We talk a lot about creating a better connection with our horses. But how connected are we to ourselves?

In this episode, Mary welcomes her very first podcast guest, longtime student, colleague, and friend Leah Astrup. Leah is a lifelong horsewoman, Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner, and Equine Debono Moves Instructor.

Together, Mary and Leah explore how our own movement, balance, tension, awareness, expectations, and nervous-system state can profoundly influence our horses.

Mary and Leah also discuss why they don't approach horses or humans as something that needs to be "fixed." Instead, they look for what's working, follow the direction of ease, ask questions, and create opportunities for new possibilities to emerge.

Most importantly, they explore a question that gets to the heart of the horse-human relationship:

If we want a deeper connection with our horses, could the missing piece be learning to connect more deeply with ourselves?

Learn more about Leah and her work at  IntegratedMovementllc.com.

Resources:

FGNA Fall Feldenkrais® Week - Free event! 🥳

Experience a gentle Awareness Through Movement® lesson and discover why enhancing your movement and awareness is often the first step toward helping your horse move better. (This FREE Zoom class is helpful for ALL humans, not just equestrians!) 

You'll learn how to sit with greater comfort, balance, and ease. These benefits extend both on and off your horse. I'll also introduce you to Equine Rocking, a simple hands-on practice that can help improve your horse's comfort, awareness, and balance.

Date: September 29  Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am PDT. You must register to attend this Zoom class. Can't attend live? Register to get the recording - click here!  💫

💥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 💥

Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series
Whether you're a rider seeking a balanced, secure seat on your horse, someone who spends long hours at a desk, or someone who wants to move through life with more ease, this innovative program will help you discover a more comfortable, balanced way of sitting.

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Movement habits can linger long after they’ve stopped being useful. Discover how these unconscious patterns affect humans, horses, and dogs, and how greater awareness can open the door to easier movement and new possibilities. 

Resources:

FGNA Fall Feldenkrais Week - Free event! 

Experience a gentle Awareness Through Movement® lesson and discover why enhancing your movement and awareness is often the first step toward helping your horse move better.

You'll learn how to sit with greater comfort, balance, and ease. These benefits extend both on and off your horse.

You'll also be introduced to Equine Rocking, a simple hands-on practice that can help improve your horse's comfort, awareness, and balance.

Date: September 29  Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am PDT

Can't attend live? Register to get the recording!  💫

Registration Link

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WQT7BzimT4yrWDRzehE7WA

💥Learn how the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ can help improve your seat, position, and balance on your horse! Free rider video masterclass: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Most people come to the Feldenkrais Method® because they want to move or feel better. But that's only part of the benefits. 

In this episode, Mary shares the story of chronic hip pain that disappeared through Feldenkrais work, then unexpectedly returned during one difficult phone conversation. That experience taught her something powerful about the relationship between our physical habits, emotional responses, and the way we organize ourselves.

You'll discover how Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® can change your self-image, expand your sense of what's possible, and give you greater choice in how you respond to life.

And this isn't just about you.

Mary explains why your own awareness is foundational to helping your horse or dog. How you move, breathe, direct your attention, and respond to tension all influence the interaction you share with your animal.

Sometimes moving differently opens the door to living differently.

Resources:

Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series
Whether you're a rider seeking a balanced, secure seat on your horse, someone who spends long hours at a desk, or someone who wants to move through life with more ease, this innovative program will help you discover a more comfortable, balanced way of sitting.

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

In this episode, you’ll discover how everyday opportunities, from grooming your horse to relaxing on the couch with your dog, can help you develop greater awareness, clearer two-way communication, and deeper connection.

Because Debono Moves doesn’t have to be something separate that you finally get around to when you have enough time. It can enhance the way you and your horse or dog listen to and interact with each other every day.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Could your surroundings be reinforcing a response you’re trying to change?

In this episode, I share how changing the environment can help interrupt familiar patterns in you, your horse, or your dog. From hoof handling and nail trimming to our own movement habits, a different setting can sometimes create the opportunity for a different response. 

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Your brain is constantly using past experiences to predict what will happen next. But those predictions don’t simply anticipate your experience. They can influence it.

If you expect your knee to hurt when you stand, your horse to become uncomfortable during tacking up, or your dog to react to a skateboarder, you may unconsciously change your breathing, movement, attention, and timing in ways that make the expected outcome more likely.

In this episode, Mary explains how this prediction loop develops and how small experiences of greater ease, comfort, and connection can give the nervous system new evidence. You’ll learn how Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement® and Debono Moves can help you, your horse, or your dog discover that more than one response may be possible.

Your brain makes predictions, but a prediction is not a verdict.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Can something be genuinely difficult and still feel easy?

We often assume that challenge requires pushing, straining, or forcing ourselves toward a result. But difficulty and strain are not the same thing.

In this episode, Mary explains how healthy effort, curiosity, and smaller steps can help you stay engaged with a challenge without creating unnecessary tension or overwhelm. She shares examples from Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons, as well as experiences working with horses and dogs, engaging in physical activity, recovering from injury, and navigating everyday life.

You’ll learn how breathing, comfort, and the quality of your attention can help you recognize when useful effort has turned into strain. You’ll also discover how attachment to an outcome can create pressure for your horse or dog, and how compassionate curiosity can turn a frustrating situation into an opportunity for learning together.

Ease is not the absence of challenge. It is the absence of unnecessary struggle.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Some of the biggest obstacles to easier movement aren't age, arthritis, or old injuries. They're the small habits you repeat every day without even noticing.

In this episode, Mary shares five surprisingly common habits that may be making movement harder for you, your horse, or your dog, along with one simple question that can help you move through life with greater ease.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

What do you believe about your body? That you're not coordinated? That you're too old for this? That stiffness is just how it is now?

Those beliefs feel like facts. Often, they're not. This week, Mary unpacks where these beliefs come from, why your brain needs actual evidence before it will let go of an old belief, and how a single experience of ease can start to rewrite what you think is possible for you.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

When podcaster Andrew Huberman recently interviewed Cesar Millan, it got me thinking about how people approach relating to their animals differently, and how most of the conversations around training methods often stop at the wrong question.

Instead, I invite you to ask yourself: What kind of experience is my animal having?

When we focus on helping animals feel safer, more comfortable, and more coordinated, something remarkable often happens. Movement changes. Emotions change. Behavior changes.

Discover why lasting change begins from the inside out.

Whether you live with a horse, a dog, or both, this one may shift how you approach your very next interaction with your animal.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Your nervous system can't learn from movement it can't perceive.

That's the reason behind one of the core concepts of the Feldenkrais Method and Debono Moves: slow down, do less, feel more. It applies to how you move, how you work with your horse, and how you handle your dog.

This episode explores what that principle actually means in everyday life.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

There's a phrase Mary uses constantly in her hands-on animal work: "We ask questions with our hands. We don't make demands."

In this episode, she breaks down what that actually means, using two real examples: a senior dog struggling with stiffness and a horse with tight shoulders. You'll hear how following what feels easy, rather than pushing against what's hard, can open up movement in ways that forcing simply can't.

Whether you work with horses, dogs, or both, this one will shift how you think about every touch.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

What if one unexpected moment with your horse challenged everything you thought you knew about connection?

In this episode, I share a personal story involving my beloved Appaloosa, Spotzy, that began as a simple experiment during a quiet ride and quickly became something I never could have anticipated. The experience opened my mind to new possibilities and ultimately influenced the direction of my entire life.

Whether you're passionate about horses, dogs, or the incredible bonds we share with animals, this episode invites you to explore the power of curiosity, deep connection, and keeping your heart open to what might be possible.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

When something feels off, the instinct is to fix it. But pushing for correction often triggers resistance in the nervous system, whether in your own body, your horse, or your dog.

In this episode, Mary shares one of the foundational principles of her Debono Moves framework: connect, don't correct. It's a short episode with an idea worth sitting with.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Our culture has a lot to say about aging, and most of it undersells what's actually possible. For you and for your horses and dogs.

In this episode, I challenge the story most of us have absorbed about inevitable decline and share why your capacity for change is far greater than you've been led to believe. The foundation most movement advice skips turns out to be the most important part.

If you've ever wondered whether things really have to get harder as you and your horses and dogs age, this is a good place to start.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Why does improving your own movement and awareness matter when helping your horse or dog?

In this episode, I share why the human side of this work is not optional. After a conversation with a horse owner who wanted to learn “just the techniques” without exploring her own awareness or movement, I realized this distinction needed its own episode.

Debono Moves is not about memorizing protocols or mechanically following steps. It’s a responsive, co-creative process that depends on your ability to sense, feel, and communicate through touch and movement. The more clearly you can sense yourself, the more effectively you can support your animal.

I also share part of my own journey with chronic pain and how discovering the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ completely changed how I moved, felt, and experienced life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  Why self-awareness is foundational to helping your animal 
•  Why Debono Moves is not a “step-by-step technique” 
•  How improving your own movement changes how you relate to your horse or dog 
•  The role of neuroplasticity and “biological optimism” 
•  Why slowing down helps you sense more clearly 
•  How ease and well-being can become something you transmit to your animal 
•  Why this work is about connection, not correction 
•  How movement, awareness, and emotional state are deeply interconnected 

This episode is for horse lovers and dog lovers who are open to exploring a gentler, more mindful way of helping their animals while also improving their own quality of life. 

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

Feldenkrais MethodⓇ for YOU:

Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series

Smart, Supple Hips: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series

Get 1:1 Coaching with Mary

🐶 If you'd like Mary's guidance on helping your dog, please click here. 

🐴 If you'd like Mary's coaching on helping you or your horse, click here. 

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have

Whether your dog is aging, recovering from surgery, or simply deserves the best foundation possible, this episode explores how gentle hands-on support can help reduce tension, improve movement, and create greater ease, confidence, and well-being. 

💫 Key Takeaways

1. Many dogs develop habitual movement patterns and compensations that now create unnecessary strain.
2. Gentle hands-on support can help the nervous system feel safe enough to release chronic muscular tension.
3. Lasting improvement comes from inviting change, not forcing it.
4. Emotional safety and physical comfort are deeply connected.
5. Supporting your dog physically can also improve confidence, ease, and emotional well-being.
6. Small, thoughtful changes can make a meaningful difference over your dog’s lifetime. Listen to the episode to learn a simple, important change you can make today! 

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

Get 1:1 Coaching with Mary

🐶 If you'd like Mary's guidance on helping your dog, please click here. 

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Autopilot is efficient, until it isn't. Most of us move through our days holding unnecessary tension, shortchanging our breath, and repeating patterns that work against us. Our horses and dogs do the same.

But there's one concept that can begin to shift all of it: slow is smooth, smooth is fast.

In this episode, Mary explores how slowing down and doing smaller movements opens the door to self-awareness, and why that awareness is the foundation for healthier movement, better coordination, and more connected interactions with your animals. You'll hear how this concept shows up in the most ordinary moments of your day, whether you're getting out of a chair, heading out for a walk with your dog, or bringing your horse in from the pasture.

This isn't about adding more to your routine. It's about noticing what's already happening and making a small, intentional choice to do it differently.

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical, veterinary, or training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or dog are unwell or injured.  Always use caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Trying to “fix” stiffness, crookedness, or other movement issues often creates more guarding. In this episode, learn why physically supporting what your horse already does can help the nervous system feel safe, release habitual tension, improve movement, and deepen trust. 

Applying this concept can change your relationship with your horse. I hope you give this episode a listen. 

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 💥

Mentioned in this episode: Helping a Horse Heal a Chronic Suspensory Ligament Injury

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

What if your strong desire to help your dog is making it harder to help them?

It sounds counterintuitive, but when we become attached to a specific outcome, we often bring hidden effort, worry, and mental rigidity into the interaction.

And your dog feels all of it.

In this episode, I explore why caring deeply is not the problem, but gripping tightly to a predetermined result often is.

In this episode, I discuss:

• Why attachment to specific outcomes narrows your thinking
• What informed intuition really means
• What the Norris State is and how it can help your dog💫
• How to create a win-win experience where both you and your dog feel better in body and mind

Resources:

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

💥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 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

If you've spent any time in the horse world, you've probably been taught to watch for releases — the yawning, blinking, eye-rolling, and head-dropping that signal your horse is relaxing. But what if chasing those moments is actually getting in your way?

In this episode, Mary digs into why relaxation alone — even genuine relaxation — is only half of what your horse's nervous system needs. Drawing on a relatable human example (that stubborn tension at the base of your neck?), she explains the difference between treating a symptom and addressing the underlying pattern. That's where the Debono Moves approach comes in: helping the parts of the body that are overworking finally let go, and waking up the parts that haven't been doing their fair share. 

That balance of relaxation AND activation — what Mary calls integration — is what creates change that actually lasts beyond the session. 

But here's where it gets even more interesting. Your horse doesn't exist in isolation. You are always part of the picture, whether you're riding, doing groundwork, or working hands-on. Mary introduces the concept of H² — the horse-human system — and explains why your own integration, your own ease of movement and awareness, directly shapes what your horse can access. 

When you do your own FeldenkraisⓇ practice, you don't just move better. You bring something different to your horse. Your hands change. Your presence changes. And your horse feels every bit of it.

This is where real depth of connection lives.

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 💥

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

What if the starting point for real change wasn't finding what's wrong, but finding what's already right?

In this episode, Mary reflects on a critique of self-help culture by author Tim Ferriss, who observed that to continually improve yourself, you must continually locate the ways you are broken. Mary explains why the Feldenkrais MethodⓇ and Debono Moves take a fundamentally different path.

Rather than searching for dysfunction, this work begins with ease. For people, that means noticing what you can already do comfortably and building from there, even if "easy" means going very small and very slow. 

For horses and dogs, it means finding where movement flows naturally and gently expanding on that, using connection and harmony as your guide.

Mary shares how this principle plays out in real life, from movement lessons with people to training and hands-on work with horses and dogs. She also offers a simple way to start applying this idea right now, no special equipment or program required.

If you've ever felt frustrated by slow progress, in yourself or your animal, this episode offers a reframe that is both practical and grounding.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Do you know the difference between effort and strain? It matters for well-being and soundness. Mary explains why strain creates wear and tear over time, and shares simple first steps for you and your animals. 

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Your brain is wired to predict what comes next. It's an evolutionary advantage designed to keep you safe. But when it comes to your horse or dog, those same predictions can limit what's possible between you.

In this episode, Mary Debono explores how our nervous systems are constantly making predictions, often below the level of conscious awareness, and how those expectations show up in our bodies and get reflected back to us by our animals. 

This isn't about abandoning caution or ignoring real history. It's about learning to notice when your brain is protecting you and when it's simply running an old script. And then asking: can you stay open to something new?

If you've ever caught yourself dreading how a walk or a ride will go before it's even started, this episode is for you.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Most of us think of touch as something we do to our horses and dogs. But what if that's only half the story?

In this episode, Mary shares a practice that turns everyday contact into something more: a genuine, felt exchange between you and your animal. No special equipment, no complicated technique, just a shift in where you place your attention.

The result? Touch that feels less like a one-way action and more like a dialogue. A nervous system that becomes more responsive and adaptable. And a connection with your horse or dog that goes a little deeper than before.

If you've ever wanted your interactions with your animal to feel more mutual, more present, more alive, I hope you give this a listen.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

In this episode, Mary Debono invites you to reconsider how you approach challenges, whether they show up in your own body, your horse, or your dog. When we label something a problem, we tend to reach for the same strategies that created it in the first place. That usually leads to temporary relief, or to new compensations that surface elsewhere.

Mary offers a different lens: what if we approached these issues with curiosity instead? What if we recognized that the nervous system is highly intelligent, and that behaviors and movement patterns are the individual's best attempt to feel safer and more comfortable?

Through examples including early-morning anxiety and post-surgical compensation in dogs, Mary shows how engaging with the whole individual, rather than chasing isolated symptoms, leads to fuller, more lasting change. She also explores how a handler's own comfort and self-awareness directly affect their horse or dog's ability to feel at ease.

Whether you're working with a dog recovering from CCL surgery, a horse with movement restrictions, or your own stress and anxiety, this episode will shift the way you think about change and what becomes possible when you do.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

What if the key to better learning — for you and for your animals — was already built into the nervous system?

In this episode, Mary explores neuroplasticity: the nervous system's remarkable capacity to adapt, reorganize, and discover new possibilities. Drawing on the foundational work of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, Mary shares why movement is considered the first language of the brain, and why that insight applies not just to humans, but to horses, dogs, and other animals as well.

Mary explains how introducing non-habitual, intentional movements can do more than improve physical comfort. They seem to open a door, making it easier for animals to learn new movement patterns, connect more fully with their handlers, and respond with greater ease and willingness.

This is neuroplasticity in action: not forcing change, but creating the conditions in which the nervous system can reorganize naturally. Whether you are working with a horse recovering from injury, a dog with anxious movement patterns, or your own habitual ways of holding yourself, this episode offers a perspective on how movement-based learning works. And why it matters.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

We've all heard "practice makes perfect." But what if repeating the same movement is actually making things worse?

In this episode, Mary unpacks one of the most important distinctions in nervous system-based movement work: the difference between repetition and refinement. While repetition strengthens existing patterns, refinement invites the nervous system to reorganize—to discover a better way of moving rather than simply doing the same thing more.

This concept applies directly to all of us, including our horses and dogs. Whether you're working to help your horse move more freely through their back, or supporting a dog who developed compensatory movement habits after an injury, simply repeating movements may reinforce the very patterns you're trying to change.

What refinement offers instead is the opportunity for the nervous system to reorganize: more parts of the body participating, less unnecessary effort, more distributed and supported movement.

Mary closes with four practical questions you can apply to your own movement and your work with your animals—starting with: what changes if I just slow down?

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

What if the key to a more confident and social animal isn't more training, but helping them feel more at home in their own body?

In this episode, Mary shares three case studies from her decades of hands-on work: a shutdown horse, a semi-feral cat with mysterious hind leg trouble, and an anxious young rescue dog. 

In each case, the shift came not from targeting the behavior directly, but from working with the animal's physical experience. By releasing unnecessary tension, supporting freer movement, and helping the nervous system find a new baseline of ease.

Drawing on the insight from Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais that physical and emotional states are intertwined, Mary explains why this matters: you cannot simply will an animal into confidence or sociability. But when the body finds ease, emotional states often follow. Not because they were forced, but because the animal now has a different physical experience from which to meet the world.

This episode is for anyone wondering why kindness alone sometimes isn't enough, and what else might be possible.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Before you ever place a hand on your horse or dog, an exchange is already happening. Your animal is noticing how you breathe, how you move, and where you direct your attention. Their nervous systems are constantly gathering information, and one of the strongest sources is you.

In this episode, we explore why the quality of interaction often matters more than the action itself. Two people can perform seemingly identical hands-on work and get completely different responses because of how they're being in that moment. 

We'll discuss common patterns like holding your breath, moving in rushed ways, or concentrating so intensely that you create urgency that your animal picks up on. The good news? Small shifts (relaxing your lower back, softening your hands, releasing your shoulders) can immediately transform how your animal responds. You'll also learn about compassionate curiosity: approaching your animal with genuine interest rather than goal-driven intensity.

To release tension for better connection with your animal and improved well-being for yourself, check out the resources listed below.

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 💥

Free FeldenkraisⓇ videos suitable for both equestrians and dog lovers. (No opt-in required.) https://freeclasses0723.movewithyourhorse.com

Effortless, Balanced Sitting Series: Whether you're a rider seeking a balanced, secure seat on your horse, someone who spends long hours at a desk, or simply want to move through life with more ease, this innovative FeldenkraisⓇ program will help you discover a more comfortable, balanced way of sitting.

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and&

We often expect improvement to happen step by step, like climbing stairs. You work with your horse or dog, and you think progress should be steady and visible. But that's not how the nervous system actually learns.

In this episode, Mary explains why real learning often looks like long plateaus followed by sudden breakthroughs. You might explore a Feldenkrais movement lesson multiple times before something finally clicks. 

Or you might work hands-on with your animal, and the real improvement shows up days later when your dog suddenly jumps on the couch again, or your horse easily rounds her back and engages her hind end.

This happens because your nervous system continues processing information behind the scenes. The learning doesn't stop when the session ends. Neural connections strengthen during deep sleep. Integration can happen while you're doing other things. The nervous system is constantly adapting, constantly learning from the information you've given it.

Mary shares why what feels like failure can be an essential part of the process.  When you approach learning with curiosity instead of force, you work with your nervous system's natural design rather than against it.

Whether you're working on your own movement through Feldenkrais or helping your horse or dog through hands-on Debono Moves, this episode will help you recognize and appreciate the non-linear nature of real, lasting change.

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 💥

Free FeldenkraisⓇ videos suitable for both equestrians and dog lovers. (No opt-in required.) https://freeclasses0723.movewithyourhorse.com

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #Debono Moves #ho

This episode is a departure from my usual format.

I’m sharing something more personal and vulnerable, rooted in what’s happening in the world right now, because it feels too important to ignore.

At its heart, this episode is about perception. How easily we can be influenced to see what we expect to see, and how that plays out not only in current events, but also in the way we interpret our horses’ and dogs’ behavior.

I share a simple but powerful story about how expectation can override reality, and why certainty, especially when shaped by social influence, can disconnect us from what’s actually happening in front of us.

This same dynamic shows up frequently in animal training and handling. Animals labeled as stubborn, dominant, or difficult are often responding to discomfort, fear, confusion, or past experiences. When we rely on others’ interpretations instead of sensing for ourselves, we can miss what our animals are truly communicating.

I also reflect on why developing inner authority matters, how cultivating awareness supports clearer perception, and why these qualities are foundational to connection, with our animals and with each other.

This episode is not about telling you what to think. It’s an invitation to slow down, question assumptions, and reconnect with our shared humanity.

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 💥

Free FeldenkraisⓇ videos suitable for both equestrians and dog lovers. (No opt-in required.) https://freeclasses0723.movewithyourhorse.com

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #Debono Moves #horses #dogs 

Many people do bodywork with their horses or dogs, and it can feel helpful in the moment. Muscles soften. Tension eases. The animal looks more comfortable.

But there is something deeper available.

In this episode, I talk about the difference between bodywork and brain work, and why that distinction matters if you want lasting change.

I share a story of a dog whose aggression resolved once he felt more balanced and capable in his body. Not through training. Not through correction. Through learning.

When an animal feels physically vulnerable or stuck, behavior often follows. What appears to be a behavioral problem is often rooted in how the animal organizes their movement and weight, as well as whether they feel safe. 

This episode explores how gentle, respectful hands-on work can support the nervous system, not just the muscles. When touch is tied to function and learning, animals can discover new movement possibilities that carry over into daily life.

This is not about fixing animals.
 It is about listening, supporting, and helping them feel safe enough to change.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #Debono Moves #horses #dogs 

What if supporting your animal’s nervous system didn't require complicated techniques?

In this episode, Mary Debono shares a simple, gentle practice she calls scanning with your hands. This light, attentive way of touching your horse or dog helps calm both nervous systems at the same time while deepening trust, awareness, and connection.

Mary explains how slow, respectful touch stimulates calming sensory pathways, encourages learning, and sets the stage for meaningful change, even before doing anything more advanced. You will learn how to approach your animal with curiosity rather than judgment, how to listen with your hands, and why your own comfort and presence matter just as much as what you do with your animal.

This episode is about connection over correction, support over fixing, and learning how change naturally unfolds when safety and ease are present.

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

💥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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

While everyone's talking about crushing goals and using willpower to achieve more, let's talk about what you're really after. And a completely different way to get there.

Here's the truth most people miss: your goals aren't really about the goal itself.  What you're actually seeking is a feeling.

Maybe it's competency, creativity, deep connection with your animal, or a sense of freedom. But somewhere along the path to achievement, many people abandon these very feelings in favor of force, dominance, and willpower.

We'll explore why the methods you use to achieve goals matter just as much as the goals themselves, and how you can pursue what you want through ease, connection, and integrity instead of force.

In this episode, you'll discover why visualizing the process rather than just the outcome creates better results and actually prepares your brain for success.

As you move into 2026, ask yourself: "How does this feel?" That simple question might change everything.

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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Discover 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 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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs #girthynomore #doggear #horsetack

Learn 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,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs (Debono Moves). Through this transformative approach, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs #girthynomore #doggear #horsetack

🚨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's just a few spots left in our Easier Movement, Happier Dogs program starting Sept. 4, 2025! Click here to join. 🐶

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

Blog post about a Chihuahua recovering from a stroke. 

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs #attention #awareness #MovementMatters #CanineMobility

Your 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 teaching Feldenkrais® and Debono Moves, Mary offers practical steps to strengthen your “attention muscle.” You’ll discover subtle awareness practices, mindful hands-on work, and daily habits that enrich both your life and your animal’s comfort. Reclaiming your attention isn’t just good for your horse or dog — it’s life-changing for you, too.

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 💥

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 upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs #attention #awareness

Whether 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 yourself, this episode offers a compassionate, science-backed framework that invites ease—and lasting progress.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sonny recovers from his CCL (ACL) knee ligament surgery  

Scooter, the dog who broke his back and pelvis, learned to walk again.

Sweet Pea, the horse who healed her chronic suspensory ligament injury

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 💥

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 upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs 

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.

This episode offers a shift from correction to support and cooperation, showing how trust becomes the foundation for improved movement, deeper connections, and lasting wellness for both you and your animals. Whether you're working with a senior dog, an injured horse, or your own movement challenges, this gentle approach creates the sense of safety and ease that's needed for real change.

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 💥

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 upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

#Feldenkrais #DebonoMoves #horses #dogs 

Discover 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 Too

Resources:

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 upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions.

What 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 with a whip” in five fun minutes. Literally! 

But this episode isn’t about tricks. It’s about why learning should feel good. Why change happens through connection, not correction. And why the most powerful reinforcement isn’t food—but the felt sense of safety and ease.

You’ll also learn how this approach applies to dogs, to humans, and to every movement we explore with our animals.

Resources:

📽️Video of Breeze chasing Mary with a whip  😅

🔖 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 💥

Want to discover how you and your horse can feel better in body and mind? Join the waitlist for our Move with Your Horse program and be the first to know when enrollment opens. Whether you're 25 or 85, this program is designed to help both you and your equine partner move more fluidly, reduce discomfort, and strengthen your connection through movement. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work

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 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 upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work

Discover 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 upcoming program, Easier Movement, Happier Dogs, and be the first to know when doors open. Spaces are limited. 

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work

Did 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 ease.

Whether your horse resists saddling or your dog hesitates at stairs, this episode offers simple, powerful ways to help them feel—and move—better.

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 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Movement 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 your horse! Free rider videos: https://www.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship online programs, "Move with Your Horse" and "Easier Movement, Happier Dogs," provide animal enthusiasts with an innovative approach that combines the concepts of Feldenkrais® with her signature hands-on work for horses and dogs. Through this transformative method, both people and their animal companions discover greater harmony, ease, and connection.

As a sought-after speaker and educator, Mary has impacted animal enthusiasts worldwide, guiding them to enhance their relationships with their animals through mindful movement and deeper body awareness. Her work empowers individuals to unlock new levels of understanding and communication with their beloved companions.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Discover 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, stretching, and straining. But renowned movement expert Mary Debono reveals a revolutionary approach that flips this conventional wisdom on its head.

Key Takeaways

The Core Strategy: Instead of working harder on your challenging side, intentionally make your easy side more difficult through playful variations, then return to the challenging side—it will feel dramatically easier.

Why It Works: Your nervous system learns through contrast. By giving your brain information about what doesn't work (through temporary variations), it better understands what does work and naturally improves coordination.

The Pressure Problem: Trying to fix, stretch, or force improvements creates anxiety in the nervous system and often reinforces the original problem through defensive restrictions.

Mindset Shift: Change from asking "How do I fix this?" to "What can I learn from what's already easy?" This transforms your entire approach from correction to exploration.

Natural Learning: Your nervous system wants to move toward health and wholeness. When you create the right environment with curiosity and contrast, improvement happens organically without force.

Resources:

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

#Feldenkrais Method #Debono Moves #somatic learning #mindset #horses #dogs

This 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-videos

Interested in learning more about our Move with Your Horse program? Click here to join our no-obligation waitlist: https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse 

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Discover 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 safety that allows the nervous system to let go of protective habits.

Listeners will learn how the ribs and sternum play a critical role in back mobility for both horses and dogs, and how to begin using their hands to "listen" rather than manipulate. Mary offers a simple but profound starting exercise to shift from doing bodywork "to" your animal to engaging "with" them in a co-creative dialogue. This episode provides a foundation for a deeper connection with your animals while improving their comfort and movement—a true win-win approach that benefits both animal and human.

Key Takeaways

• Creating safety is essential for lasting change—poking into painful areas only creates defensiveness
• Horses and dogs develop habits of overusing some parts of the spine and underusing others
• Rib and sternum mobility play a crucial role in back health for both horses and dogs
• Touch can be a two-way conversation where both beings are listening to each other
• The bodywork isn't done "to" the animal but co-created "with" them through respectful dialogue, creating deeper trust 
• When you improve your listening skills with your hands, both you and your animal benefit

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

What 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 more joy into everyday life.

This episode is an invitation to savor your life instead of rushing through it—and to create a profound, felt sense of connection with your dog or horse that words can’t always reach.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness = Noticing: Being aware of your moment-to-moment sensory experience is the foundation of meaningful connection.
  
  
• Break Habit Loops: Mindfulness helps shift unconscious physical and emotional patterns in you and your animal.
  
  
• Shared Awareness: Practices like Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles create co-regulation and intuitive understanding between you and your animal.
  
  
• Mindfulness Is Movement Too: You don’t have to sit still to be mindful—movement can deepen awareness and presence.
  
  
• Savor Life: Mindful moments help you feel time differently—life becomes richer and more meaningful.

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

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 body
• How curiosity (not correction) supports nervous system change
• What to feel for: structure, temperature, response, symmetry
• Why these moments of shared awareness build trust and connection
• How CLTMs (special receptors) create calm and deepen the bond
• When a quiet pause may be the most powerful part of your session

Whether you're working with a horse, dog, or cat, this episode will show you how slowing down and tuning in can help your animal move better—and feel better—without needing to “fix” them.

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Confusion 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 Takeaways

• Confusion 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 to support—whether it’s your dog, your horse, or yourself.
• Allowing for confusion builds patience, compassion, and a deeper connection.

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Would 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:

1. Your brain doesn't strongly distinguish between vivid imagination and physical experience—"what you imagine, you embody."
2. Visualizing a connection of light with your animal creates real physiological changes in your body that your animal can detect.
3. Animals constantly read the world through somatic and energetic cues, sensing your tension, intention, and inner state.
4. This practice creates a "connection loop"—a feedback cycle where your shifts cause your animal to respond, deepening the bond.
5. Intentionally sending loving energy increases heart coherence, which science shows can influence those nearby.
6. This approach helps bring love back to the center when worry, fear or expectations might be pushing it aside.
7. The visualization "turbocharges" hands-on work like Debono Moves, creating a synergistic effect.
8. Even just one minute of this practice can reduce your stress and invite new possibilities for both you and your animal.

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

In 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 resonance can become a guidepost for more meaningful interaction. 

You’ll also learn practical ways to begin cultivating this quiet, powerful connection today—and why it’s one of the most valuable things you can share with your animal.

Resources:

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost.

Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our Feldenkrais series:
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series   

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Check 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 influences movement, and what you can do instead to help your horse find movement that feels good—without tension or force.

I’ll also share a personal story of overcoming severe carpal tunnel syndrome and how the principles I used to heal myself apply directly to helping horses move better.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new perspective on:
 ✔ Why traditional stretching and corrections often don’t work.
 ✔ How to support your horse’s movement through safety and awareness.
 ✔ The role of the horse-human system in creating lasting improvements.

If you want to enhance your horse’s movement while deepening your bond, this episode is for you!

Resources:

Want to improve movement efficiency, comfort, and connection for both you and your horse? 

Check out our Move with Your Horse Foundations group coaching program. 💥  🥳 This is a limited-time offer. 💥

💥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 💥

Interested in improving movement efficiency, comfort, and connection for you and your dog? Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. 

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Discover 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 group coaching program. 💥  🥳 This is a limited-time offer. 💥

Interested in improving movement efficiency, comfort, and connection for you and your dog? Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. 


All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

In 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 your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Want to learn even more? Check out our Move with Your Horse Foundations group coaching program. 💥 Use coupon code EARLYSTART to get bonus classes AND save $200 with early enrollment! 🥳 This is a limited time offer. 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. 


All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Mary 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:

1. 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.
2. Heart-Centered Appreciation: Mary explains how focusing on feelings of love and gratitude for your horse can change your physiological state in ways your horse can detect, creating a calming effect.
3. Rhythm Circles: A specific hands-on process that provides support and relief to the horse's soft tissues, deepening the sense of connection and safety.

The episode also addresses the rider's confidence, emphasizing that your emotional state significantly impacts your horse. Mary recommends her FeldenkraisⓇ-based "Effortless Balanced Sitting Series" to help riders feel more secure in the saddle.

Whether you have a herd-bound horse or a dog with anxiety (which will be covered in the next episode), these practices offer a compassionate, effective approach to building confidence and a deeper bond with your animal companion.

Resources:
Want to sit in a more balanced, secure way? Click here for all the details on our new series: https://tinyurl.com/balanced-sitting
Effortless, Balanced Sitting: A FeldenkraisⓇ Movement Series  

Get your free videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles with your horse. 🐎https://tinyurl.com/equine-videos

Want to learn even more? Check out our Move with Your Horse Foundations group coaching program. 💥 Use coupon code EARLYSTART to get bonus classes AND save $200 with early enrollment! 🥳 This is a limited time offer. 💥

Grab your FREE videos on Connected Breathing and Rhythm Circles to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. 


All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

What 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 profound shift in connection that helped her nervous system feel safe enough to change.

This episode is for anyone who wants to deepen their bond with their animal and help them move with greater comfort, confidence, and joy—without force or frustration.

Resources:
Doors open in March! Join the waitlist for the next Move with Your Horse Foundations program and get your discount code!  https://www.marydebono.com/joinhorse. 🐎

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Show notes for this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/111

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Discover 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 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 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Discover 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.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and does not constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

Learn 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.marydebono.com/rider 💥

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship equine-focused online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of animal enthusiasts across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️

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/rider 💥

Grab your FREE video training to help your dog. 🐕 https://www.marydebono.com/lovedog 💥

Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs.

Email mary@marydebono.com

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship equine-focused online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of animal enthusiasts across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

If 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 Movement, Happier Life: For You, Your Horses & Dogs. 

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  ⬅️⬅️⬅️


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 💥


Get Mary’s bestselling, award-winning book, “Grow Young with Your Dog,” for a super low price at: https://tinyurl.com/growyoungwithyourdog. Demonstration videos are included at no extra cost. ⬅️⬅️⬅️

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical or veterinary advice or professional training advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you, your horse, or your dog are unwell or injured.  Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses and dogs. 

Email mary@marydebono.com

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of animals and their humans.

Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for horse and dog enthusiasts.  Her methods have helped animals and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the human-animal bond

Mary's flagship equine-focused online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of animal enthusiasts across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Visit https://www.marydebono.com to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Want 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.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses. 

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of horses and their human companions.

Recognizing the profound connection between equine and human movement, Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the equestrian world. Her methods have helped horses and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the horse-human bond

Mary's flagship online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of equestrians across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your equestrian journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-horse to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Discover 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 Takeaways

• A keystone goal or practice creates positive chain reactions in multiple areas of life
• A consistent Feldenkrais practice makes an effective keystone practice 
• Physical benefits include improved flexibility, coordination, and posture
• Mental benefits include enhanced focus, concentration, decision-making abilities, and emotional resilience
• Physical changes can lead to broader life transformations
• Mary's upcoming Feldenkrais series will focus on balanced sitting which can improve how you ride 

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.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses. 

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of horses and their human companions.

Recognizing the profound connection between equine and human movement, Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the equestrian world. Her methods have helped horses and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the horse-human bond

Mary's flagship online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of equestrians across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your equestrian journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-horse to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Discover 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 back
• Traditional forcing methods can create a cycle of increasing tension and resistance
• Gentle, supportive movements are more effective than forceful stretching
• Building body awareness in both horse and handler is crucial for success
• Patience and consistency are essential for creating lasting change
• Daily grooming routines provide opportunities to reinforce positive experiences
• Understanding subtle tension signs helps prevent escalation
• The approach improves overall horse-human partnership beyond hoof handling

Resources:

Mentioned in this episode: https://www.marydebono.com/blog/improving-a-horses-ability-to-hold-up-his-legs-for-hoof-trimming

💥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.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses. 

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of horses and their human companions.

Recognizing the profound connection between equine and human movement, Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the equestrian world. Her methods have helped horses and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the horse-human bond

Mary's flagship online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of equestrians across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your equestrian journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-horse to learn more about Mary's unique work.

Discover 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.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses. 

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of horses and their human companions.

Recognizing the profound connection between equine and human movement, Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the equestrian world. Her methods have helped horses and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the horse-human bond

Mary's flagship online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of equestrians across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your equestrian journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-horse to learn more about Mary's unique work.

💥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 Feldenkrais Method, you'll learn how to create real, lasting change that benefits both you and your horse.

This episode reveals:

• The surprising location of your hip joints 
• Why traditional approaches might be making things worse
• How to identify hidden hip issues affecting your riding
• The gentle path to lasting improvement
• Practical steps to start your transformation today

Key Takeaways:

1. Your hip joints are key to effective riding - once you know where they really are
2. Working against your nervous system creates more problems than it solves
3. Gentle, intentional movement creates deeper, lasting change
4. Horses often instantly respond to improved hip awareness and mobility
5. Awareness leads to better communication 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 💥

💥Video: Finding Your Hips Joints 💥

Email mary@marydebono.com

All information is for general educational purposes ONLY and doesn't constitute medical, veterinary, or professional training advice. Always use extreme caution when interacting with horses. 

About the Host:

Mary Debono is a pioneer in animal and human wellness, blending her expertise as an international clinician, best-selling author, and certified Feldenkrais Method® practitioner. With over three decades of experience, Mary developed Debono Moves, a groundbreaking approach that enhances the performance, well-being, and partnership of horses and their human companions.

Recognizing the profound connection between equine and human movement, Mary's innovative approach draws from the Feldenkrais Method®, tailored specifically for the equestrian world. Her methods have helped horses and humans:

• Improve athletic ability and performance
• Enhance confidence and reduce anxiety
• Reduce physical limitations and discomfort
• Deepen the horse-human bond

Mary's flagship online program, "Move with Your Horse," offers equestrians a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of Feldenkrais® while also learning her signature hands-on work for horses. This transformative approach has helped riders and their equine partners achieve harmony, both in and out of the saddle.

As a speaker and educator, Mary has touched the lives of equestrians across the globe, empowering them to unlock their full potential through mindful movement and enhanced body awareness.

Discover the power of Debono Moves and transform your equestrian journey. Visit https://www.marydebono.com/you-and-your-horse to learn more about Mary's unique work.