Dear Horse World

What if the story of the American cowboy is bigger than the version most of us were handed? In this episode, Noëlle sits down with Drake LeBlanc, a Creole cowboy from Louisiana, filmmaker, and cultural preservationist. The conversation that unfolds is about history, identity, and what it really means to live a culture rather than wear it. Drake was raised in a community where horses are not a hobby or an aesthetic. They are Sunday trail rides, music in the air, food cooking by trailers, land passed down through generations, and families riding together. They are belonging. Together, they explore the untold history of Black cowboys, how the image of the American cowboy was reshaped through media, and what was lost when culture became costume. This conversation is not just about the past. It is about how the stories we are handed down, the way they shape how we see ourselves, and who we believe belongs in the horse world. In this episode you will learn: Creole identity and language in Louisiana Haitian Creole cultural parallels Native American symbolism in Western fashion and saddle design The history of cattle herding practices rooted in African tribes The book Drake would read to the Horse World - Black Ranching Frontiers: African Cattle Herders of the Atlantic World, 1500-1900 About Drake LeBlanc: Drake LeBlanc is a Lafayette, Louisiana-based filmmaker, documentarian, and photographer. He is one of the most compelling cultural voices working today in the preservation of Creole heritage and black cowboy history. His documentary Footwork has brought international attention to the Louisiana Creole cowboy tradition and the Louisiana trail rides that keep black cowboy culture alive every weekend across the American South. You can find Drake on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lovebenoir/  Drake's film work can be found here https://filmfreeway.com/FootworkLA Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Dear Horse World wherever you listen, leave us a review — it genuinely helps more people find these conversations — and share this episode with someone who needs to hear the real story of cowboys in America. This episode is generoulsy sponsored 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 | @YETI | facebook.com/YETI Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & the moment on the Atchafalaya Basin that set the tone 03:00 "I know my community" — why deep roots change everything 04:00 What is a Creole cowboy? Defining Creole culture and Louisiana's gumbo pot 07:00 What is a parish? Louisiana's Napoleonic Code explained 08:00 The vulnerability of introducing yourself as a Creole cowboy 10:00 Why Drake feels called to educate even when it's exhausting 12:00 The real history of black cowboy culture Hollywood erased 14:00 Why "1 in 4 cowboys were Black" is actually an undercount 15:00 "Cowboy" was a derogatory term — the truth about who built the West 17:00 What Hollywood took from Black cowboy culture and what it missed 19:00 Why money can't buy the spiritual bond between horse and rider 22:00 Tribal designs, turquoise, and the hidden origins of Western style 26:00 The spiritual meaning of turquoise in Native American horse culture 29:00 "You not pap" — live your culture or kill it, there's no in between 32:00 Shoutout to Chris Lewis & reining horses in the Creole community 37:00 Cultural gentrification in the horse world — what it is and why it matters 42:00 Advice for horse communities feeling threatened by change 45:00 Feeling alone in the horse world — Drake's answer 47:00 "Move to Louisiana" — and what community actually looks like 51:00 Time and intention: the only two things a horse truly needs 53:00 How to be brave when you're afraid to speak up 56:00 Find something you fear MORE — Drake's philosophy on courage 58:00 When Drake realized the outside world didn't know Black cowboys existed 1:07:00 Trail rides, thousands of riders, and how Creole horse culture thrives 1:11:00 Zydeco music, food, and why making it fun kept the culture alive 1:13:00 Rapid fire: book rec, most iconic horse, most undervalued skill 1:17:00 Greatest horseman of all time and mares vs stallions vs geldings

There is a whole generation of insanely talented young riders who feel like the system is not built for them. You want the top sport, you want the big moments in show jumping, you want to know what it actually takes to get there, yet the pathway feels gated and the access feels invisible. That is exactly why this conversation with Laura Kraut hits so hard. Laura is a legit icon in show jumping and she shows up here with zero ego, full transparency, and a real blueprint for what it takes to rise in a sport that can feel impossible to break into. Laura brings us inside Road to the Top, the program she created with Katie Prudent to give hungry riders the mentorship, horsepower, and behind the scenes education they never get access to. She talks openly about the emotional and financial pressure of show jumping, how real horsemanship gets built, and what separates riders who make it from riders who burn out. This episode is equal parts wisdom, reality check, and hype. If you're dreaming big, this one will light a fire under you. In this episode, you will learn: How Road to the Top actually works and why it gives overlooked riders a real shot in show jumping The mindset mistakes that hold promising riders back and how to avoid them How to think about horse management, horse picking, and building real feel What mentorship looks like at the absolute top and how it shaped Laura's Olympic career How to stay grounded when social media makes everyone else look perfect How owners and supporters can get involved and genuinely move the sport forward The book that Laura would read to the Horse World - The Perfect Horse by Elizabeth Letts 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 | @connawayassociates | facebook.com/connawayassociatesequine and 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 Chapters: 00:00 Why Riders Feel Stuck 00:24 Meet Laura Kraut 01:47 Road to the Top Explained 04:12 Horsemanship and Horse Sense 05:53 Funding Model and First Riders 11:38 Owners and Horse Rotation 16:47 Beyond the Highlight Reel 19:07 Building Community Support 25:41 Keeping US Talent Competitive 35:26 Mentorship Versus Teaching 42:30 Passing the Torch 44:04 Scarcity vs Sharing 45:55 Road to the Top Vision 47:53 Mentorship and Independence 49:00 Applying Like Harvard 52:52 Grit and Handling Failure 57:41 Mentors Who Shaped Laura 01:05:13 Love of the Horse 01:06:29 Pay It Forward Chain 01:10:33 Rapid Fire and Wrap And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com 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

Some horses appear confident while others seem reactive or unsure, but what if confidence is more nuanced than that? In this special episode from our NF+ Masterclass, The Confidence Advantage, Tik breaks down the five distinct areas where a horse can gain or lose confidence and how each one functions like a cup that can be filled from one to ten. In this episode, you will learn: Around Other Horses - Can your horse leave the herd calmly and enter new spaces without anxiety? As an Explorer - Do the approach new environments with curiosity instead of fear? In the Relationship - Do they see you as botha trusted friend and a steady leader? In Specific Skills - Have they practiced their job enough to feel capable and secure in it? In Their Skills and Sports - Practicing discipline-specific tasks with ease and gaining confidence through repetition and variety. Tik also explains how these five areas interact and why a horse's confidence in you can help support everything else. Watch the Full Course: This episode is just one part of Tik Maynard's full Confidence Course, available exclusively on NF+. Use code TIK25 for 25% off an annual NF+ membership and start building lasting confidence for you and your horse. Streaming now at noellefloydplus.com. and follow along on instagram

You might know this feeling all too well. You want to trust your feel, keep growing, and do right by your horse, yet something in the culture makes you hesitate. Questioning a method or following your instincts can feel dangerous, like one honest moment could cost you belonging, spark backlash, or even put a target on your back. In this episode, Sharon Madere, an equine behavior consultant and cult survivor, brings a special combination of lived experience and scientific expertise to help riders reclaim their clarity, confidence, and curiosity. As a lifelong horsewoman, she understands the mechanics of influence, pressure, and obedience in ways most people never articulate. And she applies that perspective directly to the horse world in a way that is both affirming and liberating. In this conversation, you will learn: The clear signs of cult-like leadership in horse communities Why emotionally charged language like disrespect or naughty derails presence and erodes confidence How to stay grounded, think critically, and avoid manipulation as a student or owner Practical tips on training, positive reinforcement, and making better choices for you AND your horse   Why empowerment and curiosity matter more than any "guru" Sharon also shares practical strategies for safer, clearer horsemanship, from building boundaries in a herd to teaching effective trailer loading. It is a conversation that blends science, psychology, and lived wisdom into something every rider can immediately apply. Resources and Mentions: Sharon's podcast: Feet of Clay: Confessions of the Cult Sisters Sharon's Website : EquiLightenment.com International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Chapters: 00:00 Is the Horse World Acting Like a Cult? 02:10 Sharon's Story: Growing Up in a Religious Cult 08:45 How Cult Psychology Works 15:20 Authority Culture in Horse Training 21:30 The Danger of "Disrespect" in Horsemanship 28:40 When Riders Stop Trusting Their Intuition 35:15 Science vs Dogma in Equine Behavior 43:00 Reclaiming Critical Thinking in the Horse World 50:00 What Needs to Change This episode is sponsored 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 | @YETI | facebook.com/YETI        

In Part 2 with Dr. Dennis Brooks, we step fully into the world as horses see it. This episode unpacks the five emerging immune mediated eye diseases he is treating around the world, why one of them is more alarming than moon blindness, and how tiny changes in the cornea can trigger sudden behavior shifts. We explore how horses process color, motion, and depth, why their optic nerves move information faster than ours, and how they can perform at an elite level with one eye or even with no vision. We also bridge ophthalmology with neuroscience to understand how the equine brain reads emotion, remembers experiences, and navigates the world with extraordinary sensitivity. In this episode, you will learn: • The five types of immune mediated keratitis and the one specialists worry most about • How to spot early signs of cloudiness, floaters, or subtle vision changes • What colors horses truly see and how this affects training and jump design • Why horses detect motion in low light far better than humans • How elite horses perform with limited or no vision • How the equine brain processes emotion, memory, and spatial cues • When sudden behavior changes may originate in the eye and what to do next Connect with Dr. Dennis Brooks :  • Facebook: Dr. Dennis Brooks, Equine Ophthalmologist Book they would read to the Horse World - Veterinary and Comparative Ophthalmology, published in 1914 by Eugene Nicolas  Episode sponsored by: Total Feeds Our mission to provide quality nutrition to people and animals puts us in contact with all manner of interesting folks. Whether you're interested in our animal feed, or the people involved in the animal industry: you'll find it at Total Feeds! Check out our line of Quality Animal Feeds here: https://totalfeeds.com 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 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

When you meet Dr. Dennis Brooks, you understand why horse people around the world talk about him with a kind of reverence. He is one of the most influential equine ophthalmologists of our time, the OG of horse eye care, yet what makes him unforgettable is not just the medicine. It is the heart behind it. In this episode, Dennis takes us inside the world of horse eyes with the clarity of a teacher, the soul of a storyteller, and the honesty of someone who has spent a lifetime caring deeply for horses and the people who love them. In this episode, you'll hear: Why Dennis became the original pioneer of modern equine ophthalmology How breakthrough surgeries changed what is possible for horses with severe eye disease Why Appaloosas are genetically more vulnerable to uveitis The simple eyelash position test that instantly tells you if a horse is in eye pain How the immune system and the eye communicate and why that matters What immune mediated keratitis is and the 5 emerging types Dennis is seeing worldwide Why one of those new diseases is more frightening than moon blindness What every horse owner should know to protect their horse's vision This episode blends science with story, medicine with emotion, and legacy with practical takeaways. It is a rare chance to learn from the man who shaped an entire field while reminding us that the best medicine always begins with human connection. This episode is brought to you by Total Feeds Our mission to provide quality nutrition to people and animals puts us in contact with all manner of interesting folks. Whether you're interested in our animal feed, or the people involved in the animal industry: you'll find it at Total Feeds! Check out our line of Quality Animal Feeds here: https://totalfeeds.com 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  

Part 2 continues the conversation by moving into the moments that test riders and trainers alike. This episode focuses on what happens when something doesn't feel right, and the courage it can take to pause, question, or choose a different path in the middle of a lesson. Karen Rohlf is an FEI Grand Prix dressage rider, USDF Gold Medalist, internationally respected clinician, and the founder of Dressage Naturally. In this part of the conversation, Karen explores how easily context gets overlooked in training, and why protecting the relationship must come before any single exercise or result. Karen and Noelle talk about situations many riders recognize immediately: being asked to push forward when a horse is clearly uncomfortable, feeling pressure to comply even when instincts say otherwise, and how quickly intuition can be silenced. In this episode, you'll hear: Why some "training problems" are actually context problems How fear and tension are often mislabeled How to be a mindful, courageous student How trainers can foster confident, curious riders Why no result is worth sacrificing the relationship Karen also shares how different horses require different approaches, why consistency does not mean sameness, and how commitment to a decision matters more than the decision itself.  Part 2 invites riders and trainers to reflect on how trust is built moment by moment, and how much influence educators have in shaping riders who feel safe to think, feel, and advocate for their horses. Resources & Mentions Karen Rohlf's Book: Dressage Naturally https://dressagenaturally.net/book/ Dressage Naturally https://dressagenaturally.net/ Parelli https://parelli.com/ The Black Stallion by Walter Farley Episode Sponsored 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 | @yeti | facebook.com/YETI Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Have you ever questioned whether the way you've been taught to train truly fits the horse in front of you? Most people don't. And when they do, they're often reprimanded for it, which is usually enough to make them stop asking. We repeat the same exercises and routines because that's how we were taught, rarely questioning the system even when our horses do. This conversation challenges that pattern and asks a harder question: what happens when the system stops working for the horse? Karen Rohlf is an FEI Grand Prix dressage rider, USDF Gold Medalist, internationally respected clinician, and the founder of Dressage Naturally. Her career spans the highest levels of the sport, but the foundation of her work traces back to her first horse. As a child, Karen watched that horse be sold and change in ways that frightened her. Same horse. Same environment. Completely different outcome under different hands. That moment led her to make a promise to herself and to every horse she would ride, a promise that still guides her work today. In Part 1, Karen shares stories she rarely tells publicly. She explains why she stepped away from a conventional training model most professionals never question. She tells the story of a horse who flinched simply for touching something in the barn aisle, and what changed when she responded differently than she had been taught. These moments show how curiosity and confidence can return to horses who have shut down, and why what we call tension is often something we haven't learned to read. During the conversation, lightning strikes just as Karen names three essential needs of horses, reinforcing a central theme of the episode: the system is often the problem, not the horse. In this episode, you will hear: The childhood experience that shaped Karen's approach to horses Why curiosity is often suppressed and what happens when it returns How to distinguish between physical, mental, and emotional training challenges Why giving horses real choice builds confidence rather than resistance Why no two horses should ever be trained the same way How tension often disguises itself as dullness or resistance In this episode, you will learn how to recognize horses as individuals and partners, and how to ground your training in responsibility and trust. Resources & Mentions: Karen Rohlf's Book: Dressage Naturally https://dressagenaturally.net/book/ Dressage Naturally https://dressagenaturally.net/ Episode Sponsored 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. 📱 @yeti 📱 facebook.com/YETI    

Have you ever felt your heart thumping and your palms sweating before a competition, only to realize it wasn't just nerves but something deeper? Riders know what it means to carry pressure long before a round begins. It often starts early. Parents want so deeply for their children to thrive, yet the fear of falling behind can blur the line between supporting and pushing. Most riders have compared themselves to people who make the hardest moments look effortless. And when some young riders rise while others quietly disappear, it forces all of us to question what truly creates long term success. In this episode, we sit down with Rodrigo Pessoa, who brings honesty and decades of legendary experience. As one of the most iconic show jumpers of our generation, his openness is a rare gift. He shares how real development comes from patience, thoughtful pressure and the courage to learn in full view of others. He also explains why young horses and young riders need almost the exact same environment to thrive. Rodrigo takes us inside the realities shaping modern sport. He talks about why wealth does not create perseverance, how the wrong coach can derail a rider faster than no coach at all, and why early pressure often shuts potential down rather than unlocking it. He reflects on the mentorship behind Baloubet du Rouet and the moment that permanently changed how he handles public scrutiny. By the end, you will understand the sport more clearly and feel steadier in your own path forward. You will learn: • How pressure really works and why timing matters more than intensity • Why perseverance and engagement outweigh access or privilege • What ruins good horses and good riders and how to prevent it • How to set goals that stretch you without overwhelming you • Why comparison derails progress and how professionals truly think about it • The core mentorship principles behind developing young horses and young athletes Rodrigo's book that he would read to the Horse World - Six Feet Above by Peder Fredricson Learn more about Rodrigo Pessoa on Instagram at @rodrigopessoa29 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/  and 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 Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  

So many riders want their horses sharper, quicker, and more responsive, yet end up drilling, micromanaging, and unintentionally shutting their horses down. Hall of Fame cutting horse trainer Lindy Burch offers a wildly refreshing reframing: what if the sharpest horses are not the ones you control the most, but the ones you allow to think? In cutting, the horse has to make decisions in real time. They must read the cow, feel the moment, and respond faster than the rider ever could. In this episode, Lindy breaks down how she develops horses who stay mentally present, balanced, and tuned in, not by force, but through short, thoughtful training bursts, strong foundations, and the power of letting the horse learn from the cow itself. You will hear Lindy unpack the origins of cutting, what makes a great cutting horse, how to ride with more feel, why short sessions produce better learning, and why riding outside the arena creates more balanced, emotionally sound partners in any discipline. No matter your discipline, this conversation will shift the way you think about responsiveness, contact, pressure, partnership, and how to build a horse that truly tries for you. You will learn: Why micromanagement dulls horses and how to create a horse that thinks with you How to use short, focused sessions and the environment as your greatest training tools Why riding outside the arena and honoring your horse's mind leads to deeper connection Lindy's book that she would read to the Horse World - The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Resources:  Evidence Based Horsemanship by Martin Black and Stephen Peters The history of the National Cutting Horse Association The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Learn more about Lindy Burch: Website: https://lindyburch.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindyburchcuttinghorses Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindyburchcutters This episode is brought to you by:  Total Feeds Our mission to provide quality nutrition to people and animals puts us in contact with all manner of interesting folks. Whether you're interested in our animal feed, or the people involved in the animal industry: you'll find it at Total Feeds! Check out our line of Quality Animal Feeds here: https://totalfeeds.com and  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 Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.    

Frustration is a human emotion, and it almost inevitably shows up in every rider's journey. The question is what you do when it does. In this episode, Olympic dressage medalist Laura Graves steps in as your coach and mentor, sharing the mindset that guides her when riding feels more hard than harmonious. This clip comes from her NF+ masterclass Laura Graves Troubleshoots Common Flatwork Woes and offers a rare look into how an elite rider thinks during the private moments of training, when there are no quick answers and no one else in the arena. Laura reflects on learning to pause instead of pushing, and on the role curiosity plays when a horse doesn't respond as expected. She speaks about developing your own internal dialogue and giving both yourself and your horse the space to figure things out without judgment. This episode is an invitation to ride with more awareness and patience, guided by one of the most thoughtful voices in the sport. Listen in and discover what can change when you shift from frustration to curiosity. Watch Laura Graves Troubleshoots Common Flatwork Woes on NF+. Use the code DHW to receive 15% off an annual membership.   https://noellefloydplus.com/programs/laura-graves-troubleshoots-common-flatwork-woes?category_id=208907  Learn more about Laura Graves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauragravesdressage/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauragraves.dressage/  NF+ :https://noellefloydplus.com/authors/author-B6lI72KCcaM

Welcome back to No Stupid Questions, the nutrition edition with Dr. Harry Anderson. In part Part 2 we take deeper look at the physiology that drives your horse's behavior, metabolism, and overall health. We explore the way sugar, minerals, and fiber interact inside the horse. We talk about why some horses puff up, why certain forage creates sharpness, and how small choices in the feed room can shift the entire internal environment. This is the kind of steady, clear education most of us never received but always needed. In this episode we cover: • The horse's unique digestive design and how it works in real life • The truth about fiber and why long stem forage is not the full picture • How sugar and NSC influence behavior, energy, and metabolic health • The role of key minerals like magnesium and manganese • What causes swelling, puffiness, or digestive instability • How to approach hay, supplements, and slow feeding with clarity Referenced Products and Resources: Total Equine Feed Total Equine LNSC Ascophyllum Nodosum Kelp Research Equine Hay Analysis Labs Dr. Harry Anderson on YouTube This is Part 2 of a two part series, be sure to listen to Part 1 for the full foundation. Learn more about Dr. Harry Anderson Website https://totalfeeds.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@totalfeeds

Most horse owners are trying their best in the feed room while quietly wondering if they are getting it right. You want your horse to feel calm, healthy, and steady in their body, but the information out there is overwhelming and often contradictory. One person says alfalfa is dangerous. Another says your horse needs hay 24/7. Someone else blames ulcers, sugar, or stress. And in the middle of all of it, you are just trying to understand what your horse is telling you. Dr. Harry Anderson has spent more than fifty years studying animal physiology and nutrition, and he has an uncanny ability to explain complex processes in a way that immediately lowers your shoulders. He walks you through what is actually happening inside a horse's digestive system so you can finally understand which choices matter, which ones don't, and why your horse responds the way they do. If you want to feed your horse with confidence, clarity, and compassion, this conversation gives you the framework you have been missing. In this episode you will learn: Why micronutrients often shape behavior, energy, and overall wellbeing The essential role of the small intestine and why it determines so much of your horse's health How hay type and NSC values influence digestion without the fear based narrative What we misunderstand about ulcers, stress, and stomach acidity Why alfalfa makes some horses feel reactive and what is actually behind that response How to support horses who are anxious, metabolic, or recovering from laminitis Stay tuned for Part 2. Learn more about Dr. Harry Anderson: Website https://totalfeeds.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@totalfeeds

Eventing is equal parts strategy, skill, and mental game, but for many riders it can feel like a constant battle to balance all three phases, keep their horse sound, and make real progress. How do you build a horse's confidence and physical strength without rushing them or burning them out? In this episode, Olympian and 5 star eventer Will Coleman joins us to break down what truly drives elite performance. A lifelong student of the sport, Will shares the mentors who shaped him including David and Karen O'Connor and Anne Kursinski. He talks about his early exposure to natural horsemanship, the lessons he wishes he learned sooner, and the systems he and Katie use to develop sound confident horses who stay happy in their work. We dig into how Will cross trains his horses, how he studies top riders across disciplines, and why rider fitness and honest feedback are essential for anyone who wants to improve. Will also opens up about the heartbreak of preparing two Olympic horses only to watch the Games from the sidelines and what that experience ultimately taught him. This conversation will leave you with a clearer sense of how to build feel, develop your horse with integrity, and make better long term decisions in your training. Tune in to learn: • How Will Coleman approaches training as a lifelong student • What he learned from David and Karen O'Connor and Anne Kursinski • Why cross training matters for building sound confident horses • The role of rider fitness and body awareness • How to know when to push and when to pause • What Will learned from the disappointment of missing the Olympic start box Will's book that he would read to the Horse World - Secrets and Method of a Great Champion - Michel Robert Learn More About Will Coleman: • Website: https://www.willcolemanequestrian.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willcolemanequestrian • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willcolemanequestrian 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. Rambler Drinkware LP: https://www.yeti.com/drinkware Explore more at yeti.com | @yeti | facebook.com/YETI      

We're back with Season 2 of Dear Horse World, premiering on December 2nd! This season, we bring you some of the most iconic voices in the industry, featuring legends like Will Coleman, Lindy Birch, Rodrigo Pessoa, Laura Kraut, and the unforgettable Boots O'Neill. Their wisdom and experiences reveal life-changing insights into the sport, horses, and horsemanship. Additionally, don't miss our Black Friday sale starting November 28th for an exclusive 50% off annual NF plus membership. Join us for another incredible season and elevate your riding to the next level!  00:00 Season Two Announcement and Black Friday Sale 01:15 Karen Rolf's Disney Moments and Training Advice 03:02 Jim Masterson's Animal Communicator Story 05:03 Dr. Ellen Staples on Farrier Relationships 07:20 Dr. Harry Anderson on Equine Nutrition 10:21 Lindy Birch on the Cowgirl Spirit 14:24 Craig Cameron on Positive Thinking in Competition 19:21 Sharon Maadere Understanding Animal Behavior 23:38 Boots O'Neil Qualities of a Great Ranch Horse 28:42 Drake LeBlanc The Unique Identity of Creole Cowboys

Season One of Dear Horse World has been nothing short of transformative. In this special finale, Noëlle Floyd revisits the conversations that cracked open our understanding of what it means to be in true partnership with horses—and with ourselves. From Jochen Schleese revealing how saddle fit can numb a horse's body, to Nikki Simpson dismantling the "pose" in favor of authentic effectiveness in the saddle, to Anne Kursinski reminding us that patience and repetition are the real keys to mastery—each guest has left an indelible mark. We'll hear from Mark Rashid about the weathered cowboy who unknowingly set him on his path, from Cristóbal Scarpati reading a colt's plea to be trained with kindness, and from Dr. Steve Peters on the neuroscience of curiosity, learning, and flow. Some moments are raw, like Jerri Scherff's story of confronting horse abuse at a barrel race. Others are poetic, like William Fox-Pitt's reflections on congruency, or Nick Dowers on the power of presence. Together, they weave a tapestry that shows just how deeply interconnected our horsemanship, values, and humanity really are. This season was born from a mission: to unite the horse world through conversation. Along the way, it has transformed Noëlle—heart, mind, and soul. The hope is that somewhere in these voices, every listener will hear a piece of their own story, and leave with a sense that the messy middle we all occupy is where transformation begins. Join Noëlle in revisiting the moments you voted as your favorites, alongside a few that shaped her forever. —---------  If these conversations inspired you, you'll find even more at noellefloydplus.com—our learning community for riders who want to deepen their horsemanship, connect across disciplines, and grow alongside world-class trainers. Explore courses, resources, and tools designed to bring the wisdom of Dear Horse World into your everyday riding. —--------- 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/

Matt Brown has ridden at the top of the sport. But when he watched a replay of one of his proudest rounds, he didn't see a confident partnership—he saw a horse responding to pressure, not trust. That moment changed everything. In this episode, Matt joins us to talk about why he stopped carrying a whip in eventing competitions—and how that decision opened the door to something deeper: leadership, vulnerability, and the quiet reckoning that happens when tradition no longer aligns with who you want to be. Matt names what so many riders feel but rarely say out loud, from internalized pressure to the shame of past mistakes to the fear of evolving in public. You'll walk away with: Language for the subtle forms of pressure that can go unnoticed in training A deeper understanding of how systemic norms shape personal choices Insight into what real partnership with a horse can look like, without force Encouragement to rethink tradition with nuance, empathy, and clarity Matt's book that he would read to the Horse World - Burn Your Goals by Jamie Gilbert and Joshua Medcalf This is a conversation about the beliefs we absorb without knowing, the pressure we pass down without meaning to, and the kind of rider we become when we stop trying to prove we belong—and start listening instead. Connect with Matt Brown Instagram: @eastwesttrainingstables Website: www.eastwesttrainingstables.net Training & Clinics: Learn more about Matt and Cecily's coaching, clinics, and horses for sale at East West Training Stables Read More: Explore Matt's columns on The Chronicle of the Horse  Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  

Trailer loading isn't just about getting your horse from A to B—it's a skill. And like any skill, it depends on trust, preparation, and practice. In this episode of Dear Horse World, you'll hear the first video from Tik Maynard's Trailering 101 & Common Trailering Problems Masterclass on NF+. Tik explains why most "loading problems" are really relationship problems, how to set your horse up for success, and why rushing almost always backfires. This is just one lesson from a 19-part, 3.5-hour masterclass, now updated with four rider case studies that show exactly how Tik works through common trailering struggles. 👉 Watch the full course on NF+ at and use code DHW for 15% off your annual membership. Because a horse that loads quietly isn't just convenient—it's peace of mind. -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow! 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  

Equine Neuroscience in Action: Turning Science into a Stronger Bond In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Stephen Peters, we move from theory to application — how to take the neuroscience of learning and connection and put it to work with your horse. We explore: Why drilling a task can reduce dopamine and motivation How reward-based training works at the chemical level — and its limits The difference between externally resourced and internally resourced horses What habits like cribbing reveal about stress and coping How oxytocin withdrawal drives "herd bound" behavior — and how to replace it Why shorter, well-timed training sessions can outperform hours in the saddle How to expand a horse's "window of tolerance" without overwhelming them This is where brain science becomes a practical, humane training advantage — building a smarter, more resilient, and more connected horse. Resources:  Evidence Based Horsemanship by Dr. Stephen Peters and Martin Black Horse Brain Science: The Neuroscience of Ethical Horsemanship by Dr. Stephen Peters 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 Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.  

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.  -------------------------------------- Stay tuned for part 2. -------------------------------------- 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