Advertise on podcast: Easier Movement, Happier Horses

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: Discover how imbalances affect you and your horse, from postural stress to communication glitches. ‍Keys to conquering crookedness: Slow down, embrace playful exploration, and use approaches like the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ to find your center - effortlessly.Your free roadmap to a more balanced seat: The 3 videos from my free rider masterclass are a good foundation to help you become more aware and responsive in your 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.   Learn how flexibility of body and mind can be a solution to common challenges Mary shares examples of how she has helped riders improve their posture, leg position, and confidence - effortlesslyFlexibility in body and mind allows for improved posture, reduced tension, and increased confidenceHear why your underlying sense of ease or effort impacts your interactions with others, including your horseMary provides examples of how she has helped horses with various issues, leading to improved behavior and well-being💥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:  Develop informed intuition to strengthen your relationship with your horseTrain your brain to pay attention to important information so you can be more in tune with what the horse is feeling and experiencing.Reduce unnecessary so you can feel more 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: Develop your ability to tune in to your horse and identify areas of tension or sorenessReduce neuromuscular tension in your horse, promoting relaxation and comfortStimulates the CLTMs, specialized nerve fibers that facilitate communication and connection between you and your horseImproves your horse's body awareness and proprioception, which can enhance their balance, coordination, and athletic performancePromotes a centered and focused mindset for both you and your horse, fostering a calm and meaningful interaction1. 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. 

Let's talk about how you can effortlessly improve your movement. And your horse's performance.  Many of us force ourselves into a straighter posture and endure uncomfortable stretches in an attempt to improve our position and flexibility. And we use that same mindset with our horses. We use our seat, legs, hands and voice to "get" a horse to bend through a corner, pick up the right lead or round their back and engage their hind legs. We're constantly correcting ourselves and our horses!    And while this approach is common, it's not effective. Nor kind. In this episode, I offer you a kinder, more mindful alternative. This connecting approach not only feels better, it's also effective, it enhances body awareness AND it can elevate your relationship with your horse.   Here's what you'll learn in this episode:  Connecting with and feeling what is happening can result in improved emotional regulation and a sense of freedom and well-being for both you and your horse. This is huge! Distinguishing between effort and strain is important so that all parts of the body can work in harmony. Alternative approaches to correcting problem movements and habits can be more successful than simply trying to resist them.Building a strong connection with your horse is essential to create a comfortable and enjoyable tacking up and riding  experience.Observing your horse's movement habits can lead to profound improvements.💥Want to get expert coaching on putting this into practice?💥 Go to https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse to join the waitlist for our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse. Be among the first to know when we open our doors again. And qualify for valuable bonuses! 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/h51 All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice. 

This episode will introduce a novel way to improve shoulder movement in you and your horse.  And it's all about working with the rib cage! Mary will describe the innovative way she helps humans and horses overcome ligament and tendon injuries and restore free, healthy movement to the shoulders. You'll hear what NOT to do as well. Mary explains why stretching the limb may exacerbate the restriction.   Learn why Mary's "Rib Rope" can help horses and humans unlock freer, healthier shoulder and neck movement. It also enhances body awareness and may reduce the risk of injury.  (A link to vide about the Rib Rope is below.) 💥Want to get expert coaching on putting this into practice?💥 Go to https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse to join the waitlist for our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse. Be among the first to know when we open our doors again. And qualify for valuable bonuses! Mentioned in this episode: 💥Click here for video to improve your shoulder movement: https://app.searchie.io/watch/l7qL79owN9   Rib Rope video: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/a-surprising-use-for-your-lead-rope A short video about human shoulder and rib cage anatomy: https://app.searchie.io/watch/l7qLX83yq9 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/h50 All information is for general educations purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.