The Equestrian Connection – Details, episodes & analysis

*Important to note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in June 2024 in German for the wehorse podcast. We used translation software to dub the episode for our English podcast, The Equestrian Connection. Please excuse any imperfections in the conversation as a result. Richard Vogel is a German rider who started riding horses at the age of four, following in the footsteps of his family who have always had a strong passion for horses. He began competing at the age of seven and since then has has achieved numerous national and international successes. After a riding apprenticeship and valuable years of training with Ludger Beerbaum starting in 2015, today Richard Vogel is the No. 1 German show jumper and sits at No. 10 in the world rankings. Currently, Richard continues to compete internationally and represents Germany in various equestrian competitions. At the same time, he runs a business together with Sophie Hinners and David Will; a sports and sales stable in Hesse with two locations, known for the first-class training of show jumpers. Richard's philosophy can be summarized by his motto "The more you work, the luckier you get." In this podcast episode, Richard Vogel tells host Christian Kröeber how he worked for his success from an early age, why his business partners rarely compete in the same competitions as he does, what he thinks makes a good rider, and what he thinks needs to change if we want to still be able to experience equestrian sport in 20 years. Connect with Richard: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_richardvogel_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardVogelsporthorses

The purpose of EquUSCAN is to engage equestrians (specifically in the US and Canada, though everyone is welcome) in social justice work and global activism. EquUSCAN is a resource hub, highlighting and amplifying important humanitarian causes around the world and providing actionable avenues through which you can get involved and contribute to making a difference, help those who need it most, and reduce harm and suffering for vulnerable and targeted populations. EquUSCAN believes that your voice matters and they want to empower you to use it for the greater good! Founders Kait Miller and Elsie Reford truly believe that aligning equine advocacy work with social justice and global activism is the next evolution of the horse-human partnership and they are excited to be creating a platform that intentionally fosters the merging of those spheres. Connect with EquUSCAN: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equ.us_can/ Website: https://equuscan.my.canva.site/

Wendy’s desire to understand the function of both horse and human, her curiosity, and her love of teaching have led her to be able to help both the horse and the rider. She combines her creative talents with her scientific training to break down larger concepts of horseback riding as well as horse health into simple, easy-to-understand, bite-sized “chunks” for students of all ages, abilities, and disciplines. Her ability to make learning enjoyable, engaging, and fun through in-depth presentations helps her students connect the dots and achieve their goals. Wendy’s willingness to embrace new ideas led her to develop the SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program and SURE FOOT Equine Balance Pads, which allow horses to reprogram their own brain in order to feel more grounded, secure, and confident so they can become a more willing partner. In this episode, we discuss nervous systems, balance, SURE FOOT pads, personal experiences, giving the horse a say, and so much more. Connect with Wendy: Murdoch Method Website: https://murdochmethod.com/ Murdoch Method Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murdoch_method/ Murdoch Method Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MurdochMethod SURE FOOT Website: https://surefootequine.com/ SURE FOOT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surefootequine/ SURE FOOT Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUREFOOTEquineStabilityPads SURE FOOT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/338470610073519

Gabriela, aka Gaby, Reutter is the reigning #1 female Chilean show jumper. Her career is decorated with accolades, including more recently the team Bronze Medal at the 2022 South American Games in Paraguay, as well as victories in FEI classes, Nations Cup events, and European tours. Gaby’s career is a true testament to her spirit and unwavering dedication. From leading performances at Spruce Meadows and The Hampton Classic to securing top ranks at junior/young rider South American Games, her journey is filled with impressive accomplishments. Notably, her partnership with Rocky saw them on top in prestigious competitions in recent years. In 2018, Gaby founded Lumiere Horses Inc., a testament to her vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the year, you can find her travelling across the United States, Canada, and Europe, fueled by her ambition to become the first Chilean woman show jumper to represent her nation's colors at the Olympics since 1972. In this episode, we discuss all things ambition, balance, staying on track with big goals, and so much more. Connect with Gabriela: Website: https://www.lumierehorses.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriela.reutter/

Dave Thind is the founder of the Dave Thind Method, otherwise known as DTM, which is the breakthrough combination of Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® and the German classical training system. DTM helps you improve your seat, feel what your horse is communicating and improve the effectiveness and clarity of your aids. Originally from Canada but now living in the US and spending summers in Germany, Thind has himself competed at the Grand Prix level in dressage and jumping. He is a noted equestrian biomechanics authority, with several published articles and appearances as an expert guest or lecturer to his credit. He received his German 'Trainer A' license in 2007 with a nearly perfect score awarded to him from the German National Federation. He holds an International Trainer Passport Level III and is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner, which means he is able to teach both Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement and the hands-on work, Functional Integration. With DTM, you’ll awaken your body’s innate ability to ride softer, with greater feel and better results. You’ll learn how to release the physical and mental tension, as well as “over-effort” that blocks the full expression of your horse’s talent. In this episode, we discuss common riding challenges, self-carriage of the human, and Dave walk us through an exercise to introduce us to Feldenkrais. Connect with Dave: Website: https://www.davethindmethod.com/ Save 20% on the 14-Day Challenge: Unlock Your Hips and Swing With Your Back, or the 60-Days to a Better Seat course. Use coupon code WEHORSE (offer valid until June 1, 2024)

Holly Barnett is a professional Breathwork Facilitator with a background in Applied Neuroscience, and the founder of her method, Intero Breath. You may recognize Holly from episode #31 where we chatted about saddle fit. Holly has been a saddle fitter and equine bodyworker for two decades but was beginning to notice a shift in herself and a shift in the way she worked with horses. Holly used her knowledge in breathwork and applied neuroscience to create a modality to reduce stress, manage emotions and regulate the nervous system. Holly’s method, which she calls Intero Breath, is a practice that combines the profound healing and regulating properties of Interoception & Breathwork. In this episode, we discuss Intero Breath, how it can change our relationship with our horses, how it can impact us as equestrians and humans, the ability to heal, and so much more. Connect with Holly: Website: https://www.interobreath.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly_barnett_wellness/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/holly.barnett.505

Ian Benson’s focus is the relationship between horse and human. He believes that all change comes from us as humans. This means: “We need to be the change we want to see in our horse”. The method of Humanship is about the whole relationship between you and your horse, all the parts of each of our characters coming together to create the relationship as it is now. Humanship includes a comprehensive philosophy and a practical approach with everyday exercises from the ground and from the saddle. The focus of the exercises is on implementing them in everyday life with the horse and on refining communication from horseback. Connect with Ian: Website: http://www.humanship.co.nz/

Dr. Tracy Rainwaters holds a very long list of education and credentials, including but not limited to a Doctor of Chiropractic and Animal Chiropractic certification, Neo-Shamanic Breathwork Practitioner certification, and so much more. Her mission is to bring harmony between horses and their humans. She utilizes a whole-being approach to healing by looking at an issue from the perspective of the physical, mental & emotional as well as the energetic & the spiritual. With that, she combines her medical knowledge as an human and animal chiropractor with her intuitive abilities as an interspecies intuitive and shamanic practitioner to bring whole-being healing to both horse and rider. Through this approach, she is able to help improve harmony, performance, connection and health.

Cheryl Eriksen is an author, blogger, horse midwife, and eternal student of the horse-human connection. While earning her MSW from Western Michigan University, Cheryl took a special interest in the effects of trauma on the developing brain, and she applied that learning, along with her personal experiences as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, into her memoir, Follow Me, Friend. Additionally, Cheryl has spent decades as an equine professional and extensively studied equine behavior and how it is influenced by what the human brings to the relationship. Through her work in the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and learning, Cheryl has seen and experienced firsthand the healing power of the horse-human relationship. Her books (current and upcoming) and her blog explore this powerful relationship. Cheryl has also developed and taught continuing education courses on Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as a viable adjunct therapy, and on Trauma, Resiliency, and Horse Sense for social workers.

Maddie Houser is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist with her now retired Dutch Warmblood mare, Leah, and since 2021 has been focused on helping shed light on the versatility of the Quarter Horse and their place in the dressage ring. Maddie’s Instagram account, The Blonde & The Bay, showcases her training progressions, the ups and downs of horse and farm ownership, equestrian fashion, and more. In this episode, we’re focusing on the new year. Maddie didn’t have the year she expected with her horses, and rather than taking that energy into 2024, we’re talking about how to realign goals, set expectations, pivot when necessary, and stay on track when things get hard. This is the perfect episode to listen to for new year inspiration, whether you need a fresh start like us, or whether you just want to hear different perspectives on the goals and often “highlight reels” of the equestrian world.