Episodes

Oct. 11, 2024

EP205: Spurs & Double Bridles

With double bridles and spurs now being optional in some dressage competitions, it is bringing up questions about why they are allowed at all, and why they would be compulsory. In this episode Karen explains the use of double...
Sept. 27, 2024

EP204: Tour of the Temenos

In this episode I describe how I have my property set up so horses get a lot of freedom, choice, and variety, while still keeping things safe, functional, and easy for me to work within. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author an...
Sept. 20, 2024

EP203: Precision & Play

In this episode, I share a core concept in the DN program. It’s the key to getting results, and even more importantly, it’s the key to YOU creating and re-creating results independently. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author an...
Sept. 13, 2024

EP202: Imaginary Loss

In this episode I talk about a dynamic where a loss or a limit can actually create dramatic positive lessons and improvements. The trick is to master the dynamic so you don’t have to learn the lessons the hard way. About the ...
Aug. 30, 2024

EP201: Permission

In this episode I talk about the technique of asking for permission from your horse. This is an important element of building a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and c...
Aug. 16, 2024

EP200: Planning For Progress

In this episode I talk about how to practice making better training plans for you and your horse. It’s less about recipes and more about knowing possibilities, paying attention to results, and being willing to mess it up and ...
Aug. 9, 2024

EP199: Taking Back Dressage

Episode Summary : In this episode I try to untangle my mind around what dressage is, and reconcile the dressage I do with the sport of dressage. In the end, it’s about taking back the term dressage. About the Host: Karen Rohl...
July 26, 2024

EP198: Best of HTIH - Advocacy: Speak Your Truth

In this episode I’ll talk about the importance of advocating for our horses, and how that advocacy actually has to start with ourselves.. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internatio...
July 19, 2024

EP197: Firmness with Fairness

Episode Summary: In this episode I talk about how we can be firm while being fair, clear while being compassionate, and be non-negotiable while still giving horses the opportunity to have a choice. About the Host: Karen Rohlf...
July 5, 2024

EP196: Transitions

In this episode I talk about transitions. I’ll give you some exercise to do with transitions to help your horse’s overall balance, engagement, and nimbleness. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Natura...
June 14, 2024

EP195: Home

In this episode I explore common phrases I hear students use to describe their experience when learning DN. I seek to discover exactly why they say it, and what they were missing before. My hope is that this episode will help...
June 7, 2024

EP194: Enrichment With Mary Richards

In this episode I am joined by Mary Richards to talk about enrichment which is basically about how to keep our horses in a way that allows them to be the happiest horses they can be. I think you’ll really love this conversati...
May 31, 2024

EP 193: Best Of HTIH: Complicating Half Halts

This episode re-introduces a popular episode from the archives about the famous (infamous) half halt. The half halt is an important concept in dressage - AND it’s a term I actually rarely use. I get a lot of questions about i...
May 17, 2024

EP192: Best of HTIH: Noticing

This episode is a re-introduction of a favorite episode of mine that goes more into our own minds rather than just horse training techniques, but I promise, what is in this episode will be a HUGE help to your horsemanship. It...
May 3, 2024

EP191: Dissolving Brace

In this episode I talk about Brace, and more importantly, what we can do about it. As you might guess, the solution is a little about the horse, and about us. It takes 2 to keep a brace going, and it’s our responsibility to d...
April 19, 2024

EP190: Best Of HTIH: Assumption Of Obligingness

In this ‘Best Of’ episode I reintroduce an episode where I talk about an important belief that often is the root of conflict between horse and rider. It’s so important I want to revisit it again! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, ...
April 12, 2024

EP189: With Jim Masterson: The Masterson Method

In this episode I am joined by Jim Masterson, founder of The Masterson Method – a breakthrough form of equine bodywork which helps enhance performance, suppleness, mobility, and comfort whilst developing the relationship and ...
April 5, 2024

EP188: Best Of HTIH: Confidence Is Over-rated

In this ‘Best Of’ episode I reintroduce an episode where I talk less about what to learn and do, and more about the process of learning and doing. It’s one of my favorite episodes and worth highlighting again. About the Host:...
March 22, 2024

EP187: Best Of HTIH: What Makes A Good Rider?

This episode goes deep into the HTIH archives as Karen re-introduces one of her favorite topics. It was the very first episode released: "What Makes A Good Rider?" This is something we all need to be thinking about every day ...
March 15, 2024

EP186: Principles in Practice

In this episode I describe a lesson I taught recently in order to illustrate a practical application of some Dressage Naturally principles. This will help you understand how I strategized my approach to a challenge and hopefu...
March 8, 2024

EP185: Q&A Improving Rider Position

In this episode I share a question from a student (and my answer) about her rider position. It’s not so much about what is the correct position, but how to approach improving it in the context of training your horse. How do y...
March 1, 2024

EP184: Real Life Transformation with Heidi Lowthorp and Niki Wilde Broadhead

In this episode I am joined by Heidi Lowthorp and Niki Wilde Broadhead, who are part of the Transform Your Business Dream Team that help heart-centered horse professionals. They will be sharing stories of their own transforma...
Feb. 23, 2024

EP183: Heart-Centered Horse Professionals

In this episode I talk about how important it is that the really nice, compassionate, heart-centered horse professionals thrive. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally rec...
Feb. 16, 2024

EP182: Creativity with Sandra Beaulieu

In this episode I talk with Sandra Beaulieu about creativity and horses, and how you can express your own creativity with your horse. About the Guest: Sandra Beaulieu is a creative equestrian that combines her passion for dre...