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Season 4 of The Willing Equine Podcast has been filled with so many wonderful discussions and interviews. I'm so grateful for everyone who joined me as a guest on the podcast, and for the thoughtful conversations that we shared. And of course, thanks to my listeners for following along! In this episode, we're taking a ride through some of this season's most popular episodes. We hope you enjoy! Show Notes: 4:45 - From Episode 55 // Mistakes As Learning Opportunities 15:59 - From Episode 57 // A New Outlook on Equine Assisted Therapy with Julia Alexander, LCSW 24:22 -  From Episode 59 // The Hoof's Impact on Behavior : A Conversation with Alicia Harlov 35:00 -  From Episode 60 // Behavioral Medication for Equines with Janna Dewey 43:05 - From Episode 63 // Bringing New Horses Home Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-70-best-of-2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

Have you ever wondered if R+ trained horses are safe around kids? Maybe you're concerned that if you give your horse a choice, they'll become dangerous around children! In this episode, I address these concerns, and discuss how R+ trained horses are actually safer around children! I share some personal anecdotes from my own experiences with horses and children, talk about some of the reasons why traditionally trained horses may be more prone to explosive and dangerous behavior, and share my process for helping horses be comfortable, confident, and safe around kids. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-69----kids-and-horses --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I answer a listener's question about introducing a horse that has poor social skills to a herd I talk about the importance of being proactive with our weaning practices and foal management, addressing gut health and physical discomfort, how to set up your pastures to minimize resource guarding, and so much more Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-68-helping-horses-with-poor-social-skills --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I dive into operant and classical conditioning, and explain how positive reinforcement itself is not actually a 'method.' I talk about the importance of being flexible in our training styles, how every horse and human is an individual with a unique learning history, and how different training styles work for different learners. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-67-r-is-not-a-method --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

In this episode, I share some tips on how to sift through all the media and marketing that we consume. I talk about how social media can't share the whole story, the importance of being educated on the latest research, and how to spot red flags in marketing. Episode Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-66----beware-of-flashy-marketing --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

This episode is dedicated to my gelding Cash, who passed away recently. I share his story and how he was a shining example of just how valuable a non-ridden horse can be. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-65----senior-horses-and-the-non-ridden-equine --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-64-preparing-for-unfortunate-events --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-63----bringing-new-horses-home --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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! If you're interested in learning more about how R+ can be applied in a lesson barn setting, check out the podcast I did with Steph K of @stephkequestrian, Episode 44 // Lesson Programs with R+ Podcast Transcription: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-61-ethical-horse-businesses --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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. To learn more about Janna and the work that she does, you can reach out to her at Janna@behaviorvets.com, or head to the behaviorvets.com website. Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-60-behavior-medication-for-equines --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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. https://thehumblehoof.com/ @thehumblehoof 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! Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/episode-59 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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.  In this episode, I discuss several steps you can take to help your horse recover from traumatic events, as well as share some practical ways to prepare your horse (and yourself) to prevent the experience from becoming a traumatic one. www.thewillingequine.com Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-56----equine-trauma-prevention-and-recovery --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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!  Episode Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-53----welcome-back-to-season-four-and-updates-part-one www.thewillingequine.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

Are you interested in turning your horse out more but worried for their safety? Do they run the fences, call, stress, and in general act in a panicked way when turned out? Maybe they even act like they would prefer to be in their stalls and don't like the pasture! This episode is JUST for you. I explain my process to helping introduce horses to more turnout or to full time pasture life in a safe and low stress way. Low stress for them, and for you! I also share some of my personal stories of where "just turn your horse out" has not actually been the safest approach.  www.thewillingequine.com Podcast Transcript: https://www.thewillingequine.com/post/ep-52----helping-horses-adjust-to-turnout --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support

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)! https://denisefenzi.com/ https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewillingequine/support