In Episode 12 of Beyond the Hoof, Kerry and Daphne Thomas are joined by Western Australian equestrians Tegan Lush and Amy O’Neill for a heartfelt and forward-looking conversation ahead of the upcoming Human ↔ Horse Connection Tour in Perth. Tegan, a five-star eventer and contributor to the back page of Herd Wired, and Amy, an accomplished horsewoman and dedicated student of equine understanding, share their personal journeys and how the principles of Herd Dynamics and Sensory Soundness™ have shaped their horsemanship, relationships, and performance. This episode explores what happens when education moves beyond theory and becomes lived experience. Topics Explored:

• How herd dynamics and sensory awareness deepen horse-human connection
• Building stronger relationships through “a view from the hoof”
• Practical application of profiling and behavioral understanding
• Emotional fluency and clarity in training environments
• Performance improvements rooted in understanding rather than pressure
• What participants can expect from the Human ↔ Horse Connection Tour in Western Australia

Tegan and Amy reflect on what they learned during their first experiences with Kerry’s work — and why those lessons continue to influence how they train, compete, and relate to their horses today. This episode is both an invitation and a reflection: a glimpse into the kind of learning environment created during the Human ↔ Horse Connection Tour — where curiosity, awareness, and responsibility shape stronger partnerships between horse and human. For riders, competitors, students, and horse owners seeking deeper understanding and practical insight, this conversation offers inspiration, clarity, and anticipation for what lies ahead in Perth.