Outside Rein Pod – Details, episodes & analysis

Nat & Tor discuss aspects of the 5* horse trials that stood out for them, with some minor interruptions from small humans and our canine friends!

Welcome to the Outside Rein Podcast!

Hosted by life long friends, Nat and Tor, we are here to talk all about amateur and grassroots horse ownership and riding.

In this first episode we discuss when horses deserve a second chance, can horses be dangerous, and where to find the appropriate help!

In this episode, Nat & Tor talk all things lessons and training — including the classic equestrian pastime of coach hopping, trying to decipher coaching techniques, and attempting to improve your riding without selling a kidney for weekly lessons. A very honest chat about progress, pressure, and figuring out what actually works for you and your horse.

This week we’re joined by our very first guest — Jade McNeil.

We chat all about returning to riding and eventing later in life, balancing horses with business, family life and motherhood, and the realities of chasing your goals after time away from the sport.

From navigating confidence and challenges, to somehow convincing husbands to fully buy into the horsey chaos… this episode is honest, relatable and full of laughs.

Jade shares her journey back into eventing, what’s helped her along the way, and why it’s never too late to go after the things you love.

Perfect for anyone juggling horses with “real life” — or anyone needing a reminder that your riding journey doesn’t have an expiry date.

This week we're joined by Mickey Gavin, natural horsemanship specialist, horseman, storyteller, and all-round character!

Mickey shares his wealth of experience working with horses, his thoughts on building better partnerships through understanding and communication, and some invaluable lessons learned throughout his career. Along the way, you'll hear plenty of his trademark anecdotes—because Mickey seems to have a story for absolutely everything—and more than a few laughs too.

Whether you're interested in natural horsemanship, improving your relationship with your horse, or simply enjoy listening to great stories from a lifelong horseman, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

This week we're diving into the "Equinesphere", the horse world's own version of the online echo chamber. From influencer culture and social media pressure to judgement, jealousy, horse-world politics and the strange ways the internet has changed how we ride, compete and connect, we're asking some uncomfortable questions about modern equestrian life.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Denise O'Reilly – riding centre owner, biomechanics specialist, and passionate advocate for understanding how horses and riders move together.

Denise shares her journey through the equestrian world, from her own riding background to developing a deep interest in biomechanics and rider performance. We discuss how her willingness to question traditional methods and ask the questions that "shouldn't be asked" challenged accepted thinking and helped shape her approach today.

We also dive into the realities of creating lasting change in our riding, why building new habits can be so difficult, and practical strategies for improving both rider awareness and effectiveness in the saddle.

Whether you're interested in biomechanics, coaching, rider development, or simply love hearing from people who aren't afraid to think differently, this is a conversation packed with insight and plenty of food for thought.

🎧 Tune in to hear Denise's story, her perspective on learning and change, and how asking better questions can lead to better riding.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of mental health challenges, including personal experiences that some listeners may find distressing. Please listen with care and seek support if needed.

In this honest and deeply personal episode, Nat shares her journey with mental health and the role horses have played throughout it. We explore the unique relationship many equestrians have with their horses, how the equine world can provide comfort, purpose, and healing, but also how it can sometimes add pressure, stress, and emotional challenges.

Nat opens up about her own experiences, reflecting on both the positive and difficult aspects of navigating mental health while being involved with horses. Together, we discuss the importance of recognising when we need support, breaking down stigma, and having more open conversations about mental wellbeing within the equestrian community.

This is a heartfelt conversation that many riders will relate to, whether you've experienced mental health struggles yourself or want to better understand those who have.

You can now find our support group on Facebook by searching #MakeItStronger, our LinkTree or clicking here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FpqtWQjg9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

💜 Need support?Riders Minds – Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the equestrian community.🌐 https://ridersminds.org📞 0800 088 2073📱 Text: 07480 488 103

Samaritans – Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone struggling to cope.📞 116 123 (free from any phone in the UK and ROI)🌐 https://www.samaritans.org

Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and you don't have to face things alone. 💜

This week, we turn the tables as Tor puts co-host Nat in the hot seat!

From horsey hot takes and riding mishaps to a few questions that have absolutely nothing to do with horses, nothing is off limits. We chat about the experiences that have shaped Nat as a rider, some of her biggest opinions, plenty of laughs... and yes, we finally get that much-requested story out of her!

If you've ever wanted to get to know the voice behind the mic a little better, this is the episode for you.

🎧 Expect plenty of laughs, a bit of chaos, and a few surprises along the way.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a review, share the episode with your horsey friends, and follow us on social media to keep the conversation going.