Barrel Bruises, Borrowed Ponies & Spiritual Horsemanship - Episode 14

We Don't Live in a One-Size-Fits-All World

In this heartfelt episode of Grooming Spirits, host Eric Ryan Anderson shares the emotional story of losing his beloved dog Lucy after a tragic accident at Spirit Equine Therapy. While caring for her during her final days, Eric reflects on the deep lessons about love, loyalty, and not taking our time with loved ones for granted. He encourages listeners to share their own life experiences and perceptions, reminding us that we all see the world differently—and that’s what makes life meaningful. Eric also touches on the importance of understanding diverse viewpoints in a divided world, from politics to everyday interactions, and leaves us with a powerful reminder: Try to be the person your dog thinks you are.

Barrel Bruises, Borrowed Ponies & Spiritual Horsemanship - Episode 14

In this episode of Grooming Spirits, Eric Ryan Anderson recounts his chaotic experience at the Southeastern Regional Cowboy Mounted Shooting Championships. After his pony went lame, he rode his wife’s horse for the first time — and promptly slammed into a barrel, earning a painful bone bruise. Eric reflects on the lessons from the mishap, the deep spiritual connection between rider and horse, and the welcoming, respectful community of mounted shooters. He also shares thoughts on cowboy church, looking for the lesson in every setback, and why we’re better together than divided.

Navigating Grief and Finding Hope Through Positive Memories - Episode 13

In this heartfelt episode of Grooming Spirits, host Eric Ryan Anderson explores grief and veteran suicide through the eyes of mothers who have lost children to it. Drawing from his work at Spirit Equine Therapy, he shares personal stories, the pain of invisible wounds like PTSD, and a moving encounter with a grieving mother and a horse. Eric offers hope by encouraging focus on positive memories, personal responsibility for joy, and honoring loved ones by living fully. A raw, compassionate discussion aimed at providing comfort to families affected by veteran suicide.

Unbroken Spirit Lessons from Horses for Sentencing - Episode 12

In this heartfelt solo episode, Eric draws powerful parallels between working with horses and human character. Sharing stories from his time on Top Shot, coaching adaptive shooting events for wounded veterans, and founding Spirit Equine Therapy, he explains how "breaking" a horse's spirit contrasts with grooming and partnering with its natural energy—mirroring healthier ways to guide people. The core of the episode focuses on Eric's preparation to speak at a sentencing hearing as a character witness for a young woman he's known since 2011: a passionate, animal-gifted individual (especially with challenging horses) married to a disabled veteran, whom he describes as having an "unbroken spirit"—tame and willing, yet fiercely independent and full of potential for good. He grapples with how to convey to the judge that caging such a spirit in prison could destroy its positive impact, suggesting alternatives like community service with horses instead. Through anecdotes of trust-building with traumatized horses, cultural differences, and the heavy responsibility judges carry, Eric emphasizes positivity, intuition, patience, and the life-changing power of preserving unbroken spirits in both animals and humans. A thoughtful, passionate reflection on redemption, responsibility, and what truly rehabilitates. This title and description capture the episode's emotional core, equine metaphors, personal backstory, and the upcoming courtroom advocacy without spoilers or assumptions about the case outcome.

Redneck Duck Retrievals and the Magic of Horse Communication - Episode 11

In this episode of Grooming Spirits, host Eric Ryan Anderson shares a wild Florida duck hunting tale from a mounted shooting clinic trip—complete with an ice-cold, all-in wade through a marshy sinkhole to retrieve a downed bird (no dog required!). From there, he dives into the profound bond between rider and horse, explaining how subtle cues like hip shifts and subconscious communication allow horses to respond at full speed during cowboy mounted shooting. Recorded under the oaks at Spirit Equine Therapy, Eric reflects on the deep trust and connection that make these partnerships possible. Tune in for humor, heart, and timeless lessons from the ranch.