The NOËLLE FLOYD Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Some horses come with a few challenges. This one came with a list. In this episode of Ground Work Guys, Nick and Tik meet a mare who pulls back when tied, rushes off the trailer, fidgets for the farrier, and gets jumpy around the saddle. Instead of diving straight into solutions, they do what they do best: take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

What unfolds is an honest, funny, and surprisingly tender conversation about trust, patience, and why most training problems are really just relationship problems in disguise. From clicker training to pressure and release, from soft timing to emotional awareness, Nick and Tik unpack how small wins build true confidence for both horse and rider.

Here's what you'll learn:
• How to rebuild trust with a horse that pulls back or panics when tied
• Ways to help a horse back quietly off a trailer
• How to turn foot handling from a struggle into a confidence builder
• Why rewarding relaxation matters more than rewarding obedience
• How clicker training and pressure and release can work together beautifully
• Why progress often looks more like a circle than a straight line

It is a thoughtful, down to earth episode that leaves you smiling, nodding, and maybe rethinking the way you handle the tricky moments with your own horse.

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Episode Sponsor: Jug Waterers

Thanks to the open bowl design and unique draw tube water supply system, animals can see and smell clean, fresh water. No learning how to lift flaps or push balls or float out of the way to get a drink. An animal simply places its mouth in the open pool of water in the drinking bowl and sucks up the water just as it would from a natural water hole.

Visit - bakkoindustries.com

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Groundwork Guys - Now streaming on NOËLLE FLOYD's new platform Camp HorseWorld" linked to https://camphorseworld.com/pages/groundwork-guys

Meg writes in about her daughter's experienced 1.25m jumper who's suddenly backing off liverpools (water jumps), and the Groundwork Guys, Tik Maynard and Nick Rivera, dig in to help rebuild his confidence from the ground up. They start where all good training starts: ruling out pain. From there, they look at what the horse is telling them through his reactions, his body, and the way he thinks about the task.

They unpack how fear can look like enthusiasm, why overjumping isn't confidence, and how the words we use, such as always, never, or tried everything can quietly shape the way we train. Then they shift gears to curiosity, showing how to help a horse investigate instead of react, using simple groundwork and obstacles to rebuild trust and calmness.

Here's what you'll learn:
• Why pain and tension need to be ruled out before training begins
• What overjumping really means and how it connects to anxiety
• How target training and draw build curiosity toward something new
• When to send instead of lead and why it is often the safer option
• Four ways to approach a Liverpool from the ground before ever riding it
• How to spot the moment curiosity replaces fear

It's a thoughtful, practical episode about turning pressure into partnership and helping a horse find the confidence to think his way through a question instead of just trying to survive it.

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Episode Sponsor: Jug Waterers

Thanks to the open bowl design and unique draw tube water supply system, animals can see and smell clean, fresh water. No learning how to lift flaps or push balls or float out of the way to get a drink. An animal simply places its mouth in the open pool of water in the drinking bowl and sucks up the water just as it would from a natural water hole.

Visit - bakkoindustries.com

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Groundwork Guys - Now streaming on NOËLLE FLOYD's new platform Camp HorseWorld" linked to https://camphorseworld.com/pages/groundwork-guys

 

From the Navy to Neuroscience: What Horses Can Teach Us About the Brain Before he became one of the most sought-after voices in equine neuroscience, Dr. Stephen Peters lived an entirely different life — growing up between Japan and England in a military family, serving as a Navy officer, and even working at Goldman Sachs. But a personal tragedy pulled him into the world of brain science, setting him on a path that would change not just his career, but the way thousands of horse owners understand their animals. In this conversation, Stephen reveals how a clinical neuroscientist's view of the brain reshapes everything we think we know about training horses. You'll learn:

• Why attention is a finite resource in young horses — and the surprising age when their brains can actually sustain it.
  
  
• How fear rewires the brain and why "making it happen" often comes at a long-term cost.
  
  
• The three essential ingredients for learning that apply to horses and humans alike.
  
  
• Why "dwell time" isn't just downtime — it's the brain's most powerful consolidation tool.
  
  
• How stable design, sensory deprivation, and even whisker clipping can make a horse less capable of learning.
  
  
• The simple science-backed approach that can literally make a horse smarter.
  
  

It's a masterclass in connection, not control — rooted in evidence, but brought to life with the kind of cowboy wisdom you can only learn in the round pen. Whether you've never sat on a horse or you've spent a lifetime in the saddle, this episode will change how you think about brains, learning, and the delicate art of trust.

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Stay tuned for part 2.

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow!

And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

 

You love your horse—but your bank account? Not so much.

If you've ever found yourself thinking "Can I really afford this?" while clicking "checkout" on supplements or showing fees, you're in good company. Most riders are doing their best to make the numbers work in a sport that doesn't exactly favour modest budgets. In this episode of No Stupid Questions, Noëlle sits down with equestrian finance coach Mary Hurston of Budgeting with MH to talk candidly about the financial side of horse life—the part we rarely say out loud but all feel behind the scenes. Mary brings a shame-free approach to budgeting that's made for real equestrians with real goals. We dig into:

• How much of your income should actually go to horses?
• Is horse insurance worth the monthly premium—or not?
• Can you really write off horse expenses?
• What does it actually cost to show for a week at an "A" circuit venue?
• How to plan for big goals like buying land, building a barn, or affording shows—without burning out

If you're dreaming big, feeling stretched thin, or just want to take the guesswork out of your horse expenses, this episode will leave you feeling clear, capable, and way more confident. Because in this community? There are no stupid questions—especially when it comes to money.

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Mary Hurston website: https://www.budgetingwithmh.com/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow!

And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

What If the Calmest Person in the Arena Was the Most Powerful? Nick Dowers is a cowboy, a colt starter, a reined cow horse champion—and one of the most quietly revolutionary horsemen in the game. In this episode, 2016 Road to the Horse Champion and NRCHA finalist Nick Dowers joins Noëlle to break down how foundation, feel, and trust can take a horse from its first ride to world-class performance. But this conversation goes deeper than competition. Nick shares how growing up on a remote Nevada ranch shaped his "horse-as-teacher" mindset, why staying calm under pressure is a learned skill, and how real progress comes from rewarding the try, not chasing perfection. Whether you're starting fresh or rebuilding the foundation, Nick's approach offers clarity, grounded wisdom, and a whole new way to see your horse. You'll walk away with:
– A clearer sense of timing and feel
– Permission to slow down and build better
– Practical insights from one of the top horsemen in the Western world
– A fresh perspective on what calm, connected horsemanship really looks like

Nick Dower's book that he would read to the Horse World - The Bible.

This is horsemanship that transcends disciplines—and transforms relationships.

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And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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This episode is brought to you by YETI.  

Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts.
No compromise. 

Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com.

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📱 facebook.com/YETI

Why is balance the word every rider hears again and again—but still struggles to master? In this special episode, 5* eventer and Grand Prix dressage rider Laine Ashker breaks down exactly what balance means, why it matters across every discipline, and how to actually develop it—in both your horse and yourself. This conversation is the foundation of her 3-day "Building a Better Canter" guided ride series, and it's packed with real talk, practical tools, and mindset shifts you can start using today. Whether you're retraining an OTTB or refining your ride before the next show, this episode will reframe the way you think about balance. 🎁 Free Bonus for Listeners:
Get a better canter, one ride at a time with Laine Ashker's full 3-day "Building a Better Canter" Guided Ride Series—FREE   👉 https://noellefloydplus.com/orders/customer_info?o=213079noellefloydplus.com/orders/customer_info?o=213079 Key Takeaways:

• Why balance is more than posture—it's rhythm, energy, and self-carriage
• How lunging without side reins builds better movement
• The "100 transitions" method Laine uses in flatwork
• How to ride a half-halt that actually works
• What balanced jumping feels like—and how to get there
• How to adapt exercises for where you and your horse are today

About Laine:
Laine Ashker is a 5* event rider and Grand Prix dressage competitor known for her bold, clear teaching style and passion for developing confident, rideable horses at every level. She's trained everything from off-the-track Thoroughbreds to top-level sport horses and is a longtime fan-favorite in the equestrian community. 🧠 Ready to feel what better balance really means? Press play.

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You can follow Laine Ashker on social media: 

instagram.com/laineyea

tiktok.com/@laineashker

www.facebook.com/laineyea

Or head to her website: http://laineashkereventinganddressage...

 

And you can follow us on instagram too!

Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

 

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

 

You can also check out the rest of the series on noellefloydplus.com just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

 

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

 

NF+ is the premier equestrian learning platform, offering expert-led, science-backed training with 500+ videos, structured pathways, and direct access to top professionals—helping riders and trainers sharpen skills, solve challenges, and prioritize ethical horsemanship anytime, anywhere.

 

When your horse gets injured, the usual path is clear: call the vet, follow the textbook treatment, hope for the best. Now consider this—what if the future of healing wasn't in prescriptions and routine protocols, but in something far more powerful?

 

For decades, groundbreaking therapies like stem cells, ozone therapy, and PRP have been transforming human medicine. But in the horse world? They've been met with resistance, skepticism, and a surprising amount of industry pushback.

 

That hasn't stopped Dr. Alberto Rullan. Fueled by a personal tragedy-turned-miracle—his brother's survival thanks to experimental stem cell therapy—he's made it his mission to bring these cutting-edge treatments to equine care. And the results? Life-changing.

 

In this episode, Dr. Alberto pulls back the curtain on the science behind regenerative medicine, the shocking reasons these therapies aren't mainstream, and the horses that have defied the odds thanks to his work.

 

We dig into what this means for riders and owners—and why it's time to challenge outdated systems and demand better care for our horses.

 

If you're ready to rethink what's possible for your horse's health, this episode will help you break free from the old ways and step into the future.

—

🎧 Learn more about Dr. Alberto Rullan and his groundbreaking work in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation:

🏥 Performance Equine Veterinary Services (PEVS) – Lameness diagnostics and performance care: performanceequinevs.com
🌿 EPIC – Equine Performance Innovative Center – Advanced rehab for equine athletes: epcrehab.com
📚 Dr. Rullan's Official Site – Resources, education, and his mission to serve 1 million horses: albertorullan.com

Follow Dr. Rullan and EPIC on social:
📸 Instagram: @dralbertorullan
👍 Facebook: facebook.com/epicrehabcenter
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/albertorullanvmd
▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@epicrehabcenter

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. 

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

High-performance horse care with no filter, no judgment, and zero dumb questions.

Let's be honest: you've Googled "do calming supplements actually work?" an hour before your class while your horse dances in the cross ties. You've wondered if your "lazy" gelding is actually just cooked, and you've definitely had a moment mid-warm-up where your horse's energy turned full-on feral.

This week, Noëlle sits down with Max Corcoran — Olympic groom, eventing insider, and your new barn bestie — to get real about what it actually takes to care for high-performance horses without losing your mind (or your budget).

We're talking:

✨ When to start joint support (and what's worth your $$$)

 ✨ Managing hot horses without just sedating the soul out of them

✨ Pre-show routines, post-ride recovery, and how to spot burnout before it hits

✨ Small barn strategies that work when you're the whole team

Whether you're juggling riding with a 9–5 or just want to do right by your horse under pressure, this episode is packed with unfiltered advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical tips from someone who's lived it.

You'll walk away with:

✔️ Confidence to make horse-first decisions — even in high-stakes moments

✔️ Clarity on what matters (and what's just noise) in performance care

✔️ A few Max-isms you'll probably start repeating at the barn Real talk, real care, and absolutely no stupid questions.

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow!

And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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This episode is brought to you by YETI and Connaway & Associates

YETI - Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts.
No compromise. 

Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com.

📱 @yeti

📱 facebook.com/YETI

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Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc.

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit www.connaway.net to explore options, or get in touch today.

📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates 
📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

 

 

Every rider knows the feeling: you're in the middle of a training session and something just doesn't click. There's a disconnect, not just with your horse, but with your approach and mindset. It's more than just a riding issue—it goes deeper, reflecting the challenges and complexities of the equestrian sport.

Today, we've got a guest who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. Karl Cook is an Olympic medalist and top-level showjumper who brings innovation and blunt honesty to the equestrian world.

In this episode, we'll delve into Karl's unique viewpoints on horse care, training, and the tools and technology that are changing how we approach the sport.

Known for his blunt and innovative style, Karl discusses the importance of focusing on fundamentals, avoiding quick fixes, and the tendency of horse owners to frame their horses as inherently unique to evade responsibility.

He talks about his latest projects, including the development of new bits, bridles, and sensors to improve training accuracy. Karl emphasizes the value of actionable data over mere feelings, highlighting a balance between subjective feel and objective information. He also discusses how simple yet disciplined adjustments can significantly impact riding performance and horse care.

Karl dives into his methods for integrating new horses into his program and the subtle differences in their management, stressing the importance of treating horses well, maintaining consistency, and the role of structured, data-informed practices. He advocates for a straightforward, action-oriented approach to overcome challenges and promote continuous improvement in both riders and horses.

Karl's book that he would read to the Horse World - anything by Jean-Marie Denoix, DVM, Ph.D.

Learn more from Karl Cook and follow him on social media:

📱www.instagram.com/mrtankcook/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. 

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

----------------------------------------

This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc.

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit www.connaway.net to explore options, or get in touch today.

📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates 
📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

Every horse owner knows the feeling: walking through the field, chasing after a horse that won't come, sensing that disconnect not just with the horse, but with life.

It's more than just a training issue—it's a reflection of something deeper, a desire for connection and harmony that feels out of reach.

Being around horses is about more than riding—it's about finding peace, balance, and a deeper bond. Many people long for that connection, not only with their horses but also with themselves, especially in a world full of stress and constant "doing." But how do you get there when the path feels unclear?

In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Ogier—founder of The Reflective Horse and co-founder of She Herd Power—to explore how horses reflect not just our actions, but our internal state. Cassandra's groundbreaking work in Somatic Riding and Equine Guided Empowerment helps riders regulate their nervous systems, claim space without force, and embody the kind of grounded leadership horses naturally trust.

This isn't about fixing your horse—it's about remembering yourself. Cassandra shares powerful, practical tools to shift from anxious doing to embodied being. 

From simple grounding techniques to exercises in space claiming and energetic awareness, this episode offers a roadmap to true connection—moment to moment, breath by breath.

Whether you're navigating tension in the saddle or in your life, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen in, and lead like a mare: calm, congruent, and unapologetically present. 

Cassandra's book that she would read to the Horse World - Listen Like a Horse by Kerri Lake

Learn more about Cassandra and her work with The Reflective Horse here: https://www.thereflectivehorse.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thereflectivehorse

 And She Herd Power here: https://sheherdpower.squarespace.com/

 And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. 

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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