Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Opportunity of a Lifetime

      Several weeks ago, I contacted Lisa Machenberg, a hypnotherapist at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (www.hypnosis.edu) , to ask about conducting hypnotherapy sessions via the Internet. I received my hypnotherapy certification from HMI, and she had been one of my favorite instructors. I knew that Lisa has been offering this service for awhile, and I knew that she would be able to give me a lot of good advice and support. (She did.)

     During our conversation, she asked about my own hypnotherapy practice and invited me and a friend--who like me is also an HMI graduate and works with equestrians--to be guests on her Internet broadcast, "Hypnosis Today." This was an incredible opportunity for me. Here is the link if you would like to watch the interview: http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/video.html

     I'm pleased to say that I felt relaxed, calm, and comfortable preparing for the interview. Part of me was a little surprised at that; but only a very small part. I can still remember the lecture in which  HMI Director George Kappas explained that we (the hypnotherapists) would always know more about our topic (hypnosis and hypnotherapy) than people in our audience. He encouraged us to be confident and "own" our topic.

     Well, I kept that advice in mind as I prepared for my interview. In the weeks leading up to the show, I jotted some notes about points Lisa wanted to discuss with me. I reviewed information about horsemanship and equine behavior. I made more notes about the relationship between John Kappas's Theory of Mind, equine behavior and my hypnotherapy work with equestrians. When Interview Day arrived, I had a good breakfast, got into my car, turned on my favorite music, and drove to HMI.

     My interview on "Hypnosis Today" was everything and more that I "visualized, imagined, pictured, or pretended" that it would be. Lisa Machenberg was a gracious, informed, interested and welcoming host. Her questions provided a forum in which to describe how I have employed my hypnotherapy training to help equestrians achieve their goals communicating, working with, and riding horses.

     Lisa Machenberg's generosity, enthusiasm, and encouragement have given me a wonderful opportunity to share my work with the hypnotherapy and equestrian communities. I am forever grateful to Lisa, the philosophies and work of Dr. John Kappas, and the guidance and teaching of George Kappas and the other HMI instructors, who gave me the incredible training that motivated and taught me to do this special work .



     Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy®, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Musical Tribute

Photo by Rick Husted
 

     I love listening to music, especially music that "speaks" to me. Pop. Country. Classical. Motion-picture soundtracks.  Rock 'n roll. Even disco/electronic bands. When the music reminds me of my horse, well, that's even better.
     Over the years, I have been compiling a "Play List" for my horse. The music I have chosen is definitely eclectic. For example, the first few selections are themes from favorite movie soundtracks: "Homeland," from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron; and "The Sandhills," from Phar Lap. Whenever I listen to these, I can just see my horse galloping over a green meadow, or I'm riding him on a beach. I didn't know Geeves when he  was a foal, but Robert Miles's electronic confection, "Children," gets me imagining what my baby was like when he was a baby.
     One of the songs on it is "Breathe," by Anna Nalick. Every time I think about the lyrics, I feel myself draw a deeper breath. Deep breathing is a great way to relax the body and mind during a ride on a windy day! Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" and "Hold on Tight" by the Electric Light Orchestra are on to help me pump up my confidence when I work on something new. Or, just because.
     Right now, I'm listening to some of the songs that specifically remind me of the bond I have had with my horse. Shania Twain's "Forever and Always" is the song I imagine that Geeves would have for me. The song I have for him is "I Knew I Loved You," by Savage Garden.
     There's an entire other Play List that I created for us to ride in a "Fantasy Freestyle" program, including music for a victory gallop. (More on that in a future Blog.)
     And, finally, I have songs that I play when I just want to think about and honor the love and respect I have for my horse. Even though Geeves passed away last autumn, the music--like his memory--lives on.
  

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy®, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Oh, rainy days!

   Compared to the rest of the United States, Southern California typically does not get a lot of rain. Unless you don't mind rain (I love it) or have access to a covered riding arena (I do not), precipitation--and mud--could ruin your riding plans for a while. But it doesn't have to keep you away from the barn, or your horse and horse-related activities.
  •    Clean/condition tack: Whether you got your saddle second-hand or invested a small fortune to buy it, you want to keep it in good condition. Leather should be cleaned and oiled regularly; take advantage of the inclement weather to prepare your tack for your ride when the sun comes out.
  •    Watch training videos/highlights from Grand Prix or Olympic competitions in your riding discipline: Invite some friends/your students from the barn to watch and discuss what you see. Take notes! What advice/corrections is the trainer providing to clinic participants? If you are watching a competition, what are the riders doing correctly--or incorrectly--during their ride? What could, would or should you do in situation "x"?
  •    Curl up with a book: Read about riding or some aspect of training or horsemanship. It can be a favorite novel from your childhood, such as The Black Stallion, Misty of Chincoteague, Black Beauty, etc. Pick up a biography about your favorite equestrian or trainer. A couple of years ago, I invested in some coloring books about equine anatomy. I find working on these books very relaxing; and the physical act of "coloring" has really helped me to learn and remember parts of the equine anatomy. Whatever you read, it will enrich your experience of the horse. Check out my previous blog titled "Some of My Favorite Things" for more reading ideas.
  •    Visualization/imagery exercises: Many professional athletes use these techniques to improve their sports performance. I employ a lot of visualization exercises to help equestrians achieve their best ride. Visualization can employ many senses; the more you can activate, the richer the exercise will be. Playing equestrian-themed video games (I have "Dressage Divas" and "Lucinda Greene's Equestrian Challenge") also let you "visualize" your ride.
  •    Groom/hang out with your horse in the barn. In addition to cleaning off any mud that may have accumulated on his coat, use this time to check him for any unusual bumps or scratches. Remember, the quiet time you spend currying and brushing your horse is an opportunity to re-establish the bond you share with him. 
These are just a few ideas. Please share any additional suggestions you have. I look forward to hearing from you!



Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute in 2005. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy®, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Welcome: Some of my favorite things....

Welcome: Some of my favorite things....: "Information about horses, riding and horse-care come in all forms. In addition to regular riding lessons with my trainer, I also attend ridi..."

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Some of my favorite things....

Information about horses, riding and horse-care come in all forms. In addition to regular riding lessons with my trainer, I also attend riding clinics and do a lot of reading. For example, I'm currently reading Ride With Your Mind Essentials, by Mary Wanless.

Following is a list of books that I have read and really liked. I'm always looking for more resources on these topics, and I will post references for other books as I find them. Happy reading.


Recommended Reading

General Reading for Equestrians: Equine Behavior

  1. Albinson, Clare. In Harmony With Your Horse. 2003. Guilford, CT: The Lyons Press.
  2. Fitzpatrick, Andrea. The Ultimate Guide to Horse Breeds. 2003. Edison, NJ: Chartwell Books, Inc.
  3. Harris, Moira C. K.I.S.S. Guide to Caring for Your Horse. 2003. London: DK Publishing
  4. Hayes DVM, Karen E.N. Hands on Horse Care from Horse & Rider. 1997. Harrisburg, PA: Horse & Rider, Inc.
  5. Hill, Cherry. How to Think Like a Horse: The Essential Handbook for Understanding Why Horses Do What They Do. 2006. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
  6. Hogg, Abigail. The Horse Behavior Handbook. 2003. Cincinnati, OH: F & W Publications.
  7. Montague, Sarah and Dempsey, P.J. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Horses. 2003. Indianapolis, IN: Alpha Books.
  8. Pavia, Audrey and Posnikoff DVM, Janice. Horses for Dummies. 2005. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.


Equine Health Care and Philosophy about Horses

  1. Grandin, Temple and Johnson, Catherine. Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior. New York: Scribner.
  2. Kainer, Robert A. and McCracken, Thomas O. Horse Anatomy: A Coloring Atlas, 2nd Edition. Loveland, CO: Alpine Publications.
  3. Kohanov, Linda. The Tao of Equus: A Woman’s Journey of Healing & Transformation Through the Way of the Horse. 2001. Novato, CA: New World Library.
  4. Kohanov, Linda. Riding Between the Worlds: Expanding Our Potential Through the Way of the Horse. 2003. Novato, CA: New World Library.
  5. Tellington-Jones, Linda and Taylor, Sybil. Getting in TTouch: Understanding and Influencing Your Horse’s Personality. 1995. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Publishing.
  6. Wilde, Clare. Hands-On Energy Therapy for Horses and Riders. 1999. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Publishing.

Training
  1. Edgett Ph.D., Janet Sasson. 1996. Heads Up! Practical Sports Psychology for Riders, Their Families & Their Trainers. New York: Doubleday.
  2. Marks, Kelly. Teach your Horse Perfect Manners: How You Should Behave So Your Horse Does Too. 2003. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Publishing.
  3. Marks, Kelly (Ed.). Ride With Confidence! Practical and Inspirational Advice to Help You Deal With Your Fear and Enjoy Your Riding. 2004. Cincinnati, OH: David & Charles.
  4. Marks, Kelly. Become Perfect Partners: How to Be the Owner Your Horse Would Choose for Himself. 2005. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Publishing.
  5. Marks, Kelly. Build Complete Confidence with Horses: Beat Fear and Excuses & Attain Your Riding Goals. 2007. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafvalgar Square
    Books.
  6. Savoie, Jane. That Winning Feeling! Program Your Mind for Peak Performance. 1992. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Publishing.
  7. Smith, Mike. Getting the Most From Riding Lessons. 1998. Canada: Storey Books.
  8. Wanless, Mary. The Natural Rider. 1996. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Publishing.
  9. Wanless, Mary. Ride With Your Mind Essentials. 2002. North Pomfret, VT:
    Trafalgar Square
    Books.

Texts by Monty Roberts

  1. Roberts, Monty. The Man Who Listens to Horses: The Story of a Real Life Horse Whisperer. New York: Ballantine Books.
  2. Roberts, Monty. Shy Boy, The Horse that Came in From the Wild. 1999. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
  3. Roberts, Monty. Horse Sense for People: Using the Gentle Wisdom of the Join-Up Technique to Enrich Our Relationships at Home and at Work. 2001. Toronto, Canada: Alfred A. Knopf, Canada.
  4. Roberts, Monty. From My Hands to Yours: Lessons From a Lifetime of Training Championship Horses, Second Edition. 2007. Solvang, CA: Monty and Pat Roberts, Inc.

Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in helping equestrians achieve their competition and riding goals. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Living my dream

Welcome to Calminsense Hypnotherapy...and welcome to my blog!

My introduction to hypnosis and hypnotherapy was inspired by my horse. Really. I wanted a vocation where I could do what I have always believed I was meant to do: i.e., be a therapist. I already had a Bachelor's degree in psychology; I went on to earn a (research) Master's Degree in psychology, too. I just didn't know where to start building a practice. I also (finally) had my own horse. The idea of working with equestrians was, as it were, starting to bubble up from my subconscious to my conscious mind. I just didn't know how to make that happen.

When I started training to be a hypnotherapist at the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, I was encouraged to find a "niche" for my practice,  I knew exactly what that would be. I would work with people who share my passion for riding and training/caring for these majestic animals. And so Calminsense Hypnotherapy was born.

Returning clients and and new guests who are visiting calminsensehypnotherapy.com will notice that I have updated the format of my Web-site. The biggest, most obvious addition to the site is the addition of this blog. Another new aspect of the site is the explicit emphasis on hypnotherapy for equestrians. And coming soon, I will be offering hypnotherapy sessions in the comfort of your own home, via Skype!

I hope you enjoy the changes to my Web-site, and welcome to Calminense Hypnotherapy!


Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist who specializes in helping equestrians achieve their competition and riding goals. For more information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.