Easier Movement, Happier Horses

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 episode, Mary encourages shifting our mindset, adjusting expectations, and prioritizing activities that create a positive experience. Building a partnership centered on understanding and shared happiness, rather than forced submission, is the core philosophy. Join Mary as she offers solutions for overcoming physical and emotional obstacles to better connect with your horse. Get her expert advice for bringing out the best in both you and your equine partner. Resources: Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h71 Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Email mary@marydebono.com All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

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 to work with a horse through their skeleton for a non-threatening touch - Strategies to provide immediate relief and build trust - The concept of shared awareness and its benefits in your relationship Resources: Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h70 Video of Rib Rocking: https://app.searchie.io/watch/jVDGwM0EDW Video of Back Muscle Lifts: https://app.searchie.io/watch/AYDapoPw2Q Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Email mary@marydebono.com All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

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 interactions with horses - Habitual worrying and struggling can create stress and strain in the brain - Personal experience of overcoming worry and stress with the help of a Feldenkrais practitioner - Tips for getting off the struggle train: connect with oneself, notice physical sensations without judgment, train the brain to focus on what is going well - Changing the brain's focus to what feels good and what the horse does easily promotes a positive and solution-oriented mindset - Being present, embracing compassionate curiosity, and expanding possibilities - Developing sensory acuity and intuition for unconscious insights on improving horse interactions Resources: Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h69 Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Email mary@marydebono.com All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

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 "lazy" after all. - Learns to rock her horse from different parts of its body to initiate movement - Develops real feel for her horse and recognizes its innate desire to move - Discovers horse needs connection and congruency, not laziness or stubbornness - Rocking can have positive effects on 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 - Rocking should be done slowly and small to notice subtle differences and allow for nervous system improvements - Creating a learning environment where the horse chooses better options is crucial, rather than forcing or manipulating Resources: CLICK HERE FOR A SNEAK PEEK VIDEO of how I introduce Rocking with a horse, which can lead to more comfortable, balanced, and athletic movement for the horse. And if that piques your interest, please check out the details for the Move with Your Horse online program. We'd love to have you join us! Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h68 Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Have a question? Email mary@marydebono.com. All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

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 can participate and support their movement, it can lead to freer, healthier backs, necks and legs. And more elegant, harmonious movement. And the same is true for you too! We take a deep dive into this in our Move with Your Horse online program and I’m excited to announce that enrollment is open for a limited time! CLICK HERE FOR A SNEAK PEEK VIDEO of how I introduce working with the horse's sternum which can lead to more comfortable, balanced, and athletic movement for the horse. And if that piques your interest, please check out the details for the Move with Your Horse online program. We'd love to have you join us! Learn how to improve your horse's movement and comfort by addressing rib cage restrictions. Gentle, hands-on movements can help by retraining the brain and inviting new movement possibilities for your horse. We want you AND your horse to feel better and move with greater ease. That's why the Move with Your Horse program includes both Feldenkrais Method Ⓡ for humans and Debono Moves for horses, and includes pre-recorded videos AND live coaching. Our coaching and support is unmatched. Because you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together. Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h67 Have a question? Email mary@marydebono.com. All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

💥 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 UpPositive Reinforcement Using Food vs. Positive Reinforcement from Tacking Up:Tuning into Body Language:Improving Quality of Life:Move with Your Horse ProgramFeldenkrais MethodⓇDebono MovesJoin the waitlist here. 🐴 Our Move with Your Horse program offers Feldenkrais lessons and live coaching so that you AND your horse can move and feel better than ever! 💥 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 💥 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h66 Tacking Up blog post mentioned in the episode Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Email mary@marydebono.com All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

💥 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 comfort, elegance, athleticism and harmony. Key Takeaways from the Podcast Episode: 1. Hips are a Common Issue: Many people, across different ages and riding disciplines, struggle with tight, stiff, or uncomfortable hips. This is often a significant obstacle in riding comfortably and effectively. 2. The Feldenkrais MethodⓇ: Mary Debono discusses her personal experience with severe hip problems and how she found relief through the Feldenkrais Method. This method focuses on holistic approaches to movement and can offer relief from hip pain and stiffness. 3. Unique Approach to Hip Improvement: Unlike other methods that may focus solely on stretching or strengthening the hip muscles, the Feldenkrais Method takes into account individual history, injuries, and unique structural differences. It aims to help individuals organize their movements more efficiently to relieve stress around the hips. 4. Connection Between Human and Horse: Debono emphasizes the importance of integrating movement improvement for both humans and horses. Techniques like the Ischium Wave not only benefit the human but also help horses by transmitting ease and relaxation through their musculature. 5. Whole Body Functional Approach: Instead of isolated exercises, the Feldenkrais Method encourages a holistic understanding of movement, emphasizing efficient coordination throughout the entire body. This approach fosters regenerative movement patterns, reducing wear and tear on joints and muscles. 6. Biological Optimism: The method instills hope by encouraging curiosity about aches and pains, exploring ways to reduce effort and heal, and promoting coordinated movement to prevent compensation after injuries heal. 7. Benefits of Joining the Move With Your Horse group: Debono invites listeners to join her program (opening our doors soon!), which offers live coaching, professionally pre-recorded videos, other supporting materials (pdfs, etc.), and a unique blend of human and horse movement improvement techniques. 8. Encouragement to Explore Holistic Approaches: Listeners are encouraged to explore holistic, global approaches to addressing their own or their horse's movement issues, with the understanding that both human and horse deserve to feel great together. 🐴 Our Move with Your Horse program offers Feldenkrais lessons and live coaching so that you AND your horse can move and feel better than ever! 💥 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 💥 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h65 Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Email mary@marydebono.com All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Learn why the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ is gaining in popularity among equestrians. This innovative approach can improve your flexibility, balance and strength. And it can feel almost effortless. In this episode, you'll hear how the Feldenkrais Method can improve your ability to ride easily and comfortably - at any age! Want to know more? Key Takeaways: Feldenkrais Method 🐴 Our Move with Your Horse program offers Feldenkrais lessons and live coaching so that you AND your horse can move and feel better than ever! 💥 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 💥 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h64 Free rider masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your horse are unwell or injured.

Ready to improve your body awareness? Mary Debono guides you through a transformative body scan exercise designed to enhance your body awareness and melt away tension. Discover how subtle shifts in your own body can lead to a more harmonious connection with your horse. This practice will not only improve your riding skills, but also leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. You'll also hear about our exciting new Move With Your Horse online group coaching program at the end of the podcast. https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 💥 Key Takeaways: 💥Want to learn how to help you and your horse even more? 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 💥 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h63 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your horse are unwell or injured.

💥Want to learn how to help you and your horse even more? 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 💥 Would you like to be more supple, balanced and strong? Would you like to improve your horse's movement too? In this episode, we'll discuss why simply repeating movements won't help, and can actually make things worse! Our bodies were made to move, but so often both we and our horses get stuck in less-than-ideal movement patterns. Mindless repetition of a movement won't fix the problem, it can exacerbate it. To improve a movement, you must focus on the quality of the movement, not the quantity. To do that, you must pay attention to how you initiate movement. This mindful method can dramatically improve your movement and your horse's movement. It's key to improving balance, flexibility, and power, and can help make you and your horse a more harmonious and elegant team. Key Takeaways initiate💥Want to learn how to help you and your horse even more? 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 💥 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h62 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your horse are unwell or injured.

Learn Practical Strategies to Cultivate Awareness and Release Tension Join host Mary Debono as she explores the harmful effects of doing too much, both for humans and horses. Through anecdotes and insights, discover how excessive tension impacts movement and well-being. Learn practical strategies to cultivate awareness and release unnecessary effort. Tune in for a transformative discussion on achieving greater ease, harmony, and vitality in your life and your equine partnerships. 💥Want to learn how to help you and your horse even more? 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 💥 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h61 Key Takeaways 🔑 - The Feldenkrais MethodⓇ teaches how to let go of unnecessary tension and find a balance between doing and not doing. - In horses, tightness in the back can be caused by a lack of flexibility in the rib cage. - The Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and Debono Moves help horses and humans develop a sensory distinction between engaging and not engaging certain muscles. - Small, slow movements and focusing on initiating movements from different points can develop this sensory distinction. - Unnecessary tension and effort in humans can be felt by horses and affect their interactions and well-being. - Increasing awareness of how we move, breathe, and direct our attention can positively impact our relationship with horses. - The key is to do less and find ways to make movements feel easier by letting go of unnecessary tension. All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your horse are unwell or injured.

Do you feel crooked in the saddle? You're not alone! In this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Horses, we'll dive into the problem of uneven seat bones. This common issue isn't just about aesthetics. It can affect your riding ability, contribute to a lack of confidence, create physical discomfort, and even throw your horse off balance. It’s an incredibly common problem for riders. And the thing is, you may be crooked even if you feel perfectly even! But your HORSE feels your unevenness. In this episode, you’ll learn: The surprising consequences:Keys to conquering crookedness:Feldenkrais MethodⓇYour free roadmap to a more balanced seat: Grab the free rider masterclass here. 💥💥Grab the FREE rider masterclass videos here: https://www.marydebono.com/rider After you do all three videos from the rider masterclass, I invite you to explore this additional video to improve even more. (But please don't skip over the first 3 videos - they’re essential!) You can find the fourth, bonus video here. ⬅️ 💥Want to improve even more? 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 Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h60 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your horse are unwell or injured.

You may pay attention to how your horse looks and feels, but do you notice how your horse SOUNDS? Listening to your horse's footfalls can help you detect imbalances in your horse's movement and posture. And catching such imbalances early, while they're hardly noticeable, may prevent them from turning into more serious problems. In this episode, Mary will explain what it may mean if your horse's footfalls sound uneven. And you'll learn why intentionally listening to your horse can strengthen your ability to notice when something is "not quite right" with your horse. And help you take steps to guide your horse back to balanced, healthy movement. 💥Sign up here for free classes and 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 Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h59 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you or your horse are unwell or injured.

Want you and your horse to move easier and feel better? In this episode, you'll learn about 4 key characteristics of healthy movement for you and your horse. You'll hear why one or more of these essentials may disappear when you tack up your horse or step into the saddle. Learn how you and your horse can embody these 4 qualities in your everyday life for a healthier and more harmonious way of interacting with each other. 1. Introduction (00:00 - 00:00) 2. Sense of Effortlessness (02:00 - 00:00) 3. Optimal Posture (09:00 - 00:00) 4. Appropriate Breathing (15:00 - 00:00) 5. Reversibility (21:00 - 00:00) 6. Observing Your Horse (28:00 - 00:00) 7. Interacting with Your Horse (33:00 - 00:00) 8. Conclusion (40:00 - 00:00) 💥Sign up here for free classes and 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 Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h58 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Host Mary Debono, Feldenkrais Method Practitioner, shares insightful stories and practical wisdom on the profound impact of cultivating flexibility of body and mind for horses and riders. Mary describes real-life examples, showcasing how gentle, mindful movements can lead to remarkable changes in posture and physical comfort as well as the emotional well-being of both humans and horses. 💥Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h57 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Feel begins with being aware of your own body and movements. Here's an effective exercise that can help you become more sensitive to yourself AND your horse. Enhancing awareness of your own body is the first step to developing a greater feel of your horse. But it doesn't end there. It's also critical to be aware of your horse's body and movements. In this episode, I walk you through a simple, effective exercise that can help you become more sensitive to yourself AND your horse. You'll also learn how to: 1. Developing Your Feel: An Exercise to Elevate Your Horsemanship (00:00 - 07:18) 2. Feeling the Residual Effects of Working With Your Horse's Rib Cage (07:19 - 14:55) 3. Exploring Informed Intuition through Sensing your Horse (14:56 - 23:13) 4. Train Your Brain and Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Horse (23:13 - 26:32) 💥Sign up here for free classes and 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 Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h56 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Would you like to take something that you're probably already doing and make it much more beneficial for your horse? In this short episode, you can learn how to: 1. Establish a Better Bond with Your Horse Through Neuro Receptor Stimulation (00:00 - 06:12) 2. Developing Informed Intuition: Slow, Gentle Stroking for Enhancing Horse-Human Contact (06:13 - 11:43) 3. Unlocking the Power of Intuitive Horsemanship (11:43 - 16:52) 💥Sign up here for free classes and 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 Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h55 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Many of us move in ways that lead to injury, strain and pain. That's a recipe for resistance and frustration - for both you and your horse! In this episode, you'll discover how to use the 4 pillars of healthy movement to improve your athletic ability and be a better partner for your horse. 1. The Four Hallmarks of Healthy and Efficient Movement (00:00 - 05:59) 2. What Your Posture Can Indicate (05:59 - 11:48) 3. Moving with Ease and Pleasure: Why Your Horse's Posture Matters (11:48 - 17:32) 4. Harnessing the Power of Connected Breathing to Influence a Horse's Physical and Emotional State (17:32 - 22:54) 5. Four Hallmarks of Healthy Equine Movement (22:54 - 28:10) 💥Sign up here for free classes and 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 Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h54 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Did you know that YOU get to decide who you are? Not your parents, teachers, siblings, friends, coworkers, or random people on the internet. But most of us don’t realize that. We’ve let others shape us and decide who we are. We create our identities, often at a young age. And these identities can often prevent us from achieving our full athletic and creative potential. The good news is that you CAN reshape your identity! You can create a self-image that's aligned with who you truly want to be. This new self-image can help you become a healthier, more elegant move. A more skilled horsewoman. Even a cool-as-a-cucumber artist! In this episode, I share simple, effective ways you can reshape your self-image and upgrade your life. Thanks for listening and sharing! 1. Creating an Identity - Take Ownership and Decide Who You Are (00:00 - 06:05) 2. Discover How to Transform Your Self-Image with the Feldenkrais Method (06:05 - 12:02) 3. Shaping Your Identity to Move with Elegance, Grace, and Balance (12:02 - 18:11) 4. Reshaping Your Identity and Giving Your Brain Evidence of Improvement: An Example from Feldenkrais Lessons (18:12 - 23:40) 5. Raise Your Standards To Match Your Desired Identity: How Small Movements Can Rewire Your Brain for Elegant and Powerful Movement (23:40 - 29:35) 6. The Power of Taking Charge: How Your Actions Shape Your Identity To Live Your Best Life With Your Horse (29:35 - 35:18) 7. Thank You For Paying Attention to What Matters: The Move with Your Horse & Effortless Movement Programs (35:19 - 37:09) 💥Doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse are now open! Get all the details here: https://www.marydebono.com/mwyh0423💥 Mentioned in this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h53 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

Let's talk about how you - and your horse - can effortlessly improve your movement and well-being. Despite aging, injuries or even limiting beliefs! Here's what you can learn in this episode: 1. Keeping Mobility, Flexibility, Balance and Confidence Despite Aginng or Injury (or both!) Tips to Help (00:00 - 05:58) 2. Embracing Biological Optimism: Compounding Benefits of Attention and Movement (05:58 - 12:12) 3. Embracing Biological Optimism and Improving Despite Age and Injury (12:12 - 18:21) 4. Enhancing Your Horse's Performance and Well-being by Improving YOUR Movement & Mindset (18:22 - 24:43) 5. Discover How You and Your Horse Can Move with Ease: Free Classes Now Available! (24:43 - 25:34) 💥I'm offering FREE classes! Just sign up here and you'll get an invite soon: https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse. This is the waitlist for our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse. There's no obligation, just free stuff. Resources: Easily improve your movement and position in our FREE rider masterclass. Feldenkrais® for Riders videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider Podcast show notes for THIS episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h52 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.