In this episode, we delve into the importance of the body-mind connection with equine interactions. Host Mary Debono shares insights on harnessing this powerful link to improve your relationship with your horse and enhance your overall riding experience.

Key topics include:

1. Understanding the bidirectional nature of the body-mind connection
2. Practical tips for managing anxiety and increasing confidence
3. The importance of presence and awareness in horsemanship
4. Simple exercises to improve body awareness and relaxation for both rider and horse
5. Leveraging positive memories to anchor beneficial emotional states
6. How horses perceive and respond to our internal states
7. Simple strategies for breaking habitual tension patterns

You'll hear actionable strategies to cultivate a stronger sense of presence, manage anxiety more effectively, and create a more harmonious partnership with your horse.

Key Takeaways

1. The body-mind connection is bidirectional and inseparable.
2. Horses are highly attuned to our internal states and physical tension.
3. Cultivating curiosity about anxiety can help dissipate its effects.
4. Simple awareness exercises can dramatically improve your horsemanship.
5. Positive visualization can anchor beneficial emotional states.
6. Aim for a relaxed, yet responsive state for you and your horse.
7. Presence and mindfulness enhance the horse-human bond.

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 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses.

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 horses and their human companions.

Recognizing the profound connection between equine and human movement, Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the equestrian world. Her methods have helped horses and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the horse-human bond

Mary's flagship online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of equestrians across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your equestrian journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-horse to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Because you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together.

In this episode, Mary Debono shares the unexpected benefits of Equine Debono Moves for both horses and humans. Inspired by Mary's studies in the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ, Debono Moves was originally designed to help horses move more freely and reduce tension. But as you'll hear, this gentle hands-on work can be a two-way street of healing and connection.

Mary recounts a recent experience with a Trakehner mare that exemplifies the deep, almost magical connection that can occur during a Debono Moves session. She explains how the practice requires equestrians to be fully present, creating a state of shared awareness with their horses. This mindfulness not only enhances the effectiveness of the method for the horse but also serves as a form of mindfulness meditation and stress relief for the human.

The episode delves into the science behind why this connection feels so good, touching on concepts like neuroplasticity and the power of living in the present moment. Mary illustrates how the skills developed through Debono Moves - presence, attentiveness, and adaptability - translate into other areas of life, improving overall well-being and relationships.

Listeners will learn about the wide applicability of this technique, from young horses to seniors, and how it can address various issues including tension release, improved athletic performance, and recovery from injury. Mary also shares practical tips for listeners to begin incorporating elements of this practice into their daily interactions with their horses.

Whether you're a competitive equestrian looking to improve your horse's performance, a recreational horse enthusiast seeking a deeper bond with your mount, or simply someone interested in innovative approaches to mindfulness and well-being, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Happy listening!

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 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses.

In this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Horses, Mary Debono continues her exploration of how to enhance your horse's learning and movement capabilities.

Building on the principles of the Feldenkrais Method, Mary discusses the importance of changing the context during practice sessions to help both you and your horse better integrate new skills.

By varying the environment and position or activity, both you and your horse can experience more effective learning, leading to sustained improvements in movement, emotional well-being, and overall resilience.

Mary provides practical examples and encourages listeners to experiment with these ideas in their everyday routines.

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just beginning your journey, this episode offers valuable tips to help you and your horse move more easily and happily together.

Key Takeaways:

1. Varying Context: Changing the environment and context during training helps solidify new movement patterns for you and your horse.
2. Feldenkrais Insights: The Feldenkrais Method teaches that learning is more effective when practiced in different contexts, making it easier to integrate into daily life.
3. Improved Resilience: By practicing movements in various settings, you can help your horse become more resilient to stress and better able to adapt to new situations.
4. Practical Application: Experiment with different contexts to reinforce learning and improve your horse's movement and emotional well-being.
   
   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 💥
   
   Email mary@marydebono.com
   
   All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses.

In this episode, Mary Debono continues her discussion on how to work with your horse's existing habits to encourage ease and comfort. Building on concepts from previous episodes, Mary explains the importance of introducing novel, non-habitual movements that engage the horse's nervous system in a positive way.

These movements do more than just improve your horse's athletic abilities—they also enhance their emotional resilience and foster a deeper bond between horse and human.

Mary delves into the science behind the use of gentle, slow touch, including the role of C-tactile afferents (CLTMs) in building trust and reducing stress.

She offers practical tips for incorporating novelty and variations into your daily routine, such as tacking up from the opposite side or leading from the offside.

By focusing on gentle, safe variations, you can help your horse feel more confident and connected, ensuring that both you and your horse thrive together.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with Ease: Begin by supporting your horse's current movement habits, building a foundation of comfort and trust.
• Introduce Novel Movements: Gradually incorporate non-habitual movements to stimulate the horse's nervous system and promote learning.
• Enhance Emotional Resilience: Novel movements can help your horse become more confident and less fearful of change.
• Strengthen the Bond: Gentle, slow touch can deepen the connection between you and your horse by activating an emotional area of the horse's brain.
• Practical Applications: Simple changes, like tacking up from a different side, can be powerful tools for introducing novelty while maintaining a sense of ease.

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 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses.

In this episode, Mary Debono builds on the previous discussion about why it’s crucial to work with, rather than against, a horse’s current movement patterns.

Mary explains how supporting a horse’s tendency for spinal extension, for instance, can be the first step in helping the horse discover healthier movement options, like flexion and rounding.

By exaggerating and then gently guiding the horse back to a more neutral position, the nervous system starts to feel safe and open to new possibilities. This method not only benefits the horse’s physical health but also fosters a stronger, more trusting bond between horse and rider.

Mary also touches on how important it is to involve the entire spine, rib cage, and sternum in these movements, emphasizing that healthy movement isn’t just about the back but the whole horse, including the horse's mind.

This episode serves as a valuable guide for equestrians looking to improve their horse’s movement and deepen their connection through gradual, supportive methods.

Key Takeaways:

• Support Before Change: Supporting a horse’s current movement habits, even if they seem "incorrect," can create a foundation for lasting change.
• Safety and Ease: Ensuring the nervous system feels safe and comfortable is crucial for helping the horse explore new movement possibilities.
• Whole-Body Movement: Healthy movement involves more than just the spine; the rib cage, sternum, and other parts can also participate.
• Shared Awareness: Working together with the horse to explore movement creates a stronger bond and a more responsive nervous system.
• Gradual Progression: Changes in movement should be introduced gradually, respecting the horse’s comfort and existing patterns.

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 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

In this episode of "Easier Movement, Happier Horses," Mary Debono delves into the often-overlooked concept of working WITH a horse's current movement patterns, however "incorrect" we may think they are, instead of trying to force a change.

Mary explains how many equestrians, in their desire to help their horses move better, may inadvertently cause discomfort or resistance by attempting to immediately correct posture issues, such as a dropped back.

Drawing on her extensive experience, Mary illustrates how gently supporting a horse's existing habits can create a sense of ease and safety, making the nervous system more receptive to learning new, healthier movement options. This approach not only improves the horse's physical well-being but also enhances its mental and emotional state.

Mary offers a fresh perspective on fostering a deeper connection with your horse by respecting its current state and guiding it toward better movement through gradual, supportive methods.

We'll continue this discussion in our next podcast episode. Please subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Key Takeaways

• Forcing a horse to round its back can create discomfort and resistance.
• Supporting a horse's current movement habits can create a sense of ease and safety.
• The nervous system is more receptive to learning new movement patterns when it feels safe.
• This approach improves the horse's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
• Gradual, supportive methods foster better communication and a deeper connection between horse and rider.

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 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

In this episode, Mary tackles a common question: "Can you really increase flexibility and strength without stretching or pushing your limits?"

Drawing from the Feldenkrais Method, Mary explains how improving body awareness and reducing unnecessary tension can lead to greater strength and flexibility.

Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to move more easily and comfortably, this episode will guide you on how to achieve sustainable, long-term improvement in your movement, strength, and flexibility.

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Key Takeaways:

1. Awareness is Key: Improving body awareness helps refine movement, leading to natural increases in flexibility and strength.
2. Healthy Effort vs. Strain: Pushing beyond limits with strain can cause unnecessary tension and hinder progress, while healthy effort is sustainable and efficient, leading to greater strength and flexibility.
3. Neuroplasticity: The Feldenkrais Method leverages the brain’s ability to create new neural pathways, allowing for better movement and adaptation.
4. Application Across Disciplines: Whether you're an equestrian, dancer, or other athlete, Feldenkrais concepts can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.
5. Integrating Feldenkrais into Daily Life: The benefits of Feldenkrais aren’t confined to the practice; they permeate all areas of life, leading to more ease and efficiency in everyday tasks.

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h87

💥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 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice.

💥Get all the program details here: https://tinyurl.com/mwyh-0824. 💥

Body, Mind, and Connection. These are the three pillars that support a harmonious connection with your horse. In this episode, you'll learn why - and how to strengthen those pillars.

Unlock your potential as an equestrian with the Move with Your Horse Foundations program, a transformative 10-week journey starting on August 12, 2024.

Experience profound improvements in your movement, posture, and connection with your horse through live classes, recorded lessons, and personalized support—all grounded in the powerful Feldenkrais Method.

Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!

Resources:

Podcast show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/h86

💥Get all the program details here: https://tinyurl.com/mwyh-0824. 💥