Tea Time with Elsa

Chatting about: Reward Systems
In this episode we talk about the different types of reward systems horses find themselves utilizing. Reward systems in general are sensory based, either seeking a sensory experience that feels good, or avoiding a sensory experience that feels bad. Obviously I prefer to lean toward the seeking of something that feels good. Then I want to take it a step further, how do I help the horse utilize and develop the parts of their sensory system that they have full control over, that no one can take away from them. When they can access those internal rewards their quality of life improves dramatically.
Originally aired on: April 3rd, 2026

Chatting about: The Kinds of Connection
In this episode, we talk about how connection between two beings requires one to initiate and the other to join. Another way to say the same thing is, one needs to take attention while the other one gives attention. When we see patterns and preferences in our horses to be either a giver or a taker that gives us insight in how best to build a solid foundation for connection with them.
Originally aired on: March 26th, 2026

Chatting about: Being Present or Future Minded…
In this episode we talk about the value of thinking ahead a few steps for the benefit of relationships. This is in contrast with the popular idea of being fully present. I believe being fully present is a good default mode to fall into when our systems are tired and need rest, however, being future minded allows us to consider the needs of others above and beyond our own instincts.
Originally aired on: March 3rd, 2026 

Chatting about: Exploring A Third Option…
In this episode we talk about how polarized training horses tends to be. Between giving the horse no direction, and the need to establish consequences if the horse does not follow human direction. A third option can feel impossible unless you truly take time. This is what Freedom Based Training® is aimed at. Can we know the horses well enough to shape their behaviors and habits toward a better quality of life together? Without pushing for a speed of change that requires consequences to provide direction? This is a way of life with horses I love more than anything else.
Originally aired on: March 5th, 2026

Chatting about: Noticing the Absence…
In this episode we talk about how easy it is for the brain to lock onto the presence of threats or difficulties and the absence of well being. When we challenge ourselves to look for the absence of difficulty instead it can be a slippery idea to grasp. This ability to notice the absence of difficulty and the presence of well being is the greatest predictor of success in training horses.
Originally aired on: February 18th, 2026

Chatting about: Endings and Beginnings…
In this episode we talk about Atlas. We talk about saying goodbye to horses in the most graceful way possible. We talk about change and how to prepare for moments of change we may feel less than ready for.
Originally aired on: February 10th, 2026

Chatting about: Different Kinds Of Difficult……
In this episode we talk about the importance of contrast in training. In order for horses to choose something, it must be in comparison better than some other option. How do we include the idea of something difficult in our training, in a way that feels reasonable to the horse we are working with?
Originally aired on: February 3rd, 2026

Chatting about: When to slow training down…
In this episode we talk about when we might slow training down and when we might speed training up. There is a benefit to every option, when applied at the right time.
Originally aired on: January 26th, 2026