Horse Geeks

Horse Geeks


Horse Geeks Episode 165: The Anticipatory Reflex

November 03, 2024

The Horse Geeks Podcast - Where we look at horses and riding from the inside out

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Topic: The anticipatory reflex is an unconscious, core reaction in us and our horse as soon as we perceive a possible threat or possible destabilizing action to the body. This reflex is why we can't help but tighten everywhere when our horse does something unexpected, even when it is not dangerous. It's also why our horse acts out suddenly when something unexpected happens in the environment. We and our horses will always have this initial, unconscious reaction to something unexpected, startling or out of our control, but we can learn to pause instead of reacting. When we become more aware of this reflex, we automatically gain more control over it. We learn to pause and redirect, ourself and our horse, in order to over-ride unsafe instinctive behavior and work together in harmony.

Guest: Deb Romero, certified Alexander Technique Instructor
www.optimalposture.org

Host: Kirsten Nelsen, professional horse trainer
Developer of Training for Optimal Balance
https://kirstennelsen.com/

The workbook series mentioned is only available at: https://kirstennelsen.com/shop/