The Elevated Equestrian

In this episode, Samantha sits down with rider, trainer, and tech sales professional Jacqueline Burke of Hablyn Hills Equestrian to unpack what it actually looks like to build a sustainable equestrian life without losing the love for the sport. Jacqueline shares how she went from broke working student with an FEI horse that couldn’t stay sound, to a successful career in tech sales and owning a 25-acre farm with 16 horses and a thriving training program.They dive into the surprising overlap between selling horses and selling software, the reality of stepping away from competition to get financially stable, why teaching became a core pillar of her business, and how she juggles remote work, a barn, staff, students, Florida/Aiken trips, and motherhood—with intention instead of burnout.If you’re trying to figure out how to afford your horse goals without living in constant survival mode, this one’s for you.👉 If you enjoy this episode, please follow, rate, and share The Elevated Equestrian—it helps more riders find these conversations.

This week, I sit down with trainer and former upper-level event rider Madison Solosi for a refreshingly honest look at what it really takes to reinvent yourself in this sport. Madison grew up homeschooled on a Michigan farm her parents built from scratch, went to Scotland to train with the legendary Ian Stark instead of college, competed through Intermediate, and eventually made the move to Virginia to build a business in a place with a deeper horse community.We talk about the mental and physical shift from eventing to show jumping, the culture shock of entering a new discipline, learning to be “the new kid” again, finding community in the jumper world, managing a 15-stall training program, and figuring out how to stay competitive while raising a family and rehabbing from a major injury.It’s a conversation about identity, ambition, resilience, and what it looks like to start over when the sport you love demands something different from you.If you’re listening along, tap follow and keep sharing the show—this whole thing grows because of you.

What if listening to your horse’s no actually created a stronger, braver, more confident performance partner?In this episode, Samantha Baer sits down with equine behavior specialist Adele Shaw to unravel the science and nuance behind choice, agency, and communication in performance horses. They talk about the difference between confusion, fear, pain, and true unwillingness, and how recognizing early signs of stress can prevent shutdown, blow-ups, and long-term behavioral issues.Adele explains how positive reinforcement works on a scientific level, why “kind” pressure is still pressure, and how riders can shift into training habits that build clarity instead of dependency on whips, spurs, and force. Samantha shares stories from the show-jumping and eventing world that highlight the real consequences of ignoring a horse’s signals—and the surprising transformation that happens when you adapt your training instead of pushing harder.This episode blends science, emotion, practicality, and real-world performance experiences. It’s an invitation to reexamine what partnership actually means and how much more a horse can offer when they’re given a voice in the process.Please Follow the podcast and leave a rating if you found value in this episode!

Equine physiotherapist and trauma-informed trainer Yasmine Stewart joins Samantha Baer on The Elevated Equestrian to explore how posture, pain, and performance are deeply connected to a horse’s lived experience. Together they dive into what “neutral spine” really means in motion, how enrichment and curiosity can create physical change faster than drills, and why honoring a horse’s agency can actually accelerate progress—not slow it down.Yasmine explains how nervous-system regulation shapes soundness, shares the link between trauma and posture, and offers a practical lens for navigating complex rehab cases like kissing spines and arena aversion. She and Samantha also dig into the gray areas of performance—how competition pressure affects both horses and humans, and whether true consent and high performance can ever fully coexist.If you’ve ever questioned traditional “make it happen” training or wondered how to protect welfare without losing direction, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see your horse—and yourself—differently.🎧 Follow, rate, and review The Elevated Equestrian on Spotify to help more riders find thoughtful, horse-first conversations like this one.

Why Producing Horses in America No Longer Makes Financial SenseFrench entrepreneur and horsewoman Marjory Berkache, founder of Equisale Sport Horses, joins Samantha for a brutally honest look at the real economics of horse sales and production in 2025. From importing horses from Europe to navigating pre-purchase exams and buyer expectations, Marjory breaks down why the U.S. market has become nearly impossible for breeders, trainers, and professionals to sustain.They dive deep into what’s driving global price inflation in horses—the rising cost of hay and farriers, America’s obsession with perfect x-rays, the surge of Chinese buyers in Europe, and how lease-to-buy agreements are reshaping the entire sales landscape. Marjory also shares insider insight on why only 18% of trainers actually pay themselves a salary and how the “show every weekend” mindset is breaking both horses and professionals.This episode is a masterclass in understanding the real business of horses—what it costs, why it’s changing, and what it will take to fix it.If you care about the future of horse sales, imports, and equine welfare, follow, subscribe, and leave a rating or review so more riders can find these conversations!

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patricia Bona – human and animal chiropractor and creator of the Posture Prep cross-fiber grooming system – to talk about what your horse’s body is really trying to tell you. We get into posture as a true language, why dents, dings, girthiness, and “just hates grooming” are massive red flags, and how tight skin, scar tissue, and poor foot balance quietly shape your horse’s entire way of going.We also dig into the rider side: symmetry, old injuries, nervous systems, and how our habits in the car, in the barn, and in the saddle all feed into what the horse has to carry. If you’ve ever wondered whether your horse is actually “just a mare” or if you’re missing something important under your hand while you curry, this conversation will change how you look at your horse’s body forever.If you enjoy this episode, it helps a ton if you follow The Elevated Equestrian, rate the show, and leave a quick review.

What really happens when a horse gets to say no? In this episode, equine behavior consultant Brie Simpson of Grow Horsemanship joins Samantha for a deep dive into the science and feel behind positive and negative reinforcement, consent-based training, and what it actually means to give horses real choice and control. They unpack why “positive” doesn’t always mean kind, how timing—not tools—creates understanding, and how to recognize the moment a horse shifts from confusion to confidence. They explore thresholds, pressure that teaches versus pressure that shuts down, and the difference between compliance and true connection. From trailer loading and impulse control to fading food rewards and redefining what ethical training looks like in sport, this is one of those conversations that will quietly change the way you see everything you do with horses.If you believe training should feel better for both horse and human, follow The Elevated Equestrian, rate the show five stars, and share this episode with someone who loves a good rethink.

What if “feel” wasn’t intuition—but science you can learn? In this episode, Samantha sits down with Dr. Andrew McLean, zoologist, equitation scientist, and founder of Equitation Science International, to decode how horses actually learn. They dive into negative and positive reinforcement, classical conditioning, and the myth of “leg-into-hand.” You’ll learn why seat-only stops fade after five reps, how to retrain OTTBs who pull on the bit, the two-beat rule for perfect halts, and what true half halts look like.They also unpack arousal and downregulation, scratching at the wither as a physiological reward, and why giving horses touch, forage time, and agency can change their mental state. This is horsemanship stripped down to what the horse’s brain can understand—science that makes “feel” teachable.Follow and rate The Elevated Equestrian on Spotify to keep these evidence-based, horse-first conversations growing.

Learn how to read your horse’s mood, mindset, and nervous system in just three seconds. In this Hack Chat, Samantha breaks down the subtle body language cues hidden in something as simple as how your horse takes a cookie. Discover how lip tension, breathing, and small reactions reveal whether your horse is calm, anxious, or shut down—and how to use that information to build trust, improve relaxation, and create a better ride from the ground up.

What if your horse’s problems weren’t training issues at all—but sensory ones? In this episode, Samantha sits down with herd-dynamics expert Kerry M. Thomas to unpack the hidden operating system running every horse: sensory soundness. Together they explore how horses interpret their world, how herd wiring shapes stress, and why understanding the emotional system beneath behavior is the key to true connection.They talk about mares who multitask and geldings who “glitch,” what herd-bound behavior is really telling you, how early weaning and human pressure create lifelong stress patterns, and why the difference between a reaction and a response is everything in the saddle. Kerry explains why horses need mental warm-ups before physical work, how to stretch their emotional umbilical cord with time not distance, and what shared leadership really looks like in training.This is a deep, practical, and emotional look at the bridge between nature and sport. If you’ve ever wondered why your horse feels fine one day and fried the next, this episode will change how you see training, competition, and partnership forever.Follow The Elevated Equestrian wherever you listen, and if you love these conversations, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast—it really helps more riders find this work.

International Grand Prix rider and educator JJ Tate joins Samantha Baer for a deep conversation about what the “basics” of good riding really are — and why most of us have been chasing them the wrong way. We talk about creating a horse that’s powerful but liquid, how to develop true straightness and balance, and why classical dressage principles still matter in modern sport.JJ breaks down biomechanics and mindset in ways every rider can apply, from eventers to jumpers to devoted dressage nerds. We dive into the epidemic of too-long stirrups, the art of the real half-halt, how to find softness without losing power, and why good riding has nothing to do with strength and everything to do with feel.This episode is a masterclass in connection, confidence, and classical foundations that keep horses happy, sound, and proud of their work. Whether you’re polishing your position or rediscovering why you ride at all, this one will stay with you long after you hit play.If you love this conversation, it would mean the world if you follow, rate, and review The Elevated Equestrian on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It’s the best way to help thoughtful, horse-first conversations like this reach more riders.

What if your horse isn’t the problem—it’s your body? In this episode, Samantha Baer sits down with international equestrian performance coach India Parker-Smith to talk about what it really means to be a strong, supple, and stable rider. Together they dive into why rider fitness, mobility, and body awareness are the missing links to better performance and happier horses.India breaks down what “engage your core” actually means, how to fix common imbalances, and why mobility beats stretching every time. You’ll learn simple pre-ride routines, the truth about breathing and tension, and how your posture might be the reason your horse keeps needing chiropractic work. Whether you ride dressage, jumpers, or eventing, this episode will help you ride better, feel stronger, and help your horse perform at their best.If you love the show, please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to The Elevated Equestrian. It helps more riders discover the podcast and join the movement to put the horse first while raising the standard of rider performance.

Most riders think tension is a training problem—but what if it’s not? In this conversation Samantha sits down with Karen Rohlf of Dressage Naturally to explore the real reason your horse won’t relax and why it often has more to do with trust, intention, and emotional balance than any specific technique.Karen explains how relaxation, energy, and balance form the foundation of healthy biomechanics and true power. We talk about recognizing the difference between a horse that’s quiet and one that’s shut down, how to use energy as a conversation rather than a command, and why your intention can completely change the outcome of a ride. We also dive into the small mindset shifts—like practicing with a timer or creating space for play—that rebuild confidence and connection from the inside out.This episode is for riders who want their horses to feel better after the ride, not just look better during it. If you’ve ever felt torn between getting results and keeping the relationship, this one will change the way you train.If you enjoy conversations that put the horse first, make sure to follow, rate, and share The Elevated Equestrian—it helps more riders find these horse-centered stories and keeps the community growing.

In this episode of The Elevated Equestrian, host Samantha Baer sits down with Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Magazine, to unpack the hard truths behind leadership, money, and accountability in American horse sport. Piper—who’s covered over a thousand horse shows across the U.S.—shares an insider look at the USEF salary structure, the growing gap between governing-body decision makers and grassroots professionals, and why so many riders feel unheard and undervalued.We dive into the future of equestrian governance, the power dynamics shaping modern horse shows, and how transparency, compassion, and volunteer-driven reform could rebuild trust in the system. From the realities of judging and prize money to the welfare of horses at every level, this conversation challenges the traditions holding the sport back—and imagines a better path forward for both horses and humans.If you’re passionate about equestrian reform, rider welfare, and accountability in sport, this episode will change how you see the future of competition.🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The Elevated Equestrian wherever you listen—your support helps independent, rider-led media spark real change in the industry.

How do you really feed for performance? In this episode, equine nutritionist Dr. Holly Spooner—Vice President of Science and Innovation at Unbeetable Feeds—joins Samantha Baer to break down the science-backed fundamentals of horse nutrition. You’ll learn why forage-first diets outperform grain-heavy ones, how to read a feed tag like a pro, and what the latest research says about gut health, inflammation, and recovery.From understanding fiber’s role in the microbiome to balancing fat vs. glycogen for sustained energy, this conversation blends cutting-edge science with barn-ready simplicity. Whether you’re feeding a high-level eventer or a weekend partner, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to fuel your horse for calm power, peak performance, and long-term soundness.Please subscribe and rate our podcast, it helps us be able to bring on more amazing guests!

What if your horse’s spook isn’t disobedience, but a sensory processing delay—or your own pressure showing up in their body? In this episode, Dr. Shelley Appleton of Calm, Willing, Confident Horses shares the pivotal story that changed her approach forever, the 80/20 skillset that forms the foundation of horsemanship, and why self-awareness is as critical as technique. We cover sensory soundness and herd dynamics (Kerry Thomas), protecting the show environment as a marble-jar of trust, rethinking “respect” as motivation and meaning, and how off-the-track Thoroughbreds benefit from no-rider canter therapy to rebuild force transfer. If you want calmer, more confident, more willing horses—and a clearer understanding of your role in the partnership—this conversation will change the way you ride.Please don't forget to subscribe to our podcast so we can keep having conversations like these!

Learn how to read your horse’s body with equine bodywork pioneer Jim Masterson, creator of the Masterson Method. In this episode, Samantha and Jim dive into the subtle signals—blinks, licks, chews, and yawns—that reveal tension, pain, or restriction in your horse. You’ll hear why issues in the feet, teeth, saddle fit, and riding mechanics often show up as tightness in the poll/atlas, how to tell the difference between restriction vs pain, and how to use the Search–Response–Stay–Release technique to build trust and improve performance. Whether you’re dealing with trailer loading stress, mounting block jitters, or “behavior problems” that aren’t what they seem, this conversation will help you see behavior as information, not defiance. If you want softer, sounder, and more connected rides, this episode is your roadmap.https://elevatedeq.base44.app/👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share—it helps more riders discover the podcast.

In this episode of The Elevated Equestrian Podcast, Samantha talks with Cathy Woods, creator of Body Mind Equine and author of Yoga for Riders, about the powerful connection between yoga and horsemanship.Cathy shares how awareness, breath work, and mindfulness can help riders feel more balanced, confident, and connected in the saddle. Together they explore how honoring your energy, listening to intuition, and finding the balance between “doing” and “non-doing” improves both rider wellness and the horse-rider partnership.If you’ve ever wondered how yoga, meditation, and breath work can make you a better rider and deepen your connection with your horse, this conversation is full of practical tools and inspiration.👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and share The Elevated Equestrian Podcast for more conversations at the intersection of wellness and performance.

In this episode of The Elevated Equestrian, Samantha Baer interviews William Micklem — international equestrian coach, author of The Complete Horse Riding Manual, and inventor of the world-famous Micklem bridle. Known for his welfare-first approach to horse training, William shares how his philosophy of calm, forward, and straight helps riders build confidence, achieve personal bests, and create happier horses.The conversation covers the inspiration behind the Go Rules TED Talk, why positive and generous coaching outperforms negativity, and how correct tack fit — from bridles to girths — transforms both comfort and performance. William explains why simplifying training leads to better results, how curiosity and courage shape great riders, and what it means to “create yourself through horses.”If you love thoughtful conversations about horsemanship, tack, and rider mindset, don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and share this episode with a fellow rider who would enjoy it.$15 off Ariat → share.ariat.com/samanthabaer

Could your barn lights be quietly making your horse worse? In this episode of The Elevated Equestrian, Samantha Baer sits down with Dr. Barbara Murphy, Associate Professor at University College Dublin and founder of Equilume, to explore the surprising connection between light and equine health. Barbara shares how barn lighting influences circadian rhythms, reproduction, metabolism, coat condition, behavior, and even whether horses experience jet lag. We talk about why blue light during the day can transform your horse’s wellbeing, how stable management practices often disrupt the body clock without us realizing it, and what every rider or barn owner can do to create a healthier environment. This conversation shines a light on one of the most overlooked aspects of horse care and performance.If you enjoy this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe—it helps us reach more horse lovers and bring you more expert conversations that can change the way you care for your horses!$15 off Ariat → https://share.ariat.com/samanthabaer