The Equestrian Connection wehorse - The Online Riding Academy

Wendy’s desire to understand the function of both horse and human, her curiosity, and her love of teaching have led her to be able to help both the horse and the rider.

She combines her creative talents with her scientific training to break down larger concepts of horseback riding as well as horse health into simple, easy-to-understand, bite-sized “chunks” for students of all ages, abilities, and disciplines. Her ability to make learning enjoyable, engaging, and fun through in-depth presentations helps her students connect the dots and achieve their goals.

Wendy’s willingness to embrace new ideas led her to develop the SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program and SURE FOOT Equine Balance Pads, which allow horses to reprogram their own brain in order to feel more grounded, secure, and confident so they can become a more willing partner.

In this episode, we discuss nervous systems, balance, SURE FOOT pads, personal experiences, giving the horse a say, and so much more.

Connect with Wendy:

Murdoch Method Website: https://murdochmethod.com/
Murdoch Method Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murdoch_method/
Murdoch Method Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MurdochMethod

SURE FOOT Website: https://surefootequine.com/
SURE FOOT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surefootequine/
SURE FOOT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUREFOOTEquineStabilityPads
SURE FOOT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/338470610073519

Gabriela, aka Gaby, Reutter is the reigning #1 female Chilean show jumper. Her career is decorated with accolades, including more recently the team Bronze Medal at the 2022 South American Games in Paraguay, as well as victories in FEI classes, Nations Cup events, and European tours.

Gaby’s career is a true testament to her spirit and unwavering dedication. From leading performances at Spruce Meadows and The Hampton Classic to securing top ranks at junior/young rider South American Games, her journey is filled with impressive accomplishments. Notably, her partnership with Rocky saw them on top in prestigious competitions in recent years.

In 2018, Gaby founded Lumiere Horses Inc., a testament to her vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the year, you can find her travelling across the United States, Canada, and Europe, fueled by her ambition to become the first Chilean woman show jumper to represent her nation's colors at the Olympics since 1972.

In this episode, we discuss all things ambition, balance, staying on track with big goals, and so much more.

Connect with Gabriela:

Website: https://www.lumierehorses.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.reutter/

Dave Thind is the founder of the Dave Thind Method, otherwise known as DTM, which is the breakthrough combination of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® and the German classical training system. DTM helps you improve your seat, feel what your horse is communicating and improve the effectiveness and clarity of your aids.

Originally from Canada but now living in the US and spending summers in Germany, Thind has himself competed at the Grand Prix level in dressage and jumping. He is a noted equestrian biomechanics authority, with several published articles and appearances as an expert guest or lecturer to his credit. He received his German 'Trainer A' license in 2007 with a nearly perfect score awarded to him from the German National Federation. He holds an International Trainer Passport Level III and is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, which means he is able to teach both Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and the hands-on work, Functional Integration.

With DTM, you’ll awaken your body’s innate ability to ride softer, with greater feel and better results. You’ll learn how to release the physical and mental tension, as well as “over-effort” that blocks the full expression of your horse’s talent.

In this episode, we discuss common riding challenges, self-carriage of the human, and Dave walk us through an exercise to introduce us to Feldenkrais.

Connect with Dave:

Website: https://www.davethindmethod.com/
Save 20% on the 14-Day Challenge: Unlock Your Hips and Swing With Your Back, or the 60-Days to a Better Seat course. Use coupon code WEHORSE (offer valid until June 1, 2024)

Holly Barnett is a professional Breathwork Facilitator with a background in Applied Neuroscience, and the founder of her method, Intero Breath.

You may recognize Holly from episode #31 where we chatted about saddle fit. Holly has been a saddle fitter and equine bodyworker for two decades but was beginning to notice a shift in herself and a shift in the way she worked with horses.
Holly used her knowledge in breathwork and applied neuroscience to create a modality to reduce stress, manage emotions and regulate the nervous system.

Holly’s method, which she calls Intero Breath, is a practice that combines the profound healing and regulating properties of Interoception & Breathwork.

In this episode, we discuss Intero Breath, how it can change our relationship with our horses, how it can impact us as equestrians and humans, the ability to heal, and so much more.

Connect with Holly:

Website: https://www.interobreath.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly_barnett_wellness/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/holly.barnett.505

Ian Benson’s focus is the relationship between horse and human. He believes that all change comes from us as humans. This means: “We need to be the change we want to see in our horse”.

The method of Humanship is about the whole relationship between you and your horse, all the parts of each of our characters coming together to create the relationship as it is now. Humanship includes a comprehensive philosophy and a practical approach with everyday exercises from the ground and from the saddle. The focus of the exercises is on implementing them in everyday life with the horse and on refining communication from horseback.

Connect with Ian:

Website: http://www.humanship.co.nz/

Dr. Tracy Rainwaters holds a very long list of education and credentials, including but not limited to a Doctor of Chiropractic and Animal Chiropractic certification, Neo-Shamanic Breathwork Practitioner certification, and so much more.

Her mission is to bring harmony between horses and their humans. She utilizes a whole-being approach to healing by looking at an issue from the perspective of the physical, mental & emotional as well as the energetic & the spiritual. With that, she combines her medical knowledge as an human and animal chiropractor with her intuitive abilities as an interspecies intuitive and shamanic practitioner to bring whole-being healing to both horse and rider. Through this approach, she is able to help improve harmony, performance, connection and health.