Join friends, Karen Luke and Meta Osborne, as they take a lighthearted and lively look into the serious task of making equestrian sport and racing sustainable i...
For our extended
bumper Christmas edition we have a very special guest, Dr Mette Uldahl.
Mette is a Danish veterinarian who until earlier this year was veterinary advisor to the Danish Equestrian Federation. She resigned from that role in September 2024 and is now chief consultant to Dyrenes Beskyttelse (Animal Protection Denmark). Mette has devoted her career to being a voice for animals. As well as her work with DEF, Mette is
a Past President of the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations and is currently 1st Vice President of the European Veterinary Association.
Mette also regularly take part in research projects and publications of peer-reviewed papers, many of which she discusses in this episode.
This episode is particularly fitting as we wind down to the
holiday season because Mette touches on so many of the topics that have been raised by the guests on Changing Rein over the past six months. What is more Mette brings her own unique perspective, whether it is thinking about horse behaviour
through understanding neurodiversity, or the language we use about and around horses and its impact on welfare. How should vets balance their roles as advocates for horses while also having to satisfy client demands and expectations? What is the intrinsic value of horses? And if we are to use horses in sport, how much compromise is acceptable? And we touch on the mind games we play in our interactions with horses, we talk about blue tongues and oral lesions and knee rolls, we discuss the role of governing bodies, and Mette shares her profound wish for horse sport into the future.
We hope that wherever you are that you enjoy this extended
edition of Changing Rein and we look forward to continuing our journey with the podcast and our listeners in 2025.
You can find Mette’s research output at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mette-Uldahl
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1:48:24
S3 E3: Finding Common Ground, an interview with Dr Tamzin Furtado, social scientist and equine welfare researcher
Life with horses is complicated, because we take on responsibility for another sentient being- and if we humans want to improve horse welfare, we need to find common ground with one another.
Tamzin Furtado BA(Hons), AdvDip, PhD is a social scientist with a background in global health, and a specific interest in the interconnections between human and animal health, and well-being.
She completed a PhD at the University of Liverpool studying human behaviour change in relation to obesity in horses, particularly focusing on horse-human relationships. Tamzin works on projects across the equine welfare spectrum, including: studying people’s perceptions of sport horse wellbeing, livery yard management, and anthelmintic resistance.
In this episode we talk about barriers and enablers of change, at both individual level and organisational leve. We also hear about Tamzin's novel work on the tricky topic of equine obesity. We discuss the welfare of livery yard owners and managers, and we chat about uncertainty.
Tamzin’s publications can be found at this link
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tamzin-Furtado
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1:01:08
S3 E2 Thoughts from a critical friend - a conversation with World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers
Should riding bit-free be an option for all equestrian sports?
Should racing include whipping horses to make them run?
What is the most important project in the realm of sport horse welfare right now?
Listen to this episode of Changing Rein and find out from arguably the world's most influential person in horse sport welfare, Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare (WHW).
Roly Owers has huge influence in sport horse welfare because alongside his World Horse Welfare CEO role, he is a director of British Equestrian the peak body for equestrian sport in Britain, and affiliated with the FEI. Plus he is an advisor to other national and international organisations including the British Horseracing Authority and the International Horse Sports Confederation
What he says matters!
Think all the fuss about horse welfare is overblown?
Or maybe you think the opposite, that not enough is being done...either way you want to know what Roly Owers thinks.
Our conversation covers not only the important changes we have seen in sport horse welfare but what is needed in the future. There are some predictable bits and some surprises...but don't take our word for it...jump in and have a listen!
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1:00:19
S3E1 Ch-ch-change? Tools for constructive conversations about change with Bronwen Williams
Summary
In this episode, Bronwen Williams discusses the principles of Motivational Interviewing, emphasizing the importance of respectful conversations and understanding the fixing reflex. The conversation explores the stages of change, the role of self-efficacy, and how to navigate identity shifts during change. The hosts and Bronwen also discuss strategies for supporting individuals in making changes, particularly in the context of animal welfare, and the significance of observational learning in inspiring change.
Takeaways
Motivational Interviewing fosters respectful conversations.
The fixing reflex can hinder change efforts.
Ambivalence is a common experience when considering change.
Support and accountability are key in the change process.
Understanding identity is crucial when navigating change.
Scenario planning can help visualize potential outcomes.
Self-efficacy influences the ability to make lasting changes.
Pre-contemplation requires a gentle approach to conversation.
Observational learning can inspire change in others.
Change is a journey that requires patience and understanding.
Buy Bronwen's book
Practical Human Behaviour Change for Animal Health and Welfare
Listen to Meta's Tedx Talk
Saving Our World with One Welfare Education
Watch Karen's webinar for Equitopia
The benefits of tracking and monitoring horse welfare
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
07:48 The Origins and Principles of Motivational Interviewing
10:57 The Role of the Fixing Reflex in Conversations
13:33 Understanding Ambivalence in Change
16:31 Navigating Identity and Change
19:28 Scenario Planning and Change Management
22:14 Stages of Change Model Explained
25:31 Recognizing Slips and Maintaining Change
28:23 Supporting Change in Group Settings
31:12 The Importance of Self-Efficacy in Change
34:06 Modeling Behavior and Influencing Change
36:56 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
41:29 Building Self-Efficacy for Change
42:28 Supporting Others in Making Changes
45:27 The Role of Information in Change
49:23 Navigating Pre-Contemplation Stages
53:24 Conversations About Change
55:10 The Journey of Writing a Book
01:00:17 Who Can Benefit from Motivational Interviewing?
01:04:09 The Importance of Connection and Kindness
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1:09:35
S2 E11 It's only wrap and roll! Season 2 wrap up
We're taking a few weeks break, and we'll be back before you know it with some great guests and great new content. Before that we thought we'd share with you some of the highlights of Season 2 - now is your opportunity to catch up on listening to some really interesting guests discussing all things horse sport and equine welfare. Thanks for sharing our journey - and be sure to share with your friends how much you are enjoying Changing Rein!
Join friends, Karen Luke and Meta Osborne, as they take a lighthearted and lively look into the serious task of making equestrian sport and racing sustainable into the future. The show's key ingredient is exploring new perspectives and not shying away from tough conversations. Curious to learn how leading scientists, jockeys, journalists and practitioners see future for horses in sport? Then buckle up for this fun adventure as we start Changing Rein!