Beyond the Bridle

Have you ever wanted to create training processes with your horse, but didn’t know where to start? Do you know where you want to be, but don’t know how to get there? Then today’s episode is for you! Today, we discuss how to create training processes that actually work and won’t have you confused about where to go next. We give you questions to ask yourself that will help you put together a process...

Do you have trouble navigating the balance between anxiety and vigilance? Or do you struggle coming down after a high-stress situation? Then this episode is for you! We explore the power of slowing down physically, mentally, and emotionally. From horses choking to social anxiety, we talk about how we navigate these things.  This is your invitation to let go of stress and take time for yourself in...

We have all been there! You see poor behavior from your horse that you know needs to change, but instead of dealing with it, you make an excuse. “I don’t have time to work on this.” “We need to be working on our performance goals, not this.” “That’s just how my horse is.” “It’s the adrenaline.” “Any horse would do that in that situation.” Today we challenge ourselves and our listeners to let go of...

In this episode, we dive into building trust in yourself. From honoring your emotions to deciphering what they’re really telling you, we explore how self-belief grows when you learn to balance patience, progress, and connection.  McKayla shares insights on the importance of coasting during life’s tougher seasons, while Camri reflects on how weather struggles have impacted her rides. Together, we d...

In today’s episode of Beyond the Bridle, we discuss building trust in yourself and your horse. We reframe what trust actually is, and that it isn’t about expecting perfection from ourselves or our horses, but it is about having reliability. Clarity and boundaries need to be held in a way where we can say, “I see you” to ourselves and our horses, without excusing poor behavior. We share an easy tip...

In this episode, we dive into the hard stuff—the kind of raw that doesn’t feel polished or perfect. McKayla shares her experience of finding time to rest while being sick, despite the push to keep moving like everything’s fine, while Camri opens up about a wonky trail ride with Freya and the confidence it took to hold steady. Using these reflections as our starting point, we’re taking a deeper loo...

Welcome to the first episode of "Beyond the Bridle” (formerly The Horsewoman Project). We’re so excited to kick off this new chapter with you. Today, we’re sharing why we chose to rebrand, what the new title means to us, and what you can expect from this podcast moving forward. Join us in future podcast episodes as we dive into authentic conversations about horsemanship, the ups and downs of life,...

In this, our 100th episode, McKayla and I share with you some of our memorable moments, learning curves, self-reflection, and our most popular episodes. Stay tuned till the end for a mysterious announcement about some upcoming changes to the podcast! ;) We love and appreciate every single one of our listeners more than you know! Thank you all so much for supporting our podcast! Links to our most p...

Hobbling can be a dangerous venture if not done right, but so can driving your car, riding your horse, and saddling a horse for the first time. By using the right processes, you can hobble train your horse safely and effectively. Hobble training can teach your horse how to be “stuck” in a way that doesn’t involve barbed wire tearing apart their legs. Camri Johnson was a guest on one of MaK Athlete...

In this episode, we dive into some listener questions that touch on the essentials of horse care and training. We discuss strategies to help a horse overcome fear after a traumatic incident with a branch, explore ways to create a consistent training schedule that works for both you and your horse, and share tips on maintaining a balanced riding position to enhance your horse’s performance. We also...

In this episode, we dive into the important distinction between a horse acting "bad" due to pain versus a behavioral issue.  We talk about Camri’s training horse who has been having stifle and teeth issues and how she worked around these to make the horse more comfortable while still working them the way the vet required,  We also talk about McKayla's experience with her horse where...

Today McKayla and Camri sit down with equine dental technician, Aubrie Harris of C & A Equine Services. Aubrie shares a bit about her story as a horse girl and how she went from working with a performance horse trainer to becoming an equine dentist. Aubrie discusses how the goal of equine dentistry is to preserve the horse’s teeth and help the horse find balance in their mouth and body. She an...

Many times if you hear someone say, “Accept your limitations” it comes from the perspective of a pessimist or someone who doesn’t think you should ever change or that you can never be something more than you are right now. Today, I take a slightly different stance. Accepting your limitations can be the first step that you need to start you on the road to confidence and success in any avenue you ch...

Today we chat a bit about Freya getting her first set of shoes in two years, and how the end of Freya’s barefoot journey played head games with Camri. Neither barefoot or shod means failure in a hoofcare journey. Trying to keep to one “camp” without regard for the comfort and soundness of the horse is not helpful for the horse. Keeping our horse as sound and comfortable as possible for the short a...

After seeing multiple horses die in various competitions this week, we broach the topic of when competition becomes abuse, and can competing be done ethically? On one extreme of the debate, horses die from heat exhaustion, get arthritis before they are fully grown, are forced into rollkur, and have whip and spur marks on their bodies to get them to perform. On the other extreme of this debate, we...

In this episode, we tackle the challenge of finding friends as a horsewoman and building a supportive equestrian community.  Making connections in the horse world can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can lead to lifelong friendships and invaluable support.  We discuss various groups and clubs that you can join, as well as strategies to help you put yourself out there and meet like-mind...

In this short but important episode, we explore the essentials of being a good friend.  Whether you're looking to strengthen your existing friendships or forge new ones, these key principles will help you build more meaningful and respectful connections.  Tune in for practical advice on nurturing friendships that support and uplift you and your fellow horsewomen. If you like this episode be su...

In this episode, we dive into being a good client for your trainers, coaches, farriers, and other equestrian service providers. Building positive, respectful relationships with these professionals is crucial your horse’s well-being and your overall success. Whether you're new to the equestrian world or a seasoned rider, maintaining relationships with your service and product providers are esse...

Today we discuss ways to increase your level of professionalism as a business owner. What you wear, how you speak, what content you post, and how well you communicate can all affect if you are seen as a professional or an amateur. Join McKayla and I as we discuss how to stand out as unique and genuine, while also making choices based on how your ideal client will perceive you. If you like this epi...

Building a strong network within the equestrian community can lead to invaluable support, shared knowledge, and lasting friendships. Sometimes we don’t know if we should ask or acknowledge certain things that are going on in someone’s life, but we discuss some ways you can navigate these situations using just four little words.  Whether you're looking for training advice, emotional support, or...

In this episode we dive into understanding empathy and how it can sometimes lead us to enable bad behavior in our horses.  We talk about how to work with our horses in a compassionate and clear way that promotes good behavior and a connected partnership.  Learn how to balance compassion with effective training, and learn why addressing challenging behaviors head-on is crucial for both you and your...

In this solo episode, I share the intense experience of completing my first 50-mile ride with Sandy. Despite our thorough preparation, the journey was mentally and physically grueling, filled with moments of doubt and reflection.  This experience has underscored the necessity of being kind to ourselves and recognizing the incredible efforts we put in as horsewomen. Let's navigate these challen...

Today, McKayla and Camri answer four different listener questions. We discuss how to find the right discipline for you and your horse, things you can do as a beginner rider, how to balance your family life and horse life, and what to do if your horse is colicking.  ***Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians! Please always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns with your horse or think they ma...

We've heard so many horror stories from past and current clients about the trainers they've had—it's time we talk about it! In this episode, we dive into the red flags you should watch out for when choosing a trainer.  You and your horse deserve the best guidance and foundation, and Camri and McKayla are here to help you make informed decisions. Tune in to learn how to spot the warning...

Today McKayla and Camri discuss McKayla's 4 pillars to a successful morning routine. A good morning routine helps you prioritize what matters to you, helps you ground yourself, sets up your day for less stress and more success, and can even help you sleep better. If you'd like to hear our thoughts on how morning routines have helped us and how they shift and change throughout the year, giv...