Our Equestrian Life

In this enlightening conversation with Charlie Unwin, a renowned performance psychologist with a diverse background including military service, we unpack the psychological aspects crucial for mastering equestrian sports. We explore the importance of personal leadership, the subtle differences between emotions like excitement and fear, and how understanding these can drastically improve training and performance in competitions. The conversation touches on the balance between technical and psychological coaching, the role of personal beliefs, and strategies for maintaining consistency under pressure. Unwin shares insights from his experiences across sports, business, and the military, highlighting psychological techniques such as visualization and managing internal systems to enhance performance. Additionally, the importance of focusing on controllable elements and developing a competition mindset during training is emphasized, providing valuable strategies for both athletes and coaches. RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODECerntre 10: https://www.centre10.com/Charlie's website: https://www.performancelegacy.com/ Dynamic Performance: https://www.dynamicperformancehub.com/ To buy Charlie's book ''Inside Out'' click HERETIMESTAMPS01:05 Meet Charlie Unwin: A Journey from Military to Equestrian Psychology03:20 The Role of Sports Psychology in Equestrianism05:20 Consistency: The Key to Equestrian Success08:00 Overcoming Mental Challenges in Equestrian Sports08:36 Harnessing the Power of Visualization and Flow States14:27 The Psychological Impact of Horse and Rider Relationship20:31 Personal Leadership and Focus in Equestrian Sports31:11 The Importance of Control and Focus in Equestrian Performance38:14 Transferring Training Success to Competition40:32 The Psychology of Performance: Navigating Fear and Focus42:45 Creating a Competition Mindset in Training44:14 The Power of Precision: Training Beyond the Basics45:29 Elevating Training with Intensity and Focus01:06:33 Building Confidence Through Controlled Challenges Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

In this interview, I enjoy learning the story of how the amazing Ros Canter went from a young pony club enthusiast to becoming a World Champion. Ros discusses her love for training horses, her determination and competitiveness, and the importance of the support she received from her family, her team and her mentors. You might think that successful riders don’t struggle with their nerves and you might be shocked to hear that Ros had lots of moments of doubt and at times she even felt relief when competitions got canceled. How did she achieve all the amazing results then? You’ll find out!There is so much to learn, and I hope you are enjoying learning with me.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODERos Canter's Offical Website: https://www.roscantereventing.com/Ros Canter's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/roscantereventerTIMESTAMPS02:05 Interview Begins: Early Life and Introduction to Riding03:52 The Path to Eventing and University Life05:12 The Unexpected Turn to Professional Riding06:09 Balancing Passion for Travel and Riding11:03 The Influence of Family and Mentors17:41 Overcoming Fear and Improving Cross Country Riding29:56 Importance of Taking Breaks and Celebrating Success31:17 Self-Description and Competitive Edge32:05 Understanding Personal Strengths and Training Quality34:58 Managing Nerves and Embracing Challenges39:52 Adapting Training Approach to Individual Horses49:59 Future Aspirations and Advice to Younger Self56:07 Contact Information and Final ThoughtsFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

Annabelle Galt is a Veterinary Physiotherapist and an active member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists.Bell absolutely loves working with horses and helping them perform at their best.The love for her profession is so inspiring, so much so that seeing her enthusiasm every morning David, her husband, decided to leave his old job, go back to university and become a physiotherapist himself.In our conversation, we talk about the fundamental role of physiotherapy in horse welfare and sports performance. Annabelle reveals how she got into the field, her passion for horses, her focus on academic research, and the functions of various physiotherapy equipment. She also emphasizes the importance of a good coach, the correct saddle fitting, regular vet and physio check-ups, building a strong support team, and continuous learning. I hope you enjoy our conversation!RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODEAnnabelle Galt Veterinary Physiotherapy: https://www.agvp.co.uk/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AGVetPhysioInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agveterinaryphysiotherapy/TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Life00:56 Guest Introduction: Annabelle Galt01:59 Annabel's Journey into Veterinary Physiotherapy04:08 Starting and Growing a Veterinary Physiotherapy Business08:35 The Role of Physiotherapy in Equestrian Sports13:10 Choosing the Right Physiotherapist24:54 Advancements in Veterinary Physiotherapy32:04 The State of Equestrian Sport and Horse Welfare39:33 Personal Goals and Aspirations43:33 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

In this inspiring discussion, I welcome my friend and accomplished Italian international event rider, Giovanni Ugolotti.  We dive deep into Giovanni's past, sharing his journey of moving from Italy to the UK, how he trained to become a successful event rider, and his experiences throughout his equestrian career.  Gio also discusses the importance of setting goals, how to select a horse, and how to produce an events horse, as well as giving us a sneak peek into what's in store for him this year! Do you want to hear about his hopes for the Olympics, and how he manages to stay upbeat even in the hardest times? Expect laughter, insights, and genuinely uplifting moments in a conversation that embodies the true spirit of the equestrian way of life.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODECranford stud eventing website: http://www.cranfordstudeventing.com/TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey00:29 The Importance of Positivity and Motivation02:04 Giovanni's Early Riding Experiences05:21 The Challenges and Triumphs of Building a Career in Eventing09:15 The Journey of Training and Producing Horses11:24 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Mistakes11:42 The Importance of a Positive Attitude and a Strong Team24:13 Choosing and Training Young Horses37:50 Looking Forward: Goals for the Upcoming Year41:03 Conclusion and Contact InformationFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

In our conversation, Helen discusses her journey from a non-horsey background to becoming the CEO of British Eventing, sharing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. She talks in-depth about the complexities of British Eventing, her time in the role, the difficulties she faced, and the changes she managed to implement. She also shares her aspirations for the future.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODEBritish Eventing website: https://www.britisheventing.com/TIMESTAMPS00:00 Entering the Equestrian World: A Personal Journey13:16 The State of British Eventing Upon Arrival17:33 The Impact of Covid-19 on British Eventing27:39 The Role of IT in British Eventing's Challenges37:08 Strategies for Change and Improvement40:40 The Domino Effect of Change41:31 Regrets and Contributions in Sports43:06 The Struggle of Making Tough Decisions43:53 Understanding Leadership and Decision Making45:11 The Importance of Effective Communication49:25 The Struggles of Managing a National Governing Body56:46 The Challenges of Abandonment InsuranceFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

In this episode I'm joined by Cheryl Johns, the founder of LiveryList and Yard Owner Hub. We discuss the complexities of running a livery yard, covering areas such as financial planning, managing staff, and adhering to regulations. Cheryl talks about how LiveryList started as a simple livery yard directory and expanded into a comprehensive resource hub for yard owners. She shares her hopes for the future, including new endeavors for supporting yard owners and the continued growth of her platforms.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODELivery list website: https://www.liverylist.co.uk/The Yard Owner Hub website: https://www.yardownerhub.co.uk/Facebook Group for Livery Owners: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lyodiscussions/TIMESTAMPS01:24 The Birth of Livery List05:20 Challenges in Running a Livery Yard06:09 Personal Journey into the Equestrian World14:23 The State of the Livery Industry18:43 Financial Planning for Livery Yards28:58 Staffing Challenges in Livery Yards33:04 The Importance of a Happy Work Environment36:38 The Complexities of Employment in the Equestrian Industry38:45 The Importance of Good Management in the Equestrian Industry39:33 The Wealth of Resources Available on Yard Owner Hub41:23 The Future of Regulations and Standards in the Livery Industry46:45 The Potential Impact of New Regulations on Livery Yards49:11 The Importance of Compliance with Regulations01:00:40 The Future of Livery List and the Yard Owner HubFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

Expert Vet, Spike Milligan, takes us on a journey exploring the adventurous yet demanding field of equine veterinary medicine. He uncovers the intricate workings of vet-client relationships and helps us gain a deeper understanding of risk management in the profession. Spike's valuable insights into horse management techniques, insurance, and rehabilitation, combined with his experiences with British Eventing, provide viewers with a comprehensive perspective on the future of equine performance. Additionally, the podcast offers an introspective look at the search for a work-life balance in the veterinary profession, highlighting the importance of defining personal success and the art of finding 'enough'. Spike's lessons from his own journey and his passion for youth programs add an inspiring context to the future of the veterinary industry.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODESpike Milligan's website: https://www.spikethevet.co.uk/Spike Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/spikethevetTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction01:53 Spike's Journey and Role in Veterinary Medicine07:44 The Evolution of Eventing and Veterinary Practices30:16 The Role of Insurance in Veterinary Care32:13 The State of British Eventing40:36 Moving Forward from Past Mistakes40:56 The Importance of Communication in the Industry41:05 Understanding and Supporting the Sport42:07 Understanding Joint Injections and Treatments42:42 The Concept of Prehabilitation43:24 The Role of a Support Team in Horse Care43:58 The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment45:09 The Benefits of Joint Injections46:58 The Importance of Open and Honest Communication47:05 The Role of the Rider in Horse Care50:29 The Misconception of Rest as the Best Treatment53:54 The Role of Supplements in Horse Care58:01 Understanding Doping and Withdrawal Periods01:02:03 Future Trends in Veterinary Medicine01:05:51 Personal Goals and Aspirations01:10:53 Advice for Young Vets01:13:44 Contact Information01:14:31 ConclusionFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

Renowned equestrian coach, Caroline Moore, offers a wealth of insights into her coaching philosophy and the profound significance of accuracy, safety, and a systematic approach to horse training. In our conversation, Caroline discusses her method, her inspirations, and how she skillfully employs technology to enhance her coaching. Finding the Winning FormulaA unique aspect of Caroline's coaching model is how she breaks down performance into manageable bits through performance profiling. This method was first introduced to her by Sir Clive Woodward, and she has adopted it, incorporating all elements - large and small - of rider and horse performance that can contribute to creating a winning formula. Her training focuses not on becoming a pro rider but on efficiently improving horse performance at any level. By working on rider balance, accurate riding, and finding the level of education that suits both, rider and horse, Caroline believes that one can achieve remarkable results. Tapping into the Power of Technology Recognizing the power of technology, Caroline embraces the use of video analysis and slow-motion captures during her coaching sessions. She facilitates constructive comparison studies between different riding rounds, demonstrating how time and strides can be significantly saved when the riders are kept balanced, and their ride is kept accurate. Maintaining Horse WelfareIn her discussions, Caroline repeatedly underscores the importance of the horse as an integral partner in the sport of eventing. She emphasizes that horse welfare should never be forgotten and that the joy of working with horses and their training should not subside. She is passionately vocal about ensuring safety and horse wellbeing and believes that drawing owners’ attention to these fine points can bring a significant shift in how the expenses of running a yard are perceived.Coaching for the FutureCaroline is forging a path forward by initiating her own groundbreaking programs to equip riders with the knowledge needed to excel in their field. By teaching them how to balance riding and yard management successfully, she hopes to make a long-lasting impact in the world of equestrian coaching.Beyond her substantial contributions to teaching riders, Caroline Moore has much to say about running a successful yard, maintaining horse welfare, and utilizing technological tools to enhance her coaching. Sharing her wealth of knowledge helps inspire her students and other coaches by offering a practical, systematic, and compassionate approach to the art of horse riding. In the end, Caroline Moore’s underlying message is clear: dedicating oneself to understanding the horse and working passionately can overcome the toughest challenges. Her dedication to her craft inspires many in the equestrian community to strive, not just for winning, but for a kind, systematic and balanced approach to their equine partners.Resources for this episode: Caroline Facebbok page: https://www.facebook.com/carolinemooreeventcoachTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:59 Caroline's Early Life and Introduction to Horses02:36 Caroline's Journey into Professional Riding03:30 Transition from Riding to Coaching05:19 The Importance of Understanding Horses09:52 Caroline's Coaching Philosophy and Approach14:16 The Role of Structure and System in Training16:01 The Importance of Experience and Learning from Others20:30 Caroline's Book and Its Impact25:30 SucFollow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarroWebsite - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk