Tea Time with Elsa

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