EP 37: Kirsten Nelsen, Julie Robins & David Lichman | Is My Horse Thoughtful and Calm?

With so many training methods, opinions, and possibilities available to us, it can be surprisingly easy to become overwhelmed. Sometimes the most useful next step is not finding another technique, but slowing down long enough to notice what the horse in front of us is actually telling us. In this panel conversation, Kirsten Nelson, Julie Robbins, and David Lichman explore the horse’s nervous system, physical and emotional wellbeing, and the role safety plays in learning. Together, they offer a thoughtful way to sort through different approaches without feeling as though you have to find the one “right” answer. From watching the eyes and breathing to using video, pausing when you feel stuck, and learning from the moments that do not go as planned, this conversation is an invitation to observe more closely, stay curious, and let your horse help guide the learning process. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Panel Overview 00:33 – The Importance of the Horse's Nervous System 04:48 – Signs of Stress and Defensive Behavior in Horses 06:04 – Relaxation Response as a Foundation for Learning 07:12 – A Holistic Approach to Physical, Mental, and Emotional Fitness 10:48 – Physical Health Checks and Knowing When to Look Deeper 11:31 – Observing Horse Communication Through the Eyes and Breathing 14:58 – Using External Observation and Video Feedback 16:33 – What to Do When You Feel Paralyzed by Too Many Options 20:23 – Learning From Mistakes and Observing Ourselves 33:26 – Balancing Multiple Learning Methods 37:23 – Sorting Through Conflicting Training Advice 44:09 – Believing in Your Horse and Personalizing the Training 55:48 – Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Resources ☆ The Zen and the Art of Animal Training by Jennifer Zellig – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4X7X1 ☆ Madison's work on horse communication – https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison ☆ Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair – https://artofthehorseman.com