Horse Person

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian apparel without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout.  What would it take for equestrian sport to become mainstream? Caroline sits down with Frankie Thieriot - founder of Athletux, upper-level event rider, and longtime commentator - to explore what's really holding the sport back. We talk storytelling and vulnerability, sponsorship and social media. We unpack how equestrian sport is evolving and what riders, brands, and media need to do to grow it. In this episode: Why storytelling is key to growing the sport The risks riders face in being vulnerable What brands actually look for in sponsorships The biggest mistakes riders make when marketing themselves How equestrian sport can expand without losing its values

This episode is supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use HP10 for a 10% discount to support your horse's gastric health through consistently timed hay feedings. Go to www.NordicAutofeed.com What does "go back to the basics" actually mean beyond the cliché? Caroline and Beth sit down with USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix rider Amelia Newcomb of Amelia Newcomb Dressage to break that phrase down into clear, actionable steps. Amelia shares the three core areas she always returns to when something isn't working: groundwork, rider position, and the dressage training scale. From the simple but powerful poll release, to improving rhythm through counting, to building true suppleness before chasing roundness, she explains how strengthening the foundation actually accelerates progress. You'll also hear practical tools you can use immediately like the "rider position sandwich," the A-R-R-R (Aid, Reaction, Release, Repeat) acronym, and why suppleness is the most commonly skipped step in training. Whether you ride dressage, jump, trail ride, or are simply trying to regain confidence, this episode is a reminder that basics aren't a step backward, they're the fastest way forward. Share it with a barn mate, trainer, or save it for the next time you need a reset.  

This episode is sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. This episode is also supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use code HP10 for a 10% discount. Go here to learn more and take a crucial step in supporting your horse's gut health with timed, consistent forage feeding.  In this episode, Caroline sits down with Dr. Erica Gaertner, a board-certified sports medicine physician and former professional equestrian, to break down what every rider needs to understand about concussions. What actually qualifies as a concussion? How have treatment protocols evolved beyond "go home and sleep it off"? And when is it truly safe to get back on a horse? Dr. Gaertner explains the medical definition of concussion (a form of traumatic brain injury), common and lesser-known symptoms like mood changes and balance issues, return-to-ride protocols, and why timely diagnosis is critical. We also touch on cumulative head injuries, CTE, long-term implications, and the difficult cost-benefit conversations riders may face after repeated falls. If you've ever hit your head and questioned whether to go to the ER, or felt the pressure to just get back on, this episode is essential listening for equestrians at every level. Your grit matters, but so does your brain.  

This episode is supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use HP10 for a 10% discount to support your horse's gastric health through consistently timed hay feedings.  When actress Beth Behrs joined Horse Person as full-time co-host, we knew we had to flip the mic and tell her story. In this candid conversation, Beth opens up about her journey from overnight fame on hit show Two Broke Girls to finding healing and purpose in the horse world. She shares how panic attacks led her to equine therapy with Cassandra Ogier's Reflective Horse program, why rescuing her first mare changed her life, and how dressage became the unexpected sport that gave her a new identity outside of Hollywood. Beth talks about learning to ride as an adult amateur, building confidence after a scary fall, and why being a beginner rider in her late 30s was one of the most empowering things she's ever done. We also dive into her view on barn culture, athletic identity, and why horses feel like the one place where fame doesn't matter.  If you've ever wondered whether it's "too late" to start, or how horses can change your nervous system and your perspective, this one's for you.

This episode was originally published on The Horsewoman's Almanac on Oct 01, 2025. We're re-sharing it here following the news that Anna has fully stepped back from Dressage and is leasing her horses out to Sofie Holmes and Ashley Donadt. Next week, we'll return to our regularly scheduled Horse Person content.  Anna Buffini is a professional dressage rider who has competed for the U.S. Dressage Team in 5 nations cups following an extremely successful junior career. She's inspiring and educating horse people everywhere through her huge social media presence, and is just one of our favorite horse girls out there. Today, we're exploring everything from our latest fantasy reads, to the athlete's mindset that Anna's parents helped her cultivate, to musings about religion, spirituality, and the afterlife. Also, Anna drops some breaking news on the podcast about a major career pivot that she's currently working through. There's something for everyone in this wide-ranging episode. Enjoy!  Learn more about Anna here: https://annabuffini.com/

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. In this ep of Horse Person, Caroline is joined by horse behaviorist and trainer, Leo Rauscher, whose work has influenced some of the top show jumpers in the world like Daniel Deusser, Lorenzo de Luca, Luciana Diniz, and Ashlee Bond. Leo's philosophy centers on the idea that horses are always communicating, and nearly everything they do is driven by self-preservation. Together, we challenge the assumption that pushy, tense, spooky, or "checked out" behavior is a dominance or respect problem. Instead, Leo invites us to look at these moments through the horse's lens, where communication is built almost entirely on space, movement, and clarity. In this conversation, you'll learn: How horses' language has evolved to keep them safe & what that means for us  How fear shuts down communication  The diff between leadership and dominance Why clarity = safety  How right-brain and left-brain horses experience pressure differently Why punishment doesn't make sense to your horse Practical, step-by-step examples you can apply immediately in groundwork and riding To learn more about Leo, visit his IG page. 

This episode is presented by Corro. Use code horsewoman15 at checkout for $15 off your order.  What if true strength in horsemanship isn't control—but awareness? Today, internationally respected horseman, author, podcaster and clinician Warwick Schiller shares how his journey with horses led him to question traditional training, emotional suppression, and the classic cowboy archetype. What began as a search for better horse behavior became a deeper exploration of vulnerability, intention, and how our internal state directly affects the horse. Warwick opens up about the horse that challenged everything he thought he knew, how therapy and Brené Brown's work reshaped his understanding of shame and emotion, and why changing perspective instead of technique is often the real breakthrough in horsemanship. Beth, Caroline and Warwick cover:  Warwick's evolution from traditional performance training to connection-based horsemanship Vulnerability and emotional awareness in modern masculinity and the horse world How suppressed emotions limit both performance and joy Judgment, intention, and how horses respond to who we are Burnout, shame, and ego in horse training culture Can empathy and high-level competition coexist? Books that shaped Warwick's thinking and horsemanship philosophy Books mentioned: The Tao of Equus, Outliers, The Alchemist, Ishmael, The Celestine Prophecy, Shantaram, The Last Shaman  

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Go to www.connaway.net to learn about how you can protect your horse.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher's eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code CAROLINE for $20 off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Most of us are feeling the financial squeeze of maintaining horses and wanting to do our absolute best by them in the midst of the cost of everything rising. So, one of the big things we have to determine is what is worth the price, and what's not. On the show today I'm joined by veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher to walk us through what's effective, what's not, and where your dollar is best spent when mapping out management costs for your horse. We talk about everything from feet to equipment to supplements to bodywork and I can guarantee you will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how you can make the best plan for your horse without spending frivolously.  Dr Lacher is a veterinarian and owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic and host of the 'Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth' podcast.  

This episode is proudly sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services Irish Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle didn't come from money or an equestrian legacy. In fact, when she decided to give serious dressage training a go in her mid-20s, she was working in retail.  Abi has overcome far more in her 40 years than many people, including extreme domestic abuse, the death of her brother, mental health struggles, and more. She speaks in this episode about what changed when someone close to her finally said, 'You don't have to live like this,' and she began to take her mental health more seriously.  She also walks us through per pre-Paris Olympics mental prep system line-by-line in this not-to-be-missed episode.  Follow Abi on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/abilyle/

Caroline is joined by a special guest to announce a change about the show.  Weigh in - we want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @horsepersonpodcast or email me - caroline[AT]horsepersonpodcast.com 

Today I'm going to do something a little different on the podcast and I'm going to read a letter written to the equestrian community by husband and wife team Matt Brown and Cecily Clark. Matt and Cecily were one of the first interviews I did for this podcast, and I really enjoy their perspective and respect their willingness to put bold ideas and statements forward, especially with regard to horse welfare and social license. Matt is a member of the U.S. Eventing Team and five-star competitor. He was an alternate for the Olympic team in eventing and also develops young horses for sport. Cecily has a background in Hunters and Equitation and is currently pursuing goals as a dressage rider. Together, they run East West Training Stables, which they founded jointly in 2004.  The following letter is a Facebook post that they made on their joint account, and while it has mostly been circulating around the eventing community, I wanted to read it on this podcast which has an audience that spans into the show jumping, hunter/eq and dressage disciplines as well. There will be some parts that you'll find provocative, some you might find surprising, but all of it is food for thought and well-situated to be part of a larger discussion. What do you think? Email me - caroline@horsepersonpodcast.com  

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off at checkout.  This episode first appeared on The Horsewoman's Almanac. Click here to subscribe to that show - for free! In this episode, Clare Staples shares her journey from a horse-loving child in England to becoming a leading advocate for wild horses in America. She discusses the deep spiritual connection she feels with horses, the challenges of running a sanctuary, and the importance of preserving wild horse families. Clare also touches on the legislative landscape affecting wild horses and her efforts to inspire change through storytelling and advocacy. This episode is also supported by #weridetogether. Check out their viral Out of Bounds series here. 

The horse world doesn't always agree on everything, but it can agree on this: The cost of competing is becoming prohibitively high. In fact, the cost of most things related to horses seem to be creeping up every time we turn around.  How did showing get so expensive? Are enthusiastic riders getting priced out of being able to compete even just a few times a year? What is the sport's leadership's view on this and what's driving the bottom line at show venues? To discuss, Caroline Culbertson is joined by USEF CEO Bill Moroney, CEO of West Palms Event Management Dale Harvey, and a Texas based adult amateur named Meg Walsh. As you can imagine, it's not a straightforward issue with straightforward answers, but the four try to untangle the strings in this discussion.

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Taylor flury is doing something not that many professionals in the US are doing -- she isn't just breeding show jumping horses for top sport, she's breaking them and bringing them along herself. At only 34, Taylor has taken numerous young horses previously not started undersaddle and developed them into competitive FEI Grand Prix Jumpers.  But Taylor still faces the frustrations, doubts, and questions that many of us face when developing young horses. She thrives on the process, but she's not immune to the moments of, 'Should I send this horse to someone else?' or 'Will this ever get better?' that many of us face. The difference is that Taylor has honed this skills and mindset to bust through those moments and make it to the other side. She's sharing that with us today, as well as how her frightening diagnosis of a brain disease as a young rider turned into a blessing fork-in-the-road moment for her career as a horsewoman today.  This episode is also sponsored by #WeRideTogether. Their Out of Bounds video series has gone viral, viewed over 10 million times in just a few weeks. Check it out here.   

Most riders think their horses are fit enough for the job they're asked to do. But according to equine fitness expert Jec Ballou, only 30 percent of sport horses actually are. In this episode, we dig into the reasons behind that surprising number and aim to give you a more sophistocated understanding of what 'fitness' means for your horse. We discuss how horses really gain strength, the one area of fitness most riders don't know much about, and how to build a weekly program that creates real, lasting athleticism. If you care about your horse's longevity, soundness, and performance, this one's essential listening.  

Caroline interviews USEF Chief of Sport David O'Connor about the newly introduced 'Know the Signs' guidelines aimed at promoting horse welfare in equestrian sports in the US. They discuss the purpose of these guidelines, the emotional dynamics in competition, the role of officials, and  the evolving nature of regulations, particularly regarding the use of whips. To view the guidelines, go to https://www.usef.org/horse-welfare/protecting-horses 

This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout.  Perfectionism and an outcome-focused mindset is not only a pretty lousy mindset for performance, but it also makes us miserable. And - relying on results and outcomes when you're in a sport with a 1200 lb animal who can die suddenly of a stomach ache, or essentially drain your savings account if he steps funny in the field, is just not very low risk.  but But luckily, we're going to go through some strategies to combat perfectionism and reclaim some joy  with today's guest.  Dr Darby Bonomi is a sport and performance psychologist who works with riders, entrepreneurs and other business professionals to elevate their game. She work with all disciplines of riders, but mainly hunter/jumper, dressage, and three day eventers, & has been a practicing psychologist for over 30 years. She went to UC Berkeley and then the California School of Professional Psychology. She shows in the amateur owner hunters and has 3 horses. Learn more at www.darbybonomi.com This podcast is supported by #WeRideTogether. Keep sport safe for everyone - go to www.weridetogether.today for more info and resources. 

Trigger Warning: Topics of sexual abuse Join Caroline for a short chat with Carrie Kehring, founder of #WeRideTogether, about the special project highlighting the experience of victims of sexual abuse.  Go to www.weridetogether.today to watch the PSAs & roundtable discussions.  

This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services.  I recorded this conversation a couple of months ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. It's a story of perseverance, of reinvention, and of the quiet power of hope — the kind of story that might just be what you need to hear right now. Because you never know what's waiting for you around the corner. My guest today is someone many of you will already know by voice: Catie Staszak. You've likely heard her on FEI TV, CBS Sports Network, ESPNEWS, or ESPNU. She's a leading multimedia journalist in the equestrian world and a talented show jumper herself, having made her FEI Grand Prix debut earlier this year. In this episode, Catie opens up in a way we rarely get to hear. She shares the financial strain she's faced in trying to pursue a career in this sport, her battle with an eating disorder, and becoming a caretaker for her father after his Parkinson's diagnosis — all while continuing to chase a dream that often felt just out of reach. We talk about the trainer who once broke her confidence as a young rider, and the Olympic rider who later offered her a moment of belief that changed everything. Catie's story is raw, honest, and incredibly human. Through all the challenges, she's held on to something that's too often in short supply in this sport: hope. Hope that even when time, money, or opportunity is limited, the dream is still worth chasing.  

This episode is proudly presented by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your order.  We're living in a horse world that often rushes. Young horses are expected to mature fast, to progress on human timelines, and to succeed by a certain age—or else we worry they've "missed their chance" or they wont be sellable. But today, I'm joined by someone who makes an excellent case for slowing down - wayyy down. For the horse's physical longevity, but for their mental wellbeing.  Today, we're joined by Zac Salmeron—trainer, horseman, and someone who's quietly but profoundly changing the way we think about young horse development. His work reminds us that the best progress often comes when we stop trying to prove something, and start meeting horses where they actually are. He's also going to introduce you to a new idea - the idea that giving a horse years off in their youth might just be the best foundation you can give them—and he's got proof: horses that are in their 20s and look as robust as a 6 year old, still competing, still joyful in their work. Zac believes training should be simple. Clear. Kind. Sometimes, it's 10 minutes of work. Nothing more, nothing less—just one thing at a time, until the horse understands. Because when a horse understands, they don't just obey—they offer. They show up fully. They give 200%, and they even ask questions back. That's not compliance. That's partnership. If you've ever felt pressure to hurry up—whether in your riding or your life—this episode is your permission slip to slow down and do it right. This episode is supported by #WeRideTogether.today, an organization working tirelessly to end sexual abuse in sport.