Easier Movement, Happier Life

Mary Debono
  • 5.0 (16)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 2D AGO

    Unnecessary Tension and How It Affects Your Horse or Dog

    Before you ever place a hand on your horse or dog, an exchange is already happening. Your animal is noticing how you breathe, how you move, and where you direct your attention. Their nervous systems are constantly gathering information, and one of the strongest sources is you. In this episode, we explore why the quality of interaction often matters more than the action itself. Two people can perform seemingly identical hands-on work and get completely different responses because of how they're being in that moment.  We'll discuss common patterns like holding your breath, moving in rushed ways, or concentrating so intensely that you create urgency that your animal picks up on. The good news? Small shifts (relaxing your lower back, softening your hands, releasing your shoulders) can immediately transform how your animal responds. You'll also learn about compassionate curiosity: approaching your animal with genuine interest rather than goal-driven intensity. To release tension for better connection with your animal and improved well-being for yourself, check out the resources listed below. Resources: 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Free FeldenkraisⓇ videos suitable for both equestrians and dog lovers. (No opt-in required.) https://freeclasses0723.movewithyourhorse.com Effortless, Balanced Sitting Series: Whether you're a rider seeking a balanced, secure seat on your horse, someone who spends long hours at a desk, or simply want to move through life with more ease, this innovative FeldenkraisⓇ program will help you discover a more comfortable, balanced way of sitting. 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and

    13 min
  2. Why Learning Isn't Linear (And Why That's Good News for You and Your Animal)

    FEB 3

    Why Learning Isn't Linear (And Why That's Good News for You and Your Animal)

    We often expect improvement to happen step by step, like climbing stairs. You work with your horse or dog, and you think progress should be steady and visible. But that's not how the nervous system actually learns. In this episode, Mary explains why real learning often looks like long plateaus followed by sudden breakthroughs. You might explore a Feldenkrais movement lesson multiple times before something finally clicks.  Or you might work hands-on with your animal, and the real improvement shows up days later when your dog suddenly jumps on the couch again, or your horse easily rounds her back and engages her hind end. This happens because your nervous system continues processing information behind the scenes. The learning doesn't stop when the session ends. Neural connections strengthen during deep sleep. Integration can happen while you're doing other things. The nervous system is constantly adapting, constantly learning from the information you've given it. Mary shares why what feels like failure can be an essential part of the process.  When you approach learning with curiosity instead of force, you work with your nervous system's natural design rather than against it. Whether you're working on your own movement through Feldenkrais or helping your horse or dog through hands-on Debono Moves, this episode will help you recognize and appreciate the non-linear nature of real, lasting change. Resources: Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Free FeldenkraisⓇ videos suitable for both equestrians and dog lovers. (No opt-in required.) https://freeclasses0723.movewithyourhorse.com 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. #Feldenkrais #Debono Moves #ho

    11 min
  3. Who Shapes How You See Your Horse/Dog? How Perception Influences Behavior

    JAN 27

    Who Shapes How You See Your Horse/Dog? How Perception Influences Behavior

    This episode is a departure from my usual format. I’m sharing something more personal and vulnerable, rooted in what’s happening in the world right now, because it feels too important to ignore. At its heart, this episode is about perception. How easily we can be influenced to see what we expect to see, and how that plays out not only in current events, but also in the way we interpret our horses’ and dogs’ behavior. I share a simple but powerful story about how expectation can override reality, and why certainty, especially when shaped by social influence, can disconnect us from what’s actually happening in front of us. This same dynamic shows up frequently in animal training and handling. Animals labeled as stubborn, dominant, or difficult are often responding to discomfort, fear, confusion, or past experiences. When we rely on others’ interpretations instead of sensing for ourselves, we can miss what our animals are truly communicating. I also reflect on why developing inner authority matters, how cultivating awareness supports clearer perception, and why these qualities are foundational to connection, with our animals and with each other. This episode is not about telling you what to think. It’s an invitation to slow down, question assumptions, and reconnect with our shared humanity. Resources: Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 Free FeldenkraisⓇ videos suitable for both equestrians and dog lovers. (No opt-in required.) https://freeclasses0723.movewithyourhorse.com 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. #Feldenkrais #Debono Moves #horses #dogs

    19 min
  4. Bodywork vs. Brain Work: Why Movement Patterns Shape Behavior

    JAN 20

    Bodywork vs. Brain Work: Why Movement Patterns Shape Behavior

    Many people do bodywork with their horses or dogs, and it can feel helpful in the moment. Muscles soften. Tension eases. The animal looks more comfortable. But there is something deeper available. In this episode, I talk about the difference between bodywork and brain work, and why that distinction matters if you want lasting change. I share a story of a dog whose aggression resolved once he felt more balanced and capable in his body. Not through training. Not through correction. Through learning. When an animal feels physically vulnerable or stuck, behavior often follows. What appears to be a behavioral problem is often rooted in how the animal organizes their movement and weight, as well as whether they feel safe.  This episode explores how gentle, respectful hands-on work can support the nervous system, not just the muscles. When touch is tied to function and learning, animals can discover new movement possibilities that carry over into daily life. This is not about fixing animals.  It is about listening, supporting, and helping them feel safe enough to change. Resources: Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. #Feldenkrais #Debono Moves #horses #dogs

    9 min
  5. A Simple Hands-On Way to Calm Your Animal’s Nervous System

    JAN 14

    A Simple Hands-On Way to Calm Your Animal’s Nervous System

    What if supporting your animal’s nervous system didn't require complicated techniques? In this episode, Mary Debono shares a simple, gentle practice she calls scanning with your hands. This light, attentive way of touching your horse or dog helps calm both nervous systems at the same time while deepening trust, awareness, and connection. Mary explains how slow, respectful touch stimulates calming sensory pathways, encourages learning, and sets the stage for meaningful change, even before doing anything more advanced. You will learn how to approach your animal with curiosity rather than judgment, how to listen with your hands, and why your own comfort and presence matter just as much as what you do with your animal. This episode is about connection over correction, support over fixing, and learning how change naturally unfolds when safety and ease are present. Resources: 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 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 bond

    32 min
  6. The Question That Changes Everything About Goal Setting

    JAN 6

    The Question That Changes Everything About Goal Setting

    While everyone's talking about crushing goals and using willpower to achieve more, let's talk about what you're really after. And a completely different way to get there. Here's the truth most people miss: your goals aren't really about the goal itself.  What you're actually seeking is a feeling. Maybe it's competency, creativity, deep connection with your animal, or a sense of freedom. But somewhere along the path to achievement, many people abandon these very feelings in favor of force, dominance, and willpower. We'll explore why the methods you use to achieve goals matter just as much as the goals themselves, and how you can pursue what you want through ease, connection, and integrity instead of force. In this episode, you'll discover why visualizing the process rather than just the outcome creates better results and actually prepares your brain for success. As you move into 2026, ask yourself: "How does this feel?" That simple question might change everything. Resources: Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 bond

    16 min
  7. Force vs Power: The Kinder, More Effective Path to Change

    09/24/2025

    Force vs Power: The Kinder, More Effective Path to Change

    Discover why real improvement for your horse or dog isn’t something you can make happen. Force tries to impose change from the outside. True power creates the conditions for learning, so your animal's nervous system can discover safer, easier ways of moving and being.  This gentle, respectful process not only improves comfort and mobility but also deepens trust and connection—for your animals and for you.  Resources: Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. #Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs #girthynomore #doggear #horsetack

    15 min
  8. Why Even Well-Fitting Gear Can Limit Your Animal's Movement

    09/18/2025

    Why Even Well-Fitting Gear Can Limit Your Animal's Movement

    Learn why even well-fitting dog harnesses and horse saddles can exacerbate movement restrictions. Discover a practical two-phase approach to help your animal move comfortably with their gear on, reducing stiffness and improving mobility. Resources: Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥 💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥 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. ⬅️⬅️⬅️ 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 (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection. #Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs #girthynomore #doggear #horsetack

    9 min
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5
out of 5
16 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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