Tea Time with Elsa

Chatting about: Giving To The Relationship Or Extracting From The Relationship ……
In this episode we talk about the difference in training styles when we think about giving to the relationship in ways and at times that the horse might choose. There are certainly times when it is most appropriate to extract desired behaviors from the relationship for the benefit of everyone involved, and the good habits that can be built through practice. My favorite part though, is the giving.
Originally aired on: January 21st, 2025

Chatting about: Why do we train the Sensory System?…
In this episode we talk about the reasons why I train the way I do. There are both benefits and difficulties associated with every training pattern. I believe a sensory first approach has the benefits I look for in a relationship with horses.
Originally aired on: January 13th, 2026

Chatting about: Retained Juvenile Behaviors…
In this episode we talk about a way to look at behavior in our horses that may seem inappropriate. When we look at it as a maturity level issue, it gives us so much grace to help our horses and work with them. Both of us on the same team working toward a better quality of life for everyone involved.
Originally aired on: January 6th, 2026

Chatting about: Pressure and Release in the Real World…
In this episode we talk about how inevitable pressure and release are in life and how we might use the cycles of internal pressure and release a horse naturally feels to shape their habits and patterns. While we can artificially apply pressure and release, the most important part is being able to read what it is the horse is feeling from moment to moment. Then using that understanding to improve a horse’s quality of life with us.
Originally aired on: December 30th, 2025

Chatting about: Fireworks…
In this episode we talk about how we might prepare horses for extreme events such as the Fireworks that often come along with New Year’s celebrations. Freedom Based Training is not about solving problems that are currently occurring, but instead preparing the horse from a sensory strength view point. When their sensory system is strong and adaptive, horses are amazingly capable of thriving in a wide variety of situations.
Originally aired on: December 23rd, 2025

Chatting about: Rest and Freeze…
In this episode we talk about how to see rest and freeze on a spectrum. Rest being essential for horses to process the information they have taken in through their sensory systems. Freeze as a type of rest where they are trying to process information taken in, but ultimately struggle to make sense of it. The only way we know for sure which it is, is by noticing if the horse comes out of it in a cooperative way or a defensive way. The more often we observe our horses in safe areas of freedom, the better we learn to read their unique body language that can tell us what is happening for them internally. 
Originally aired on: December 17h, 2021

Chatting about: Arcs, turns, and intersecting lines…
In this episode we talk about the social strategies of horses working together in herds. What do they want from each other when they approach in a direct line? Why do some get corrected all the time and others don’t? How do we use this information to walk into a herd with the awareness that can replace pressure. How do we share that awareness with our horse friends so they need less and less pressure from each other as well?
Tea Time Descriptions  Originally aired on: December 10th, 2025

Chatting about: Stacking the Wins!
In this episode we talk about noticing the quality of each interaction we have with our horse. When we adjust the level of difficulty correctly for the horse on that day, in that environment, then the horse is able to feel like their wins stack up from moment to moment. Once we have stacked enough wins we can start asking the horse to stretch a bit more or try to do a bit better than usual (emotionally, mentally or physically). Stacking the wins is usually an emotional experience that builds the foundation for any challenges that may follow.
Originally aired on: December 3rd, 2025