The Holistic Horsemanship and Husbandry Podcast
By: Cindy Hartzell & Laura Langfitt
Language: en-us
Categories: Kids, Family, Pets, Animals, Education, Self Improvement, Religion
Welcome to The Holistic Horsemanship and Husbandry Podcast where your hosts, Laura & Cindy are coming together to alchemize hearts and horses for a more connected life. We're two horsewomen from vastly different backgrounds, united by our profound experiences with horses and the life lessons they've taught us. Our goal for this podcast is to empower you to look beneath the surface of your horsemanship journey to find a deeper connection, more meaning, and more confidence to do whatever you dream of with your equine. If you've ever felt like there's more to life with horses than what you currently see wo...
Episodes
#45 Embracing the Year of the Fire Horse
Jan 06, 2026Find a more grounded way of being with Cindy
In this episode, we revisit last year’s “First of the Year” episode, reflect on the goals we set, and laugh at how little of it actually unfolded the way we expected.
What we thought would be a year focused on riding turned into a year of shedding, relocating, grieving, rebuilding, and making changes we never saw coming. And somehow, we both ended up feeling more grounded and centered than ever.
We talk honestly about the pressure of traditional New Year’s goal sett...
#44 A New Path for Horse-Human Education with Anna Twinney
Dec 23, 2025Connect With Anna
Support Trainers Without Boarders
In this episode, we sit down with Anna Twinney to talk about a totally different approach to horse training.
We discuss how horses experience us. Anna shares journey through natural horsemanship, training mustangs, and using animal communication, to help horses and their people.
We talk about what many of us were taught in the early days of natural horsemanship, why some of those ideas stuck, and where they quietly missed the mark.
If you’ve e...
Duration: 01:06:46#43 Four Powerful Steps That Can Change Everything For Your Horse
Dec 09, 2025In this episode, we talk about communication with horses. We explore how breaking things down into simple steps can change your entire relationship with your horse… and others in your life.
You’ll hear the stories, the struggles, and the breakthroughs we experience in our work with horses.
You’ll want to listen if you’ve ever felt:
Lost in your horsemanshipUnsure what your horse is trying to tell youOverwhelmed by the “right way” to do thingsAfraid of “ruining” your horseDisconnected from your own intuitionWe share the four-step formula that will help overcom...
Duration: 00:46:10# 42 Can Competition and Happy Horses Coexist? With Guest Kathy Baar
Nov 25, 2025Connect With Kathy Here
If you feel torn about competing with your horse, this episode is for you.
We sit down with USDF gold medalist and natural horsemanship instructor Kathy Baar. Kathy competes on a high level, but remains committed to putting the horse first.
In this conversation, we unpack:
How Kathy prepares for competitionGood management of competition horsesHow to tell if your horse actually enjoys competition The role of intuition, feel, and emotional fitness in modern horsemanshipWhat true “mastery” in horsemanship really looks and feels like over a life... Duration: 01:01:44#41 Allowing Your Horse to Be: Secrets to True Connection
Nov 11, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
What if the greatest act of love you could offer your horse… was allowing?
In this episode, we get into what allowing really means — for you, your horse, and your relationship together. We explore how releasing expectations and embracing presence can transform your partnership and your inner world.
💬 Inside this episode:
Why “allowing” is often seen as a bad word in the horse world — and why that needs to change.How to navigate negative feelings when your horse say... Duration: 00:49:58# 40 A New Perspective On Winter With Horses
Oct 28, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
As the days grow shorter and the chill sets in, many horse owners dread the coming winter. But what if this season could become an enjoyable time with your horse? In this episode, we share how to shift your mindset and embrace winter as a season of rest, reflection, and deeper connection.
You’ll hear how we're preparing our herds and properties for the colder months—and how we're finding joy and purpose in the process.
🌿 In this episode, we explore:
How to flow... Duration: 00:34:30#39 Dancing with the Goddess and the Warrior In Your Horsemanship
Oct 14, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
In this episode, we explore horses as our teachers and mirrors. We dive into how foddess and warrior energy show up in our work with our horses. We discuss the differences in the healed and unhealed energy of each of these archetypes.
You’ll hear a story about two semi-wild Mustangs, Chief and Saturday. Chief battles laminitis and EMS. Saturday stands guard, nurtures, and sets limits. Their contrast reveals how our energy shapes training, hoof care, and daily handling.
List...
Duration: 00:58:55#38 How to Advocate For Your Horse
Sep 23, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
Advocating for your horse is something we all have to do. But it’s uncomfortable for many of us. In this episode, Laura shares a real-life example of how she recently had to advocate for MJ. You’ll hear the story of a move, the red flags she weighed, and the moment boundaries and intuition changed everything.
We talk hay, health, and hard choices. We talk energy and mindset.. It’s honest. It’s useful. It will help you keep your horse safe and stress-f...
Duration: 00:46:29#37 How to Stop Micromanaging Your Horse
Sep 09, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
How to Stop Micromanaging Your Horse
In this episode, we dig into a habit that many horse owners don’t even realize they have: micromanaging.
If you’ve ever found yourself holding the lead rope too tightly, correcting your horse over and over, or feeling the need to control every step, you might be micromanaging them. Your horse isn’t the only one affected when this happens.
The conversation explores:
What micromanaging really looks like with horsesHow microman... Duration: 00:49:14#36 Breaking the Chains Within: Finding Inner Peace Through Wisdom of the Herd
Aug 26, 2025Buy Cindy's Book
In this special episode, Cindy shares from her book Breaking the Chains Within: Finding Inner Peace Through the Wisdom of the Herd. The book is a guide for anyone ready to reclaim their power, trust themselves, and create deeper connections in their life.
In this conversation, Laura shares her perspective as an early reader, and Cindy reads us a sneak peek chapter from the book. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns, doubted your instincts, or longed for more peace, this one is for you.
✨
#35 Secrets to Balanced Riding Every Rider Should Know
Aug 12, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
In this episode, we talk about how imbalances in your body affect the balance in your horse's body —whether you're aware of it or not.
If your horse struggles with:
uneven muscle developmentstiffness going in one direction
hollow back or sore shoulders
difficulty collecting, side-passing, or moving freely
…it might be you, not them.
This episode will help you get curious and more aware. You’...
Duration: 00:44:59#34 Big Life Changes: Horses, Walking With Fear & Starting Over
Jul 22, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
This episode is raw, real, and deeply personal.
Cindy opens up about an unexpected life change — losing the ranch she's called home for 11 years — and how it’s shaken her to her core. But instead of hiding from the fear, she leans into it with the help of her horses.
You’ll hear:
How her horses felt her emotional chaos before she could name itWhy our internal environment is part of our horses’ environment
What it rea... Duration: 00:49:19
#33 The Magic Connection Between Hoof And Gut Health
Jul 08, 2025Get the FREE Hoof Health Guide
The Magic Connection Between Hoof And Gut Health
What do cracked hooves, laminitis, and slow hoof growth have in common? They often start in the gut. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the hoof health and gut health connection—and what you can do to support both.
Farriers and trimmers play a role, but your horse’s diet, environment, and microbiome are just as important to consider.
Whe...
Duration: 00:39:25# 32 Tips and Tricks to Keep You Safe on the Trail
Jun 24, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
Tips and Tricks to Keep You Safe on the Trail
In this episode, we talk about what it actually takes to have a safe, fun, and connected trail ride with your horse.
Inside this episode, we cover:
Why trail riding is not “just trail riding”The real reason so many people end up injured on the trailHow to build muscle memory that kicks in when sh*t hits the fanWhat groundwork you need before hitting the saddleWhy hind end control matters way more than you t... Duration: 00:46:31#31 How to Fix Your Trust Issues With Your Horse
Jun 10, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
This episode explores trust in horsemanship—what it looks like, how it’s built, and what it means when it breaks.
If you’ve ever said “I don’t trust my horse” or wondered why your horse won’t trust you, this one is for you.
We go deep into:
Why trust is a two-way street between horse and humanWhat it means to lie to your horse (it’s not what you think)How self-trust and self-awareness affect every interactionThe di... Duration: 00:52:25#30 When We Know Better But Don’t Do Better
May 27, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
In this episode, we talk about cognitive dissonance. Unfortunately, we see it every day in the horse industry.
We start by exploring where it shows up in our lives - our self-care and fitness routines. Things we rush that we know would be better if we were present. Then we move into exploring how it shows up in our interactions with our horses.
Why do we so often fail to to better for our horses even when we know better? Duration: 00:31:03
#29 How to Help Abused and Neglected Horses Heal
May 13, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
Helping abused and neglected horses is a huge topic in the horse world. In this episode, we share stories of working with traumatized horses. We dive into how they can teach us about trust, healing, and forgiveness.
We talk about what it takes to rehabilitate a horse with trauma—and why not every horse can or should become a riding partner.
If you've ever taken in a horse with a painful past, or are thinking about it, this will give you a fresh per...
Duration: 00:44:14#28 The #1 Mistake Riders Make in Spring Training
Apr 22, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
Spring is here. The weather's warming, the trails are drying, and you're ready to ride again! Before you saddle up and hit the road, there’s one big question: Does your horse need a spring tune-up?
In this episode, we unpack the truth behind the 90-day spring tune-up. A restart method that so many horse owners rely on. We talk about fear, confidence, and what builds a lasting horse-human partnership. Spoiler: It’s not just sending your horse away to get “fixed.”
We explore how to condi...
Duration: 00:47:36#27 What Your Horse’s Bad Behavior Is Really Saying
Apr 08, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
Ever felt like your horse won’t do what you’re asking? You're left frustrated, confused, or maybe even questioning your ability. This episode is for you. We dive deep into why those challenging moments happen, no matter how experienced you are. And more importantly, how to respond in a way that builds trust, not tension.
Whether your horse is resisting meds, refusing to be caught, or squirrely under saddle, they need help. We explore the subtle communication behind these behaviors so you can a...
Duration: 00:59:30#26 Why Horses Touch Us – Is It Disrespect Or Love?
Mar 25, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
What Does It Mean When Your Horse Touches You?
Ever wonder why your horse nudges you with their nose or presses against certain parts of your body? Is it affection, a request, or "disrespect"? In this episode, we’re diving into what this communication means.
We break down misconceptions around behavior and show you how to tune into your horse’s subtle cues. We also dig into the energetic connection between horses and humans—including stories of horses detecting pregnancy, sensin...
Duration: 00:44:39#25 Navigating Special Needs in Horses – Managing Your Mindset
Mar 11, 2025Join the FREE Natural Horse-Keeping Community
Owning a horse with special needs—whether physical or behavioral, or emotional—can feel overwhelming. It's isolating to watch others enjoying their horses while fighting to help yours.
In this episode, we dive deep into when the journey of horse ownership doesn’t look the way you expected. From chronic health conditions to behavioral challenges, we explore how your mindset matters. Having the right support system in place when this happens can make all the difference.
We tackle the tough conversations: When is it time to figh...
Duration: 00:51:15#24 Setting Your New Horse Up for Success – Managing Expectations & Building Trust
Feb 25, 2025Transform Your Horse Human Relationship With Cindy
Bringing a new horse home is exciting, but it’s also a massive transition—for both of you. This episode discusses what a horse goes through when they get a new home. It talks about unhealthy expectations and how we can let those go. From herd dynamics to trust-building, we go over how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
When a horse enters a new environment they face challenges. New owners often forget what the horse is going through in their excitement. We talk abou...
Duration: 00:51:29#23 An Authentic Balance of Horsemanship, Motherhood, and Business With Amy Skinner
Feb 11, 2025Connect With Amy
In this episode, we sit down with Amy Skinner, founder of Amy Skinner Horsemanship. Her unique horsemanship philosophy is built on balance, trust, and respect. Amy shares her journey of evolution as a horsewoman, a mother, and a teacher. She reveals how these principles have shaped her life and horse industry career.
This episode dives into the often unspoken challenges of balancing motherhood and horses. Amy's candid reflections on vulnerability and adaptability offer insights that apply to all relationships, whether with horses or humans.
...
Duration: 01:01:34#22 Navigating Big Emotions Without Freaking Out Your Horse
Jan 28, 2025Elevate Your Horsemanship! Start Your 7-Day Free Trial Now!
In this episode, we dive into a topic that many people are experiencing in today's climate. How do we engage with our horses when we're struggling emotionally or mentally? You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or not yourself. This conversation will help you be with your horse authentically while honoring their needs.
Horses have an incredible ability to ground us and bring us into the present moment. What happens when our emotional state feels too messy to manage? We explore w...
Duration: 00:34:59#21 How to Reach Your Riding Goals This Year
Jan 14, 2025Transform Your Horse Human Relationship With Cindy
It's that time of year when many riders set goals for what they want to accomplish with their horses. This episode reflects on the importance of aligning our goals with our horse's well-being. If we don't put the horse first, is it really a goal worth reaching?
We debrief our own horsemanship journeys over the last year. We discuss what went well, what didn't, why, and what lessons we are carrying into 2025. There is a paradigm shift happening in the horse world, and we share how w...
Duration: 00:52:07#20 Navigating Winter - The Truth About Cold Weather Horse Care
Dec 24, 2024Join the Natural Horse Keeping Community
The cold weather is here. Our horses need us to care for them slightly differently in this season. Should you blanket? Is your horse going to be okay when it snows? How much hay should you feed?
In a perfect world, horses could live thrive in the winter without human intervention. It's not a perfect world. It's your job to help them out without compromising their natural defenses. This means avoiding over-blanketing and over-feeding supplements and grain.
Hit play to learn how horses naturally adapt t...
Duration: 00:57:40#19 What Your Herd Bound Horse is Dying to Tell You
Dec 10, 2024Get The Horsewoman’s Guide to Confidence!
Every horse owner will have a herd-bound horse on their hands at some point. Solving this requires a deep understanding of equine psychology.
It's natural for horses to seek safety in numbers. Their instinctual needs drive this behavior that we humans find so undesirable. So what can be done? The methods trainers use to stop this behavior often leave the horse shut down. There's a better way!
You cultivate a calm, confident horse. Hit play now to find out how...
Duration: 00:42:22#18 Tricks for Hoof Boots that Actually Fit with Karen Timcoe Cox
Nov 19, 2024Start a Fitting With Karen
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hoof boots with our guest, Karen Tomcoe Cox. Karen is a boot fitting expert for Scoot Boots and Equine Fusion Boots. She breaks down the essentials of when and why to use hoof boots. Our conversation includes tips on fitting and handling the most common hoot boot challenges.
Boots can be super helpful in keeping your horse comfortable during the transition from shoes to barefoot. In this episode, we discuss how that works. Karen also highlights how proper nut...
Duration: 00:43:36#17 The Balancing Act: Hoof Care Secrets Every Horse Owner Should Know
Nov 12, 2024Get the FREE Hoof Health Guide
In this episode, Laura steps forward as a hoof expert and total hoof nerd. We discuss how your horse's hoof is a powerful indicator of their overall well-being. Laura shares her journey of learning to trim so she can help her own horse and the horses at the rescues where she volunteers.
Chronic abscesses, laminitis, thrush, and hoof pain are not normal. But you can help your horse grow a healthy hoof free of these issues!
The episode covers...
Duration: 00:53:23#16 How to Know What Your Horse is Thinking
Oct 22, 2024Become an Empowered Equine Caretaker With Laura
In this episode, we talk about how to know what your horse is thinking. We offer strategies for redirecting energy and heading off spooks. Your awareness is the key to smooth communication with your horse. This conversation addresses common areas of awareness that horse owners lack.
You'll hear insights changing your mindset from trying to control—to improving communication.
Learn how to:
Recognize tension before it leads to a blow-upKnow what to do when nervous energy needs a physical outletFoster deeper con... Duration: 00:40:50#15 Rethink Your Training Tools: The Truth About Bits and Spurs
Oct 08, 2024Transform Your Horse Human Relationship With Cindy
In this episode, we discuss the truth about bits and spurs. These tools are so often used to increase control, but that's not what they are designed for. With so much misinformation out there, you may have been pressured to use a bigger bit or spurs in the wrong situation. This conversation challenges that way of thinking. It emphasizes the need for a solid foundation before reaching for higher-level tools.
If you’ve ever questioned whether you should “bit up” or “spur on,” we encourage you to hit play...
Duration: 00:37:42#14 A Love Deeper Than Riding: Redefine Your Horse-Human Relationship
Sep 24, 2024Help Your Horse Thrive With Laura
In this episode, we challenge the belief that owning a horse means you have to ride. Our conversation focuses on how the horse-human relationship isn't defined by saddle time. We share personal stories of how horses enrich our lives in ways beyond riding. There’s so much more to horse ownership than those who focus solely on riding realize.
If you've ever felt guilt for not riding your horse "enough," this episode is for you. There are many horses who, despite being well-trained, pr...
#13 Redefining Leadership: Building Unshakable Horse-Human Bonds
Sep 10, 2024Transform Your Horse/Human Relationship With Cindy
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of leadership within horse-human relationships. Leadership is crucial in building a healthy and balanced partnership with your horse. But, it often comes with challenges rooted in our own experiences and perceptions.
We discuss the baggage humans bring into their roles as leaders—whether being overly dominant or too passive—and how this affects our horses.
Cindy shares her personal journey of redefining leadership. She transitioned from the aggressive leadership she saw growing up to a mor...
Duration: 00:37:56#12 Wildfire Season is Here. Are You Ready?
Aug 27, 2024Help Your Horse Thrive With Laura
Get the Emergency Evacuation Packing List
In this episode, we discuss fire safety. Tune in to learn how to prepare for fire season and protect your horses.
Cindy, a member of the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, shares stories of large animal evacuations. Laura shares her evacuation plan as a member of a boarding barn.
This episode covers:
#11 Back to Basics Part 2 - Building Strong Horsemanship Skills
Aug 13, 2024Transform Your Horse Human Relationship With Cindy
Welcome back to part two of our "Back to Basics" series. This episode focuses on the foundational aspects of your horsemanship skills. Understanding the basics is crucial for all horse people, and we break it down here.
This episode tackles topics like entering your horse's enclosure, setting the tone for your time together, and the proper way to open and close gates for safety. We also discuss the importance of leading with confidence and establishing patterns that promote mutual trust and understanding between you and your...
Duration: 01:04:05#10 Back to Basics Part 1 - Building a Strong Horse Human Relationship
Jul 24, 2024Transform Your Horse/Human Relationship With Cindy
The basic relationship principles discussed in this episode aren't taught in lessons or online programs. When they're skipped, they cause all kinds of issues that leave owners frustrated and horses unheard.
Your relationship with your equine can make the difference between a close call and a total wreck when something happens that pushes you beyond your horsemanship skills or pushes your horse beyond their threshold of tolerance.
Do you have the basics in place in your horse-human relationship? Hit play now to find out.
#9 Knowledge To Empower Part 2 Essentials To Know When Loading & Unloading Horses
Jul 09, 2024Get Help With Safe Trailer Loading From Cindy
This episode shares trailering safety tips to keep you and your horse safe during loading, unloading, and while on the road. Many wrecks happen in the trailer, and these basic tools can help you avoid them!
We have different trailers, so you'll hear two different approaches to the same idea. At the end of the day, the goal is to plan for the worst while setting your horse up for success to avoid major accidents.
Unfortunately, many people unknowingly load and u...
Duration: 00:22:15#8 Knowledge To Empower Part 1 Essentials To Know When Hauling Horses
Jun 25, 2024Help Your Horse Thrive With Laura
Do you trailer your horse to trailheads, clinics, lessons, or shows? If so, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Knowledge is empowerment! Even if you have no mechanical skills or desire to learn, you must get to know your rig. This is essential safety information that most horsewomen lack.
Get the Trailer Checklist Here
In this episode you'll learn the basics of your truck and trailer. You'll discover how to identify issues before they b...
Duration: 00:39:04#7 Understanding Your Horse’s Brain with Dr. Steve Peters
Jun 11, 2024Transform Your Horse Human Relationship With Cindy
Connect With Dr. Peters: https://horsebrainscience.info/
In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome our first guest, Dr. Steven Peters. As a board-certified neuroscientist with a lifelong passion for horses, Dr. Peters has a unique perspective. He shares his incredible knowledge of the equine nervous system in this episode. You will see how everything we talk about in Episodes 5 & 6 is backed by science.
Dr. Peters shares how understanding your horse's brain can improve your training. Knowing what's happening in the...
Duration: 00:57:51#6 Recognizing the Release
May 28, 2024Help Your Horse Thrive with Laura
In this episode, we discuss the science of energy releases in horses. Learning to understand your horse's nervous system can revolutionize your horsemanship. Listen in as we explain how the horse's sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems influence their behavior.
Recognizing and respecting your horse's need for release can lead to profound breakthroughs. When you know the signs of a horse transitioning from stress to calm, you can learn to facilitate this. You'll become their quiet in the storm, a safe place for your horse no...
Duration: 00:59:12#5 Equine Energy Work - Learn To Heal With Your Horse
May 14, 2024Help Your Horse Thrive With Laura
Download Energy Ball Exercise
In this episode of the Spiritually Empowered Horsemanship Podcast, we explore energy work. Horses have heightened sensory awareness and intuitive abilities. When we learn to access those parts of them, we open the door to a powerful healing modality. You can deepen your connection with your horse by learning to work with the energetic field.
You'll learn practical tips on how to become more attuned to your horse's energy. Plus, we share stories of how we've used these modalities...
Duration: 01:00:06#4 A New Perspective on Problem Solving
Apr 23, 2024Transform Your Horse / Human Relationship With Cindy
In A New Perspective on Problem Solving, you'll learn how to approach struggles with your horse from a place of curiosity instead of fear, frustration, or uncertainty. There's a culture in the horse world that encourages equestrians to make their struggles with their horses mean something about their riding or horsemanship abilities.
This episode puts that way of thinking to rest and empowers you with a step-by-step method to face your problems with your horse head-on. When you implement these steps, you'll learn to tackle issues i...
#3 Life Lessons from Horses: Growth, Spiritual Awakening, and Surrender
Apr 08, 2024Transform Your Horse / Human Relationship With Cindy
In Episode 3, Life Lessons from Horses: Growth, Spiritual Awakening, and Surrender, we share how horses have changed our lives. They've pushed us to grow, awakened us to a deeper connection with life, and called us to surrender in moments that spiraled out of control.
We have both experienced connections with horses on a level that we haven't found in a relationship with any other being. The more we've leaned into these bonds, the better our horsemanship journeys have become.
#2 Awakening Awareness: A New Perspective for Hard Rides
Apr 08, 2024Help Your Horse Thrive with Laura
In Episode 2, Awakening Awareness: A New Perspective for Hard Rides, we explore what it means to truly see your horse. If you've ever had a tough training session and wondered if you were missing something that could have helped you turn things around, this episode is for you.
The Heart of Connection:
Your emotions and energy influence your horse both positively and negatively. Understanding this connection is vital to knowing what's happening with your horse at any moment.
#1 Discover the Magic of Spiritually Empowered Horsemanship
Apr 06, 2024Transform Your Horse / Human Relationship With Cindy
Welcome to Episode 1 of The Spiritually Empowered Horsemanship Podcast. In Discover the Magic of Spiritually Empowered Horsemanship, we introduce the Who, What, Where, Why, and How of the Podcast.
We're creating a space for passionate equestrians aiming to foster a deeper connection with their equine partners to explore, learn, and grow. Strong horse-human partnerships are based on mutual trust and respect, not dominance!
In this episode, we discuss cultivating confidence and intuition and becoming a better steward of y...
Duration: 00:54:57