Sarah Farris

Show Notes:

Welcome to the first episode of Relatively Stable! In this inaugural episode, I sit down with Sarah Farris, my co-trainer at Bramblewood Stables and someone I’m privileged to work beside every day. While this podcast is often about horses, it’s really about so much more—life, resilience, and the connections that ground us.

In this podcast, we delve into the journeys of those who have faced challenges, uncovered their passions, and discovered resilience along the way. Whether you're here for the stories, seeking inspiration, or simply drawn to the wisdom we glean from horses—and life—you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the narratives that remind us how to stay relatively stable, no matter what comes our way.

In this episode, we discuss:

* An Introduction to our Philosophy: We dive into the work we do at Bramblewood Stables, offering an inside look at our approach to training, the philosophies we stand by, and how Sarah Farris was — and is — so instrumental to our development.

* The Impact of Horses: "Horses helped me see myself differently," says Sarah, as she shares her journey and how working with horses has shaped her perspective on life and self-discovery.

* A Guide, Not a Teacher: Sarah sees herself not as a teacher, but as a guide. We explore what it means to meet people where they are and help them find their own paths with horses and beyond.

* Romantic vs. Practical Realities: Many newcomers bring a romantic vision to working with horses, but we discuss the practical realities and how to balance love with the demands of living and working alongside these incredible animals. As Sarah puts it, "People fall in love with love, and we're doing that with the horses."

* Manipulation vs. True Needs: We talk about the fine line between guiding a horse and manipulating it, and how crucial it is to truly understand and meet the needs of the horse.

* Seeing the Bigger Picture: With modern training's emphasis on mechanics, there’s a real risk of losing the joy, expression, and spontaneity that make working with horses so fulfilling. Sarah shares her thoughts on how to avoid policing ourselves into a joyless space and instead, embrace the bigger picture.

* Storytelling as a Tool: We discuss the calming power of storytelling, both for horses and humans, and how it can bridge gaps in understanding and ease fears.

* Connection as a Way of Being: The concept of "connection" has evolved from just an idea to a way of life at Bramblewood Stables. We delve into how this shift influences our daily work and our approach to training.

This episode isn't just a conversation with Sarah Farris—it’s an introduction to the core themes of Relatively Stable and the farm we live and work in every day. By exploring the foundation of our work at Bramblewood Stables and the insights Sarah brings to the table, we're setting the stage for future episodes where we'll continue to delve into the journeys of those who have faced challenges, uncovered their passions, and discovered resilience. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, wisdom, or simply love hearing about the connection between horses and life, this first episode is just the beginning of a journey that reminds us all that being relatively stable is simply learning how to navigate transition points along the way.

Links:

* Subscribe to my Substack, Stable Roots

* Follow me on Instagram

* Join my community on Facebook

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Love,Kim