EP247: Wanting To

In this episode I muse about how my horses and I navigate our feelings of ‘wanting to’ do things together (or not). I’ll share some stories of my horses and hopefully leave you feeling a little more free.  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 program is 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:Video Of Teo at Liberty: November 2025: Your Horse Gets To Choose: Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/ Ask a question or leave a message for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats[Text Wrapping Break]Discount code: HATS100 to save $100 Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707 The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course Get 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/ Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://dressagenaturally.net/habits. Program for Professionals: TYB Action & Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/ Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand   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 FOLLOW the...

In this episode I talk about how perfect my horses are - not just my horses, but your horses, and all horses! This is not some superficial positive thinking, it’s  a context and an attitude that has a tremendous influence on how you train and live with horses. 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 program is 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:Blog: Assumption of Obligingness: https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/an-assumption-of-obligingness Ask a question or leave a message for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats[Text Wrapping Break]Discount code: HATS100 to save $100 Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707 The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvd\ Karen Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/ Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course Get 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/ Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://dressagenaturally.net/habits. Program for Professionals: TYB Action & Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/ Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand Thanks so much for

In this episode I’ll be talking with Scott Beckstead of the Wild Horse Refuge in Colorado. We’ll talk about how he is helping wild horses who have been rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management return to a life of freedom.About the Guest:A lifelong student and admirer of horses and all equines, Scott Beckstead grew up with horses on his family’s farm and spent much of his childhood and youth on horseback in the mountains of Idaho. After receiving his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and his JD from the University of Utah, Beckstead worked as an attorney in private practice for 17 years on the central Oregon coast before going to work full-time in the animal protection sector as a legislative lobbyist, agriculture policy director, and equine welfare specialist. During his time on the coast he also served as the mayor of Waldport, Oregon from 2002 to 2007.&nbsp;Beckstead became known for his special expertise in the field of animal law, and has taught that subject as well as classes on wildlife, animal agriculture, cannabis, and polar law at Willamette University College of Law as an adjunct professor of law since 2010. In 2000, he co-authored Animal Law, the first casebook on the subject.&nbsp;Because of his familiarity with horses, livestock, and farm animals, Beckstead provides training to law enforcement agencies on how to handle and work with those animals, and how to investigate equine and livestock cruelty and neglect. He currently serves as Chief Equine Programs Director for The Wild Animal Sanctuary, overseeing the organization’s work to save and protect equines both wild and domestic.&nbsp;Beckstead is married to Jackie and has four children, two grandchildren, and an assortment of pets.&nbsp;Wild Horse Refuge: https://www.wildhorserefuge.org/ Contact Scott: [email protected]&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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. &nbsp;Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business program is a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Resource Links:Wild Horse Refuge: https://www.wildhorserefuge.org/&nbsp;Contact Scott Beckstead: [email protected]&nbsp;&nbsp;Ask a question or leave a message for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything&nbsp;How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats Discount code: HATS100 to save $100&nbsp;Private Consult: <a...

In this episode I talk with Elsa Sinclair of Taming Wild. I invite her to discuss her opinion on pressure, escalating pressure, and freedom. She offered a unique and nuanced opinion about pressure and how it fits into her Freedom-Based training techniques.&nbsp;&nbsp;About the Guest:&nbsp;For ELSA SINCLAIR, horse training has been a lifelong pursuit, but her career took a turn when one day a student asked her if horses really enjoyed being ridden, and more importantly, if they knew they had a choice in the matter. Without an answer for her student, Sinclair set off on a quest to find one: If horses were given a choice, would they let us ride them—without force, control, or treats to lure them? With a Mustang mare straight off the range and a desire to connect using none of the usual horse training “tools,” just body language, Sinclair began to explore the possibilities. Her project led to a documentary called Taming Wild and ultimately to the method of horsemanship she now teaches: Freedom Based Training® (tamingwild.com).&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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. &nbsp;Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business program is a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Resource Links:Elsa Sinclair’s Taming Wild Website: https://www.tamingwild.com/&nbsp;Ask a question or leave a message for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything&nbsp;How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats[Text Wrapping Break]Discount code: HATS100 to save $100&nbsp;Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707&nbsp;The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/&nbsp;Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course&nbsp;Get 3 free training videos: <a...

In this episode I talk about the power of narration. It’s a technique I use to build confidence, gain clarity, minimize fear, and to stay in the moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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. &nbsp;Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business program is a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Resource Links:Ask a question or leave a message for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything&nbsp;How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats Discount code: HATS100 to save $100&nbsp;Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707&nbsp;The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/&nbsp;Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course&nbsp;Get 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/&nbsp;Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://dressagenaturally.net/habits.&nbsp;Program for Professionals: TYB Action &amp; Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/&nbsp;Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand&nbsp;Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!&nbsp;Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast!&nbsp;Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!&nbsp;

In this episode I have some fun with numbers, starting with a loose calculation of how much time I’ve spent practicing with horses, then somehow I move on to balance, connection, and resistance. About the Host:Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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:Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-courseHow To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hatsDiscount code: HATS100 to save $100Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/Ask a question for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnythingGet 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://dressagenaturally.net/habits.Program for Professionals: TYB Action &amp; Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLandThanks 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 a disturbing situation where some professionals are actively making students feel bad about themselves in the name of caring about horses. I’ll share my thoughts and how you can avoid falling into this trap.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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. &nbsp;Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business program is a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Resource Links:&nbsp;Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course&nbsp;How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hatsDiscount code: HATS100 to save $100&nbsp;Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707&nbsp;The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/&nbsp;Ask a question for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything&nbsp;Get 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/&nbsp;Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://dressagenaturally.net/habits.&nbsp;Program for Professionals: TYB Action &amp; Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/&nbsp;Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand&nbsp;&nbsp;Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!&nbsp;Don’t forget to FOLLOW the...

In this episode I talk with Tik Maynard, professional event rider, author, and two-time winner of The Road To The Horse colt starting championships. About the Guest: Tik Maynard is a renowned equestrian from Canada. He is a trainer, and author of 2 books: In The Middle Are The Horsemen, and Starting in The Middle…. He is known for his expertise in horsemanship, eventing, and colt starting, notably winning The Road To The Horse colt-starting competition twice. He represented Canada in Modern Pentathlon at the 2007 Pan American Games and has competed at the advanced level in Three-Day Eventing, holding long-listed status for the Canadian team.  Tik won the Freestyle twice at the Thoroughbred Makeover and judged it once.  He currently runs Copperline Equestrian in Ocala, Florida with his wife, professional event rider Sinead Halpin.  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 program is 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: Tik Maynard website: https://www.copperlineequestrian.com/&nbsp;Tik Maynard books: In The Middle Are The Horsemen, Starting In The Middle&nbsp;Tik Maynard Online learning: https://noellefloyd.com/&nbsp;Karen Rohlf’s Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course&nbsp;How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats Discount code: HATS100 to save $100&nbsp;Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707&nbsp;The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/&nbsp;Ask a question for the pod: <a href="https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

In this episode I talk about energy; not the kind that has to do with bigger gaits, or stronger aids, but the kind that effects how we are doing what we are doing.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.&nbsp;&nbsp;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. &nbsp;Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business program is a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Resource Links:&nbsp;Course: Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/sweet-spot-course&nbsp;How To Create A Happy Athlete course: https://go.dressagenaturally.net/hats Discount code: HATS100 to save $100&nbsp;Private Consult: https://karenrohlf.as.me/schedule/d1232333/appointment/1513707/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds[]=1513707&nbsp;The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvdKaren Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/&nbsp;Ask a question for the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything&nbsp;Get 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/&nbsp;Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://dressagenaturally.net/habits.&nbsp;Program for Professionals: TYB Action &amp; Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/&nbsp;Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand&nbsp;Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it!&nbsp;Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast!&nbsp;Leave us an iTunes review - Did you love it? Let us know!&nbsp;

We’re taking a little summer break from the pod. See you in September!&nbsp;&nbsp;