The Magic of Horsecraft

**Summary:**- Join Paige from the Magic of Horse Craft and her friend Kate, a firefighter, as they recount a life-changing incident.- An unforeseen horse kick led to a medical emergency and a surprise cancer diagnosis.- Discover how this event taught valuable lessons in awareness and proactive health advocacy.- Learn about recognizing distress signs, being present, and embracing resilience.- Explore the journey of recovery, the importance of community support, and insights into horsemanship.- Hear how adversity led to unexpected blessings and a renewed outlook on life.- Engage with ideas on living in solutions and nurturing connections with horses and people.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:11 The Life-Changing Incident04:39 Signs and Symptoms of Internal Injuries08:31 Recovery and Silver Linings21:04 Reflecting on the Incident21:44 Understanding Horse Behavior25:15 Lessons in Horsemanship29:00 Moving Forward with ResilienceHey there, horse lovers and fellow seekers of resilience! I've had a whirlwind of experiences recently that I'd love to share with you. Join me for a discussion with my friend, Kate. This one is about courage, unexpected turns, and finding silver linings when life gives you a proverbial kick in the gut—or, in my case, a very literal one. **A Life-Changing Incident** It all started on what seemed like an ordinary day in March 2025. I found myself in an unfortunate encounter with a horse, leading to an emergency helicopter ride and a splenectomy. My incredible friend Kate was there, her quick actions likely saving my life. What could have been just a terrifying experience turned into a life-altering reality when doctors discovered a cancer metastasis on my spine during the scans. **Looking for the Silver Linings** While this news was initially daunting, I chose to view it as a gift. Without the incident, the cancer might have remained hidden until it was too late. It was a reminder of the importance of staying aware and advocating for oneself even in the chaos. Thanks to Kate's persistence and the medical team's diligence, we uncovered something critical in time to act. **Embracing Lessons in Horsemanship and Life** In dealing with this and reflecting with Kate, I've learned valuable lessons not just about resilience, but also about horsemanship. Paying attention to a horse’s signals and being present can prevent accidents and improve our bond with these generous animals. These principles apply to life—staying conscious and engaged can help us manage the unexpected twists that come our way. **Moving Forward with Newfound Strength** This journey has taught me that resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about how we choose to grow from our experiences. I’m grateful for this second chance and for the lessons on embracing life's solutions rather than its problems. I’d love for you to join our community on the Magic of Horse Craft. Let’s keep learning and growing together. Remember, anything is possible, and we don't have to face life's challenges alone.Take a chance,PaigexoxoxP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse:https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course:https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com#horsecraft #horsemanship #themagicofhorsecraft #horsecraft101 #love #themagicofhorsecraftandlife #HeartMath #horses #horse #love #horsemanship #equestrian #resilience #courage #equestrianlife #clinics#reframing #mistakes #learning #goodjudgement #feel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to another exciting journey into the world of Horsecraft, where we unravel traditional notions of horse training and dive deep into innovative approaches that defy conventional wisdom. This time, we're inspired by the outspoken Shelby Dennis, who challenges norms and encourages a fresh perspective on equine interaction.Meet Shelby Dennis: Modern-Day Viking of Horsecraft Shelby Dennis is a horse trainer and behaviorist used to causing a maelstrom of heated reactions to her posts. Turns out, she can stand a good old fashioned troll-fest. But, that’s NOT her intention. If you aren’t familiar with her, you can find her posts here.At a time when our social license to operate in the world of horse sport is under fire and our traditional training methods based on pressure and release and Dominance Theory are being challenged, examples of change are needed. And while our governing bodies of sport are theoretically there to protect horses from our human ambition, Shelby is unafraid to show them unequivocally that they are failing.Here are some examples of her posts. How do they make you feel?Shelby likes to remind us that how we react to these things we have normalized for so long, says more about us … than it does about her. Twenty eight year old Shelby and others of her generation are taking us old folks to task. Times have changed. We don’t need horses for war and work anymore. It is time to evolve Horsecraft and Shelby stands as a beacon of change in the equestrian world, known for her unyielding belief in scientifically backed horse training methods. Far from the confines of dominance theory, Shelby's approach is rooted in understanding, empathy, and redefining leadership. Shelby entered the horse world through traditional breed circuits, immersed in methods that often prioritized control rather than understanding. Her transformative journey began when she moved her Arabian horse to a barn where horses roamed freely, a change that led to astonishing behavioral improvements. This sparked her curiosity and led her to explore equine behavior and physiology more deeply. Debunking Dominance: A New Paradigm A crucial part of Shelby’s narrative is the debunking of dominance theory—a concept initially derived from flawed wolf studies. Shelby explains how dominance is often misinterpreted as a fight for status, when it’s rather a quest for harmony and resource management among horses. This theory permeates traditional training methods, creating adversarial relationships that belie the horse's true nature. Shelby advocates for an equitation style focused on partnership and understanding rather than command and control. Her methods emphasize mutual respect and positive reinforcement, reshaping how we view leadership in the barn. The Science of Change: Positive Reinforcement Shelby is a staunch advocate for positive reinforcement, a training approach that encourages rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing undesired ones. This method not only fosters a better relationship between horse and rider but also nurtures a positive learning environment for the horse. The key is timing and consistency—hallmarks of good training regardless of the specific methods used. Through courses and personal experiences, Shelby underscores the importance of adapting our training tools to the needs of our horses rather than adhering to rigid, outdated frameworks. She challenges the notion that harsher tools provide better control, instead focusing on how understanding a horse’s emotional state and needs can lead to safer, more effective interactions.Personal Growth and Societal Impact At the heart of Shelby’s philosophy is personal growth for both trainer and horse. She encourages fellow equestrians to cultivate self-assurance and seek community support, helping one another navigate the complex emotions and challenges that arise from questioning longstanding traditions. By doing so, we can build a compassionate community focused on the well-being of the horse. Conclusion: A Call to Rethink Shelby Dennis and others like her, are not just changing how we train horses—she’s redefining our relationship with them. Her narrative invites us to embrace the unknown, challenge the status quo, and become advocates for ethical horse welfare. As the world of equine sports faces scrutiny, adopting a more empathetic approach may be the key to not only preserving but enhancing our beloved practices. Join us as we follow Shelby Dennis and others in reshaping the world of horse training. Let’s move forward together and see what is possible.Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:00 Meet Shelby: A New Approach to Horse Training05:10 Challenges and Criticisms in the Horse World17:56 Personal Experiences and Paradigm Shifts34:05 Debunking Dominance Theory44:41 Understanding the Impact of Forced Training45:01 Redefining Leadership in Horse Training46:25 Transitioning to Gentler Equipment47:18 Addressing Emotional Regulation in Horses47:45 Practical Solutions for Handling Difficult Horses55:19 The Importance of Nuance in Horse Training01:02:52 Reinforcing Positive Behaviors01:04:49 The Science Behind Punishment and Reinforcement01:08:32 Applying Positive Reinforcement Techniques01:14:15 Self-Validation and Confidence in Horsemanship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

What follows was one of a series of Facebook Posts written while floating in my childhood friend Nona’s hot tub, when her family offered me the Zen-like space of their Collingwood Home for a Christmas retreat with a new love. The Magic of Horsecraft ... AND life! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.I feel like I channeled something worth capturing, while I was floating and flirting with Facebook; something worth spreading beyound the realm of its birthplace in the tub. So, I recorded them and uploaded them here, for spreading with love. Let me know your thoughts on this little series and a glimpse into my life outside of the stable. Enjoy the photos and let me know your thoughts!Jan 3rd, 2025, Collingwood, OntarioMy time in the Bell-Morrow Spa is coming to an end. It was exactly what the Doctor would have ordered ... if he knew his ass from his elbow, that is! Most don't.Thankfully, some of us DO. Nona Morrow sure does! If I had to single out the one thing that I am most grateful for, that was most influential in 2024, it was the back-and-forth voice bombs (voice messages that deliver truth bombs) between my childhood friend, Nona and I.Together, we untangled so many of the knots we unconsciously tied ourselves in, when we believed and lived by the programming of our era. The Good Girl SyndromeThe Perfectionism ParadoxPeople Pleasers Not-So-Anonymous (Pick me! Pick me!)Co-dependence Is The Way (and Passive Aggressiveness Is The Key)Self-Sabotage Your Way To Mediocrity! Become SOME of What You COULD Have Been, To Be Who You THINK They Need You To Be!Trust Your Nervous System Response to Threat and Your Previous Experience, Then Let The Mayor of Thinkytown Solve Everything and Run The Show. Because That ALWAYS Works!Depleting Ourselves in Service of Others Is A Badge Of Honour If It's Not Working, Just Try HarderBut For The Sake Of All Things Holy, Please Don't Be Yourself Out-loud! Keep THAT S.H.I.T. For Your Family And Loved OnesI am here to say, after considerable study and debate ...Hogwash!I don't know about YOU, but these programs haven't worked out so well for me. How about you? Maybe I will just go around not giving a toss, and just being me at my shiniest I can manage moment by moment? And yes, that will vary.But what if we do the work?What IF we LOOK at the things that bring us pleasure? What if we eat, taste, touch, smell, hear, learn, and immerse ourselves in things that bring us back to love?Will YOU do it?I wonder how THAT will turn out for you?Keep me posted.I am evolving as fast as I can. Friends like Nona help. Nona's best advice to me ..."Come from a place of Love, Paigey-Poo!You CAN. There is ALWAYS a way. We are always either coming from a place of love ...... or of fear.Check in.Which is it?Get curious. Find a space for love in the rough and tangled bits. Find where you are holding judgement. Soften. Find where you see that in yourself and love yourself anyway. Replace it with what you WANT to feel, then move forward from this newly illuminated vantange point.Sigh ...Nona would say [quothe I, from her hot tub] …Do WHATEVER it takes to replenish your soul, your energy, your vibe, your space, your way of being. Do the things that light you up. Operate from there, as much as humanly possible, from one moment to the next. Steer back to love and non-judgment as necessary. Expect it to be necessary. You are NOT alone.Nona would say, from 4 AM in this very hot tub ...Never forget, Paigey-Poo! You ARE love!Take a chance,Paige Lockton xoxox The Magic of HorsecraftP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com#horsecraft #horsemanship #themagicofhorsecraft #themagicofhorsecraftandlife #HeartMath #horses #horse #love #horsemanship #equestrian #resilience #courage #equestrianlife #westernpleasure #western #westernlife #eventing #whatittakes #hope #courage #connection #horsehumanlove #horsewhisperer #healer #healing #vulnerability #riding #confidence #equine #trust #horsetraining #communication #animalcommunicator#perspective#newyear2025#youarelovedThe Magic of Horsecraft ... AND life! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to a safe and thoughtful space for a dynamic debate with someone who challenges the status quo: Shelby Dennis. In this discussion, we dive into the power of questioning long-held beliefs and the courage to embrace scientific perspectives, even when they disrupt traditional views in horsecraft.CHALLENGING TRADITION: NAVIGATING THE EVOLUTION OF HORSECRAFTJoin me as I engage in a dynamic discussion with Shelby Dennis—a young, fearless voice in the world of horse training. Unapologetically science-driven, Shelby is changing the narrative around traditional horse-training methods like dominance theory.The Magic of Horsecraft ... AND life! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We’ll explore the distinction between shame and guilt in behavior modification and venture into the importance of evolving alongside new evidence.Don't miss this chance to question everything you thought you knew.Join us on January 14th for a safe, spirited debate!If you are a horse lover and you don't yet know Shelby Dennis, may I respectfully suggest that you should.If you already know her, chances are you have an opinion. Chances are, it's a STRONG one, too!Shelby Dennis is unapologetically ruffling feathers in the horse world, sharing images of horses in ALL equestrian disciplines displaying stress behaviours and top riders being rewarded at FEI events for things we SAY we don't want to see in horse sport.People go CRAZY on her site, which hosts consistent posts about Shelby's own past mistakes, and scientifically-backed training methods that have broadened her horizons with horses and led to greater peace.People her age are turning the horse world I grew up in, on it's head! They are doing things we never DREAMED of!Together we will look at the evolution of Horsecraft and discuss the science of CHANGE, as well as and the importance of avoiding the chasm of SHAME when leading others to new understandings they haven't seen modeled.Register to join us. Questions will be moderated at the end of our discussion.Who Is Shelby Dennis, from Milestone Equestrian?Shelby Dennis stands out for not shying away from the backlash her opinions generate. Rooted in science and education, Shelby’s views on horses and leadership challenge the dominance theory many of us grew up accepting. Her unapologetic stance may unsettle those accustomed to traditional methods, yet it serves as a beacon for those ready to explore the new frontier of horse behavior and training.Shame Versus Guilt in Behavioral ChangeA key element of our conversation revolves around understanding the emotional barriers to change, particularly the difference between shame and guilt. Shame suggests a flawed self, whereas guilt acknowledges a misstep, allowing for personal growth. This distinction becomes crucial as we reconsider outdated concepts and adapt to evolving knowledge, rather than clinging to defensive postures.The Chasm of Shame and EvolutionThe journey across the metaphorical chasm of shame involves a willingness to step off the comfort platform, acknowledging past actions and embracing new methods. Those with a strong sense of self-worth can traverse this path confidently, evolving and inspiring others, while those less secure may retreat in fear. This metaphor highlights the importance of community and resilience in fostering personal and collective growth.Bridging the Gap in Natural HorsemanshipSome natural horsemanship techniques have faced scrutiny under new scientific understanding, prompting reevaluation of these methods. Through learning about nervous system responses and alternative approaches, people like Shelby emphasize the importance of not alienating latecomers to these newfound insights. We must extend a hand and guide others through this transition, ensuring a collective evolution in how we interact with horses.An Invitation to EngageI am eager for you to engage with Shelby Dennis on this journey. With her robust understanding of behavior and her fearless advocacy for scientific principles, Shelby invites us to question and learn. Join us for an opportunity to discuss and debate, where all voices are welcomed and respected.As horse sports face increased scrutiny and demands for change, let's stand together on the side of progress. Let's evolve with compassion and an open mind, ensuring a future where horses and their well-being remain central.Your participation and voice are crucial in this transformative discussion. Embrace the chance to challenge, learn, and grow alongside Shelby Dennis and our community.DetailsTuesday Jan 14th at 9AM PST - 12PM ESThttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rm-XXvyQTPC8MMeWoI6FFwThe Magic of Horsecraft ... AND life! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I am going to share a little bit of what it's like to be the squirrel that is my head, and why loving me is having A Thousand First Dates. It is as bare-naked as I have been, full of shares of difficult lessons, and the great possibilities there are for Christmas Miracles in the Every Day.May the Holidays bring you the peace you seek and deserve, and know something deeply - anything IS possible! I am living breathing proof …The New Year will see more interviews with Animal Communicators and Humans Who Push Past Possible. We will continue to explore what it looks like to develop the ingredients needed to make Magic in the tack … AND out of it!Follow me as I explore the Evolution of Horsecraft, R+ training, Liberty Work, and combine it with HeartMath and Holistic Health Practices for Horse Lovers.Have your say …See below for my Wish List For Podcast Guests in 2025 and cast your vote for both content AND length. Let me know who else should go on the list - reply below!Also on the list for 2025 are some NEW WAYS to learn with me - yes, I am making it more accessible! Paige in Your PocketThis has been SO much fun with my beta testers in 2024! Basically, you have me as a coach ‘in your pocket’ 24/7 with asynchronous coaching via WhatsApp. Personalized Paige-Style-Voice-Bombs when you need them most! Hybrid Online/In person ClinicsIntimate groups of six get together for 4 weeks of preparatory programming before the 2-Day transformational clinic that changes your life and your relationship with horses. I lay the foundation for using HeartMath tools in your horse training, and meet you where you are at. Together, we practice in-hand, in class, and under tack, in small group and 1:1 Sessions. After the clinic, we wrap up with a Webinar for Q&A and integration. MAGIC! Contact me for details.Until then … Enjoy this little musical offering, that inspired A Thousand First Dates May glad tidings, family, food, friendship, and warmth, surround YOU this Holiday Season. Take a chance,PaigexoxoxANYTHING is possible (together!)* Check out our course https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com* Try our free training: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.com* Read my Blog or Listen to My Podcast at The Magic of Horsecraft* Find out more about me on my website at: https://themagicofhorsecraft.com/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilde_paige/ and: https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/* https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089462483278 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

ZEN COWBOY: THE EVOLUTION OF HORSECRAFT AND DEBUNKING DOMINANCE THEORYJoin Justin Dunn and I for a deep dive into all things Cowboy and Zen.Wait! WHAAAAAT? Do those things even go together???Yes, they do. But who’d a thunk it? Not THIS cowgirl! Turns out, I have been waiting my whole life for this interview, I just didn’t know it yet.Join me for a chat with Justin Dunn - or 'The Zen Cowboy' as I have dubbed him - owner/operator/founder of The American Mustang School located in Aberdeen, North Carolina.There, Justin works exclusively with American Mustangs and veterans, military, first responders and youth therapy programs. He also provides online and in-person training for people to develop a closer relationship with their horses and help resolve behavioral problems. Check out: https://www.justindunnhorsemanship.com/ for his services.Finding Justin DunnThe Algorithm Gods dropped Justin into my unsuspecting lap with THIS video on The Law of Transmutation of Energy. I was just scrolling along, minding my own business, when THIS guy pops up - wearing jeans and a baseball cap in the middle of his North Carolina tackroom full of Western saddles - and starts talking about ascending to a higher level of consciousness. I stopped scrolling and listened. What I heard blew my mind and opened my heart - there WAS hope! I KNEW it! "Hang in there, Daddy - turns out, cowboys are allowed to be soft!”If you have listened for long, you will know my Dad and I have a bit of a back-and-forth on the usefulness of these new-fangled ways of being I am most interested in exploring. Listen in, to find out why I, as the direct descendant of a stringy little cowboy known as Toughy Lockton, have a vested interest in hearing THIS cowboy speak to his strengths … or rather, to his softness.We will debunk some myths about what it means to be a cowboy these days ... and look at how that ties in with the recent de-bunking of Dominance Theory.Here are a few Justin Dunn quotes to wet your appetite and prime you to retain as much as possible:* On Horsemanship and what he most wants to share:* “Horsemanship is the study of self.”* On judging others and yourself:* “Judging others is judging yourself.”* On why we tend to use force:* “Where intellect ends, violence begins.”* On doing things differently, and softer than others around him:* “When they would get hard … I would get real soft.”* “Then your out there by yourself.”* On The Law of Polarity:* “It’s the same thing - just different degrees.” Look for Justin’s book:Music To My Ears What Justin shared in this interview was music to my ears! And, if you know me well, you’ll know that music is very important to me. I incorporate it into my riding, my lessons, my clinics, and just generally whatever I can. This interview was no different! Justin and I began getting to know each other through music and began our interview with a song. I asked which song he would choose to best represent himself in this moment. He shared The Cowboy Song by Thin Lizzy. I chose Savage Daughter. I have included tow VERY different versions of that one! At the end of our conversation we shared what we were grateful for, and on that note, I will share one more song that most reflects how I felt; Rachel Platten’s Better Place. I am insanely lucky and very grateful to be able to do what I do, and so appreciative of my parents, and of my life with horses, and of humans like Justin, who allow me to spread the Magic of Horsecraft - you all help make the world a better place.You can enjoy our playlist HERE: Your Feedback on a Future Long Format PodcastThis interview felt like a river flowing quickly over some deep waters. Justin and I want to take deeper dives into some of the pools we skimmed over, and have a slower, meandering trip down the river of Horsecraft. Want to join us?* Who is in for a re-visit with the Zen Cowboy and for deep dive podcasts that run around 3 hours in length?Leave us your thoughts and questions. * What do you want to hear more of? We’ll plan accordingly and let you know we’re getting back together, so you can shape our conversation and join us!Your Support Makes A DifferenceYou can help me afford to keep doing this in a few easy ways - first and foremost - Caring is sharing! Or is it the other way around? Doesn’t matter -SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! If you want to see a change in the horse industry we need to band together in numbers, and I need viewers by the thousands to attract the support I need to go to the next level … and get this show on the road! You can make a difference, easy peasy, by sharing! And, if you can, become a a paid subscriber and you could make the difference between having things like a car with working door handles … (true story)Do what you can to spread the love - every little bit helps and is appreciated! Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Navigating Free Time: Breathwork, Horses, and AuthenticityJoin me on a drive through Northern Ontario as I share unexpected free moments, teaching experiences, and reflections on authenticity with horses. I dive into breathwork practices, my challenges with work-life balance, and the importance of creating safe and open learning environments. Learn about my journey towards authenticity in my barn, the value of non-critical spaces, and the science behind nervous system regulation in both humans and horses.Connect with me through What’s App on a monthly basis for ‘Classic Paige Voice Bombs’ – asynchronous coaching in your pocket 24/7. Learn how fun and fluidity can transform your interactions with horses.Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com00:00 Introduction and Overview00:36 Welcome to The Magic of Horsecraft01:32 A Journey Through Northern Ontario03:47 Breathing Exercises and Rhythm05:08 The Irony of Teaching Authenticity06:28 Creating Safe Spaces10:10 Expanding the Herd with Caution11:57 Voice Bombs and WhatsApp Coaching13:14 The Science Behind the Magic14:44 Upcoming Exciting Clinics18:53 The Evolution of Horsecraft20:15 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

LOVE IT. OR CHANGE IT. A concept stolen from the brilliant Karen Rohlf, that I am running with!Join me for an interview with author Victor Bahna on what he LOVES about Thoroughbred racing ... AND, how he is changing what he DOESN'T love.WHAT REALLY HAPPENS TO RACE HORSES WHEN THEIR CAREERS ARE OVER?Race horses inspire awe and admiration for their magnificent athleticism, grace and strength. They are cherished for the powerful bonds they form with people. Yet, when their racing days end, some of these beautiful animals slip through the cracks enroute to a cruel fate.In his debut novel Heliacal Star (July 29, 2024)thoroughbred owner and racing partnership leader Victor Bahna brings this little-talked-about fate to light.We will look at what Victor loves about racing - what he doesn't - and how he is using his storytelling to CHANGE it.Overall, with horse sport under attack, I think that it is important to give people the THRILL of what it is like to unite with 1200 pounds of galloping thoroughbred to fulfill their genetic destiny - TO OUTRUN THE WIND!These horses LOVE to compete - sentient beings who are honed by nature, man, and God, to want to RUN, to revel in their bodies. The ultimate jocks! Victor will share stories about some of his favourite horses that reveal this.And when they don't love it anymore, or can't do it ... What do we do with them? * How to steward them properly to save them from human greed * The value of a horse, beyond sport and ego* Advice on how to be involved as an owner and know your horse is in good hands* Advice on re-homing and re-purposing the Thoroughbred. These horses are bred and trained to expect to DO something every day. They are hardwired to RUN FIRST and ASK QUESTIONS, later. Victor can share some things to consider for first time OTTB owners, based on his own experience and a few stories.*Horse lovers who love to read? Here is a link to Victor's book:https://a.co/d/dUwYWNxTake a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.com00:00 Introduction and Background 01:12 Victor's Journey with Horses 06:08 The Inspiration Behind the Novel 08:47 Main Characters and Plot Overview 12:40 Issues in the Horse Racing Industry 39:06 Acclimating a New Horse 40:20 Groundwork and Training Techniques 41:44 Understanding Horse Emotions 51:39 Feeding and Health Tips 54:45 Building a Strong Relationship This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Journey of Growth: Embracing Imperfection and Compassion“It's happened again. Someone's mentioned how I'm ‘perfect’ and someone else is being judged and being condemned for something … and it hits a trigger. It's a judgment thing. They're holding me up on a pedestal, tall and shaky thing to be sitting atop of and condemning someone else, kicking them in the dirt and judging their worth and writing them off there's just no hope for them.”As long as we judge others, we judge self. As long as we judge self, we limit growth.Let’s all get off our high horses! In fact, let’s stop putting others up on them, and particularly, let’s stop shoving people off of them and judging their worthiness. Just stop.I wrote this in response to something someone put on my wall, condemning another human.Take a chance,PaigexoxoxANYTING is possible (together!)ü  Find out more about me on my website at https://themagicofhorsecraft.com/ ü  Visit me on Facebook for live videos, updates, and free learning: ü  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilde_paige/ and: https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/ ü  I make silly videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@paige_lockton ü  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089462483278ü  Check out our course https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comü  Try our free training: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

I cried the day I realized it.I was mortified.Or neeeeeeearly mortified … because of course, ‘to mortify’ is ‘to put to death’. And I was already as close as I could get to THAT.Or WAS I?Of course we'll never know …I lived, didn't I? That in and of itself is a fucking miracle, all things considered! When the best form of treatment for what ails you is to bombard your sick, stressed-out body with the onslaught of surgery, poisoning, radiation, and hormone blocking ...Yikes.Things were … ‘rough’ … shall we say.But you know what they say;“Love it. Or change it.”At the time, I was estranged from my husband and children, quarantined in isolation during COVID 19, having lost everything to bankruptcy, separation, and loss of health and income.I had nothing left to live for.But that's not true!It's not true … or I wouldn't be here, would I?And here I am! Evidence, not for the first time, that ANYTHING is possible!Or neeeeearly anything. Certainly, highly improbable things are possible! But I digress …I knew that my children were suffering. I knew they feared the future and were close to giving up hope. I knew that if I gave up, it would confirm that it was all just too hard … and they would give up too.I couldn't live with that. I couldn't be THAT soul - the one that said;“It's too hard! It's too improbable! I'm clocking out!”I was CLOSE. But I knew it would kill them. And although sometimes seemingly heartless, I was no murderer!So, I chose to STAY. I CHOSE to live. I chose THIS life.And then it immediately became apparent what my purpose was going to be! And I cried. I cried UGLY tears! My face scrumpled in distaste and disbelief.“No! No! Noooooo! Ooooohh no! Not ME? Not really? Not THAT? Oh God, to be THAT person!”As someone surrounded by intelligent, arrogant atheists - one of them I would describe even as an ‘Evangelical Atheist’ - with total disdain for anything hippie-dippy or God related … and as someone who had given away her power and not used her voice … … it was terrifying to face my becoming.I was going to have to live out loud! Yikes! THAT was my purpose. To own the process I was going through, as I shed the victim mentality that comes with a codependent upbringing … as I let go of the tight grip I had on my high-achieving-people-pleasing-Protestant programming … and I opened my mind and heart to new ways of seeing and being with the world.I imagined the ridicule of my atheist friends and relatives, and the scorn for these crazy hippie-dippy ideas that I was embracing with horses and people.“Ohh God …”, I imagined them all laughing and shaking their heads at some of the spiritual ideas and possibilities I was entertaining, “She talks to TREES! She thinks EVERYTHING has a spirit!”“You know, she gives her horses CHOICES! Whoever thought THAT was a good idea? Pffft!”And so, I cried.I was mortified. Or NEARLY mortified, as we covered earlier.And now, four years later?Well, I have been living out loud. I have been owning my truths. And I am still alive! It hasn’t killed me yet … in spite of FEELING like it would.I am FREE.I am free of judgment … or MIS-judgment. Free to believe the impossible. Free to live a life that FEELS good, to spend my time healing, being in nature, learning, and sharing.You know, I may not have door handles on the 2008 VW Beetle that I call Mabel, but I love her! And, I have WAY more freedom than MOST.How many of you have working door handles on your car? Go ahead, raise your hands! It's pretty much all of you!But how many of you can spend your time in a cozy cabin, crouched on one knee, writing longhand with a flowy pen, beside an antique wood stove?Right?I AM rich! Or … I'm neeeeearly rich … which is pretty close!For MOST intents and purposes, I get to live like I am.Thankfully, my parents let me live with them and they ask for very little in return. Which, has allowed ME, to give A LOT in return! And, it's given me time to LEARN. And … A LOT of time to put some imperfect stuff out into the world … to get over it … to evolve, and to grow it.I am indeed the luckiest girl I know.Next steps? Self-contained, mobile living and independent wealth, health and happiness, bringing The Magic of Horsecraft to the world, and telling stories that shift perspectives, open hearts and minds to new ways of being with horses, AND with the humans that we share our lives with, too.So, until we meet again, remember to take a chance.Thank you for patronizing my work. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber and sharing this with others - it makes a difference!ANYTHING is possible, together!PaigexoxoxLearn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comGet to know us on our socials:https://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraft This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

When I met my friend Gemini in June of 1988 at our A level Pony Club testing, we had no way of knowing how our paths would criss and cross over the decades.We had no idea that we were forging lifelong friendships.Nor that our friendships would be forged over the intimate knowledge of what it’s like to have your whole world crumble, as you feel the lifeblood and grey matter of your most beloved slip through your fingers … and disappear into a liminal space where once your whole universe shone, as bright and real as the day.How could we know?How could we know that our respective destinies would be sealed by the near fatal blow of a young horse’s hoof … or what it would be like to carry the impossible weight of responsibility for it in our hearts?How could we know the hours we would spend bedside, praying for them to be delivered through the impossible, to survive the un-survivable, and for the love of God and all things holy, TO STAY? To stay for us, who couldn’t bear to let them go!They HAD to live! We NEEDED them to.But how could we know what it would take for those two brave and generous souls to comply to our wishes, remain in this timeline, and stay?We couldn’t, of course.It would have been easier to pass on to the next life. Truly. And that’s what virtually ALL of the medical experts expected. But they didn’t know Miles and Mike. And they didn’t know Gem and I.At the time we met, we didn’t know that one would need the other, to be delivered from the slow moving bullet that is guilt, for our inability to prevent the inevitable. Nor that over 25 years after our respective trainwrecks, we would don tiaras and stay up all night telling stories on an ancient porch in the Hockley Hills, sleep under the stars, and find a peace we had hitherto never known. We didn’t know we would feel like twins, despite what a looking glass might say, as each mirrored the effects of the other’s blows to head and heart.How could we? We were just kids.When we met, I had a sense of being on my way somewhere else, to be honest. I didn’t know how pivotal our friendship would be.This was my second time contesting my Pony Club A Level and I was on my way to bigger things.Mike, Gem, and Geraldine Peace were all contesting it for the first time. They were old friends, who had grown up through pony club.None of us expected that 7 years later, Geraldine would be in the delivery room to coach me through what our best friend Mike, freshly out of 6 months of intensive neurorehabilitation, couldn’t.In those seven years, Mike became my best friend. I cried on his shoulder about a long-distance boyfriend I had. I stayed over at his house. He was someone I felt safe with. We celebrated New Years 1989 together and years later, emboldened by alcohol, my best friend finally ventured to kiss me.And that changed everything. I was going to marry my best friend.Just weeks before our wedding, newly pregnant, the world by the short and curlies … my whole world was sent spinning by the careless blow of a young horse’s hoof.6 years later, the blow of another hoof sent Gem’s world crashing down around her, as she, also newly pregnant, lifted the limp body of her 3-and-a-half-year-old son, Miles, and willed him, for the love of all things holy, to live. To live, in spite of what she felt, as one hand slipped into the space the back of his head once occupied, and her world, once solid, liquified.Listen on, as we pick up the pieces after spending ten days with her family all these years later, and we dream of better ways and better days with horses, and live out our purpose in life.Thank you, Gem, for showing me an example of what friendship and full-blown authenticity looks like. When you are around, there is only one option, and that is to go ‘Full Paige’. I hope the world is ready for us to bring all THAT, to Horsecraft! ;)Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible!Learn more and get in touch at:www.themagicofhorsecraft.comDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comGet to know us on our socials:https://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraft This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Join me in a lively discussion with mental performance coach Darci Ecker-Popiel as we dive into the secrets of building strong connections with horses and fostering courage in life.In this episode I talk with my old friend Darci from 'E-Pops Mental Performance Coaching' about the evolution of coaching in equestrian sports. Listen-in while we share funny stories about hard-asses like Jack LeGoff who coached us ‘back in the day’ ... and learn how things are done differently now.Things have changed …We discuss shifting from traditional SMART goals to the WOOP approach, and how understanding neurological processes can enhance rider and horse interactions.* This episode provides practical tools for building resilience and connection with horses, including stress management techniques like the physiological sigh and peripheral vision.* Learn how to overcome mental barriers, and use practical tools to enhance your performance and resilience.* Discover the importance of regulating your nervous system, and the role of journaling and present-moment focus, in self-improvement.Additionally, Darcy highlights her programs, the Empowered Equestrian Program and Resilient Rider group coaching, aimed at developing mental resilience and skills in equestrians. Listeners are encouraged to engage with Darcy's content and courses available on The Magic of Horsecraft platform.This episode is filled with valuable insights for horse enthusiasts and aspiring resilient equestrians.Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible!Learn more and get in touch at: www.themagicofhorsecraft.comDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comGet to know us on our socials:https://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftTime stamps/chapters00:00 Introduction to the Magic of Horsecraft00:47 Meet Darcy Ecker Popiel02:27 Old School Coaching vs. Modern Techniques07:59 Mental Performance and Resilience20:19 The WHOOP Method for Goal Setting41:15 Effective Communication Strategies41:49 Setting and Achieving Goals42:26 Tools for Overcoming Adversity44:37 The Power of Curiosity46:55 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief49:24 The Importance of Self-Regulation54:39 Building Resilience and Tolerance57:04 Practical Exercises for Equestrians01:05:08 Handling Regret and Learning from Mistakes01:10:09 Mastering Focus and Meditation01:15:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Let me save you all some time and trouble and disavow you of the notion of my perfection, right here and now. It will save us a witch hunt and a good old-fashioned burning at the stake.I have an online fan (who shall remain nameless) who seems to think I can do no wrong.The Magic of Horsecraft ... AND life! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.“Paige Lockton would never …” “Paige and I may be the only people who would never …”And it makes me … uncomfortable.It's important to set the record straight, right the fuck now; particularly, in light of the MANY recent scandals, where horse pros - formerly venerated for their skills and accomplishments - have been brought down by videos of abhorrent practices released to the public.I could be next. If YOU are a horse pro from my era, chances are … YOU COULD BE NEXT, TOO!Thankfully, back in the day of dinosaurs, there weren’t cameras everywhere. But if there HAD been … ??? Maybe much needed and long overdue changes in the equestrian world would have come earlier? Of course, we’ll never know. In any case, the court of public opinion has spoken; it’s time to evolve or die.It’s SUPPOSED to be all about the love of horses. Horse pros must be in it for the loves of horses, too, right? In the aftermath of a horse-pro-scandal, you’ll hear and read things like;“How could someone who loves horses DO that sort of thing?!” Their character is assassinated, their sponsors drop them, and they become another persona non grata.I get it – you are shocked and outraged and ‘let down’ by your heroes when you see them fall from Grace .. and the pedestals YOU put them on … for doing things you admire and aspire to with horses.Let that sink in. What do you worship? Why do you worship it? WHO do you worship?I know - YOU thought they got the results they did, ethically. You thought their horses were lucky to be ridden by such a superstar … and now you know the truth. Upon seeing these things in the news, you may have disowned them, distanced yourself from them, judged them, condemned them for their abhorrent actions, and sent them flying off their shaky mile-high pedestals … only to look around for their replacement.Who is next?“So-and-so is a better rider!”“So-and-so only uses classical methods!”“So-and-so would NEVER … (fill in the blank)”Really? Maaaaaaybe yes … and maaaaaaaybe no.Maybe, THEY will be the next ones outed for something!Who is next, indeed! In our era of horse pros … we should ALL be afraid!A friend - well ahead of me on the path towards liberty training, clicker training, and positive reinforcement - recently suggested I distance myself from her. It was the day after one of HER heroes and mentors, known for creating harmony and teaching others … was outed for various awful practices and judged publicly by her peers in the court of social media.Sweet Jesus! If the queen of horse-human harmony herself could be shown to be corrupt and thrown to the curb … we were ALL in a heap of trouble!She said;“Think about it, Paige. There are things that I used to do with horses that I wouldn’t do anymore. There were times when I lost my temper, times when I smacked them, times when I flipped a horse over to teach it not to rear, or punished a horse for something that was probably a pain-related behaviour ... Any of those things COULD be caught on tape. What if one of them came out?”Sigh …I am NOT going to disown and judge my friend.And may I suggest we ALL refrain from pointing fingers, judging, and demonizing our heroes, after knocking them from those pedestals we put them on.Why?Well, for one … because it wasn’t just one or two of them. Let’s talk about how the things my friend was guilty of with horses became NORMAL for generations of us to do.And let’s be clear.It was ALL of them.I can hear you jumping up and down and howling.“Not ME!”“Not So-And-So!”“Not MY hero!”Relax and save your righteous indignation while I make my point.While it may not have been EVERY horse person we grew up learning from and witnessing, my 50+ years of experience in the horse industry shows that it was SO prevalent … it may as well have been. To name names and call them all out … would leave very few horse pros to care for our current horse population!What you see in videos like these is NOT exceptional; they represent just another day at work, in an industry that has normalized this sort of thing straight across the disciplines.This is not a dressage problem. This is not a reining problem. This is a problem in lesson barns, in hunter barns, in barrel racing barns … it really is EVERYWHERE.How does this happen? How can people who love horses DO these sorts of things to them?Good questions! I am asking them myself, with curiosity and a heart full of love and compassion for my younger self and for my peers. We have been sharing some interesting and tender conversations about the things we witnessed, excused, participated in, and normalized, in practically every barn we went to.This is what you end up with when … … when your pony club instructors dealt with a horse that reared and displayed ‘difficult’ behaviours by flipping it over and tying it down under blankets to “Think about it” and ‘break’ them …… when your ancestors taught you to “Tie ‘em to a patience pole until he learns to give up and quit fighting!” …… when your mentors say things like; “Show ‘em who is boss!” And “Don’t let him win!”… when it is common to hear a groom say, “Make sure you LTD (Lunge Till Death) that horse before her round!”… when it is NORMAL for a mother to ask, “How much ACE (a tranquilizer) should I give my kid’s pony before her class?”You still hear these things every day in the Horse world. It is still largely a sick place for horses AND humans. It will take a while for the old programs to play themselves out and show us the insanity they were based on, and for us to go through the process of owning our complicity in the industry, feeling the shame flood our bodies as we remember our past … and search for other ways, better ways, to get along with horses.Blood On My HandsBack to me, and MY complicity ...I am where I am, and I have studied what I've studied, because I've needed it myself. I've made it my passion and purpose to share … precisely because of the blood on my hands.Yes, I have blood on my hands.I talk a big game about making magic with horses, but in my pursuit of making it to the 1992 Olympics - and again in an attempt specifically to make it to the World Equestrian Games in 2002 - my horses suffered.Yes, I LOVED them, but make no mistake - I was on a mission and they were along for the ride. And MOST of them, to be fair, thought it was a pretty cool, if sweaty, life.My little crossbred, O’Reilly, DID love to gallop across the country … but he also tied-up (spasmed) BADLY from over-exertion … twice … in my pursuit of sport and trying to qualify for a team. He plumbed his depths for me, in the heat of our North American summers. He climbed ski hills for me. He jumped HOUSES for me!I wonder how our lives would be different … if I could go back in time, and instead of following the traditional S.M.A.R.T. goal setting rules (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time bound), I took the ‘T’ for ‘time bound’ out of that equation? Hell, maybe even the MEASURABLE part!Maybe S.M.A.R.T. goals are D.U.M.B.What if …… what if I'd given up on S.M.A.R.T. goals and trying to make it specifically to the 1992 Olympics … and  just made it my goal to pursue excellence and unity with horses?Would that have eventually led me down a path to the Olympics at a later date, as a natural consequence of practicing excellence? Would I CARE?If I wasn’t so hell-bent on ‘making it’, would I have pushed my horses as hard as I did?Not bloody likely, on all parts!But … you HAD to push yourselves - AND push your horses - to excel in our sport. Three-Day Eventing was conceived as a test of Cavalry Officers and their mounts; the whole point was to test the depths of horse-human bravery, strength and endurance! They put it all on the line in the name of National defense and honour.In my day, we were coached by military men; men who approached sport with the same life-or-deathness about it as they approached training their cavalry officers and mounts – like everything was STILL on the line! Like it was STILL a test to see if we could carry out a mission, and gallop across the countryside over Whatever-The-Fuck-Got-In-The-Way … come hell, high water, or BOTH.In a conversation I had with ancient Eventing icon, Denny Emerson, about what we saw and experienced as ‘normal’ in our era of sport, he recounted a common memory from the vet box, where we gathered to assess the condition of both horse and course, before heading out on some near-impossible long-distance test of horse-human bravery.In Denny’s era, which extended into mine, we were instructed to leave just enough left in the tank to show jump the next day. To punctuate this, our coach would reach into a bucket full of water, pick up a large sponge floating within it, fully saturated, and make a big show out of ringing out every. Last. Drop.The message was clear.It seems horrifying now, to put that in print and look back on it in cold blood. The sad thing is it was just normal.And yes, I’ll say it again, we did love our horses.Sigh …Life is complicated. Have you met any humans lately?I was an ambitious young rider, hell bent on sticking to my S.M.A.R.T. goals form the age of 6, and that meant my horses were along for the ride, too. Not ALL of them embraced my plans!Schimmel; my young, grey, ridiculously talented Hanovarian; wanted NOTHING to do with the shenanigans and hard work I proposed!Hell, he didn't even want to step in a puddle or get his feet wet!I hit that horse regularly, because he told me he didn't want to do something I wanted him to do. He said no all the time!“No! I don't want to go through that pudd

Join my friend Jennifer Pejic and I as we catch up after a lifetime of evolving alongside horses - from our roots of old school eventing and pony club, taught by colonels and captains, to our shared experiences adopting new ways to be with our horses.• We talk about our decision to move away from a sport model with horses, and why we have embraced Liberty training• We’ll get Jen’s take on the muddy waters of change, when you are embracing new ways with horsesJoin us for an intimate discussion to help you move through change and embrace other ways of being with horses. Take a chancePaige00:00 Introduction and Catching Up with Jennifer Pajak00:54 The Magic of Horsecraft: Building Connection and Courage01:43 Reconnecting After 20 Years02:04 Early Memories and Power Surge04:36 Family Background and Horsey Heritage06:21 Transition to Natural Horsemanship10:02 Pony Club Adventures11:47 Military Influence and Eventing in the 80s and 90s16:16 The Evolution of Horse Training Methods32:54 Discovering Liberty Training34:51 Natural Horsemanship and Nervous System States43:26 The Importance of Movement and Bonding50:23 The Boxer Shorts Incident51:01 Colonel Gutowski's Lesson52:12 Finding Middle Ground in Training53:14 The detriment of applying SMART Goals55:46 Positive Reinforcement Journey58:18 Challenges and Successes with Positive Reinforcement01:01:19 Liberty Work and Boundaries01:04:01 Experiments with a Stallion01:10:10 Retired Racehorse Projects01:13:03 Balancing Pressure and Release with Clicker Training01:25:42 Teaching and Clinics01:34:33 Reflections and Future Plans01:36:52 Conclusion and Audience Q&A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

I had so much fun getting to know Kerri and you can, too!To start with, check out her website generateharmony.com and you will be greeted by the phrases;Being Human DifferentlyInterspecies consciousness and human evolutionAsk her what she does and she may say something like this;“I help show people more about what they know about themselves”.Or maybe;“I Listen in a way that people can hear themselves.”Kerri Lake is best known for her work as an animal communicator, but now focuses her energy on teaching others how to communicate more effectively with both people and animals. You can read or listen to her book; Listen Like a Horse; Relationships Without Dominance.Join us today for:A Deep Dive Into The Waters of Resilience, Connection and Communication with Kerri LakeWe discuss:·       A foundational awareness game·       The difference between discernment and judgement·       A story of how she found peace and light in a cold dark place·     How Judgey McJudgey-Pants and The Mayor of Thinky Town can’t be left to run the show·     A simple process for calming the mind·     A simple, constructive way to talk to ourselvesSome Killer Kerri Quotes:“Curiosity; it’s the key to Dopamine. It's the key to really shifting from sympathetic to parasympathetic. It is the key to intuitive clarity. Intuition thrives in curiosity! We learn how to ask questions that are not yes/no questions.”“Everything is funny. And if you don’t think it is, take a step back and look again. And if it’s still not funny, take another step back.”“Have some popcorn. Have a croissant. Enjoy your day! But notice what is actually happening. And, it’s all going to work itself out!”Thank you for your time - it is valuable. So is your feedback! Please share your thoughts. And, if you find it useful, share with a friend and spread the love!Take a chance,Paige xoxoxP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together)https://themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Exploring True Resilience and Self-Mastery with Chris IrwinKeywordsResilience, Self-Mastery, Chris Irwin, Horsecraft consciousness movement, trauma recovery, healing, horses, balance, trust, letting goSummaryAn interview with Chris Irwin, a renowned ‘horse whisperer’ who has been helping humans and horses connect since the early days of the ‘Natural Horsemanship’ movement of the 90’s. - Discussion on true resilience, self-mastery, and self-trust.- Overcoming personal challenges and self-sabotage.- Exclusive access to Q&A and perks for members of my ‘Famous Horse Club' - 'The Wizards of Horsecraft'.Chris has proven himself over time, having been tested time and again in the most brutal of arenas - sometimes even set up to fail with difficult horses in front of live audiences - and we all know, horses never lie. The horses have spoken!Coincidentally, ‘Horses Never Lie’ is the title of Chris’ first book! I just finished reading his second, ‘Dancing With Your Dark Horse’ and he has given me plenty to think about.Listen in, while I get vulnerable and we dig into a bit of a live life coaching session, as we talk with a master of Horsecraft and resilience, about what it takes to cultivate true resilience, to recover from trauma, to take our ‘training wheels off’ and make the changes we need to make, to live a truer expression of ourselves.Together, we explore what it looks like to learn how to do the final step - to develop something BEYOUND self-trust. What might that be? Listen-in!Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible (together!)www.themagicofhorsecraft.comDownload our freebie - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comFollow our Podcast and Blog at: Get to know us on our socials:https://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecraft/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraftPodcastSpotify: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Rolfing for Horses and Humans - Maximize YOUR Horse-Human PotentialDescription* What the heck is Rolfing, or Structural Integration, and how can it help me and my horse? * Find out why Structural Integration was the most effective healing modality that enabled me to access the hidden Magic inside of two trauma-riddled beings - me, and a little mare called Speed Axcel. * AND, why I think it could be what YOU need to connect with your body, your horse, and your potential for magic between you, no matter what that looks like for you. Join us for a candid podcast interview with two spectacular humans - Kayla Anne McGowan and Saxon Alexander - who work together to make the most of your horse-human potential. Find out: ~ What fascia is and why you should care ~ How past injuries and trauma stored in our bodies affect our movement patterns, and how these inhibit our potential for fluid movement, balance, flexibility and connection with ourselves AND our horses ~ Hear how Saxon's journey into structural integration changed their experience with trauma. In their own words; "I have made it my mission this winter to spread structural integration to as many horses and humans as possible. I’d love to talk about my journey into (and out of) the academic biochemistry world, my journey through my non-binary gender in the gendered world of horses, and how horses have helped me through my mental health struggles. Thank you for all you do: your words and your shows make me feel a little less alone." Learn more about them in the links below.In the meantime, let’s examine the common trait between all the smoothest riders?It’s all in the hips! IF the hips can carry their weight evenly and with precision, if they can lift and drop, exaggerate or dampen the flow of  energy over a horse’s spine - they can do ANYTHING!Until then … NO MAGIC!You can’t have good hands, without good hips.And the focus on the hips doesn’t start and end with the human in the saddle - it extends to the horses, too, in both philosophy and approach, and in the physical sense, in terms of straightness and soundness.Jack LeGoff used to say;“Horses are like women. If you have them by the mouth … you may or may not also have them by the haunches … but if you have them by the haunches, you most certainly also have them by the mouth!”Of course, that was delivered with a wink and a leer, and followed up up on with devoted fervor amongst my peer group. Say what you want about the obvious misogyny of the era, or of a coach saying this to his students in this day and age - I get it, I LIVED it - but … we were adults (mostly), and the metaphor was provocative and effective.I wanted to be provocative, because I am bringing up some touchy, but very real subjects, like the concept of trauma being stored in the hips, a casual reference to the mysogyny of the era I grew up in, and a breezy mention of the vulnerability of learning how to move one’s body with the speed, suppleness and elegance of the world’s largest prey species. It is NOT for the feint of heart!Buckle Up. If ever there was someone to un-pack these things with, it is the dynamic Rolfing duo ofKayla Ann McGowan and Saxon Alexander!This was my dream interview - I got to combine passions and build on my social justice platform, introducing gender pronouns, the land I am privileged to work and play on, and unpack Saxon’s trip through the horse world and the academic world, as a non-binary person.And so, together let’s examine …~ The importance of core strength, flexibility, and balance to make magic with horses~ How our crookedness - or our inability to absorb shock and allow movement through our bodies - affects our horses~ Imbalances - Patterns we witness in our lives (standing with one hip cocked)~ How do our hips affect our horse’s hips?~ What can we do to improve these things?* For our bodies* For our horse’s bodies* To release trauma* Why posture matters … ALL the time!* What is Rolfing, and how can it help horses and humans develop the connection and smoothness they are seeking, as well as address some of the issues listed above?Listen-in to hear a story about my own experience with Rolfing, with a hot little mare named Speed Axcel.Want to hear more from these extraordinary humans? Follow the links below.In the meantime, we will carry on our examination of how to evolve our Horsecraft alongside the decrepitudes of age that may have crept in, and alongside new methods that explore liberty training, freedom of choice, and R+ training.Take a chance!PaigeANYTHING is possible (together!)* Try Our FREE TRAINING - Our Top Tip 4 Trust* Check out our course, From Amateur To Magician, Making Magic With Horses:* Read my Blog or Listen to My Podcast at The Magic of Horsecraft* YouTube* Facebook* Instagram* TiktokKaylaAnn McGowan (she/her): certified Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner. Board member of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute https://www.facebook.com/Fullbodyconnection?mibextid=LQQJ4dhttps://fullbodyconnection.comSaxon Alexandra (they/them): Advanced Equine Fascial Integration Therapy (EFIT) practitioner, NBCAAM-certified equine massage therapisthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083493601607https://www.actualityequine.org/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Are you ready to delve into the fascinating world of equine boundaries and establish mutually respectful connections with our equine companions? Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Carmen Theobald – renowned as 'The Boundaries Queen' – as she shares her wisdom on setting healthy boundaries with 1200 flight animals.Boundaries – The complexities of establishing mutual respect with our equine partnersGuest: Carmen Theobald, Equine Facilitated Trauma SpecialistIn this exclusive interview, Carmen will explore various aspects of boundaries with horses, drawing on her extensive experience as both a farrier and an Equine Facilitated Trauma Specialist. We’ll discuss:* How trauma influences boundaries and its manifestation in equine relationships* Micro-aggressions versus macro-aggressions – Understanding the subtle yet impactful interactions* Navigating pressure-and-release techniques while embracing positive reinforcement training* Consent, clear communication, and navigating aversive experiences* Establishing boundaries that command respect without compromising trustThis promises to be an enlightening session for every horse enthusiast seeking to elevate their equine connections. Join us as we explore the magical ingredients necessary for a harmonious and respectful relationship with our equine partners.This is the FIRST of a biweekly series where YOU are invited to join us for the podcast interview and get a chance to ask questions. We invite you to register and participate in our insightful discussions, followed by live Q&A sessions which will not be released to the general public. A BONUS for my paid subscibers and members of my online learning community.Be sure to check out the links below to learn more about Carmen and take advantage of an exclusive discount for listening to this episode. Let Carmen know that you heard it HERE - at the Magic of Horsecraft to unlock the savings.https://horsesensenorth.com/carmen@horsesensenorth.comTake a chance, PaigeTake a chance,Paige LocktonThe Magic of HorseCraft, CEO705-498-9453310 Hwy 654 WCallander, Ontario P0H1H0www.themagicofhorsecraft.comDownload our free training - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course:https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comhttps://www.facebook.com/themagicofhorsecrafthttps://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecrafthttps://themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Time to switch it up!In between our new rhythm of free bi-weekly guest interviews that EVERYONE is encouraged to attend, there will be something special for paid subscribers.What was that about attending interviews???Yes! YOU CAN ATTEND the recordings of my podcast conversations via Zoom, and listen-in to these interviews LIVE, then stay for a Q&A session at the end!What can Paid Subscribers expect?In between these free events, Paid Subscribers will have access to those aforementioned impromptu journal readings, as I struggle and strive to learn new skills.You will follow along on my own evolution, as I recover a traumatized nervous system AND a body made decrepit with age, chemo, radiation and poor living, and attempt to elevate my own Horsecraft to a place I haven’t been before, while exploring liberty training and new ways to train horses.In Season 3, we continue we explore these themes and develop the tools we ALL need, to make magic with our horses … and our LIVES, incidentally! These are the things that will bring your Horsecraft from the mechanical and mundane … to the mystical!This is a series for horse lovers who are dealing with the uncertainties and decrepitudes that come with age, infirmity, and previous trauma/conditioning, that make accessing ‘the magic’ challenging.Our plans …We’ll talk to:1.      experts in trauma, boundaries2.     body workers/energetics/structural integrationists/rolfers  3.     saddlery and equipment experts - how saddlery and sport have evolved and how the right equipment/props can help4.     rider’s who have had to adapt after catastrophic accidentsWhere do we start?Join me for my 1st bi-weekly interview of 2024 on Jan 16th at 7 PM - with Carmen Theobald; The ‘Queen of Boundaries’(link to event: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsfuqppj8vHtEXN3u2jGvpZ28RFLVOUpGt)I am starting this season off, once again, with a conversation with Carmen Theobald. This time, it’s ALL ABOUT BOUNDARIES!We will examine the importance of setting mutually respectful boundaries with 1200 flight animals. This episode will cover the complexities of navigating safe, respectful boundaries under the paradigm of the pressure-and-release world from a trauma-informed lens.Boundaries -o   How trauma informs them. If you are someone who has had their boundaries transgressed, what can that show up as with horses?o   micro-aggressios vs macro aggressions - the smallest of things that were once ignored and acceptable, under a new lens …1.     how to re-establish healthier boundaries2.     What does mutual respect look like? What does it FEEL like in your body?Learn more about Carmen in the following days and on my socials and follow the link below:https://horsesensenorth.com/Join me for my 2nd bi-weekly interview of 2024 on Jan 31st at 7 PM - Rolfing for Horses and Humans - Maximize YOUR Horse-Human Potential with Saxon Alexandra and Kayla Anne McGowan(link to event: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82753918961?pwd=f86bcI3IhgGNK8NXqt0YL56SXHQdDY.1)What the heck is Rolfing, or Structural Integration, and how can it help me and my horse?Find out why I think it could be what YOU need to connect with your body, your horse, and your potential for magic between you, no matter what that looks like for you.Join us for a candid podcast interview with two spectacular humans - Kayla Ann and Saxon - who work together to make the most of your horse-human potential as a team. Stay for a chance to ask your questions in a Q&A session that follows.Find out:~ What fascia is and why you should care~ How past injuries and trauma stored in our bodies affect our movement patterns, and how these inhibit our potential for fluid movement, balance, flexibility and connection with ourselves AND our horses~ Hear how Saxon's journey into structural integration changed their experience with trauma. In their own words;"I have made it my mission this winter to spread structural integration to as many horses and humans as possible. I’d love to talk about my journey into (and out of) the academic biochemistry world, my journey through my non-binary gender in the gendered world of horses, and how horses have helped me through my mental health struggles. Thank you for all you do: your words and your shows make me feel a little less alone." Saxon AlexandraLearn more about them in the coming weeks and check out the links below:KaylaAnn McGowan (she/her)Certified Rolfer and Rolf Movement Practitioner. Board member of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institutehttps://www.facebook.com/Fullbodyconnection?mibextid=LQQJ4dhttps://fullbodyconnection.comSaxon Alexandra (they/them)Advanced Equine Fascial Integration Therapy (EFIT) practitioner, NBCAAM-certified equine massage therapisthttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083493601607https://www.actualityequine.org/Next Up Master Sadler, Chirstian Lowe on the evolution of the equipment alongside the world of Horsecraft and what we can do to maximize our horse’s comfort and minimize the inevitable pressure that comes from wearing a tree’d saddle.In the world of sport, how have saddles improved for horses AND the adult amateur riders who drive the industry?The rest will unfold with conversations with people who have had to adapt and use props … or change how they used/related to horses after catastrophic injuries.Join me as I learn, grow, and evolve my horsecraft to the best of my ability.Take a chance,PaigexoxoxANYTHING is possible (together!) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe

Join me for a conversation to help you find hope and resilience, with my old friend Rod Kelly, when we were reunited after over 20 years. Rod is a horseman, a Celtic Healer, a hypnotist, and a Reverend. He helps people through the challenges of cancer and other major health/life catastrophes. Rod was pivotal in my recovery from a nervous breakdown after the shitstorm trifecta of Cancer, chemo and covid 19. Rod was the one person in the world who kept me afloat when I was ready to give up on myself. Hear about Rod’s near-death experiences and the lessons he learned, as well as:* How your state of mind affects your health* Can our thoughts create reality?* Why changing our thought patterns matters* How HeartMath technology can be used to interrupt our neural circuitry and rewire our thought patterns* Why people didn’t see me as a people pleaser and how not using my voice was going to kill me.* How Rod’s faith allowed me to cling to my own* How to look for the small wins and aim for a 1% change per day* A story about wanting to smack my good friend Tana, then going from crying to laughing at a set of stop lights and finding gratitude in the middle of my shitstorm* How shame will kill you, but you can let go of it* Our go-to exercises and mantras when challengedHow does this resonate with you? Do you consider yourself spiritual? Do you think you can heal yourself? Leave your thoughts in the comments!Take a chance,Paige LocktonP.S. ANYTHING is possible!Download our free training - Our #1 Tip to build trust with your horse: https://gift.themagicofhorsecraft.comSign up for our course: https://learn.themagicofhorsecraft.comFollow our Podcast and Blog at: Get to know us on our socials:https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Magic-of-Horsecraft/100089462483278/https://www.instagram.com/themagicofhorsecraft/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@themagicofhorsecraft This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themagicofhorsecraft.substack.com/subscribe