The Empathetic Trainer

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to trust life when life breaks your heart? Chris Lombard is back on The Empathetic Trainer , and this time we’re talking about his new book, Warrior Horse: Living and Dying With Animals in a Soulful and Heartfelt Way . I loved this book, but I don’t want to tell you too much about what happens in it. What I will tell you is that it led Chris and me into a really honest conversation about loving animals, losing them, and figuring out how to keep living when they’re gone. We talk about grief, guilt, letting go, the awful second-guessing that can come after a loss, and whether it’s okay to be happy again. We also talk about giving ourselves some of the same grace we so easily give our animals, and about the possibility that sometimes the animal we lose somehow makes room for the one who comes next. And underneath all of it is the question Chris and I keep coming back to: after everything, can we still trust life? https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail 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/

Send us Fan Mail 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/

Send us Fan Mail 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/

Send us Fan Mail What happens after the horse reacts? In this conversation, I talk with carriage driving trainer Christine Beattie about how driving changes the way we communicate with a horse — and why it can have such a big impact on the relationship. We talk about ground driving, working horses in real-world environments, and what horses need from us when things feel uncertain. A big part of this conversation comes down to something simple: It’s not whether the horse reacts… it’s what happens next. If you want to better understand your horse — this is a good one. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer, I talk with Heather Mishefske of Embark Dog Training School. I’ve spent my whole life with herding dogs. Then I got an Australian Terrier… and realized pretty quickly that my usual way of doing things wasn’t going to work. This little guy has opinions. So I went looking for help, and that’s how I found Heather. We talk about what it’s like to live with dogs in a very human world, and why so many of the struggles we see make more sense when you look at things from the dog’s side. Heather works with dogs and their people every day. What I appreciate most is how she helps people understand the dog in front of them, instead of trying to make every dog fit the same approach. If you’ve ever had a dog that didn’t respond the way you expected… you’ll probably recognize this conversation. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer Podcast, I talk with horsewoman and educator Gabi Neurohr about building trust with horses, understanding horse behavior, and creating a true partnership between horse and human. From the moment we started talking, I felt an immediate connection to the way Gabi sees horses. So much of what she said rang true for me and my own experience working with them. We talk about what horses are really trying to tell us, how trust between horse and human is built, and why true leadership with horses is not about control, it's about understanding. At one point in the conversation Gabi said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Every horse is a soul in a non-human body.” That simple sentence really captures the heart of this conversation. If you love horses and care about building a a better relationship with them, I think you'll enjoy this episode. How to reach Gabi - https://www.facebook.com/GNunderstandinghorses https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail “Find a dog that’s going to make you happy.” I sit down with Denise Fenzi to talk about choosing the right dog for your real life — not the one you think you should want. We talk about fit, expectations, training, and working with the dog in front of you. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer , I talk with Amelia Thomas about what it really means to listen to animals. We’re not talking about techniques or quick fixes. We’re talking about slowing down, paying attention, and noticing what animals are already showing us—often in very quiet, subtle ways. Amelia shares how listening starts with presence, not interpretation, and how that shift can change the way we relate to animals. If you live or work with animals and have ever felt like there’s more going on than you can put into words, this conversation is for you. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer Podcast , Barbara O’Brien talks with Rachel Windchaser, author and equine rewilding coach. Rachel runs Winchaser Ranch in Spain, where she cares for a rare herd of Spanish Mustangs. They talk about what it really means to “rewild” — how slowing down, breathing, and paying attention can change the way we connect with horses and with ourselves. Rachel explains the value of touch, rhythm, and trust, and why real horsemanship starts with self-awareness and kindness. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Empathetic Trainer podcast, host Barbara O’Brien chats with Jessica Gonzalez, a dedicated horse rescuer and author of Equine Empowerment . They discuss how horses help people heal, the power of positive reinforcement training, and the deep bond between horses and young people. Jessica shares her journey, the challenges of running a nonprofit, and the importance of trust, patience, and second chances—both for horses and humans. Key Takeaways: Horses provide healing and companionship, especially for those struggling socially. Positive reinforcement builds trust between horses and people. Understanding horse behavior and emotions improves training. Working with rescue horses teaches patience, resilience, and empathy. Jessica’s nonprofit empowers youth through equine therapy. Every horse—and every person—deserves a second chance. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on love, trust, and the transformative power of horses! https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Barbara O’Brien talks with horse trainer, coach and author Dr. Shelley Appleton about building trust and confidence between riders and their horses. Shelley shares how things like fear, aging, and hormones can affect riding, especially for women. They talk about the importance of patience, understanding, and learning to see things from the horse’s point of view. In addition to being the host of the Canter Therapy podcast, Shelley is the author of two books - Confidence & Trust, Solving the Human & Horse Equation ; and Buying & Supporting a New Horse, The Essential Guide. This episode is full of tips for riders and the value of working with others to grow and learn. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it takes to train a service dog that can transform someone's life? In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Chelsey Bosak from Helping Paws Minnesota, an organization that specializes in training service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities, veterans, and first responders affected by PTSD. Chelsey shares her journey to becoming Helping Paws’ volunteer coordinator and offers an inside look at the organization's mission to provide highly trained service dogs free of charge, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt a profound connection to something that completely shifted your life's direction? In this episode of the Empathetic Trainer Podcast, we chat with Chris Lombard, a horse trainer and author who found his calling in the equine world at the age of 26. Chris shares his transformative journey from a conventional life to one filled with the peace and purpose he discovered through horses. We explore the deep emotional bonds between humans and horses, the courage it takes to follow one's heart, and the healing power of equine therapy. Throughout our conversation, Chris and I dive into themes of reconnecting with nature, the innate wisdom within us, and the courage required to pursue our true passions amidst societal pressures. We also touch upon the emotional bond formed between humans and horses, especially through Chris's poignant experience of losing his beloved horse, Rocky. These narratives highlight the importance of patience, presence, and bravery in building trust and meaningful connections with animals. Chris shares valuable insights on healing from past injuries and overcoming fears, illustrating how horses can catalyze personal growth. Join us to discover the lessons that horses teach us about living authentically, embracing uncertainties, and fostering deep, soulful connections. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Ingrid Henry, an equine coach, discusses the importance of trust and consistency in building a strong relationship with horses. Ingrid emphasizes the need for patience and understanding when working with challenging horses and highlights the value of undemanding time spent with them. She also addresses the issue of fear in horse-human relationships and offers advice on how to overcome it. In this conversation, Ingrid discusses her passion for dressage and eventing, emphasizing the importance of building a harmonious connection with horses. She shares insights on how to overcome fear and frustration in riding, highlighting the role of emotional awareness and regulation. Ingrid also talks about the significance of confidence, leadership, and honesty in horse-human relationships. She provides practical tips for handling spooking incidents and promoting a sense of curiosity and confidence in horses. Finally, Ingrid emphasizes the value of continuous learning, empathy, and gentle honesty in developing a harmonious connection with horses. We tackle the challenging emotions tied to horse handling, especially after traumatic experiences. Our host recounts a pivotal moment involving an Arab mare and a broken pelvis, highlighting how past traumas can influence current training sessions. By comparing the responses of different horses to their handlers, we emphasize the crucial role of self-awareness and emotional control. Through personal stories and practical examples, we discuss the journey of overcoming fear, emphasizing the importance of not projecting past anxieties onto new equine relationships. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Experience the transformative power of animal therapy with our special guest Grace Olson, a dedicated therapist and author from Leeds, West Yorkshire, whose unique practice involves the compassionate companionship of horses and sheep. Grace shares her fascinating journey into animal therapy, which began with her sheep, Merlin, providing unexpected comfort to a depressed client. Discover how these animals, once meant for slaughter, have found new purpose in offering emotional support to terminally ill individuals, promoting relaxation and peace through their gentle presence. Grace also opens up about her journey as an author during the lockdown, from sharing heartfelt stories on Facebook to overcoming numerous rejections and finding success through self-publishing. Her book, "The Yard: How a Horse Healed My Heart," is a testament to her resilience and passion for storytelling. This episode emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature and animals, the importance of finding inner peace, and seeking support during tough times. As we wrap up, Grace shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming "The Yorkshire Vet," offering a humorous glimpse into the reality of working with therapy sheep. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, legacy, and the healing power of animals. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Kari Bastier of Wag &Train, is a dog behaviorist and canine nutritionist. She debunks the dominance theory, showing that dogs act out due to stress and anxiety and not a desire to dominate their owners. Carrie emphasizes the gut-brain connection, sharing stories about Paisley, a chocolate lab, whose behavior issues were improved by a simple change in diet. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail New Zealand Horse advocate and author, Julie Smart joins Barbara O'Brien in a conversation not just about training, but about retraining ourselves to listen, to watch, and to feel the subtle cues that horses give us when trying to communicate. We talk about how spending undemanding time with our horses changes how they feel about and us and can really help build a better, more trusting relationship. We also talk about how horses never stop learning and can be trained at any age with atunement and understanding. Julie recommends books like 'True Horsemanship Through Feel' by Bill Dorrance and Leslie Desmond, and 'Warwick Schiller's Principles of Training'. Julie shares her biggest failure, which involved a horse named Ethel, and how it taught her the importance of not believing what others say about horsemanship. They also talk about fear and the need to acknowledge and respect it, as well as the luckiest thing that has happened to Julie, which is having her mother as a role model. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Susan Friedland and I explore the world of Marguerite Henry, a beloved author whose stories have enchanted readers for years. From "Misty of Chincoteague" to "King of the Wind" and so many others, Henry's books have made a lasting impression on people of all ages. We talk about how much Henry loved horses, especially Morgan horses, and how her stories were influenced by her roots in the Midwest. Susan shares how Henry was kind and caring towards her readers, even writing them personal letters. Susan also had the chance to see original art by Wesley Dennis who illustrated many of Henry's books. Our chat also touches on how Henry's books have inspired young readers to love horses and how they've brought horse lovers together. Whether we're talking about the excitement of the Chincoteague Pony Penning Swim or the comfort horses can bring, we celebrate Henry's legacy and the happiness her books bring to so many people. https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/

Send us Fan Mail Join Barbara O'Brien as she chats with Laura Carter, a dog trainer and author, about the secrets to bonding with your dog, even during indoor downtime or when they're on rest. Laura shares practical tips for keeping your pup mentally engaged, including fun activities like scent work. They also debunk common myths about dog training, emphasizing the importance of kindness and personal interaction. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will enhance your relationship with your best dog friend, especially during those times when they need extra care and attention! https://www.empathetic-trainer.com/