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From Inspiration To Application

In this heartfelt and honest group call, Paula and Jack Curtis reflect on the journey of creating the Online Fair and how stepping outside their comfort zone opened up a world of connection, learning, and growth. They share personal stories from their early days with horses, the lessons they’ve learned from mistakes, and how each step—whether it worked or not—shaped their understanding of horsemanship.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom: from the importance of saddle fit and environment, to how our own emotions and energy affect our horses. Paula introduces the idea of the "horsemanship tree" and encourages everyone to find their own unique branch—whether it’s liberty, nutrition, riding, or just brushing and being with their horse.

They also introduce a brand-new coaching offer for Fair participants, designed to provide clarity, support, and one-on-one guidance to move forward with confidence.

This session is a beautiful reminder that wherever you are on your journey, it’s the right place to be.

Takeaways

☆ Stepping outside your comfort zone can open doors you never imagined
☆ Confidence erodes quickly when horses or humans are pushed too fast
☆ Watching videos without a plan can lead to overwhelm—clarity matters
☆ Having a coach see what you might miss can be a game changer
☆ Poor saddle fit can affect everything from your horse’s movement to your mindset
☆ Your horse’s environment may be the hidden source of tension or behavior issues
☆ The “horsemanship tree” is a personal journey with many valid paths
☆ Slow, consistent wins build lasting confidence in both horse and rider
☆ Journaling and reflection help clarify goals and track progress
☆ There’s no one right way—success looks different for everyone

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 | Welcome and Reflections on the First Fair
1:59 | Meeting Legends Like Linda Tellington-Jones
3:30 | The Horsemanship Tree and Finding Your Branch
05:19 | Learning from Mistakes: When Techniques Backfire
8:34 | Trying Too Much Too Fast: When Confidence Slips
11:00 | Gaps in Instructor Knowledge and Why Outside Eyes Matter
13:05 | Saddle Fit, Lameness, and Coaching From a Distance
16:21 | Environment, Enrichment, and What Horses Really Need
18:12 | Magnesium Deficiencies, Nutrition, and Hidden Training Issues
20:37 | Making Small Changes That Create Big Shifts
22:46 | Enriching the Horse’s Mind Through Play and Exploration
24:06 | The Circle of Life and Vision Setting Through Journaling
25:28 | Building Wins Through Clear, Actionable Goals
27:35 | The Value of Personal Reflection and Calm Planning
29:15 | Paula’s Return to the Barn and Rediscovering Her Why
32:06 | Using Fair Presentations to Clarify Your Vision
34:10 | Jack’s Virtual Lessons and Custom Coaching Formats
36:45 | Why New Perspectives Matter for Trainers and Students
37:39 | Community Feedback and Clinician Highlights
38:18 | Introducing the Post-Fair Coaching Offer
41:35 | Weekly Video Lessons and Accountability Coaching
42:15 | Tech Support and Options for Any Comfort Level
43:32 | Jack’s Background and Eclectic Training Journey
47:26 | Exposure to Clinicians, Disciplines, and Training Styles
49:20 | Why Limiting Beliefs Block Progress
50:11 | Better People, Better Horses, Better World
51:30 | Horses Change Us: Lessons that Go Beyond the Saddle
52:49 | Using Language and Online Tools to Shift the Culture
54:31 | Ripples in the Pond: Why Your Intentions Matter
56:14 | Wrapping Up and Offering Next Steps for Support
59:41 | Susan Shares: 8,000-Horse Cultural Event in Uruguay
01:00:09 | Emotional Power of Horses in Cultural Heritage
01:01:43 | Staying Connected and What’s Coming in 2026