https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bridging-the-gap--4319986enSportsCopyright Noel Clarkhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/986f41daf3eacef1b5992ce21bb80a08.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bridging-the-gap--4319986Sat, 23 Sep 2023 01:26:33 +0000Noel ClarkNoel Clarkfeeds@spreaker.comBridging the Gap is a collaboration between good friends Mikal Robinson and Noel Clark. Collectively with decades of experience having worked with thousands of horses and riders, Mikal and Noel share some of their conversations exploring all things...falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/let-your-gadgets-get-rusty-not-your-tools--52411911https://api.spreaker.com/episode/52411911Wed, 11 Jan 2023 14:26:36 +0000Noel ClarkConnecting tools to our skills and limiting our indulgence with gadgets can help us orient ourselves on where to devote our energies. Honing our skills is investing in our abilities to become better for our horses. Horsemanship.2139falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/adversity-at-a-show--51505188https://api.spreaker.com/episode/51505188Sat, 08 Oct 2022 02:36:41 +0000Noel ClarkIf you show, things are not always going to go according to plan A. Often things out of our control will cause our horses to struggle. A big topic and Mikal and Noel chat through some of their thoughts.3666horsemanship,horseshowing,mikalrobinson,noelclark,robinsonequine,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/be-realistic-with-expectations--50805253https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50805253Wed, 03 Aug 2022 20:10:22 +0000Noel ClarkLife with horses and their learning process do not follow a linear path. Part of horsemanship is listening to the horse and supporting them accordingly. Having expectations on our horses can be an important element of growth however if we are too...1742dressage,english,eventing,horseeducation,horsemanship,horses,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarm,westernfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/guiding-the-deviation--50392545https://api.spreaker.com/episode/50392545Tue, 28 Jun 2022 14:08:29 +0000Noel ClarkHorses, having their own minds, often have some of their own ideas of what they feel they should be doing, whether it be a spook or loss of alignment. The sport world gives us fairly clear ideas of what is “correct” but how we deal with the deviations...2537dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quirky-horses--49896113https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49896113Sun, 22 May 2022 19:08:29 +0000Noel ClarkWhile all horses may be a bit quirky at some point in their lives, some horses tend to be that way all the time. While that quirkiness may be frustrating occasionally, with the right approach these horses often offer us the most. Another intriguing...2712dressage,eventing,horseeducating,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nature-and-nurture--49316776https://api.spreaker.com/episode/49316776Mon, 04 Apr 2022 15:07:03 +0000Noel ClarkOften thought of as nature vs nurture, maybe horses help us see that both are important and are deeply interconnected. Another interesting conversation with good friends Mikal Robinson and Noel Clark.2026baileyrobinson,dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/take-ownership--48911371https://api.spreaker.com/episode/48911371Tue, 01 Mar 2022 16:28:55 +0000Noel ClarkA life with horses comes with its ups and downs. Mikal and Noel discuss the value of taking ownership and how horses can be our best teachers, if we’re willing.2203dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horsetraining,hunterjumper,jimshockey,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-move-the-mounting-block--46709779https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46709779Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:58:33 +0000Noel ClarkDon’t move the mounting block; while it has value in the literal sense, it also has great value as a mindset. After a little time away another thought provoking conversation about becoming a better horse person.2398dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pre-ride-prep--45613760https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45613760Wed, 07 Jul 2021 14:03:54 +0000Noel ClarkWhether we are consciously communicating to our horses before our ride or not, the horse is receiving input. This can play a valuable role in the outcome of our ride. Regardless of what our pre-ride entails, the why might be the most important.2533bridgingthegap,dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/don-t-linger--45134679https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45134679Wed, 02 Jun 2021 12:09:15 +0000Noel ClarkHaving a great deal of information on horses, it can be easy to get stuck looking for perfection. Remembering progress with horses takes time can help us work through bit size pieces each day and move on. Building in those little bite sized...1906dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/discipline-brings-you-freedom--44333109https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44333109Wed, 14 Apr 2021 15:53:39 +0000Noel ClarkFar from an association with punishment, Mikal and Noel talk largely about self discipline and how it relates to time with horses.2398falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quiet-confidence--44015883https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44015883Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:18:03 +0000Noel ClarkTime with horses is not just a physical endeavour, it is also cerebral. Sharpening our mental game is an important element for improvement. Quiet confidence may be a valuable thought point to help boost our mental game.2296dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/that-s-ok-but-how-about-this--44015714https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44015714Tue, 23 Mar 2021 13:03:28 +0000Noel ClarkWhen we apply an aid, are we trying to tell the horse “no” or are we offering a redirection. While subtle, these two options tend to lead to lead to different results.2627dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/flexibility-of-mind--43664060https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43664060Sat, 27 Feb 2021 16:24:00 +0000Noel ClarkHorses, like humans, are individuals. Therefore, when educating, we must have a broad approach with a willingness to be flexible. Flexibility of mind helps to allow one to see the opportunities in every situation. It also gives the horse respect and...2235dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/btg-great-debate-ripping-the-bandaid-off--43065538https://api.spreaker.com/episode/43065538Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:10:43 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel try something different in the first “Bridging the Gap Great Debate” with each of them debating both sides of ripping the bandaid off. Should you just rip or should you take time pealing it off. An interesting conversation to force one...2162dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horseshowing,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/being-proactive--42843836https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42843836Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:26:38 +0000Noel ClarkBeing proactive can play a big part in creating a more harmonious relationship with our horses. That leads to the horses offering us more of their athleticism through increased trust. Mikal and Noel discuss and try to better understand what being...1945dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horsetraining,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/one-brick-at-a-time--42415082https://api.spreaker.com/episode/42415082Thu, 10 Dec 2020 13:02:42 +0000Noel ClarkLearning about horse education is a life long pursuit. Once we recognize just how much there is to know and do, it can become daunting. Just as with most other arenas in life, chipping away and laying one brick at a time is how we work towards our...2386dressage,eventing,horseeducation,horsemanship,horses,horsetraining,hunterjunper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-two-sides-of-every-coin--41957954https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41957954Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:40:07 +0000Noel ClarkIn every situation that arises there are multiple directions it could go. If we only look at one side of a situation, we may be ill prepared for many possibilities. In one of their more free flowing discussions, Mikal and Noel start with the simple...2209dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showinghorses,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/stress-and-support--41828372https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41828372Fri, 06 Nov 2020 15:42:35 +0000Noel ClarkIntitially, whenever we take a horse out of their environment or when we ask something new of them, there is some stress associated. Small stressors are an essential part of progress but require appropriate support. Mikal and Noel discuss how this...2224dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/effective-patience--41645418https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41645418Mon, 26 Oct 2020 14:52:50 +0000Noel ClarkMore on the subject of patience. Recognizing that patience is far more than just waiting, Mikal and Noel discuss some components which help patience to produce change with horses and ourselves.1960dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjunper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/patience--41586398https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41586398Thu, 22 Oct 2020 15:00:57 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel discuss why patience is so important with horses and some of the cost when we lose it. Horses can teach us patience but they also require patience.1868dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/responding-and-reacting--41440019https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41440019Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:01:59 +0000Noel ClarkUnderstanding the thought, or lack there of, behind an action goes a long way in helping to educate a horse. Mikal and Noel explore the benefits and the costs of horses responding and reacting in an attempt to better understand the responsibility of...2039dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjunping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/emotion-in-riding--41093359https://api.spreaker.com/episode/41093359Thu, 24 Sep 2020 02:40:59 +0000Noel ClarkWhile riding is an emotional endeavour for most people, managing our emotions with horses is crucial. Mikal and Noel discuss why they feel it’s important and how they work to better manage their emotions.1803dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/expectations--40840914https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40840914Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:32:44 +0000Noel ClarkApplicable to all areas of horses and life and worth some reflection. Mikal and Noel discuss how expectations help shape their time with horses.2521dressage,eventning,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/indirect-rein--40753438https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40753438Mon, 07 Sep 2020 17:06:38 +0000Noel ClarkWith the frequency of lesson taking, we often hear our coaches repeating themselves. Taking a deeper look into those ideas from time to time can shed further light. Mikal and Noel have a conversation starting with the indirect rein.1864dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,horseshowing,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/lengthening--40541683https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40541683Fri, 28 Aug 2020 14:50:18 +0000Noel ClarkAnother seemingly small concept until Mikal and Noel explore the many connections of lengthening.2244dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/form-and-function--40125366https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40125366Mon, 03 Aug 2020 14:41:54 +0000Noel ClarkAn idea brought from architecture, “form follows function”. Mikal and Noel discuss this intriguing idea and how it may apply to life with horses.1949dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/in-front-of-and-behind-the-leg--39813582https://api.spreaker.com/episode/39813582Fri, 17 Jul 2020 13:55:40 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel chat about what in front of and behind the leg means to them. They explore how this concept plays into their work with horses and how they attempt to educate horses about this agreement.1879dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/feel--38527441https://api.spreaker.com/episode/38527441Sat, 11 Jul 2020 01:59:44 +0000Noel ClarkBuilding on their discussions around contact and timing, Mikal and Noel discuss the idea of feel. A somewhat elusive idea however it’s value is profound.2170dressage,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarm,wventingfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/timing--36182194https://api.spreaker.com/episode/36182194Sun, 05 Jul 2020 19:36:55 +0000Noel ClarkContinuing on a three episode progression, Mikal and Noel discuss timing as a follow up from contact. Understanding what a crucial role timing plays in the communication with horses is a key element to creating clarity.2069dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobincson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/contact--35002874https://api.spreaker.com/episode/35002874Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:47:35 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel attempt another three episode progression starting with contact. Certainly high on the list of most important topics, their discussion starts from the basic idea of the physical contact and work from there.2003dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-golden-rule--33336672https://api.spreaker.com/episode/33336672Thu, 25 Jun 2020 20:03:50 +0000Noel ClarkMikal shares one of the insights he’s acquired over the years. A few things are great, most are okay, and a few things are undesirable. Mikal and Noel talk about how this idea helps them with horses.1888dressage,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-spur--31696616https://api.spreaker.com/episode/31696616Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:33:53 +0000Noel ClarkSome of the most common things with horses often receive the least discussion. Mikal and Noel discuss the importance and responsibilities of using a spur.1927dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/self-carriage--30443707https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30443707Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:05:32 +0000Noel ClarkBeing one of the more important concepts, Mikal and Noel explore the idea of self carriage. It’s one of those topics which deserves frequent contemplation.1891dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,shownunping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bracing--30092115https://api.spreaker.com/episode/30092115Wed, 10 Jun 2020 02:44:42 +0000Noel ClarkProgressing from riding back to front, Mikal and Noel take those ideas forward into bracing. Continuing to advance ones understanding of how braces are created and how to help a horse work through them is important for the wellbeing of our horses.1970dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/riding-back-to-front--29586823https://api.spreaker.com/episode/29586823Fri, 05 Jun 2020 15:31:56 +0000Noel ClarkA concept not uncommon but what does it mean and how do we implement it? Mikal and Noel see if they can discover a little bit more about riding back to front.2231dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjunper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/learning-days--28383958https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28383958Tue, 26 May 2020 19:47:58 +0000Noel ClarkNot every day is going to be what we’d hoped. We’re told that. We know that. Knowing doesn’t always make it any less desirable. Mikal and Noel discuss what we’re calling “learning days” with our horses.1662dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,reining,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/your-horse-noticed-even-if-you-didn-t--28139260https://api.spreaker.com/episode/28139260Sat, 23 May 2020 16:36:46 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel discussion the superior awareness of horses and how we need to acknowledge that as a part of our process. Horses store and remember things differently than humans. For us to better help them, we need to better understand them.1971dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/show-jitters--27342589https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27342589Thu, 14 May 2020 14:51:48 +0000Noel ClarkHorse showing is seen as a test of your preparation with your horse. A culmination of what we have been working on and something to be proud of. So often, our nerves get the best of us. Mikal and Noel discuss show jitters and how they work to cope.2387dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjunper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/do-we-need-a-bit--26878165https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26878165Thu, 07 May 2020 19:51:45 +0000Noel ClarkTaking things as truth simply because someone presented them as such, limits our learning of the deeper meanings and values. We almost all ride with a bit, do we need it?1991dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/aim-small-miss-small--26637215https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26637215Sun, 03 May 2020 15:42:44 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel discuss a question that came in regarding a comments Mikal made that he didn’t pull on the reins to stop. They transition that into aim small miss small, an idea that appears to offer many rewards.2196dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,mikalrobinson,noelclark,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/dominant-response-hierarchy--26279399https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26279399Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:14:57 +0000Noel ClarkWhile the title sounds complicated, the theory is profound. Mikal and Noel explore how this concept is so valuable to help in educating horses.2158dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/leadership--26009380https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26009380Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:05:36 +0000Noel ClarkGood leadership is essential for the successful functioning of and team. Mikal and Noel discuss what horses have taught them about leadership and the ways in which they attempt to present positive leadership to their horses.2014dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horseriding,horses,hunterjumper,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fail-forward--25844475https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25844475Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:20:20 +0000Noel ClarkFailure seems to have been labeled as something to avoid in life. Mikal and Noel touch on the value of failure as well as answer a listeners question. Failure happens, how can we find value in failure and give support to horse and rider in these...1909horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/experimentation--25690099https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25690099Sat, 18 Apr 2020 13:22:29 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel look into not only the importance of experimentation but the necessity. In order to learn, the horse and rider must experiment to find the desired path.2230dressage,eventing,horsemanship,horses,hunterjumper,robinsonequine,showjumping,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/exercises--25579205https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25579205Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:41:33 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel do their best exploring the idea of exercises with horses. Far from a list of exercises, they try to dig a little deeper into the essence and purpose behind exercises.1919falsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trust-and-respect--25268991https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25268991Sat, 11 Apr 2020 02:44:32 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel explore how trust and respect apply to horses. As a fundamental idea they discuss the values and potential detriments in the balancing act with trust and respect.2043dressage,eventing,horsemanship,hunterjumper,performancehorses,robinsonequine,showjumping,sporthorses,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-does-bridging-the-gap-mean-to-us--25264192https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25264192Sat, 11 Apr 2020 00:37:23 +0000Noel ClarkMikal and Noel delve into what Bridging the Gap means to them. Sharing some experiences and insights into how BTG has helped them be better horsemen.1878dressage,eventing,horsemanship,hunterjumper,performancehorses,robinsonequine,showjumping,sporthorses,teamtwojack,twojackfarmfalsefull