What separates a good rider from a great one? According to Dan, it’s not flashy exercises or quick fixes—it’s repetition, fitness, and mindset.

In this episode, Nika sits down with international rider and coach Dan, whose career spans from the junior European Championships to over 15 years of training riders in the UK and Italy.

They explore why the fundamentals never stop mattering, how to address “bad habits” with clarity and consistency, and the role of rider fitness in building confidence in the saddle. Dan also shares his coaching philosophy: listening first, acting second, and empowering riders to be self-sufficient rather than dependent on a trainer.

Whether you’re chasing medals or just aiming to ride with more confidence, this episode is packed with practical wisdom.

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What if the “dangerous” horse isn’t dangerous at all—but depressed or misunderstood?

In this episode, Nika Vorster speaks with equestrian coach and author Joanna (Horses Explained) about horse psychology and the overlooked mental health of our equine partners. Joanna shares insights from her book Understanding Horse Depression, explains the difference between temperament and personality, and breaks down the four temperament types that shape how horses respond to training. Together, they explore how rider energy and emotions influence horses, why labels like “difficult” can hide deeper issues, and how rehabilitation rooted in patience and empathy changes outcomes. Joanna also tells the story of her horse Ella, a so-called “dangerous” mare who became a trusted partner through understanding and trust.

Joanna wants to clarify a few things from the conversation:

1. The Research citation is credit to a 2012 study by Carole Fureix and Martine Hausberger.-The link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22761752/ 
2. Clarification on horse depression- This is a brief introduction to horse depression. The first step in recognizing subtle signs is knowing your individual horse and being familiar with the equine ethogram so you can distinguish species-typical behaviours from those that may suggest a problem. Depression in horses is a real, diagnosable condition with specific symptoms; I’d love to dive deeper into this in a future conversation.
3. Definitions to include:

• Temperament: A horse’s inborn way of reacting to the world—how sensitive he is, how quickly he startles, and how easily he settles. Temperament shows up early, is largely genetic, and remains stable over time. We can shape responses, but not the core reactivity.
• Personality: The whole picture—temperament plus learned patterns from experience and environment, along with quirks, preferences, and social habits. Personality evolves over time, but core traits tend to stay recognisable.

In short: Temperament is innate; personality is temperament shaped by environment and experience. By improving the environment and handling, we can influence (not replace) aspects of personality while respecting the horse’s nature.

To work or contact Joanna directly:

Book a Horse Personality Portrait: www.horsesexplained.com

Instagram: @horsesexplained

Media/Lessons/Workshops: horsesexplained@gmail.com

Upcoming book: Understanding Horse Depression — releasing Spring 2026.  

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What if your horse’s body language is telling you more than you realise?

In this conversation, Nika Vorster sits down with equine behaviourist Carolina (Horse Conversations) to explore the subtleties of equine communication and the role of positive reinforcement in training. Carolina shares her personal journey into natural horsemanship, how a traumatised horse shifted her approach, and why observing tiny changes in eating, expression, and posture reveals so much about a horse’s emotional state. Together, they unpack whether issues stem from past trauma or present handling, how horses act as mirrors of human emotions, and why curiosity is the most powerful tool a horse owner can bring to training.

To work with Caroline directly, click on the link below.

https://horseconversations.com/

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What if your horse’s “naughty” behaviour is really pain—and the rehab plan is missing the point? In this conversation, Nika Vorster and equine practitioner Ansley Bevan dig into evidence-informed, horse-centered rehab. From Florida’s heat to the UK’s milder climate, they compare management realities, unpack why traditional stall-rest protocols can fail the horse mentally, and explore how behaviour is a primary signal of discomfort. Ansley shares lessons from her horse Charlie, the origins of her Equine Wellness Academy, and why educating owners creates better outcomes than chasing quick fixes. If you’ve felt stuck, gaslit, or overwhelmed, this one offers a grounded roadmap for advocating for your horse—with patience, presence, and practical tools.

Ansley's contact details:

Website: abequinetherapy.com/academy

Instagram: @abequinetherapy

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I am rejoined by Alice Hurley - international dressage rider - based in Australia. Today we are sharing our top 10 tips when it comes to training young horses.

Alice and I have a combined experience of over 55 years working with young horses.

If you have any questions, comment below or contact me via my website:

www.animalchiropractoruk.com

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