Curious Equestrian

The UK is facing its worst hay crisis in over a century. Spring 2025 brought the driest conditions in 50 years for the UK, and England's driest spring in more than 100 years. Hay yields have dropped by 50-75% in some regions. Prices have doubled or tripled. Horse owners fed hay through summer when they'd normally rest their budgets. And climate change projections suggest this is the new re...

When Lisa's daughter Tiffany was told she'd never walk or talk due to a rare chromosome disorder, horses proved the medical professionals wrong. Within a year at the yard, Tiffany spoke 100 words and could ride, though she still couldn't sit in a chair. That experience led Lucy and Lisa to found Teal CIC—now the UK's only ASDAN-accredited centre offering customized equine assisted learning courses...

Losing a horse is one of life's most devastating experiences—yet it's often a loss society doesn't fully recognize. In this episode, we explore euthanasia options, what to expect, grieving, and where to find support when nobody around you understands. Sophie Cookson King from Blue Cross walks us through the difficult decisions horse owners face: When is it time? What are the methods? H...

In this episode, Ruth from Blue Cross breaks down everything you need to know about keeping your horse safe during firework season—from practical preparation to handling those tricky neighbor conversations. If fireworks stress you out, this episode is for you. Share your experiences in the comments—let's learn from each other. For more advice and resources, visit Blue Cross:https://www.bluecro...

Horse trainer Josie joins us to explore why going back to basics isn't a step backward but a continuous spiral of deeper understanding. In this thoughtful conversation, we discuss how ego creates barriers to learning, why basics form the foundation even for Grand Prix movements, and how understanding the way horses learn transforms our approach to training. Josie shares her personal journey fr...

What happens when you throw out everything you've been taught about horse training and try the complete opposite? Diana Waters went from traditional BHS instructor training to building a 22,000-member community around one radical idea: slowing down instead of pushing forward. In this episode, Diana reveals her "slow walk work" method that's quietly transforming how horse owners a...

Why is obesity one of the biggest killers of horses? In this eye-opening episode, veterinarian Katie reveals the shocking truth about equine obesity, with 40% of UK leisure horses classified as overweight. From practical solutions like grazing muzzles to track systems, discover how to spot weight issues and take action. Katie shares candid insights about client conversations, showing world influen...

When Jonny Browne saw an advert for a "rider interpreter to joust at the Royal Armouries," he was curious. What he didn't expect was how this job would completely transform his understanding of horses and horsemanship. In this conversation, Johnny shares his journey to professional performer, working with everything from medieval armour and live gunfire to falcons and film sets. But...

Charlotte Dujardin’s return to competition has brought dressage back into the spotlight — but not without reigniting a vital debate: Can modern dressage truly be ethical? In this powerful conversation with classical trainer Jessica Kenyon , we explore the forgotten roots of dressage, the importance of harmony between horse and rider, and what it really means to train with compassion. Whether you&#...

Discover the cooling mistakes horse owners make without knowing it. Olympic groom and equine expert Emma Cornish reveals the professional secrets that could save your horse's life this summer. What You'll Learn: Why the "scrape water off" method is dangerous Olympic-level cooling techniques used by professionals Stable vs turnout: the truth about heatwave management Critical summ...

What if your horse is carrying invisible wounds and hiding trauma? In this emotional journey, we explore horse trauma healing through the eyes and hands of Hannah Jones, founder of Saber Holistics. Discover how she uses Reiki, essential oils, and deep intuition to help horses release emotional trauma and rebuild trust with humans. This isn't just therapy — it's transformation. Whether you&...

Join us on a journey into the world of free-living horses. Learning Wild founders Bonny Mealand and Dr Emily Kieson reveal the nuanced behaviour of equines in their natural habitat. Learn more about our guests Bonny and Emily Learning Wild: https://www.touchingwild.com/copy-of-about-bonny Filmed on location at Wicken Fen watch the video here : https://youtu.be/UI7iV5-hwi8

America's wild horses may disappear in our lifetime, and photographer Susan Goudge is documenting what could be their final chapter. Susan Goudge is a retired school teacher who discovered wild horses by accident 10 years ago—and now she's witnessing their systematic removal from American landscapes. With no traditional equestrian background, she brings an urgent, outsider perspective to a...

Is your horse reactive, defensive, or shutting down? Nicky Sharp reveals how healing her own anxiety and nervous system transformed her relationship with Jessie, a traumatized mare who reared, bit, and defended herself "at all costs." When Nicky bought what she thought was a "safe" hacking horse, she brought home a shut-down mare with deep trauma. While battling her own work-re...

Is your saddle silently damaging your horse? Certified saddle fitter Jennifer Howland-Christensen reveals the three critical fitting mistakes that 80% of riders make unknowingly. Discover the subtle signs of poor saddle fit that most people miss, why expensive doesn't mean better fitting, and the simple assessment you can do yourself before calling a professional. Plus: Jennifer shares her con...

HS Award-winning campaigner Natalie Munir reveals how strangers feeding your horses could kill them—and the defense strategies that actually work. Natalie Munir is the founder of the Stop Feeding Our Horses campaign and BHS Equine Welfare Award winner who has documented thousands of dangerous public feeding incidents worldwide. What started as lockdown frustration became a global movement when she...

What separates a great horseman from average riders? Ben Longwell reveals the 3 core leadership principles that transform horse-human partnerships. Learn why being "nice" to your horse might be hurting your relationship, how to rebuild confidence through groundwork, and the authentic leadership approach that creates willing partners, not just compliant horses. Ben shares decades of ranch...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jack and Paula Curtis, founders of Art of the Horseman, who have dedicated over 30 years to cultivating meaningful connections between horses and their people. Since 1994, this dynamic duo has been transforming riders and horses through their heart-centered approach to horsemanship. Connect with Jack & Paula Curtis:🎟️ Online Horse Fair Free Tickets: h...

When a horse reared up and crushed Aisling Byrne in a freak accident, doctors delivered a devastating verdict: she would never walk again, let alone ride. With a shattered pelvis, broken hips, and severe spinal damage, even survival seemed uncertain. Yet through extraordinary determination, Aisling not only learned to walk again but defied all medical expectations to return to international show j...

The Taboo Topic Every Horse Owner Needs to Hear: Professional Sheath Cleaning In this eye-opening episode, Allie MacLeod of The Horsebox Spa reveals why professional sheath cleaning is a critical yet overlooked aspect of equine care. Discover how common behavioral issues like bucking, tail rubbing, and tenseness might actually be signs your horse needs hygiene attention. Ali explains the dangers o...

Training Horses with Kindness with Sandra Poppema @SandraHippoLogicIn our latest episode, we speak with Sandra Poppema, founder of HippoLogic and creator of The Confident Clicker Trainer method. Sandra shares her journey from traditional training to positive reinforcement, revealing how this shift transformed not just her training methods but her entire relationship with horses.👉🏻 Special Offer...

When Tam and Ants Bennett took over a traditional North Devon riding school, they discovered horses that were fearful and shut down. Instead of continuing business as usual, they made the bold decision to close their doors temporarily and reimagine what equestrian education could be. In this episode of The Curious Equestrian, we discover how this couple transformed a conventional riding stables in...

Are your horse's hooves truly healthy? In this eye-opening interview, natural hoof care expert Louise Backholler reveals what a healthy hoof really looks like and why so many domestic horses struggle with hoof issues. Louise shares what healthy hooves actually look like and the warning signs to watch for, how the wild horse model can transform domestic horse management, and why movement matter...

Are traditional horse training methods missing something vital? Discover how incorporating play into your horsemanship can transform your horse's learning ability and deepen your connection. Horse trainer Gabi Neurohr shares how simple games can build connection, solve behaviour problems, and develop your horse's personality through natural horsemanship principles. Enter for a chance to wi...

Meet the rescue miniature horses transforming into adventure athletes in New Zealand! Chloe and Debbie have rescued over 40 neglected minis, rehabilitating them from severe health issues to become incredible endurance racers. Watch how these tiny horses tackle 100km races with more heart than horses twice their size! From tied to trees and painful laminitis to crossing mountains alongside human pa...