Everything Horses & More! Podcasts

Caroline Beste

You’re listening to Everything Horses & More! Podcast with me, your host, Caroline Beste, founder of Tao of Horsemanship Academy, https://www.taoofhorsemanship.com/.  I bring a holistic and spiritual approach to classical and natural horsemanship, combining science, mindfulness and personal development to achieve true unity and harmony between horse and rider. With a focus on equine rehabilitation and foundation, I have been able to help horse owners world-wide achieve the relationship and ride of their dreams with horses.In addition, I am an artist, author, entrepreneur, speaker, radio show host, personal development coach, licensed Working Equitation trainer and instructor.   I offer one of the largest and most comprehensive online educational platforms, The Tao of Horsemanship Academy, where I host a variety of courses produced and personally taught by me and my amazing co-facilitators, my horses.   I invite you to listen in every month and hope you find something that touches your heart and inspires you to reach your personal goals and aspirations with horses.    Thank you and may you always be one with your horse. Yours Truly,Caroline Beste

  1. Oct 26

    Don't Lobotomize the Horse with Elisabeth Johansen

    Send us Fan Mail What if the key to a calmer, more willing horse isn't more training, but deeper understanding, a shift in your mindset? That's the question at the heart of my next live episode of the Everything Horses & More! Podcast, and I'm so excited to introduce you to my guest, Elisabeth Johansen, author of Don't Lobotomize the Horse: A Science-Based Guide to Equine Physiology, Understanding Horse Behavior, and Biological Needs – While Building Unshakable Trust. ABOUT ELISABETH Elisabeth's journey with horses began over 30 years ago, and along the way she saw firsthand how horses suffer when their humans lack the knowledge they need. She holds a bachelor's degree in Equine Science, with further education in Practical Pedagogical Education and animal-assisted interventions from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.  Today she teaches Horse-Assisted Connection at her small farm in Norway with her own horses, and offers Equine Assisted Learning to school children in her area. WHAT WE'LL TALK ABOUT How your horse's brain and nervous system shape the way they perceive the worldDecoding stress triggers and the behaviors we so often misunderstandWhy research points us away from forceful training and toward true connection and safetyElisabeth's own path: going bitless, riding without stirrups, trading saddles for saddle pads, and teaching her students two-way communication with the horseHow she turned years of study and "a-ha" moments into her book seriesThe beauty of Elisabeth's work is that she takes solid, science-based knowledge that is often hard to find and understand and makes it accessible to every horse person, no matter their background. As she puts it, our horses deserve for us to have a deeper understanding. Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/8269365491?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Learn more about Elisabeth: https://www.harmoniskhest.com/. Please contact Elisabeth at: elisabethjohansen87@gmail.com

  2. Oct 15

    The Neuroscience of Safety and Authentic Connection

    Send us Fan Mail My guest is one of my own students, Sheri Scurr. Sheri is an experienced horsewoman and certified equine-assisted experiential learning facilitator who has been leading equine-assisted workshops and healing retreats since 2021, including work with veterans, people in addiction recovery, and practitioners seeking professional development. She is currently becoming certified in Polyvagal Theory under Dr. Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, and other co-founders of the Polyvagal Institute, and she founded Pathways to Authentic Connection to help equine-assisted professionals bring nervous system awareness into their programs. Learn more about Sheri's work at www.hchorsemanship.com. Here's what we'll explore together: The neuroscience of safety in plain language: why a horse can be in a perfectly safe arena and still not feel safe, and the cues of safety our horses are looking for from usPolyvagal Theory as a practical map: what the safe, mobilized, and shut-down states look like in both people and horses, and how to tell a truly calm horse from a shut-down oneWhy closeness isn't the same as connection: what's really going on with the horse who follows you everywhere, and why you can't fake regulation with a horseHow co-regulation works between horse and human, and why your own regulated, congruent presence is your most powerful toolHow equine-assisted practitioners can elevate their programs, and how all of us can transform the way we partner with our horsesAs Sheri puts it, authentic connection isn't a skill to be learned or a single ah-ha moment. It's a state of being that grows from a healthy, consciously regulated nervous system. This conversation matters deeply to both Sheri and me, especially for equine-assisted practitioners and equestrians alike. Horses are at the center of this work, yet too often they're treated as objects rather than partners with their own needs and nervous systems.  Whether you're a horse owner, trainer, coach, therapist, or equine-assisted learning practitioner, this conversation will give you a new lens for everything you do with your horse, on the ground and in the saddle. May you always be one with your horse, Caroline Beste Tao of Horsemanship Feel as One · Think as One · Move as One

  3. Aug 13

    The Part of You That's Been Waiting to Be Met 🌗 Meet the Shadow: What Shadow Work Is — and How It Sets You Free

    Send us Fan Mail I'm ready to share my personal journey with you — it's one I've been wanting to share for a long time: an introduction to my shadow work — what it is, how it works, and how it changes everything for the better. Many of you know me through the horses. But beneath everything I teach lives a deeper practice. In this episode, I finally open the door to what I've been studying and practicing for the last 40 years: Carl Jung Shadow Work. Through my 40 years of living, experiencing and practice, I have an extension of his work called: Inner Alchemy Shadow Work. My shadow work coaching integrates Jungian psychology, nervous system science, and Taoist philosophy — a deeply personalized excavation of the self, guided by someone (me) who has walked the path herself my entire life. If you've ever felt like something in you is broken (I know I have) — like no matter how hard you try, you keep landing in the same place — this episode is for you. Because you're not broken.  You're living inside a loop that has its own logic. And the moment you understand that logic, the loop begins to lose its grip. In this episode, I will share: What the shadow actually is — and how it quietly runs your life from beneath the surfaceWhy trying harder and "fixing yourself" keeps you stuckHow my approach works: Jungian depth to see the pattern, nervous system science to feel safe enough to meet it, and Taoist wisdom to integrate it — wholeness, not perfectionHow your horses are your shadow work mirrors and best teachersReadings from my forthcoming memoir, Breaking Free — the story of walking this path myselfThis is the doorway into the personal work and growth I love most. I hope you join me as I explain how amazing this process is for inner peace and well-being. In shadow and in light,  Caroline 🌀 Be well. Be whole. Be the Way.

  4. Feb 19

    "Beyond Words: Animal Communication, Soul Contracts & Messages from the Other Side

    Send us Fan Mail What if the fleeting thoughts you have about your animal companion aren't random at all?  What if that sudden knowing, that gut feeling, that image that pops into your mind—is actually them communicating with you?  In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Davey-Lee Pergentile, animal communicator and author, to explore the sacred connection between humans and animals—a bond that transcends words, and even death itself.  ✨ In This Episode, You'll Discover:  • How YOU are already communicating with your animals (without even knowing it)  • Why some soul connections run impossibly deep—and what that means  • The profound messages animals share during end-of-life transitions  • How our beloved companions continue reaching out from the other side  • Real stories of healing, closure, and unconditional love that will move you to tears  Both Davey-Lee and I will share incredible stories—including Vinny the cat who awakened his human's intuitive gifts, and Lovey's powerful crossing that brought messages for those left behind.  This isn't just about talking to animals. It's about understanding soul contracts, honoring the grief that proves how deeply we loved, and recognizing that some connections are meant to transform us forever.  If you've ever:  • Felt inexplicably connected to an animal  • Grieved a pet and wondered if they knew how much you loved them  • Sensed their presence after they were gone  • Wanted to communicate more deeply with the animals in your life  ...this episode will meet you exactly where you are.  Whether you're navigating loss, seeking deeper connection, or simply curious about the mysterious ways our animals guide us—this episode will change how you see every purr, nuzzle, and knowing glance.     “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” - Swami Vivekananda    May you always be one with your horse, 🐎💫  Caroline

  5. Jan 28

    When Horses Break You Open: Death, Destiny, and Peace

    Send us Fan Mail Forever Free “As we say farewell, please feel no sorrow, for time on this earth, we only borrow. Lucky was I, my heart had a home, and with you by my side, I felt not alone. You filled my life with happiness and light; my soul shall remain eternally bright. Love cannot end; it cannot disappear. I will always be with you, I will always be near. And now that my journey has come to its end, please know and take comfort in this, my friend. For me, for my life, please do not grieve for now I remain forever free.” I dedicate this episode to all my horses, both here and gone. For without you, I would not be the person I am or understand the depth of unconditional love. What happens when the universe forces you to confront everything you've been avoiding? When loss becomes the catalyst for the most profound transformation of your life? In this raw and deeply personal episode, I share the story of Lovey—my beloved horse whose sudden, tragic death shattered me and simultaneously set me free. This isn't just a story about losing a horse. It's about: The moment a herd's invisible architecture collapsed when one horse leftA fatal accident that mirrored the fractures in my own lifeThe rage, grief, and spiritual reckoning that followedMy Shaman experiences - A white owl's message in the darkness and Zor at my doorHow horses serve as spirit guides, cracking us open when we're finally readyI talk about trauma loops, authenticity, manifestation, and what it really means to stand outside the body of who you used to be and finally see clearly. This episode contains: The full story of what happened that Tuesday eveningThe symbolic meaning behind Lovey's injuries (and my own)Joey's transformation from "attacker" to shamanBlue's complete shift after Lovey's passingZor's dream visitationThe white owl that appeared days laterWhy I believe everything—even the unbearable—happens for a reasonIf you've ever wondered whether your animals are trying to tell you something... they are. And sometimes, their final gift is the truth you've been too afraid to face. With deep respect for the journey, Caroline 🌀 Be well. Be whole. Be the Way.

  6. 11/11/2025

    Random Topics, Experiences, and Thoughts on Training Horses

    Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode of Everything Horses & More! I will be talking about horse training topics - my experiences, and thoughts about some of the different messages from equine professionals that are being promoted out there on Facebook and YouTube. Topics, areas of interest, will include: - Pressure and release – do we still need it? - My 1% rule for escalating horses - Is behavioral science the answer? - The #1 missing link in horse training - Why 98% are damaged - How you can help/fix/heal 98% of the horses - Leadership vs Partnership – which is better? - Natural Horsemanship – the good, bad, and the ugly side - Why a horse’s “one and done” works so well in training effectively and without fear “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” - Swami Vivekananda May you always be one with your horse,  Caroline

  7. 09/26/2025

    Student Spotlight: From Doubt to Confidence – Nina’s 3-Week Immersion at the Tao of Horsemanship

    Send us Fan Mail 🌿 In this week’s episode of Everything Horses & More!, I am thrilled to feature a Student Spotlight on Nina—an Israeli equestrian whose journey has taken her from early riding lessons to instructor certification, ultimately achieving a true partnership through the Tao of Horsemanship method.  Along the way, Nina shares how she discovered the magic 💫 and mindfulness 🌿 that come from slowing down and truly listening to horses.  Her story is one of transformation, moving from doubt to confidence through holistic horsemanship, all while learning the delicate balance of tough love, trust, and connection. Please tune in to hear Nina’s inspiring experience and the life-changing lessons she learned during her three-week immersion.  In this podcast, we will talk about: ✅Nina’s training background and certifications.  ✅Why she felt the need to study in person, and what that experience has given her. ✅Self-regulation, leadership, and the power of holistic horsemanship and horse care. ✅Her transformative experiences working with Lovey, Bandit, Blue, and Zor—learning the fine line between compassion and tough love, as well as the magical moments of true connection.  ✅How slowing down, listening, and embodying empathy changes everything—not only for the horse but for the human as well.  From self-development to building confidence as a leader, Nina’s story highlights the essence of the Tao of Horsemanship: creating a relationship where horses choose to be and work with you.  👉 Tune in to hear Nina’s inspiring journey and discover how this holistic approach is reshaping her life with horses—and beyond.  📅 When: Wednesday, September 24, 12pm/EST/USA.  🎧 Click here to listen LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/@TaoofHorsemanship/streams. “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” - Swami Vivekananda May you always be one with your horse, 🐎💫 Caroline

  8. 07/16/2025

    They Knew Before We Told Them…Listening to the Herd—Honoring the Emotional Lives of Our Horses Through Change & Transition

    Send us Fan Mail Horses are incredibly intuitive, emotional beings—and when they live in a healthy herd, the bonds they form run deep. They rely on one another for safety, companionship, comfort, and connection. So when a change is coming—especially one involving separation—they feel it. Often before we’ve even said a word. Recently, we began preparing for two of our horses to leave the herd. And before any changes in their routine were made, the herd knew. Their energy shifted. We noticed anxiety, restlessness, and even sadness. They were picking up not only on the subtle signs around them, but on us. Our own internal stress was being mirrored back through their behavior. That’s the power of connection—heart coherence and nervous system connection. Our horses are so bonded to us that they feel what we feel. They sense our thoughts, emotions, and expectations—even before we act on them. But when we consciously shifted our emotional state—letting go of worry and stepping into peace, presence, and support—they responded in kind. The anxiety settled. Their curiosity returned. They became more relaxed. It was a powerful reminder that how we show up for them during change can either increase their stress or support their healing. We’ve also taken steps to help them prepare practically and emotionally. Rather than suddenly removing two horses from the herd, we’re making gradual turnout changes and shifting stalls. This helps reduce the dependency on current relationships and gives time for change to be accepted and space for new bonds to form. We’re also spending more time communicating with each horse individually—strengthening the human-horse connection through presence and trust. The two horses who are leaving have been together before—they once lived away from the herd for a year and returned as a bonded pair. Reuniting them now helps them remember that partnership, so they feel supported as they transition again. Meanwhile, the remaining herd is already beginning to reshape. Horses like Lovey and Leeta, Lovey and Blue, Callen and Joey—all have unique relationships. And as the dynamic changes, we see new bonds forming, new leadership roles emerging, and a quiet reweaving of the herd’s emotional fabric. This is the emotional side of horsemanship we don’t often talk about—but it matters. Horses don’t just “adjust.” They feel. And when we slow down, listen, and lead from a place of compassion, we help them move through transition with confidence and connection.  “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.” - Swami Vivekananda May you always be one with your horse, Caroline

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4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

You’re listening to Everything Horses & More! Podcast with me, your host, Caroline Beste, founder of Tao of Horsemanship Academy, https://www.taoofhorsemanship.com/.  I bring a holistic and spiritual approach to classical and natural horsemanship, combining science, mindfulness and personal development to achieve true unity and harmony between horse and rider. With a focus on equine rehabilitation and foundation, I have been able to help horse owners world-wide achieve the relationship and ride of their dreams with horses.In addition, I am an artist, author, entrepreneur, speaker, radio show host, personal development coach, licensed Working Equitation trainer and instructor.   I offer one of the largest and most comprehensive online educational platforms, The Tao of Horsemanship Academy, where I host a variety of courses produced and personally taught by me and my amazing co-facilitators, my horses.   I invite you to listen in every month and hope you find something that touches your heart and inspires you to reach your personal goals and aspirations with horses.    Thank you and may you always be one with your horse. Yours Truly,Caroline Beste

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