. And so, you have to adjust what you are doing to what the horse is saying so that they’re as relaxed as possible - because it doesn’t work if they’re not relaxed." -🗣 Jim Masterson, Ep. 49, Listening to Your Horse with Jim Masterson @mastersonmethod In our 49th episode on the podcast Jim Masterson joins me to discuss his experiences working on horses using the his own method of bodywork, the Masterson Method. We discuss: 🔸︎ Bodywork with horses at liberty vs. restrained 🔸︎ Recommendations for nervous horses, and horses who don’t like being touched 🔸︎Calming signals/stress signals in relation to bodywork 🔸︎Allowing horses to eat during sessions, especially if they are stressed or nervous 🔸︎Examining the root cause of pain and tension And so much more! Jim Masterson was the equine bodywork therapist for the 2006 through 2014 US Endurance Teams, and for show jumping and eventing equine athletes competing in World Cup, Pan American and World Equestrian Games competitions. The method of bodywork he uses follows responses of the horse to touch, that enable it to release tension in the body that affects performance and behavior. It is a method that anyone can use to improve performance and behavior, and to open new levels of communication and trust with the horse. To learn more about Jim Masterson and the Masterson Method, head over to his website, https://mastersonmethod.com/, as well as check out his YouTube channel.

Podcast Transcript:
https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-49----listening-to-your-horse-with-jim-masterson

Sep 30, 202157:34
Ep 48 // LIMA For Humans and Supporting Change: Part Two
Jul 15, 202101:08:16
Ep 47 // LIMA For Humans and Supporting Change: Part One
Jun 21, 202158:33
Ep 46 // Young Horses & Preparing For Shows
May 18, 202141:43
Ep 45 // How R+ Horses Respond To Pressure

Ep 45 // How R+ Horses Respond To Pressure

In this episode I share with you my experience in how horses that are trained with clicker training, focused on positive reinforcement, respond to negative reinforcement (or pressure & release) training. I also provide suggestions for boarding and other situations where you horse may be handled periodically by people trained traditionally, how to help horses understand traditional handling, and give examples of situations I've been in where I had to switch over to negative reinforcement. ✦ www.thewillingequine.com ✦
Apr 27, 202136:34
Ep 44 // Lesson Programs With R+
Apr 01, 202101:26:58
Ep 43 // Is Your Horse In A Toxic Relationship With You?
Mar 10, 202153:27
Ep 42 // A Conversation With Ryan Cartlidge

Ep 42 // A Conversation With Ryan Cartlidge

I'm excited to share this wonderful conversation with Ryan Cartlidge of Animal Training Academy with you guys! In this episode we discuss...  ✦ What throwing spaghetti at the wall has to do with brave and resilient learning ✦ How our feedback towards other may directly impact their motivation to go out and train ✦ Flow charts and being a confident trainer ✦ Generalizing and trigger stacking ✦ And how we are not so very different from our horses! → Here is a little more information about Ryan  "Ryan Cartlidge is a certified professional dog trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy & the founder of Animal Training Academy & Kapiti Dog Trainer! He has been working internationally as a professional trainer since 2007, including in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the US. Ryan has trained teams, developed animal training programs, been published in leading industry magazines, spoken at international conferences, and delivered presentations in a university on animal behaviour. And now through the Animal Training Academy, he connects hundreds of animal behavior & training enthusiasts with a large (and growing) library of lessons and tutorials delivered by renowned animal experts." To find out more about Ryan check out the Animal Training Academy at www.animaltrainingacademy.com
Feb 19, 202101:13:53
Ep 41 // What Pumpkin Has Taught Me
Feb 07, 202101:08:35
Ep 40 // Resetting, Renewing, and Avoiding Burnout
Jan 15, 202101:04:42
Ep 39 // Love Without Conditions
Sep 23, 202041:38
Ep 38 // When Horses Don't Like Food Reinforcement
Aug 26, 202047:15
Ep 37 // Riding With R+ (Clicker Training)
Aug 13, 202054:26
Ep 36 // Achieving Balance
Jul 31, 202043:34
Ep 35 // Aggression Within The Herd
Jul 09, 202051:03
EP 34 // Conversations With Family, Friends, and Professionals
Jun 13, 202054:31
Ep 32 // Punishment's Impact On Trust
Jun 08, 202033:43
Ep 33 // What Is Confidence?
May 28, 202037:41
Ep 31 // Progress Not Perfection
Apr 29, 202041:33
Ep 30 // Training vs Management
Apr 16, 202032:44
Ep 29 // Motherhood and Horses
Apr 07, 202031:18
Ep 28 // The Ethical Use Of R+

Ep 28 // The Ethical Use Of R+

"Effectiveness is not enough" is something I say a lot (quoting Dr. Susan Friedman), and I mean it. R+ (positive reinforcement) is a VERY powerful and effective way to teach our horses behaviors we would like them to do and know, but it's not inherently more ethical or "morally sound" way of training. I explain why in this episode and also share some of the ways I modify my training to focus on ethical training practices. 


✦ www.TheWillingequine.com✦ Instagram.com/TheWillingEquine ✦ YouTube.com/TheWillingEquine ✦ Facebook.com/TheWillingEquine ✦

Mar 24, 202038:19
Ep 27 // Finding Middle Ground In Our View Of Horses
Mar 11, 202030:02
Ep 26 // Changes We Can Make 2
Feb 25, 202059:45