Curious Equestrian Curious Equestrian

Welcome to another episode of the Curious Equestrian Podcast! 🎙️ In today's episode, we explore the unique and fascinating world of Hitch In Farm, run by Mike and Ellie Paddock in Carmarthenshire, West Wales. 🐴

Join us as we dive into life off the grid on a 52-acre farm where a team of 14 heavy horses takes on everything from logging and ploughing to charioteering. 🌳🚜 Discover how this dynamic duo has transformed their farm into a haven for working horses, teaching both people and animals the art of sustainable farming. 🌾

In this episode, you'll learn:


How Ellie and Mike got together to create a farm powered entirely by horsepower.
The process of training new and young horses to become reliable working partners.
The challenges and triumphs of rescuing horses bred for meat and breeding their own ideal working foals.
The importance of understanding the unique needs and capabilities of each horse on their farm.
Insights into natural horsemanship and the inspirations behind their gentle training methods.

Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or simply curious about sustainable farming, this episode offers a heartwarming and educational look into the life and work at Hitchin Farm. Don't miss the chance to get inspired by their incredible journey and dedication to preserving traditional skills with a modern twist.

🔗 Follow Hitchin Farm:
YouTube: Hitchin Farm
Instagram: @hitchin_farm
Facebook: Hitchin Farm

📌 Chapters:
0:00 - Introduction to Hitchin Farm
2:00 - Life Off-Grid with Heavy Horses
10:00 - Training Young Horses and Rescues
20:00 - The Role of Stallions and Mares in Farm Work
30:00 - Balancing Ecology and Farming
40:00 - Overcoming Challenges and Building a Community

💬 Subscribe and leave your comments below! What did you find most interesting about Mike and Ellie's journey? Have you ever considered using horses for farm work? Share your thoughts with us!

🌟 Curious Equestrian is Produced by Horsemanship Journal Horsemanship Journal (horsemanship-journal.com)

#CuriousEquestrianPodcast #horsemanshipjournal #HitchinFarm #WorkingHorses #SustainableFarming #NaturalHorsemanship #HeavyHorses #FarmLife #Equestrian




---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-equestrian/message

Join Kate as she dives into the world of modern horsemanship with renowned horse trainer, Dave Stuart. In this engaging conversation, Dave shares his journey from a childhood on a family cattle property to becoming a respected figure in horse training. He offers a treasure trove of insights gained from experiences at clinics with legends like Ray Hunt and from his own extensive practice in training and teaching. This episode explores the evolution of horsemanship, emphasizing the importance of patience, understanding, and connection in developing both horse and rider. Tune in to discover how Dave's approach can transform your horsemanship journey, fostering deeper bonds and more effective training strategies.




David returns to the UK, bringing with him decades of expertise and insights. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in one of his clinics or camps during his 2024 UK Schedule:

4-Day Horsemanship Clinic at The Spinney, Newmarket: 6th - 9th August7-Day Horsemanship Camp at Dudgeley Farm, Shropshire: 10th - 16th August5-Day Horsemanship Camp at Street Farm, Cumbria: 17th - 21st August4-Day Horsemanship Clinic at Lister Tower, Lyndhurst: 23rd - 26th August4-Day Horsemanship Clinic at Grants Farm, Somerset: 29th August - 1st September4-Day Horsemanship Clinic at Kentrigg Farm, Nottingham: 5th - 8th September

Each clinic and camp provides an invaluable opportunity to enhance your horsemanship skills under Dave's expert guidance. Whether you choose to join for a few days or the duration, these sessions are designed to cater to your individual needs and goals in horsemanship.

For more information or to book your spot, please contact Tina at sales@totalhorsemanship.co.uk. or visit: https://totalhorsemanship.co.uk/pages/david-stuart for more information






---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-equestrian/message

Join Andrea Wady in this inspiring video discussing how senior equestrians can thrive at every age. Andrea shares valuable insights on staying active and engaged in the equestrian community as a senior horse rider.

In this episode, Andrea focuses on a vital yet often overlooked topic: empowering older horse riders. Together, we explore the challenges and stereotypes ageing equestrians face in the saddle and in everyday life. Our conversation tackles the realities of ageing, from navigating menopause to adjusting riding techniques and managing horse care as one's physical and mental capacities evolve.

We delve into broader issues, too, discussing how to resist being marginalized in riding lessons and life decisions and the importance of maintaining an empowered decision-making role in our interactions with horses.

Andrea shares invaluable advice on preserving and enhancing our equestrian lifestyle as we age and setting new, ambitious goals for the future.

This episode is a beacon of inspiration for older horse riders and a crucial listen for younger equestrians planning a lifelong journey with horses. It's about refusing to be boxed in by age and embracing every phase of life with confidence and joy.

Learn more about the Wise Riders Community: https://andreawady.com/wise-riders/


Curious Equestrian is produced by https://horsemanship-journal.com/




---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-equestrian/message

Nicole Sherwood shares her compelling journey through the world of horsemanship. From early challenges with a spirited pony to finding her path in Western riding, Nicole's story is one of deep connection, perseverance, and discovery.



Listen as Nicole opens up about the highs and lows of her equestrian adventure, revealing the transformative power of equine partnership. Through tales of triumph and moments of uncertainty, she highlights the invaluable lessons learned along the way—both in and out of the saddle.



Nicole's introspections provide a unique lens on resilience; her experiences shed light on how horses bring joy, challenge us to evolve, and guide us through life's most arduous moments.



Follow Nicole on Facebook @urban horse school or Instagram
Nicole sherwood (@urban_horse_school) • Instagram photos and videos




---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-equestrian/message

This episode takes us into the heart of the Athena Herd Foundation, a place where transformation is as natural as the rain nourishing the earth.



Founded by the visionary Jennifer Geach and Graham Green, Athena Herd is not just a sanctuary for horses but a haven where humans and horses forge deep, healing connections.



Through the conversation, we uncover the origins of Athena Herd, from its inception to becoming a leading force in equine-facilitated interactions. Jennifer and Graham's stories are a testament to the power of passion, vision, and the courage to follow an unconventional path.



As we dive into their narrative, we discover a world where horses are respected as sentient beings, living in harmony with their natural instincts on a track system designed to mimic their ancestral environments. This approach promotes their well-being and enhances the therapeutic experiences for those who seek solace and understanding among the herd.



Graham shares his transformative journey from the corporate world to discovering the profound impact of mindfulness and emotional intelligence, facilitated by the gentle wisdom of horses. With her deep equestrian roots, Jennifer recounts the evolution of her relationship with horses.



The Athena Herd Foundation stands as a beacon of hope and transformation, offering profound lessons on mindfulness, compassion, and the strength found in vulnerability.


---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-equestrian/message

In this episode of the Curious Equestrian podcast, Anna Louise Claydon warmly welcomes the esteemed horseman Bernd Hackl, known affectionately as Bernie.

With over three decades of experience, Bernie shares his wisdom on the deep connection between horses and humans. He advocates for empathy, understanding, and a return to traditional, hands-on horsemanship.

Bernie's philosophy is rooted in self-awareness and the pursuit of a genuine bond with our equine companions.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their approach to horse training, inspired by Bernie's dedication to changing the equestrian world through kindness and mutual respect.

Learn more about Bernd: berndhackl.de

For more information about UK clinics with Bernie:
https://www.facebook.com/BlackfordGlen/
howdy@blackfordglen.com

Horsemanship Journal produces the Curious Equestrian Podcast. For more podcasts, articles and videos, visit horsemanship-journal.com

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
2:41 – The Journey into Horse Training
4:00 – Understanding the Horse's Perspective
8:29 – Challenges in Horse Training
13:19 – The Importance of Patience and Understanding
17:31 – The Significance of Inner Self in Horsemanship
19:58 – The Color of Energy
20:54 – Dealing with Difficult Horses
22:25 – Breeding and Behavior
28:09 – The Essence of Good Horse People
31:15 – Authenticity of Horses
31:54 – Approach to Horse Training
33:33 – Understanding Horse Psychology
34:59 – Extreme Trail Training
38:39 – Challenging Horse Abilities
39:11 – The Western Riding Route
40:46 – Learning from Horses
43:14 – Facing Tough Things Underneath the Surface
47:51 – The Future of Horse Training
50:37 – Purpose within the Equestrian Community




---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/curious-equestrian/message