Changing Your Goals, Finding a New Horse, and “My-horse-itis” with Chelsea Canedy

Partnering with a New Horse: Evaluating Goals as a Rider

Introduction to the Episode

• Caroline Culbertson introduces the podcast, focusing on partnering with a new horse and evaluating rider goals.

• The discussion includes managing ego in decision-making and finding joy in riding experiences.

Guest Introduction: Chelsea Kennedy

• Chelsea Kennedy, an equestrian masterclass instructor and trainer, shares her recent experience of selling her longtime horse Albert and purchasing a new mare named Lyla.

• The conversation is described as informal, taking place in a tack room over wine and sushi.

Emotional Journey of Changing Horses

• The episode addresses common struggles riders face when determining if their current horse aligns with their goals.

• Chelsea discusses the emotional complexities involved in selling a former partner, likening it to grief or betrayal while also feeling excitement for a new partnership.

Realigning Goals with New Partnerships

• Caroline encourages listeners to reflect on what brings them joy in riding, even if it diverges from others' paths.

• Chelsea reflects on her realization that she needed to find a new partner due to misalignment between her goals and Albert's capabilities.

Decision-Making Process

• Chelsea emphasizes the importance of aligning personal goals with what the horse enjoys doing; she didn't want to push Albert into roles he wasn't happy performing.

• She expresses interest in moving up within eventing but acknowledges that Albert was not content at higher levels.

Exploring Alternatives

• Chelsea considers alternative disciplines like Working Equitation but ultimately feels drawn back to eventing despite its challenges.

• She recognizes that there are no wrong choices regarding which path to take; it's about making informed decisions based on personal desires.

Professional vs. Amateur Perspectives

• The conversation touches upon how professional riders may view these decisions differently than amateurs due to livelihood implications.

• Chelsea notes that while she identifies as an event rider, most of her income does not come from training event riders, leading her to reassess her priorities.

Personal Reflections on Riding Choices

• She concludes by sharing insights about wanting different partnerships rather than managing multiple client horses for events.

Understanding the Emotional Landscape of Competition

The Discomfort of Competition

• The speaker expresses a visceral reaction against the idea of competition, indicating discomfort with various aspects such as emotional dynamics and horse behavior.

• They highlight the challenge of managing multiple horses at competitions, emphasizing a desire for deeper relationships and understanding rather than rushing through events.

Reevaluating Dreams and Paths

• The speaker reflects on their past aspirations to compete, realizing that the reality does not align with their initial excitement about it.

• They explore alternative paths in equestrianism that allow them to maintain their passion without conforming to traditional expectations.

Personal Growth and Changing Goals

• Discussion shifts to personal growth over time, particularly regarding goals related to horsemanship and eventing.

• The speaker recalls conversations about their evolving ambitions, including a focus on demonstrating different perspectives in horsemanship.

Finding Joy in Equestrian Activities

• A new horse named Lyla has prompted the speaker to reassess what brings them joy in riding, moving beyond obligations or capabilities.

• They emphasize self-awareness as crucial for identifying genuine enjoyment in equestrian activities.

Importance of Representation and Individual Philosophy

• The conversation touches on how representation influences aspirations; seeing others succeed can inspire individuals to pursue similar paths.

• However, there is an emphasis on developing one's own philosophy and approach within the sport rather than merely emulating others.

Embracing Simplicity with New Horses

• The speaker discusses how focusing on small moments of joy can shift mindset positively amidst challenges in equestrian pursuits.

• With a more capable horse like Lyla, they reflect on previously held beliefs about success versus personal satisfaction in riding experiences.

Identity as a Professional Horse Trainer

• There are concerns about identity when transitioning from working with complicated horses to training well-schooled ones; this raises questions about professional credibility.

• The speaker grapples with anxiety over whether they can still identify as an expert while pursuing different types of horses.

Understanding the Relationship with Horses

Enjoying the Learning Process with Horses

• The speaker expresses joy in working with Lyla, particularly in areas where she is not already proficient, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing her understand concepts differently.

• The speaker appreciates that Lyla's physical and emotional capabilities align well with their training requests, making interactions simpler compared to more emotionally complex horses.

The Concept of "Horse Itis"

• The term "horse itis" is introduced, describing how owners may treat their horses differently than others due to emotional attachments, which can hinder effective training.

• Upon signing paperwork for Albert, the speaker felt a shift in responsibility towards training him more rigorously as he was now officially recognized as a horse in training.

Balancing Relationships and Training

• Concerns about horses liking their owners often prevent trainers from pushing boundaries necessary for effective learning and growth.

• This dynamic parallels parenting challenges where setting boundaries can be perceived as damaging to relationships but are essential for development.

Introducing the New Horse Starter Pack

• A new project called the "new horse starter pack" is discussed, emphasizing a different approach to acclimating new horses over an initial period.

• The starter pack encourages minimal interaction initially—suggesting observing rather than immediately engaging with the new horse.

Laying a Strong Foundation

• Emphasis on taking time to build a solid foundation before expecting performance from the horse; this includes understanding their needs first.

• Acknowledgment that while there will be times when work must take precedence (e.g., during competitions), establishing trust and comfort is crucial beforehand.

Product Recommendations for Horse Comfort

Quality Tack and Equipment Insights

• Discussion on a brand focused on combining engineering expertise with rider comfort; emphasizes high-quality materials in tack products.

Knee Protect Stirrup Features

• Introduction of knee protect stirrups designed to absorb shock effectively; tested by scientists showing significant improvement in comfort during rides.

Saddle Pad Recommendations

• Description of an atomic Topline saddle pad that offers sturdiness and aesthetic appeal while ensuring proper fit without sliding down during use.

Customer Service Experience

• Positive feedback regarding customer service at werin.com, noting responsiveness and helpfulness when navigating product options.

Understanding Horse Behavior and Training Techniques

Initial Conversations with Students

• The importance of initial discussions with students about horse behavior is emphasized, focusing on how to interact respectfully and observantly around their new horse.

• Observing the horse's behavior is crucial; trainers must be aware of any signs that indicate the need for intervention or support during handling.

• Engagement between the rider and horse should resemble a conversation, where both parties are actively involved rather than going through motions.

Building Engagement with New Horses

• Establishing a connection with a new horse involves creating an interactive dialogue, ensuring both rider and horse are engaged in real-time communication.

• When introducing a new horse, it’s essential to take time for observation in its new environment to understand its unique behaviors and interactions.

• Consistency among all staff members in handling the horse is vital to ensure clear communication and expectations from the animal.

Developing Trust and Communication

• A case study illustrates how consistent training transformed a previously anxious horse into one that confidently engages with humans without fear.

• Setting clear boundaries for both horses and humans fosters mutual respect; this includes taking time to observe rather than rushing interactions.

Managing Pressure as a New Horse Owner

• Many individuals feel pressure when acquiring a new horse, often due to external expectations or comparisons to previous owners' successes.

• Personal anecdotes highlight how excitement can quickly turn into anxiety when faced with high expectations from peers regarding performance with established horses.

Balancing Expectations and Training Approaches

• The speaker shares their experience of feeling pressured after acquiring an advanced-level horse, emphasizing the need for self-awareness amidst external pressures.

• It’s important for riders to balance their ambitions while adhering to effective training practices, such as starting with groundwork before riding.

• Recognizing bad habits in horses upon acquisition requires patience; addressing these issues thoughtfully is key to successful training outcomes.

Understanding the Dynamics of Horse Training and Rider Emotions

Navigating Internal Conflicts in Training

• The speaker reflects on their current feelings about training, emphasizing the importance of addressing immediate concerns rather than overanalyzing past experiences.

• They express discomfort with a horse's behavior during rides, highlighting an internal struggle between expectations and desired outcomes.

• Acknowledging the need for change, they focus on improving the horse's balance and responsiveness without undermining its previous training.

The Distinction Between Relaxation and Responsiveness

• An epiphany reveals that relaxation does not equate to responsiveness; a relaxed horse may still lack power for required tasks.

• The speaker recognizes that achieving both relaxation and responsiveness is crucial for effective communication during training.

• They illustrate progress in their relationship with the horse, noting improvements in subtle cues but acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Building Partnerships Over Time

• The speaker discusses how frequent changes in horse ownership can impact partnership development, particularly in certain disciplines.

• They question whether extending initial training periods could lead to better outcomes instead of rushing into competition readiness.

Finding Joy Beyond Competition

• Personal reflections reveal that true joy comes from witnessing a horse's understanding rather than merely achieving competitive success.

• Small moments of connection during training bring more satisfaction than preparing for competitions or winning events.

Balancing Competitiveness and Ego

• The thrill of competition can create a strong desire to win, which may lead riders to become overly focused on ego-driven success rather than genuine enjoyment.

• The speaker differentiates between healthy competitiveness and an inflated ego, noting that these aspects can exist independently yet influence each other significantly.

Self-Worth Tied to Performance Outcomes

• There’s a cautionary note about linking self-worth to results; this mindset can lead to unhealthy emotional states when facing setbacks or failures.

• Past experiences are shared where performance pressures created difficult situations with horses, underscoring the importance of maintaining perspective in equestrian pursuits.

Understanding the Journey with Horses

Personal Experiences and Reflections

• The speaker reflects on their experience with a horse named Albert, noting that while they had success, they reached a plateau in competition.

• Introduction of a new horse, Lla, who is performing well after being stepped down from previous competitive levels; this brings joy but also fear of past experiences resurfacing.

• A conversation with a meditation mentor highlights the speaker's fears about letting competitive pressures take over their life again.

• The mentor encourages embracing all parts of oneself, including fears and drives that have contributed to current achievements.

• Emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and thanking these parts rather than pushing them away; this perspective shift is described as freeing.

Coping Mechanisms and Mantras

• The speaker discusses how recognizing fears can help manage them; using gratitude as a mantra when feeling overwhelmed or frustrated has been beneficial.

• Transition to discussing the setting for recording the podcast in a GMC truck, highlighting its comfort and utility for family outings and equestrian needs.

Exploring Truck Features

Utility Meets Luxury

• Description of the 2024 GMC Sierra Heavy Duty Denali Ultimate Truck as both rugged for hauling horses/hay and luxurious for family use.

• Highlights include towing capabilities with advanced camera views, making it easier to navigate while hauling heavy loads.

• Introduction of innovative features like transparent trailer view technology that enhances safety during towing by providing visibility behind the trailer.

Comfort and Connectivity

• The truck offers luxury features such as massaging seats, air conditioning, heating, and Wi-Fi connectivity useful for work on-the-go.

• Versatile usage scenarios are discussed: hauling horses/feed/kids while also being suitable for date nights.

Equine Insurance Insights

Types of Equine Insurance

• Introduction to Laura Conway from Conway & Associates discussing equine insurance options available to horse owners.

• Full mortality policy explained as the base coverage that reimburses for death due to any cause including theft or humane destruction provisions.

• Medical coverage options are detailed; major medical covers veterinary expenses like surgeries or treatments following injuries sustained by horses.

Provisions for Diagnostic Testing in Equestrian Insurance

Importance of Major Medical Endorsement

• Provisions for diagnostic testing, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, are included under major medical endorsements in equine insurance.

• Equine insurance is often perceived as only necessary for high-value performance horses, but this view is misleading.

Insuring Younger Horses

• There are valid reasons to insure younger horses that may not yet be competing; training poses additional risks despite lower value.

Reimbursement for Veterinary Expenses

• Major medical coverage allows reimbursement for non-routine veterinary expenses related to illnesses or issues that may arise.

Exploring Liberty Work in Horsemanship

Transitioning to Liberty Work

• The speaker discusses their upcoming participation in the Liberty Festival and how natural horsemanship has been integrated into their program over time.

Evolution of Training Techniques

• The speaker reflects on the evolution of their training methods, emphasizing the importance of recognizing what brings joy and staying open to new experiences.

Immersion vs. Flightiness in Learning

• There's a balance between exploring new interests and fully immersing oneself in a discipline to truly understand it.

Connections Between Different Training Approaches

Branching Out from Traditional Horsemanship

• The journey into liberty work began with addressing challenges faced with tricky horses, leading to deeper exploration within horsemanship.

Interconnectedness of Training Methods

• The speaker notes significant overlaps between liberty work, positive reinforcement techniques, and trick training.

Benefits of Liberty Work

Identifying Horses Needing Liberty Work

• Horses that exhibit aloofness or lack connection with humans can benefit significantly from liberty work.

Building Connection Through Distance

• Liberty work fosters connection by allowing distance as part of the training variable, helping horses learn to engage with their handlers.

Challenges and Growth in Horse Training

Overcoming Assumptions About Horse Knowledge

• New horse owners often assume their horse knows more than they do; it's crucial to recognize when both horse and rider need new skills.

Neuroplasticity in Aging Horses

• Just like humans benefit from learning new things as they age, older horses also gain from engaging in novel activities that stimulate growth.

Understanding the Importance of Groundwork in Equestrian Training

The Role of Groundwork

• Groundwork is essential for developing problem-solving skills in horses, enhancing the partnership between horse and rider.

• The discipline of equestrian training emphasizes long-term benefits over short-term gains, highlighting the importance of consistent practice.

• Riders often face reluctance to engage in tedious groundwork but must recognize its necessity for achieving desired outcomes.

Repetition and Safety

• Repetitive training is crucial for safety, allowing both horse and rider to communicate effectively despite their differences.

• Understanding basic principles (like "2 plus 2 equals 4") ensures reliability during high-stakes moments such as jumping.

Preparing for Events

• The speaker discusses preparing a horse named Lyla for an upcoming Liberty Festival, emphasizing that training is a work in progress.

• Acknowledgment that not every performance will showcase perfection; instead, it’s about demonstrating growth and learning.

Event Presentation Insights

• The speaker plans to present at the festival with a focus on bridal-less jumping, showcasing how far they have come with their horse's training.

• They are also preparing a routine for a nighttime show, indicating excitement about presenting their hard work.

Joy in Equestrian Activities

• Discussion around personal joy derived from creative expressions like glittering horses reflects deeper emotional connections to equestrian activities.

• Success is redefined as the enjoyment experienced rather than traditional metrics of achievement, suggesting a shift towards more fulfilling experiences in horse showing.

Horse Show Insights and Relationship Reset

The Reality of Winning in Horse Shows

• Top riders often express that their wins can feel underwhelming, as they may not perceive the performance as great despite the outcome.

• A rider reflects on a recent win where the show jumping felt particularly challenging, highlighting that success doesn't always equate to satisfaction.

Joy Beyond Traditional Avenues

• The speaker discusses exploring new avenues for joy with their horse, suggesting openness to change and experimentation in training methods.

Key Considerations for New Horse Owners

• When resetting relationships with horses, slowing down is emphasized as a crucial first step; it allows for better understanding and connection.

• Teaching horses to back up out of personal space is highlighted as an essential skill that fosters respect and safety.

Understanding Horse Behavior

• It's important to recognize that certain behaviors from horses are often rooted in insecurity or learned responses rather than affection towards their owners.

• Observing horse behavior closely helps differentiate between physical discomfort and conditioned responses, which is vital for effective training.

Addressing Behavioral Issues

• Riders should pay attention to their horse's signals instead of dismissing them as just "how they are," which can lead to misinterpretation of underlying issues.

• Identifying whether a behavior stems from physical discomfort or learned habits requires careful observation and patience.

Professional Guidance and Emotional Awareness

• If behavioral issues persist after ensuring proper care (like saddle fit), working with a professional trainer can help modify these behaviors effectively.

• Checking one's emotional state before interacting with the horse is crucial; approaching training without frustration or punishment leads to more positive outcomes.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Equestrian Voices Podcast Wrap-Up

Final Thoughts on Horse Training

• The podcast concludes with a provocative statement about horse training, emphasizing that if someone is hitting their horse in the face, the issue lies not with the horse but with the handler's approach.

• Listeners are encouraged to leave ratings and reviews for the podcast to help other riders discover it, highlighting community engagement and support.

Upcoming Episodes and Engagement

• New episodes of "Equestrian Voices" will be released twice a month, specifically on the second and last Tuesday, encouraging listeners to subscribe for notifications.

• The hosts invite audience participation by requesting topic suggestions via email at info@noloyd.com, fostering an interactive relationship with their listeners.

• For additional content, listeners are directed to visit nolo.com and follow Noel Floyd on social media platforms.