Equestrian, Horse Training, Horsemanship, Horse Riding. The Horsemanship Breakthroughs podcast is a source for equestrian riding and horse training insights with the goal of helping your horse be a happy, light, and willing partner. Bringing you information and interviews with like-minded equine trainers to help you on your horsemanship, horse training, groundwork, equestrian, and riding journey.
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In this episode, I chat with the founder and managing director of WOW Saddles: David Kempsell.
WoW is a revolutionary saddle brand known for its fully adjustable, modular design that supports both horse and rider through every stage of development and performance.
We dive into the inspiration behind WoW, the technology that sets it apart (like carbon fiber trees, Flair air flocking, and interchangeable seats and panels) and how this system helps improve comfort, movement, and balance.
I’ve personally ridden in WOW Saddles for over 10 years and have always appreciated their adjustability, comfort, and unique look. Saddle fit is such a personal and important part of horse welfare, and when you find something that works, it’s a huge relief.
This episode isn’t sponsored, I simply love talking about things I genuinely use and believe in. If you’re curious about saddle fitting, have a tricky horse to fit, or are tired of trialling saddles that never quite work, you’ll enjoy this conversation!
🐴👶🏼 Horse Mums Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded horsey mums, share the highs and challenges of balancing it all, get support, laughs, and tips from a community that gets it! →https://www.facebook.com/groups/938509415066034
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🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
Keywords: Horsemanship, Rider Biomechanics, Positive Reinforcement, Horse Training, Liberty Training, Postpartum Riding Fitness, Equine Welfare, Ethical Horse Training, Groundwork Exercises, Enrichment for Horses, Clicker Training, Horse & Rider Connection, Strength & Mobility for Riders, Return to Riding Program, Balanced Riding, Harmony with Horses, Horse Behavior & Communication, Holistic Horsemanship, Ethical Riding Practices, Mindful Horsemanship, Classical Dressage, Softness & Lightness, Rider Posture & Alignment, Core Strength for Riders, Horse Agility, Bitless Riding, Bareback Riding, Young Horse Development, Confidence Building for Riders, Problem-Solving in Horse Training
Wild About Hooves! Barefoot Hoof Care with Jen Clingy & Jeremy Ford
Season 2 · Episode 69
Monday, June 30, 2025 • Duration 01:04:33
In this episode of the Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast, I chat with Jen Clingly & Jeremy Ford from Wild About Hooves!
Jeremy, a former traditional farrier turned barefoot trimmer, and Jen, a record-breaking barefoot endurance rider, are a powerhouse duo changing the way we think about hoof care.
Friendly, humble, and incredibly knowledgeable, Jen & Jeremy share their journey, why they went barefoot, and how wild brumbies inspired a better way to support sound, healthy horses without shoes.
If you’ve ever questioned whether metal shoes are necessary or wondered how to support healthier, more natural hooves, or maybe you’d like to become a trimmer yourself, this is a must-listen!
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📚 Book & Resource List: Get all the books & recommendations mentioned on the podcast → amaliadempsey.com/booklist
🐴 Free Mini-Course: Build a deeper connection & communication with your horse → amaliadempsey.com/ccmc
Equitation Science, Ethical Reinforcement, and the Future of Horse Sports with Dr. Andrew McLean
Season 2 · Episode 68
Sunday, June 15, 2025 • Duration 01:27:27
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Andrew McLean who is a renowned equine academic, author, coach, presenter, and founder of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre.
We explore key topics such as ethical use of reinforcement, welfare in horse sports, and the future of horse training and management. We also touch on Andrew’s fascinating work with elephants.
Dr. McLean’s career includes winning the Eureka Prize for Science, coaching at elite levels, and riding competitively at high levels in eventing, dressage, and show jumping. He continues to shape the next generation through his contributions to Pony Club Australia's syllabus, and offers a Diploma in Equitation Science for all ages and levels.
Enjoy the show!
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🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
Dr Andrew McLean has authored a nationally accredited horse training Diploma, the Diploma of Equitation Science.
This qualification is suitable for all horse riders providing students with highly practical skills and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of horse handling, coaching and training. Graduates are equipped with increasingly sought after skills in equine management and evidence-based and ethical equine trainingStudy online with flexible timeframes and a range of payment options. To find out more visit: https://esi-education.com/courses/diploma/
📚 Book & Resource List: Get all the books & recommendations mentioned on the podcast → amaliadempsey.com/booklist
Freedom Based Training with Elsa Sinclair
Season 2 · Episode 67
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 • Duration 01:02:47
“Feel is knowing what to do, timing is knowing when to do it” ~ Elsa Sinclair
In this episode of The Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast, I am joined by Elsa Sinclair- the creator of Taming Wild & Freedom Based Training.
Elsa comes from a family of horse trainers she has had a meandering journey through many different styles of horsemanship until she stumbled on a question that needed exploration. What if horses were given a choice? Would they let us ride them? Without force or tools to control and without bribes to lure them?
🎙️ In this episode, we dive deep into:
The pivotal moment that sparked Elsa’s quest to answer the question: “What if horses were given a choice? Would they let us ride them”
Is a domestic life for horses better than ‘the wild’?
Differences that Elsa has noticed between horses raised in domestic environments vs feral/widl horses.
The differences between the Taming Wild documentary and the upcoming book Taming Wild: The Compelling Origins of Freedom Based Training and the Promise It Holds for Horses with Humans
Whether it’s truly possible to develop a riding partnership without tools or bribes
How Freedom Based Training compares to pressure/release and positive reinforcement methods
The biggest challenges and breakthrough moments in the early stages of training Myrnah
Elsa’s broad framework for working with horses in Freedom Based Training
Whether you can blend Freedom Based Training with more traditional approaches
How to read the health of your horse’s nervous system
The concepts of tolerance, acceptance, and enjoyment in Freedom Based Training and leaving horses wanting more
Why Elsa believes her method is NOT “woo-woo” /spiruatual and why it’s actually very logical
The surprising difference Elsa has noticed in horses in different climates
Elsa’s new app and book that are being released soon
Plus so much more!
Olivia Kelly (Towers): from Competitive Grand Prix Dressage to a Deeper Path of Horsemanship, Biomechanics, Self-Discovery, & Motherhood.
Season 2 · Episode 66
Thursday, May 8, 2025 • Duration 01:16:44
In the latest episode of The Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast, I am joined by Olivia Kelly (Towers) @towers432, who shares her incredible story of being a successful professional Grand Prix Dressage Rider to finding the world of horsemanship and biomechanics. In this episode, we discuss:
How her career as a Grand Prix dressage rider has evolved over the years leading her to find horsemanship thanks to two special but difficult horses - FJ and Wilf.
The conflict she experienced whilst navigating top dressage competition and learning horsemanship.
Her drastic mindset shift thanks to self-development.
A huge turning point - that lead to a mental breakdown and agoraphobia and how she overcame it.
Becoming a mum and how that influenced her as a person and a rider.
Mum guilt and how it affects her
Changes she’d like to see in equestrian sports
What she’s studying now and her personal horse goals going forwards
Exposing The Truth: Shelby Dennis on Horse Welfare, Advocacy, Ethics, and Industry Change.
Season 2 · Episode 65
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 • Duration 01:12:41
If you’ve been following Shelby Dennis (aka Milestone Equestrian / @sdeques on social media), you know she doesn’t shy away from the hard conversations. She’s a passionate advocate for horse welfare, uncovering the harsh realities of the horse industry, and pushing for real change.
Shelby is a professional horse trainer and equine behavior consultant with over 24 years of experience across multiple disciplines—including Arabian showing, hunter/jumpers, dressage, and even racehorses. She’s also taken her education seriously, working toward her Certificate of Equine Science and earning her Equine Behavior Consultant certification through IAABC.
Her approach to training has evolved massively over the years, moving away from traditional punishment-based methods toward a more ethical, science-backed way of working with horses. She’s an incredible voice in the equestrian space, and I have so much admiration for the work she’s doing!
In this episode, we dive into:
🐴 What sparked Shelby’s passion for horse welfare and the personal experiences that led her to advocate for change.
🐴 How Shelby’s training has evolved over the years from punishment-based to reward-based.
🐴 The biggest welfare concerns in the industry—harsh training methods, equipment, poor management, and a widespread lack of understanding of horse behavior.
🐴 The moment Shelby started questioning traditional training and horse-keeping practices.
🐴 The challenges of holding top riders accountable while leaving room for them to grow.
🐴 Social media as both a tool for change and a platform for cancel culture—where’s the line?
🐴 Why abuse persists at the top levels of competition, despite being more exposed than ever.
🐴 Corruption in the horse world.
🐴 Shelby’s vision for a better equestrian industry—and realistic changes that could actually happen.
🐴 The million-dollar question: Do horses truly enjoy being ridden and competing?
🐴 Ethical concerns beyond competition—how to spot truly ethical horsemanship.
🐴 Two trainers setting a better example in horse sports.
🐴 The use of R+ and R- in training—can pure R- ever be ethical?
🐴 How Shelby handles backlash when calling out unethical practices.
🐴 Debunking the “if the horse didn’t want to, they wouldn’t” myth.
🐴 What keeps Shelby motivated to keep advocating for change.
🐴 Common misconceptions about her work.
🐴 Shelby’s personal goals with horses and training.
🐴 Favorite horse books, resources, and what she’s currently learning.
🐴 Plus SO much more!
Training Piaffe & The Road to Collection: Connection, Communication, & Biomechanics with Kelly de Geus
Season 2 · Episode 64
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 • Duration 01:14:43
In this episode of The Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Kelly de Geus: an amazing horsewoman known for her ability to train horses the piaffe in a light, soft, willing, biomechanically correct way.
Kelly de Geus is a dedicated horse trainer and coach from the Netherlands, who has been captivated by horses for as long as she can remember. For over a decade, Kelly's main focus has been on training horses herself, developing a specialty in teaching horses to piaffe and passage in hand. This is always a result of optimal communication and body use, and never a quick fix or trick. Having trained over 1000 horses in hand, Kelly now primarily focuses on sharing the knowledge she gained by doing so, thereby helping more people (and, in turn, more horses) feel better, improve posture and optimise performance.
I first reached out to Kelly for online lessons years ago after being mesmerised by how light and happy her horses looked in the piaffe. At the time, she didn’t have online resources, but she agreed to help me through online lessons and I was blown away by her approach. She taught me that that piaffe is reflection of correct basics, and that there are a sequence of things that need to be in place before the piaffe is possible. Her values in training horses align closely to my own so I am so happy to share her voice with the horse world.
In this episode, we cover:
✨ The true purpose of piaffe as a diagnostic and gymnastic exercise (it’s more than just fancy footwork and it’s not a ‘circus trick’!)
✨The importance of conncection, communication, & biomechanics
✨ Common mistakes & how to know if your horse is ready to start training the piaffe
✨ The groundwork that sets the foundation for collection
✨ Adjusting her training approach to different horses
✨The role of positive reinforcement in her training
✨Plus so much more!
If you’ve ever dreamed of training the piaffe, this is THE episode for you!
Balancing The Use Of Reinforcements, And Being A Horse & Human Mum With Chloe Bailey
Season 2 · Episode 63
Monday, March 17, 2025 • Duration 57:05
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning what is the most ethical way to train horses, felt like an outsider when it comes to exploring different methods, and/or you’re a mum trying to balance horses, life, and kids…then this episode is for you!
A while ago, I received a message on Facebook from Chloe Bailey, who had joined the new free Horse Mums FB group. She sent me a Google Doc in response to a question I had posted about how people navigate the use of reinforcements. Her response was so insightful that I knew it had to be shared, so here we are!
I sat down with Chloe Bailey, a welfare-concious ‘amateur’ horse trainer who has, like many of us, been asking those horse welfare questions and contemplating on how we can best navigate the use of reinforcement types in training.
We spoke about:
Chloe’s horse journey and how she navigates the use of reinforcements in training
What led her to explore positive reinforcement (R+)
Overcoming guilt from past training methods and advice for others facing the same struggles
Balancing idealism with practicality in training
The biggest misconceptions about positive reinforcement (R+) and negative reinforcement (R-)
Dealing with a shift in identity after moving away from traditional horse communities
Experimenting with longer delays between the click and reward – key insights
The future of R+ in the horse world – what changes Chloe hopes to see in the next 5–10 years
How becoming a mother has changed her horsemanship
The challenges of being a horse mum and human mum – and how she manages them
Chloe’s latest horsemanship breakthrough
Her favourite horse books and resources- including 2 authors that are completely new to me which I'm excited to read
Her personal horse goals for the future
Plus so much more!
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE:
12 Ways to Have a More Relaxed Session with Your Horse
Season 2 · Episode 62
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 • Duration 43:33
Have you ever had a session with your horse where it feels like you’re walking on eggshells… everything is tense, your horse is worried, and you feel like the slightest thing can set them off? 😬🐎
I’ve been there too, and that’s exactly why I recorded this latest episode of The Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast: 12 Ways to Have a More Relaxed Session with Your Horse.
I’ve recognised that there are specific things I do on days when everything feels much more relaxed, and I’d love to share them with you! My hope is that you and your horse can also feel more at ease, have more fun, and ultimately get better results from your time together.
Relaxation isn’t just a "nice to have"… it’s fundamental to great horsemanship.
When you and your horse are relaxed, everything improves:
✔️ Your connection deepens
✔️ Learning becomes easier for you both
✔️ It’s safer for both of you
✔️ Athletic maneuvers and performance work improve
✔️ And most importantly… it just feels better and is more enjoyable for you both!
You can expect to gain valuable insights on how to set up your sessions for success so that you and your horse can be relaxed and happy! I’ve noticed a huge difference in myself and my own horses when I incorporate these techniques.
This episode also kicks off SEASON 2 of The Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast! 🎉🎉
I’d love to hear your thoughts after you listen! 🎧💬 Let me know one thing you’ll try from these 12 tips in your next session!
Updates: Reflections on a positive reinforcement deep dive, surprise personal announcement, motherhood and horses, and what’s happening next on the Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast.
Season 1 · Episode 61
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 • Duration 01:19:14
Life has been full of big changes for me lately, and in this episode, I’m catching you up on everything - both personally and professionally. I’ll be sharing how my approach to horsemanship is evolving, unpacking my thoughts on using food rewards, pressure, and the ethical considerations that come with training horses. I can’t wait to share my breakthroughs with you. Plus I have a surprise personal announcement 😁💕 I hope you enjoy the show!
What I talk about in this episode:
My ongoing quest for a better way with horses
My deep dive into positive reinforcement - breakthroughs and learnings:
the setup
the marker signal
small approximations
undoing things
education
feel
emotions
mindset shifts
the power of R+
plateus and pain
the restriction
the moral high ground
What has stopped me from taking a more ‘pure’ R+ approach & why I still use ‘pressure’
How I’m tweaking my use of R+ after this most recent deep dive
Surprise Personal Announcement
What I'm doing now with my horses & horse business
Other things I’m studying/interested in
Motherhood & horses
2 new and exciting opportunities to connect with like-minded horse people
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EXTRA RESOURCES TO HELP YOU AND YOUR HORSE:
📚 Book & Resource List: Get all the books & recommendations mentioned on the podcast → amaliadempsey.com/booklist
🐴 Free Mini-Course: Build a deeper connection & communication with your horse → amaliadempsey.com/ccmc
🏋️♀️ Free Rider Exercises: Improve your biomechanics with 10 unmounted exercises →
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🐴👶🏼 Horse Mums Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded horsey mums, share the highs and challenges of balancing it all, get support, laughs, and tips from a community that gets it! →https://www.facebook.com/groups/938509415066034
____
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
🐴👶🏼 Horse Mums Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded horsey mums, share the highs and challenges of balancing it all, get support, laughs, and tips from a community that gets it! →https://www.facebook.com/groups/938509415066034
____
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
🐴👶🏼 Horse Mums Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded horsey mums, share the highs and challenges of balancing it all, get support, laughs, and tips from a community that gets it! →https://www.facebook.com/groups/938509415066034
____
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
🐴👶🏼 Horse Mums Facebook Group: Connect with like-minded horsey mums, share the highs and challenges of balancing it all, get support, laughs, and tips from a community that gets it! →https://www.facebook.com/groups/938509415066034
____
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
Keywords: Horsemanship, Rider Biomechanics, Positive Reinforcement, Horse Training, Liberty Training, Postpartum Riding Fitness, Equine Welfare, Ethical Horse Training, Groundwork Exercises, Enrichment for Horses, Clicker Training, Horse & Rider Connection, Strength & Mobility for Riders, Return to Riding Program, Balanced Riding, Harmony with Horses, Horse Behavior & Communication, Holistic Horsemanship, Ethical Riding Practices, Mindful Horsemanship, Classical Dressage, Softness & Lightness, Rider Posture & Alignment, Core Strength for Riders, Horse Agility, Bitless Riding, Bareback Riding, Young Horse Development, Confidence Building for Riders, Problem-Solving in Horse Training
This conversation is eye-opening, thought-provoking, and (at times) confronting. Shelby’s bravery in speaking out—even in the face of backlash—is truly inspiring, and I know you’re going to take so much away from this episode.
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
Keywords: Horsemanship, Rider Biomechanics, Positive Reinforcement, Horse Training, Liberty Training, Postpartum Riding Fitness, Equine Welfare, Ethical Horse Training, Groundwork Exercises, Enrichment for Horses, Clicker Training, Horse & Rider Connection, Strength & Mobility for Riders, Return to Riding Program, Balanced Riding, Harmony with Horses, Horse Behavior & Communication, Holistic Horsemanship, Ethical Riding Practices, Mindful Horsemanship, Classical Dressage, Softness & Lightness, Rider Posture & Alignment, Core Strength for Riders, Horse Agility, Bitless Riding, Bareback Riding, Young Horse Development, Confidence Building for Riders, Problem-Solving in Horse Training, R+, R-, Negative Reinforcement, Combined Reinforcement
Discover a deeper connection & communication with your horse with this free mini-course at www.amaliadempsey.com/ccmc
Improve your rider biomechanics through unmounted exercises with these 10 Free Rider Specific Exercises to improve your riding at: https://www.amaliadempsey.com/exercises
If you’re ready for a complete riding transformation through exercises join the 8 Week Rider Specific Exercise Program at:
If you’re loving this podcast, please screenshot this episode and upload to Instagram or Facebook (make sure you tag me @amalia_horses) Let me know your biggest breakthrough from listening! Please send this podcast to all your horsey friends- it helps spread the word of good horsemanship and ultimately have a positive impact on the horse world!
🔔 Follow the show so you don’t miss future episodes! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube.
⭐ Leave a rating and review to help spread the word of good horsemanship! Your support makes a big difference!
📸 Take a screenshot and share this episode on social media! I'd love to hear what resonated with you the most! And knowing that this pod has made an impact makes my day!
