When Equiteam member Gillian Birrell was asked to host an Equiteam Dressage Camp, she had no idea what she was letting herself in for. Gillian shares what it’s like behind the scenes compared to her experiences as a camper as she highlights the importance of a supportive network full of positive energy and the ripple effect it has without realising on all those there. https://equiteamcamps.co.uk
Liz Daniels chats to psychotherapist and teaching fellow, Hannah MacIntosh about our brains and why we find it so hard to be nice about ourselves. Have you ever finished a dressage test, lesson, or showing jumping round and the first thing that comes out of your mouth is a negative comment – don’t worry you’re certainly not alone! Hannah explains why we do this and looks at the impact on our mindset and enjoyment levels as she shares some brilliant and practical tips for helping to refocus your thoughts. Useful links: Hannah MacIntosh website - www.chalapsychotherapy.co.uk Email Hannah at - chalapsychotherapy@gmail.com Counselling directory - https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/hannah-macintosh Kristen Neff website - https://self-compassion.org/
When Caeleigh Kean posted on her social media about a recent success, the start of the post caught our eye. Equiteam’s Liz Daniels chats to Caeleigh Kean about winning a sash, being crowned champions, and why she feels that good things don’t happen to people like her. Like many people, Caeleigh wasn’t in a position to buy a ready-made horse, so instead she invested in a nice youngster to produce herself. Six years later and after a lot of blood, sweat, tears, logistical struggles, and battles with her health, Caeleigh is now loving every moment she spends with the horse of her dreams.
Liz Daniels chats to International Italian Event Rider Daniel Bizzarro about his journey from Italy to England, and his desire to share his knowledge by making it widely accessible. Growing up on the outskirts of Turin, Italy, Dan began his riding journey aged nine. A few years later he was given his first taste of Eventing as a Young Rider and his desire to follow his passion was lit. In 2011, Dan left his home with his cat, horse and dog, and found himself working for a season with William Fox Pitt where he learned an incredible amount about riding, horse care and yard management. Dan is passionate about sharing his information to help riders of all levels and regularly shares information on his social platforms and through an app that he has recently developed. If you want to find out more about Dan you can find him on the following channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbeventing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro Website: https://www.dbeventing.co.uk App: https://www.danbizzarromethod.com
On this week’s episode, Equiteam’s Liz Daniels chats to Senga Riches, Director of All-Steps Formation Riding. Formation riding is something that the Equiteam founder knew very little about, so when Senga likened it to synchronised swimming, with horses instead of water, we were instantly intrigued. From being inspired by the Spanish Riding School, to helping with basic schooling, and assisting in confidence growth, Senga’s passion to make formation riding accessible to all is very clear. With a strong ethos on inclusivity, All-Steps Formation Riding host clinics, competitions and demos all over the UK and are looking for people of all levels to have a go. Find out more about this fascinating discipline: https://allstepsformationriding.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allstepsformation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allstepsformationriding/
EquiTeam’s coach, Liz Daniels, chats to Louise Gillings about the relationship between a coach and rider. From being able to be honest and ask questions, to knowing when to move on, Liz and Lou draw on their own experiences from both sides of the coaching fence.
On this week’s podcast EquiTeam Liz Daniels and Louise Gillings chat about the importance of listening to your body and recognising when to take a half halt, and when to push through when the going gets tough. As Louise faces the prospect of having to admit physical defeat and the feelings of frustration that come with that, the duo draws on personal experiences as they share some of the highs and lows as ‘middle age’ starts to rear its unfortunate head!
In this week’s episode, Liz Daniels chats to Advanced Practice Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Kate Leishman about all things pelvic floor. With 1 in 2 women experiencing bladder problems, often going many years before seeking advice, Kate explains what a pelvic health physiotherapist is and why problems are more common than many people realise. Bladder weakness often leaves people feeling embarrassed, but Kate reassures us that people do not need to suffer in silence as there is lots that can be done. Kate even shares some easy to follow exercises that can help improve your pelvic floor muscles with a message to ‘clench it or drench it’. Find out more about EquiTeam www.equiteam.co.uk
With the Paris Olympics kicking off this week, we thought there was no better time to revisit an episode we recorded in 2023 with Super Groom to the Stars Alan Davies. Alan Davies, the most famous groom in the world, needs no introduction - but if you have been hiding under a stone for a few years then let us introduce you to him. Alan is most famous for working alongside Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester, and really catapulted into the main stream media spotlight with the rise of Valegro - aka Blueberry. The ultimate professional, Alan has helped Team GB win so many medals that even he has lost count. In today's episode we put our EquiTeam member's questions to Alan as he shares his journey into becoming a professional groom, managing competition horses, his most memorable moments, some of the challenges along the way, and what it's like flying with horses internationally. Alan gives a taster into life as a professional and as a British Grooms Association Ambassador, Alan touches on how being a competition groom has changed as well as sharing some of his exciting plans for the future.
Confidence Camp Coach Liz Daniels, and Host, Louise Gillings, chat about confidence and if it is a feeling or a belief. They look at what confidence means to them, their experiences of seeing it in other people, how it manifests and what can happen if you have too much! Along with confidence, the pair also recognise the importance of having the correct support team, having confidence in your coach, and taking your time to consolidate during your journey. You can find the EquiTeam survey here - https://rebrand.ly/EquiTeam_Survey
Working Equitation is the fastest-growing equestrian discipline in Europe, and after watching a demonstation with Sarah Vousden, Working Equitation competitor and coach, we couldn’t wait to share more with you. Sarah joins EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels as they look at the heritage of the sport, the different phases, some of the obstacles, and how people can get involved. From grassroots walk and trot, to the professionals taking obstacles at speed, (and making it look a lot easier than it is!), there is something for all levels, including in-hand training for those who would like a confidence boost before trying it ridden. To find out more about Working Equitation go to: https://abweofficial.co.uk/ To contact Sarah go to: https://acobandaconnie.com/home-page or follow her on social media here: https://www.facebook.com/acobandaconnie
Equiteam Confidence Camp Liz Daniels and Louise Gillings look back on 10 years of camps on their anniversary year. From not being sure that they would fill camps, to selling out in minutes, the duo share some of their most memorable moments (or those they can share anyway!), as they reflect on 10 years of fun. With bridleless ponies, an air ambulance, lots of feeding, some dirty dancing moves and unlikely friendships formed - the magic of camp is shared through an authentic hug. Follow Equiteam Confidence Camps on Facebook
On this week’s episode, EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels and Lou Gillings chat about the importance of running your own race, in your own time, and how external factors can influence your pool of resistance. The duo take a look a grasping opportunities and how it is OK to take the pressure off when it comes to your horse, as they remind us all that it should be fun.
This week EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels chats to Daniel Reed, from DAR Vet Physio to find out more about equine salt therapy. After investing in the medical-certified equine salt therapy system (New Market Salt Therapy System), Daniel explains how the system works, the benefits to the horse and what it can be used to treat. Although Daniel stresses this is not a replacement for veterinary advice and treatment, the complimentary system which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects can be used to soothe skin conditions, help with allergies and pollen, promote a healthier respiratory system, and can boost overall performance. Follow Daniel on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/darvetphysio
When Bex Hayward traipsed around every stand at Badminton Horse Trials trying to find a pair of competition boots she was left feeling incredibly down when not one pair of boots fitted her muscular calves. Her background in design led her to wonder if she could fill the gap in the market and she set about designing elegant, but flattering competition boots and The Wide Boot Company was born. With sales all across the world and a BETA Design Innovation Award, Bex chats to us about her journey, empowering ladies, finding time for her own horses, and what the future holds. You can follow Bex or find out more about The Wide Boot Company here: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thewidebootcompany Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewidebootco TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thewidebootco YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@bexwbc1671 Website - https://www.thewidebootcompany.com
The podcast that might change your life… well maybe not your life, but it might help change your outlook. On this week’s episode, Equiteam’s Liz Daniels is a little bit overly excited to welcome best-selling author Dr Andy Cope to the show to chat about changing the narrative and instead of focusing on what is wrong with people, looking at what is right with people. From mood hoovers and the 2%ers, to clearing out your pants draw and finding the positive equilibrium, this is one podcast that you don’t want to miss. To get one of Andy's books check out his website https://www.artofbrilliance.co.uk/ And follow him on social - https://www.facebook.com/artbeingbrilliant https://www.instagram.com/artofbrilliance/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-of-brilliance/ And if you would like to be part of the most positive and happy online equestrian community then head over to EquiTeam to join us!
This week Equiteam’s Liz Daniels is joined by Anna Black, Manager at Lindores in Fife. In the last 10 years, Lindores has grown from a family farm with a small cross country course, to one of Central Scotland’s premier equestrian training centres, boasting holiday houses, Scottish experiences, a link with Lindores distillery and some TV appearances! Anna shares her memories of the first phone call from Equiteam Confidence Camps with a new concept of running residential camps for adults, how the diversification of the farm started, and how the ethos of the business is built on a team of passion, support network alongside love and respect for the land.
When Liz Somerville qualified for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships in 2023 she was elated – but she had no idea how bumpy the road to get to Badminton would be. Just a few months later she found herself getting her first ever 20 penalties following a run out at Blair Horse Trials, followed by her first public elimination at British Showjumping. Liz’s honest account of the highs, the lows, the challenges, and the importance of her support team are shared with Equiteam’s Liz Daniels, in a podcast that anyone suffering from confidence issues, or a lack of self-belief will be able to relate to. If you want to be part of our amazing EquiTeam community you can sign up here: www.equiteam.co.uk
In 2021 the equestrian community was shocked at the tragic death of event rider Matthew Wright following his battle with poor mental health. EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels chats to Riders Minds founder Victoria Wright on Mental Health Awareness Week, about piecing her world back together, the formation of mental health charity Riders Minds and how she still managed to drive Caunton Manor Stud forward despite the fact her world was in turmoil. Please note, this podcast mentions suicide which some people might find triggering. If you need support you can contact Riders Minds free of charge on 0800 088 2073. Mental Health Awareness Week takes from 13-19th May 2024. Riders Minds details are here: Website: https://ridersminds.org/ Live text support: 07480 488 103 Call the helpline: 0800 088 2073 You can find out more about Caunton Manor Stud here: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cauntonmanorstud/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cauntonmanorstud/ Website: https://www.cauntonmanorstud.com
Equiteam’s Liz Daniels and Louise Gillings caught up with Equiteam Connected member Jen Craig to find out what sparked her fitness journey and how it has impacted her mindset. The trio discuss making sustainable lifestyle choices and why ice cream features every day in Jen’s menu with no intention of giving up! As Louise is preparing for a half marathon, Jen shares how the Equiteam Fit to Ride videos and plans have inspired her to kick-start her health journey and how she has noticed the biggest differences in her energy, her time in the saddle and most of all to her mindset.