We had so much to talk about that we split our chat with Bonny Mealand into two episodes which are interlinked. We discuss how free-living equids offer vital insights into the needs of domestic horses, and why recognising how essential these inextricable links between these two worlds is for the future of meaningful equine care.

We explored how Bonny developed the HELP model which recognises that our presence, choices, and handling directly impact a horse’s emotional state and autonomy, leading to a focus on trust-based, low-stress approaches.

Bonny firmly believes that when we slow down, learn to observe well and pay attention, horses begin to teach us, revealing insights we could never access through intellectual knowledge, techniques and method alone. Learning toobserve with care and curiosity allows horses to become our teachers, showing us what truly matters to them, helping us let go of assumptions and develop a more attuned, responsive, and respectful way of understanding and being withthem. We explore how Bonnie's insights can be applied to everyday interactions with horses and we learn about Bonnie's "genie wish", one that is probably shared by most of our guests and listeners. Tune in and let us know your thoughts!

You can learn more aboutBonny’s work at these websites:

Touching Wild: https://www.touchingwild.com/

Learning Wild: https://learningwilduk.wixsite.com/learningwild?fbclid=IwAR3NJULaSPPUZDXdBbiCOvankZ6zLSrU2AjdLlTyl3h8ju2RAVjgG6YfRzU

The Equine Podiatry Association - https://www.epauk.org/?doing_wp_cron=1752481742.6105430126190185546875

Cristina Wilkins' online course mentioned by Bonny is available at this link:

https://www.openlearning.com/une/courses/une-equine-course/?cl=1&redirectTo=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.openlearning.com%2Fune%2Fcourses%2Fune-equine-course%2Fhomepage%2F%3Fcl%3D1

Summary

In Part 1 of our conversation with Bonny Mealand, she shares her journey into equine podiatry and the development of her HELP model, which emphasizes a holistic, horse-led approach to care. She discusses the importance of understanding horse behavior, building trust, and ensuring emotional safety in interactions. Bonny highlights the significance of observation in equine care and the important role of choice when developing meaningful relationships with horses. The conversation also touches on the challenges of rehabilitating traumatized horses and the potential for riding to be a positive shared experience when approached correctly.

Takeaways

• Bonny's work focuses on a holistic approach to equine care.
• The HELP model emphasizes safety and relationship building with horses.
• Understanding horse behavior is crucial for effective interaction.
• Observation of free-living horses provides insights into their natural behavior.
• Building trust with horses takes time and patience.
• The importance of emotional safety in horse handling cannot be overstated.
• Rehabilitating traumatized horses requires a long-term commitment.
• The HELP wheel serves as a framework for horse-human relationships.
• Touch should be initiated by the horse to ensure comfort.
• Riding can be a part of the relationship if approached correctly.

Kristen Closson possesses a unique trifecta of expertise. As a rider that knows how it should feel, a coach who knows how to create it, and a judge who knows how to assess it.

She has successfully competed through the FEI levels, and then diversified her attention to also include the coaching and the judging aspects of the sport. She assists riders of all levels from young riders to International Grand Prix riders with her keen eye.

Kristen is remains active in education and sports administration, and holds two committee seats at Equestrian NSW, as well as being a coach educator and a judge educator.

In this episode we discuss promoting harmony in dressage through learning how to ask questions and interpret answers, and the role our self awareness plays in this ability.

You can learn more about Kristen's work on her website https://www.clossondressage.com/