Curious Equestrian

Master horse breeder Jeanette Gower shares profound insights from five decades of horse breeding. From natural horsemanship to genetics, discover how ethical breeding practices shape the future of equestrian sports. Learn More about the 'Thinking Horse Breeder' 📚 Horse Color Explained: A Breeder's Perspective 🐴 CURIOUS FOR MORE? Join our free mailing list! No fluff, just forward-thinking horsemanship! 📚 FEATURED BOOKS Browse our curated collection of equestrian books 🛍️ Visit Our Brand Store https://shop.curiousequestrian.co.uk/

Ami Cullen reveals how managing dude ranch operations during Colorado's devastating East Troublesome Fire led to her debut novel. Learn how coordinating the evacuation of 200+ horses from C Lazy U Ranch inspired a story of resilience, community response, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and horses. 📚 Running Free: Running Free: An Incredible Story of Love, Survival, and How 200 Horses Trapped in a Wildfire Helped One Woman Find Her Soul: Cullen, Ami: 9798218472146: Amazon.com: Books 🐴 CURIOUS FOR MORE?  Join our free mailing list! https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/ 📚 FEATURED BOOKS Browse our curated collection of equestrian books: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian 🛍️ Visit Our Brand Store https://shop.curiousequestrian.co.uk/en-gbp/ Show less

What If Horses Were Our Best Teachers? Life/Business Coach, Kate Neligan, discussed how partnering with equines can inspire personal and spiritual growth. Dedicated to the transformation that is possible within the human-animal bond, she showcases how working with horses and goats can foster emotional resilience, mindfulness, and self-love. Learn More About Our Guest: https://www.kateneligan.com/ 🐴 CURIOUS FOR MORE? Join our free mailing list! Trot over to https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/ No fluff, just forward-thinking horsemanship! 📚 FEATURED BOOKS Browse our curated collection of equestrian books: 🔗 Curious Equestrian Bookshop UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian 🛍️ Visit Our Brand Store https://shop.curiousequestrian.co.uk/en-gbp/ Show less

Horse healer Margrit Coates explains the fascinating topic of equine energy work and healing. As the first person to teach animal healing at the university level, Margrit shares powerful insights from her decades of experience connecting with horses on a soul level. Discover how healing can transform horse-human relationships and support equine well-being. Social Media Instagram: @margrithealer Website:margritcoates.com Healing for Horses Book: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4745/9780712601382 🐴 CURIOUS FOR MORE? Join our free mailing list! Trot over to https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/ No fluff, just forward-thinking horsemanship! 📚 FEATURED BOOKS Browse our curated collection of equestrian books: 🔗 Curious Equestrian Bookshop UK: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian 🛍️ Visit Our Brand Store https://shop.curiousequestrian.co.uk/en-gbp/

In this episode of the Curious Equestrian podcast, Anna Louise Claydon warmly welcomes the esteemed horseman Bernd Hackl, known affectionately as Bernie. With over three decades of experience, Bernie shares his wisdom on the deep connection between horses and humans. He advocates for empathy, understanding, and a return to traditional, hands-on horsemanship. Bernie's philosophy is rooted in self-awareness and the pursuit of a genuine bond with our equine companions. Listeners are invited to reflect on their approach to horse training, inspired by Bernie's dedication to changing the equestrian world through kindness and mutual respect. Learn more about Bernd: berndhackl.de For more information about UK clinics with Bernie: https://www.facebook.com/BlackfordGlen/ howdy@blackfordglen.com Horsemanship Journal produces the Curious Equestrian Podcast. For more podcasts, articles and videos, visit horsemanship-journal.com Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction 2:41 – The Journey into Horse Training 4:00 – Understanding the Horse's Perspective 8:29 – Challenges in Horse Training 13:19 – The Importance of Patience and Understanding 17:31 – The Significance of Inner Self in Horsemanship 19:58 – The Color of Energy 20:54 – Dealing with Difficult Horses 22:25 – Breeding and Behavior 28:09 – The Essence of Good Horse People 31:15 – Authenticity of Horses 31:54 – Approach to Horse Training 33:33 – Understanding Horse Psychology 34:59 – Extreme Trail Training 38:39 – Challenging Horse Abilities 39:11 – The Western Riding Route 40:46 – Learning from Horses 43:14 – Facing Tough Things Underneath the Surface 47:51 – The Future of Horse Training 50:37 – Purpose within the Equestrian Community

In this episode, listeners will be enveloped in a sense of warmth and inspiration as Cat, an Equestrian Relationships Coach, shares her journey and insights into deepening horse-human connections. Through her unique blend of relationship coaching, psychology, and attunement-based horsemanship, Cat illuminates the path to more fulfilling and empathetic equine partnerships. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on overcoming barriers and enhancing their understanding and bond with their horses. This episode is not just informative but a heartwarming experience that encourages personal growth in horsemanship. Learn More about Balance & Align https://www.balanceandalign.com The Equisential Podcast with Cat Roy-Stanley & Tracey Duncan https://open.spotify.com/show/0ftH21BPkMHkxSxrMEp8tR

Join us in this enlightening episode of 'The Curious Equestrian' as we delve into the world of Animal Communication with our special guest, Ginny Horton. Renowned for her unique ability to spiritually connect with horses, Ginny shares her insights and experiences in the realm of non-physical communication techniques. 🔹 About Ginny Horton: Ginny's journey in animal communication began with her deep love and understanding of horses. Her approach goes beyond the physical, tapping into the emotional and physical insights of these majestic creatures. Through her work, Ginny aims to strengthen the Human-Animal Bond and promote Horse Welfare. Connect with Ginny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ginny-Hort... 🔹 In This Episode: Spiritual Connection with Animals: Discover how Ginny uses intuitive methods, including Crystal Divination, to understand and communicate with horses. Overcoming Skepticism: Hear how Ginny addresses doubts and brings about a new perspective on Intuitive Animal Healing. Transformative Stories: Be inspired by real-life examples where animal communication led to positive changes in horse care and treatment. 🌟 Tune in to this episode to explore the fascinating world of animal communication and its impact on horse welfare. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more intriguing content on 'The Curious Equestrian' channel!"

Do you care for a senior horse and want to ensure they are happy and healthy? Then you won't want to miss this episode of Horsemanship Journal Audio, where we're discussing: "Caring for the Older Horse." Our guest for this episode is Sue Palmer reading her own article. Sue is an experienced equestrian physiotherapist with over 25 years in the industry. Sue has worked with inspiring owners and professionals during her career, and she's here to share her insights and expertise on caring for older horses. And, if you're hungry for more insights into equine care and well-being, you'll be glad to know that Sue writes regularly for Horsemanship Journal Magazine. To learn more about her work, visit her website at thehorsephysio.co.uk. So sit back, relax, and join us for an informative and educational episode of Horsemanship Journal Audio that will help you confidently care for your older horse.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with renowned horseman Mark Langley, who has developed a unique approach to horsemanship that emphasises empathy, communication, and understanding. During our interview, Mark explains his approach to training horses with understanding and the distinction between pressure and release and feel. He shares insights into how he connects with horses on a deeper level, building strong relationships based on trust and communication. Mark also discusses how his techniques can help horse owners improve their ability and emotional stability by tapping into their mindset to reduce anxiety. If you'd like to learn more about Mark Langley's approach to horsemanship, feel free to tune in to this insightful episode. Mark Langley will also be giving a demo in the UK on May 26th at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre, where he will be showcasing his specialised psychological training techniques. You can also learn more about these techniques by listening to Mark's Podcast.

In this enlightening episode of the Curious Equestrian Podcast, we sit down with Andrea Wady, a seasoned equine expert with over 40 years of experience. Andrea shares her profound insights into the world of horsemanship, emphasizing the importance of understanding and connecting with horses on a deeper level. Join us as we explore her transformation from dominance to mutual understanding, the inspiration behind her book "Crossing Bridges," and her remarkable journey in the film "Taming Wild Pura Vida." Discover how Andrea's holistic approach to equine relationships, natural horsemanship principles, and unwavering commitment to equine welfare can inspire and transform your own connection with these magnificent animals. Episode Highlights: Andrea's personal journey towards building meaningful equine relationships The inspiration behind "Crossing Bridges" and the role of the horse Zeus Behind-the-scenes insights into "Taming Wild Pura Vida" and the Costa Rican rescue horses Equine welfare and natural connection as cornerstones of Andrea's philosophy Join us for an inspiring conversation that will deepen your understanding of horses and lead you on a path towards a more harmonious and connected partnership. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most passionate equestrian advocates!

In this episode, we are talking with Janet L. Jones, author of  'Horse  Brain, Human Brain. The Neuroscience of Horsemanship'. This was our book of the month in October. Horse Brain, Human Brain is a book and training philosophy developed by Janet Jones. With her background as a  brain scientist, horse trainer, and writer, Janet is uniquely positioned to apply brain function to the training of horses and riders. All horsemanship rests on mutual interaction between horse and human brains.    Join the Horsemanship Journal Book Club: www.horsemanship-journal.com Find out more about Janet’s work:-    Follow Janet on Facebook www.facebook.com/Janet-Jones-Horse-Brains-104485187713379    Janet’s website and Blog www.janet-jones.com   www.quillerpublishing.com/product/horse-brain-human-brain

We like to think that when our horse whinnies at us over the stable door, it's love. But what if it's actually desperation?In this interview, I’m talking to Lauren from Graveney Equine about why Track Systems (Paddock Paradise) are the future of horse care. We dig into the hard truth that haunts many owners: when you give a horse true autonomy on a track, they stop "needing" you in the same way. And for many of us, that triggers a massive identity crisis.Lauren also shares how she started her first track system for just £300 (approx $380 USD) and how it healed hoof issues that traditional farriery couldn't touch. If you are struggling with mud, laminitis, or just feel like traditional boarding/livery is failing your horse, this conversation is the alternative you’ve been looking for.In this video, we explore:The "Affection" Myth: Distinguishing between connection and learned dependence.Budget Barriers: How to build a functional track system on a shoestring budget The Health Turnaround: Healing toe cracks, abscesses, and EMS through movement.Winter Management: Handling mud and forage without spending a fortune on surfacing.Featured Guest: Lauren from Graveney Equine (Founder of the Horse Track System FB Group)Resources Mentioned: https://www.facebook.com/graveneyequinenaturaltrack/https://www.facebook.com/groups/808480805889892?locale=en_GB#HorseTrackSystem #PaddockParadise #NaturalHorseCare #EquineWelfare #BarefootHorses

The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. And for livery yard owners like Lauren Johnson, the reality became terrifying when her hay supplier called to say the field was on fire. This is Day Three of our three-day Hay Crisis Special. Meet Lauren Johnson—Faversham, Kent. Livery Yard of the Year 2024. Lauren runs Graveney Equine Horse Track System, a specialist livery designed to mimic how horses naturally live and eat. Her 20 horses rely almost entirely on hay distributed around the track—there's no grass safety net. When her regular hay supplier called to say the field had caught fire due to extreme heat and drought, Lauren's yearly hay bill jumped by £3,000. A field that normally yielded 500 large bales produced just 80. She scrambled to secure supply from a backup contractor she'd only just started talking to—pure luck that saved her season.📌 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:The Phone Call: "The field is on fire." Lauren describes the panic of being told her hay supply literally went up in flames due to machinery sparks in bone-dry grass during the hottest summer on record.The £3,000 Increase: Lauren's hay bill jumped from £11,000-12,000 to over £15,000 for slightly less hay. She had no choice but to pass costs onto livery clients—who are already stretched thin by the cost of living crisis.Practical Strategies for Horse Owners: Lauren shares her community's survival plan: slow feeder nets to reduce waste, mixing straw up to 50% (gradually), using chaff and hay replacers, storing hay properly with specialist tarps, switching to haylage (with gut health warnings), and utilizing standing hay on pasture for horses that can tolerate it.The Gut Health Warning: Lauren explains why switching between hay and haylage can cause colic, laminitis, and hindgut acidosis—critical information many vets and feed merchants aren't sharing with desperate horse owners.The Livery Yard Crisis: Livery yards are closing across the UK. Land is being sold for housing. Yards are overstocking to survive financially. Winter turnout is disappearing under mud. And licensing requirements may eliminate the "cheap field rental" loophole many horse owners rely on.The Uncomfortable Future: Lauren predicts horse ownership is becoming elitist again—not by choice, but by economics. Fields that once rented for modest sums now command £500/month per acre. People are selling horses into a flooded market or making the heartbreaking decision to euthanize rather than risk unknown futures. And climate change means this isn't a one-off crisis—it's the new normal.This episode is raw, practical, and deeply informed. Lauren manages both sides of the equation: she's a livery yard owner and an arable farmer. She understands the pressures on hay suppliers, the financial impossibility facing yard owners, and the heartbreak of horse owners who can no longer afford the animals they committed to for life.RESOURCES: Graveney Equine on Facebook: Graveney EkwineHorse Track Systems Facebook Group (active community with hay crisis support)#HayCrisis #HorseWelfare #ClimateChange #HayShortage #TrackSystem #LiveryYard #CuriousEquestrian #Equestrian #HorseOwnership #UKHayCrisis

The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. Spring 2025 brought the driest conditions in 50 years for the UK, and England's driest spring in more than 100 years. Hay yields have dropped by 50-75% in some regions. Prices have doubled or tripled. And for horse owners like Katarina Marcus, the reality is stark: hand-grazing three horses in the dark with a head torch just to keep them fed. This is Day Two of our three-day Hay Crisis Special. Yesterday, we heard from the British Horse Society about expert strategies to reduce waste and stretch your supply. Today, we're hearing the lived reality from someone on the ground. Meet Katarina Marcus—Brighton, Sussex. Kat saw this crisis coming in July. She sectioned off winter grazing early, started hand-grazing her horses on the South Downs, and began rationing hard feed to compensate for hay she knew wouldn't arrive. Her hay prices have jumped from £5 to £7.50 per small bale—and she expects it to rise again. Her 5-foot round bales went from £35 to £50, soon to be £60. But the financial strain is only part of the story. Kat is also an author you can find her collection of novels here: https://www.katharinamarcus.com/📌 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: The Daily Reality: Kat gets up an hour earlier than usual to hand-graze her horses before work. In winter, she'll be out in the pitch black with a head torch because she's stopped riding entirely to focus on keeping them fed. The Herd Dynamic Crisis: Kat lost one of her four horses to colic in January. She's been looking for a fourth all summer to ease the "terrible number three" dynamic—but her Shetland budget is now her hay budget. The two mares are fighting. The older one, a grass sickness survivor, is losing condition. The Livery Yard Lifeline: Kat's yard has banded together to feed "little and often" throughout the day, with different owners coming at different times to give small portions. It's a beautiful example of community—but not everyone has that. The Career Sacrifice: This isn't Kat's first hay crisis. The last one forced her to leave her career as a freelance horse trainer and instructor because clients couldn't afford lessons. . The Uncomfortable Truth: Kat predicts we will run out of hay. Not just expensive hay—no hay. And unlike the last crisis, we can't import from France (Brexit, and Europe is facing the same shortage). She fears for urban horse owners with no access to grazing. She fears for stabled horses. And she fears we'll see a flood of cheap horses on the market as people are forced to sell. This episode is raw, honest, and deeply human. It's about the trade-offs we don't talk about—careers, Christmas plans, riding time, herd dynamics, and the fear of what happens when the supply runs out. ABOUT CURIOUS EQUESTRIAN: We explore the questions horse owners are afraid to ask. From mental health to practical horse care, we bring you the experts. This episode is made possible by our Inquisitive Herd members. Join for bonus Q&As, behind-the-scenes planning calls, and a community of thoughtful horse people: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CuriousEquestrian #HayCrisis #HorseWelfare #ClimateChange #HayShortage #HorseCare #CuriousEquestrian #Equestrian #DIYLivery #HorseOwnership

The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. Spring 2025 brought the driest conditions in 50 years for the UK, and England's driest spring in more than 100 years. Hay yields have dropped by 50-75% in some regions. Prices have doubled or tripled. Horse owners fed hay through summer when they'd normally rest their budgets. And climate change projections suggest this is the new reality. In this first episode of our three-day Hay Crisis Special, we sit down with Emeline Hannaley, Horse Care and Welfare Education Manager at the British Horse Society, for practical, actionable advice on how to manage your horses through this shortage without compromising their welfare or breaking the bank. 📌 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The Reality Check: How bad is the shortage really? Regional variations and what suppliers are experiencing on the ground. The Wastage Problem: Studies show 30% of hay fed to horses ends up on the muck heap. How to identify and eliminate waste in your feeding routine. Slow-Release Feeding: Hay nets, haybales, and other enrichment devices that extend eating time and reduce consumption (without frustrating your horse). Alternative Forages: Chaff, sugar beet, forage mashes, and even oat or barley straw—when to introduce them and how to do it safely. Weight Management Opportunity: Over 60% of horses the BHS assesses are overweight. This crisis is a chance to reassess your horse's diet and body condition. Storage Solutions: DIY weatherproofing, pallets, and maximizing small spaces when you don't have a barn. Financial Strategies: Payment plans, sharing delivery costs, and where to cut costs without compromising welfare. Climate Adaptation: What horse ownership might look like in five years and how we can prepare now. RESOURCES: British Horse Society Welfare Helpline: 02476 840517 Email: welfare@bhs.org.uk Hay crisis advice & cost-cutting tips: bhs.org.uk Free nutritionist helplines available through major feed companies ABOUT CURIOUS EQUESTRIAN: We explore the questions horse owners are afraid to ask. From mental health to practical horse care, we bring you the experts. #HayCrisis #HorseWelfare #ClimateChange #BHS #HorseCare #CuriousEquestrian #Equestrian #HayShortage #HorseNutrition

When Lisa's daughter Tiffany was told she'd never walk or talk due to a rare chromosome disorder, horses proved the medical professionals wrong. Within a year at the yard, Tiffany spoke 100 words and could ride, though she still couldn't sit in a chair. That experience led Lucy and Lisa to found Teal CIC—now the UK's only ASDAN-accredited centre offering customized equine assisted learning courses.In this conversation, Lucy and Lisa explain why equine assisted learning succeeds where traditional approaches struggle. You'll discover the science behind how horses physically lower human heart rates, why their force-free training methods work with students who stim or use wheelchairs, and how young people who refuse maths in classrooms enthusiastically calculate feed ratios for horses. From rescue pony Sam's transformation to students now working in the equine industry, this is the story of how alternative education through horses creates pathways to success.Lucy retrained as a counselor with 30+ years in the equine industry. Lisa retrained as a cognitive behavioral therapist. Together they've run the multi-award-winning Teal CIC for 11 years, serving students aged 12-25 through alternative education and clients aged 2-85 through therapeutic sessions.Find Teal CIC:Website: www.tealcic.co.ukSocial: @teal.equine or @tealcic

Losing a horse is one of life's most devastating experiences—yet it's often a loss society doesn't fully recognize. In this episode, we explore euthanasia options, what to expect, grieving, and where to find support when nobody around you understands.Sophie Cookson King from Blue Cross walks us through the difficult decisions horse owners face: When is it time? What are the methods? How do I prepare? And how do I cope with the grief afterwards?Topics covered:Lethal injection vs. gunshot euthanasiaWhat happens during the procedurePreparing in advance (the responsible thing to do)Disenfranchised grief: why horse loss feels so isolatingSupporting your remaining horsesTalking to children about lossThe rising cost of living crisis forcing tough rehoming decisionsGetting another horse after lossFree Blue Cross support servicesBlue Cross Pet Loss Support:If you or someone you know is struggling with horse loss, Blue Cross offers free, confidential support:📞 Helpline: 0800 096 6606 (8:30 AM - 8:30 PM, 365 days/year)💬 Web Chat: bluecross.org.uk/pls📧 Email: plsmail@bluecross.org.ukThis episode is for anyone facing the loss of a horse, considering euthanasia, grieving a beloved companion, or supporting someone through this journey.Your loss is real. You're not alone.

In this episode, Ruth from Blue Cross breaks down everything you need to know about keeping your horse safe during firework season—from practical preparation to handling those tricky neighbor conversations.If fireworks stress you out, this episode is for you. Share your experiences in the comments—let's learn from each other.For more advice and resources, visit Blue Cross:https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/horse/horses-and-fireworks

Horse trainer Josie joins us to explore why going back to basics isn't a step backward but a continuous spiral of deeper understanding. In this thoughtful conversation, we discuss how ego creates barriers to learning, why basics form the foundation even for Grand Prix movements, and how understanding the way horses learn transforms our approach to training.Josie shares her personal journey from authoritarian training to partnership, including honest reflections on having "obedient but dull horses" and learning to allow expression and joy. We explore the concept of horses as sentient beings rather than beasts of burden, the importance of reading body language, and why there truly are no shortcuts in good horsemanship.From her work with Willie the Cob to insights about learning theory and pressure and release, Josie emphasizes that returning to basics reveals new layers of understanding each time. We also touch on social media's impact on horsemanship, the historical context of training methods, and why balance - both physical and emotional - underlies everything.A conversation about humility, continuous learning, and making the world a better place for horses.Guest Bio — Josie Matthews is a professional horse trainer who breaks down horse training into simple, easy-to-understand steps, ensuring clarity and confidence for both riders and their horses.▶️ Watch More from Josie:    / @basichorsetraining  📘 Free Training Guide: https://www.basichorsetraining.com/f/...🌐 Website: BasicHorseTraining.com

What happens when you throw out everything you've been taught about horse training and try the complete opposite?Diana Waters went from traditional BHS instructor training to building a 22,000-member community around one radical idea: slowing down instead of pushing forward.In this episode, Diana reveals her "slow walk work" method that's quietly transforming how horse owners approach training, rehabilitation, and building genuine partnerships with their horses.Connect with Diana:Website: thepowerofwalk.comYouTube  @responsiveequine5569  Facebook Group: Slow Walk Work (22,000+ members)