Horse Training in Harmony

In this episode of Ask Karen Anything, I answer 2 questions from students in my Video Classroom. One is about helping a horse maintain the canter, and the other is about a horse who balks.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Resource LinksYou can get access to hundreds of training videos in the Video Classroom: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/See all of Karen’s Online Programs here: https://dressagenaturally.net/online-programs/Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast!Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!

In this episode, I’ll talk about 9 habits for excellent horsemanship. These habits are what will help you problem-solve and better understand what is going on with your horse, and will give you more possibilities for things to change in order to make things better.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry. Resource LinksYou can start the Habits For Excellent Horsemanship by going here: https://dressagenaturally.net/habitsSee all of Karen’s Online Programs here: https://dressagenaturally.net/online-programs/Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast!Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!

In this episode, I will take a look at the physical side of training for you and your horse. I’ll give you a blueprint for building strength, stamina, and coordination while avoiding falling into the trap of drilling, fatiguing, or boring your horse in the process.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Resource LinksSee all of Karen’s Online Programs here: https://dressagenaturally.net/online-programs/Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast!Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!

In this episode, I talk about paying attention to not just WHAT you do, but HOW you do it. I’ll share how I structured my courses in a way that helps students develop essential skills sooner, and be able to problem-solve better… This episode will help you get unstuck, get to the next level, find more ease, or simply enjoy the process of learning even more.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Resource Links: See all of Karen’s Online Programs here: https://dressagenaturally.net/online-programs/Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast!Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!

In episode 7 I went deep into the arguments for and against doing dressage with or without a bit.In this episode I’ll share some stories of particular horses that I started and trained using a mixture of bits and bitless.I’ll share how I made decisions about equipment at different stages and how that effected the training.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Resource Links: For the blog on this subject with photos go here: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bit Start learning with Karen’s book/DVD: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvd To see Karen’s bitless bridle: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/riding-halter-bitless-bridle Link to curb bit I mentioned https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/herm-sprenger-kk-dressage-sensogan-weymouth-bit-13975 Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/ Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/ Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.Leave us an iTunes reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on iTunes, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on iTunes. 

The topic of bitless dressage is one of THE biggest hot-button subjects.When I wrote a blog on this it broke my server because so many people were sharing and reading it.Many people believe you can’t do ‘real’ dressage without a bit. Other people say bits are cruel.My goal is to present experience-based thoughts on the pros and cons of each, and to answer the common arguments from both sides.In order to figure out you can do ‘real dressage’ when bitless I’m also going to talk about what ‘real dressage really is.I have been riding, training and teaching dressage with and without bits for decades and so am uniquely qualified to address this subject.In the next episode I will give examples of specific horses of mine and how I make decisions regarding use of bits (or not).About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.For the blog on this subject with photos go here: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/69-to-bit-or-not-to-bitStart learning with Karen’s book/DVD: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdTo see Karen’s bitless bridle: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/riding-halter-bitless-bridleSign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening - Please Share!If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Subscribe to the podcastRemember to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.Leave us an iTunes reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on iTunes, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on iTunes. 

I answer students’ questions! This episode is about biomechanics and motivation!I’ll be discussing a question about whether short strides are from a blocked back and how to help remedy that, as well as a question about how to help a horse with a downhill conformation become more balanced.Next I’ll answer questions about how to really motivate your horse to do things for you with enthusiasm and pride… instead of just because you are making him, and how to use treats without your horse mugging you.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Resource LinksSweet Spot Of Healthy Biomechanics Step-By-Step Course: https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos in the Video Classroom: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/ Specific Video Classroom videos referenced in this episode: July 2020 Happy Horses Common Threads Part 1 & 2, March 2018 Polite Boundaries Around Food, January 2017 Avoiding The Cookie Monster. Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/ Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast!Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!

Finding the right teacher for you and your horse is a really important decision. Riding, competing, training, and teaching are all separate skill sets and not every professional is talented in all of them.In order to really learn from someone, you have to trust them, so when it comes to choosing your instructor - choose wisely.In this podcast I will share some of my thoughts on how you can make an excellent choice and find an instructor that you can really thrive and progress with.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.To see the blog on this subject go here: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/how-to-choose-your-teacherTo start learning from Karen now go here: https://dressagenaturally.net/online-programs/ Sign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening - Please Share!If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Subscribe to the podcastRemember to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.Leave us an iTunes reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on iTunes, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on iTunes. 

Karen explains why the phrase: ‘Get your horse on the bit’ is a less than ideal way to teach riders to create the desired posture we are looking for in dressage. She’ll explain an alternative way of helping students create a healthy posture that focuses on balance, communication, and partnership. You’ll learn the three criteria Karen uses to help students and horses find their Working Gaits, as well as the three most important conversations you need to be able to have with your horse to effect his posture.This episode will give any dressage rider a fresh perspective on how to ride in connection with the reins.About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.You can learn more about Karen at https://dressagenaturally.net/To read the blog on this subject (with pictures) go to: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/stop-putting-your-horse-on-the-bleeping-bitSign up for 3 free videos and Karen’s mailing list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos in The Video Classroom: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/Check out Karen's book/DVD: Dressage Naturally... Results In HarmonyJoin the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Remember to Subscribe and share this with your friends!Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

In this episode Karen will give you 3 Guidelines to follow when doing exercises to improve the way your horse moves. You’ll hear the difference between healthy and unhealthy biomechanics, and the two different kinds of unhealthy biomechanics.These guidelines will help you get the most out of any exercise that you do with your horseAbout the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Want to Learn More? Get 3 free videos and Karen’s email list: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos in The Video Classroom: Specific video in the Video Classroom that I referenced in the podcast: April 2013: Posture Through State Of Mind.For some ‘before & after’ images go to the blog on this topic: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/3-guidelines-for-improving-how-your-horse-movesLove books? Check out Karen's book/DVD: Dressage Naturally... Results In HarmonyJoin the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

This episode is based on one of Karen’s most popular blogs by the same name. Karen takes a look at one of the root sources of frustration and disappointment that riders often experience. She’ll take a 10,000 foot view of our core way of thinking about working with horses and the core assumptions we are making about the training process. You’ll be left with a new appreciation for your horse and something you can do starting now that can make a huge shift towards more enjoyment and better results for you and your horse!About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.Get 3 free training videos and emails from Karen: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Get access to hundreds of Karen’s training videos in the Video Classroom: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/ Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks for listening!Make sure you subscribe!Share this episode with your friends using the social media links!Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. THANK YOU!

We’re kicking off our podcast by exploring the most important factor in our riding success: US! Karen Rohlf answers the question: What Makes A Good Rider?The answer may be different than what you think! Karen answers this question by explaining how she thinks about who she would trust with her own horses. You’ll hear a list of 6 criteria Karen uses and you’ll be invited to take the ‘Good Rider’ Pledge.Stay Connected: Follow Dressage Naturally on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DressageNaturally.KarenRohlf, or Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dressagenaturally/Join the most positive group on Facebook: Dressage Naturally Land: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandResource Links: In the podcast Karen mentions videos in the Video Classroom that relate to some this content. Find the Video Classroom here: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/ . Once logged in click on the Video Label: Communication to see a list of videos about communication. You can also look up a video called: Releasing Your Emotions (September 2014)Thanks for listening! Please share it with your friends.Subscribe to the podcast: Don't miss an episode!Don't forget to leave us an Apple Podcasts review!