Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice – Details, episodes & analysis

Looking to achieve your personal best in the dressage arena? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Sprieser offers honest and practical strategies to help riders at any level raise their scores and their confidence. Lauren shares wisdom on everything from building a foolproof foundation to overcoming nerves, improving transitions, and decoding what judges really want to see.

Episode Highlights: 

• 8:10: How to choose the right test level, build a solid foundation, and improve transitions 
• 13:10: How to prepare for a consistent, relaxed ride and why the basics matter at every stage 
• 21:00: How to manage “horse show brain,” overcome nerves, and practice effectively under pressure 
• 26:00: Tack and warm-up best practices, plus common mistakes to avoid on show day 
• 34:40: Why memorizing your test matters and how to confidently learn and run through tests at home 
• 46:30: How to improve your free walk and halts, plus tips for mastering key movements with effective ring craft 

Meet the Expert, Lauren Sprieser

Lauren Sprieser is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist with Distinction and an international Grand Prix dressage rider. She runs a successful training and coaching business, Sprieser Sporthorse, out of Clearwater Farm in Marshall, Virginia. In addition to producing numerous FEI horses and riders, Lauren is a longtime contributor to the Chronicle of the Horse and has written for Dressage Today, Noelle Floyd, and Practical Horseman. She is a graduate of the FEI Young Rider and U25 programs and holds a degree in public policy and urban planning from Sarah Lawrence College.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. 

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

EPM is one of the most common and complex neurological diseases facing horses in North America, but what really causes it, and are there ways to protect your horse? In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian Dr. Phil van Harreveld breaks down the real risks of EPM, explains early warning signs, debunks common myths, and gives actionable advice on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for every horse owner.

Episode Highlights: 

4:00: What causes EPM, where the parasite is found, and whether some horses are more susceptible than others 

12:00: What owners can do to help reduce the risk of EPM in horses that have been exposed to the parasite 

22:00: Common myths and misconceptions about EPM symptoms and diagnosis 

31:20: Treatment options for EPM and how effective they are 

34:20: How often EPM leads to neurological symptoms, how severe those symptoms can be, and the likelihood of recurrence after treatment

Meet the Expert, Dr. Phil van Harreveld

Dr. van Harreveld received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University, and his master’s degree and surgical board certification from Kansas State University. He practiced as an equine veterinary surgeon for more than 22 years, founding the first equine referral hospital in Vermont, which he operated for over two decades. In addition to handling the hospital’s field cases, he managed the in-house medical and surgical case load. He joined the Merck Animal Health equine veterinary professional services team in 2022.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates 

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Daily care decisions play a bigger role in your horse’s long-term health than many owners realize. In this webinar, Dr. Erica Lacher breaks down the five issues she sees most often in her practice, explains the everyday habits that have the biggest impact on soundness and wellbeing, and shares practical, vet-approved strategies you can start using right away. Whether you’re a lifelong horse owner or just getting started, you’ll come away feeling more confident, prepared, and proactive about your horse’s care.   

Episode Highlights: 

17:15: Mistake #1: Calling everyone but the veterinarian  

21:30: Mistake #2: Spending hard-earned money on supplements 

26:15: Mistake #3: Poor quality farrier work 

28:30: Mistake #4: DIY wound care 

33:40: Mistake #5: Skipping routine care 

46:00: Real-world case Q&A   

Meet the Expert, Dr. Erica Lacher 

A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Erica Lacher is the owner and lead veterinarian of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. She has a particular interest in helping sport horses have long, successful careers and helping owners learn how to make that happen. When she's not at the clinic, Erica competes her own horses in the jumper ring and co-hosts the podcast Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth with Justin Long. 

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Your horse is affected by the footing with every step they take, which makes arena design and footing choices more important than many riders realize. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dickie Osborne dives into the fundamentals of arena construction, explains common pitfalls, and offers advice on evaluating and improving the footing at home and at shows. 

Episode Highlights: 

5:00: Why footing matters for horse soundness and performance, and how to recognize good vs. bad footing 

8:00: The key steps to building a quality arena, including material selection and proper proportions 

17:10: How to choose the right footing, and how footing needs differ by discipline 

31:00: Evaluating footing at competitions, what to look for when you arrive, and how to decide if a venue is worth returning to 

47:00: Differences between indoor and outdoor arena construction, and how often a well-built arena should be retested and reevaluated 

Meet the Expert, Dickie Osborne 

Dickie has been a horse owner since childhood and built his first arena more than 30 years ago. After a long career as an excavation contractor, he combined his construction expertise with his lifelong involvement in horses to become a leading authority on equestrian arena design and footing. He is the founder of Precision Equestrian Arenas and Precision Arenas Academy, and he builds and consults on arena projects across the country. 

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Learning to set effective goals as an equestrian is challenging, especially with so many factors outside your control, but in this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Tyler (Held) Murray shares a fresh approach that balances physical, technical, and mental development for lasting performance gains. She explains practical strategies for goal-setting, overcoming setbacks like injury, and the importance of curiosity and reflection for continuous improvement. 

Episode Highlights: 

9:30: How goal setting looks different for equestrians compared to other sports 

14:00: Common goal-setting mistakes riders make, and why goal setting matters 

18:20: What effective goal setting looks like, including good vs. bad goals and pivoting plans 

37:30: How to reflect on a goal and move forward after it’s complete 

49:00: Resources and tools for identifying personal values   

Meet the Expert, Tyler Held 

Dr. Tyler (Held) Murray is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) with a Doctorate in Sport and Performance Psychology. Tyler blends high-level equestrian experience with performance mindset training. She is a semi-retired professional 5-star groom for Jennie Brannigan and is also the Master 1 Purple Belt Jiu Jitsu World Champion. If her personal accomplishments are any indication, her approach to performance mindset works.

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Unlocking peak performance often comes down to mastering your mental game, yet understanding where to begin on that journey can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Natalie Hummel joins Jessa to break down the essential components of self-mastery, from nervous system regulation and ego work to emotional mastery, and explains how these areas directly impact riders in and out of the saddle. She shares the roadmap for ongoing personal growth, describes what separates high performers, and offers actionable practices for listeners ready to step into their full potential. 

Episode Highlights: 

13:00: How this work directly applies to riding and performance 

33:45: Common roadblocks riders face during this process, and how to work through them 

51:20: Personality types that tend to excel with this work, and which ones may find it more challenging 

53:40: Practical advice for riders who want to start doing this type of work   

Meet the Expert, Natalie Hummel 

Natalie Hummel is a transformational life coach who helps equestrians and other athletes overcome mental and emotional barriers to elevate their competitive performance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Wellness from the University of Louisville, and she has served as head research assistant in the learning and performance lab during her time there. She has also earned a Wellcoaches certification and Mastery Coach certification, bringing evidence-based strategies and real-world perspective to her coaching work. 

If you’d like to learn more about Natalie Hummel’s Limitless Academy, visit the link below. https://nataliehummelcoaching.com/limitless/ 

Equestrian Mastermind Season 3, Episode 1 drops January 22. Find it in the In Stride feed and follow the show so you don’t miss new episodes. 

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Retraining an off-the-track Thoroughbred can be one of the most rewarding journeys, but navigating the first steps can leave even experienced riders searching for answers. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Aubrey Graham shares her expertise on retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), discussing key first steps in their transition, common misconceptions, and mistakes riders make. She also offers practical advice for sourcing OTTBs and highlights what makes Thoroughbreds special to work with.

Episode Highlights:

13:40: Common misconceptions about OTTB’s and what it will take to shift perceptions in today’s market

18:00: The first steps Aubrey takes when transitioning an OTTB from the track to a successful show horse

37:20: How Aubrey sources OTTBs, including the key traits she looks for when evaluating a potential prospect

45:00: The most common mistakes riders make when working with OTTBs, and how to avoid them

Meet the Expert, Aubrey Graham

With more than 30 years of riding experience, Aubrey is known for her work with young, green, and challenging horses, with a particular passion for retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds. She is also an accomplished event rider, having competed through the Preliminary level of eventing. Aubrey is the founder of Thoroughbred Logic, an educational platform featuring weekly articles on Horse Nation, along with masterclasses and clinics held nationwide. She has also partnered with the Retired Racehorse Project to develop educational programs for the Ride iQ app.

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Preventing injuries is essential for keeping performance horses healthy throughout their careers, but understanding what truly helps can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine surgeon and sports-medicine veterinarian Dr. Maureen Kelleher breaks down the most common discipline-specific injuries, why hoof balance and shoeing are core to soundness, and how owners can make informed decisions about warm-ups, footing, and useful (vs. unnecessary) therapies.

Episode Highlights:

9:00: The most common injuries seen in dressage, eventing, and show jumping horses and whether certain issues are discipline-specific or shared across all three

13:30: The percentage of injuries that could be prevented through training, recovery routines, and daily care, plus key best practices for injury prevention

41:00: The risk-benefit tradeoffs of protective boots and standing wraps

53:50: Technologies Dr. Kelleher supports for maintenance and rehab, and which popular therapeutic treatments may not be worth the time or money

Meet the Expert, Dr. Maureen Kelleher

Dr. Maureen Kelleher earned her DVM from UC Davis in 2006, then completed an internship at Pioneer Equine Hospital. She spent several years in private equine practice in California, focusing on sports medicine, lameness, diagnostic imaging, and acupuncture. She became a certified veterinary acupuncturist in 2010 and earned Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. She joined the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, VA, where she worked with medicine, surgery, and therapeutic-farrier teams to provide advanced care for performance horses.

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Staying on top of vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect your horse’s long-term health, but knowing what to give, when, and why can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher breaks down how to make confident, informed decisions about your horse’s vaccination plan. She explains how to assess risk, how environmental factors influence what’s needed, and what signs to watch for if your horse has an adverse reaction.   

Episode Highlights: 

3:00: Dr. Lacher’s overall approach to vaccinations and how owners can stay informed about what their horses need 

15:30: Key environmental factors that influence which vaccines are necessary 

25:45: How veterinarians choose between vaccine brands and why it matters 

39:30: How vaccinations support herd health and reduce risk at shows and boarding barns 

45:30: What to do if your horse experiences a reaction, plus warning signs of a more serious issue   

Meet the Expert, Dr. Erica Lacher       

A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Erica Lacher is the owner and lead veterinarian of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. She has a particular interest in helping sport horses have long, successful careers and helping owners learn how to make that happen. When she's not at the clinic, Erica competes her own horses in the jumper ring and co-hosts the podcast Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth with Justin Long. 

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. 

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Effective bit and bridle fitting supports not only communication but also your horse’s long-term comfort and performance. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine physiotherapist and biomechanics specialist Kailyn Pupa breaks down what riders should know about bit and bridle fitting, how to recognize good (and poor) fit, and the small adjustments that can make a big difference in your horse’s way of going.

Episode Highlights:

8:30: What to look for and prioritize when choosing a bit and bridle fitter

16:30: Clear signs your horse is in the right bit and bridle

36:00: Bridle styles and design features riders should generally avoid

38:00: Common signs of discomfort or poor bridle fit in older horses

48:00: How to determine the correct bit size and height for your horse

Meet the Expert, Kailyn Pupa

After completing her graduate degree in equine physiotherapy at Writtle University in the U.K., Kailyn Pupa founded Bullseye Equine to support sport horses and their riders through expert biomechanics work and independent bit and bridle fitting. She previously groomed and managed at the five-star level and now works between Wellington, Florida and Central New Jersey. Specializing in hunter/jumper, eventing, and dressage, Kailyn focuses on optimizing both performance and long-term comfort through precise, detail-oriented care.

Brought to you by Ride iQ 

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. For Black Friday, use code FRIDAY35 to get 35% off your first month or your first year.

Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.