The Journey On Podcast: "Will Rogers Revisited"
Release Date: December 7, 2024
Hosts and Guests:
- Host: Warwick Schiller – Renowned horseman, trainer, international clinician, and author.
- Guest: Will Rogers – Dressage star presenter at Ekwatana, Melbourne, Australia.
Introduction to Ekwatana and Guest Appearance
Warwick Schiller welcomes listeners to a special live recording from Ekwatana, Melbourne’s largest and most prestigious horse expo. He introduces Will Rogers, a returning guest and a prominent figure in the dressage arena, highlighting the unique convergence of their paths in the equestrian world.
Notable Quote:
- Will Rogers (00:41): "Because you see what is Shiller."
Shared Philosophies on Inner Journey and Equine Relationships
Warwick and Will delve into their mutual belief that the true magic in horse training lies within the inner journey and the relationship between human and horse. They discuss how many in the horse community get lost in the pursuit of success without addressing the internal dynamics crucial for meaningful partnerships.
Warwick Schiller (02:15):
"The inner journey in relationship to what we're doing with horses is really where all the magic lies."
Will Rogers (02:15):
"Bringing awareness to that, how much together with horses, we can transform and live life in a better way."
Personal Transformations and Influences
Will recounts his transformation influenced by Warwick’s approach, emphasizing the shift from external validation to inner connection. He shares how adopting Warwick’s philosophies sparked a deeper self-awareness and a more authentic connection with his horses.
Will Rogers (04:11):
"I realized what I was looking for all along was within me... I was outsourcing. I was taking my own power away."
Navigating Emotional Challenges and Growth
The conversation moves to overcoming personal and professional challenges. Will discusses his time spent in the mountains, where he experienced a spiritual awakening through solitude and key literary works like The Untethered Soul and The Power of Now. This period marked a pivotal shift in his perspective on pain, suffering, and personal growth.
Will Rogers (08:29):
"Walking in the mountains... having a spiritual awakening type thing and just realizing... life feels different."
Warwick and Will explore the cyclical nature of personal challenges, likening them to waves that bring both pain and growth. They emphasize the importance of resilience and maintaining perspective during tough times.
Warwick Schiller (10:45):
"Once you've hit rock bottom a few times, the next time you hit rock bottom, you're like, awesome. I have hit rock bottom. Some good stuff is coming."
The Role of Perception in Interactions
A significant portion of the episode focuses on how perception shapes our interactions, both with horses and people. Warwick shares anecdotes illustrating how judgments and misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the need for clear and compassionate communication.
Will Rogers (16:38):
"If you don't trust yourself in what you're doing, that's all you need to focus on. If you're overthinking, you need to be looking the opposite way."
Evolution of Dressage and Future Directions
Will discusses the evolution of dressage, advocating for a harmonious partnership between horse and rider rather than a purely performance-driven approach. He expresses optimism about the future, highlighting the role of younger, open-minded riders in driving positive change within the discipline.
Will Rogers (27:29):
"What could be more admirable than a human working with a horse to a level where you've got this incredible athlete, highly intelligent, sensitive animal, working together in harmony."
Mutual Growth and Honest Feedback
The dialogue shifts to the importance of mutual growth and honest feedback in training. Warwick and Will stress that horses provide truthful feedback based on their experiences and interactions, underscoring the necessity of self-awareness and authenticity in building trust.
Will Rogers (42:42):
"I want to see people find that magic in themselves and run with it and so that you can sort of see them shine. Same with the horse."
Impact of Positive Energy and Intention
Warwick discusses the profound impact of positive energy and genuine intention in equine training. He shares insights from conversations with peers about how treating horses (and people) with respect and belief fundamentally alters interactions and outcomes.
Will Rogers (47:56):
"Horses don't carry judgment towards us... they give us an opportunity to change and join together."
Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors
As the podcast concludes, Warwick commends Will for his contributions and the fresh perspectives he brings to the equestrian community. Will shares his platforms for continued learning and encourages listeners to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and authentic connection with their horses.
Will Rogers (60:21):
"I hope all of you are inspired to go down this path and just recognize you're much more important and valuable in the world than you might always think and also to your horses."
Key Takeaways:
- Inner Connection: The essence of successful horse training lies in the rider’s internal journey and self-awareness.
- Resilience: Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth leads to deeper connections and personal transformation.
- Perception Matters: Clear, compassionate communication and the absence of judgment foster trust and harmony between horse and rider.
- Evolution and Innovation: The future of dressage depends on harmonious partnerships and the willingness to innovate for the betterment of both horse and rider.
- Positive Energy: Genuine belief and positive intentions significantly impact interactions and outcomes in equine training.
Final Thoughts:
This episode of The Journey On Podcast serves as a profound exploration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses. Through introspective conversations and shared experiences, Warwick Schiller and Will Rogers illuminate the path toward authentic, mindful horse training that transcends traditional techniques, fostering a harmonious and mutually enriching partnership.
Connect with Warwick Schiller:
- Online Video Library: videos.warwickshiller.com
- Social Media: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram
Connect with Will Rogers:
- Social Media Handle: Will Rogers Horses
- Training Platform: Will Rogers Approach