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. 

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 

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. 

If you've ever had a horse turn and walk away from you in the field when you're trying to catch them, or turn away from you in the stall - you are so not alone. That moment can be confusing, annoying - at best it's inconvenient and at worst it's dangerous. But we're going to walk through understanding this avoidant behavior today, give you some perspective on how to understand why your horse is doing it, and then an effective approach on how to address the behavior - and it doesn't involve force or bribery - this is a proper fix with no shortcuts. 

My guest today is Chelsea Canedy. Chelsea is an event rider who specializes in groundwork and understanding horse behavior - she's based in Ocala Florida and southern Maine.

Chelsea and I talk about identifying this behacvior when it's still small and subtle, why it never really comes out of nowhere, how to become a detective about the problem, and then 2 strategies to address the behaviour - one specifically on catching the horse and another on breaking up negative associations your horse might have that is triggering this behavior. And before we start, we do want to underline that pain needs to always be a factor in figuring this behavior out - that can involve your vet, your bodyworker, your saddle fitter, and/or your farrier. 

To learn more about Chelsea, visit her Patreon page. 

This episode is sponsored by WeRideTogether.today. For information from today's episode on Role Plays, go here. 

Today's episode is also sponsored by Antu Creative. To learn more about Jade and her design services, go here, 

Money is a factor in our sport - there's no getting around that. But dang if it isn't encouraging when we hear stories of riders who have made their way without extravagant wealth, by doing it themselves, and while prioritizing their horses' well-being. 

That's the story we have for you today with Skylar Wireman. 

Skylar Wireman has been called 'The future of show jumping', but she hasn't let her impressive transition from successful junior to 5* pro stop her from keeping things fun. 

Whether it's camping, riding at the beach and in the ocean, or playing gymkhana-type games on horseback,  Skylar has put her focus on building her village and keeping fun central to her and her horses' training. 

And much of her competitive success has been on borrowed horses, catch rides, or homebred horses that she's developed herself with the help of her mom, Shayne. 

In this episode, Caroline sit down with Skylar to talk about all of this, plus course riding strategy, the balance between being a horse trainer and a competitor, the idea of "reset rounds", how to choose shows when you don't have an unlimited checkbook, and more. 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Connaway and Associates Equine Insurance Services. Listen in around 24 minutes for Laura's discussion on age restrictions on insurance policies in horses and how they may be changing. 

It is also supported by We Ride Together -- because every athlete deserves to train and grow in a safe and healthy environment. 

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.

Have you ever felt like it was hard to find your place in the horse world?

Maybe you didn't want to be a pro rider, but you wanted to be involved more than just as a hobby. You didn't feel pulled down the veterinary route, but your grades in biology didn't cut it (Caroline raises hand). 

There are so many ways to be involved, professionally or not, in horses - and Tori Repole is joining us today to help us peel apart the layers of the horse world so that we can all find our little nook.

In this conversation, host Caroline Culbertson and award-winning equestrian journalist (turned philanthropist) Tori Repole discuss the importance of accessibility and inclusivity, the beauty of sport that captured Tori's heart, and her personal journey from a non-equestrian childhood to becoming a voice in the industry.

We explore the role of photography and writing in shaping public perception, especially during events like the Olympics, and emphasize the need for storytelling that highlights the diverse contributions within the equestrian community. Tori shares her passion for storytelling through her docuseries concept, 'Top Sport,' and the personal growth that comes from hitting play on your ideas. 

Today's episode is sponsored by We Ride Together. Their website has loads of free resources for you to help promote safety for all athletes, including minors, at your barn and at shows. Check out their Athlete Toolkit as mentioned in this episode. 

Today's episode is also sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian training and showing apparel without the luxury pricetag. Size inclusive and made to move with you and enhance your riding, rather than hinder it, this brand is one of our much-loved breech brands in the equestrian space. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at Nikovian.com

'How can I improve my riding outside of the saddle?' 
'How can I become a calmer competitor?'
'I only have x hours to ride per week, how can I still make progress?' 

While there are tons of resources for horse/riding/training education (hit us up if you need some recommendations!), today's episode is focused on how to become a calmer, more focused, more balanced rider when you DO get that barn time or when you enter into the competition ring. These are areas of focus for life, not just momentary tricks, and this is an episode you'll be able to refer back to time and again when you need to refocus. 

Learn more about today's guest, Aoife Leggett, at her website Three Sixty Coaching. 

Today's epside is sponsored by We Ride Together. Their website has loads of free resources for you to help promote safety for all athletes, including minors, at your barn and at shows. Check out their current events tab to learn more about the prevalence of sexual abuse in sport and see the latest headlines. 

Today's episode is also sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian training and showing apparel without the luxury pricetag. Size inclusive and made to move with you and enhance your riding, rather than hinder it, this brand is one of our much-loved breech brands in the equestrian space. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at Nikovian.com

Lessons from an FEI dressage rider for $5? What's the catch? 

That was my reaction - and the reaction of lots of other riders - when they saw Meghan Laffin's post. But on further investigation, this was an approach to a multi-pronged problem that Meghan identified in the dressage industry: 1) Many riders are feeling the financial strain of pursuing their goals in their sport, 2) Many riders felt alone, or too embarrased to seek help and 3) There's not always a clear path to improvement, let alone success, so having a fresh set of eyes and a professional take on your situation could prove valuable. Besides, Meghan had spent most of her career in horses riding, and wanted to improve her coaching skills. It was a win-win. 

She's now taught over 100 of these lessons and in this episode shares what she's learned from the wide array of riders that she was able to support over this 4-month experiment.

Meghan Laffin is a 31-year-old dressage rider who is also the assistant trainer for Olympic dressage rider, Kasey Perry-Glass. Meghan has taken Diane Perry's mare Stina from First Level to I-1 and aims to start doing the small tour in 2025. Meghan also has her MBA from UC-Davis, is a former producer at CBS News, and was a division 1 volleyball player at Coastal Carolina University. 

This is the story of what $5 lessons taught Meghan, and the students who took her up on her crazy offer. Thanks for listening.  

This episode is proudly supported by We Ride Together, 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. To access the blog post mentioned in this episode, click here. 

This episode is also supported by Nikovian - equestrian riding apparel for home or for shows that feels and performs like luxury, but without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase. 

The culture of your barn can make or break your experience there. And if you're a trainer, it can attract the clients of your dreams... or your nightmares.

It's time to get intentional about choosing and building culture in our barns and stables. How do we build cultures that are led by the values we choose, instead of the bad habits we fall back on? How do we decide what is most important to us, and find or build an environment that reflects that? 

On today's episode, host Caroline Culbertson is joined by performance coach, culture-building expert, and author of 'You Are a Contender' and 'Ride Big', John Haime. In this episode, Caroline and John discuss: 

• Why values must come before culture
• How to observe your barn's culture
• Why sometimes unexpected or 'unusual' values bring about the best competitive results
• How culture informs the horsemanship habits that will be carried forward in future generations
• What a strong culture looks like vs a weak one
• How to implement culture in your own barn
• John ends with a self-awareness quiz for you to take at home

This episode is proudly supported by We Ride Together, 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. To access the blog post mentioned in this episode, click here. 

This episode is also supported by Nikovian - equestrian riding apparel for home or for shows that feels and performs like luxury, but without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase. 

Today's episode is a special one for me as I sit down with long-time friend and my former boss, Noelle Floyd. This episode might sound a little different, and that's because we had the really lovely opportunity to sit down together at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and record this conversation live in the expo center. And that's exactly what this episode is - an honest, unscripted conversation.

Noelle Floyd is the visionary behind NF+, the ultimate streaming platform for horse lovers. Noelle has built a global community centered around better horse care, ethical training, and empowering riders to rewrite the rules of their own journey. Together, we're here to talk about how to learn, grow, and create a sense of community that's meaningful and inclusive.

We discuss: 

- How horses have showed up in our lives differently during different points in our lives
- Noelle on asking for help when it's been extremely uncomfortable
- feeling like outsiders in the equestrian industry
- meeting preconceptions that others have about you 
- how to build community in an "individual" sport and an individualistic society
- Noelle on the risk/reward of setting out on the road. The unforeseen challenges and gifts of that. 
-Caroline on the risk/reward of leaving a full time career, decoupling her self worth from her work, re-entering the podcasting scene and how seeing her kids and her horses bond has reminded her of being a little horse girl herself

This episode is proudly supported by We Ride Together, 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. To access the blog post mentioned in this episode, click here. 

This episode is also supported by Nikovian - equestrian riding apparel for home or for shows that feels and performs like luxury, but without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase. 

At this point, we collectively know and acknowledge that nearly everyone who rides horses will experience fear at some point - it's the cost of doing business with 1000lb+ creatures who are strong, fast, and have their own instincts. For some folks fear might be momentary or fleeting, and for others, fear may become an unwanted, consistent passenger that seems to take over their experience with their horse. I wanted to learn a bit about how we can take the big, overwhelming problem of fearing our horses and trace it back to smaller, less overwhelming, and more addressable pieces. 

Who better to walk us into that interconnectedness than Luke Gingerich, who appears in these big "spooky" night time shows with his horses bridleless or his horses at liberty in exhibitions and clinics all over the country, where simply controlling the horse through fearful situations with contact is not an option. 

Luke specializes in Performance Liberty Horsemanship, inspiring and educating people to better connect with and understand their horses, while empowering them to reach their goals together in many different disciplines and pursuits. 

In this chat, we discuss: 

-Your personal responsibility to your horse and to yourself
- How luke "diagnoses" or identifies a fear problem between a horse and rider, even if he doen't know the horse and rider
- Some practical relationship and riding strategies when fear enters the picture either suddenly or in a more longstanding, chronic way. 

And finally - we end with a bit of hope. Fear isn't something to "overcome" because fear is useful and serves a purpose, but it is something that we can get some context and control around. Luke and I talk about the gift on the other side of fear and why it can forge a deeper bond with your horse in the end, than if you'd never had it. 

This episode is proudly supported by Nikovian - high-performance, size inclusive, flattering equestrian apparel that feels like true luxury . Use horseperson15 to get 15% off of your purchase of ANY item on their website.

We're proud to be supported by WeRideTogether.today , a nonprofit organization on a mission to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. Go HERE to take the pledge mentioned in this episode's Ringside Chat segment.

At 27, Marcela Pomphrey moved to the UK without knowing a lick of English language. At 30 she began working in a sporting industry she had no experience in. At 31, she started a business. At 40, she started riding. 

Now, the 46-year-old has a goal of riding at the Prix St. Georges level in dressage by age 60. 

In this episode of Horse Person, Marcela shares her journey of decades of longing for horses to be part of her life, how that dream became a reality, and what it taught her about having a learning mindset, embracing the resources that are available to you, and stumbling through the process of being a beginner as an adult. So often, we are lulled into wanting a life of comfort once we reach a certain station in life, but Marcela is the inspiration we all need to wonder about the gifts on the other side of disruption. 

Follow along with Marcela's journey on Instagram, where she documents daily life and training @40somethingdressagediva 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Connaway and Associates Equine Insurance Services. Do you have an insurance question? Email us and we'll answer it in an upcoming episode! Caroline@horsepersonpodcast.com

This episode is also supported by Nikovian.com - luxury equestrian sport performance apparel without the unreasonable price tag. Use code horseperson15 to get 15% off any purchase at checkout!

And, we are supported by We Ride Together, a non-profit on a mission to promote safe and healthy sport for all. For more info on the "Know Your Rights" resource mentioned in today's episode, go here. 

Jonathon Millar has spent the past year and a half doing something he never expected he'd have to do – slowly, painstakingly rehabilitating from a traumatic brain injury, from which he nearly died, in a non-riding accident that he can't remember. He spent weeks in a coma, had a portion of his skull removed, and then had brain surgery once again to have it replaced. In total, he had 4 brain surgeries as the result of this accident. He spent months rehabilitating his cognitive skills, and then subsequently rehabilitating physically and re-strengthening the deficit he experienced on the left side of his body. 

But to talk to the member of the Canadian show jumping team today, he's filled with optimism and humility at the outpouring of support that the equestrian community gave him. He admits that there were times of feeling very stuck and frustrated, but it's not lost on him that just the fact that he is alive is pretty miraculous. 

Jonathon and I discuss his upbringing (if you're not familiar, Jonathon is the son of the peerless 10x Canadian Olympian Ian Millar and the late horsewoman Lynn Millar, and the brother of Olympic show jumper Amy Millar). We talk about what he remembers of the accident and the days and weeks that followed. We discuss how his identity became consumed by his rehabilitation - and the challenge of being a lifelong athlete who was suddenly thrust into a very different type of goalsetting and training. And we talk about how Jonathon is doing now - at the time of recording, Jonathan was just about to clock his first show back in the saddle on his horse Lollipop. Returning to the show ring is a huge milestone for him and I'm so grateful to Jonathon for sharing this story and interview with me. 

If you've followed his story, you'll really enjoy this in-depth update, but even if you're not familiar with Jonathon, this is a story of life before and life after a huge fracture in this rider's life - and how he's worked to put the pieces of himself and his identity back together. Enjoy.

Follow Jonathon and his progress by following the Millar Brook South social media pages.

This episode is supported by WeRideTogether.today , a nonprofit organization on a mission to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. Go HERE to take the pledge mentioned in this episode's Ringside Chat segment. 

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If you've ever driven home after a clinic and felt like everything you heard the clinician say has promptly exited your brain stage left, you're not alone. It's so easy for those experiences to pass in a blur, leaving you feeling like you didn't have the experience you were hoping for, or that the time and money spent didn't have a true impact on your training trajectory. 

So let's address it! In today's episode, host Caroline Culbertson is joined by clinician and 5* eventer Sinead Halpin to discuss how to get the most out of this unique learning format. Students and clinicians can't just treat clinics like a lesson and expect the experience to be excellent. Sinead and Caroline discuss some plays that riders and clinicians can use to ensure they're downloading the skills and knowledge that will serve them well, and leave the rest behind. 

The discuss points like: 

• Arriving at the clinic wanting a) an audit of you and your horse's skills and what needs to be addressed, or b) a specific area you're having difficulty

• Researching the clinician and their areas of specialty, as well as teaching style

• Giving the clinician your "elevator pitch" on what you're hoping to achieve in your time with them

• Setting "hard goals" and "soft goals" 

• Why 50% of the learning responsibility is on the clinician, and 50% is on the student

• How to advocate for your horse in a clinic environment

• Why sometimes you shouldn't be confident in some skills, but you can rely on confidence in other areas 

• Handling nerves while riding in front of auditors 

• Sinead's thoughts on green horses and riders riding with top level trainers/clinicians

Don't ride in another clinic without listening to this episode! Learn more about Sinead at www.copperlineequestrian.com. 

This episode is supported by WeRideTogether.today , a nonprofit organization on a mission to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. Go HERE for helpful resources, including the CARD Diagrams mentioned in this episode's Ringside Chat segment. 

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When 5* event rider Matt Brown was finally listed as an alternate for the Rio Olympics, it was the realization of a life-long dream. It was also simultaneously the highest and lowest point of his career. He was in a position that he'd worked so hard for, made many sacrifices to get to, and yet, something didn't feel right. 

"Someone within the sport recommended I do something… that was not legal. And I was seriously considering it. We had moved east, (my owners) had spent all this money, (my wife) had uprooted her life… it seemed unfair to not do everything I could (to get to the Olympics) when I was that close," he recalls. 

The pressure was intense - pressure that had been building in dollars, in years, and in life decisions. The question of, 'What was all of that for if I don't reach the goal?' loomed large. But Matt made a choice, and he hasn't looked back. 

It was a turning point in his life that changed the way he proceeds in his business, and he sheds light in this episode on the framework that allows he and his wife, FEI dressage rider Cecily Clark, to operate within a set of values that makes all of their decisions simple. Not always easy, but simple and clear. 

In this episode, Caroline chats with Matt and Cecily about how the horse sport world can enter into a productive conversation about the ethical considerations of horse training. They discuss the delicate line of balancing our own personal goals and doing what's right for the horse. They discuss a horse in Matt's past that he wishes he could apologize to, and how they're ensuring they move forward in a way that serves as that apology with the horses they have now. They also shed some light and thoughtfulness on how we as a community can have this challenging conversation, and how we respond to abuse when we witness it in person, or online, and why humility can lead the way in taking action. 

This is a beautiful conversation that can encourage you to stay true to yourself, get clear on what you want your life with horses to look like, and to be open to redefining your goals and dreams, even if they feel tightly held.

This episode is supported by WeRideTogether.today , a nonprofit organization on a mission to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. Go HERE for the Active Bystander Intervention Toolkit mentioned in today's ad!

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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 

Welcome to Horse Person. Launching October 14, releasing episodes every other Monday at 5am. Hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss out launch of 3 episodes for your bingeing pleasure. 

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 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. 

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

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 

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/

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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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. 

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 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

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

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.