Explore every episode of the podcast Horse Person

This episode is sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Get 15% off by using this URL: www.hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson

Have you ever left the barn wondering whether you're riding well enough to justify everything you put into it? Today, Caroline sits down with clinical and performance psychologist Dr. Darby Bonomi to explore how that pressure takes hold and how we can begin to loosen its grip.

A competitive equestrian herself and the author of Unshrinkable, Darby understands the complicated relationship between loving horses, wanting to improve, and making your last ride a referendum on your worth.

Explore her book:
Unshrinkable: Why Strong Women Secretly Criticize, Diminish, and Thwart Themselves—and How to Stop

The Middle Aged Rider Series is proudly supported by our title sponsor, Kalio Equestrian Skincare. Use code HORSEPERSON15 for 15% off your order sitewide.

"Sit up." "Heels down." "Shoulders back." Most of us have heard these instructions hundreds of times, but hearing what your body should do isn't the same as learning how to do it, and sometimes we're actually fighting our own anatomy and actually making ourselves LESS stable in the saddle. 

In this installment of our Middle Aged Rider Series, Caroline and Beth talk with Solange Ellis, founder of Stable Riding, whose guiding philosophy is simple: ride more, fall off less. Drawing on her background in dressage, starting horses, and teaching riders with a wide range of bodies and experiences, Solange challenges the idea that there is one correct position for everyone. She makes the case that, for some riders, rebuilding confidence starts with addressing physical instability.

We explore how a rider's proportions, saddle fit, and stirrup length can shape their experience; why being told what to do can leave crucial gaps in understanding; and how instruction can better serve riders returning after injury, time away, or changes in their bodies. We also discuss mounting as a skill worth teaching and practicing, the relationship between rider stability and horse welfare, and why Solange wants her students to be prepared > brave.

Learn more about Solange's work and rider intensives at Stable Riding, and listen to her podcast, Stable Riding with Solange, for more discussion, rider tips, and homework.

The Middle Aged Horsewoman Series is proudly presented by Kalio Equestrian Skincare, high-performance skincare created for riders. Visit kalioequestrian.com and use code HORSEPERSON15 for 15% off your order sitewide.

We plan our horses' workouts, obsess over their soundness, and carefully manage their recovery. But how much thought do we give the body sitting in the saddle?

In this installment of our Middle Aged Horsewoman Series, Caroline and Beth sit down with trainer and biomechanics expert Nina Hammarstrom Thornberg to explore how to build the strength, mobility, balance, and responsiveness that support a lifetime of riding. From an unsteady lower leg to tipping forward or gripping at the knee, Nina explains how challenges in the saddle can reveal something worth working on off the horse & why getting older doesn't mean we have to accept every physical limitation as inevitable.

We also get honest about fitting exercise into lives already full of work, kids, horses, and, sometimes, sleepless nights. Beth shares her frustrations with perimenopause, fatigue, and frozen shoulder, and Nina discusses how to adapt training to the capacity you have that day.

As Nina reminds us: you're part of the tack, and you're the only part that can't be replaced. Enjoy this ep! 

 

This episode is presented by Kalio Equestrian Skincare, the title sponsor of our Middle-Aged Rider Series. High-performance skincare created specifically for riders and trusted by 5,000+ equestrians and counting. Use discount code HORSEPERSON15 for 15% off your order at www.kalioequestrian.com

At 52, Steph Bradley was an advanced dressage rider who suddenly found herself too frightened to canter her safe, familiar horse. She was also experiencing debilitating hip pain and had been told she would eventually need a hip replacement. Five years later, after recognizing the role hormonal changes may have been playing and finding the right support, she is riding at Grand Prix and her research suggests her experience is far from uncommon.

Steph is a British Equestrian Level 4 coach, master saddle fitter, dressage rider, coach developer, and researcher whose groundbreaking study examined how perimenopause and menopause affect female equestrians. More than 1,600 riders participated, revealing striking patterns in confidence, motivation, pain, anxiety, coaching, and women's ability to remain engaged in the sport they love.

In this episode, Steph helps us understand why a rider may suddenly feel as though she has "lost her nerve," why so many women quietly withdraw from lessons or stop riding altogether, and how coaches and communities can better support riders through midlife hormonal changes. Most importantly, this is a hopeful conversation about recognizing what may actually be happening before deciding that the rider you used to be is gone.

LEARN MORE ABOUT STEPH:

Steph Bradley at Freedom Saddlery

Follow Steph on Instagram

Read Steph Bradley and Claire Mills' published research: "Breaking the Silence: The Unexplored Impact of Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms of Female Equestrians"

Read the Horse & Hound feature about Steph's research

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Dr. Louise Newson's books, including The Power of Hormones and The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause

Download Dr. Louise Newson's Balance app

This episode is sponsored by Kalio Equestrian Skincare. High performance skincare for riders, trusted by 5000+ riders and counting. www.kalioequestrian.com

Welcome to the first installment of our Middle-Aged Rider Series, where we're exploring how to ride better, feel better, and stay in the sport we love as our bodies, brains, and lives change.

We're kicking things off with sport psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser to unpack why riding can feel different in middle age. But before you click away, it's not all bad! There's actually a lot of good news, and we dive into it in this series. From changing perceptions of risk and confidence, to cognitive load, resilience, and working together with your brain and body, instead of against it. With the right understanding, the experience, perspective, and self-knowledge we gain with age may actually help us become better riders. Let's learn how. 

REFERENCE 1 - Pregnancy and the brain (email us for the pdf!)

REFERENCE 2 - After Menopause, the Rules Changed (email us for the pdf!) 

caroline@horsepersonpodcast.com to request the pdf versions of these 2 articles ^ 

This episode is sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Get 15% off by using this URL: www.hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson

With America's wild horses back in the national conversation, we're revisiting our conversation with Clare Staples, founder of Skydog Sanctuary and one of the country's most recognizable wild horse advocates. She discusses the deep spiritual connection she feels with horses, the challenges of running a sanctuary, and the importance of preserving wild horse families. Clare also touches on the legislative landscape affecting wild horses and her efforts to inspire change through storytelling and advocacy. The conversation feels especially timely as Clare's documentary Blue Zeus, narrated by Gerard Butler, reaches a new audience on Amazon Prime. Originally recorded in 2025, this episode offers an eye-opening look at what it means to protect not just wild horses themselves, but their families, freedom, and way of life.

Get 26% off a membership to ClipMyHorse.tv JUST in time to watch the FEI World Championships in Aachen! Go here (https://go.cmh.tv/horse-person/) and use code HPAACHEN26 for your discount.

We asked, you called in! 

How do horse people actually afford this sport? In this special anonymous episode, horse people from across the financial spectrum share what they earn, what their horses really cost, the sacrifices they make, & how money shapes their experience in the sport. Let's look at the financial realities, worries, and philosophies that horse people have - and the questions we're too nervous to ask out loud. 

Get 26% off a membership to ClipMyHorse.tv JUST in time to watch the FEI World Championships in Aachen! Go here and use code HPAACHEN26 for your discount. 

If your horse feels heavy in the hand, struggles with transitions, trips, or just doesn't seem to move as freely as they should, the thoracic sling could be part of the answer. Veterinary physiotherapist Calli Charles (@vetphysiophyle) joins us to explain what the thoracic sling actually is, how it influences movement and performance, and how to recognize signs of dysfunction in your own horse. We also discuss the role of conformation, tack, rider position, and simple exercises you can use to help your horse move more comfortably and efficiently.

This episode is sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Get 15% off by using this URL: www.hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson

Every so often, we bring you a lighter conversation with someone whose love of horses has shaped their life in unexpected ways. This week, Beth sits down with award-winning jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth to talk about rediscovering horses as an adult, building a world-class creative business, developing young hunters, and why riding has made her a better entrepreneur. It's a fun conversation about ambition, creativity, and embracing your inner horse girl, no matter where life takes you.

When people ask horse people why we love horses so deeply, it feels impossible to explain. 

In this first episode of Booked with Beth, a new series where Beth Behrs sits down with authors writing about horses, she talks with Emily Haworth-Booth, author of the extraordinary memoir MARE. What begins as a conversation about a book quickly becomes something much bigger: an exploration of grief, identity, menopause, creativity, womanhood, and the mysterious way horses seem to restore something essential in us.

Emily shares the deeply personal story that inspired MARE, from navigating early menopause and the loss of her beloved dog to rediscovering horses as an adult. We explore why horses feel like home, why mares challenge us in ways geldings don't, and what it is about the barn that creates such a unique community... especially for women.

Learn more about Emily here. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services

It's easy to assume Olympic horses look like future champions from the very beginning, but Becky Moody's didn't. Of the 3 horses she had at the time, her future Olympic mount was actually the least impressive. 

From evaluating young horses to creating positive tension instead of stress, British Olympian Becky Moody explains the principles that guide her training, coaching, and horse selection. She shares why trainability often beats brilliance, how to develop more independence as a rider, and what she believes separates someone who simply rides a horse from someone who truly trains one.

 

This episode is sponsored by Hooves & Paws. Go to www.hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson to get 15% off your order! 

In this episode, adventurer, writer, filmmaker, and National Geographic host Eva zu Beck joins us for a conversation about freedom, discomfort, curiosity, and what it means to feel truly alive. We discuss her solo horseback trek across Mongolia (and yes, we got into the logistics, which made the planner type A in us slightly panic), the lessons horses have taught her about wildness and resilience, and why she's intentionally "rewilding" every part of her life... from where she lives to how she travels and connects with the world around her.

Learn more about Eva:
Her new book is now available in the USA: The Wilder Way
YouTube: Eva zu Beck YouTube Channel

 

For decades, Dover Saddlery was part of the fabric of horse sport in America. But after store closures, liquidation, and reports of unpaid vendors sent shockwaves through the equestrian industry, bigger questions began to emerge.

In this episode, Caroline sits down with Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, to unpack how the story unfolded behind the scenes, what private equity's growing presence in horse sport could mean for the future of the industry, and why this moment may reveal deeper economic fragilities within equestrian sport itself.

Read Piper's piece about this topic HERE

 This episode is proudly sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Go to hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson or use code HP15 for 15% off your order. No shipping minimums, 365-day return policy, hundreds of thousands of happy customers.

Esme Higgs grew up as a shy horse-crazy kid in a non-horsey family. But as a teenager, she persuaded her parents to film her on her horse who had a knack for picking up the wrong lead. She wanted to see if she could figure out why he was picking up the wrong lead, but then her phone ran low on storage. "No problem," she thought. "I'll upload it to Youtube to free up storage."

That was about 10 years ago, and now she has over 2M followers and over 5B views of her content - one of the most famous and prolific equestrian content creators in the world.

In this episode, Esme opens up about growing up publicly online, navigating burnout and boundaries, and why making horses feel accessible has always been at the heart of her work. We also dive into the surprisingly small team behind her content empire and the powerful ways she's used social media to advocate for horses and animal welfare.

The biggest takeaway from this episode? Whatever you're chipping away at, keep chippin'. It might lead you to some wild places you never expected. 

This episode is sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Use code HP15 for 15% off your order.

Let's just get this out of the way: There is no such thing as a symmetrical rider.

In this episode, we're joined by physiotherapist and rider Maeve Sheridan, and we go deep into the rider's seat. We talk about why it matters so much and why many of us are chasing the wrong things when we try to "fix" it.

We talk about:

• Why every single rider has asymmetries and why that's not a failure
• What your seat really is from a mechanical standpoint
• How your pelvis, hips, and breath affect your horse more than you think
• The difference between mobility and control (and why you need both)
• Why "engaging your core" might actually be making things worse
• Common rider issues like chair seat, back pain, and collapsing on a circle—and what's actually behind them
• The truth about trendy riding fixes (yes, including bands and posture gadgets )

This episode is proudly sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Go to hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson or use code HP15 for 15% off your order. No shipping minimums, 365-day return policy, hundreds of thousands of happy customers. 

For nearly two decades, Amber Marshall has shaped how millions of people see horses through Heartland. But who is she beyond the screen? In this episode, Amber opens up about the responsibility of representing horses to a global audience, how she balances authenticity with storytelling, & what Heartland gets right (and has to adapt) about real horse life.

We also go deeper into Amber's personal journey as a horsewoman. We discuss how horses grounded her in an industry built on performance, and what she's learned from living a true ranch life. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation that will remind you what you're missing if you're too busy thinking about the future or the past; Amber will invite you to sink into the moment and be where your feet are. 

Follow us on insta: www.instagram.com/horsepersonpodcast

Subscribe on Youtube to watch this episode: www.youtube.com/horsepersonpod

   

After losing all three of her horses within a year, sport psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser returns to share what it really looks like to begin again. In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological reality of getting back in the saddle after loss, from the unexpected voice in your head telling you to "get off," to the brain's need for familiarity, certainty, and control.

Dr. Jenny breaks down how to distinguish fear from intuition, how your nervous system impacts your riding, and why starting over can feel so overwhelming even for experienced riders. We also talk about practical tools like breathwork, visualization, and co-regulation, and how shifting your mindset from expectation to support can transform a new partnership. This is a conversation about grief, growth, and rebuilding trust both in yourself, and in a new horse.

This episode is sponsored by Corro. Click here and use code horsewoman15 at checkout. 

There's a version of this sport that tells you success looks one way: the right horse, the right path, the right goals.

And then there's real life, especially as adult amateurs. We have financial hurdles, time constraints, and changing priorities, It's time to embrace that. 

In this conversation, Madelyn Houser of @theblondeandthebay_ got really honest about her journey from losing her confidence, to completely redefining what success looks like as an amateur rider riding unconventional horses in the sport of dressage. For her, it meant letting go of what others expected or thought, and getting real with herself about what felt comfortable and happy to her. 

We talk about over-horsing ourselves, the pressure to "push through," and the reality that not everyone is riding a six-figure warmblood (in fact, most of us don't!)… and that doesn't make you any less of a rider. If anything, it might make you a better one.

If you've ever felt behind, intimidated, or questioned your path in this sport, this episode is for you. 

 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian apparel without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout.

In this episode, Beth sits down with Emmy Award-winning actor and lifelong horseman Glynn Turman to explore the deep connection between presence, acting, and horses. From growing up in New York City sneaking off to ride in Central Park stables to competing in endurance races like the Tevis Cup and stepping into the rodeo world, he shares how horses have been a constant grounding force throughout the highs and uncertainties of his storied acting career.

Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/horsepersonpodcast

If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse in sport, visit #WeRideTogether for crisis resources. 

Trigger Warning - This episode discusses sexual abuse. 

In 2018 and 2019, two of the most powerful figures in horse sport were banned for abusing minors. Today's guest tells us how she shined a light on the abuse for the world - outside of just our insular horse world - to see. In this episode, investigative journalist Sarah Maslin Nir takes us inside how those stories were uncovered with a detail most people would have missed (shout out to the incredible Mollie Bailey who first reported on Jimmy A William for The Chronicle of the Horse). From there, Sarah walks us through the meticulous but often uncomfortable process of building trust with survivors and exposing the abuse to the world at large through the words of The New York Times.

Sarah is a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Learn more about her work here. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian apparel without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. 

What would it take for equestrian sport to become mainstream?

Caroline sits down with Frankie Thieriot - founder of Athletux, upper-level event rider, and longtime commentator - to explore what's really holding the sport back. We talk storytelling and vulnerability, sponsorship and social media. We unpack how equestrian sport is evolving and what riders, brands, and media need to do to grow it.

In this episode:

• Why storytelling is key to growing the sport

• The risks riders face in being vulnerable

• What brands actually look for in sponsorships

• The biggest mistakes riders make when marketing themselves

• How equestrian sport can expand without losing its values

This episode is supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use HP10 for a 10% discount to support your horse's gastric health through consistently timed hay feedings. Go to www.NordicAutofeed.com

What does "go back to the basics" actually mean beyond the cliché?

Caroline and Beth sit down with USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix rider Amelia Newcomb of Amelia Newcomb Dressage to break that phrase down into clear, actionable steps. Amelia shares the three core areas she always returns to when something isn't working: groundwork, rider position, and the dressage training scale. From the simple but powerful poll release, to improving rhythm through counting, to building true suppleness before chasing roundness, she explains how strengthening the foundation actually accelerates progress.

You'll also hear practical tools you can use immediately like the "rider position sandwich," the A-R-R-R (Aid, Reaction, Release, Repeat) acronym, and why suppleness is the most commonly skipped step in training. Whether you ride dressage, jump, trail ride, or are simply trying to regain confidence, this episode is a reminder that basics aren't a step backward, they're the fastest way forward. Share it with a barn mate, trainer, or save it for the next time you need a reset.

 

This episode is sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout.

This episode is also supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use code HP10 for a 10% discount. Go here to learn more and take a crucial step in supporting your horse's gut health with timed, consistent forage feeding. 

In this episode, Caroline sits down with Dr. Erica Gaertner, a board-certified sports medicine physician and former professional equestrian, to break down what every rider needs to understand about concussions. What actually qualifies as a concussion? How have treatment protocols evolved beyond "go home and sleep it off"? And when is it truly safe to get back on a horse?

Dr. Gaertner explains the medical definition of concussion (a form of traumatic brain injury), common and lesser-known symptoms like mood changes and balance issues, return-to-ride protocols, and why timely diagnosis is critical. We also touch on cumulative head injuries, CTE, long-term implications, and the difficult cost-benefit conversations riders may face after repeated falls.

If you've ever hit your head and questioned whether to go to the ER, or felt the pressure to just get back on, this episode is essential listening for equestrians at every level. Your grit matters, but so does your brain.

 

This episode is supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use HP10 for a 10% discount to support your horse's gastric health through consistently timed hay feedings. 

When actress Beth Behrs joined Horse Person as full-time co-host, we knew we had to flip the mic and tell her story. In this candid conversation, Beth opens up about her journey from overnight fame on hit show Two Broke Girls to finding healing and purpose in the horse world. She shares how panic attacks led her to equine therapy with Cassandra Ogier's Reflective Horse program, why rescuing her first mare changed her life, and how dressage became the unexpected sport that gave her a new identity outside of Hollywood.

Beth talks about learning to ride as an adult amateur, building confidence after a scary fall, and why being a beginner rider in her late 30s was one of the most empowering things she's ever done. We also dive into her view on barn culture, athletic identity, and why horses feel like the one place where fame doesn't matter. 

If you've ever wondered whether it's "too late" to start, or how horses can change your nervous system and your perspective, this one's for you.

This episode was originally published on The Horsewoman's Almanac on Oct 01, 2025. We're re-sharing it here following the news that Anna has fully stepped back from Dressage and is leasing her horses out to Sofie Holmes and Ashley Donadt. Next week, we'll return to our regularly scheduled Horse Person content. 

Anna Buffini is a professional dressage rider who has competed for the U.S. Dressage Team in 5 nations cups following an extremely successful junior career. She's inspiring and educating horse people everywhere through her huge social media presence, and is just one of our favorite horse girls out there. Today, we're exploring everything from our latest fantasy reads, to the athlete's mindset that Anna's parents helped her cultivate, to musings about religion, spirituality, and the afterlife. Also, Anna drops some breaking news on the podcast about a major career pivot that she's currently working through. There's something for everyone in this wide-ranging episode. Enjoy! 

Learn more about Anna here: https://annabuffini.com/

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services.

In this ep of Horse Person, Caroline is joined by horse behaviorist and trainer, Leo Rauscher, whose work has influenced some of the top show jumpers in the world like Daniel Deusser, Lorenzo de Luca, Luciana Diniz, and Ashlee Bond. Leo's philosophy centers on the idea that horses are always communicating, and nearly everything they do is driven by self-preservation.

Together, we challenge the assumption that pushy, tense, spooky, or "checked out" behavior is a dominance or respect problem. Instead, Leo invites us to look at these moments through the horse's lens, where communication is built almost entirely on space, movement, and clarity.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• How horses' language has evolved to keep them safe & what that means for us 

• How fear shuts down communication 

• The diff between leadership and dominance

• Why clarity = safety 

• How right-brain and left-brain horses experience pressure differently

• Why punishment doesn't make sense to your horse

• Practical, step-by-step examples you can apply immediately in groundwork and riding

To learn more about Leo, visit his IG page. 

This episode is presented by Corro. Use code horsewoman15 at checkout for $15 off your order. 

What if true strength in horsemanship isn't control—but awareness?

Today, internationally respected horseman, author, podcaster and clinician Warwick Schiller shares how his journey with horses led him to question traditional training, emotional suppression, and the classic cowboy archetype. What began as a search for better horse behavior became a deeper exploration of vulnerability, intention, and how our internal state directly affects the horse.

Warwick opens up about the horse that challenged everything he thought he knew, how therapy and Brené Brown's work reshaped his understanding of shame and emotion, and why changing perspective instead of technique is often the real breakthrough in horsemanship.

Beth, Caroline and Warwick cover: 

• Warwick's evolution from traditional performance training to connection-based horsemanship

• Vulnerability and emotional awareness in modern masculinity and the horse world

• How suppressed emotions limit both performance and joy

• Judgment, intention, and how horses respond to who we are

• Burnout, shame, and ego in horse training culture

• Can empathy and high-level competition coexist?

• Books that shaped Warwick's thinking and horsemanship philosophy

Books mentioned: The Tao of Equus, Outliers, The Alchemist, Ishmael, The Celestine Prophecy, Shantaram, The Last Shaman

 

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Go to www.connaway.net to learn about how you can protect your horse. 

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 CAROLINE for $20 off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Most of us are feeling the financial squeeze of maintaining horses and wanting to do our absolute best by them in the midst of the cost of everything rising. So, one of the big things we have to determine is what is worth the price, and what's not. On the show today I'm joined by veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher to walk us through what's effective, what's not, and where your dollar is best spent when mapping out management costs for your horse. We talk about everything from feet to equipment to supplements to bodywork and I can guarantee you will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how you can make the best plan for your horse without spending frivolously. 

Dr Lacher is a veterinarian and owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic and host of the 'Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth' podcast.

 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services

Irish Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle didn't come from money or an equestrian legacy. In fact, when she decided to give serious dressage training a go in her mid-20s, she was working in retail. 

Abi has overcome far more in her 40 years than many people, including extreme domestic abuse, the death of her brother, mental health struggles, and more. She speaks in this episode about what changed when someone close to her finally said, 'You don't have to live like this,' and she began to take her mental health more seriously. 

She also walks us through per pre-Paris Olympics mental prep system line-by-line in this not-to-be-missed episode. 

Follow Abi on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/abilyle/

Caroline is joined by a special guest to announce a change about the show. 

Weigh in - we want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @horsepersonpodcast or email me - caroline[AT]horsepersonpodcast.com 

Today I'm going to do something a little different on the podcast and I'm going to read a letter written to the equestrian community by husband and wife team Matt Brown and Cecily Clark. Matt and Cecily were one of the first interviews I did for this podcast, and I really enjoy their perspective and respect their willingness to put bold ideas and statements forward, especially with regard to horse welfare and social license.

Matt is a member of the U.S. Eventing Team and five-star competitor. He was an alternate for the Olympic team in eventing and also develops young horses for sport. Cecily has a background in Hunters and Equitation and is currently pursuing goals as a dressage rider. Together, they run East West Training Stables, which they founded jointly in 2004. 

The following letter is a Facebook post that they made on their joint account, and while it has mostly been circulating around the eventing community, I wanted to read it on this podcast which has an audience that spans into the show jumping, hunter/eq and dressage disciplines as well. There will be some parts that you'll find provocative, some you might find surprising, but all of it is food for thought and well-situated to be part of a larger discussion.

What do you think? Email me - caroline@horsepersonpodcast.com

 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off at checkout. 

This episode first appeared on The Horsewoman's Almanac. Click here to subscribe to that show - for free!

In this episode, Clare Staples shares her journey from a horse-loving child in England to becoming a leading advocate for wild horses in America. She discusses the deep spiritual connection she feels with horses, the challenges of running a sanctuary, and the importance of preserving wild horse families. Clare also touches on the legislative landscape affecting wild horses and her efforts to inspire change through storytelling and advocacy.

This episode is also supported by #weridetogether. Check out their viral Out of Bounds series here. 

The horse world doesn't always agree on everything, but it can agree on this: The cost of competing is becoming prohibitively high. In fact, the cost of most things related to horses seem to be creeping up every time we turn around. 

How did showing get so expensive? Are enthusiastic riders getting priced out of being able to compete even just a few times a year? What is the sport's leadership's view on this and what's driving the bottom line at show venues?

To discuss, Caroline Culbertson is joined by USEF CEO Bill Moroney, CEO of West Palms Event Management Dale Harvey, and a Texas based adult amateur named Meg Walsh. As you can imagine, it's not a straightforward issue with straightforward answers, but the four try to untangle the strings in this discussion.

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services.

Taylor flury is doing something not that many professionals in the US are doing -- she isn't just breeding show jumping horses for top sport, she's breaking them and bringing them along herself. At only 34, Taylor has taken numerous young horses previously not started undersaddle and developed them into competitive FEI Grand Prix Jumpers. 

But Taylor still faces the frustrations, doubts, and questions that many of us face when developing young horses. She thrives on the process, but she's not immune to the moments of, 'Should I send this horse to someone else?' or 'Will this ever get better?' that many of us face. The difference is that Taylor has honed this skills and mindset to bust through those moments and make it to the other side. She's sharing that with us today, as well as how her frightening diagnosis of a brain disease as a young rider turned into a blessing fork-in-the-road moment for her career as a horsewoman today. 

This episode is also sponsored by #WeRideTogether. Their Out of Bounds video series has gone viral, viewed over 10 million times in just a few weeks. Check it out here. 

 

Most riders think their horses are fit enough for the job they're asked to do. But according to equine fitness expert Jec Ballou, only 30 percent of sport horses actually are.

In this episode, we dig into the reasons behind that surprising number and aim to give you a more sophistocated understanding of what 'fitness' means for your horse. We discuss how horses really gain strength, the one area of fitness most riders don't know much about, and how to build a weekly program that creates real, lasting athleticism.

If you care about your horse's longevity, soundness, and performance, this one's essential listening.

 

Caroline interviews USEF Chief of Sport David O'Connor about the newly introduced 'Know the Signs' guidelines aimed at promoting horse welfare in equestrian sports in the US. They discuss the purpose of these guidelines, the emotional dynamics in competition, the role of officials, and  the evolving nature of regulations, particularly regarding the use of whips.

To view the guidelines, go to https://www.usef.org/horse-welfare/protecting-horses 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. 

Perfectionism and an outcome-focused mindset is not only a pretty lousy mindset for performance, but it also makes us miserable. And - relying on results and outcomes when you're in a sport with a 1200 lb animal who can die suddenly of a stomach ache, or essentially drain your savings account if he steps funny in the field, is just not very low risk.  but But luckily, we're going to go through some strategies to combat perfectionism and reclaim some joy  with today's guest. 

Dr Darby Bonomi is a sport and performance psychologist who works with riders, entrepreneurs and other business professionals to elevate their game. She work with all disciplines of riders, but mainly hunter/jumper, dressage, and three day eventers, & has been a practicing psychologist for over 30 years. She went to UC Berkeley and then the California School of Professional Psychology. She shows in the amateur owner hunters and has 3 horses. Learn more at www.darbybonomi.com

This podcast is supported by #WeRideTogether. Keep sport safe for everyone - go to www.weridetogether.today for more info and resources. 

Trigger Warning: Topics of sexual abuse

Join Caroline for a short chat with Carrie Kehring, founder of #WeRideTogether, about the special project highlighting the experience of victims of sexual abuse. 

Go to www.weridetogether.today to watch the PSAs & roundtable discussions.  

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. 

I recorded this conversation a couple of months ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. It's a story of perseverance, of reinvention, and of the quiet power of hope — the kind of story that might just be what you need to hear right now. Because you never know what's waiting for you around the corner.

My guest today is someone many of you will already know by voice: Catie Staszak. You've likely heard her on FEI TV, CBS Sports Network, ESPNEWS, or ESPNU. She's a leading multimedia journalist in the equestrian world and a talented show jumper herself, having made her FEI Grand Prix debut earlier this year.

In this episode, Catie opens up in a way we rarely get to hear. She shares the financial strain she's faced in trying to pursue a career in this sport, her battle with an eating disorder, and becoming a caretaker for her father after his Parkinson's diagnosis — all while continuing to chase a dream that often felt just out of reach.

We talk about the trainer who once broke her confidence as a young rider, and the Olympic rider who later offered her a moment of belief that changed everything.

Catie's story is raw, honest, and incredibly human. Through all the challenges, she's held on to something that's too often in short supply in this sport: hope. Hope that even when time, money, or opportunity is limited, the dream is still worth chasing.

 

This episode is proudly presented by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your order. 

We're living in a horse world that often rushes. Young horses are expected to mature fast, to progress on human timelines, and to succeed by a certain age—or else we worry they've "missed their chance" or they wont be sellable. But today, I'm joined by someone who makes an excellent case for slowing down - wayyy down. For the horse's physical longevity, but for their mental wellbeing. 

Today, we're joined by Zac Salmeron—trainer, horseman, and someone who's quietly but profoundly changing the way we think about young horse development. His work reminds us that the best progress often comes when we stop trying to prove something, and start meeting horses where they actually are.

He's also going to introduce you to a new idea - the idea that giving a horse years off in their youth might just be the best foundation you can give them—and he's got proof: horses that are in their 20s and look as robust as a 6 year old, still competing, still joyful in their work.

Zac believes training should be simple. Clear. Kind. Sometimes, it's 10 minutes of work. Nothing more, nothing less—just one thing at a time, until the horse understands. Because when a horse understands, they don't just obey—they offer. They show up fully. They give 200%, and they even ask questions back. That's not compliance. That's partnership.

If you've ever felt pressure to hurry up—whether in your riding or your life—this episode is your permission slip to slow down and do it right.

This episode is supported by #WeRideTogether.today, an organization working tirelessly to end sexual abuse in sport. 

 

In the first interview of this kind, US Equestrian's COO and General Counsel, Sonja Keating, is speaking to the frustrations shared by USEF membership regarding the perceived lack of action and enforcement on horse abuse in sport in the United States. 

On May 27, the Chronicle of the Horse published an article entitled USEF Must Do Better in Fighting Horse Abuse, written by Caroline Howe. That same day, the United States Equestrian Federation sent an email to its membership which the Chronicle also published on its website, seemingly in response to Caroline's piece, in which they call for the community to unite against horse abuse and detail a number of measures they have taken, and some that they plan to take, to address horse abuse in sport. 

It's clear from Sonja that USEF does acknowledge there's a lot of room for improvement - but in order to know where we're going, we have to take stock of what's not working right now. I think this conversation provided some clarity on the current systems and conversations happening at USEF and the broader horse community around how we're not preventing and responding to horse abuse well enough.

To reach out to USEF, please use the email address feedback@usef.org. Your feedback is encouraged. 

On May 27, the Chronicle of the Horse published an article entitled USEF Must Do Better in Fighting Horse Abuse, written by Caroline Howe. That same day, the United States Equestrian Federation sent an email to its membership which the Chronicle also published on its website, seemingly in response to Caroline's piece, in which they call for the community to unite against horse abuse and detail a number of measures they have taken, and some that they plan to take, to address horse abuse in sport. 

The response to these 2 articles was massive. On social media alone, they garnered hundreds and hundreds of comments, shares, and the general consensus that the memebrshsip is frustrated with the level of abuse happening to sport horses, and both the lack of action as well as the timeliness of USEF on the matter. 

I reached out to both the author of the opinion piece - Caroline Howe - and US Equestrian. They both agreed to speak with me to unpack these issues a bit more in a raw, lightly edited for clarity and flow, conversational format. That's what you're about to hear. 

First up, Caroline Howe. 

Caroline Howe is an amateur hunter/jumper rider who has competed in equestrian sport for over half her life as both an owner and a rider. In 2021, after learning of the dire welfare outcomes many horses face post industry involvement, Caroline founded North Carolina-based Horse Welfare Collective, a 501c3 nonprofit that researches horse industry practices and their impacts on horse welfare. Her work ranges from researching and raising awareness about horse slaughter marketing channels, to consulting across various disciplines and industries to study how we can help competing and noncompeting horses avoid negative welfare outcomes during all phases of their lives.

You can contact Caroline Howe via her website - horsewelfarecollective.org 

 

This special LIVE episode is made possible by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 to get 15% off your entire order at checkout. 

This episode is also supported by WeRideTogether.today. We all have a part to play in preventing abuse and misconduct in equestrian sports. Learn more on their website. 

Dr. Jenny Susser is a renowned, Olympic level sport psychologist who has supported athletes from the beginner level through the Olympic game in all sports, but specializes in equestrian sports. Dr. Jenny joined us on a LIVE call-in show to answer 3 horse person podcast listener questions. 

Want to join the next one? Email me - caroline@horsepersonpodcast.com 

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Welcome to Horse Person: MADE — where we explore the stories behind the brands, businesses, and visionaries shaping the horse world. This isn't just about entrepreneurship — it's about the real, human journey: the risks, the resilience, the detours, and the drive it takes to build something meaningful in this industry. This is Olympic show jumper Daniel Bluman, documenting how he built Bluman Equestrian from a small family business that he founded at 20 years of age, and turned it into a global, multi-pronged equestrian business encompassing many equestrian professionals and areas of the industry. 

Learn more about Bluman Equestrian: https://www.blumanequestrian.com/

Learn more about Fairfield County Hunt Club: https://fairfieldhuntclub.com/

Learn more about Blue Star Equestrian: https://www.bluestareq.com/

Learn more about Urim Therapeutic Center: https://urimtherapy.com/

 

 

This episode is presented by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order. 

The bit is one of the most powerful—and potentially harmful—tools we use, yet most riders choose one without fully understanding its impact. In this episode, we unpack why choosing a bit and understanding that bit is actually a huge responsibility that we really need more focus and more education on. 

I'm joined by Mette Larsen who is one of the most knowledgeable sources of bit fitting and bit choice information here in the states. Mette Larsen is the president of Neue Schule USA and a lifelong equestrian who has dedicated her career to improving horse welfare through innovative bitting solutions. A successful dressage rider and also a board-certified physician, Mette's commitment to ethical, science-based horsemanship has made her a respected advocate for better communication and comfort between horse and rider.

You can expect to learn about the most common bit fitting mistakes, what to understand about the horse's mouth because it was designed for eating and drinking (not for carrying a bit!), and what you can do the next time you go to the barn to determine if you're one of the 80-90% of riders who have a sub-optimal bit in your horse's mouth - according to your horse's mouth anatomy, training, and preferences. 

This episode is supported by #WeRideTogether. To learn more about the CARD diagrams mentioned in today's episode, go to WeRideTogether.today or click here. 

 

This episode is presented by Nikovian. 

Saly Glassman spent nearly four decades leading one of the largest retail investment practices in the world, but she walked away to help people heal through horses, and isn't looking back. 

In this episode, we dive into how Saly combined her passions for psychology, philanthropy, and horsemanship to create the Kindle Hill Foundation, a cutting-edge equine-assisted therapy center serving first responders and individuals facing anxiety, PTSD, depression, and more. The wisdom about horses and humans that she has gained through this process will be of value to every person who tunes into this conversation. 

Saly has helped over 800 police officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and paramedics find emotional regulation and connection through the horse-human bond—and she's challenging all of us to rethink what we call a "relationship" with our horses.

This episode is supported by #WeRideTogether. Keep sport safe for everyone. Go to www.weridetogether.today

Learn more about the Kindle Hill Foundation:
https://www.kindlehillfoundation.org

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Emma Chapman has been a professional groom at the top of show jumping competition for almost 2 decades and in that time, she's learned a thing or two. Today, we get to learn from her. 

Emma, who manages WEG gold medalist Adrienne Sternlicht's operation, gives us an inside look at the essential role of grooms in horse care and competition. We also dive into the evolving career path for grooms and what needs to change to improve working conditions in the industry. Plus, Emma offers a candid look at how she balances life as a new mom with the demands of professional horse care.

We also discuss:
- Differences between Europe and the U.S
- How and why contracts are more rare in the US than Europe
- The importance of movement and turnout for equine health
- Why better working conditions for grooms benefit everyone
- How, really, no one has life with kids figured out (and that's okay!)

One thing is clear: if you want to understand and support top-level sport, look to the grooms. 

This episode is presented by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Learn more at www.connaway.net

This episode is also supported by #WeRideTogether. Reach out to the team for FREE safeguarding resources for your barn: info@weridetogether.today

 

You know her from riding in the biggest arenas in the world as an elite US dressage rider, or from her beloved social media following documenting her life as a top athlete. But there's so much more to Anna Buffini and her story than what meets the eye, and today, we're peeling back some of the layers on this incredible young woman who is rightly becoming a role model for many up-and-coming riders.

This episode is proudly presented by Connaway and Associates Equine Insurance Services. 

Anna, 30, who trains with her longtime trainer, Olympic bronze medalist Guenter Seidel, shares her high highs, her low lows, and how she's found sturdiness in a sport and lifestyle that often feels unpredictable and out of control. 

We talk about: 

• How she's built her mental strength to allow her to 'control the controllables'
• The best lesson she ever learned from her trainer
• The value of putting herself out there on social media in a sport that is often conservative and... let's face it... a bit judgemental. 
• Her faith and how it has affected her worldview as a top athlete
• The moment she decided her fitness needed to become a top priority
• Dressage being a subjective sport vs. objective sport
• The lessons she learned from her parents, who were also successful athletes in other sports
• The heartbreaking moment her Olympic dreams evaporated ahead of Paris

This episode is supported by WeRideTogether.today. For more information on the response reporting guide mentioned in this episode, go here: https://www.weridetogether.today/blog-posts/response-reporting-guide

 

 

If the only things certain in life are death and taxes, we sure do a poor job talking about the former. Let's change that. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Caroline Culbertson and renowned sport psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser explore the complexities of grief, particularly in relation to the loss of beloved horses. They discuss personal experiences with anticipatory grief, the emotional toll of preparing for loss, and the challenges of communicating about death. 

Dr. Jenny shares her recent experiences with the loss of two horses only weeks apart, highlighting the stark differences between expected and unexpected losses. They discuss the importance of recognizing the physical and emotional toll of grief, and the necessity of managing personal energy during difficult times. Grief is an all-consuming physical, emotional, and spiritual process, and it's time we talk about it as such. 

This episode is supported by WeRideTogether - a nonprofit organization created to cast light upon the endemic issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports. Their mission is to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. For more information from today's episode, as well as free resources, go here. 

00:00 Navigating Grief: Personal Experiences and Reflections

14:53 The Impact of Anticipatory Grief

30:08 The Language of Loss: Communicating Grief

45:13 Finding Presence Amidst Worry

44:43 Understanding Energy and Grief

50:06 Protecting Mental Space During Grief

54:28 The Physical Manifestations of Grief

01:01:06 The Complexity of Anger in Grief

01:05:15 The Permission to Grieve

01:12:07 Finding Permanence in Loss

To learn more about Dr. Jenny Susser and her work, visit her website, www.DrJenny.com

Paige Jardine is a 5* Australian show jumper whose symptoms started small. Some discomfort, some nausea. But as time went on and she kept pushing through, with doctors providing little insight or treatment, things got worse, until she collapsed at the ingate during an FEI show. 

Paige spent years seeking a diagnosis, and is now speaking out about the power of removing the shame from women's health issues, especially in a sport that is majority female. In this conversation, Paige shares her deeply personal journey through mental health struggles and the diagnosis of endometriosis. She discusses the impact of self-doubt, the pressure to maintain appearances, and the importance of seeking help.

Paige shares with us the power of knowing: the power of knowing your diagnosis, of knowing you're not 'crazy' for feeling the way you do, and the power of knowing your limits along the way.