Updates from Leanne & Brad Nelson

My Teacher, My Awakening

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:43:27 CDT

Trust over Task

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:41:52 CDT

Finding inner peace amidst life's hustle and bustle is a challenging journey, especially when transitioning from a state of stress to one of personal focus. The struggle stems from internal narratives and past traumas that arise in defiance whenever we attempt to swim against the societal tide. This internal resistance is wired into our nature, as our primal instincts prioritize acceptance and belonging as crucial for survival.

Society often compels us to conform, and stepping outside the norm can trigger feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety. Yet, in moments of quiet reflection, such as observing subtle, calming behaviors, we can start to shed the layers of ego and fear. This practice is not merely about slowing down, but about embracing a deeper connection with oneself and potentially others, leading to more fulfilling interactions.

The transformation from anxiety to trust, such as the bond developed through horsemanship, exemplifies how perseverance can quiet the internal noise. Consistent focus on this relationship-building helps soothe the mind's reactive tendencies, proving the worth of pushing through discomfort to achieve harmony. This journey emphasizes that growth requires facing and moving beyond one's inner turbulence rather than evading it.

Shut Up, Nancy!

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:58:29 CDT

The blog post explores the concept of inner dialogue, particularly focusing on the challenge of managing negative self-talk, personified as "Negative Nancy." This internal voice often prioritizes safety over happiness, prompting doubts and fears that can hinder personal growth and exploration. By cultivating a compassionate relationship with this inner voice, one can transform these obstructive thoughts into stepping stones rather than barriers.

Through this journey, individuals can learn to quiet their inner critics and embrace personal aspirations with confidence. The post highlights the power of taking control over one's inner dialogue, emphasizing that it's essential to encourage and nurture dreams rather than succumb to fear of failure. This transformative process of self-discovery involves recognizing that failure is not an end but a part of the learning journey.

Ultimately, the article encourages readers to empower their true selves by questioning and challenging negative internal messages. It underscores the importance of listening to desires and aspirations to achieve a more harmonious and fulfilling life. Embracing this newfound freedom paves the way for adventure and an authentic understanding of one's individuality and potential.

Bringing Back The Magic

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 12:16:31 CDT

Revisiting the world of horse training after having her first child, a woman found her self-confidence challenged by a spirited horse named Ace. Initially, her fears and self-doubt overwhelmed her as she struggled with Ace's reactive nature, leading her to question her abilities and eventually pause her training efforts upon learning of her second pregnancy. The journey, however, became a profound lesson in personal growth when she realized that her inner turmoil was the true obstacle she needed to overcome.

Recognizing her significant role in the training dynamic, she embarked on a path of self-discovery that transformed her approach to horse training. Ace's demands pushed her to delve deeper into her own psyche, encouraging her to become the calm and assertive leader he needed. This shift not only improved her relationship with Ace but also rekindled the sense of wonder and presence she experienced as a teenager working with horses.

Through Ace, she was reminded of the magic found in slowing down and embracing a child-like curiosity, a lesson that transcended horse training and enriched her life. The journey with Ace highlighted the deep connection between horses and humans, showcasing how these animals can reflect our inner selves and inspire us to grow. It was a testament to the transformative power of equine partnerships and the endless possibilities that arise when we open our hearts to the magic around us.

Fear to Freedom

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 11:33:28 CDT

The blog post recounts an unexpected moment of fear when a rider's horse, Stormi, bucked suddenly, leading to a deeply emotional experience for both. Confronted with this event, the rider and Stormi experienced a loss of mutual trust, prompting a search for understanding and healing between them. This experience unveiled underlying emotions and emphasized the necessity of connecting on a spiritual level to rebuild their partnership.

Through heart-to-heart communication and addressing trapped emotions, both horse and rider embarked on a journey of mutual growth. The process of healing involved acknowledging and releasing pent-up negative energy, creating space for positive change. As they navigated this transformative process, their connection deepened, and their trust was eventually restored.

The bond that emerged from this emotional ordeal proved to be stronger than before, highlighting the significance of soul work within an equine partnership. This journey underscored the importance of vulnerability and honest communication, creating a foundation of understanding and cooperation. Ultimately, the experience reinforced their relationship, leading to newfound adventures together with renewed faith in each other.

Horses: Hope or Hopelessness?

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 13:37:09 CDT

"I'll just get in the way."

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:21:00 CDT

One of the biggest lies around identifying trauma.

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:29:00 CDT

How I overcame my suffocating thoughts and emotions.

Tue, 18 May 2021 21:24:00 CDT

Let’s be honest! You love the fact that you have children; you love your children! But then, on the other hand, you're also missing who you were before your kids. You're missing what you used to be able to do. You're missing the amount of time you'd used to spend with your horses. You're missing freedom. You're missing almost everything about your life pre-kids, and you don't know how to navigate all of those big, ugly emotions, and then the guilt that follows them, right, because the guilt is going to follow. I know that because I went through all of this.

How to deal with not being where you feel you should be.

Tue, 11 May 2021 14:57:00 CDT

Three steps to help your anxiety, depression or other overwhelming emotions.

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:44:00 CDT

How To Come Back Into Your Body During Moments of Fear or Anxiety

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 14:25:00 CDT

These 7 exercises helped me get back in the saddle after having kids.

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 13:38:00 CDT

Uncontrollable Outbursts of Anger

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:02:00 CDT

Asking For Support Shouldn't Be So Hard!

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 15:27:00 CDT

How come talking about the loneliness, guilt, resentment, anger and shame that comes with motherhood isn’t a thing?

How come when we try and reach out for help, we are told, “Yes, being a mom is hard, isn’t it,” or, “It’s just your hormones dear, it will all level out soon enough,” or my ultimate favourite, “don’t worry about that stuff, your babies are only babies once, sit back and soak it all in and just cheer up.” How isolating is that? We have just confessed we feel like we are drowning, and we are told to swim better.

Do Everything, Do It Perfectly, Make It Look Easy: The Recipe For Unhappiness

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 11:25:00 CDT

Once, I was a fierce, independent, strong-willed, stubborn horse-crazy woman. Then I had kids.

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 20:01:09 CDT

How To Deal With Missing The Old You

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 13:55:00 CDT

Finding freedom feels impossible; independence? What’s that! This child needs me 24/7. Flexibility vanishes and is replaced by structure, nap times, play dates, sports, school and more. It’s exhausting to simply not go crazy and manage everything the family needs. You feel endless guilty for wanting a bit of the “old you” back when the decision to ride or not was entirely up to you, and it didn’t require endless planning and rescheduling to make happen.

From Confident to Cautious - Part Two - Finding My Way Back Into Horses

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 13:40:00 CDT

From Confident To Cautious...My Journey With Horses Alongside The Difficulties of Becoming A Mom

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 20:54:00 CDT

I was that girl who would ride any horse, anywhere. I didn't care if I knew I was likely to get bucked off; I was determined, brave, and thrived on the challenges of a difficult horse. Then, everything started to change...

I can remember it like yesterday. I felt the excitement of pregnancy, all the ideas, visions, and promises I made to myself before I had my first child. I’m not going to stop being me; I’m not going to let my baby needy, so I can’t go anywhere alone. I’m still going to ride a lot, not as much as now, but a few times a week will be easy. Our baby will go everywhere with us so that we don’t have to be isolated, restaurants, play days, coffee dates, travelling to see my parents or for holidays. There’s no way in hell my girl will sleep in our bed, this is my bed, and she will learn to sleep alone right away. We will be a family who still rides and rodeos! I never imagined it would be my last summer to rodeo.

I can’t help but laugh at my naivety. The second my first daughter was born, every preconceived notion I had, every plan, evaporated like the morning mist. Perhaps you can relate? We have this idea in our heads for how life will be like once we become a mother; I can guarantee we were all in for the shock of our lives.

Should I be a leader or partner to my horse?

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 20:02:00 CDT

Now that I am aware of my previous training methods' errors, it's becoming a little difficult to balance sometimes knowing what role I should be in. Previously, I was all leader, more so a dictator. What I wanted to happen happened; it didn’t matter much if the horse wanted to or not...Now that I don’t want to be a dictator, I also want to avoid becoming too passive with my horse so he is walking all over me physically, or that I am avoiding every situation that makes him nervous. It is a fine line that seems so complicated at the start. Then I realized... - click to read on.

How to build your confidence & Quiet that negative inner voice

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 20:56:00 CDT

How often do you hear that little voice inside your head natter on and on about how you have no business training your horse. You aren’t good enough; strong enough; knowledgeable enough; big enough, small enough, skilled enough. Hearing this voice, I like to call her Negative Nelly, sucks you down to the endless pit of disbelief, self-doubt, no confidence, anxiety, and even fear.

In this blog, I want to address what I believe to be the biggest problem we all face that will sabotage your relationship with your horse. Your mind.

One thing I wish I had known that would have made healing and finding myself easier.

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 11:09:04 CDT

How I Found My Way Through Trauma and Postpartum Depression

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:03:00 CDT

Thanksgiving! It's all about "giving thanks," or is it?

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:04:51 CDT

Hey, your gifts are calling...are you going to answer?

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 21:20:17 CDT

Always Remember Your Beginning - It Is Your Restart Button

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 14:21:00 CDT

How Having a Plan Helped My Horse Relax

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 12:38:00 CDT

Understanding My Anger & How That Helped My Relationship With My Horse

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 21:08:00 CDT

"She's just a crazy sorrel mare."

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:58:19 CDT