Explore every episode of the podcast Curious Equestrian
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How did horse tricks turn a biting rescue horse around? | Noche Miller, Horse Tricks 101 trainer | 10 oct. 2026 | 00:59:04 | |
Noche Miller turned to trick training when Rusty, a young rescue Morgan, bit and walked straight through people. He had been dumped at auction because nobody could handle him, and two or three months of traditional handling had got nowhere. Noche, an instructor with Horse Tricks 101, tells Anna Louise how teaching him to fetch a rubber chicken changed the way she works with horses, and why the same small steps prepare a horse for trailer loading, dental checks and being ridden. In this episode: - How fetch is built up from a single nose touch - Why standing on a pedestal makes trailer loading less of a leap - Treat manners, and why a good scratch can be a reward too - Choosing a reward worth working for that doesn't tip a horse into overexcitement - Scent boxes and grazing boxes for horses with limited turnout - Why it's fine to own a horse you don't ride - How Rusty and Ghost the cow each earned a Guinness world record for tricks Guest: Noche Miller, instructor with Horse Tricks 101 horsetricks101.com, plus Facebook, Instagram and YouTube @horsetricks101 Follow Curious Equestrian on Spotify to hear each new episode as soon as it's out. Free newsletter, including the behind-the-scenes listener Q&A with Noche Miller: https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/#/portal/signup Support Curious Equestrian: Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian (Bookshop pays us a small commission on purchases and a share goes to independent bookshops; it costs you nothing extra.) Merch: https://curiousequestrian.teemill.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Rusty, the rescue Morgan nobody could handle 07:55 What changed when trick training began 09:21 Building fetch from a single nose touch 13:43 Becoming a Horse Tricks 101 instructor 14:52 Treat manners: from biting to waiting 16:30 Dumped at auction 21:00 Where Rusty's behaviour came from 22:22 Guinness world records for Ghost the cow and Rusty 26:02 Tricks for horses that can't be ridden 27:28 Useful tricks: mounting blocks, trailers and teeth 31:31 Working around a bad start 32:43 Scent boxes and grazing boxes 36:59 The Horse Tricks 101 community 39:07 Over-horsed? Go back to groundwork 41:17 It's fine not to ride 45:09 Changing horsemanship by example 49:01 Does a horse need to be food motivated? 51:45 Choosing the right value of reward 53:38 What trick training does for the human 56:53 Ending the stigma around food | |||
| Dartmoor Pony Crisis: The truth behind the headlines | 01 oct. 2026 | 00:52:14 | |
In June the headlines said 90% of Dartmoor's semi-wild hill ponies faced a cull. A former consumer journalist went looking for who had actually said so, and for what would happen to a moorland herd that had to leave.Recorded in June 2026, before the Government changed the grazing rules on 15 July. There's an update at the end of this description.Angelique Ruzicka is a former personal finance and consumer journalist who now writes about sustainability in the horse world at Willow's Earth. Host Anna Louise Claydon starts where the panic started: why do so many people care so much about these ponies, and where did the cull story come from? Then the two of them test every rescue plan people were proposing against what a pony that has lived wild on the moor actually needs.In this episodeWhere the cull fear came from, and what Natural England had and hadn't saidWhy "let them stay" runs into a moor where grazing is already scarce and shared with sheep and cattleWhether an unhandled moorland pony could, or would want to, become a riding school ponyWhat a farmer's field, a sanctuary or a family home would ask of a pony used to travelling miles a day with its herdWhy throwing out hay is harder than it soundsThe question Anna couldn't answer on the day: what happens to the foals taken off the moor every year?What a journalist does when the headlines start shoutingFind Angelique Ruzicka online Willow's Earth: https://willowsearth.shop Her June piece, "Saving Dartmoor ponies sounds easy until you try and do it": https://willowsearth.shop/blogs/news/saving-dartmoor-ponies-sounds-easy-until-you-try-and-do-it Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willow20222026 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelique-ruzicka/Subscribe to our newsletter: www.curiousequestrian.co.ukBook shop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrianMerch: https://curiousequestrian.teemill.com/ | |||
| Horse listener, not horse whisperer with Nicci Mackay | 23 août 2026 | 00:42:16 | |
Horse whisperer — or horse listener? Nicci Mackay on what horses are really telling usCan horses actually understand us? Nicci Mackay has spent her life arguing the question is backwards. She doesn't "whisper" to horses, and she's quick to correct anyone who calls her a horse whisperer — she listens.Nicci has communicated with animals since childhood, and has built a remarkable career translating what agitated, shut-down and "broken" horses are trying to say. In this episode she challenges the conventional wisdom around equine communication, what horses pick up on, and why so many of us are shouting when we should be listening.We talk about:• Why "horse whisperer" is the wrong word — and what "horse listener" actually means• What horses are really responding to (hint: it isn't the words)• The danger of anthropomorphising our horses — and how to read them on their own terms• Nicci's years as a groom and jockey, and what working in secret taught her• The moments she's been able to reach horses everyone else had given up onAbout the guest: Nicci Mackay is the author of Spoken in Whispers — The Autobiography of a Horse Whisperer. She has worked with horses, domestic pets, farm animals and birds, travelling widely to translate on behalf of animals for their owners. Her book is a rare insight into the minds, emotions and behaviour of the animals she's spent her life alongside — thought-provoking, often funny, and always honest.📚 Grab the book in our bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4745/9781780572987 | |||
| What mouth breathing does to a rider's position | Ciara Glaisher | 09 août 2026 | 01:12:48 | |
Chartered physiotherapist Ciara Glaisher treats horses and their riders as one system, and she says horse rider fitness starts with the breath. Most of us mouth breathe, brace our bellies and sit in chairs all day, then expect our pelvis to move with a horse's back. She tells host Anna Louise Claydon why a rider's position collapses mid-ride, what she keeps finding when a "sluggish" horse gets checked out, and why she'd rather riders learned a short symmetrical flow than signed up to a strengthening programme. In this episode:
Find Ciara Glaisher: merlinvetphysio.co.uk (her Symmetry & Synergy rider programme Instagram @ciaraglaisher_merlinphysio Facebook: Merlin Physiotherapy Curious Equestrian | |||
| Equestrian vaulting: the horse sport you can start without riding | 02 août 2026 | 00:46:37 | |
Equestrian vaulting is gymnastics on horseback, and everyone in this episode says the same unlikely thing about it: you can start with no riding, no gymnastics and no particular level of fitness. Curious Equestrian spent a day at RDA Woodbridge as the centre launched vaulting for the first time, meeting Anne Hardwick, chair of British Equestrian Vaulting, two-star vaulter Annika Sievert, and Lizzie Bennett, The Para Vaulter, who started the sport from a wheelchair and coaches there from this month. Host Anna Louise Claydon, who is scared of heights, has a go herself. A sport that began with Roman cavalry and 18th-century circus acts, and appeared at the Olympics once, in 1920. In this episode: - Why Anna says you need no ability at all to start, and what the first sessions actually look like - What Anna looks for in a vaulting horse, and why temperament is settled long before movement - The other 23 hours: herd turnout, hacking and pole work, and why a vaulting horse that is only lunged does not last - The hat question, handed straight back to us, and where RDA rules and FEI rules part company - Why the barrel and the mechanical horse exist: rehearsing the biomechanics so a real horse never pays for the mistake - Annika Sievert on the fall at Saumur that should not have happened, and what the sport gave her that school never did - Lizzie Bennett on blacking out during every upside-down move, and what ten years of very small steps changed Find the clubs and coaches: British Equestrian Vaulting: britishvaulting.org Find a club near you: britishvaulting.org/clubs Suffolk Vaulting Club, Poplar Park, Hollesley: suffolkvaulting.com RDA Woodbridge & District Group: rdawoodbridge.org.uk Lizzie Bennett, The Para Vaulter: instagram.com/theparavaulter Vaulting at the FEI World Championships in Aachen runs 13-16 August 2026 and is streamed online: aachen2026.com Curious Equestrian Follow the show on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and join our free newsletter for the full story behind this episode and the after-hours listener Q&A: https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/#/portal/signup | |||
| She was taught to dominate horses. Her rescue horse said no | Shelby Dennis | 24 juil. 2026 | 01:04:03 | |
Shelby Dennis was taught to "get after" horses from the age of four, showing on the Arabian circuit and told not to worry: they're big animals, it doesn't hurt them. Then a rescue horse called Milo squared up to fight her when she escalated pressure the way she'd been taught, and everything she'd internalised started to come apart. That's where this conversation with the IAABC-certified equine behaviour consultant and author of Secrets of the Horse begins. There was another catalyst too: when her family went bankrupt and her horse moved from a show barn to a yard with herd turnout on 20 acres, his spooking and bolting stopped almost overnight, and nothing in his training had changed. Now she trains with positive reinforcement, on the principle that all behaviour is a symptom of an underlying feeling: a horse can't disrespect you, because respect is a human concept. From there, she and host Anna Louise Claydon take the same questions to the sport itself. Can equestrian competition ever be ethical? Shelby's answer is yes, but not under the current governing bodies. She points to the FEI's softened blood rule, the equipment still permitted at the top levels, and a study that found oral lesions in 87 to 88% of horses examined after an upper-level cross-country test (one event, as she's careful to say, and one that needs replicating). Her challenge to the industry is simple: if these things are truly harmless, prove it. The conversation also turns to the humans: trigger stacking, emotional regulation, and the permission not to ride today; and the connection between neurodivergent minds and horses, which Anna (freshly diagnosed with ADHD) and Shelby (diagnosed later in life) both speak to from experience. In this episode: - How being taught to dominate horses unravelled, one rescue horse at a time - How moving one horse to herd turnout on 20 acres did what training never had - Why positive reinforcement gives a horse a reason to enjoy the work, where pressure and release can only offer relief - Whether equestrian competition can ever be ethical, and why Shelby says not under the current governing bodies - The FEI blood rule, permitted equipment, and the cross-country oral lesion study - Trigger stacking, emotional regulation, and honouring your body around horses - Neurodivergence, masking, and why so many neurodivergent people are drawn to horses Find Shelby Dennis Book: Secrets of the Horse Paperback: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4745/9781608689736 Audiobook: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4745/9798349163685 Website: milestoneequestrian.ca (Publications tab) Instagram @sdequus | Facebook Milestone Equestrian | TikTok @sdequus (The Bookshop.org links are affiliate links: they support independent bookshops and Curious Equestrian at no extra cost to you.) Curious Equestrian Follow the show on Spotify so you never miss an episode, and join our free newsletter for listener Q&As with our guests, bonus content and behind-the-scenes: https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/#/portal/signup | |||
| Horse's Hierarchy of Needs with Marcel Olivé | 11 juil. 2026 | 00:59:32 | |
What if your horse isn't being naughty at all, but telling you something you were never taught to hear? Horsemanship expert Marcel Olivé joins Curious Equestrian to challenge everything we assume about horse psychology, and why the words we reach for, stubborn, lazy, mischievous, moody, almost always miss what the horse is actually saying.Drawing on more than 15 years with horses and his book The Truth About Your Horse, Marcel argues that good horse psychology starts by dropping the idea that we're the boss. Horses aren't kings and queens who want luxury; they're animals with a hierarchy of needs, and until food, freedom, safety and social contact are met, no amount of training will build the partnership we're after.In this episode:→ Why "we treat horses like kings and queens" fundamentally misreads what a horse actually wants→ The Horse's Hierarchy of Needs explained, from food and freedom of movement to safety, socialisation, confidence and fulfilment→ Why most "bad" behaviour is hidden pain or fear rather than stubbornness, and what horse psychology asks you to look for instead→ How the release of pressure, not the pressure itself, is what actually teaches a horse anything→ Why "respect the no" matters, and how forcing a horse into a trailer or a headcollar tends to backfire→ What walking with your horse, and sometimes doing nothing at all, does for connection that riding never will→ Why Marcel says the human, not the horse, is almost always the thing that needs to changeAbout Marcel OlivéMarcel Olivé is a horsemanship expert, equine-assisted facilitator and performance coach who came to horses as an adult and has spent more than 15 years pruning traditional methods down to what actually holds up under scrutiny. He is the author of The Truth About Your Horse and the creator of The Horse's Hierarchy of Needs, a free infographic he wants on the wall of every yard, stable and training centre. His work covers horse psychology in all its forms: horse behaviour and communication, equine welfare, the horse's hierarchy of needs, pressure-and-release training, and why understanding a horse matters far more than controlling it. Marcel's books are available on Amazon, and more about his current projects can be found on his website. Resources & links→ https://www.marcelolive.com/original-horses-hierarchy-of-needs→ Marcel Olivé's website: https://www.marcelolive.com/ Subscribe & exploreSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@curiousequestrian?sub_confirmation=1Newsletter: www.curiousequestrian.co.ukBookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrianMerch: https://curiousequestrian.teemill.com/If horse psychology, horse behaviour and equine welfare matter to you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. | |||
| She worked inside horse racing. This is what they don't show you | 24 juin 2026 | 01:02:25 | |
She worked inside horse racing. Then she started saying the things most people in the sport won't.After multiple racehorse deaths at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival and Grand National, the outrage landed on race day. But Alex Fleming says the deaths you see are not horse racing's biggest welfare problem. The harder question is the ordinary life of the racehorse: stabled for most of the day, little or no turnout or herd life, hard feed in place of forage, and stomach ulcers so common they have come to be treated as normal. They are said to live like kings, she argues, when what they actually want is to live like horses.It's a candid, good-faith conversation about what needs to change in horse racing, and why Alex believes education, not blame, is what will change it. She points to yards proving that better welfare and real success go together, and explains why she isn't calling for a ban, but won't rule one out either.Alex Fleming got into racing after a trip to Cheltenham for her 18th birthday. She trained at the British Racing College, worked in racing yards and freelanced riding out, and now retrains and rehomes ex-racehorses. Her Facebook post calling for an overhaul of the sport went viral after the 2026 Grand National.In this episode:– Why the deaths on race day aren't horse racing's biggest welfare problem– What daily life is really like for a racehorse: turnout, forage and stomach ulcers– Why nearly every ex-racehorse comes home with ulcers, and what that tells us– How breeding for speed has raised the risk of injury– What happens to thoroughbreds when their racing days end– Why educating the owners who fund racing might be what finally changes itA note on this conversation: Alex speaks from her own experience and opinion, and deliberately does not name the yards she refers to. This is a public-interest discussion of horse welfare, not a criticism of any particular yard or individual, and it is general discussion rather than veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your own horse, speak to your vet.Join our free newsletter, The Inquisitive Herd, for the listener Q&A with Alex that carries on after the cameras stop, plus producer Theresa's take.Find Alex Fleming on Facebook (Alex Fleming) and at coaching4confidence.co.uk | |||
| Bullied and Burnt Out: The Hidden Truth About Being a Horse Groom, with Lucy Katan MBE | 11 juin 2026 | 01:00:26 | |
Lucy Katan MBE spent more than eight years as a horse groom, including time at the top of international dressage. She loved the horses, but she was also bullied on the yard and, after a dangerous 24-hour drive home from the 2002 World Equestrian Games, decided enough was enough. She wrote one letter to the British Equestrian Federation, and it became the British Grooms Association. In this episode, Anna Louise and Lucy talk honestly about why so many grooms struggle: illegal hours, pay below the minimum wage, bullying that gets excused as "just the way it is with horses", and the 2017 survey in which 83% of grooms reported poor mental health and more than 70% reported bullying at work. Lucy also shares practical advice for anyone in a difficult yard, and where to find help. An honest conversation about welfare, work and worth in the equestrian industry. Find help and support:British Grooms Association: https://britishgrooms.org.ukGrooms Minds: https://britishgrooms.org.uk/member-services/grooms-minds/grooms-mindsEquestrian Employers Association: https://equestrianemployers.org.ukRiders Minds, 24/7 helpline: https://ridersminds.org | |||
| Why This Equestrian Refuses to Show Her Face | 03 juin 2026 | 00:55:13 | |
What does it mean to fight for horse welfare when being visible would cost you your livelihood? Riverstown Farm Stables — an anonymous Irish equestrian with over 37,000 followers and no public face (we've altered her voice to protect her identity) — joins Anna Louise at Curious Equestrian to talk honestly about the equine welfare conversations the industry keeps sweeping under the carpet. Drawing on years of working in professional yards across Europe, Riverstown argues that the equestrian world is still hiding from some basic truths: about turnout, about where horses end up when we sell them, and about what it actually takes to put the horse before the sport, the tradition, or the convenience. In this episode:→ Why a welfare campaigner with 37,000 followers chooses to stay anonymous→ What working at a stallion station in Germany taught Riverstown about horses living behind bars with no turnout and no social contact→ Why paddock gardens are a genuine step forward — but can also be abused to replace real turnout→ The uncomfortable reality of horse slaughter in the UK and Ireland, and the passport loopholes that make it invisible→ Why horses still don't have the same traceability system as cattle — and what it would take to change that→ What the bitless dressage movement signals about where equestrian sport could be heading→ How traditional farming families are starting to question practices they have accepted for generations About Riverstown Farm StablesAn anonymous welfare-first Facebook page with over 37,000 followers. Based in rural Ireland, the person behind the page is a riding instructor and equine welfare advocate who created the page to give horse people a space for honest, unfiltered discussion without the politics of personal identity.www.facebook.com/RiverstownStablesNorthTipp About Curious EquestrianA horse-first podcast about welfare, behaviour, and the messy realities of ownership. Subscribe to the free newsletter for after-hours Q&As and bonus content: www.curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| What Happens When a Horse Stops Being Useful? | 20 mai 2026 | 00:38:36 | |
👇 INSIDE THE EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:• Theresa Demarest's 5-year journey making the film and why she centered the horses' perspectives.• Katherine Gregory (CEO of Colorado Horse Rescue) on the hidden realities of the rescue economy.• The truth about "kill pens" and why buying horses from them often funds the next truckload.• Why there is currently no minimum standard of care for horses in the US. Note: Throwaway Horses won two Winnie Awards at the 2025 Equus Film and Arts Festival, including Best Director. 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Watch the film / Book a screening: https://www.throwawayhorses.com (Streaming on Amazon Prime US & Vimeo worldwide)• Colorado Horse Rescue: https://chr.org 📣 JOIN THE HERD:Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter for horse owners who have started questioning the received wisdom: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| People Think Running a Horse Sanctuary Is a Dream. Here's the Reality | 15 mai 2026 | 00:46:40 | |
"People have this romantic idea of animal rescue. It's not like that at all." Billy Thompson has been jailed, physically attacked and throttled unconscious saving animals. He'd do it again tomorrow. This is what running a horse rescue sanctuary actually looks like. At The Retreat Animal Sanctuary, over 30 horses, donkeys and more have each arrived broken in some way — dumped in fields, abandoned on village greens, rescued from roundups. Anna Louise spends a day with Billy and trustee Lil to find out what it really takes: financially, emotionally, and physically.
This animal rescue documentary doesn't shy away from the difficult parts. Some horses don't make it. Some names Billy still can't say out loud. But the majority do recover — and that, he says, is what makes it possible to keep going. Learn more about the work of The Retreat Animal Sanctuary: https://www.retreatanimalrescue.org.uk/ | |||
| The riding school offering free lessons | 29 avr. 2026 | 00:51:05 | |
Horse riding has a cost problem the industry rarely addresses directly. Lessons most families can't afford. Schools closing at a rate that suggests something structural is breaking down. A sport quietly narrowing its own audience. Chloe is doing something the industry says isn't viable: offering riding lessons for free, funded by a social media following and a community that believes access matters. This episode is about how she built it, what it actually costs to run, and whether a free lessons model can survive long term. Anna Louise asks the questions that often get avoided: who is horse riding actually for? And if the traditional riding school model keeps failing, what comes next? Chloe is honest about the financial reality, clear-eyed about the pressures of daily content creation, and not interested in making it sound simpler than it is. 📧: info.chloeincornwall@gmail.comwww.paypal.me/Chloeincornwall
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| Hay Prices Have Doubled. Here's What's Really Happening | 17 avr. 2026 | 00:38:47 | |
Hay prices have doubled. Some suppliers have nothing left. If you're a horse owner right now, this episode could save you time, money, and a lot of sleepless nights.Anna-Louise sits down with Nick from NP Nunn — a major hay, bedding, and feed supplier to stud farms and racing yards across the UK — to get an honest, ground-level view of the 2026 hay shortage crisis. Nick explains exactly why the shortage happened, how he's adapted his business to keep horses fed, and what horse owners can expect for the rest of the season.https://npnunn.co.uk/In this episode:Why the UK hay shortage started last June — and why it's still getting worse.How suppliers like NP Nunn are now importing hay from France, Belgium, Ireland and Scotland.The hidden nightmare of customs: one lorry held for 28 hours with correct paperwork.Why prices have doubled — and the extra 10% fuel surcharge now hitting buyers.The difference between French "crow hay" and UK meadow hay — and whether it's safe for your horse.What Nick predicts for the new hay crop and when supply might ease.How the war in the Middle East is affecting the wider equine supply chain.Whether you're a livery yard owner, a private horse keeper, or just trying to keep your horses fed this spring — this one is essential listening.🕒 Support the podcast: Shop our merch and browse our bookshop (links below)The Curious Equestrian challenges conventional wisdom in the horse world. We interview researchers, vets, and evidence-based trainers to ask uncomfortable questions about how we care for and train horses.🔔 New episodes every two weeksSubscribe to our newsletter: www.curiousequestrian.co.ukBook shop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrianMerch: https://curiousequestrian.teemill.com/ | |||
| See Your Horse, Not Your Idea of Your Horse | Kate Sandel | 06 avr. 2026 | 01:13:13 | |
Horse trainer and author Kate Sandel invites you to rethink what it really means for a horse to be well – in body and in mind. If your horse isn’t mentally with you, she argues, you’re not truly training together, you’re just doing things to them. In this conversation, we explore how to see the horse in front of you more clearly, soften your expectations, and build a partnership that feels good for both of you. Drawing on French classical riding, horsemanship, and bodywork, Kate shares practical ways to centre the horse’s experience in everyday training choices.
Kate is a UK‑based horsemanship teacher, French classical riding practitioner (École de Légèreté trainee), equine sports massage therapist, and author of Riding In Release. From her base on Dartmoor, she runs Soft & Sound, offering lessons, clinics, and online support for more ethical horse–human partnerships. Links and resources
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| Caring for the Older Horse | 22 mars 2026 | 00:25:17 | |
Do you care for a senior horse and want to ensure they are happy and healthy? Then you won't want to miss this episode written and narrated by Sue Palmer. Sue is an experienced equestrian physiotherapist with over 25 years in the industry. Sue has worked with inspiring owners and professionals during her career, and she's here to share her insights and expertise on caring for older horses. Sue's Free Horse Massage Mini MasterclassThe Inquisitive Herd — free newsletterEvery episode includes an after-hours conversation available only to subscribers. Subscribe free at www.curiousequestrian.co.ukBooks written by Sue PlamerHorse Massage for Horse Owners — Sue Palmer Harmonious Horsemanship — Sue Palmer and Sue Dyson Browse our bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian | |||
| Horse Massage: What a Physiotherapist Actually Wants You to Know | 22 mars 2026 | 00:47:34 | |
Sue Palmer is a chartered physiotherapist who works with horses and riders every day. Her mission, which she has given herself until 2030 to achieve, is straightforward: she wants every equestrian to understand that pain and behaviour in horses are linked. That when a horse is called naughty, difficult, or lazy, the first question should be whether that horse is in pain. In this episode, Anna Louise sits down with Sue to talk through what horse massage means in practice - not as a luxury, but as a tool for listening. Free Horse Massage Mini Masterclassthehorsephysio.co.uk The Inquisitive Herd — free newsletter Every episode includes an after-hours conversation available only to subscribers. Subscribe free B ooks mentioned in this episode Horse Massage for Horse Owners — Sue PalmerHarmonious Horsemanship — Sue Palmer and Sue Dyson Browse our bookshop: | |||
| Does Kinesiology Tape Work for Horses? | 05 mars 2026 | 01:06:05 | |
A $13 roll of tape is showing up in equine rehabilitation yards. The question is whether the claims stand up. Rebecca Haddock has spent 30 years working at the edges of equine therapy. In this episode, she explains how kinesiology taping works in horses, why the equine version is built entirely differently from human tape, and how she's simplified the technique so that any horse owner can learn it. We also ask why she threw out the rulebook on who can access this training. Learn more about Rebecca's work at equitecs.com ***If this episode made you curious, the newsletter is where we pick the conversation back up. The questions we saved until the recording light went off. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime. 👇www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/p/384842a6-5d1f-475f-975d-8d675909007a*** Learn more about Rebecca's work: Website: https://www.equitecs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equi_tecs/https://www.facebook.com/EquiTape **** Support the podcast: Shop our merch and browse our bookshop (links below)Subscribe to our newsletter: www.curiousequestrian.co.ukBook shop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian Merch: https://curiousequestrian.teemill.com/ The views expressed are those of the guest. Nothing in this conversation constitutes veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified vet for the diagnosis and treatment of your horse. | |||
| Wild Horse Behavior: What 20 Years of Research Reveals About Domestic Horses | 17 févr. 2026 | 01:05:21 | |
Bonny Mealand - Equine Podiatrist, Touching Wild Academy In this episode: Bonny Mealand has spent 20 years studying wild horses, she talks about how horses' entire lives revolve around social relationships, and how watching wild horses changes the way we advocate for domestic horses.Key topics:- Why social relationships are horses' primary need (not hierarchy or survival)- The two-year commitment: not riding until her mare genuinely agreed- How wild horse behavior reveals what we're missing in domestic horse careGuest contact & resources:Intro Video Credit: Lizzie MacKenzie, Of The Wild - visit the Touching Wild Academy to watch in full. Intro Photo Credits: Jean Sinclair. Takhi in Mongolia Photo Credit Nancy Clarke.Support the podcast: Curious Equestrian challenges conventional wisdom in the horse world. We interview researchers, vets, and evidence-based trainers to ask uncomfortable questions about how we care for and train horses.🔔 New episodes every two weeksSubscribe to our newsletterBook shopMerch Additional Resources mentioned in this episode:Horses in Company by Lucy ReesHorses in Our Hands5 Domains of Horse Welfare | |||
| The Complete Winter Feeding Masterclass | 29 janv. 2026 | 00:56:33 | |
This is your comprehensive "Winter Survival Guide." In this deep-dive, Independent Equine Nutritionist Clare MacLeod (MSc) joins us to cover virtually every aspect of managing your horse through the colder months. From the anxiety of the Hay Crisis to the confusion around rugging and fasting windows, we leave no stone unturned. Clare provides the science-backed protocols you need to prevent colic, manage mud, and keep both "Good Doers" and "Hard Keepers" healthy until spring. In This Extensive Guide, We Cover:
Guest Resources:
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| The native ponies we could lose | 21 janv. 2026 | 00:58:16 | |
We often think of the Shire horse as a staple of the county show. Huge, gentle, and safe. We assume they are doing fine. The data tells a different story. In this episode, Anna Louise sits down with Tracy Wathen-Jones from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST). We move past the nostalgia of the heavy horse to face the biological reality: we are losing our native breeds. We discuss:
This is not just a history lesson. It is a conversation about whether the horse has a future if it doesn't have a job. Special thanks to the following photographers and societies for the images used in the video intro: Jennifer Feleris, John Green, Katrina Bell, Frances Ellis, Louise Blundell, Deborah White, El Dunlop, David Stewart, and the Eriskay Pony Breed Society.Learn more about our UK Native Horse Breeds on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust website: https://www.rbst.org.uk/pages/category/equine-watchlist The Inquisitive Herd (Membership):The conversation continued after the mics cut off. Members can listen to the After-Hours Tapes, where Tracy shares the specific reality of funding these projects and the "messy" truth of breed societies. | |||
| Horse Riding Accidents: A Paramedic’s Guide to Safe Hacking | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:56:34 | |
Have you ever thought through exactly what would happen if you fell off your horse while hacking? We often plan our routes, but do we have a plan for when it all goes wrong? In this vital episode of Curious Equestrian, we are joined by Mike Elkins, Lead Driving Education Manager at South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. Mike is the driving force behind Project Pacer, a campaign dedicated to reducing road incidents involving horses and improving rider safety awareness. Mike bridges the gap between the equestrian world and the emergency services, sharing eye-opening statistics and life-saving advice that every horse owner needs to hear. In this episode, we discuss:
Whether you hack on busy roads or remote bridleways, this conversation will leave you better equipped, better prepared, and potentially ready to save a life. Links & Resources:
Disclaimer: This episode discusses medical trauma and road accidents. Please listen with care. | |||
| Give Them Choice. Why Track Systems Are The Future. | 26 déc. 2025 | 01:16:01 | |
We like to think that when our horse whinnies at us over the stable door, it's love. But what if it's actually desperation? In this interview, I’m talking to Lauren from Graveney Equine about why Track Systems (Paddock Paradise) are the future of horse care. We dig into the hard truth that haunts many owners: when you give a horse true autonomy on a track, they stop "needing" you in the same way. And for many of us, that triggers a massive identity crisis. Lauren also shares how she started her first track system for just £300 (approx $380 USD) and how it healed hoof issues that traditional farriery couldn't touch. If you are struggling with mud, laminitis, or just feel like traditional boarding/livery is failing your horse, this conversation is the alternative you’ve been looking for. In this video, we explore:
nrwN4iftUQFviJqEAZCQ Featured Guest: Lauren from Graveney Equine (Founder of the Horse Track System FB Group) Resources Mentioned: https://www.facebook.com/graveneyequinenaturaltrack/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/808480805889892?locale=en_GB #HorseTrackSystem #PaddockParadise #NaturalHorseCare #EquineWelfare #BarefootHorses | |||
| Feeding 20 Horses Through the Hay Shortage: Track System Owner Shares Strategies | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:41:29 | |
The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. And for livery yard owners like Lauren Johnson, the reality became terrifying when her hay supplier called to say the field was on fire. This is Day Three of our three-day Hay Crisis Special. Meet Lauren Johnson—Faversham, Kent. Livery Yard of the Year 2024. Lauren runs Graveney Equine Horse Track System, a specialist livery designed to mimic how horses naturally live and eat. Her 20 horses rely almost entirely on hay distributed around the track—there's no grass safety net. When her regular hay supplier called to say the field had caught fire due to extreme heat and drought, Lauren's yearly hay bill jumped by £3,000. A field that normally yielded 500 large bales produced just 80. She scrambled to secure supply from a backup contractor she'd only just started talking to—pure luck that saved her season. 📌 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: The Phone Call: "The field is on fire." Lauren describes the panic of being told her hay supply literally went up in flames due to machinery sparks in bone-dry grass during the hottest summer on record. The £3,000 Increase: Lauren's hay bill jumped from £11,000-12,000 to over £15,000 for slightly less hay. She had no choice but to pass costs onto livery clients—who are already stretched thin by the cost of living crisis. Practical Strategies for Horse Owners: Lauren shares her community's survival plan: slow feeder nets to reduce waste, mixing straw up to 50% (gradually), using chaff and hay replacers, storing hay properly with specialist tarps, switching to haylage (with gut health warnings), and utilizing standing hay on pasture for horses that can tolerate it. The Gut Health Warning: Lauren explains why switching between hay and haylage can cause colic, laminitis, and hindgut acidosis—critical information many vets and feed merchants aren't sharing with desperate horse owners. The Livery Yard Crisis: Livery yards are closing across the UK. Land is being sold for housing. Yards are overstocking to survive financially. Winter turnout is disappearing under mud. And licensing requirements may eliminate the "cheap field rental" loophole many horse owners rely on. The Uncomfortable Future: Lauren predicts horse ownership is becoming elitist again—not by choice, but by economics. Fields that once rented for modest sums now command £500/month per acre. People are selling horses into a flooded market or making the heartbreaking decision to euthanize rather than risk unknown futures. And climate change means this isn't a one-off crisis—it's the new normal. This episode is raw, practical, and deeply informed. Lauren manages both sides of the equation: she's a livery yard owner and an arable farmer. She understands the pressures on hay suppliers, the financial impossibility facing yard owners, and the heartbreak of horse owners who can no longer afford the animals they committed to for life. RESOURCES: Graveney Equine on Facebook: Graveney EkwineHorse Track Systems Facebook Group (active community with hay crisis support) #HayCrisis #HorseWelfare #ClimateChange #HayShortage #TrackSystem #LiveryYard #CuriousEquestrian #Equestrian #HorseOwnership #UKHayCrisis | |||
| What Happens When We Run Out? The Harsh Reality of the UK Hay Shortage | 07 déc. 2025 | 00:35:47 | |
The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. Spring 2025 brought the driest conditions in 50 years for the UK, and England's driest spring in more than 100 years. Hay yields have dropped by 50-75% in some regions. Prices have doubled or tripled. And for horse owners like Katarina Marcus, the reality is stark: hand-grazing three horses in the dark with a head torch just to keep them fed. This is Day Two of our three-day Hay Crisis Special. Yesterday, we heard from the British Horse Society about expert strategies to reduce waste and stretch your supply. Today, we're hearing the lived reality from someone on the ground. Meet Katarina Marcus—Brighton, Sussex. Kat saw this crisis coming in July. She sectioned off winter grazing early, started hand-grazing her horses on the South Downs, and began rationing hard feed to compensate for hay she knew wouldn't arrive. Her hay prices have jumped from £5 to £7.50 per small bale—and she expects it to rise again. Her 5-foot round bales went from £35 to £50, soon to be £60. But the financial strain is only part of the story. Kat is also an author you can find her collection of novels here: https://www.katharinamarcus.com/ 📌 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: The Daily Reality: Kat gets up an hour earlier than usual to hand-graze her horses before work. In winter, she'll be out in the pitch black with a head torch because she's stopped riding entirely to focus on keeping them fed. The Herd Dynamic Crisis: Kat lost one of her four horses to colic in January. She's been looking for a fourth all summer to ease the "terrible number three" dynamic—but her Shetland budget is now her hay budget. The two mares are fighting. The older one, a grass sickness survivor, is losing condition. The Livery Yard Lifeline: Kat's yard has banded together to feed "little and often" throughout the day, with different owners coming at different times to give small portions. It's a beautiful example of community—but not everyone has that. The Career Sacrifice: This isn't Kat's first hay crisis. The last one forced her to leave her career as a freelance horse trainer and instructor because clients couldn't afford lessons. . The Uncomfortable Truth: Kat predicts we will run out of hay. Not just expensive hay—no hay. And unlike the last crisis, we can't import from France (Brexit, and Europe is facing the same shortage). She fears for urban horse owners with no access to grazing. She fears for stabled horses. And she fears we'll see a flood of cheap horses on the market as people are forced to sell. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply human. It's about the trade-offs we don't talk about—careers, Christmas plans, riding time, herd dynamics, and the fear of what happens when the supply runs out. ABOUT CURIOUS EQUESTRIAN: We explore the questions horse owners are afraid to ask. From mental health to practical horse care, we bring you the experts. This episode is made possible by our Inquisitive Herd members. Join for bonus Q&As, behind-the-scenes planning calls, and a community of thoughtful horse people: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CuriousEquestrian #HayCrisis #HorseWelfare #ClimateChange #HayShortage #HorseCare #CuriousEquestrian #Equestrian #DIYLivery #HorseOwnership | |||
| UK Hay Crisis: Expert Strategies to Reduce Waste and Stretch Your Supply | 06 déc. 2025 | 01:00:05 | |
The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. Spring 2025 brought the driest conditions in 50 years for the UK, and England's driest spring in more than 100 years. Hay yields have dropped by 50-75% in some regions. Prices have doubled or tripled. Horse owners fed hay through summer when they'd normally rest their budgets. And climate change projections suggest this is the new reality. In this first episode of our three-day Hay Crisis Special, we sit down with Emeline Hannaley, Horse Care and Welfare Education Manager at the British Horse Society, for practical, actionable advice on how to manage your horses through this shortage without compromising their welfare or breaking the bank. 📌 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The Reality Check: How bad is the shortage really? Regional variations and what suppliers are experiencing on the ground. The Wastage Problem: Studies show 30% of hay fed to horses ends up on the muck heap. How to identify and eliminate waste in your feeding routine. Slow-Release Feeding: Hay nets, haybales, and other enrichment devices that extend eating time and reduce consumption (without frustrating your horse). Alternative Forages: Chaff, sugar beet, forage mashes, and even oat or barley straw—when to introduce them and how to do it safely. Weight Management Opportunity: Over 60% of horses the BHS assesses are overweight. This crisis is a chance to reassess your horse's diet and body condition. Storage Solutions: DIY weatherproofing, pallets, and maximizing small spaces when you don't have a barn. Financial Strategies: Payment plans, sharing delivery costs, and where to cut costs without compromising welfare. Climate Adaptation: What horse ownership might look like in five years and how we can prepare now. RESOURCES: British Horse Society Welfare Helpline: 02476 840517 Email: welfare@bhs.org.uk Hay crisis advice & cost-cutting tips: bhs.org.uk Free nutritionist helplines available through major feed companies ABOUT CURIOUS EQUESTRIAN: We explore the questions horse owners are afraid to ask. From mental health to practical horse care, we bring you the experts. #HayCrisis #HorseWelfare #ClimateChange #BHS #HorseCare #CuriousEquestrian #Equestrian #HayShortage #HorseNutrition | |||
| How Tiffany Learned to Speak: Equine Assisted Learning with Teal CIC | 19 nov. 2025 | 01:02:09 | |
When Lisa's daughter Tiffany was told she'd never walk or talk due to a rare chromosome disorder, horses proved the medical professionals wrong. Within a year at the yard, Tiffany spoke 100 words and could ride, though she still couldn't sit in a chair. That experience led Lucy and Lisa to found Teal CIC—now the UK's only ASDAN-accredited centre offering customized equine assisted learning courses. In this conversation, Lucy and Lisa explain why equine assisted learning succeeds where traditional approaches struggle. You'll discover the science behind how horses physically lower human heart rates, why their force-free training methods work with students who stim or use wheelchairs, and how young people who refuse maths in classrooms enthusiastically calculate feed ratios for horses. From rescue pony Sam's transformation to students now working in the equine industry, this is the story of how alternative education through horses creates pathways to success. Lucy retrained as a counselor with 30+ years in the equine industry. Lisa retrained as a cognitive behavioral therapist. Together they've run the multi-award-winning Teal CIC for 11 years, serving students aged 12-25 through alternative education and clients aged 2-85 through therapeutic sessions. Find Teal CIC:Website: www.tealcic.co.ukSocial: @teal.equine or @tealcic | |||
| When It's Time to Say Goodbye: Horse Euthanasia & Grief Support | 07 nov. 2025 | 00:54:29 | |
Losing a horse is one of life's most devastating experiences—yet it's often a loss society doesn't fully recognize. In this episode, we explore euthanasia options, what to expect, grieving, and where to find support when nobody around you understands. Sophie Cookson King from Blue Cross walks us through the difficult decisions horse owners face: When is it time? What are the methods? How do I prepare? And how do I cope with the grief afterwards? Topics covered:
Blue Cross Pet Loss Support:If you or someone you know is struggling with horse loss, Blue Cross offers free, confidential support:📞 Helpline: 0800 096 6606 (8:30 AM - 8:30 PM, 365 days/year)💬 Web Chat: bluecross.org.uk/pls📧 Email: plsmail@bluecross.org.uk This episode is for anyone facing the loss of a horse, considering euthanasia, grieving a beloved companion, or supporting someone through this journey. Your loss is real. You're not alone. | |||
| Bonfire Season is Here - What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:46:50 | |
In this episode, Ruth from Blue Cross breaks down everything you need to know about keeping your horse safe during firework season—from practical preparation to handling those tricky neighbor conversations.If fireworks stress you out, this episode is for you. Share your experiences in the comments—let's learn from each other. For more advice and resources, visit Blue Cross:https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/horse/horses-and-fireworks | |||
| Going Back to Basics to Become a Better Horse Person with Josie | 16 oct. 2025 | 01:02:48 | |
Horse trainer Josie joins us to explore why going back to basics isn't a step backward but a continuous spiral of deeper understanding. In this thoughtful conversation, we discuss how ego creates barriers to learning, why basics form the foundation even for Grand Prix movements, and how understanding the way horses learn transforms our approach to training. Josie shares her personal journey from authoritarian training to partnership, including honest reflections on having "obedient but dull horses" and learning to allow expression and joy. We explore the concept of horses as sentient beings rather than beasts of burden, the importance of reading body language, and why there truly are no shortcuts in good horsemanship. From her work with Willie the Cob to insights about learning theory and pressure and release, Josie emphasizes that returning to basics reveals new layers of understanding each time. We also touch on social media's impact on horsemanship, the historical context of training methods, and why balance - both physical and emotional - underlies everything. A conversation about humility, continuous learning, and making the world a better place for horses.Guest Bio — Josie Matthews is a professional horse trainer who breaks down horse training into simple, easy-to-understand steps, ensuring clarity and confidence for both riders and their horses.▶️ Watch More from Josie: / @basichorsetraining 📘 Free Training Guide: https://www.basichorsetraining.com/f/...🌐 Website: BasicHorseTraining.com | |||
| Why Slowing Down Might Be the Fastest Way to Train Your Horse | 25 sept. 2025 | 00:55:57 | |
What happens when you throw out everything you've been taught about horse training and try the complete opposite? Diana Waters went from traditional BHS instructor training to building a 22,000-member community around one radical idea: slowing down instead of pushing forward. In this episode, Diana reveals her "slow walk work" method that's quietly transforming how horse owners approach training, rehabilitation, and building genuine partnerships with their horses. Connect with Diana: Website: thepowerofwalk.com YouTube @responsiveequine5569 Facebook Group: Slow Walk Work (22,000+ members) | |||
| Is Your Horse Too Fat? A Vet's Guide To Weight Management | 18 sept. 2025 | 01:04:10 | |
Why is obesity one of the biggest killers of horses? In this eye-opening episode, veterinarian Katie reveals the shocking truth about equine obesity, with 40% of UK leisure horses classified as overweight. From practical solutions like grazing muzzles to track systems, discover how to spot weight issues and take action. Katie shares candid insights about client conversations, showing world influences, and why modern horse keeping poses unique challenges. Learn why this crisis could devastate our equine population if left unchecked, and get actionable tips for keeping your horse at a healthy weight. Essential listening for every horse owner who wants to ensure their equine partner's long-term health and happiness. 🐎 #HorseHealth #EquineObesity #VetAdvice #HorseManagement About Dr Katie KershawKatie is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine at Ryder-Davies & Partners Veterinary Practice. She joined the practice in 2012 after qualifying from Bristol Vet School, and has since developed extensive expertise in equine health, preventive care, and obesity management. Alongside her equine work, Katie also has a keen interest in small holdings, especially sheep and goats.🔗 Learn more: Ryder-Davies Equine Services | |||
| Why This Horseman Measures Experience in Horses, Not Years | 11 sept. 2025 | 01:08:43 | |
When Jonny Browne saw an advert for a "rider interpreter to joust at the Royal Armouries," he was curious. What he didn't expect was how this job would completely transform his understanding of horses and horsemanship. In this conversation, Johnny shares his journey to professional performer, working with everything from medieval armour and live gunfire to falcons and film sets. But the real story is how the horses themselves became his greatest teachers. We explore Jonny's unique approach to measuring expertise - not in years of experience, but in the number of horses you've worked with. His distinction between "accustoming" versus "desensitising" horses offers a fresh perspective on training, while his advice about putting a mirror in your tack room might change how you approach every session. From the cob who couldn't handle clanking armour to his work in equine-assisted psychotherapy, Jonny's stories reveal the deeper lessons horses offer about patience, listening, and honest self-reflection. Whether you're dealing with a "difficult" horse or simply want to deepen your partnership, this conversation will challenge how you think about horsemanship, learning, and what it really means to listen to what horses are telling us. Connect with Jonny: simplegoodhorsemanship.com | |||
| Classical vs Modern Dressage - Finding the Lost Connection | 27 août 2025 | 00:49:25 | |
Charlotte Dujardin’s return to competition has brought dressage back into the spotlight — but not without reigniting a vital debate: Can modern dressage truly be ethical? In this powerful conversation with classical trainer Jessica Kenyon, we explore the forgotten roots of dressage, the importance of harmony between horse and rider, and what it really means to train with compassion. Whether you're a lifelong equestrian or just discovering the beauty of classical methods, this episode will make you rethink what good training looks like. 🐎 Join the conversation on ethical dressage. Comment your thoughts below! 👉 Follow Jessica: | |||
| Heat Safety Secrets: What Elite Horse Professionals Know (That You Don't) | 21 août 2025 | 00:53:39 | |
Discover the cooling mistakes horse owners make without knowing it. Olympic groom and equine expert Emma Cornish reveals the professional secrets that could save your horse's life this summer. What You'll Learn:
Your Expert Guide:Emma Cornish is a multi-award-winning equine professional with over 30 years in the field, from Olympic grooming to veterinary rehab. She's the founder of Elite Equine Care, together with Helen Reynolds runs Ice Queens and is an ambassador for Gower Granary, who offer sustainable bedding and forage solutions trusted across the UK. Perfect for recreational riders, competitors, and barn managers dealing with rising temperatures. Key Topics: Horse cooling, heat safety, equine care, summer horse management, professional techniques | |||
| What If Your Horse Is Hiding Trauma? The Truth Behind the Calm | 31 juil. 2025 | 01:04:05 | |
What if your horse is carrying invisible wounds and hiding trauma? In this emotional journey, we explore horse trauma healing through the eyes and hands of Hannah Jones, founder of Saber Holistics. Discover how she uses Reiki, essential oils, and deep intuition to help horses release emotional trauma and rebuild trust with humans. This isn't just therapy — it's transformation.Whether you're a horse lover, healer, or simply curious about the mind-body-spirit connection in animals, this video will open your heart and your eyes.About Hannah Jones – Founder of Saber HolisticsHannah Jones is a Reiki Master, equine therapist, and certified Masterson Method practitioner who has helped hundreds of horses heal from trauma. Her unique holistic approach blends energy work, bodywork, saddle fitting, and biomechanics — inspired by Celtic philosophy and her own journey of healing alongside her horse, Phoenix.#HorseHealing #ReikiForHorses #HorseTrauma #EquineCare #HolisticHealing Want ad‑free, early episodes + bonus 15 min deep dives? Subscribe here 00:00 - Introduction: What Trauma Looks Like in Horses 01:12 - Meet Hannah Jones & Saber Holistics 02:45 - What Is Horse Trauma? 04:08 - Signs Your Horse May Be Hiding Pain 06:22 - Hannah’s Holistic Healing Journey 08:01 - The Story of Phoenix: Healing Together 10:10 - Reiki, Essential Oils & Energy Work Explained 12:43 - Building Trust Through Connection 14:15 - How Trauma Manifests in the Horse's Body 16:33 - Real Transformations: Horses Hannah Has Helped 18:47 - Understanding Biomechanics & Body Tension 20:18 - Saddle Fit & Physical Healing 22:10 - Why the Celtic Horse Philosophy Inspires Hannah 24:06 - Final Thoughts: Honoring the Whole Horse 25:30 - Learn More About Sabre Holistics | |||
| What We Can Learn from Wild Horse Behavior for Our Domestic Horses | 24 juil. 2025 | 01:02:06 | |
Join us on a journey into the world of free-living horses. Learning Wild founders Bonny Mealand and Dr Emily Kieson reveal the nuanced behaviour of equines in their natural habitat. Learn more about our guests Bonny and Emily Learning Wild: https://www.touchingwild.com/copy-of-about-bonny Filmed on location at Wicken Fen watch the video here: https://youtu.be/UI7iV5-hwi8 | |||
| The Heartbreaking Truth About Arizona's Wild Horses and Their Family Bonds | 17 juil. 2025 | 01:01:17 | |
America's wild horses may disappear in our lifetime, and photographer Susan Goudge is documenting what could be their final chapter. Susan Goudge is a retired school teacher who discovered wild horses by accident 10 years ago—and now she's witnessing their systematic removal from American landscapes. With no traditional equestrian background, she brings an urgent, outsider perspective to a crisis most people don't even know exists: government roundups that will put more wild horses in holding facilities than remain free by year's end. Follow her wild horse photography and conservation storiesInstagram: @swgoudge | |||
| Healing a Traumatized Mare: How Nervous System Work Transformed Fear into Partnership with Nicky Sharp | 11 juil. 2025 | 01:01:53 | |
Is your horse reactive, defensive, or shutting down? Nicky Sharp reveals how healing her own anxiety and nervous system transformed her relationship with Jessie, a traumatized mare who reared, bit, and defended herself "at all costs." When Nicky bought what she thought was a "safe" hacking horse, she brought home a shut-down mare with deep trauma. While battling her own work-related stress and anxiety, everyone told her she'd made a terrible mistake. Instead of selling Jessie, Nicky made a crucial discovery: she needed to heal her own nervous system first. In this episode, you'll learn:
The breakthrough moment: When Nicky stopped trying to train skills and started building relationship, everything changed. Seven years later, Jessie greets her with daily whinnies, they hack out solo, and even compete in dressage - all achieved through connection rather than control. Nicky also shares practical advice for overwhelmed horse owners: the 7 foundations for nervous system regulation, how to start with just one minute of daily meditation, and why buying a £10 alarm clock changed her entire relationship with sleep and stress. This isn't just about horse training - it's about becoming the calm, consistent leader your horse needs by first healing yourself. Find Nicky on:
Resources mentioned:
www.curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| The Hidden Damage of Poor Saddle Fitting: Expert Insights from Certified Fitter Jennifer Howland-Christensen | 05 juil. 2025 | 01:07:15 | |
Is your saddle silently damaging your horse? Certified saddle fitter Jennifer Howland-Christensen reveals the three critical fitting mistakes that 80% of riders make unknowingly. Discover the subtle signs of poor saddle fit that most people miss, why expensive doesn't mean better fitting, and the simple assessment you can do yourself before calling a professional. Plus: Jennifer shares her controversial take on why some popular saddle brands consistently cause problems. What you'll learn:
About the expert: Jennifer Howland-Christensen is a certified saddle fitter with over 15 years of experience helping riders solve chronic training and behavior issues through proper tack fitting. Watch the members Q&A with Jen: Q&A with certified saddle fitter Jennifer Howland-Christensen. | |||
| Why You Should NEVER Feed a Stranger’s Horse! | 26 juin 2025 | 00:53:51 | |
HS Award-winning campaigner Natalie Munir reveals how strangers feeding your horses could kill them—and the defense strategies that actually work. Natalie Munir is the founder of the Stop Feeding Our Horses campaign and BHS Equine Welfare Award winner who has documented thousands of dangerous public feeding incidents worldwide. What started as lockdown frustration became a global movement when she discovered the shocking scale of horses being secretly fed by strangers—with devastating consequences. This conversation exposes the hidden crisis every horse owner faces but rarely discusses. Natalie shares heartbreaking stories of horses lost to "harmless" treats, explains why our industry's reputation works against us when confronting feeders, and reveals the defense strategies that actually protect our horses. You'll discover why signs don't work, how feeding incidents bankrupt owners, and the psychological approach that stops determined feeders. Whether you've found mysterious treats in your field, confronted trespassers, or live in constant fear of strangers harming your horses, this conversation provides the understanding and practical tools to protect your animals and join a movement that's saving lives. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Meet Natalie Munir - Stop Feeding Our Horses Campaign Founder 05:20 The Lockdown Crisis That Sparked a Movement 12:45 Lightning's Story: When "Kindness" Kills 18:30 Why Horse Owners Are Losing Land and Giving Up 25:15 The Defense Strategies That Actually Work 32:40 How Our Industry Reputation Makes Things Worse 38:20 Your Action Plan: Protecting Your Horses Today CONNECT WITH THE CAMPAIGN: Stop Feeding Our Horses Website: www.StopFeedingOurHorses.co.uk Public Facebook Group: Stop Feeding Our Horses Instagram: @Stop_Feeding_Our_Horses Twitter: @HorsesStop What's your worst public feeding experience? How do you protect your horses from well-meaning strangers? Share your stories below—your solutions might save someone else's horse. #publicfeeding #equinewelfare #horsesafety #horseowners #CuriousEquestrian ABOUT CURIOUS EQUESTRIAN: We sit down with leading trainers, behaviourists, equine experts, and extraordinary equestrians pushing boundaries and putting the horse first. 🖥 Expert Articles & Analysis: Subscribe to our newsletter for ad-free access to an in-depth analysis of each episode. For 48 hours after each release, you'll get a pure, ad-free content experience. | |||
| What Makes a Horseman a Great Leader? | 12 juin 2025 | 01:02:41 | |
What separates a great horseman from average riders? Ben Longwell reveals the 3 core leadership principles that transform horse-human partnerships. Learn why being "nice" to your horse might be hurting your relationship, how to rebuild confidence through groundwork, and the authentic leadership approach that creates willing partners, not just compliant horses. Ben shares decades of ranch wisdom and vaquero traditions that work for any discipline - from his journey as a shy ranch kid to mentoring riders worldwide. ✅ Get clear on consistent communication✅ Understand the difference between nice vs kind leadership✅ Build confidence from the ground up✅ Apply time-tested principles that actually work Perfect for riders struggling with confidence, leadership, or seeking deeper partnerships with their horses.#horseman #horsetraining #horsemanship #leadershipImages: Natalie Longwell, Giles Pike, Jon Longwell, and Nick Grant.00:00 Introduction: From Ranch Kid to Global Mentor04:36 The Pivotal Mentorship Moment That Changed Everything13:33 Overcoming Fear: Shy Kid to Confident Public Speaker21:29 The Bridle Horse Tradition: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Riders40:40 The Human Challenge: Working with People vs Horses50:26 Rebuilding Confidence After Horse Trauma57:38 Leadership Secrets: Consistency, Clarity & Empathy1:00:43 How to Connect with Ben & True West Horsemanship🖥 Visit our website for expert articles & exclusive tips: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| The Art of Connecting With Your Horse | 29 mai 2025 | 01:02:34 | |
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jack and Paula Curtis, founders of Art of the Horseman, who have dedicated over 30 years to cultivating meaningful connections between horses and their people. Since 1994, this dynamic duo has been transforming riders and horses through their heart-centered approach to horsemanship.Connect with Jack & Paula Curtis:🎟️ Online Horse Fair Free Tickets: https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@ArtOfTheHorseman🌐 Online Programs: https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/🖥 Visit our website for expert articles & exclusive tips: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| I Was Crushed by My Horse & Told I'd Never Walk Again | Aisling Byrne's Comeback | 16 mai 2025 | 01:06:06 | |
When a horse reared up and crushed Aisling Byrne in a freak accident, doctors delivered a devastating verdict: she would never walk again, let alone ride. With a shattered pelvis, broken hips, and severe spinal damage, even survival seemed uncertain. Yet through extraordinary determination, Aisling not only learned to walk again but defied all medical expectations to return to international show jumping competition. In this powerful conversation, she shares her remarkable journey from hospital bed to competition ring, revealing how she developed new ways to communicate with her horses despite permanent physical limitations. Discover the mindset that carried her through years of grueling rehabilitation, the moment she first sat on a horse again, and why she believes her accident gave her a deeper connection with her equine partners. An unforgettable story of resilience that proves limitations are often just perceptions waiting to be overcome.Connect with Aisling:Follow her journey on Instagram: @aislingbyrne1TikTok: @ashbur1🖥 Visit our website for expert articles & exclusive tips: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk🛒 Curious Equestrian Merch – Show your love for horses in style: https://shop.curiousequestrian.co.uk✨ Subscribe for weekly horse care, training, and riding insights: https://www.youtube.com/@curiousequestrian?sub_confirmation=1🐎 Join the herd: Unlock deep dives, early access & exclusive community content: https://www.youtube.com/@curiousequestrian/membership💬 Got thoughts or questions? Comment below — we love hearing from you! | |||
| The Horse Owner's Guide to Professional Sheath Cleaning | 03 mai 2025 | 01:03:57 | |
The Taboo Topic Every Horse Owner Needs to Hear: Professional Sheath Cleaning In this eye-opening episode, Allie MacLeod of The Horsebox Spa reveals why professional sheath cleaning is a critical yet overlooked aspect of equine care. Discover how common behavioral issues like bucking, tail rubbing, and tenseness might actually be signs your horse needs hygiene attention. Ali explains the dangers of DIY approaches, shares warning signs your horse is uncomfortable, and discusses how proper technique can transform your horse's comfort and performance. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or new to horse ownership, this frank conversation cuts through the embarrassment and misinformation to deliver practical advice that could change your horse's life. 🐴 Topics covered:
Listen now to discover the essential care service many horse owners overlook - and why it matters more than you think. #HorseHealth #EquineCare #ProfessionalSheathCleaning #HorseWelfare | |||
| Your Horse Trainer is Wrong About Treats | 25 avr. 2025 | 01:03:52 | |
Training Horses with Kindness with Sandra Poppema @SandraHippoLogicIn our latest episode, we speak with Sandra Poppema, founder of HippoLogic and creator of The Confident Clicker Trainer method. Sandra shares her journey from traditional training to positive reinforcement, revealing how this shift transformed not just her training methods but her entire relationship with horses.👉🏻 Special Offer for Our Listeners!Sandra has generously provided a FREE Clicker Training Assessment for all Curious Equestrian listeners! During this personal 1:1 session, you'll discover your training strengths and weaknesses, helping you identify your next steps for improvement.Book your free assessment here: https://tidycal.com/hippologic/curious-equestrian | |||
| From Riding School to Horse Haven: How One Couple Transformed Equestrian Education | 18 avr. 2025 | 01:01:34 | |
When Tam and Ants Bennett took over a traditional North Devon riding school, they discovered horses that were fearful and shut down. Instead of continuing business as usual, they made the bold decision to close their doors temporarily and reimagine what equestrian education could be.In this episode of The Curious Equestrian, we discover how this couple transformed a conventional riding stables into a Horse Connection haven where the relationship between humans and horses takes priority over riding objectives. Join host Anna Louise as she explores Collacott Farm and uncovers why slowing down and being present with your horse might be more transformative than you think.Visit collacott.co.uk to learn about their holiday cottages and Horse Connection experiences in North Devon.https://www.collacott.uk/horse-connec...#HorseConnection #EquineTherapy #NaturalHorsemanship #HorseHuman #DevonHorses #HorseRehabilitation #MindfulRiding #EquineEducation #CuriousEquestrian #horsetraining 🖥 Visit the Curious Equestrian website to explore expert articles, exclusive training tips, and much more: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| Natural Hoof Care: What Wild Horses Can Teach Us About Healthy Hooves | 03 avr. 2025 | 01:05:57 | |
Are your horse's hooves truly healthy? In this eye-opening interview, natural hoof care expert Louise Backholler reveals what a healthy hoof really looks like and why so many domestic horses struggle with hoof issues. Louise shares what healthy hooves actually look like and the warning signs to watch for, how the wild horse model can transform domestic horse management, and why movement matters more than genetics for hoof health. She offers simple ways to improve your horse's environment without extensive land and explains how subclinical laminitis affects more horses than most realize. "A healthy hoof is first and foremost a hoof without an iron shoe nailed to it," says Louise, founder of Rebel Horse Care. Discover how natural hoof care goes beyond trimming to fundamentally improve your horse's overall wellbeing.Follow Louise:Website: https://rebelhorsecare.euInstagram & Facebook: @RebelHorseCare🖥 Visit the Curious Equestrian website to explore expert articles, exclusive training tips, and much more: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk | |||
| Why Your Horse Needs Mental Stimulation as Much as Physical Exercise | 26 mars 2025 | 00:59:52 | |
Are traditional horse training methods missing something vital? Discover how incorporating play into your horsemanship can transform your horse's learning ability and deepen your connection.Horse trainer Gabi Neurohr shares how simple games can build connection, solve behaviour problems, and develop your horse's personality through natural horsemanship principles. Enter for a chance to win Gabi's 'Whatever the Weather' online course: https://kingsumo.com/g/1vjg6z1/whatever-the-weather-courseLearn more about our Guest: https://www.gabineurohr.com/ | |||
| Miniature Horses as Athletes: From Rescue to Adventure Races | 19 mars 2025 | 01:05:04 | |
Meet the rescue miniature horses transforming into adventure athletes in New Zealand! Chloe and Debbie have rescued over 40 neglected minis, rehabilitating them from severe health issues to become incredible endurance racers. Watch how these tiny horses tackle 100km races with more heart than horses twice their size! From tied to trees and painful laminitis to crossing mountains alongside human partners, these pocket-sized powerhouses are changing perceptions worldwide. 🐴 #MiniHorses #AnimalRescue #adventureracing Learn more about Born to Run Adventure Racing: https://www.borntorunadventureracing.... | |||