⭑Fair Interview⭑

Karen Rohlf, creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized author, clinician, and speaker who for the past two decades has been an industry leader in changing the equestrian educational paradigm.

Karen Rohlf shares her unique approach to horsemanship, blending the precision of dressage with the softness of natural horsemanship. She reflects on her journey, from traditional training to discovering a more connected, joyful way of working with horses. Karen emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with the horse first, celebrating small successes, and approaching training with curiosity and playfulness. She offers practical insights on clear communication, balancing energy, and allowing space for both horse and rider to grow. Throughout the conversation, Karen reminds us that horsemanship is not just about technique—it’s about mindset, presence, and finding joy in every moment with our horses.

Takeaways

☆ Karen Rohlf emphasizes the joy of combining dressage and natural horsemanship
☆ Early experiences with horses shape a lifelong passion for equestrianism
☆ Building a relationship with horses is key to successful training
☆ Life lessons learned from horses can be applied to everyday situations
☆ Being present and free of judgment enhances the horse-rider relationship
☆ Celebrating small successes with horses fosters a positive environment
☆ The importance of fun in training cannot be overstated
☆ Horses teach us about forgiveness and patience
☆ Creating a vision for your horsemanship journey is essential
☆ Every horse and rider can find their unique path in the equestrian world

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 | Introduction to Karen Rohlf and Her Journey
03:45 | The Evolution of Horsemanship and Dressage
09:28 | Bridging the Gap: English and Western Horsemanship
16:17 | Life Lessons from Horses
19:38 | Practical Tips for Horse-Human Relationships
22:39 | Celebrating the Connection with Horses
23:06 | The Importance of Mental Breaks in Training
24:13 | Understanding Emotional and Physical States
25:54 | Creating Joyful and Playful Training Sessions
26:56 | Working with Low-Energy Horses
28:39 | Precise Communication in Training
29:47 | Building a Win-Win Relationship
31:25 | Encouraging Energy and Engagement
32:30 | Raising Standards in Communication
35:11 | Finding Balance in Horsemanship
35:26 | The Joy of Simply Being with Horses
38:33 | Evolving Relationships with Horses
41:54 | The Fun and Safety of Horsemanship