EP194: Enrichment With Mary Richards

Horse Training in Harmony

In this episode I am joined by Mary Richards to talk about enrichment which is basically about how to keep our horses in a way that allows them to be the happiest horses they can be. I think you’ll really love this conversation where we’ll learn how even small changes can make a big difference. You’ll learn about Social, Cognitive, Sensory, & Physical Enrichment.

About the Guest:

Mary Richards is an expert in animal behavior with a particular focus on equines. With over 15 years of experience as a zookeeper, Mary honed her skills in behavioral and environmental enrichment, developed keen observational abilities, and fostered a deep-seated passion for improving animal welfare.

In her subsequent role as an Equine Zoological Manager, Mary was instrumental in developing and implementing comprehensive enrichment programs for a large population of over 150 horses. Her work in this capacity underscored her commitment to enhancing the well-being of equines through innovative enrichment strategies.

Mary's dedication to animal welfare extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is the proud owner of Bird, a 22-year-old Belgian Draft mare, who benefits from Mary's expertise and compassionate care.

Driven by a mission to improve the lives of equines, Mary actively educates horse owners and equine facilities about the importance of enrichment. Her goal is to create a better world for horses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.

Learn more at: https://www.enrichedequine.com/

About the Host:

Karen Rohlf, author and creator of Dressage Naturally, is an internationally recognized clinician who is changing the equestrian educational paradigm. She teaches students of all disciplines and levels from around the world in her clinics and the Dressage Naturally virtual programs.

Karen is well known for training horses with a priority on partnership, a student-empowering approach to teaching, and a positive and balanced point of view. She believes in getting to the heart of our mental, emotional, and physical partnership with our horses by bringing together the best of the worlds of dressage and partnership-based training. 

Karen’s passion for teaching extends beyond horse training. Her For The Love Of The Horse: Transform Your Business Seminar and Mastermind/Mentorship programs are a result of her commitment to helping heart-centered equine professionals thrive so that horses may have a happier life in this industry.

Resource Links:

• Mary Richard’s Enrichment Website: https://www.enrichedequine.com/
• The Enriched Equine Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theenrichedequine
• Snuffle Pasture: https://enriched-acres.com/
• Karen Rohlf’s Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/
• Program for Professionals: TYB Action & Support Group: https://dressagenatural.samcart.com/products/action-and-support-group-tyb/
• Course: Habits For Excellent Horsemanship: https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/heh. Save $100 with code: SAVE100
• The Dressage Naturally VIDEO CLASSROOM: https://dnc.dressagenaturally.net/
• The Dressage Naturally Book+Video: https://shop.dressagenaturally.net/collections/home-page-featured/products/book-dvd
• Get 3 free training videos: https://dressagenaturally.net/free-dressage-training-videos/
• Take the Happy Athlete Quiz: https://inbound.dressagenaturally.net/happy-athlete-quiz-start
• Leave a question for Karen to answer on the pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/AskKarenAnything
• Join the conversation in our Dressage Naturally Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DressageNaturallyLand

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