Welcome to the first episode of The Little Horse Big Conversation Podcast! We are your co hosts, Ross Cooper and Amy Mitchell, and in this opening episode we invite you to listen in as we discuss the challenges faced when advocating for horses as both professionals and owners, with interesting conversation and insight on how we can make a collective difference to improve welfare standards for the better; there may be a rabbit hole or two along the way!

Thanks for listening! 

Ross the Horseman and Amy the Hoof Woman You can find The Little Horse Big Conversation on Facebook 

We really hope you enjoy listening to us chatting, do give is some feedback by jumping into the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571308815536

 

-

 

Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

In a world that does not like to stop still, running your own business has so many blessings, but even so we can all too often leave ourselves behind; how do we as people and professionals advocate for ourselves so we can step in to our best selves, and what pressures can drive us to leave that sense of self behind? Amy and Ross explore their thoughts, feelings and ways to begin advocating for yourself.   Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a rating and review!   Love the new jingle? Check out the fabulous Iza Moon here https://www.facebook.com/iamizamoon - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

 “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower” – Alexander Den Heijer. Creating the right environment for our horses is vital for them to thrive, and if these needs fail to be met can result in long-lasting consequences for our horses welfare. Amy and Ross explore what is species-appropriate husbandry, why these practises should be necessities, not options and what you can bring in to enrich your horses lives. - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

Welcome back to the Little Horse Big Conversation podcast. 

This week Ross and Amy discuss gender stereotypes in the horse world. It's a topic with many facets! 

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

In this episode Amy and Ross share a conversation with master horseman and all round fantastic human being Nahshon Cook. The conversation flows through a number of topics and is scattered with little gems of wisdom and points to ponder.

We know you are going to love this episode but a little note of caution, there are a couple of moments of "lively" language so if you have small people around or are easily offended, this one might not be for you. 

 

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

In this next "get to know your hosts" episode, Ross gives Amy a grilling on all things past, present and future....  

Enjoying the pod so far? We would be really delighted if you could give us a rate and review as it helps get us out there to more people who may enjoy a listen :-)  - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

Would you like to get to know a little more about your host, Ross Cooper?

Freshly returned from a trip abroad, Amy was ready with a list of questions as Ross took to the hot less than 24 hours since being back on British soil! - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

As training and management in domestication continues to promote the rise of gastric disease in horses, Amy and Ross explore factors, causes and preventatives, asking the question if this gastric pandemic should be allowed to now be viewed as 'the norm'. -

Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

In this episode Ross and Amy discuss the pitfalls that we can hit when we place pressure on ourselves to make progress and succeed. The conversation explores what can make better measures of success than comparison to others and time bound expectations! As always, the discussion heads off on a few entertaining tangents. We hope you enjoy! - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

 

In this episode we chat all things equine nutrition with the very fabulous Nia Cooke, co-founder of Finer Forage feed. As well as being a fellow equine podiatrist, Nia is an expert on equine nutrition and focusses her attention on species appropriate feeding.  Enjoy this most nourishing of conversations with Nia, Amy and Ross!

Want to know more about the Finer Forage feed range? Check out the website or search for Finer Forage on socials. https://finerforage.co.uk/ - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

We are at a point in time where the inclusion of horses in competitive sport and riding has never been more called in to question, by equestrians and the wider viewing public; this social license to operate has never had greater power than now as we gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the ethics of horse-centred training and management.   Amy and Ross open this can of worms to share some insightful thoughts on this most controversial of topics. Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

When do we know when us and our horses are ready?   In the latest episode, Amy and Ross explore that being ready isn't so much of a feeling, it is a decision, and what contributes to that final shift of mindset to make the final choice'.   Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

Does a facade hold merit or lack authenticity?  As a professional who interacts with the public, be this face to face, through an on-line presence or any way that one my present themselves, we strive to uphold a professional standard, but what could those standards be, are they professionally valid or a false representation?

Here, Amy and Ross talk about the balance of keeping it together whilst keeping it real.

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

In episode 13 of the Little Horse Big Conversation Podcast, Amy and Ross talk about the many facets of hoof handling. From reasons why the horse may find lifting limbs difficult, to troubleshooting principles of approach to help your horses handling, and the perspective of the hoof-care provider, this is a jam-packed and insightful episode! Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

This week Ross and Amy are delighted to be joined by Liza Kimble, founder of FTR® (Fascia and Trauma Release) EFTR®(Equine Fascia and Trauma Release). Liza Kimble began her professional journey with her innovative approaches to bodywork and trauma recovery inspired through science and nature, seeking wisdom from diverse healing traditions and integrating ancient modalities with contemporary scientific discoveries. This warming conversation brings both insight into the world of fascia, the wide-reaching effects that trauma has on the body and a deeper exploration into our own experiences. To find out more about Liza Kimble and her work visit https://www.lizakimble.com

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

Causality is the relationship between cause and effect, how the events that happen within our lives sometimes create that drop in the water that ripples in directions we never expected.   Amy and Ross reflect as they share person events that have happened in their lives that has changed the trajectories of where there lives have led the to; of course, as causality continues, this is only part one! Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/      

This week Ross and Amy are joined by two special guests, Kate Lemon, Rewilding Delivery Manager from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and large herbivore and rewilding specialist, Rina Quinlan of Rina Quinlan Research & Rewilding Consultancy. In this auroch-sized episode, we delve into the public misconceptions that surround rewilding, the many benefits that rewilding can have on us as humans and our long-term management of equines, and of course, what equines can bring to conservation and rewilding projects across the world. To find out more on Kate and her work at the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, visit https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/ To find out more on Rina and her work at Rina Quinlan Research and Rewilding Consultancy, visit http://www.rinaquinlan.com or @rinaquinlan on Instagram.

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

As the year draws to a close and we stand on the doorstep of a New Year, Amy and Ross reflect on what a year 2025 has been, personally and professionally, from the memorable moments and highlights through to the messy parts and testing times, both reflecting on the lessons learned and what they wish to take forward to a New Year.   - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

What can change when you are in the presence of love?

In this wholesome conversation, Amy and Ross explore the concept of love; not the emotion as we perceive it, but love as regard, love as a frequency and love a state of being and the profound changes it can make in the connection to, not just our horses, but to ourselves as well. “Love is the quiet energy that tells a horse it is safe enough to show us the truth.” 

- Amy Mitchell

  - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

In Western culture, death, grief and loss are topics that are often left undiscussed due to cultural norms and the strong emotional ties they evoke in us, yet difficult conversations are often the ones that offer the most benefit. Recalling on their past experiences, Amy and Ross talk openly about their experiences with loss and we can better navigate grief, not just for ourselves, but the support we can offer to our horses. This insightful conversation highlights the different types of grief, how loss may effect behaviour and the development of attachment styles as well as providing ways to process heavier emotions and how to prepare during difficult times.

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

This week Ross and Amy are joined by world renowned horseman and best-selling authors, Mark Rashid and Crissi McDonald.

  Mark Rashid is an internationally known clinician and bestselling author of sixteen books, known for his ability to work with the horse, instead of against them. Some of his titles include "Considering The Horse," "Horses Never Lie," and "For the Love of the Horse."   Crissi McDonald is an award-winning author of five books, two of them about the horse and human bond. She travels with Mark and teaches clinics alongside of him, as well as being a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner.   A flowing conversation that could of lasted for many hours more, Mark and Crissi visit with Amy and Ross about the importance of internal softness, the changes in horsemanship through the years and reveal a worldwide exclusive on their upcoming book release with Dr Steve Peters, "A Horse's Life". To find out more on the work of Crissi Mcdonald visit http://www.crissimcdonald.com  To find out more on the work of Mark Rashid visit: http://www.markrashid.com and Considering The Horse, Mark Rashid on Facebook. - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

Within the horse world, whether we are horse owners, trainers, hoof-care professionals or bodyworkers, we are taught how to do things — the “right” techniques, the trusted methods, the proven systems. But what happens when those very methods start to limit us?

In this episode, Amy and Ross explore both the benefits and pitfalls of working within structured modalities. When does guidance support the horse, and when does it box us in? If you've ever questioned whether you're following a formula or truly seeing the whole horse, this conversation will challenge and inspire your learning mindset.

 

- Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

During this weeks episode, Ross and Amy are excited to be joined by life-long horsewoman, research scientist and best-selling author of the book ‘Sacred Spaces, Dr Susan D Fay.

 

This wholesome conversation with Dr Susan takes us through her early journey as a lifelong horsewoman, introducing us to the horses that shaped the trajectory of her career and the quest that led her to find the sacred space, the title of her best-selling book ‘Sacred Spaces’, and her work promoting communion of the horse with a blend of science and spirit.

Together with Amy and Ross, Dr Susan discusses the challenges of a writer in a world of artificial intelligence, the kind of change needed within ourselves to better our horsemanship, and the announcement of her new and upcoming book series. Ross and Amy are pleased to be hosting Dr Susan for her first UK clinic in August 2027; stay tuned for details!

To find out more on the work of Susan Fay visit https://www.drsusanfay.com/  - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

Could dopamine be hijacking your mind? In this weeks episode, Amy and Ross discuss one of the most well-known neurotransmitters and it's relationship in shaping behaviour; dopamine. The duo discuss the role of dopamine in learning, how this can reinforce habits that keep us hooked on seeking those small 'hits, and most importantly, how we can hijack them back with a series of ways that can help you seek a more natural dopamine release and challenge those unhealthy habits.

 

-

Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

Is there a hidden agenda behind our ridden decisions?

With the potential to be one of the most controversial topics of recent episodes, Amy and Ross explore the ethics of intervention within our horses pathology and the motivation behind these decisions; where does the line sit on improving our horses quality of life for them or extending their working life for rider benefit? Ross and Amy get straight into the meat and grey areas with this weeks episode, not to be missed!

-

Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/  

Celebrating our 1 year anniversary of the Little Horse Big Conversation Podcast, we are joined by equine researcher and hoof dissection specialist, Lindsey Field from The Study Of The Equine Hoof.   Lindsey shares with us what first began her interest in the hoof dissections, her findings throughout the years and discusses contributing factors to care and management of the healthy hoof. To find out more on the work of Lindsey Field visit https://hoofstudies.com/ - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/        

This week Amy and Ross are talking canine, equine and the nervous system and are excited to be joined by Rose Waldrup of the Waldrup Somatic Method for canines. Founder of the Waldrup Somatic Method, a pioneering, nervous system based approach to working with dogs that shifts the focus from behaviour to regulation, the work of Rose Waldrup bridges somatic theory, neuroscience and the human-canine relationship to help dogs move from survival to safety and connection. During this episode they explore how behaviour can be misunderstood and is a reflection of the nervous system, the difference between training and regulation, how dogs mirror the nervous system of humans states and what this means for connection and the role of safety, consent and co-regulation in healing. The exploration and contrasts between the human, canine and equine nervous system that are explored in this episode are a sure-fire eye opener, whether your interest is humans, canine or equine. Rose regularly works with rescue dogs, high-arousal and shutdown cases, collaborating with shelters and organisations across the United States where she is based.

To find out more on the Waldrup Somatic Method including free resources and courses visit www.waldrupsomaticmethod.com - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

Joining Amy and Ross this week is author, journalist, classical horse trainer and founder of the Horse Boy Method, Rupert Isaacson. Born in London to Southern African parents with an expansive ancestral lineage, Rupert Isaacson is the best-selling author of ‘The Horse Boy’, ‘The Long Ride Home’ and founder of The Horse Boy Method, a science based intervention for Autism and ADHD that improves academic, behavioural and social goals through equine assisted methods focused on re-patterning the brain and calming the nervous system, combining movement and nature with horses. In a warm and genuine conversation, Rupert talks about his early-life experiences as a journalist and ancestral connections that paved the way to his experiences in shamanism from a young age, from the shape-shifting Bushman of Southern Africa to the the Shamans of Mongolia. Most famously told in his novel 'The Horse Boy' of Rupert's journey to the Sharmans of the steppe to heal his son, Rowan, we talk about how this experience changed his work with horses, how classical training has become pivotal to his equine-assisted programmes, and of course, how the awareness of autism has changed since Rowan began that journey. To find out more on the work of Rupert Isaacson, visit https://rupertisaacson.com/, http:www/ntls.co and www.longridehome.com - Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean, Spotify and Youtube! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/

 

During the latest episode, your co-hosting duo bring the focus to the wide-reaching subject of equine pain, condensing this subject in to an informative and thought provoking conversation on the subject of pain. Together, Ross and Amy discuss some of the science behind what pain is, some of the physical and postural presentations you might see alongside the challenges faced as an equine professional and the broader considerations of the ethics involved.

-

Enjoyed listening to the latest episode? If so, please leave us a rating or review! Stream all episodes now on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Podbean and Spotify! Keep up-to-date with Ross at htpp://www.rosscooperofficial.co.uk  Keep up-to-date with Amy at https://www.areion.co.uk/