In this episode, I share why space and distanceare key in horse communication, and why they’re essential in Liberty Connection Work™. In fact, it’s so important that I never work in round-pens or picadeiros (small squares of 10x10 to 15x15 meters) during liberty connection sessions.
Trust, play, clear communication, and natural connection only happen when horses have room to move, choose, and express themselves freely. And to do that, they need space, a lot of space!
So in this episode, you’ll discover the 7 reasons I always work in a large arena, paddock, or pasture, including:
If you want to learn how to connect and communicate naturally with your horse, especially if your horse is fearful, distrustful, reactive, or traumatized, this episode is for you. Knowing how to communicate through space and distance can completely change the dynamics of your relationship and your horse’s well-being.
Listen now and discover why ditching the round-pen could transform your connection.
Plus: Early birds can join the Inner Circle list for my upcoming Liberty Connection & Beyond Program, with special bonuses for subscribers.
This episode is about something that influences every single moment we share with our horses, even when we’re not aware of it.
It’s about body awareness and self-awareness.
It’s about the subtle, yet powerful language we speak through our posture, our breath, and our energy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
I also warmly invite you to join the Inner Circle list of my upcoming Liberty Connection & Beyond program.
You can join the list here.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about something that some trainers say: “It’s not done!” While others say: “You need it!”
I’m talking about… pressure.
I want to explain to you what pressure reallyis, and how you can use it with feel.
You’re going to learn about:
· The different types of pressure
· Why I call it physical and driving “aids” instead of physical and driving “pressure”
· The four ways in which the horse can react to pressure (aids)
· What feel is, and the difference between being in contact versus out of contact
· A real-life story
Plus, I’ll guide you with reflective questionsand tips to bring this awareness into your training with your horse.
Whether you’re working at liberty, on the ground, or in the saddle, this episode will help you better understand your own use of pressure and build a more connected, two-way communication with your horse.
Mentionedin this episode:
Bonding Time Deep Dive, a guided, step-by-step course to build a deep bond and unshakeable trust with your horse.
With love,
– Karine
Have you ever raised your voice at your horse… or reacted out of frustration?
You’re not alone.
In this episode, we’re talking about something few feel safe to talk about: punishment.
Not because we want to hurt our horses, but because we’re human… and sometimes emotions take over.
But what really happens when we punish a horse?
And how can we shift from reaction to real connection?
In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about understanding more deeply, becoming more aware and making space for a new way.
You’ll walk away with insights, tools, and a renewed sense of possibility: that softness and clarity can go hand in hand, and that you can be a calm, connected, and grounded presence for your horse.
And if this touched you, please share it with a friend who might need to hear it too!
For more inspiration visit Horsefulnesstraining.com
With love, -- Karine
This episode is all about mindset and how it affects the way you train and connect with your horse.
It is said that "your mindset shapes your reality." But what does that really mean? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore together.
We’ll talk about the scientific research behind mindset, what it means to have a positive mindset (and what it doesn't mean), and how your mental attitude affects your relationship and training with your horse.
I’ll also guide you with reflective questions and practical tips to help you integrate this awareness into your daily life as a horsewoman and to strengthen your mindset.
So, join me in this new episode, and let me know your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!
With love, --Karine
PS: for more inspiration - visit Horsefulnesstraining.com
In this episode of the Horsefulness Training Podcast, I talk about something that surprises many horsewomen: the idea that groundwork shouldn’t come first.
You’ll discover:
Why groundwork exercises like leading, lunging, trailer loading or obstacle work don’t build true connection on their own
What should come before groundwork and why
The importance of Liberty Connection Work as a foundation
What happens when you focus on connection first, and training second
I also share more about my Liberty Connection & Beyond program, how it helps you build a strong foundation, and how to join the Inner Circle List to be first to know when the doors open.
▶ For more about the Liberty & Beyond Program, and join the Inner Circle list, visit https://horsefulnesstraining.com/beyond-horse-training-program/
With love, -- Karine
In this episode, I talk about what I call “The Treat Trap”, a common pitfall when trying to build a deep connection with your horse.
You’ll learn:
• What not to do when you want to build a natural, true bond
• About horses' natural need for connection
• Training your horse versus connecting with your horse
• How I personally fell into the treat trap too, and what I learned from it
I also share about my Bonding Time Deep Dive course, a unique course to guide you in creating a calm, joyful, and natural bond with your horse
If this episode spoke to you, feel free to share it with a friend who would love it too 💛
Thanks for listening and for being part of this journey toward more connection, communication, and joy with your horse.
I'd love to hear your thoughts – feel free to drop a comment or question!
Many horsewomen don’t realize how their own energy, affects their horse in so many ways.
Yes, most of you know you should be calm, most of you know that a horse can mirror you, but most of you don’t do enough to work with this. Horses are incredibly sensitive to energy, and even the slightest tension can create discomfort ordistance between you.
And that is even more so, if you are dealing with a traumatized horse, or a horse that is anxious, stressed, or in another way out of balance.
In this episode I share three simple but essential steps to help your (challenging) horse, feel more connected, calm and trustful.
So, take this opportunity to take the first step to connect with your horse in a new way.
Enjoy, and if you have any questions, just send me an e-mail or post it here in the comment section.
With love, -- Karine
For more inspiration, please visit my website Horsefulnesstraining.com
In this episode, I go deeper into the challenge of horses that are difficult to approach, difficult to catch, and difficult to halter.
Maybe you've experienced this at some point in your life as a horsewoman, or perhaps right now you're dealing with a horse who’s hard to catch.
If that’s the case, I have a question for you:
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like if the relationship with your horse began not with you choosing your horse, but with your horse choosing you?
Together, we’ll go through a visualization in which you'll create a peaceful space, where your horse can become curious about you, where your horse can choose to be with you when he’s ready.
Are you ready?
Let me know in the comments how you experienced this deepening exercise. I’d love to read how it felt for you.
If you want more inspiration, or my help, be sure to take a look at horsefulnesstraining.com.
For the Bonding Time Deep Dive mini-course, go here: https://horsefulnesstraining.com/bonding-time-deep-dive/
With love,
--Karine
What if the strongest bond with your horse didn’t start with doing… but with simply being?
In this episode, I share the heartfelt story of a so-called “sour mare” that changed the way I looked at connecting with horses forever, and how that experience grew into one the powerful practice of what I came to call Bonding Time.
You’ll learn:
If you’ve ever felt there must be a more natural and a more soulful way to bond and connect with your horse, this episode will feel like home.
Want to learn more about the Bonding Time Deep Dive? Here’s the link where you’ll find all the information: https://horsefulnesstraining.com/bonding-time-deep-dive/
If this episode spoke to you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with others who might need to hear it too. You can tag me in your Stories or leave a comment here on Spotify; it means so much. Thank you!
With love,
-- Karine
In this episode, I explore a powerful question: Are you making progress with your horse, or are you making excuses?
I talk about the fears that often hide behind our excuses, how they keep us stuck, and how small actions can lead to real growth.
This is a loving but clear invitation to choose courage over comfort, and to show up for your horse, imperfectly, but fully present.
Don't be shy to let me know your thoughts in the comments.
And, if you want to know more about my work, I invite you to take a look at https://horsefulnesstraining.com/
Enjoy this episode ♡
With love, -- Karine
In this episode I talk about something that I carry deeply in my heart. It's a message I wish every horse owner could feel with his heart, and not just understand with their head.
It’s this: “Your horse doesn't need to be fixed”.
We live in a world that is very focused on problems and which is very goal orientated. We are trained to see what’s wrong, what needs to be corrected and what needs to improve or change. And this way of thinking, often without us realizing, creeps into our relationship with our horse as well.
But what if there is nothing wrong with your horse? What if your horse doesn’t need fixing, but understanding?
When you look at your horse with the eyes of your heart, you begin to see something else. You can see the message behind what they’re doing. You can see communication behind the behavior.
If you are ready to move beyond traditional problem-solving methods and embrace a deeper, more soulful partnership with your horse, this episode will offer you a fresh perspective and practical inspiration.
For more free resources on building a true and natural connection with your horse, visit www.horsefulnesstraining.com.
Thank you for listening and for being part of this journey towards more connection, communication, and joy with your horse.
Feel free to drop a comment/question, and let me know what you think about this episode.
With love,
-- Karine
In this final episode of our 5-part myth-busting series, we’re tackling another harmful idea that still circulates in the horse world: “Your horse needs to know who’s boss, otherwise they’ll be difficult to train.”
This dominance-based belief is rooted in a misunderstanding of how horses lead and interact within a herd. Many people still think that there is only 1 leading mare, who dominates the others and is always in charge. But observation and science show that leadership in horses is flexible, shared, and based on trust, not rank.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
This episode will inspire you to train through connection, not control.
Want to learn more about building a mindful, trust-based relationship with your horse? Visit www.horsefulnesstraining.com for free resources, or email us at info@horsefulnesstraining.com.
Did you like this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. I'd love to hear from you!
With love,
-- Karine
In this episode, we continue our myth-busting journey by taking a closer look at a very persistent belief from dominance-based training methods:
If you move your feet first, you act lower in rank.
This idea suggests that letting your horse "move you" somehow diminishes your authority. But is that really how horses think? The answer is no, and in this episode, I explain why.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The difference between moving with purpose and being driven away
Situations where it's okay (even wise!) to let your horse "move you"
How to recognize when to stand your ground and when to yield
Why leadership is not about rigid rules, but about awareness, confidence, and communication
You’ll hear how conscious movement, and not control through dominance, helps build a better bond and mutual respect with your horse.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced horsewoman, this episode will help you train with more clarity, softness, and trust.
Got a question or insight?
Email me at info@horsefulnesstraining.com or leave a comment — I read and respond to every one!
Explore more mindful horse training tips on www.horsefulnesstraining.com
And don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode.
In the next episode, I’ll be diving into Myth #5: “Horses need to know who’s boss, otherwise they’re hard to train” — one you definitely want to hear!
Until then, enjoy your time with your horse.
With love,
-- Karine
Among many trainers and horse owners, there is a strong belief in the dominance theory, and when a problem with the horse occurs, it is quickly claimed that the horse is dominant.
When the horse is pushy, he's 'dominant'.
When he bites, he’s 'dominant.'
Even if the horse doesn’t follow an instruction given by a human, the horse 'is dominant,' while it is often the case that the horse doesn’t understand or reacts emotionally through fear or frustration.
No horse IS dominant. What is possible is that a horse can SHOW dominant BEHAVIOR.
Maybe you think, "That is the same thing, isn't it?" But no, it isn’t!
In this episode, you'll find out why.
Want to learn more about building a mindful, trust-based relationship with your horse? Visit www.horsefulnesstraining.com for free resources, or email us at info@horsefulnesstraining.com.
Did you like this episode? Please subscribe and leave a review. I'd love to hear from you!
With love,
-- Karine
Free training: https://horsefulnesstraining.com/from-trauma-to-trust/
In this episode, I talk about one of the most common myths in the horse world: that to be your horse's leader, you need to be higher in rank. This idea is based on the belief that horses follow a strict hierarchy, but that is simply not how it works in real life.
Horses do not have a fixed ranking system, and leadership in a herd is not about dominance. It is about trust, calmness, and mutual understanding.
In this episode, I explain why showing dominance is not the same as being a good leader, and how you can develop the kind of leadership your horse truly responds to.
I also share why Bonding Time is the very first step I teach in Horsefulness Training. It is not just about creating a connection with your horse, but also about finding your own calm and confidence. When you build a solid foundation of trust and emotional balance, your horse will naturally start to follow your lead.
You will hear how many of my students experience big changes within just a few days of starting Bonding Time, not only in their horses, but in themselves as well.
If you are ready to take the first step toward a natural and mindful partnership with your horse, I invite you to join my free training.
Enjoy this episode on Myth #2, and I hope to welcome you in the free training.
In the next episode, I will dive into Myth #3: "My horse is dominant."
In this episode, Tom Deloof will guide you in a deep relaxation exercise in which you will transform a negative self-image into a positive one. This will have a positive impact on you and your horse. Use headphones for the best result.
In the upcoming five episodes of the Horsefulness Training Podcast, I'll be talking about the top five myths and misconceptions in horse training. We'll also see how these misconceptions affect the relationship between horses and humans.
In this episode, I take a closer look at Myth #1: the idea that you have to be your horse’s leader. This is something I hear often, but it’s based on a misunderstanding of how leadership actually works in a group of horses. I explain how this can negatively affect the way we work with our horses.
You will also hear how, in Horsefulness Training, especially during Liberty Connection Training, we shift naturally between guiding our horse and following their lead. It is a two-way communication, built on mutual respect and trust.
In the next episode, I will talk about Myth #2: "If you want to be your horse’s leader, you need to be higher in rank". I hope you will join me for that one as well.
And, if you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you subscribed and left a review. That way, you help others discover the Horsefulness Training philosophy too.
Take care, connect with your horse, and keep making a difference in your horse’s life. Because your horse only lives once.
Because of the corona crisis, which is influencing the whole world, many people are in a state of hightend anxiety.
That’s why, in this 5th episode of the Horsefulness Training Podcast, I want to guide you during the “Subtle Breathing Technique”.This simple technique will help you to de-stress and calm down and help you to deal with the situation better.
But that’s not the only reason to listen to this episode. Because this subtle breathing technique will also help you in the training of your horse!
As horses are naturally drawn to people who are calm and connected, you can use this technique before you go to your horse or when you are with your horse. I’m sure you’ll notice the difference!
During my work with horses and students I identified 5 main causes why horses lose their joy and become fearful, stressed or resistant during training.
If you are experiencing training problems with your horse at the moment, or you want to prevent having problems, for sure this episode will be valuable to you!