Easier Movement, Happier Horses

Easier Movement, Happier Horses

Do you want to create a life with horses that nourishes body, mind and spirit? Do you value self-awareness, curiosity and kindness? You’re in the right place! In this podcast, we’ll cover an array of connected topics. We’ll discuss how to improve body awareness, flexibility and balance for both you and your horse. We’ll explore how anxiety and tension affect horses and humans, and what you can do to promote relaxation and confidence. Since your thoughts affect not only you, but your horse as well, we’ll delve into emotional awareness, mindset and how to develop your intuition. All these topics can deepen your connection with your horse. And we know that a strong human-equine connection not only improves your body and mind, but it can nurture your spirit as well. So please join Feldenkrais® teacher, international clinician and bestselling author Mary Debono each Thursday as she helps you enhance your movement, mindset and connection with horses.

Episodes

July 25, 2024 29 mins

💥Get a free audio/video exercise at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥

Learn about Steps 3, 4, and 5 of the Six Steps to Creating Horse-Human Harmony. 

Discover how to use your hands to relieve your horse's tension and improve their movement and well-being. 

In this episode, you'll hear practical tips to help your horse feel more comfortable and connected, including how to transform tacking-up into a bondi...

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Mary Debono explores step two of her six-step framework for creating harmony between you and your horse.

This bonus episode focuses on the importance of intention, breath, and loving energy in connecting with your horse.

Mary shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, along with a free audio/video exercise available at marydebono.com/breat...

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In this episode, you'll learn all about Step 1 of the Six Steps to Creating Horse-Human Harmony.

You'll hear Mary explain how enhancing your body awareness can lead to better communication, trust, and overall well-being for you and your horse.

Mary Debono, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method and creator of Debono Moves, guides you through practical strategies to improve your self-awareness and movement,...

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In this episode, we delve into the core issues that equestrians face, both for themselves and their horses. Whether it's stiff hips, an aching back, or a horse that's resistant or stiff, these concerns all boil down to one essential desire: achieving greater harmony with your horse.

Join Mary Debono as she introduces the six essential steps to cre...

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 In this episode, Mary Debono shares a transformative shift in her approach to helping riders achieve their best.

Moving beyond the traditional focus on balance in the saddle, Mary introduces the concept of "biological optimism," highlighting the potential for improvement at any age or fitness level.

Through her extensive experience with the Feldenkrais Method, Mary offers insights into how this approa...

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Have you ever wondered how to transform a sensitive, easily spooked, or defensive horse into a confident and relaxed partner?

You'll hear about specific cases where observing subtle cues and applying gentle, supportive touch made a significant difference in a horse's emotional and physical well-being.

We'll also explore the art of understanding and communicating with horses through their breathing...

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What if horse training could be more about partnership and mutual respect than following rigid regimes?

On this episode of the Easier Movement, Happier Horses podcast, Mary Debono uncovers the transformative approach of facilitating learning opportunities for your horse. By focusing on what your horse already finds easy and gently expanding on that, you can build a cooperative and enjoyable training experience.

...

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Can the way you think about your body transform your riding experience? Join me, Mary Debono, on the Easier Movement, Happier Horses podcast as we explore a crucial concept for equestrians: understanding the difference between using body parts in isolation versus independently. This might sound like a subtle shift, but it can lead to a profound improvement in your movement coordination and your harmony with your horse. By gaining b...

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Are there things about yourself or your horse that you'd like to fix?

In this episode, I challenge the notion that you or your horse needs fixing.

Instead, we embrace a holistic approach. Drawing on my 30 years of experience as a Feldenkrais teacher specializing in horses and riders, I explain how our nervous systems develop habits and how, by working in harmony with these natural processes, we can foster be...

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Beyond better performance, learn how improved movement can boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and create a deeper connection between you and your horse.

Discover ways to make saddling up a positive experience and explore a holistic approach to movement that unlocks a happier you and a happier horse.

Beyond Performance:

  • Boost Confidence: Discover how improved suppleness can boost your horse's confidence an...
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Key Takeaways

- Pulling on the tail can harm horses with back tightness, triggering a defensive response

- Instead of pulling, support the tail forward to relax the muscles

- Focus on building trust and offering new options to the horse

- Prioritize somatic education and integrated movement over structural manipulation

- Consider the "Move with Your Horse" program for detailed tail support guidance

- Practice safety precautions...

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Injury keeping you out of the saddle? Learn actionable steps to help you stay connected to your horse, facilitate your healing, and improve your horsemanship. Learn about mindful movement, mental training, and creative ground exercises.


Use your recovery time to deepen your connection with your horse and come back to riding even stronger than before!


Use your recovery time to improve in these areas: 

Mindful Movem...

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Horse sidelined with an injury? Don't despair!

Join Mary Debono, your equine expert, as she unveils the silver lining within stall rest. In this episode, you'll discover how to transform recovery time into relationship-building gold.


Master the art of mindful movement: Discover the magic of hand-walking in sync with your horse, fostering a deeper understanding of your horse's movement.


Unlock the power of Conn...

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Does your horse sometimes seem reluctant or struggle with the activities you've chosen? 

Too often, owners force horses into roles or disciplines unsuitable for their physical abilities or temperament.

The key to harmony is finding mutually enjoyable activities for both horse and human. While challenging our horses is important, we must also respect their individual needs and limitations.

In this ...

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Maybe you’re learning a new form of bodywork and you can’t wait to use it to help your horse. But your horse says, “No thanks!”

In this episode, you'll hear about the strategies I use to help horses relax, enjoy and benefit from hands-on work.  


In this episode, I discuss:

- The importance of understanding your horse's past experiences

- The power of connected breathing and relaxation techniques

- How ...

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How can this feel easier? It's one of my favorite questions.


But for many of us, we're so used to trying hard, to struggling, that we forget that things could feel easier for us and our horses.


This episode discusses the common "addiction" to struggling with horses and its negative impact on the horse-human relationship.


Key Takeaways

- Importance of movement, breathing, and attention in shaping ...

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Rocking your horse can have positive effects on a horse's muscles, nervous system, and overall movement. Rocking should be done with lightness, effortlessness, and pleasure for both horse and rider. Being well-organized and coordinated is important for effective communication with the horse.
 
Key Takeaways from this episode:

- Dressage rider realizes that her horse isn't "stubborn" and "la...

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Did you know that your horse’s sternum plays a key role in helping your horse round the back easily?


The sternum and ribs are often overlooked, yet they play a key role in ensuring horses have freer, healthier and more comfortable movement.


In this episode, Mary Debono discusses the role of the rib cage in reducing stress and wear and tear on the horse’s back, neck and limbs.


When horses are reminded how their rib cage ...

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March 28, 2024 20 mins

💥 Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse

In this episode, Mary Debono delves into the common challenge of girthy horses who dislike being tacked up and shares her mission to transform it into a positive experience for you and your horse:

  • Transforming Tacking Up: Mary aims to not only help horses tolera...
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March 21, 2024 30 mins

💥 Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse

Wish your hips were more flexible or comfortable? Learn why the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ is different from stretching and strengthening programs. To improve your hips, explore this holistic, whole-body approach to movement, so you AND your horse can experience more com...

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