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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Every riding lesson drills position, technique, and discipline. But what about the piece no one talks about—the one that makes or breaks your confidence, focus, and connection with your horse?
In this episode, Samantha Baer sits down with Lisa Eklund, founder of The Mindful Equestrian, to uncover the mindset side of riding most riders never get taught. From breaking perfectionist loops and handling show-ring nerves to finding curiosity instead of critique, Lisa explains how mindfulness transforms both everyday rides and high-pressure competition moments.
You’ll hear stories about missed distances, mindset triggers, and why your horse is the ultimate truth-teller. Plus, practical tools you can use today—on the ground or in the saddle—to ride with more clarity, presence, and joy.
If you’ve ever wondered why progress feels stuck despite endless lessons, this conversation reveals the missing link.
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Lockie Phillips of Emotional Horsemanship joins Samantha Baer to challenge the industry’s favorite half-truths. They dissect what “empathy” actually means beyond buzzword status, why feel is a trained sense—not mysticism—and how escalating pressure became the default solution for imaginary emergencies. Lockie outlines a richer pressure alphabet (soft, firm, sliding, bouncing, motivational) and explains why horses need the right kind of confusion to become responsive instead of reactive.
They dive into whips as “arm extenders” vs. plain old whipping, optics in modern sport, and how public scrutiny will force better behavior—whether we like it or not. Samantha shares real-world trailer-loading and show-environment stories; Lockie discusses rehabilitating a high-talent sport horse by first allowing “average” movement and teaching polite refusal. The throughline: emotional soundness creates physical soundness, partnership, and safety.
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In this episode of The Elevated Equestrian, Samantha sits down with equine sports performance consultant Tim Worden to explore what it really takes to develop horses for long-term soundness and success. Drawing from his background in biomedical science and kinesiology, Tim shares how principles from human athletics translate to equestrian sport — from conditioning and recovery, to data-driven training plans, to avoiding the pitfalls of overtraining.
They discuss how to tell if your horse is fit enough for the job, the balance between active and passive recovery, and how technology like wearables and AI is shaping the future of horse training. Tim also highlights what everyday riders can learn from elite athletes, and why simplicity and consistency often outperform complex programs.
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Resilience has become the go-to buzzword in sport — especially in the horse world. But what if it’s actually working against us? In this episode of The Elevated Equestrian, Samantha Baer sits down with Dr. Jenny Susser, a clinical sport psychologist and former UCLA swimmer, to unpack why “just be resilient” is the most dangerous advice riders can follow. Together they dig into burnout, hustle culture, and the hidden cost of pushing through when your tank is already empty. Dr. Susser explains why energy management — not toughness — is the real key to lasting performance, and Samantha shares her own experiences of grinding harder only to end up sick and stuck. This conversation will challenge how you think about success, stress, and sustainability — both in and out of the saddle.
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n this Hack Chat, Samantha Baer dives into one of the most overlooked parts of horse training: teaching horses to truly relax. Too often riders mistake licking, chewing, pawing, tripping, or grabbing reins as signs of calm. In reality, those are self-soothing behaviors — not genuine release.
Samantha explains why she never lets horses “reward themselves,” how to recognize the difference between distraction and real relaxation, and practical ways to help your horse down-regulate his nervous system on the ground or out hacking. From young horse confidence to positive reinforcement timing, this episode reframes the basics of horse training through the lens of mental health.
If you’ve ever wondered why your horse spooks after tripping, or why offering a cookie at the wrong moment can build insecurity instead of confidence, this conversation will give you tools to create a calmer, more confident partner.
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Is your horse really “lazy,” “grumpy,” or “stubborn”… or is it pain? In this episode, equine orthopedic specialist Dr. Sue Dyson breaks down the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram . We dig into how subtle signs—like pinned ears, tail swishing, or breaking gait—are too often brushed off as training issues, when in reality they’re red flags for musculoskeletal discomfort.
Dr. Dyson shares how to spot these behaviors early, why tack fit and rider balance play a huge role, and what riders can do to protect soundness, longevity, and welfare in sport. If you’ve ever wondered whether your horse’s resistance is behavioral or physical, this conversation will change how you see your ride.
Explore the full Ridden Horse Pain Checklist here: 24horsebehaviors.org
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