Easier Movement, Happier Life

Mary Debono
Easier Movement, Happier Life

Do you want to create a life of movement, connection, and well-being for you and your animals?Whether you’re an equestrian, a dog lover, or both, this podcast is for you! In Easier Movement, Happier Life: For You, Your Horses & Dogs, Feldenkrais® teacher, international clinician, and bestselling author Mary Debono shares insights, tips, and techniques to help you improve movement, mindset, and connection for yourself and your animals.Each week, we explore topics like body awareness, flexibility, and balance, focusing on how these elements impact both you and your horse or dog. We’ll dive into how anxiety and tension affect both species and share gentle strategies to promote relaxation, confidence, and well-being for everyone involved.Your thoughts and emotions influence not only your own body but also your animal’s. That’s why we’ll also explore emotional awareness, mindset, and intuition, helping you build a deeper, more harmonious relationship with your horse or dog.Whether you’re helping your horse become more balanced and fluid or supporting your dog’s mobility and comfort, this podcast will provide the tools to nurture a thriving connection with your animal, improving their quality of life—and yours.Join Mary every week as she brings over 30 years of experience to help you and your animals live with greater ease, joy, and connection.

  1. Why I Taught My Horse to Chase Me with a Whip—and What It Taught Us Both

    1D AGO

    Why I Taught My Horse to Chase Me with a Whip—and What It Taught Us Both

    Send Mary a text! What do you do when you see someone chasing terrified horses with a whip? If you're Mary Debono, you teach your horse to chase you with a whip—and discover something joyful in the process. In this episode, Mary shares the surprising story of how a simple liberty game became a lesson in trust, body awareness, and learning to learn. You’ll hear how she transformed her horse Breeze’s traumatic past into a partnership built on joy and curiosity—and how their years of playful exploration allowed Breeze to learn “chase me with a whip” in five fun minutes. Literally!  But this episode isn’t about tricks. It’s about why learning should feel good. Why change happens through connection, not correction. And why the most powerful reinforcement isn’t food—but the felt sense of safety and ease. You’ll also learn how this approach applies to dogs, to humans, and to every movement we explore with our animals. Resources: 📽️Video of Breeze chasing Mary with a whip  😅 🔖 Girthy Horse? Simple Steps Make Saddling a Pleasure (blog post) 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Want to discover how you and your horse can feel better in body and mind? Join the waitlist for our Move with Your Horse program and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Whether you're 25 or 85, this program is designed to help both you and your equine partner move more fluidly, reduce discomfort, and strengthen your connection through movement.  Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series. Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series  ⬅️⬅️⬅️ All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. About the Host: Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans. Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work

    29 min
  2. Tack, Tension, and Transformation [Horses]

    JUL 9

    Tack, Tension, and Transformation [Horses]

    Send Mary a text! Tack isn’t just gear—it’s a powerful signal. It can trigger old patterns of tension in both horse and human. In this episode, discover how to gently shift those habits using awareness and Debono Moves—so you and your horse feel more at ease, right from the start. Resources: Girthy Horse? Simple Steps Make Saddling a Pleasure (blog post) 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 Want to help your dog move more easily and feel their best—at any age? Join the waitlist for my upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited.  Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series. Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series  ⬅️⬅️⬅️ All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. About the Host: Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans. Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans: Improve athletic ability and performanceEnhance confidence and reduce anxietyReduce physical limitations and discomfortDeepen the human-animal bondMary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions. Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work

    19 min
  3. Humming and Healing: The Surprising Power of Sound to Support You and Your Animals

    JUN 27

    Humming and Healing: The Surprising Power of Sound to Support You and Your Animals

    Send Mary a text! Discover how a simple humming practice can transform your connection with animals by regulating your nervous system, reducing tension, and communicating safety through presence rather than actions.  Resources: 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 Want to help your dog move more easily and feel their best—at any age? Join the waitlist for my upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited.  Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series. Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series  ⬅️⬅️⬅️ All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. About the Host: Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans. Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans: Improve athletic ability and performanceEnhance confidence and reduce anxietyReduce physical limitations and discomfortDeepen the human-animal bondMary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions. Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work

    12 min
  4. Is Your Horse or Dog Predicting Pain? Here’s How to Help Them Feel Safe Again

    JUN 18

    Is Your Horse or Dog Predicting Pain? Here’s How to Help Them Feel Safe Again

    Send Mary a text! Did you know your horse or dog might be bracing before anything even happens—because their brain is predicting discomfort? In this episode, we explore the fascinating science behind predictive brains and how both humans and animals can get caught in loops of fear, tension, and restricted movement. But here’s the good news: prediction errors are learning opportunities. You’ll learn how gentle, supportive touch—through Debono Moves for your animals and the Feldenkrais Method® for yourself—can update your brain’s predictions, interrupt downward spirals of tension, and build a new sense of safety and ease. Whether your horse resists saddling or your dog hesitates at stairs, this episode offers simple, powerful ways to help them feel—and move—better. Resources: 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series. Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series  ⬅️⬅️⬅️ All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. About the Host: Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans. Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans: Improve athletic ability and performanceEnhance confidence and reduce anxietyReduce physical limitations and discomfortDeepen the human-animal bondMary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions. Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

    19 min
  5. Why Slowing Down Speeds Up Real Results

    JUN 11

    Why Slowing Down Speeds Up Real Results

    Send Mary a text! Movement specialist Mary Debono reveals why forcing change in your horse, dog, or yourself often backfires—and what to do instead. Drawing from the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and the Debono Moves approach, Mary explains how the nervous system's primary job is protection. When we try to "fix" movement patterns, we trigger defensive responses that reinforce the very habits we're trying to change.  "Change isn't something you impose—it's something you invite." - Mary Debono  Resources: 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series. Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series  ⬅️⬅️⬅️ All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. About the Host: Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans. Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans: Improve athletic ability and performanceEnhance confidence and reduce anxietyReduce physical limitations and discomfortDeepen the human-animal bondMary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions. Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

    13 min
  6. The Wrong Way to Get It Right

    JUN 3

    The Wrong Way to Get It Right

    Send Mary a text! Discover the counterintuitive "do the easy side badly" strategy that transforms movement without forcing change. Learn why intentionally making your easy side feel difficult helps your challenging side improve naturally through neuroplasticity and contrast learning. Have you ever noticed that one side of your body moves more smoothly than the other? Maybe your right leg slides effortlessly while your left feels sticky, or you turn more easily in one direction than the other. Your horses and dogs have these asymmetries, too. Most people try to fix the "harder" side by pushing, stretching, and straining. But renowned movement expert Mary Debono reveals a revolutionary approach that flips this conventional wisdom on its head. Key Takeaways The Core Strategy: Instead of working harder on your challenging side, intentionally make your easy side more difficult through playful variations, then return to the challenging side—it will feel dramatically easier. Why It Works: Your nervous system learns through contrast. By giving your brain information about what doesn't work (through temporary variations), it better understands what does work and naturally improves coordination. The Pressure Problem: Trying to fix, stretch, or force improvements creates anxiety in the nervous system and often reinforces the original problem through defensive restrictions. Mindset Shift: Change from asking "How do I fix this?" to "What can I learn from what's already easy?" This transforms your entire approach from correction to exploration. Natural Learning: Your nervous system wants to move toward health and wholeness. When you create the right environment with curiosity and contrast, improvement happens organically without force. Resources: Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series: Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series    All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. Email mary@marydebono.com #Feldenkrais Method #Debono Moves #somatic learning #mindset #horses #dogs

    22 min
  7. Hands That Listen: Transforming Your Approach to Animal Wellness

    APR 30

    Hands That Listen: Transforming Your Approach to Animal Wellness

    Send Mary a text! Discover how to shift from the conventional "fix-it" approach to animal bodywork to creating a tactile conversation with your animal's nervous system. Rather than attempting to stretch, release, or realign body parts, Mary Debono reveals how supporting the nervous system—the body's true control center—creates profound, lasting change. Mary shares case studies of horses with chronic back pain and dogs with spinal issues, demonstrating how gentle, respectful touch that honors the animal's innate wisdom achieves results. She explains why poking into sore areas creates defensiveness rather than healing, and how her approach creates an environment of safety that allows the nervous system to let go of protective habits. Listeners will learn how the ribs and sternum play a critical role in back mobility for both horses and dogs, and how to begin using their hands to "listen" rather than manipulate. Mary offers a simple but profound starting exercise to shift from doing bodywork "to" your animal to engaging "with" them in a co-creative dialogue. This episode provides a foundation for a deeper connection with your animals while improving their comfort and movement—a true win-win approach that benefits both animal and human. Key Takeaways Creating safety is essential for lasting change—poking into painful areas only creates defensivenessHorses and dogs develop habits of overusing some parts of the spine and underusing othersRib and sternum mobility play a crucial role in back health for both horses and dogsTouch can be a two-way conversation where both beings are listening to each otherThe bodywork isn't done "to" the animal but co-created "with" them through respectful dialogue, creating deeper trust When you improve your listening skills with your hands, both you and your animal benefitResources: Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series: Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series    All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. Email mary@marydebono.com

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Do you want to create a life of movement, connection, and well-being for you and your animals?Whether you’re an equestrian, a dog lover, or both, this podcast is for you! In Easier Movement, Happier Life: For You, Your Horses & Dogs, Feldenkrais® teacher, international clinician, and bestselling author Mary Debono shares insights, tips, and techniques to help you improve movement, mindset, and connection for yourself and your animals.Each week, we explore topics like body awareness, flexibility, and balance, focusing on how these elements impact both you and your horse or dog. We’ll dive into how anxiety and tension affect both species and share gentle strategies to promote relaxation, confidence, and well-being for everyone involved.Your thoughts and emotions influence not only your own body but also your animal’s. That’s why we’ll also explore emotional awareness, mindset, and intuition, helping you build a deeper, more harmonious relationship with your horse or dog.Whether you’re helping your horse become more balanced and fluid or supporting your dog’s mobility and comfort, this podcast will provide the tools to nurture a thriving connection with your animal, improving their quality of life—and yours.Join Mary every week as she brings over 30 years of experience to help you and your animals live with greater ease, joy, and connection.

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