Do you want to advance up the levels without sacrificing your horse's welfare and your relationship with him? Do you find it confusing trying to reconcile competitive training techniques with methods that prioritize partnership? Get ready for some fresh insights and a deeper understanding of how to progress with your horse. This podcast invites an evolution in your training and learning experience. Karen Rohlf will give you specific techniques and exercises, ‘outside the box’ concepts, and perspectives from top professionals. This show will explore how you can create stronger partnerships and healthy biomechanics, and will help you be your best self...
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Nov 13, 2026 · 52:28
In this episode I talk about the importance of knowing if the challenge your horse is having is mental, emotional, or physical. Each requires very different strategies and…
Oct 30, 2026 · 18:52
In this episode I share some of my thoughts, confusions, and my mixed feelings about where I am in the horse world right now. I know I am not alone in these wonderings. I hope…
Oct 23, 2026 · 44:47
In this episode I’ll talk about why I teach my horses tricks, the benefits of doing it, and how it affects our relationship. ❤️ Show your love & support for the pod: Make a…
Oct 9, 2026 · 52:21
In this episode I talk with Dr. Joe Bertone, DVM about his work with Equine Sleep Deprivation. He shares what it is, the many possible causes, and how you can help horses who may…
Oct 2, 2026 · 1:07:11
In this episode I talk with Dr Steve Peters about about our horses' nervous systems and how they function and adapt to the horse’s life experience and training. He is a fountain…
Sep 25, 2026 · 43:53
In this episode I share some observations from my last two trips: An event in Italy with multiple presenters where I found common threads, and a clinic in Maine where once again…
Sep 18, 2026 · 31:14
In this episode you’ll hear from me and some of the DN licensed instructors as we share what we love about connecting with students on our live calls inside the Sweet Spot…
Sep 11, 2026 · 32:12
In this episode I reintroduce a previous episode about the Sweet Spot of Healthy Biomechanics concept and protocol because it’s THAT important. It can transform the way you…
Sep 4, 2026 · 20:23
In this episode I talk about paying attention to what you are putting in and what you are getting out of your training sessions. There’s a magic ingredient that can help you get…
Aug 21, 2026 · 27:36
In this episode I talk a bit about how we humans can get into a rut of what is normal and expected, and what can happen when two people have a different opinion of what is normal…
Aug 7, 2026 · 26:24
In this episode I talk about why you might want to try bridleless riding, and how to get started. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an…
Jul 31, 2026 · 49:28
In this episode I talk about how I do things differently when it’s hot out. It’s all about accepting and adapting. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage…
Jul 24, 2026 · 27:33
In this episode I talk about the importance of knowing what is coming into our attention. It can create a soundtrack for everything we do. Often it is the difference between…
Jul 17, 2026 · 40:17
In this episode I answer a question about giving food rewards when the horse becomes obsessed with the food, stops focusing, and gets frustrated. About the Host: Karen Rohlf,…
Jul 10, 2026 · 38:22
In this episode I answer a student’s question about trusting the program she is in when it doesn’t seem to be working for her horse. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and…
Jul 3, 2026 · 48:33
In this episode I answer a student’s question about how to handle fear as an older rider - but it really applies to riders of any age. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and…
Jun 12, 2026 · 28:55
In this episode I’ll talk about how sometimes pressure, deadlines, and a bit of imagination helps you break your own patterns and discover better results. About the Host: Karen…
Jun 5, 2026 · 35:41
In this episode I’ll talk about rider balance, horse balance, and how to improve both when each is taking the other out of balance. I’ll also relate this to improving body work…
May 29, 2026 · 55:13
In this episode I talk pressure and release and positive reinforcement in an (hopefully) helpful way, freeing you from the extreme opinions and helping you play where the truth…
May 1, 2026 · 19:16
In this episode I talk about how YOUR way is more important than THE way. The path is only right, if it’s right for you. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of…
Apr 17, 2026 · 1:02:45
In this episode I talk about Emotional Freedom Tapping with Sarah Louise Lilley and we are also joined by DN Instructor Shawna Lewis who uses EFT for herself and her horses. I…
Apr 3, 2026 · 25:34
In this episode I share a story about the power of accepting praise and contemplate whether to hold on to, or not, the old measures of success. About the Host: Karen Rohlf,…
Mar 27, 2026 · 53:09
In this episode DN Instructor, Shawna Lewis and I talk about learning in online courses - why so many are disappointing, and what makes it possible to totally transform your…
Mar 20, 2026 · 47:31
In this episode I talk about the pillars of rehabilitation I use when helping an equine athlete return to a mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy state. And the good…
Mar 13, 2026 · 35:05
In this episode I reflect on my recent conference with all the DN Instructors, and share one piece about priorities for teaching. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator…
Feb 27, 2026 · 24:33
In this episode I explain a way to use the HATS to make better progress while prioritizing your horse’s well-being. It’s a short but hopefully very helpful episode that you can…
Feb 13, 2026 · 29:55
In this episode I talk about when my horse makes the best decisions, and how we need to be paying attention and ready to set aside our egos when that happens. About the Host:…
Feb 6, 2026 · 31:46
In this episode I talk about how we should feel about our horse getting ‘big’ when online or at liberty. Will it make it more likely they’ll leap and buck under saddle? Is it OK…
Jan 30, 2026 · 48:19
In this episode I continue my exploration of what we can do to help horses when they are being mistreated. Helping to improve horse welfare isn’t just about taking action in the…
Jan 9, 2026 · 59:05
In this episode I am joined by the USPC Equine Welfare Task Force, made up of: Dr Stacy Anderson, Heather Bell, Dr Laura Thompson, Christina Keim. In creating this, they are…
Jan 2, 2026 · 1:04:57
In this episode I speak with high performance expert Dr Jenny Susser, a self described athlete, scientist, horse lover and people expert. She helps people with high performance,…
Dec 19, 2025 · 54:51
In this episode I am joined by Dr Judith Shoemaker and Dr Karen Gellman. They talk about Postural Rehabilitation and why horses may not respond to treatment. It is often due to…
Dec 12, 2025 · 25:39
In this episode I talk about your horse’s M.O. Is there a quirk or behavior that continues through as you train? That even if you improve it, it comes back… how do we feel about…
Nov 28, 2025 · 39:23
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…
Nov 14, 2025 · 22:36
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…
Oct 31, 2025 · 43:25
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…
Oct 24, 2025 · 56:33
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…
Oct 17, 2025 · 29:46
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. About the Host: Karen…
Oct 3, 2025 · 28:45
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,…
Sep 26, 2025 · 34:56
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…
Sep 19, 2025 · 1:02:36
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…
Sep 12, 2025 · 41:42
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…
Aug 22, 2025 · 3:30
We’re taking a little summer break from the pod. See you in September!
Aug 15, 2025 · 33:01
Often we who want harmony and lightness can tend to focus on doing less, asking for less, and being as invisible as possible. In this episode I talk about how sometimes we want…
Aug 1, 2025 · 55:00
In this episode I speak with Christina Keim, author of Unwanted, The Causes and Effects of America’s Horse Population Crisis . This is a book every horse lover needs to read, and…
Jul 25, 2025 · 52:41
In this episode we’ll meet my newest DN licensed Instructor, Niki Wilde Broadhead from Utah. She has a background in foundational horsemanship and a passion for cowboy dressage…
Jul 18, 2025 · 41:36
This episode is a reintroduction of one of the most important concepts I teach, the Happy Athlete Training Scale. This is the framework for ethical training with a prioritization…
Jul 11, 2025 · 25:21
In this episode I give you a simple technique you can use in many different situations to improve what’s going on between you and your horse. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author…
Jul 4, 2025 · 27:41
In this episode I talk about some of the challenges of being a horse professional for many decades, how things change, and perhaps a more positive way to navigate it. About the…
Jun 20, 2025 · 29:14
In this episode I talk about how to keep track of all the things we need to keep track of when we’re doing stuff with our horses, and how do we know if it’s us that need to…
Jun 13, 2025 · 32:03
In this episode I’ll talk about some ways I help myself make decisions with my horses (and life). About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an…
Jun 6, 2025 · 34:18
In this episode I talk about intention and surrender, that delicate dance between having a plan and allowing things to happen naturally, between leading our horses to do things,…
May 16, 2025 · 45:04
In this episode I take a look at horse welfare and how we can respond to situations where we think a horse is in a less-than-ideal situation. I’ll share three models, two to help…
May 9, 2025 · 37:25
In this episode I answer a listener’s question about the challenge of deciding when to stop riding when it is the horse’s decision to stop. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author…
May 2, 2025 · 25:16
In this episode I talk about animal consciousness. It’s a big subject that can get confusing quickly, and that’s why I wrote a fable about it. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author…
Apr 25, 2025 · 28:04
In this episode I talk about the magical stuff, those synchronous, rare moments when the stars align, and how maybe they are much more ordinary in the best way possible. About…
Apr 18, 2025 · 33:40
In this episode we revisit episode 87 on Going Through because it is such an important subject! This episode is about throughness in the dressagey sense of the word, and it’s…
Apr 11, 2025 · 29:53
In this episode I share a couple favorite must-have flexibility exercises from my book. I also share my birthday wish! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage…
Mar 28, 2025 · 51:17
This episode is all about the Sweet Spot program and how it helps you find more harmony with your horse in an empowering and transformative way. At the time this is episode is…
Mar 21, 2025 · 55:18
In this episode I am joined by DN Instructor Shawna Lewis. We answer questions from listeners. There are questions about connection with the reins, low energy horses, reactive…
Mar 14, 2025 · 19:03
In this episode I’ll tell a funny little scary story that is remotely horse-related and then I’ll share 5 pieces of advice that will help you with horses (and maybe with more…
Mar 7, 2025 · 1:01:13
In this episode I talk with Sandra Beaulieu, the award-winning author of FREESTYLE: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music. Sandra is a USDF Bronze &…
Feb 28, 2025 · 38:02
In this episode I talk about a couple of excerpts from my book. This time it’s about lateral work and self carriage. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage…
Feb 14, 2025 · 35:04
In this episode I talk about the most important middle between reward and punishment: Communication and Dancing. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage…
Jan 31, 2025 · 41:34
In this episode I talk about when it’s appropriate to prioritize improving how your horse moves. Doing it too soon or too late both have consequences…The most important thing is…
Jan 24, 2025 · 36:02
In this episode I’ll talk about variety - the kind we choose, and the kind we don’t. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally…
Jan 17, 2025 · 44:44
In this episode I muse about motivation and WHY we do horses… and how that may or may not affect the results we get. I’ll also share another story of how smart my horse Atomic…
Jan 3, 2025 · 1:01:00
In this episode I talk with Dr. Karen Gellman who specializes in biomechanics. She is part of a team of people who created the Postural Rehabilitation program. We’ll be talking…
Jan 1, 2025 · 26:48
This is a bonus New Year Letter from Karen. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the…
Dec 27, 2024 · 1:24:30
In this episode I am joined by Dr. Lily Wilson, a veterinary surgeon who has created a new way of helping horse owners take the very best care of their equine partners. Today we…
Dec 13, 2024 · 38:23
In this episode, I’ll be sharing 3 random thoughts: A story about how smart horses are, some beautiful irony in the horse world today, and some reassurance for the people most…
Nov 29, 2024 · 57:06
In this episode, you’ll be joining me while I do night check on Atomic. You’ll share our private special time together and muse about relationships with horses. About the Host:…
Nov 22, 2024 · 29:28
In this episode I talk about the power of the basics and some essential things you’ll want to get great at. About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally,…
Nov 8, 2024 · 36:03
In this episode, I’ll muse about harmony. It’s not about everything being perfect. You can harmonize with disharmony! About the Host: Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage…
Nov 1, 2024 · 58:12
In this episode, I tell a story about some recent performances and teaching I did at the Iberian Showcase at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. I’ll share my experience and…
Oct 18, 2024 · 37:27
In this episode, Karen talks about suppleness and key factors to help your horse maximize his potential for it! It’s an important quality that has mental, emotional and physical…
Oct 11, 2024 · 31:28
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.…
Sep 27, 2024 · 48:28
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…
Sep 20, 2024 · 31:52
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…
Sep 13, 2024 · 32:15
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…
Aug 30, 2024 · 36:51
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…
Aug 16, 2024 · 35:19
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…
Aug 9, 2024 · 26:40
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…
Jul 26, 2024 · 42:57
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…
Jul 19, 2024 · 36:48
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…
Jul 5, 2024 · 34:21
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:…
Jun 14, 2024 · 48:46
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…
Jun 7, 2024 · 1:04:29
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…
May 31, 2024 · 42:54
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…
May 17, 2024 · 30:07
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…
May 3, 2024 · 48:05
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…
Apr 19, 2024 · 29:43
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…
Apr 12, 2024 · 55:46
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…
Apr 5, 2024 · 42:10
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…
Mar 22, 2024 · 32:34
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…
Mar 15, 2024 · 40:19
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…
Mar 8, 2024 · 23:07
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…
Mar 1, 2024 · 48:01
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…
Feb 23, 2024 · 37:39
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…
Feb 16, 2024 · 52:39
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…
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