Horse Training in Harmony

EP162: The Sweet Spot

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll describe what I call the Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics. It is a key concept in Dressage Naturally. It can transform the w...

EP161: Student Q&A - Resistance To Circling

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I answer a student question about a horse that resists circling on line. My answer includes a specific exercise, as well as some impo...

EP160: Technique & Soul

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll share some words from Nuno Oliveira. They are simple yet powerful and something you can apply to your riding starting today. Th...

EP159: Horse School

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about the different types of sessions we can do with our horses. I’ll share how Math class, Gym class, Recess, and Field...

EP158: Needle-Shyness with Dr. Lily Wilson

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of thei...

EP157: The Forest

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about beautiful moments with horses and how we can be sure they are beautiful… Who gets to say? If a horse piaffes in th...

EP156: Stop Breaking Horses

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about one of the most unfortunate terms in the horse world: Breaking Horses. Help me eliminate that word, and even more importa...

EP155: Desiderata

04 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we’ll take a break from techniques, dressage, and horsemanship. I’ll share one of my favorite prose poems. It is something I read ...

EP154: Ask Karen Anything: Physical Challenges

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I answer a student’s request for me to share more about my own physical challenges, and ways I have dealt with them, as well as how...

EP153: Nothing Is Something

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When is nothing something? What does the foamy head of a beer have to do with living in possibility? In this episode I’ll talk about one of the most...

EP152: Self Carriage

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’ll talk about my perspectives on self-carriage. It’s not just the result of a perfect half halt, it is a mental, emotional, and physical state o...

EP151: Suspending Judgment

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about a dynamic of human thinking, how it can help us and how it can hurt us.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creato...

EP150:Equine Fitness with Jec A Ballou

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I am joined by equine fitness expert, Jec Ballou. We talk about how to bring a horse back into foundational fitness after a break. You...

EP149: Listening To Horses with David De Wispelaere

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk with international dressage rider, trainer and author David De Wispelaere. We talk about his love for horses, and his thoughts ...

EP148: Pro-Horse Pros

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about the value of the heart-centered equine professional and how important they are for the welfare of horses. I’ll also tal...

EP147: Riding Without Reins

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about why you want to practice riding without reins It can be a humbling experience, but the benefits in the long term mak...

EP146: Pushing It

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about how to know if it’s OK to ‘push’ our horses to do something that seems hard for them. This is a very common qu...

EP145: Curiosity

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about Curiosity and why it has a big impact on your horse’s trainability and willingness to learn. You may be wondering if I ...

EP144: Nosebands

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I discuss nosebands - What they are for, why I don’t use them, and enough information for you to make your own educated decision abo...

EP143: Slow is Fast

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a note to students (and trainers) about taking the time to do the basics and why a horse education is about so much more than just rid...

EP142: Beginning With Regard

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about a happy shift I have noticed with beginner and novice riders I have seen these days compared to the past. It has to do wi...

EP141: Brain & Butt

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll be talking about the brain and the butt. How they relate, when you need to connect them, and when you need to separate them! Ab...

EP140: Endings

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I respond to a student’s question about ‘endings’, specifically when dreams we have with our horses come to an end. This will be...

EP139: Dominant & Submissive

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about the idea of dominance and submission. It’s less of a scientific dissertation, and more of a discussion of those te...

EP138: Artistic Dressage Symposium

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about a recent symposium hosted by the Baroque Equestrian Games & Institute where I was invited to do 2 demonstrations...

EP137: Restoring Heathy Movement with Mary Debono

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll be talking with Mary Debono. She is a certified Feldenkreis practitioner focused on helping horses and riders enjoy freer, heal...

EP136: Improve How Your Horse Moves: Part 2

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is Part 2 of last week’s pod, where I continue to look at how to improve your horse’s movement. We’ll look at some often-missed roo...

EP135: Improve How Your Horse Moves: Part 1

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll look at how to improve your horse’s movement. I’ll talk about the very first steps that are usually over-looked. Instead o...

EP134: About Dressage Naturally Clinics with Michelle Young

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk with DN instructor Michelle Young, from Canada.In becoming a DN instructor, she realized how DN clinics can be much different t...

EP133: Oppositional Reflex

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about Opposition Reflex - what it is and how to deal with it with your horse. About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creat...

EP132: Teo Finds His Power

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share one of my horse’s personal breakthrough moments. It was less about training and more about helping him reconnect with his p...

EP131: Leading & Following

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I answer a student’s question about leading and following. She wants to go deeper into following to create more harmony but without ...

EP130: Measure Your Progress

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about ways to measure your success without competing. It’s so helpful to measure your progress so you know where you are...

EP129: Grooming & Musing

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Want to hang out with me while I do some chores? In this episode you will come along with me as I spend some time grooming Ovation and finishing up so...

EP128: Equine Nutrition with Clare MacLeod, MSc RNutr

27 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll be talking with Clare MacLeod, MSc RNutr. Clare is an independent Equine Nutritionist who is registered with the UK Association...

EP127: 6 Essential Gymnastic Abilities

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss 6 essential gymnastic abilities.These are the skills that live inside all the movements as you go up the levels. What’s n...

EP126: Time To Refuel with Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk with friend of the pod, Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking of True Focus Coaching. Dr. Sarah is a Speaker, Coach, and Clinical Psychologis...

EP125: Your Dream Our Team

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll muse about how to be a perfect DN student - only kidding - It’s all about you creating YOUR dream, and using us to help you g...

EP124: Keeping It Light In The New Year

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this New Year’s episode I’ll talk about the value of taking things lightly, plus story-time with Karen as she reads a light-hearted story by Ma...

EP123: Dr. Alberto Rullan

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk to world-renowned veterinarian and equine educator Dr. Alberto Rullan. Dr. Rullan lives in Ocala, FL where he owns Perform...

EP122: Meeting Of The Minds

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll share key takeaways from a recent DN instructor meeting. I’ll share about important themes in DN, and how we aim to help you!...

EP121: Help For Horse Pros

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is not just for the professionals! It’s for everyone. If we want horses to have a happier life, we ALL are part of the team of support....

EP120: Change!

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to progress, you have to be ready and willing to change. In this episode I’ll take a closer look at the paradox of change, and how to be...

EP119: Liberty As A Lifestyle with David Lichman

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I invited 5-Star Master Parelli Professional, Liberty expert, and friend David Lichman to the pod to talk about what he calls: Liberty as a lifestyle....

EP118: Well-Being & Partnership with Dr. Lily Wilson

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon that has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of th...

EP117: 9+1 Conversations

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about the 9+1 conversations you can have with your horse and how to use them to create different gymnastic movements and e...

EP116: Making Progress with Limited Time

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll share my thoughts and strategies about what I do with my horses when I am traveling a lot or when my schedule is more erratic....

EP115: Confidence is over-rated

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about beginner’s luck, beginner’s mind, and the scale of competence, and how confidence can be over-rated… all inspi...

EP114: Yoga with Cathy Woods

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cathy Woods, creator of Body, Mind, Equine (TM), and author of Yoga for Riders; is a pioneer in combining yoga, mindfulness, and horsemanship to impro...

EP113: The 5 in 3 Challenge

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about the power of clear, concise, communication… I’ll share a funny story from a clinic and how it turned into a challenging, pow...

EP112: Complicating The Half Halt

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I will explore the elusive, confusing, mystifying mystery known as the half halt - the dressage student’s white whale. Many other te...

EP111: Get The Ticket & Show Up

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll share a couple of life hacks for making sure you do things you want to do. This will help you stop procrastinating, and will m...

EP110: Dream, Observe, Root, Play

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll share a summary of a recent 4-part Video Series where I give 4 valuable lessons on how to improve how your horse moves, and ea...

EP109: Warwick Schiller

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with popular clinician, educator, & podcaster, Warwick Schiller. Warwick comes from the reining world, where he was NHRA R...

EP108: 3 Questions

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll share another favorite exercise that you can try right away. You’ll learn how and why asking yourself 3 questions while you ...

EP107: Grid Exercise

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, I’ll explain one of my favorite exercises that can be done at a basic or advanced level. I call it The Grid and it can improve comm...

EP106: More Than Words

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Choosing who to work with can be a challenge. In this episode I’ll talk about seeing beyond the words that trainers and instructors say in order to ...

EP105: Horses In Training

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I am joined by DN Licensed instructor Shawna Lewis to talk about the challenges students have had with putting their horses in trainin...

EP104: Noticing

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all heard the phrase: ‘Awareness is the first step’. In this episode I’ll explore the art of noticing… And how it’s not as simple to...

EP103: What Does Success Look Like?

05 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this super short episode I’ll talk about a really important question you need to have up your sleeve. It will help you stay clear and on track wh...

EP102: Active Neutral

29 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about one of the most important concepts in riding: Active Neutral. Active Neutral is where we embody, confirm, and allow that which w...

EP101: How I Stopped Being Normal

22 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll tell the story of how a normal dressage trainer started doing natural horsemanship (yeah it’s about me). I’ll share the hor...

EP100: Lessons From Page 100

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is the 100th episode of the pod!To celebrate, I will be sharing lessons I found on page 100 of some of my favorite horse and non-horse books, inc...

EP099: Happy Horse Common Threads

08 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I consolidate information I gained from interviewing several other professionals about how to have happy horses. (You can find some of...

EP098: Love It Or Change It

01 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What if, in times of tension, there was one question you could ask yourself that would lead to happiness? In this episode I’ll share a technique I u...

EP097: Problems

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about problems and problem-solving, but probably not in a way you’ve heard before. I’ll explore how we think about pro...

EP096: Summer Adjustments

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about the adjustments I make when it gets HOT. Hopefully this will help you and your horse have a more enjoyable summer. T...

EP095: Arena Sour

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about what to do to help a horse who has become arena sour. Whether your horse flat out refuses to go in the arena, or if ...

EP094: DN Instructor, Michelle Young

03 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you’ll meet DN Instructor, Michelle Young.Michelle will share the story of her horsemanship transformation and will talk about comm...

EP093: DN Instructor, Shelby Hume

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll meet DN Instructor, Shelby Hume.Shelby will share five of her favorite concepts to help riders be the best they can be for th...

EP092: DN Instructor, Shawna Lewis

20 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you’ll meet Shawna Lewis. Shawna is one of 5 International Licensed Dressage Naturally Instructors. You’ll hear some of her favori...

EP091: DN Instructor, Liesbeth Jorna

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll be speaking with DN Instructor, Liesbeth Jorna. I think you’ll love our conversation. She shares her journey from traditional...

EP090: Transition!

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about riding transitions, and how to improve your transitions especially if you and your horse have a habit of not-so-great transition...

EP089: Pure Liberty with Andrea Wady

29 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I speak with Andrea Wady. You may know her from the movie Taming Wild Pura Vida where she and Elsa Sinclair walked 2 rescued horses ac...

EP088: Focus vs Intention

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I often talk about the power of using your intention. In this episode, I’ll talk about the difference between intention and focus. It may seem like ...

EP087: Going Through

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is about throughness. Throughness in the dressage sense of the word, but also in the sense of going all the way through a training challe...

EP086: Listen To This Before You Buy A Horse

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This episode, based on one of my popular blog posts is my advice when it comes to deciding what kind of horse you want to have. It’s about goals, an...

EP085: 2 Exercises That Change Everything

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll explain two exercises that are at the heart of Dressage Naturally, and that can change your horse’s movement dynamic, as well...

EP084: Ask Karen Anything: Brace

25 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I answer a student’s question about how to tell the difference between a mental and physical brace, and how to start to solve a ment...

EP083: Ask Karen Anything : Trust

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I answer a student’s question about Trust… Trust of her horse, of herself… and how that relates to control. About the Host:Karen...

EP082: Walking & Talking

11 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode you will join me on a walk out to my horses. I will muse about joy, gratitude, hay nets, and the importance of variety. If you love th...

EP081: Relationship

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I hear people say that they are ‘all about the relationship’ with their horse. It sounds nice, but what does it really mean? After all, there are ...

EP080: Ancora Imparo

25 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll talk about some lessons I took recently with 3 of my horses. I’ll talk about things that were taught and lessons that were l...

EP079: Happy Horses with David Lichman

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a recording of an interview I did a little while ago with David Lichman where we talked about Happy Horses. This episode is one of a series wh...

EP078: How Does Karen Do It?

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how busy people get everything done? I have 7 horses, run a business that serves people around the world, and have time to enjoy life and ...

EP077: Resiliency with Karen Partisch

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I am joined again by Karen Partisch who specializes in CST for people and horses, as well as energy work. We talk about resiliency an...

EP076: Methods & Moments

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll muse about the range of methods, and how to answer the question: “Which method should I use?”. As you may imagine, the...

EP075: Patterns, Goals, & Feelings

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll explore changing patterns, setting goals, the up-side of getting emotional, and making decisions based on how you want to feel...

EP074: Accelerate Your Learning

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about Eclairs and what they taught me about accelerated learning.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressag...

EP073: Time For Your Horses & Life with Dr. Sarah Reiff-Hekking

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Sarah is a Speaker, Coach, and Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience helping people create and achieve their goals. She’s devel...

EP072: Mindset & Planning

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about how to prepare for your time with your horse so that every session can be a great session… It’s a little about m...

EP071: My Horse My Rules

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about rules that exist for horse behavior and whether or not we all need to abide by them. You might guess by the title of...

EP070: Anthropomorphism

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about Anthropomorphism and how it is bad to do that with our horses…. Or is it?I’ll take a look at common wa...

EP069: A Working Relationship

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I’ll talk about the dilemma many students have between wanting to be nice, wanting to be a source of relaxation for their horse… b...

EP068: Reasons, Seasons, & Lifetimes

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll talk about forever horses… How that can be the most beautiful thing, or not..About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator ...

EP067: What’s With Those Ears?

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll talk about horses’ ears and what it means if they are back during training sessions. I’ll talk about 2 different training-...

EP066: Ask Karen Anything – Food Rewards

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I answer a question about using food rewards. Many people have trouble using food rewards because their horses end up getting pushy a...

EP065: Happy Horses with Luis Lucio

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I share an interview I did a while back with International dressage trainer and rider Luis Lucio of Spain. He has competed at the high...

EP064: It’s Hard To Be Easy

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all want our horses to be easy to ride and play with. In this episode I’ll talk about how we shouldn’t expect it to be easy to make things easy...

EP063: Leg Yields

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode is about Leg Yields. I’ll talk about what they are, why you want to do them, and the most important reason for doing them that most ...