Tea Time with Elsa

Chatting About: The Foundation Work Of Simply Being…
Originally aired on: August 29th, 2026
In this episode we talk about how sharing time with horses can sometimes be about simply being together without trying to change them. A “Watching Practice” sets the stage of understanding for all the training to come later.

Chatting About: Basic Needs First…
Originally aired on: August 18th, 2026
In this episode we talk about how my understanding of the “Basic Needs” of a horse has become deeper over the years. Both horses and humans are herd animals and as such it is natural for them to value the needs of others they consider part of their herd. However, before they can act as a good herd member their “basic needs” must be addressed. Forage, Friends, Freedom and then beyond that, they need someone to acknowledge them as an individual with their own unique wants and needs. When we take the time to show them we understand them as individuals, we open up the possibilities around everyone becoming better partners.

Chatting About: Whimsy in Horse Training…
Originally aired on: August 11th, 2026
In this episode we talk about how serious horse training can get and how perhaps, a little whimsy can be an incredible source of joy for everyone. What whimsical moments do you like to share with your horse?

Chatting About: What do you want in a friend?
Originally aired on: August 4th, 2026
In this episode we talk about the role of a friend that most horses play in the modern world. For some people horses are still work mates, for others they are sports equipment, for most of us I find they are friends first and foremost. Asking what we want in our friends is an important question. This impacts the way we interact with them every day.

Chatting About: The Non-performative Life…
Originally aired on: July 28th, 2026 
In this episode we talk about the idea of being performative, as a horse or a human. To be performative is to do things for others that you might not naturally choose for yourself. We ask our horses to be performative all the time, and we find socially as humans we often need to as well. When there is a time or a place when we can be non-performative for a while, it is a great luxury. Like everything, there is probably some balance between the two states that is healthy to strive for.

Chatting About: Pattern versus Details…
Originally aired on: July 21st, 2026
In this episode we talk about how the brain chooses how to process the world it lives in, noticing the patterns (how today is the same as yesterday) or noticing the details (how each moment is completely unique). When we notice the patterns we become better friends and support to others. When we notice the details we form memories of events that are more romantic and rich and beautiful. My goal with horses is to first become the best friend possible so they can live a life that is beautiful. Then later we can switch, so they anticipate the patterns that best support the relationship while I get to bask in the details that make life and memories feel rich.

Chatting About: Our Relationship To Pressure…
Originally aired on: July 14th, 2026 
In this episode we talk about how past associations around pressure determine the quality of our relationship with pressure. In order to build a better relationship with pressure (from the horse’s perspective or the humans perspective) we get to start from where we are and, one experience at a time, build experiences that lead to better associations. “When pressure is felt, how excited can we feel about the possible outcomes?”

Chatting about: A Good Luck Frame Of Mind…
Originally aired on: July 7th, 2026 
In this episode we talk about how training in freedom is all about capitalizing on the naturally occurring moments with our horses that are in the direction of training that we hope for. When training with more pressure we can create the patterns and habits we hope for in our horses. When prioritizing freedom, it is a game of luck. Developing a good luck frame of mind is all about honing our skills to see things we want, mark them and make them memorable. We tend to repeat what we remember.