Shows
Easier Movement, Happier LifeForce vs Power: The Kinder, More Effective Path to ChangeDiscover why real improvement for your horse or dog isn’t something you can make happen. Force tries to impose change from the outside. True power creates the conditions for learning, so your animal's nervous system can discover safer, easier ways of moving and being. This gentle, respectful process not only improves comfort and mobility but also deepens trust and connection—for your animals and for you. Resources:Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improv...
2025-09-2414 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy Even Well-Fitting Gear Can Limit Your Animal's MovementLearn why even well-fitting dog harnesses and horse saddles can exacerbate movement restrictions. Discover a practical two-phase approach to help your animal move comfortably with their gear on, reducing stiffness and improving mobility. Resources:Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,”...
2025-09-1908 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHelp Your Dog Move with Ease & Confidence in 3 Steps🚨Want to help your dog move more easily and feel their best—at any age? There's just a few spots left in our Easier Movement, Happier Dogs program starting Sept. 4, 2025! Click here to join. 🐶 What if your dog's mobility challenges, anxiety, or behavioral issues are connected to hidden physical tension? Mary Debono shares her 3-step framework that's helped dogs with mobility difficulties, stroke survivors, and anxious rescues find both physical ease and emotional calm. Resources:🚨Want to help your dog move more easily and feel their best—at any age? There...
2025-08-2728 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeReclaim Your Stolen Attention: The Secret to a Deeper Bond with Your Horse & DogYour attention is priceless — and often stolen by constant distractions. Learn how Feldenkrais® and Debono Moves help you reclaim focus, deepen your bond, and improve movement for both you and your horse or dog. Your horse or dog doesn’t care about fancy equipment or your bank balance. What they crave most is your attention — a resource constantly pulled away by modern distractions, yet it’s the foundation of trust, connection, and better movement. In this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Life, Mary shares how to reclaim it. Drawing on insights from Cal Newport and decades of...
2025-08-1318 min
Somatic HoundMary Debono: Grow Young with Your DogMary Debono helps dog lovers support their dogs' mobility, comfort, and vitality—while improving their own. A Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and creator of Debono Moves, Mary combines movement science, gentle touch, and mindset work to foster greater ease, awareness, and connection between dogs and their humans.She is the award-winning, Amazon bestselling author of Grow Young with Your Dog, a practical and inspiring book that helps people bring out the best in their dogs—and themselves. Mary's gentle hands-on processes support dogs dealing with arthritis, weakness, or injury, and help prevent problems before they start....
2025-08-1248 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeLet It Be Easy: The Smarter Path to Healing for Dogs, Horses—and YouWhether you’re helping a senior or injured dog regain mobility, encouraging your horse to move more freely, or looking to ease discomfort in your own body, real, lasting improvement begins with curiosity, comfort, and a sense of safety—not with pressure or force.In this episode, you'll discover how to engage your animal’s (and your own) nervous system in a way that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and opens the door to joyful movement. Whether you're helping a dog recover from surgery, supporting an aging horse, or trying to move better...
2025-08-0630 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy "Fixing" Your Animal Actually Breaks Trust (And What to Do Instead)Mary Debono reveals why traditional "fixing" approaches often backfire and create resistance in both animals and humans. Drawing from the Feldenkrais Method® and her innovative Debono Moves approach, Mary explains how supporting the direction of ease—rather than opposing it—builds trust and creates lasting positive change.You'll discover the neuroscience behind why gentle, supportive approaches work better than forcing change, and learn practical ways for working with your horse's, dog's, or your own natural movement patterns. Mary shares how to recognize and support what's already working, creating a learning environment where transformation happens naturally....
2025-07-3020 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeBreaking the Tension Loop: Mindful Awareness for You and Your DogDiscover how automatic stress responses create feedback loops between you and your dog. Learn how to shift nervous system patterns through a simple breathing practice, so grooming, walking, and everyday life feel better for both of you. Mentioned in this episode: An Akita Overcomes Hip and Knee Pain - and Changes His Behavior TooResources:Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥Want to help your dog move more easily and feel their best—at any age...
2025-07-2316 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy I Taught My Horse to Chase Me with a Whip—and What It Taught Us BothWhat do you do when you see someone chasing terrified horses with a whip?If you're Mary Debono, you teach your horse to chase you with a whip—and discover something joyful in the process.In this episode, Mary shares the surprising story of how a simple liberty game became a lesson in trust, body awareness, and learning to learn. You’ll hear how she transformed her horse Breeze’s traumatic past into a partnership built on joy and curiosity—and how their years of playful exploration allowed Breeze to learn “chase me w...
2025-07-1628 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeTack, Tension, and Transformation [Horses]Tack isn’t just gear—it’s a powerful signal. It can trigger old patterns of tension in both horse and human. In this episode, discover how to gently shift those habits using awareness and Debono Moves—so you and your horse feel more at ease, right from the start.Resources:Girthy Horse? Simple Steps Make Saddling a Pleasure (blog post)💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥Grab your FREE
2025-07-0919 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHumming and Healing: The Surprising Power of Sound to Support You and Your AnimalsDiscover how a simple humming practice can transform your connection with animals by regulating your nervous system, reducing tension, and communicating safety through presence rather than actions. Resources:💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥Want to help your dog move more easily and feel their best—at any age? Join the waitlist for my u...
2025-06-2712 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeIs Your Horse or Dog Predicting Pain? Here’s How to Help Them Feel Safe AgainDid you know your horse or dog might be bracing before anything even happens—because their brain is predicting discomfort?In this episode, we explore the fascinating science behind predictive brains and how both humans and animals can get caught in loops of fear, tension, and restricted movement. But here’s the good news: prediction errors are learning opportunities.You’ll learn how gentle, supportive touch—through Debono Moves for your animals and the Feldenkrais Method® for yourself—can update your brain’s predictions, interrupt downward spirals of tension, and build a new sense of safety and ea...
2025-06-1918 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy Slowing Down Speeds Up Real ResultsMovement specialist Mary Debono reveals why forcing change in your horse, dog, or yourself often backfires—and what to do instead. Drawing from the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and the Debono Moves approach, Mary explains how the nervous system's primary job is protection. When we try to "fix" movement patterns, we trigger defensive responses that reinforce the very habits we're trying to change. "Change isn't something you impose—it's something you invite." - Mary Debono Resources:💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on yo...
2025-06-1113 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThe Wrong Way to Get It RightDiscover the counterintuitive "do the easy side badly" strategy that transforms movement without forcing change. Learn why intentionally making your easy side feel difficult helps your challenging side improve naturally through neuroplasticity and contrast learning.Have you ever noticed that one side of your body moves more smoothly than the other? Maybe your right leg slides effortlessly while your left feels sticky, or you turn more easily in one direction than the other. Your horses and dogs have these asymmetries, too.Most people try to fix the "harder" side by pushing...
2025-06-0322 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeSomething Shifted… and the Horse KnewThis episode shares inspiring stories of transformation through Debono Moves—where presence, support, and gentle guidance invite nervous systems to relax, horses to soften, and freer movement to emerge naturally. A shift in you creates change in your animals. Resources:Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videosInterested in learning more about our Move with Your Horse program? Click here to join our no-obligation waitlist: https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse Grab yo...
2025-05-2019 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHands That Listen: Transforming Your Approach to Animal WellnessDiscover how to shift from the conventional "fix-it" approach to animal bodywork to creating a tactile conversation with your animal's nervous system. Rather than attempting to stretch, release, or realign body parts, Mary Debono reveals how supporting the nervous system—the body's true control center—creates profound, lasting change.Mary shares case studies of horses with chronic back pain and dogs with spinal issues, demonstrating how gentle, respectful touch that honors the animal's innate wisdom achieves results. She explains why poking into sore areas creates defensiveness rather than healing, and how her approach creates an environment of safe...
2025-04-3021 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifePresent Moment Magic: Mindfulness for You and Your AnimalsWhat if the way to connect more deeply with your horse or dog wasn’t by doing more—but simply by noticing more?In this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Life, Mary Debono explores how mindfulness, the simple act of noticing your present experience, can radically transform your life and the lives of your animals.You’ll learn how slowing down—even just for a moment—can awaken you to new possibilities. Discover how mindful movement, shared awareness, and practices like Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles can regulate your nervous system, deepen your animal connection, and bring...
2025-04-2316 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeYour Animal’s Body is Talking—Are You Listening?What if a simple, mindful touch could improve your dog’s or horse’s movement, comfort, and even emotional well-being? In this episode, Mary Debono shares how to use your hands and your heart to do a gentle “scan”—a profoundly simple practice that awakens awareness, fosters mobility, and strengthens your bond.You’ll learn:Why your hands act like a kinesthetic mirror for your animal’s bodyHow curiosity (not correction) supports nervous system changeWhat to feel for: structure, temperature, response, symmetryWhy these moments of shared awareness build trust and connectionHow CLTMs (special receptors) create calm and deepen the...
2025-04-1619 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifePause, Process, Progress: The Value of ConfusionConfusion isn’t failure—it’s a signal that your brain (or your animal’s) is learning something new. In this episode, Mary Debono shares how embracing confusion can improve your movement, mindset, and connection with your horse or dog. Key TakeawaysConfusion is a natural and valuable part of the learning process.Your nervous system—and your animal’s—needs time and space to process new information.Novelty and variation disrupt habitual patterns, leading to more efficient movement.Asking “How can this feel easier?” can guide you through confusion with grace.The key is not to fix but t...
2025-04-0910 minEasier Movement, Happier LifeImagination: A Bridge to Deeper Connection with Your Horse or DogWould you like to use your imagination to deepen your connection with your horse or dog? In this episode, you’ll learn how to use your imagination to not only deepen your connection with your horse or dog but also increase the effectiveness of bodywork and training sessions. Key Takeaways: Your brain doesn't strongly distinguish between vivid imagination and physical experience—"what you imagine, you embody."Visualizing a connection of light with your animal creates real physiological changes in your body that your animal can detect.Animals constantly read the world through somat...
2025-04-0217 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThe Transformative Power of Resonance with Your Horse or DogIn this episode, Mary Debono shares how cultivating resonance—a felt sense of connection between you and your animal—can profoundly transform your relationship with your horse or dog.Whether through hands-on Debono Moves, quiet companionship, or simply breathing together, resonance helps you tune in more deeply to your animal—and yourself. Mary explains how subtle shifts in attention, gratitude, and gentle support can activate your animal’s nervous system in a healing, trust-building way.Through real-life stories, including working with an aging Australian Shepherd and liberty play with her beloved horse Breeze, Mary reveals how reso...
2025-03-2619 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHow to Improve Your Horse’s Movement Through Connection, Not ControlCheck out our Move with Your Horse Foundations group coaching program. 💥 🥳 Doors close soon! 💥Many riders try to fix their horse’s movement challenges—stiffness, bending issues, or unevenness—by stretching, using stronger aids, or forcing a certain posture. But what if the real key to improvement isn’t about control at all?In this episode, I’ll share how fostering connection instead of imposing control allows your horse to move with greater ease, comfort, and balance. You’ll learn why traditional fixes often fail, how the nervous system...
2025-03-1915 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy Efficient Movement Matters for You and Your AnimalsDiscover why movement efficiency is crucial for humans, horses, and dogs alike. Learn how maladaptive movement patterns create wear and tear, while efficient movement reduces joint damage, increases power, and simply feels better—leading to more vitality and range of motion for all species. Resources:Want freer, more comfortable hips? Check out our Smart, Supple Hips Feldenkrais series. Want to improve movement efficiency, comfort, and connection for both you and your horse? Check out our Move with Your Horse Foundations gr...
2025-03-1209 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeNervous Dog? Try This Body-Mind ApproachIn this episode, Mary Debono blends neuroscience, practical techniques, and compassionate understanding to give dog owners new tools for helping their anxious companions. By the end, you'll understand how to transform your relationship with your dog through physical and emotional connection, ultimately giving them the confidence to face challenges with calm assurance.Learn how Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles can reset your dog's nervous system, build confidence, and create new neural pathways – all through gentle, compassionate connection. Resources:Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help...
2025-03-0633 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeInnovative Help for the Herd-Bound HorseMary Debono addresses a common challenge faced by many horse owners: the herd-bound horse. Rather than using punitive methods that cause more fear, Mary shares innovative, humane, and effective ways to help horses feel secure when separated from their herd.She emphasizes the importance of recognizing this natural behavior and working with it rather than against it.The episode introduces several powerful practices:Connected Breathing: A foundational practice where you place your hands on your horse's ribcage and sense their breathing, creating a tactile conversation that promotes relaxation and deep connection.Heart-Centered Appreciation: Mary...
2025-02-2642 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy Fixing Your Animal Won’t Work—And What DoesWhat if the key to helping your horse or dog move with ease wasn’t about “fixing” them but connecting with them?In this episode, I challenge the idea of correction-based approaches and explain why true change happens through mindful support, not force. I introduce my Possibilities in Motion framework—a powerful yet simple way to connect with your animal, relieve tension, and gently guide them toward easier movement.You’ll also hear the inspiring story of Zoey, a dog who wouldn’t use her surgically repaired leg despite all traditional rehab efforts. The breakthrough? A simple yet...
2025-02-1929 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHow Gentle Movements Can Help You, Your Horse, and Dog Feel Safer and HappierDiscover how the Feldenkrais Method® and Debono Moves use gentle movements to help you, your horse, and your dog feel safer and more at ease. Learn how mindful movement engages the nervous system, reduces tension, and fosters confidence—without force. Tune in for simple ways to enhance well-being for all! Resources:Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series.Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series ⬅️⬅️⬅️💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method...
2025-02-1329 min
Horsefriends internationalFeldenkrais - a conversation with Mary Debono
Mary Debono is a Feldenkrais Practitioner from the US. She started her journey 30 years ago, and broke the ground for applying Feldenkrais also to horses, dogs and cats. Today Celina and Mary are talking about curious competence, compassion and kindness in the work with horses and humans, and why they don’t like the expression
“No pain, no gain” at all. For our listeners, Mary has put together a free 3-video-series on her webpage marydebono.com/rider
If you would like to dive in deeper, also listen to Mary’s talk during the Equidemia Online Summit in February...
2025-02-1047 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeBody Wisdom: The Bridge to Animal ConnectionDiscover how developing body wisdom through the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ creates a natural bridge to deeper animal connection. Learn to trust your innate physical intelligence, release unnecessary tension, and become a more responsive, intuitive partner for your horses and dogs. Resources:Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series.Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series ⬅️⬅️⬅️💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebon...
2025-02-0519 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeSetback or Reset? How to Reframe Challenges for You, Your Horses & DogsLearn how to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth in your journey with horses and dogs. Discover practical mindset shifts, movement strategies, and real-world examples that help you and your animals move better, feel better, and strengthen your bond together. Resources:Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series.Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series ⬅️⬅️⬅️💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.mar...
2025-01-3124 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThe Hardest Thing to Believe About Improving YourselfWant to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series.Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series ⬅️⬅️⬅️ Discover how lasting change can happen instantly and effortlessly through the Feldenkrais Method. Learn why struggle isn't necessary for transformation, experience a mini-movement lesson, and hear inspiring stories of rapid, profound change in both humans and animals. Resources:💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rid...
2025-01-2235 minEasier Movement, Happier LifeExciting Update: Our Podcast is Now Easier Movement, Happier LifeIf you’ve been listening to this podcast for any length, you know that I’ve been on a mission to help you and your horse/dog improve movement, connection, and well-being for you and your animals.For quite a while now, I’ve been hosting two separate podcasts: "Easier Movement, Happier Horses" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs."After much thought, I’ve decided to bring both of these podcasts together into one unified space. Moving forward, all the great content you’ve loved from both shows will be available here, under the new name—Easier Mov...
2025-01-1304 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeReclaim Lost Time for What Matters MostWant to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series. The extra-early bird discount expires on Dec. 31, 2024, so act fast. It makes a great gift, too! 🎁 Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series ⬅️⬅️⬅️Resources:💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥Join our waitlist! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴Email mary@marydebono.comAll information is for...
2024-12-1912 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeYour Personal Keystone: Unlock the Power of Lasting ChangeDiscover how selecting a keystone practice like Feldenkrais can create positive chain reactions throughout your life. Learn how gentle movement sequences can improve your riding, sleep, emotional resilience, and creativity while building a foundation for lasting transformation.Key TakeawaysA keystone goal or practice creates positive chain reactions in multiple areas of lifeA consistent Feldenkrais practice makes an effective keystone practice Physical benefits include improved flexibility, coordination, and postureMental benefits include enhanced focus, concentration, decision-making abilities, and emotional resiliencePhysical changes can lead to broader life transformationsMary's upcoming Feldenkrais series will focus on b...
2024-12-1217 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeImproving a Horse’s Ability to Hold Up His Legs for Hoof TrimmingDiscover how addressing your horse's entire body, especially back tension, can transform difficult hoof handling into a calm, cooperative experience. Learn gentle, effective practices that replace force with understanding, creating lasting positive change in your horse's hoof care routine. Key Takeaways: Resistance to hoof handling often stems from whole-body tension, particularly in the backTraditional forcing methods can create a cycle of increasing tension and resistanceGentle, supportive movements are more effective than forceful stretchingBuilding body awareness in both horse and handler is crucial for successPatience and consistency are essential for creating lasting changeDaily grooming routines p...
2024-12-0518 min
Easier Movement, Happier Life[Listener Favorite] Body-Mind Harmony: 4 Keys to Moving WITH Your HorseDiscover the four hallmarks of healthy movement that can improve athletic performance for you and your horse. Learn how effortlessness, breathing, reversibility, and posture reveal physical and emotional states, leading to better communication and partnership with your horse. Resources:💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥Join our waitlist! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴 Email mary@marydebono.comAll information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, v...
2024-11-2830 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhere Your Hip Joints Really Are (And Why It Matters)💥Video: Finding Your Hips Joints 💥Your hip joints hold the key to better riding – but only if you know where they really are. Learn why traditional approaches often fail and discover a gentle, proven process that creates lasting change for you and your horse using the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ. Most riders struggle with hip mobility because they're working with the wrong map. By understanding the true location of your hip joints, you'll discover why traditional advice like "just relax" or "stretch more" might be holding you back. Through the gentle wisdom of the Felden...
2024-11-2219 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeBeyond Stretching: An Intelligent Approach to Flexibility💥Click here to lengthen your hamstrings without stretching! 💥 Discover why traditional stretching might be holding you back. Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and Debono Moves offer a revolutionary, science-backed approach to improving flexibility and movement for both riders and horses - without the risks of conventional stretching.Instead of treating muscles like rubber bands, Mary introduces listeners to a revolutionary approach that works with the body's natural intelligence.Through the lens of the Feldenkrais Method for humans and Debono Moves for horses, Mary explains how gentle, exploratory movements can achieve better results...
2024-11-1411 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeEnjoy Freer Shoulders in Ten Minutes💥Important! Click here for your Freer Shoulders in Ten Minutes video.⬅️⬅️⬅️Follow along with this video to make riding, grooming, and leading your horse easier and more enjoyable. By understanding the natural connection between your shoulder blade and rib cage, you'll discover how to have lighter, more independent hands - without stretching or strain.Resources:💥Learn how the Feldenkrais Method can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider videos masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥Email mary@marydebono...
2024-11-0703 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThe Power of Breath: Your Secret Training ToolDiscover how changing how you breathe can transform your interactions with your horse. Learn practical ways to calm an anxious horse or enliven a "lazy" one, plus a Feldenkrais-inspired quadrant breathing lesson that can enhance your seat and connection! You'll learn:Why tension in your breathing affects your horse's responsivenessHow your breathing can invoke a state of calm curiosity, which invites creativity and connection with your horseA Feldenkrais-inspired quadrant breathing exercise that can improve your seat, develop more precise weight aids, and create clearer communication with your horseWhether you're dealing with an a...
2024-10-3121 minEasier Movement, Happier LifeFeeling Stuck? Transform Your Horse Time TodayFeeling stuck in your horse routine? Discover practical, science-backed ways to refresh your horse time. From simple changes in daily habits to mindset shifts, learn how to reignite your passion and deepen your connection with your horse through novel experiences and mindful practices.Key TakeawaysSmall changes in routine can create a welcome shift in your nervous systemNon-habitual activities create new neural pathways and enhance awarenessMindset shifts can transform your horse experienceChallenging limiting beliefs about yourself and your horse opens new possibilitiesEngaging all senses deepens your awarenessPlayful approaches can reignite...
2024-10-2518 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeCrafting Your Future: Make a Blueprint for SuccessLet’s take a journey into the future—but not with a time machine. Instead, we’ll do a powerful mental exercise designed to help you shape the future you desire, whether it's improving your mobility, strengthening your relationship with your horse, or achieving new levels of well-being and connection.When we create a compelling “future memory,” it gives your brain a roadmap to make better choices today, leading to long-term success. By imagining the feelings, movements, and experiences you want in your future, you empower yourself to take actionable steps now. This episode is filled with...
2024-10-1718 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeMindset Magic: Reframing to Get Real ResultsIn this episode, we explore the concept of reframing and its impact on your equestrian journey. Host Mary Debono shares personal anecdotes and practical examples to illustrate how changing your perspective can revolutionize your approach to challenges, both in and out of the saddle.Mary emphasizes that reframing is not about sugarcoating difficulties, but about finding actionable strategies to improve your life and your relationship with your horse. She introduces the Feldenkrais Method as a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental well-being, highlighting how improved body awareness can lead to more effective mindset shifts.
2024-10-1021 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeDiscover the Key to Rounding Your Horse's BackYou can learn the secret to your horse being able to round the back easily. This episode explores how the sternum and ribs can help—or hinder—a horse's ability to collect, and introduces a gentle, hands-on method to help horses rediscover comfortable movement, leading to improved performance and well-being.You’ll also learn the difference between "leg movers" and "back movers," and how trying to force your horse into a frame can lead to tension, resistance, and potential long-term soundness issues.You’ll hear about Mary’s gentle, hands-on method to help horses rediscover comfortabl...
2024-10-0313 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHarmony in Motion: Exploring the Body-Mind ConnectionIn this episode, we delve into the importance of the body-mind connection with equine interactions. Host Mary Debono shares insights on harnessing this powerful link to improve your relationship with your horse and enhance your overall riding experience.Key topics include:Understanding the bidirectional nature of the body-mind connectionPractical tips for managing anxiety and increasing confidenceThe importance of presence and awareness in horsemanshipSimple exercises to improve body awareness and relaxation for both rider and horseLeveraging positive memories to anchor beneficial emotional statesHow horses perceive and respond to our internal statesSimple strategies for breaking habitual...
2024-09-2616 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHow Gentle Hands-On Work with Your Horse Deepens Your Connection, Reduces Your Stress, and Boosts Well-BeingIn this episode, Mary Debono shares the unexpected benefits of Equine Debono Moves for both horses and humans. Inspired by Mary's studies in the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ, Debono Moves was originally designed to help horses move more freely and reduce tension. But as you'll hear, this gentle hands-on work can be a two-way street of healing and connection.Mary recounts a recent experience with a Trakehner mare that exemplifies the deep, almost magical connection that can occur during a Debono Moves session. She explains how the practice requires equestrians to be fully present, creating a...
2024-09-1919 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeSticky Learning: Varying Context for Lasting ImprovementIn this episode of Easier Movement, Happier Horses, Mary Debono continues her exploration of how to enhance your horse's learning and movement capabilities. Building on the principles of the Feldenkrais Method, Mary discusses the importance of changing the context during practice sessions to help both you and your horse better integrate new skills. By varying the environment and position or activity, both you and your horse can experience more effective learning, leading to sustained improvements in movement, emotional well-being, and overall resilience. Mary provides practical examples and encourages listeners to experiment wit...
2024-09-1210 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHow Novelty Can Transform Your Horse’s Movement and MindsetIn this episode, Mary Debono continues her discussion on how to work with your horse's existing habits to encourage ease and comfort. Building on concepts from previous episodes, Mary explains the importance of introducing novel, non-habitual movements that engage the horse's nervous system in a positive way.These movements do more than just improve your horse's athletic abilities—they also enhance their emotional resilience and foster a deeper bond between horse and human.Mary delves into the science behind the use of gentle, slow touch, including the role of C-tactile afferents (CLTMs) in building trust an...
2024-09-0514 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeCreating Safety in Movement: A New Way to Help Your HorseIn this episode, Mary Debono builds on the previous discussion about why it’s crucial to work with, rather than against, a horse’s current movement patterns. Mary explains how supporting a horse’s tendency for spinal extension, for instance, can be the first step in helping the horse discover healthier movement options, like flexion and rounding. By exaggerating and then gently guiding the horse back to a more neutral position, the nervous system starts to feel safe and open to new possibilities. This method not only benefits the horse’s physical health but also fosters...
2024-08-2913 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy Your Horse’s Nervous System Resists Change—and What to Do About It In this episode of "Easier Movement, Happier Horses," Mary Debono delves into the often-overlooked concept of working WITH a horse's current movement patterns, however "incorrect" we may think they are, instead of trying to force a change. Mary explains how many equestrians, in their desire to help their horses move better, may inadvertently cause discomfort or resistance by attempting to immediately correct posture issues, such as a dropped back. Drawing on her extensive experience, Mary illustrates how gently supporting a horse's existing habits can create a sense of ease and safety, making the nervous system mor...
2024-08-2211 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeMovement Made Easy: Feldenkrais for Flexibility and StrengthIn this episode, Mary tackles a common question: "Can you really increase flexibility and strength without stretching or pushing your limits?" Drawing from the Feldenkrais Method, Mary explains how improving body awareness and reducing unnecessary tension can lead to greater strength and flexibility. Whether you're an athlete or simply looking to move more easily and comfortably, this episode will guide you on how to achieve sustainable, long-term improvement in your movement, strength, and flexibility. Remember, you and your horse deserve to feel great. Together!Key Takeaways:
2024-08-1520 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHarmony in Motion: Creating Lasting Improvements for Horse & Rider💥Want to learn more? Join the Move with Your Horse waitlist!💥 https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 🐴In this episode, we conclude our six-step series on creating horse-human harmony. Step Six is the crucial final step: exploring and enjoying movement with your horse, both on the ground and in the saddle.Key highlights:- A comprehensive review of all six steps to horse-human harmony- Practical Feldenkrais-inspired exercises to improve your body awareness and movement- Tips for integrating improved movement into your dail...
2024-08-0146 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeUnlocking Harmony: A Hands-on Approach for a Happier, Healthier Horse💥Get a free audio/video exercise at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥Learn about Steps 3, 4, and 5 of the Six Steps to Creating Horse-Human Harmony. Discover how to use your hands to relieve your horse's tension and improve their movement and well-being. In this episode, you'll hear practical tips to help your horse feel more comfortable and connected, including how to transform tacking-up into a bonding experience that enhances horse and rider harmony. Yes, you read that right. Your horse doesn't have to be girthy or cinchy!You can saddl...
2024-07-2530 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeUnlocking Harmony: Intentional Breathwork with Your Horse💥Get your special gift at: marydebono.com/breathinghorse💥 Mary Debono explores step two of her six-step framework for creating harmony between you and your horse. This bonus episode focuses on the importance of intention, breath, and loving energy in connecting with your horse. Mary shares personal anecdotes and practical tips, along with a free audio/video exercise available at marydebono.com/breathinghorse. Discover how these simple, powerful strategies can transform your interactions with your horse, whether you're riding, walking, or simply spending time together. Subscribe to "Ea...
2024-07-2323 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeUnlocking Harmony: Improve Your Movement, Improve Your HorseIn this episode, you'll learn all about Step 1 of the Six Steps to Creating Horse-Human Harmony.You'll hear Mary explain how enhancing your body awareness can lead to better communication, trust, and overall well-being for you and your horse. Mary Debono, an expert in the Feldenkrais Method and creator of Debono Moves, guides you through practical strategies to improve your self-awareness and movement, ultimately enhancing your horse's comfort and performance. Key TakeawaysSelf-Awareness and Movement: Developing self-awareness and improving your movement through the Feldenkrais Method is crucial for effective and c...
2024-07-1835 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHow to Create Horse-Human Harmony in Six StepsTo join the Move with Your Horse waitlist, click here! 💥In this episode, we delve into the core issues that equestrians face, both for themselves and their horses. Whether it's stiff hips, an aching back, or a horse that's resistant or stiff, these concerns all boil down to one essential desire: achieving greater harmony with your horse.Join Mary Debono as she introduces the six essential steps to create horse-human harmony. Mary explains how the Feldenkrais Method and Debono Moves can improve your movement and awareness, ultimately enhancing your con...
2024-07-1123 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeMindset Shift: Unlock Equestrian Potential at Any Age In this episode, Mary Debono shares a transformative shift in her approach to helping riders achieve their best. Moving beyond the traditional focus on balance in the saddle, Mary introduces the concept of "biological optimism," highlighting the potential for improvement at any age or fitness level. Through her extensive experience with the Feldenkrais Method, Mary offers insights into how this approach can enhance movement, well-being, and the rider-horse connection. She provides practical tips for developing body awareness and reducing tension, empowering listeners to trust their inner authority and embrace freedom in their riding j...
2024-07-0517 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeSensitive Horses: Building Trust and ConnectionHave you ever wondered how to transform a sensitive, easily spooked, or defensive horse into a confident and relaxed partner? You'll hear about specific cases where observing subtle cues and applying gentle, supportive touch made a significant difference in a horse's emotional and physical well-being. We'll also explore the art of understanding and communicating with horses through their breathing. Learn the importance of recognizing early signs of agitation and how to respond with Connected Breathing, a mindfulness-based exercise that helps release tension, refine communication, and deepen your connection with your horse.Want...
2024-06-2824 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeTransforming Horse Training: Building Partnership and Mutual RespectWhat if horse training could be more about partnership and mutual respect than following rigid regimes? On this episode of the Easier Movement, Happier Horses podcast, Mary Debono uncovers the transformative approach of facilitating learning opportunities for your horse. By focusing on what your horse already finds easy and gently expanding on that, you can build a cooperative and enjoyable training experience. Mary emphasizes the importance of compassionate curiosity, an attitude that fosters creative problem-solving and strengthens the bond between you and your equine partner.Join us as we explore how...
2024-06-1712 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeBody Awareness Breakthrough: Are You Sabotaging Yourself (and Your Horse)?Can the way you think about your body transform your riding experience? Join me, Mary Debono, on the Easier Movement, Happier Horses podcast as we explore a crucial concept for equestrians: understanding the difference between using body parts in isolation versus independently. This might sound like a subtle shift, but it can lead to a profound improvement in your movement coordination and your harmony with your horse. By gaining better control and awareness of how you move both in and out of the saddle, you can elevate your nonverbal communication with your horse, resulting in a more enjoyable and...
2024-06-1312 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy You and Your Horse Don't Need FixingAre there things about yourself or your horse that you'd like to fix? In this episode, I challenge the notion that you or your horse needs fixing.Instead, we embrace a holistic approach. Drawing on my 30 years of experience as a Feldenkrais teacher specializing in horses and riders, I explain how our nervous systems develop habits and how, by working in harmony with these natural processes, we can foster better movement options and deeper connections with our horses.Discover the Move With Your Horse program's core framework, Possibilities in Motion, which uses gentle...
2024-06-0733 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThe Surprising Benefits of Movement ImprovementBeyond better performance, learn how improved movement can boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and create a deeper connection between you and your horse. Discover ways to make saddling up a positive experience and explore a holistic approach to movement that unlocks a happier you and a happier horse.Beyond Performance:Boost Confidence: Discover how improved suppleness can boost your horse's confidence and sense of well-being. Just like us, restrictions can breed anxiety.Feel the Shift: Improved movement isn't just about physical ease; it elevates your emotional state...
2024-05-3024 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeWhy You Should Think Twice Before Pulling on Your Horse’s TailKey Takeaways- Pulling on the tail can harm horses with back tightness, triggering a defensive response- Instead of pulling, support the tail forward to relax the muscles- Focus on building trust and offering new options to the horse- Prioritize somatic education and integrated movement over structural manipulation- Consider the "Move with Your Horse" program for detailed tail support guidance- Practice safety precautions for you and your horse
2024-05-2313 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeInjured and Can't Ride? Here's What You Can Do to ImproveInjury keeping you out of the saddle? Learn actionable steps to help you stay connected to your horse, facilitate your healing, and improve your horsemanship. Learn about mindful movement, mental training, and creative ground exercises.Use your recovery time to deepen your connection with your horse and come back to riding even stronger than before!Use your recovery time to improve in these areas: Mindful Movement: explore approaches such as the Feldenkrais Method to improve body awareness and movement, even with limitations. Micro-movements and mental visualization can be powerful t...
2024-05-1615 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeLaid Up Horse? Here's How to Make the Most of ItHorse sidelined with an injury? Don't despair!Join Mary Debono, your equine expert, as she unveils the silver lining within stall rest. In this episode, you'll discover how to transform recovery time into relationship-building gold.Master the art of mindful movement: Discover the magic of hand-walking in sync with your horse, fostering a deeper understanding of your horse's movement.Unlock the power of Connected Breathing, where you and your horse find harmony through observing each other's rhythm.Challenge those routines:...
2024-05-0915 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeDo You Have Unrealistic Expectations for Your Horse?Does your horse sometimes seem reluctant or struggle with the activities you've chosen? Too often, owners force horses into roles or disciplines unsuitable for their physical abilities or temperament. The key to harmony is finding mutually enjoyable activities for both horse and human. While challenging our horses is important, we must also respect their individual needs and limitations. In this episode, Mary encourages shifting our mindset, adjusting expectations, and prioritizing activities that create a positive experience.Building a partnership centered on understanding and shared happiness, rather than forced submission, is the c...
2024-05-0207 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeHow to Work with a Horse Who Moves Away from Your TouchMaybe you’re learning a new form of bodywork and you can’t wait to use it to help your horse. But your horse says, “No thanks!”In this episode, you'll hear about the strategies I use to help horses relax, enjoy and benefit from hands-on work. In this episode, I discuss:- The importance of understanding your horse's past experiences- The power of connected breathing and relaxation techniques- How to work with a horse through their skeleton for a non-threatening touch- Strategies to provid...
2024-04-2523 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeAre You Addicted to Struggling with Your Horse?How can this feel easier? It's one of my favorite questions.But for many of us, we're so used to trying hard, to struggling, that we forget that things could feel easier for us and our horses.This episode discusses the common "addiction" to struggling with horses and its negative impact on the horse-human relationship.Key Takeaways- Importance of movement, breathing, and attention in shaping interactions with horses- Habitual worrying and struggling can create...
2024-04-1816 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeRelease Tension and Increase Flexibility by Rocking Your HorseRocking your horse can have positive effects on a horse's muscles, nervous system, and overall movement. Rocking should be done with lightness, effortlessness, and pleasure for both horse and rider. Being well-organized and coordinated is important for effective communication with the horse. Key Takeaways from this episode:- Dressage rider realizes that her horse isn't "stubborn" and "lazy" after all. - Learns to rock her horse from different parts of its body to initiate movement- Develops real feel for her ho...
2024-04-1125 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThis is Key to Rounding Your Horse's BackDid you know that your horse’s sternum plays a key role in helping your horse round the back easily?The sternum and ribs are often overlooked, yet they play a key role in ensuring horses have freer, healthier and more comfortable movement.In this episode, Mary Debono discusses the role of the rib cage in reducing stress and wear and tear on the horse’s back, neck and limbs.When horses are reminded how their rib cage can participate and support their movement, it c...
2024-04-0418 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeGirthy Horse? You'll Want to Hear This💥 Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorseIn this episode, Mary Debono delves into the common challenge of girthy horses who dislike being tacked up and shares her mission to transform it into a positive experience for you and your horse:Transforming Tacking Up: Mary aims to not only help horses tolerate being tacked up but to genuinely enjoy the process. Yes, thi...
2024-03-2820 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeThe Surprising Key to Freer Hips💥 Sign up to be among the first to know when we open the doors to our online group coaching program, Move with Your Horse! https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse Wish your hips were more flexible or comfortable? Learn why the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ is different from stretching and strengthening programs. To improve your hips, explore this holistic, whole-body approach to movement, so you AND your horse can experience more comfort, elegance, athleticism and harmony.Key Takeaways from the Podcast Episode:1. Hips are a Commo...
2024-03-2131 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeA Simple Way to Improve Body AwarenessReady to improve your body awareness? Mary Debono guides you through a transformative body scan exercise designed to enhance your body awareness and melt away tension. Discover how subtle shifts in your own body can lead to a more harmonious connection with your horse. This practice will not only improve your riding skills, but also leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. You'll also hear about our exciting new Move With Your Horse online group coaching program at the end of the podcast. https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 💥 Key T...
2024-03-0835 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeLetting Go: A Key to Healthier Movement for You and Your HorseLearn Practical Strategies to Cultivate Awareness and Release Tension Join host Mary Debono as she explores the harmful effects of doing too much, both for humans and horses. Through anecdotes and insights, discover how excessive tension impacts movement and well-being. Learn practical strategies to cultivate awareness and release unnecessary effort. Tune in for a transformative discussion on achieving greater ease, harmony, and vitality in your life and your equine partnerships.💥Want to learn how to help you and your horse even more? Sign up to be among the first to kno...
2024-02-2327 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeDetecting Imbalances: What You Can Learn from Listening to Your Horse's FootfallsYou may pay attention to how your horse looks and feels, but do you notice how your horse SOUNDS? Listening to your horse's footfalls can help you detect imbalances in your horse's movement and posture. And catching such imbalances early, while they're hardly noticeable, may prevent them from turning into more serious problems.In this episode, Mary will explain what it may mean if your horse's footfalls sound uneven. And you'll learn why intentionally listening to your horse can strengthen your ability to notice when something is "not quite right" with your horse. An...
2024-02-0811 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeMindful Movements: True Flexibility for You and Your HorseHost Mary Debono, Feldenkrais Method Practitioner, shares insightful stories and practical wisdom on the profound impact of cultivating flexibility of body and mind for horses and riders. Mary describes real-life examples, showcasing how gentle, mindful movements can lead to remarkable changes in posture and physical comfort as well as the emotional well-being of both humans and horses. Learn how flexibility of body and mind can be a solution to common challenges Mary shares examples of how she has helped riders improve their posture, leg position, and confidence - effortlesslyFlexibility in body and mind allows for improved post...
2024-01-2525 min
Horse Training in HarmonyEP137: Restoring Heathy Movement with Mary DebonoIn this episode I’ll be talking with Mary Debono. She is a certified Feldenkreis practitioner focused on helping horses and riders enjoy freer, healthier movement even if challenged by injury, arthritis, anxiety or pain. We found a lot of common ground with how we approach improving horse’s movement so I think you will really love our conversation!About the Guest: Mary Debono helps horses and riders enjoy freer, healthier movement even if they are challenged by injury, arthritis, anxiety or aging. A Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner, Mary’s clients have ranged from pleasure riders to inte...
2023-03-3155 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeA Better Way to Improve Shoulder MovementThis episode will introduce a novel way to improve shoulder movement in you and your horse. And it's all about working with the rib cage! Mary will describe the innovative way she helps humans and horses overcome ligament and tendon injuries and restore free, healthy movement to the shoulders.You'll hear what NOT to do as well. Mary explains why stretching the limb may exacerbate the restriction. Learn why Mary's "Rib Rope" can help horses and humans unlock freer, healthier shoulder and neck movement. It also enhances body awareness and may reduce the ri...
2023-02-1623 min
Easier Movement, Happier LifeStubborn No More: Unlock Your Horse's Enthusiasm by Matching MovementDo you wish your horse was more willing and enthusiastic? Do you ever think of your horse as lazy or stubborn? Do you wish your horse would pay more attention to you?In this episode, Mary gives you tips to use leading as a fun way to connect with your horse and have a more willing, enthusiastic equine partner. Done mindfully, a simple activity, such as leading your horse, can become an exercise that can refine your communication, improve movement and elevate your relationship with your horse.💥Want to get exp...
2023-02-0922 min