New & Improved Video Classroom.❤️🐴
Get Started with a FREE 7-Day Trial in our Monthly Plan!
New & Improved Video Classroom.❤️🐴
Get Started with a FREE 7-Day Trial in our Monthly Plan!
New episodes drop on a flexible schedule
Make sure to subscribe or follow us on social media to be notified when a new episode is shared
Do you want to advance up the levels without sacrificing your horses’ welfare and your relationship with them? Do you find it confusing trying to reconcile competitive training techniques with methods that prioritize partnership? Get ready for some fresh insights and deep understandings of how to progress with your horse!
This podcast invites an evolution in your training and learning experience. Karen Rohlf will give you specific techniques and exercises, ‘outside the box’ concepts, and perspectives from top professionals. This show will explore how you can create stronger partnerships and healthy biomechanics, and will help you be your best self for your horse and for your life; free from the fear of making mistakes and dogmatic ‘right vs wrong’ thinking.
As an author, internationally popular clinician, and creator of the Dressage Naturally program, Karen has been filling in the missing pieces and catalyzing breakthroughs for amateur and professional horsemen and women around the world. This show will have something for riders of every level and discipline. If you love the podcast and want the theory behind it, check out the DN book in PRINT or AUDIO format.
Have you been inspired or helped by the podcast?
❤️ Share your love & support with a one-time donation.
Newest Episode
Podcast Archives
EP208: Harmony
In this episode, I’ll muse about harmony. It’s not about everything being perfect. You can harmonize with disharmony!
EP207: Performance Story #2
In this episode, I tell a story about some recent performances and teaching I did at the Iberian Showcase at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. I’ll share my experience and the behind the scenes story.
EP206: Suppleness
In this episode, Karen talks about suppleness and key factors to help your horse maximize his potential for it! It’s an important quality that has mental, emotional and physical aspects. It’s an amazing feeling to ride a supple horse.
FREE TRAINING VIDEOS
- Does your horse need more energy?
- Does your horse go too fast?
- Want a better connection with the reins?
You’re not alone!
Learn unique & effective solutions to these 3 common problems
@DressageNaturally
🎤 NEW POD 💥 EP279: HUMPBACKS, HORSES, & HUMANS
Enjoy this short excerpt
For the FULL episode go to: https://dressagenaturally.net/podcast/
Or search for Horse Training In Harmony Episode 279 wherever you listen.
In this episode I share some of my thoughts, confusions, and my mixed feelings about where I am in the horse world right now. I know I am not alone in these wonderings. I hope this helps put some words to what many of you may also be experiencing.
.
.
#dressagenaturally #karenrohlf #horsetraininginharmony #horsepodcast #horses #myhorseisperfect #ilovemyhorse #horsemanship #happyhealthyhorse
Oct 30
The best bit to use on your horse is what the horse finds comfortable and that the horse understands.
That give you a pretty good range of choices.
It also gives you good questions to ask yourself when choosing a bit:
𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁?
D𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁?
For example there may be a bit that gives great tongue relief, and the horse is quiet when carrying it, but when they feel pressure from it they curl behind the vertical... The signal is creating more confusion or working against the message you are trying to give.
These questions work for bitless bridles too.
I once tried a bitless bridle that had straps that connected to the reins that crossed diagonally under the jaw and all my horses were totally confused by that.
I`ve seen bitless bridles that `work` but they have strong metal edges on the noseband, or they use leverage where the noseband becomes tighter, or the cheek pieces roll up into the horse`s eyes when turning.
So when choosing a bit or bitless bridle start with those questions.
But I can`t leave you without sharing something else to think about when it comes to riding with the reins.
In my humble experience these statements have, so far, always been true:
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨,
t𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚`𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨,
t𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚`𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙩.
So remember, when making choices about any equipment: Look at the bigger picture.
Everything improves when trust and communication improve and most of that has nothing to do with equipment. 🤗
With that said...
🐴 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸’𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁: 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻`𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲
This simple, elegant, and functional Dressage, Naturally Bitless Bridle was designed by Karen. Made from quality english bridle leather, it has all the refinement and quality of a dressage bridle, with the fit of a comfortable halter, and the functioning of an excellent tool of communication.
LINK IN BIO for the SHOP
Oct 28
𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀:
- It`s FUN!
- Refines communication
- Focuses attention
- Helpful for horse health procedures
- Builds confidence
I`m doing a 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 + 𝗤&𝗔
W𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵
F𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀
LINK IN BIO to Video Classroom
Oct 26
𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡:
T𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 & 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀.
🐴 Benefits of training `tricks` with your horse.
🐴 Why they help with management, communication, and relationship
🐴 How to do them
🐴 Q&A
👉 Wednesday Oct 28th
For members of the Video Classroom
1-Week free trial for new subscribers
Watch the How-To Videos in the Classroom then join the call
LINK IN BIO to Video Classroom
Oct 26
🎤 NEW POD 💥 EP278: TRICKS AND TREATS
Enjoy this short excerpt
For the FULL episode go to: https://dressagenaturally.net/podcast/
Or search for Horse Training In Harmony Episode 278 wherever you listen.
In this episode I’ll talk about why I teach my horses tricks, the benefits of doing it, and how it affects our relationship.
.
.
#dressagenaturally #karenrohlf #horsetraininginharmony #horsepodcast #horses #myhorseisperfect #ilovemyhorse #horsemanship #happyhealthyhorse #horsetricks #positivereinforcement
Oct 23
Just because I know how to train dressage, that doesn`t mean that`s all I do with my horses...
If a horse is retired, or laid up I still find ways to connect, interact, and enjoy special relationships with them.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗻𝗼𝘁-𝘀𝗼) 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱...
And yeah, in case you`re wondering, I DO believe it (positively) effects the dressagey stuff too.
💥 😎 I`m doing a 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 for members of my Video Classroom where we`ll explore 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 - 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺... 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗤&𝗔.
Once you`re logged into the Classroom, checkout the 13 videos on Tricks (I moved them to the top of the page).
Then I`ll see you on the live call.
There`s a 1-week free trial if you`re not already a member.
The recording of the live call will be posted inside the Classroom.
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺
Oct 23
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻
🎃 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦: 𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵
F𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀
Learn the benefit of doing (not-so-silly) tricks with your horses.
It`s about communication, motivation, and clearly measurable results.
Perfect for:
- When your horse is laid up
- For veterinary procedures
- Keeping a busy mind occupied
- Building motivation
- Improving your clarity and timing
- Fun!
Watch 10 Videos about Tricks, then come to the Live Call for Q&A.
👉 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗: Be a member of the VIDEO CLASSROOM - It`s included in your membership
One-week FREE TRIAL
LINK IN BIO
Oct 22
@DressageNaturally
🎤 NEW POD 💥 EP279: HUMPBACKS, HORSES, & HUMANS
Enjoy this short excerpt
For the FULL episode go to: https://dressagenaturally.net/podcast/
Or search for Horse Training In Harmony Episode 279 wherever you listen.
In this episode I share some of my thoughts, confusions, and my mixed feelings about where I am in the horse world right now. I know I am not alone in these wonderings. I hope this helps put some words to what many of you may also be experiencing.
.
.
#dressagenaturally #karenrohlf #horsetraininginharmony #horsepodcast #horses #myhorseisperfect #ilovemyhorse #horsemanship #happyhealthyhorse
Oct 30
The best bit to use on your horse is what the horse finds comfortable and that the horse understands.
That give you a pretty good range of choices.
It also gives you good questions to ask yourself when choosing a bit:
𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁?
D𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁?
For example there may be a bit that gives great tongue relief, and the horse is quiet when carrying it, but when they feel pressure from it they curl behind the vertical... The signal is creating more confusion or working against the message you are trying to give.
These questions work for bitless bridles too.
I once tried a bitless bridle that had straps that connected to the reins that crossed diagonally under the jaw and all my horses were totally confused by that.
I`ve seen bitless bridles that `work` but they have strong metal edges on the noseband, or they use leverage where the noseband becomes tighter, or the cheek pieces roll up into the horse`s eyes when turning.
So when choosing a bit or bitless bridle start with those questions.
But I can`t leave you without sharing something else to think about when it comes to riding with the reins.
In my humble experience these statements have, so far, always been true:
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙡𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨,
t𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚`𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨,
t𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚`𝙡𝙡 𝙜𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙗𝙞𝙩.
So remember, when making choices about any equipment: Look at the bigger picture.
Everything improves when trust and communication improve and most of that has nothing to do with equipment. 🤗
With that said...
🐴 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸’𝘀 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁: 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻`𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲
This simple, elegant, and functional Dressage, Naturally Bitless Bridle was designed by Karen. Made from quality english bridle leather, it has all the refinement and quality of a dressage bridle, with the fit of a comfortable halter, and the functioning of an excellent tool of communication.
LINK IN BIO for the SHOP
Oct 28
𝗗𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀:
- It`s FUN!
- Refines communication
- Focuses attention
- Helpful for horse health procedures
- Builds confidence
I`m doing a 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 + 𝗤&𝗔
W𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵
F𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀
LINK IN BIO to Video Classroom
Oct 26
𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡:
T𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 & 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀.
🐴 Benefits of training `tricks` with your horse.
🐴 Why they help with management, communication, and relationship
🐴 How to do them
🐴 Q&A
👉 Wednesday Oct 28th
For members of the Video Classroom
1-Week free trial for new subscribers
Watch the How-To Videos in the Classroom then join the call
LINK IN BIO to Video Classroom
Oct 26
🎤 NEW POD 💥 EP278: TRICKS AND TREATS
Enjoy this short excerpt
For the FULL episode go to: https://dressagenaturally.net/podcast/
Or search for Horse Training In Harmony Episode 278 wherever you listen.
In this episode I’ll talk about why I teach my horses tricks, the benefits of doing it, and how it affects our relationship.
.
.
#dressagenaturally #karenrohlf #horsetraininginharmony #horsepodcast #horses #myhorseisperfect #ilovemyhorse #horsemanship #happyhealthyhorse #horsetricks #positivereinforcement
Oct 23
Just because I know how to train dressage, that doesn`t mean that`s all I do with my horses...
If a horse is retired, or laid up I still find ways to connect, interact, and enjoy special relationships with them.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗻𝗼𝘁-𝘀𝗼) 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻-𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱...
And yeah, in case you`re wondering, I DO believe it (positively) effects the dressagey stuff too.
💥 😎 I`m doing a 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 for members of my Video Classroom where we`ll explore 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 - 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺... 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗤&𝗔.
Once you`re logged into the Classroom, checkout the 13 videos on Tricks (I moved them to the top of the page).
Then I`ll see you on the live call.
There`s a 1-week free trial if you`re not already a member.
The recording of the live call will be posted inside the Classroom.
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺
Oct 23
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻
🎃 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦: 𝗢𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵
F𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀
Learn the benefit of doing (not-so-silly) tricks with your horses.
It`s about communication, motivation, and clearly measurable results.
Perfect for:
- When your horse is laid up
- For veterinary procedures
- Keeping a busy mind occupied
- Building motivation
- Improving your clarity and timing
- Fun!
Watch 10 Videos about Tricks, then come to the Live Call for Q&A.
👉 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗: Be a member of the VIDEO CLASSROOM - It`s included in your membership
One-week FREE TRIAL
LINK IN BIO
Oct 22
