In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, Nandi Kegode shares her unique journey in the world of horsemanship, from her early experiences in Kenya and the UK, to her transition to the US, and the challenges she faced along the way. Nandi discusses the importance of respect and communication in training horses and riders, the cultural perspectives on horsemanship, and her struggles with mental health and addiction. She emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence in both horse training and personal growth, and the significance of finding purpose through horses. The conversation highlights the complexities of tradition in equestrian sports and the importance of self-reflection and accountability in the journey of a horse person.
Key Takeaways:
Nandi left Kenya to pursue top sport in show jumping, which ultimately brought her to the United States
Her early experiences with horses shaped her understanding of respect, learned from her father
After a classical upbringing, natural horsemanship was introduced to her when she was in the UK attending boarding school
The shift from communal village life to individualistic Western society contributes to mental health challenges like depression
Finding purpose through horses can lead to personal growth and recovery
Emotional intelligence is crucial in both horse training and personal life
Tradition in horsemanship must be balanced with progress and modern understanding
Respect is foundational to every interaction with horses, but must be distinguished from fear and blind followership
Feeling riders develop awareness through understanding themselves first
You can follow Nandi Kegode on Facebook or Instagram @african.horse.woman_official and @hisia_intel
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Chapters:
[01:54] Introduction and Background
[02:20] Leaving Kenya for Top Sport
[04:19] Growing Up with Polo Ponies
[04:41] Discovery of Natural Horsemanship
[06:18] The Sunrise Ride Revelation
[07:02] Classical Training in Kenya
[08:27] Pony Club and Early Education
[11:05] Natural Horsemanship in the UK
[14:12] Isolation in the Showing World
[15:38] Hunters in Kenya vs America
[19:08] Cultural Perspectives on Feeling
[21:28] Horse Welfare in Kenya
[24:06] Parents' Different Approaches
[26:18] Joining the US Military
[29:26] Mental Health Journey Begins
[30:26] Addiction and Homelessness
[31:09] Children Save Her Life
[32:38] The Path Back to Horses
[33:06] Depression and Individualism
[36:18] Understanding Respect in Practice
[39:13] Normalized Sociopathic Behavior
[41:18] Unqualified Trainers
[42:32] Gaslighting in the Industry
[46:42] Wishy-Washy to Aggressive
[48:30] The Need to Walk Away
[50:12] Breeding for Sensitivity
[51:54] Feeling Can Be Taught
[53:04] Horses as Most Abused Domestic Animals
[55:03] Ignorance vs Intent
[58:09] Respect vs Blind Followership
[1:00:41] The Village of Accountability
[1:02:35] Three Types of Respect
[1:05:45] Fear is Not Respect
[1:06:16] Setting Up Part 2
