The Two Step WaySee the being.
See the being.
Welcome to The Two Step Way
Julia and The Two Step Way have become integral in my practice and I have and will continue to recommend her to all animal people.
-Joy Baker, DVM, FEI Dressage gold, silver and bronze medalist, Founder REIN Rescue
A 2 step way to B ing (being) with and C ing (seeing) your horse.
B ing: Horses like us to be present. We come to them often with our distracted minds, with minds full of ideas, expectation, emotions and judgements. They do not deserve this. It is important that we learn to control our own minds, to bring them into the present when we are working with horses. We do this not only to be fully present without distractions in front of them, but also as this provides us with a much better focus with which to really see them.
C ing: The horse is a living being. There is a someone inside each body seeing us. We must learn to see that someone as clearly as we can. This requires a profound listening, sustaining disbelief and understanding that they are and always have been trying to communicate with us. This listening is non-judgmental and completely focused on making the horse feel “seen, felt and understood”. It is not only done with the eyes and ears but also with the felt sense. There is important information in the posture, expression, gestures and in the feelings we pick up on when we are present and focused upon them. It is important to always “see the being.”
We work with the horse in a non controlling way seeking a two way communication.
Science backs up the fact that both being grounded in the present moment and attuned makes all social mammals feel secure and shifts their nervous system response from a more sympathetically dominated pattern (fight/flight) into a more parasympathetic state (rest/digest). This means the underlying nervous system and health of all social mammals is greatly improved by co-regulating (being present and attuning) with another calm being.
My work teaches you how to B (be) with your horse and how to really C (see) him, to build connection and to improve his confidence and sense of security.
Services
Barn-wide Nervous System Resets $350 per barn, up to 6 horses; second day (if needed) $300 for up to the next 6 horses. Prices are only available in the Tryon area, NC. Send an email for a quote and to schedule if located elsewhere.
How It Works – The Two Step Way Applies Right-Brain Co-Regulation
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Step 1: Grounding the Handler (The Regulatory Anchor): The focus is first on the human grounding themselves in the present moment. Much like meditation, this actively lowers the handler’s heart rate and relaxes their muscles. Because horses are hyper-aware of human physiology, this grounded state acts as a safe, steady anchor for a panicked animal. This grounding in the present moment also shifts the person into a wide awareness and non-judgmental right-brain attention, where they can attune to and synchronize with the horse.
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Step 2: Attunement and Non-Controlling Presence: Instead of using traditional, top-down commands or dominant, controlling training tactics, which often shut horses down, make them sick, or create dangerous horses, the Two Step Way utilizes non-controlling, two-way right-brain communication. By attuning to and synchronizing with the horse’s subtle facial expressions, gestures and nervous system states, the Two Step Way guides the horse’s nervous system out of a sympathetically dominated fight-or-flight pattern or a parasympathetic freeze state. It is used not only to help down-regulate a horse in fear but also to up-regulate a horse in an expression of mutual joy and play.
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Resetting Trauma Responses: The Two Step Way uses this specific two-step “being and seeing” method and the right timing to help feral, wild, traumatized, or highly stressed horses shed their fears and unwanted coping mechanisms by establishing a sense of safety, security, and trust. The Two Step Way also helps handlers and horses form better and more authentic connections through right brain communication.
The Two Step Way provides a blueprint for how human-equine somatic attachment heals a horse’s nervous system and creates solid and authentic horse-human bonds.
Testimonials
Since first meeting Julia, I have been using what she has taught me on the rescue horses, my personal horses and my patients. It has become integral in my practice and I have and will continue to recommend her to all animal people.
Joy Baker
DVM, CVA, CVC, -Founder and President Rescuing Equines In Need - FEI Dressage bronze, silver and gold medalist.Julia Carpenter, founder of the Two Step Way has been instrumental to our program at Renovatio Farms. In the fall of 2022 we rescued 2 feral siblings Ivan and Izzy. They have bit by bit unveiled their story to us. With Julia's kind approach and clear horsemanship skills they have been slowly but surly coming around. Our FEI competition horses have also gotten to experience her work. It's eye opening. Huge fan of the Two Step Way and of Julia!
Trayce Doubek
Owner/Trainer Renovatio FarmsDo you want to understand your horse better? Spend time with Julia. She teaches skills that can carry over into your dealing with other animals. Even the two-legged ones. Julia has a gentle yet effective way of teaching respect, giving space, listening, and seeing.
Will McIntyre
Equestrian since 1991 / Producer of “My Music with Rhiannon Giddens” on PBSWatching Julia connect with my high strung new horse wasn’t just amazing, it was a healing experience for him. I think it was the first time in the several months since I got him that he relaxed. Julia showed me a pathway to communicate with my horse that I just love. Julia has a gift. So glad I found her and highly recommend her to anyone wanting a closer relationship with their horse.
Rebecca Barnes
Long-time equestrianJulia came and performed magic on our two mules. We were skeptical if it would have any effect as we had been trying the trust methods alone without any success. The combination of Being and Seeing worked within the first half hour of her arrival with the mules shedding their stress and trauma, first with itching and licking, and later with almost uncontrollable yawning. They’ve been calm and relaxed ever since, as we continue to practice Julia’s way every day. Thank you Julia!
Cameron Roberts & Jenny Gotfredson
rescue mule ownersHi Julia. Thanks for checking in. Baylor no longer has that "look in his eye" that Robert detected. He seems happier and is moving better. Jade is doing well. Her neck ripples melt away in seconds now. She is gaining weight also. Yay!
Dara Cole
Clinic participantWaiting for Annie to willingly take the bit has changed her whole outlook on riding… mine too. Thank you!
Kathy Foster
Long-time riderThank you so much! Jasper took a few steps toward me twice tonight. Then came looking for me when I went around a corner! Think I never spent that much time with him as we did this am. Usually stopped after 5 minutes. Now see that longer gets results. Thank you.
Connie Boyer
Owner of Chantzs Legacy RescueI can't say enough positive about my session with Julia. I wasn't expecting much, but am always up for new experiences. Especially anything related to equines. The session I had with Julia and my little two-year old rescue mule, Mercy, was frankly amazing. As I was explaining the trauma Mercy experienced as a 2-month old in a slaughter pen, I started tearing up. Mercy was watching and listening intently. Next thing I knew, she had broken out in a sweat with odd patterns all over her neck. The sweat came on quickly and dried up as soon as our session ended. I would never have believed this if I had not experienced it myself. If you want to grow closer to your equine, I highly recommend spending time with Julia.
Tina LeBlanc
Owner of a ruscue muleMy donkey Sammie and I loved working with Julia! I'm always searching for new ways to connect with him at a deeper level and Julia helped us so much even in our first session. The following trail ride he moved the most balanced and free I've ever felt. He has been known to trip and be clumsy but he didn't even trip once on that ride and I attribute it to how much tension he released in that very first session. Thank you Julia!
Brandon Salmons
Owner and Founder at Balanced Equestrian and The Talking DonkeyJulia Carpenter is a master at leading us down this path!!
Shannon St. Clair Hoffman
Equine Trainer and show judge, Owner of St Claire EquineJulia taught me how to be present around my horses and it has made a real difference. I first noticed it with one that use to hate putting the blanket on over his head and now stands calmly. Right now I am having to nebulize him twice a day to treat his asthma. I think pre-Julia this may have been a struggle. But knowing how to relax and be present with my boy, he calmly accepts treatment. Thank you, Julia.
Kathy Nebal
Experienced long time horse ownerJulia Carpenter is awesome. She can help your horse, and show you how you can understand your horse and build trust and connection for a wonderful relationship with your horses.
Cindy Hayes
Long time horsewoman and ownerThe horses were rock stars of course. Lately they have been lining up at the gate hoping I’ll pick them to play with (ride, liberty, etc) and even getting in line for baths. It’s an amazing experience. I can’t thank you enough. I think you helped me past the tipping point on our relationships.
