Horses & Holy Moments

Warrior

Episode 26 – Warrior: A Holy Moment in the Round Pen
In this unforgettable episode, Ingela Larsson Smith shares a powerful true story from the Canadian wilderness that captures the essence of both horsemanship and faith.
While training wild horses for hunters in northern British Columbia, Ingela is unexpectedly asked to help with a dangerous and aggressive horse named Nuisance—a horse labeled unrideable and feared by wranglers. But what unfolds in the round pen becomes a holy moment of transformation, as Ingela chooses not to block the horse’s charge but to stand still—and witnesses an instant, supernatural shift in his heart.
Through this gripping encounter, Ingela reflects on the power of presence, obedience to the Holy Spirit, and the significance of renaming the horse Warrior—a symbol of how words and identity shape reality. The story is not just about a horse; it’s a profound lesson on how God sees us beyond our labels and invites us into healing and purpose.

Connecting with God

Connecting with God: The “To Me” Position and the Secret Place
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Ingela Larsson Smith unpacks the beautiful parallel between the “To Me” position in horsemanship—where a horse comes face-to-face with you in stillness—and the way we come into intimate connection with God in the secret place.
Through rich metaphor and honest reflection, Ingela explores how we (and our horses) can be externally close but internally far, and why true transformation only happens in love-fueled presence—not through effort, performance, or religious activity. She invites us to move beyond doing things for God and return to simply being with Him, face-to-face.
This episode is a heartfelt invitation to fall in love with Jesus all over again—and to let Him become not just our Savior, but our daily delight.

Training vs Building Relationship (Part 4)

Episode 24 – Training vs. Building Relationship – Part 4: Shaping Space through Freedom and Feel
In this final part of the series, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich explore the beauty and depth of working with a horse at liberty—from behind—in a way that prioritizes freedom over micromanagement. Ingela explains her unique method of “shaping space,” where subtle shifts in presence, intention, and body awareness invite the horse to respond without force.
Listeners will discover how leadership from Zone 5 (behind the horse) mirrors the natural dynamics of a herd and opens the door to powerful, willing movement—circles, transitions, and changes of direction—all rooted in trust. The conversation also explores how invisible communication is not only real, but essential to deep partnership, with spiritual parallels to how God invites rather than demands.
This episode is a practical and inspiring masterclass in liberty work, energy awareness, and letting go of control to cultivate true connection.

Training vs Building Relationship (Part 3)

Training vs. Building Relationship – Part 3: Being Chosen, Not Chasing Control
In this powerful third installment on building relationship over training, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich dive deeper into what it means to be truly invited into a horse’s herd—not through dominance or obedience, but through patient pursuit and earned trust.
Ingela shares how horses mirror our spiritual life: just as a horse may let us near without truly inviting us into movement and freedom, we can live near God while still holding back. From liberty exercises to herd dynamics, the conversation reveals how freedom and relationship go hand in hand.
You’ll hear practical stories of when a horse says “no,” and how asking again—gently and without pressure—leads to transformation. The episode also weaves in beautiful spiritual truths about how God never forces us, but invites us into joyful partnership, step for step.
If you long to feel truly seen by your horse—or by God—this episode will speak deeply to both your horsemanship and your heart.

Training vs Building Relationship (Part 2)

 
Training vs. Building Relationship – Part 2: Creating True Choice and Trust
In this deep and beautiful continuation of Training vs. Building Relationship, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich explore what it really means to give a horse the freedom to choose relationship without pressure. Ingela shares how many common training techniques—even when called “natural”—often override a horse’s true choice, and why real trust is built in stillness, not force.
With powerful metaphors, Ingela paints the picture of becoming the kind of leader a horse wants to follow: calm, grounded, consistent, and trustworthy. She also draws rich spiritual parallels to how God invites us—not by control, but by love—to run to Him in full freedom.
If you’ve ever wanted a horse to truly connect with you—or longed for a deeper, freer relationship with God—this episode is full of clarity, challenge, and grace.
Explore more about Ingela Larsson-Smith's horsemanship system under https://ingelalarssonsmith.com 

Training vs Building Relationship (Part 1)

Training vs. Building Relationship – Part 1: Heart Connection with Horses and God
In this insightful episode of Horses and Holy Moments, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich explore the profound difference between simply training a horse and truly building a relationship. Ingela explains how horses read our hearts, sense our nervous system, and respond to the presence and peace we carry.
Through practical examples and spiritual parallels, they discuss why genuine connection requires choice, mutual trust, and a “we” mindset—moving together as one, rather than controlling behavior.
This episode also draws a beautiful comparison to our walk with Jesus, who leads us with gentleness and invites us into relationship, not rigid rules.
Want to get to know more about the True Connection Horsemanship system? Visit www.ingelalarssonsmith.com 

Walk as if

Walk Just As If: A Faith Journey to Bring Horses to Mozambique
In this inspiring episode of Horses and Holy Moments, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich recount a miraculous story of faith, perseverance, and God’s provision. Ingela shares how, despite having no horses, no equipment, and no clear path forward, she followed God’s call to bring horses to an orphanage in Mozambique.
Through incredible challenges, creative problem-solving, and a pivotal “holy moment” when God moved hearts to open doors, the vision became reality. This episode is a powerful reminder that nothing is impossible for God—and when we walk “just as if” His promises are already fulfilled, He makes a way.

How to deal with Vices

How to Deal with Vices: Finding Calm and Trust with Horses and God
In this touching episode of Horses and Holy Moments, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich discuss how to help horses overcome stress-related vices like weaving, box-walking, and nervous behaviors. Ingela shares the powerful true story of her mare, Hope, whose journey from anxiety to deep relaxation revealed valuable lessons about patience, connection, and healing.
Through personal stories and biblical encouragement, this episode highlights the parallels between helping a stressed horse find rest and the way God walks with us through our own fears and struggles. Discover how understanding, gentle presence, and trust—in both horse training and our relationship with Jesus—can lead to transformation and peace.
Want to know more about Ingela Larsson Smith's horsemanship system True Connection? Visit her website at www.ingelalarssonsmith.com 

Overcoming Discouragement

Overcoming Discouragement: Finding Hope and Joy in Jesus
In this heartfelt episode of Horses and Holy Moments, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich talk about a struggle many of us face—discouragement. Ingela shares her own story of heartbreak and loss with horses, revealing how past wounds can lead to deep feelings of hopelessness. Together, they explore biblical truths and practical steps to break free from discouragement, including trusting God, clinging to Him in worship, and experiencing His healing presence.
Through personal testimony, scripture, and prayer, this episode offers encouragement for anyone feeling weighed down by disappointment—reminding us that Jesus is near, ready to lift us up and restore our joy.
Want to know more about Ingela's work? Visit https://ingelalarssonsmith.com

Habituation vs Desensitization

Habituation vs. Desensitization: Helping Horses Overcome Fear and Misunderstandings
In this episode of Horses and Holy Moments, hosts Ingela Larsson Smith and Corrie Sepcich unpack the often-confused concepts of habituation and desensitization in horse training. Ingela explains why she prefers the word “habituation,” how to read a horse’s stress signals, and when desensitization is actually needed.
Through vivid examples and heartfelt stories, they explore how horses process fear, misunderstandings, and past trauma—and how gentle, clear communication can restore trust and joy. The conversation also draws parallels to human emotional healing, showing how naming and sitting with emotions can lead to transformation.
Whether you’re a horse owner, trainer, or simply curious about building deeper, more compassionate connections with horses, this episode offers practical insights and spiritual encouragement.
If you would like to know how to create the fearless horse with True Connection visit www.ingelalarssonsmith.com