Because of the Horse Podcast

In this thoughtful conversation, Paula sits down with renowned horseman Martin Black to explore a lifetime shaped by generations of horsemanship, wild horses, and the traditions that continue to influence how we work with horses today. Martin shares stories of his family's deep roots in the American West, the mentors who shaped his understanding, and the lessons that can only come from years of quiet observation. Together, they explore how a horse's environment, stress levels, and natural instincts influence behavior far more than many people realize. Rather than focusing on control, Martin invites us to slow down, pay attention, and see the horse in front of us as an individual. It's a conversation filled with wisdom that reminds us true horsemanship begins with understanding. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Martin Black's Heritage01:13 – Deep Family Roots and Historical Background02:03 – The Black Family's Ranching Legacy in Idaho03:28 – Horse Breeding and the Remount Program05:27 – The Role of Horses in Western Development07:24 – Wild Horse Gatherings and Trailing10:51 – Bringing Young Horses into the Herd12:56 – Training Young Horses and Herd Management15:53 – Patience, Observation, and Timing18:46 – How Environment Shapes Horse Behavior22:37 – Natural Living and Healthy Horse Development26:25 – Learning from Legendary Horsemen35:38 – Refining Horsemanship Through Mentorship44:52 – Understanding Stress and Desensitization50:35 – Finding Balance Between Pressure and Relief01:02:15 – Reading Horse Language and Behavior01:12:47 – Wild Horses Compared to Confined Horses01:17:18 – Breeding, Pasture, and Natural Behaviors01:20:04 – The Future of Horse Care and the Industry01:25:27 – Observation as a Foundation for Better Horsemanship01:30:20 – Creating Environments Where Horses Thrive01:34:30 – Why Experience Still Matters01:38:56 – Science, Biomechanics, and Lifelong Learning01:40:04 – Closing Thoughts and Resources Guest Link:☆ Martin Black Official Website: black.net Resources: ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

In this heartfelt and illuminating conversation, sisters Linda Tellington-Jones and Robyn Hood share the story and philosophy behind the Tellington Method — a revolutionary, heart-based approach to training and understanding horses. They reflect on decades of work developing the T-Touch and the groundwork practices that have inspired horse lovers around the world to connect with greater empathy, mindfulness, and awareness.From the early days of skepticism to widespread acceptance, Linda and Robyn describe how observation, intention, and compassionate touch can change not just a horse’s behavior, but their relationship with people. This episode is a celebration of softness, curiosity, and the incredible power of understanding horses from the inside out. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 | Introduction to Tellington-Jones Method 02:29 | The Evolution of Groundwork in Horse Training 08:28 | The Importance of Connection and Awareness 13:05 | Sisterly Influence and Shared Journeys 14:26 | Skepticism and Acceptance in the Horse Community 20:47 | The Role of Empathy in Training 22:05 | Understanding Horse Behavior through Swirls 27:54 | The Development of T-Touch Techniques 33:28 | Expanding T-Touch to Other Species 37:46 | The Power of Intention in Training 38:15 | The Power of Intention in Equine Work 41:23 | Understanding Horse Behavior and Communication 45:15 | Adjusting Goals and Expectations in Training 47:32 | Exploring the Tellington Method 54:25 | The Philosophy Behind T-Touch and Bodywork 01:00:11 | The Future of Tellington Method and Its Impact 01:14:09 | Podcast Outro Resources ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/ ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

In this fascinating conversation, Paula is joined by Mark Rashid, Dr. Steven Peters, and Crissi McDonald, the authors of A Horse's Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare. Together, they explore how neuroscience helps us better understand what our horses experience beneath the surface, and why that understanding leads to kinder, more effective horsemanship. ☆ Book Amazon Link: A Horse's Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare☆ Mark Rashid: https://www.markrashid.com/ ☆ Dr. Steven Peters: https://www.horsebrainscience.info/ ☆ Crissi McDonald: https://www.crissimcdonald.com/  Rather than viewing behavior as something to fix, this episode invites us to see every response as meaningful communication. Through heartfelt storytelling and practical science, you'll discover how patience, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of the equine nervous system can help build trust, support healing, and strengthen the partnership between horse and human.  Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the panel and the new book00:59 – How the collaboration began and the book came to life02:02 – Blending storytelling with neuroscience04:15 – Understanding the horse's nervous system through real-life cases06:59 – Why familiar horse stories take on new meaning through science07:34 – The collaborative writing process and lessons learned10:34 – Recognizing the difference between calm confidence and learned helplessness Guest Links: ☆ Book Amazon Link: A Horse's Life: The Neuroscience of Equine Welfare☆ Mark Rashid: https://www.markrashid.com/ ☆ Dr. Steven Peters: https://www.horsebrainscience.info/ ☆ Crissi McDonald: https://www.crissimcdonald.com/  Resources: ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

In this insightful episode, Darci shares her expertise in mental performance coaching for equestrians, guiding riders to better understand themselves and their horses through awareness, nervous system regulation, and connection. She explains how breathwork, self-reflection, and intentional practice can help riders manage anxiety, quiet negative thought patterns, and build confidence from the inside out.Through her own experiences and success stories, Darci reminds us that personal growth is an ongoing journey and that true partnership with the horse begins with knowing ourselves. This conversation offers practical, heartfelt tools to help you stay grounded, present, and connected in and out of the saddle. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 | Introduction to Mental Performance Coaching for Equestrians 03:16 | Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence in Riding 06:05 | The Importance of Understanding Our Nervous System 08:51 | The Connection Between Human and Horse Emotions 11:25 | Tools for Expanding Our Comfort Zone 14:22 | Breath Work: A Key to Managing Stress 17:04 | Practical Applications of Mental Techniques Off the Horse 24:58 | Building Habits for Equestrian Success 26:50 | Transforming Negative Narratives 31:21 | Understanding the Impact of Childhood Experiences 33:38 | The Evolution of Personal Growth 39:40 | Navigating Anxiety and Confidence in Riding 43:26 | Introduction to Epops Performance 44:22 | Understanding Your Nervous System 44:27 | Podcast Outro Resources ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/ ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman

In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, internationally respected horseman Warwick Schiller shares how his approach to training has evolved from performance-focused techniques to a deeply relationship-based practice. He speaks candidly about his journey of self-awareness and how understanding energy, intention, and emotional regulation can completely transform the way we connect with horses.Warwick’s wisdom reminds us that horses are mirrors, reflecting not just our actions, but our state of being. Through patience, presence, and collaboration, he shows that horsemanship isn’t about control or perfection, but about building trust and awareness, one thoughtful moment at a time. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 | Introduction to Warwick Schiller and His Journey 02:37 | The Passion for Horses and Personal Growth 05:31 | Understanding the Relationship with Horses 10:20 | Shifting Perspectives in Horsemanship 15:07 | The Importance of Energy and Intention 19:40 | Awareness and Communication with Horses 28:59 | The Importance of Awareness in Communication 29:50 | Reflections on Past Experiences with Horses 31:14 | Understanding Horse Behavior and Responses 32:36 | The Connection Between Horses and Human Relationships 34:31 | The Value of Allowing Horses to Say No 35:40 | Evolving Perspectives on Horsemanship 38:13 | The Shift from Skills to Relationship in Training 40:09 | Interspecies Empathic Communication and Collaboration 42:51 | The Power of Community and Collaboration 44:42 | Acclimatizing vs. Desensitizing Horses 47:00 | Steering Techniques and Avoiding Resistance 51:24 | Podcast Outro Resources ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket ☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership ☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/ ☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman ☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman ☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman