Dear Horse World

Does the thought of goal-setting make you roll your eyes, freeze with anxiety, or shrink in self-doubt? You’re not alone. Maybe you’re stuck in your riding, unsure how to move forward, or wondering if goals even apply to you. Perhaps the pressure to succeed makes tracking progress feel unbearable, or you’re bracing for self-criticism if you fall short.  Here’s the truth: goal-setting isn’t easy. It’s not just a checklist—it’s intentional work that helps you reflect, shift your mindset, and take purposeful action. And it’s for everyone, not just competitive riders. Whether you’re riding for joy, growth, or performance, goals provide direction, build confidence, and make every ride meaningful. Join Noëlle Floyd and Dr. Jenny Susser, an Olympic-level sport psychologist, as they tackle the mental hurdles holding you back. With actionable advice and practical tools, they’ll help you break through barriers, set goals that work, and transform how you ride and think. What You’ll Take Away: Turn Fear into Focus: Get powerful strategies to manage nerves and ride with confidence. Set Goals Like a Pro: Learn how to create clear, achievable goals that keep you motivated and on track. Master Your Mindset: Discover how to stay present, block out distractions, and embrace the challenges that push you to grow. Ride With Purpose: Stop spinning your wheels—every ride can have meaning and direction when you know how to set the right intentions. Take charge of your riding journey. Whether you're overcoming fear, seeking progress, or building your relationship with your horse, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with confidence and purpose. Don’t stay stuck—tune in and make every ride count. Your transformative year starts now. Ready to Take the Next Step? Dr. Jenny’s NF+ masterclasses—How to Control Fear and Anxiety and Performing Under Pressure—are designed to take you even further. These aren’t just lessons; they’re game-changing tools to transform your mindset and unlock your full potential as a rider.   You can watch or listen to Dr. Jenny's TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUsITcRCm2g 

Happy Holidays from all of us at Dear Horse World. We’re sending our heartfelt thanks to our incredible listeners for joining us on this journey throughout the year. Your support and passion for the equestrian world mean the world to us! As a token of our appreciation, we’re thrilled to share an exclusive gift just for you: a special discount code for the NOËLLE FLOYD+ platform, because there's never been a better time to explore & learn with our platform.  Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge in 2025, get inspired by exclusive content, or simply connect with your passion for horses over the holidays, NF+ has something for everyone. 👉 Use code 'DHW25' at checkout to unlock your holiday discount on annual memberships (offer valid until Dec 31.) Thank you for being part of our amazing community. We can’t wait to bring you more stories, insights, and inspiration in 2025, so make sure to hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

When it comes to training horses—or dogs—it’s easy to focus on surface behaviors: bucking or barking, or bolting or biting. But what if the real story lies deeper—in unmet needs, misunderstood communication, or even the emotions we bring into the equation? In this episode, we’re joined by Jerri Scherff, a trainer who doesn’t just work with animals—she transforms relationships. Though recently making waves with her hilarious Instagram reels, she’s been known for the last decade for her thoughtful, open-minded approach to dog training. In this episode, Jerri shares the tools and insights that have helped her clients break through frustration and create lasting trust. Here’s what you’ll discover:  Barrel Racing Behind the Scenes: Jerri sets the record straight on the realities of barrel racing and shares the lessons it’s taught her and her daughter. Dog vs. Horse Training: Surprising connections between these two worlds—and how understanding one can transform your approach to the other.  The Power of Empathy: Hear Jerri’s viral story about stepping in during a case of horse abuse, and how she used compassion and crisis understanding to help both the human and the horse. Turning Struggles into Growth: Why being “incompatible” can often offer the greatest opportunities for learning and connection. Jerri’s Open-Minded Approach: Practical strategies for meeting your animal’s unique needs while also managing your own emotions and expectations.   Whether you’re grappling with training challenges, curious about animal behavior, or just looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and fresh perspectives. Because the best partnerships aren’t built through force or frustration—they’re forged with empathy, patience, and understanding.   Tune in to explore how these principles can transform your relationship with your horse, your dog, and even yourself.  Watch Jerri’s viral video on handing abuse: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_oPAEkyHqG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D   Follow Jerri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailorjerrithedogtrainer/  

Do tension and resistance keep showing up—not just with your horse, but in your relationships too? Here’s the truth: it’s not about training—it’s about connection, and it starts with you. In this episode, Josh Nichol and Duey Freeman join forces to reveal the secrets to building real, lasting harmony with your horse—and share powerful insights to help you become a more effective and compassionate trainer! What You’ll Learn: Why tension in your horse is a clue, not a problem—and how to use it to build trust. How your horse reflects your emotional state and helps you heal. The power of presence and congruence to transform your horse’s response. Why safety is the foundation for breakthroughs and how clinicians can create a protected environment of learning.  How to lead with confidence and foster trust and growth. Josh and Duey bring decades of experience and a unique focus on you—your challenges and the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting, they’ll guide you to the “aha!” moments that deepen your bond with your horse and transform how you approach challenges. By the end, you’ll feel empowered to: Turn resistance into connection. Build a relationship rooted in trust and respect. Approach every challenge with clarity and calm. Step into the empowered connection you’ve been searching for—Josh and Duey will show you how. Tune in now!