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What if healing isn't about trying harder...but about learning to listen?

In this episode, I sit down with equine somatic practitioner Cara Gereau for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, trust, emotions, and the remarkable way horses respond to what we're actually feeling - not what we're trying to hide.

Together they explore how our bodies often know the truth before our minds do, why animals can become powerful partners in healing, and what horses have to teach us about authenticity, safety, and connection.

Whether you've experienced trauma yourself, love someone who has, or simply want to understand the extraordinary wisdom animals have to offer, this conversation is filled with insight, compassion, and hope.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why horses respond to our emotional state rather than our story
• What "somatics" really means and why it matters
• Trauma, healing, and the nervous system
• How animals create a sense of safety and connection
• The importance of authenticity—for both people and horses
• Lessons from a lifetime of living and working alongside animals

Although Cara and I come from different backgrounds, I found myself saying, "Yes...I've seen that too." Much of what she shared resonated with my own experiences working with animals. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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Horse Brain, Human Brain was one of the first books I read when I was trying to understand horses better. So when I had the chance to sit down with its author, Janet Jones, for the podcast, I was pretty excited.

Janet is a neuroscientist, horsewoman, and the author of her new book, A Horse's World.

We talked about trust, fear, learning, the horse's sensory system, and some of the things horses notice that humans often miss. One thing that really stood out to me was this:

Dogs tend to give their trust freely. Horses make us earn it.

Whether you live with horses, train them, compete with them, or simply enjoy being around them, I think you'll find plenty to think about in this conversation.

I hope you enjoy it.

https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

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Today I’m talking with Toni Mattson of Trinity Equestrian Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Toni and her team work with horses alongside veterans, first responders, youth, and individuals facing trauma, PTSD, dementia, and other life challenges.

We talk about what horses notice about people, why they respond so honestly to emotion, and how animals can help people reconnect with hope, trust, and themselves.

We also discuss Toni’s book Unlikely Recruits, her work with veterans, and Trinity’s dementia program, “Reminiscing on the Ranch.”

A really thoughtful and meaningful conversation.

https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/