Do you want to create a life of movement, connection, and well-being for you and your animals? Whether you’re an equestrian, a dog lover, or both, this podcast is for you! In Easier Movement, Happier Life: For You, Your Horses & Dogs, Feldenkrais® teacher, international clinician, and bestselling author Mary Debono shares insights, tips, and techniques to help you improve movement, mindset, and connection for yourself and your animals. Each week, we explore topics like body awareness, flexibility, and balance, focusing on how these elements impact both you and your horse or dog. We’ll dive into how anxiety and tension affect both species and share gentle strategies to promote relaxation, confidence, and well-being for everyone involved. Your thoughts and emotions influence not only your own body but also your animal’s. That’s why we’ll also explore emotional awareness, mindset, and intuition, helping you build a deeper, more harmonious relationship with your horse or dog. Whether you’re helping your horse become more balanced and fluid or supporting your dog’s mobility and comfort, this podcast will provide the tools to nurture a thriving connection with your animal, improving their quality of life—and yours. Join Mary every week as she brings over 30 years of experience to help you and your animals live with greater ease, joy, and connection.
Send Mary a message 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.
5 Hidden Habits That Make Movement Harder
Send Mary a message 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.
The Beliefs That Shape Your Movement
Send Mary a message 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.
Different Behavior Starts With a Different Experience
Send Mary a message 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.
Slow Down to Speed Up: The Value of Small, Slow Movements
Send Mary a message 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.
Asking Questions with Your Hands
Send Mary a message 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.
Could My Horse Hear My Thoughts?
Send Mary a message 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.
Building Trust Through Movement: Connect, Don't Correct
Send Mary a message 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.
What Do You Believe About Aging?
Send Mary a message 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 Debono Moves Might Not Be Right for You
Send Mary a message 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
How to Support Your Aging Dog
Send Mary a message 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 Many dogs develop habitual movement patterns and compensations that now create unnecessary strain. Gentle hands-on support can help the nervous system feel safe enough to release chronic muscular tension. Lasting improvement comes from inviting change, not forcing it. Emotional safety and physical comfort are deeply connected. Supporting your dog physically can also improve confidence, ease, and emotional well-being. 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.
Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast: A Simple Practice for You and Your Animals
Send Mary a message 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.
The Smarter Way to Help a Stiff or Uneven Horse
Send Mary a message 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.
Are You Trying Too Hard to Help Your Dog?
Send Mary a message 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.
What You're Missing When Your Horse Relaxes
Send Mary a message 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.
Stop Trying to Fix What's Wrong (And What to Do Instead)
Send Mary a message 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.
Healthy Effort vs. Strain: A Key to Lasting Soundness
Send Mary a message 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.
Great Expectations: How Your Predictions Shape Your Animal's Behavior
Send Mary a message 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.
From Touching to Listening: A Simple Exercise That Changes Your Connection
Send Mary a message 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.
What If the Problem Isn't a Problem?
Send Mary a message 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.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
