Horses - Let go of the reins | Cathy Sugden | TEDxFolkestone

With her distinctive brand of Wholehearted Horsemanship, The Horseback Heroine specialises in the unique emotional bond we form with our horses and how this leads to a whole new world of horsemanship. After a life-changing event where Cathy chased armed robbers on horseback thanks to her trust and understanding of her horse Mr Smiffy, Cathy has become known as The Horseback Heroine. She now spends her time exploring that very special relationship between horses and humans and trying to find the right path forwards - one that works just as well for the horse as well as the rider.
There is much to be done to improve the welfare of the ridden and driven horses and this starts with the training methods that are most often not in line with the horse's basic needs.
But we cannot have this conversation without talking about shame and guilt. The shame of the things we are doing to our horses. This is why humans won't allow themselves to be vulnerable and admit their wrong doings with the horses. Change can only take place once there is that vulnerability. It's not just about the methodology.
So from the humble novice beginner who is trying to find the best way forward for their horse and can't understand why they are struggling so badly to let go of the reins, right up to the higher echelons of the FEI who make the rules for equestrian sports, we all need to ask the simple question of WHY we think it is OK to treat our horses with such barbaric and outdated methods. Also for those of us who have got that figured out, why we are not allowed to compete on an equal playing field using LESS equipment in the form of a Bitless Bridle or a Sidepull Bridle rather than MORE equipment which we are required to do according to the FEI rulebook.
Cathy can be contacted via her website: www.thehorsebackheroine.co.uk or through Facebook at facebook.com./theHorsebackHeroine The Horseback Heroine specialises in the unique emotional bond we form with our horses and how this leads to a whole new world of horsemanship. After a life-changing event where Cathy Sugden chased robbers on horseback thanks to her trust and understanding of her horse, Mr Smiffy, Cathy has become known as The Horseback Heroine. She now spends her time exploring that very special relationship between horses and humans, and trying to find the right path forward - one that works just as well for the horse as well as the rider. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Crystal-ge9gh]

Horses have so much to teach us.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

They really do:-) Thank you for watching my talk:-) x

[@kristinmanchester5864]

Bless you for righting your wrongs! It’s takes a courageous person to do that

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thanks Kristin. That talk was the hardest thing I have ever done! But so worth it to be able to live in my truth 💜💗

[@tenapus]

Wow, so true! The horsepeople in the world need to listen to this

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thankyou Charlotte. 🙏 Hopefully you will share it?💕

[@krimhildburgund7634]

Dear Cathy, I honore you so much for your honesty with your Pony.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

That's a lovely comment, for which I thank you:-) Honesty is all we have really.

[@amberlihartwellacting]

Brillliant Talk Cathy! (omg yes that smell - theres nothing quite like it!) You are so honest and authentic - and fun! Horses can teach us so much about true heart connection by guiding us to experience it. Theres nothing quite like the presence of a horse to focus us on the present moment. Keep up the great work! 🙂

[@louisewatts3236]

Cathy Sugden, what a legend! Having known Cathy my whole life I can honestly say shes been an inspiration since long before this TEDx video. Also Cathy if you read this: you were right about the shoes they look fabulous!

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Aah....Louise. you are so sweet and thank you for your encouraging words! Please do share the message on all the social media platforms you are using. Take care darling. Xx

[@janelapple5246]

Cathy you spoke from the heart and had the guts to say what other people have done. The difference is that you were open to learn. I am sure your talk will inspire for horse lovers, horse carers, horse users, to reflect on their actions and let go of the reins, the image, and the prestige and just enjoy the love.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thanks for your nice words Julie:-) I'm glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@shannonjosey4618]

Yeeesss!!! Love this ♥️👏🏼

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thanks Shannon. I'm glad you like it🙏 Please share the message:-)

[@liamrooney5133]

Beautiful, authentic talk.

[@breynnbailey1287]

This is wonderful! Thank you for being so strong and vulnerable in your journey.❤

[@GypsyGirl317]

I love your authentic, warm hearted approach, and you apply so many layers in this excellent talk which apply in all of our relationships with people and all animals. 😍 There are horses in a paddock along the trail my friend and I walk regularly, and we often stop to talk with them - they are beautiful. As I was watching this my beautiful, big, gentle dog was lying against me, and I can relate to the fact of how important it is to lead not boss our precious animals. Respect for them and honouring their individuality builds a powerful relationship huh. ❤️ You definitely are a horseback heroine because you are a powerful voice for these magnificent animals, and at the same time you encourage us all to look within ourselves with honest courage. As a counsellor, I say you are incredible. 😊 Love and God bless you, from NZ. 🌿

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Wow. What a fabulous encouraging comment! Thank you so much. 🙏

[@raysoflightneville]

Well I can honestly say that was a beautiful talk and the message that runs deep throughout is beautifully delivered. What a fantastic talk. Loved it. 🙏❤️🙏

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thank you for those words of encouragement🥰

[@raysoflightneville]

@@thehorsebackheroine5950 You are most welcome. 🙏❤️🙏

[@CourtneyLou]

Thank you for such an authentic, honest, encompassing and compassionate presence. You've managed to present what so many of us are striving to convey in such a succinct, captivating way. Amazing 🤗

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

That's so nice of you to say that Courtney. Thank you:-)

[@oyinkalejaiye6626]

Listen to the end even if you’re not into horses - some wisdom is shared and you can apply it in everyday life. If you’re into horses - you definitely need to listen to this! Well done Cathy xx

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Oyin - from the bottom of my heart, I am so touched with your comment and also what you have written on fb:-) It's been so great watching you raise those two lovely boys of yours and you have had your own journey!! xx

[@trudyashford-hobson7292]

Very inspiring talk Cathy, I think a lot of horse people need to see this.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thank you Trudy - I hope a lot of people in general will see this and start their own 'journey' :-) xx

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

brilliant Cathy and I loved your vulnerability

[@lilyknowles1931]

Well done Cathy a brilliant talk and really changes my point of view about horses

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thanks Lily - that's the point of a Ted talk isn't it? Not to change another's point of view but to expose them to a different view point and for that I thank you for watching my talk:-) x

[@classicambo9781]

Thank you for a thought provoking talk - more of this please Tedx!

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thank you Kate:-)

[@tjtmzms2187]

Oh wow this lady is incredible 😍

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

You are very kind TJ. I'm glad you enjoyed the talk🥰

[@callumsturgessful]

Thanks for recommending me this video Cathy was interesting listening to this. Hope you are well and recovering! :) Regards Callum

[@zenergizedequine]

Yes! So vulnerable & honest...tears 💞🙏💞

[@PaulBursey]

I loved the talk Cathy.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Oh thanks Paul:-) I hadn't spotted that you'd seen it! It's nice to see you pop up on here:-) x

[@lydiaanderson3312]

@Hello Paul Bursey, How are you doing?

[@PaulBursey]

@@lydiaanderson3312 I am doing great thanks. How ar you?

[@lydiaanderson3312]

@@PaulBursey I'm doing good dear, I'm Lydia Anderson from Detroit Michigan and you, If i may ask.

[@maryhenderson7717]

fabulous talk Cathy and what a journey you have been on - feel I knew you back at the beginning of the journey - well done you x

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

That is such a nice message Mary and how lovely of you to share it on your fb page:-) I appreciate that and you are right, you were there...right at the beginning!! xx

[@CallippoShafai]

If every horse lover watched this talk and took the information to heart, the world would be a better place for horses. Very good presentation. Although the info is well known (as a PNH&D,N fan), I really enjoyed listening to your story.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Aah - that's so nice of you to say that CallippoShafai:-) Thank you. And you are right...the info is well known.....but only to those of us that know it!! But it's that extra dimension , the FEELING And as I say in the talk, when we FEEL like horse lovers, everything changes:-)

[@lyncanale4628]

A wonderful heartfelt inspiring talk Cathy. You do know a thing or two about horses. x

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thankyou for those nice words Lyn. :-)

[@kiarakillian]

needed this today

[@jlf1309]

Awesome amazing video thank you for sharing! ❤

[@larsphilipsonisaac7164]

Very good.

[@scottdacrypto3064]

So amazing

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

I'm glad you liked it Scott:-)

[@midlam99]

Well told Cathy, very interesting......and shared with my sister Anne. Regards,Nigel Peart.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Oh thanks Nigel - how nice to see you pop up on here!! It's been a while. How time goes eh? xx

[@sharonm2725]

well done, I did the same thing... run to a person with a horse! can I pat the horse.... now I rescue them.....

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

That's funny! :-)

[@richardellis2036]

Well done Cathy. Tina would have loved it.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thanks Richard. How nice to see you pop up on here. As you say, Tina would have said 'hmmmmmm'.....

[@Laughoutloud65]

Wonderful :-)

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thank you:-) X

[@equteachme]

A life unexamined by it's user is a life wasted. Not a subscriber to the idea of natural horsemanship, more a believer in the idea of supernatural horsemanship, nothing of what we do with a horse is natural. You are correct that we must acknowledge the darkness within no matter how good we think ourselves to be in order to understand when we are making mistakes. There is a question, and it is a TED Talk. What does feel like to be wrong? Answer: Nothing, the answer is nothing at all, we only know what it feels like when we have learned we are wrong. In training a horse it is said that when knowledge runs out aggression runs in.

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Such wisdom in yr reply Jean Pierre:-)

[@mahan2661]

I came here from your reply in the part of comment for another video

[@thehorsebackheroine5950]

Thankyou:-)

[@mahan2661]

@@thehorsebackheroine5950 your thoughts about life are just like mine🙂

[@maggiepie8810]

I can relate to that shame because you've realised that everything you've been taught was wrong. It's important to acknowledge that equestrian sports have a history in the military, but the military hasn't always been the best at psychology.

[@emeles7853]

the other ones are horse users, oftentimes horse abusers.