Art of the Horseman

About Art of the Horseman

The Because Of The Horse Podcast is a space for equestrians who believe that horsemanship is more than technique, it’s about building a quality relationship. Each episode explores how horses help us grow through presence, partnership, and purpose. We explore the quiet wisdom that emerges when we slow down, listen, and allow horses to be our greatest teachers. Because here, horsemanship is lifemanship—and every conversation is a celebration of the journeys horses take us on, shaping us into better humans and creating a better world along the way. ✨ Learn more, explore the Online Fair, and start your journey at becauseofthehorse.net

Publisher

Paula Curtis

Category

education · health & fitness · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Oct 2025

Latest episode

20 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

38 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   20 Oct 2026

   EP 38: Rachel Jessop, Lynn Reardon & Kirsten Nelsen | What Your Horse's Behavior Is Really Telling You

   What if your horse isn't being difficult, but is actually trying to tell you something? We've all had those moments when something just isn't working with our horse. Maybe they're swishing their tail, becoming tense, resisting an exercise, or simply shutting down. It's easy to think we need to change our training approach or try a little harder. But what if the most important thing we could do is slow down, get curious, and really listen? In this thoughtful panel conversation, Rachel Jessup, Kirsten Nelson, and Lynn Reardon explore the subtle ways horses communicate stress, pain, discomfort, and overwhelm. Together, they unpack the five defensive strategies of the nervous system, how physical and emotional challenges can show up as behavioral issues, and why recognizing the smallest signals can make such a difference in our relationship with our horses. You'll discover how patience, observation, and breaking things into smaller, manageable steps can help your horse move from tension toward relaxation. Because sometimes the greatest progress doesn't come from doing more. It comes from noticing more, asking better questions, and meeting our horses where they are today. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to recognizing when things aren't working with our horses 01:17 The subtle signs that may reveal deeper issues 03:42 Understanding the five defensive strategies of the nervous system 08:25 Recognizing physical signs of stress, tension, and discomfort 12:15 What to do when your horse is struggling or something isn't working 17:11 Why curiosity, observation, and awareness matter in training 21:02 Balancing our training expectations with where our horse is today 27:08 Looking deeper to understand whether the issue is training, pain, or overwhelm 30:52 The power of patience, small steps, and ending on a positive note 43:21 Final thoughts on listening, understanding, and supporting our horses

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   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 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4X7X1) ☆ Madison's work on horse communication – https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison (https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison) ☆ Art of the Horseman Online Horse Fair – https://artofthehorseman.com (https://artofthehorseman.com/)

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   EP 36: Martin Black | Deep Roots in Horsemanship: Martin Black's Legacy

   In this thoughtful conversation, Paula sits down with renowned horseman Martin Black to explore a lifetime shaped by generations of horsemanship, wild horses, and the traditions that continue to influence how we work with horses today. Martin shares stories of his family's deep roots in the American West, the mentors who shaped his understanding, and the lessons that can only come from years of quiet observation. Together, they explore how a horse's environment, stress levels, and natural instincts influence behavior far more than many people realize. Rather than focusing on control, Martin invites us to slow down, pay attention, and see the horse in front of us as an individual. It's a conversation filled with wisdom that reminds us true horsemanship begins with understanding. Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Martin Black's Heritage 01:13 – Deep Family Roots and Historical Background 02:03 – The Black Family's Ranching Legacy in Idaho 03:28 – Horse Breeding and the Remount Program 05:27 – The Role of Horses in Western Development 07:24 – Wild Horse Gatherings and Trailing 10:51 – Bringing Young Horses into the Herd 12:56 – Training Young Horses and Herd Management 15:53 – Patience, Observation, and Timing 18:46 – How Environment Shapes Horse Behavior 22:37 – Natural Living and Healthy Horse Development 26:25 – Learning from Legendary Horsemen 35:38 – Refining Horsemanship Through Mentorship 44:52 – Understanding Stress and Desensitization 50:35 – Finding Balance Between Pressure and Relief 01:02:15 – Reading Horse Language and Behavior 01:12:47 – Wild Horses Compared to Confined Horses 01:17:18 – Breeding, Pasture, and Natural Behaviors 01:20:04 – The Future of Horse Care and the Industry 01:25:27 – Observation as a Foundation for Better Horsemanship 01:30:20 – Creating Environments Where Horses Thrive 01:34:30 – Why Experience Still Matters 01:38:56 – Science, Biomechanics, and Lifelong Learning 01:40:04 – Closing Thoughts and Resources Guest Link: ☆ Martin Black Official Website: black.net Resources: ☆ Get a Free Ticket To The Online Horse Fair --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket (https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket)☆ Access All Horse Fair Presentations In Our Membership --> https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership (https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/membership)☆ Visit Our Merch Store --> https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/ (https://shop.artofthehorseman.com/)☆ Follow Us On Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman (https://www.facebook.com/ArtofTheHorseman)☆ Follow Us On Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman (https://www.youtube.com/@Artofthehorseman)☆ Follow Us On Instagram --> https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman (https://www.instagram.com/artofthehorseman)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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