Happy rider, Healthy horse⎮dressage rider, dressage exercises, horse trigger point therapy, horse acupressure

💬 Episode Overview Keeping your horse sound and happy isn’t just about luck — it’s about awareness, consistency, and understanding what truly keeps our horses healthy from the inside out. In this episode, Sarah dives into veterinarian-backed strategies for long-term soundness, shares science-based tips for everyday prevention, and opens up about her own journey with her horse — from dealing with...

“Why Rest Days Matter: How to Plan Your Horse’s Week for Better Recovery, Strength, and Performance” Your horse doesn’t get stronger during the workout — real progress happens afterwards, during recovery. 🐴 In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, we dive into the science of rest and recovery and why your horse’s muscles — and mind — need downtime to perform their best. You’ll le...

🎙️ The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast Episode: From Training Level to Prix St. Georges – How to Progress Step by Step in Dressage Episode Summary Moving from Training Level to Prix St. Georges is one of the most exciting — and most challenging — transitions in a dressage rider’s journey. In this episode, we explore what it really takes to progress step by step through the levels, with patience,...

🎙 EP 16 // No 5/5 of the From Nerves to Flow series: Improving Horse Relaxation at Home: Training Exercises to Reduce Tension Before Competitions   In this final episode of the From Nerves to Flow series, we turn our focus to your horse’s relaxation — and how small, consistent exercises at home can lead to a calmer, more confident partner in the competition arena. You’ll learn simple, showground-f...

🎧 Episode 4/5 – From Nerves to Flow How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Riders and Focus on Your Own Dressage Journey Description: Do you ever feel discouraged watching other riders progress faster than you? Or maybe you’re heading to a show, and just seeing the start list makes your stomach twist with nerves? You’re not alone! In this episode, we’re diving deep into the comparison trap that...

🌿 Episode Overview When the competition atmosphere heats up, it’s tempting to push harder — but often, patience is what truly wins the day. In this episode, we’re diving into The Power of Patience — how slowing down, listening, and feeling your horse can reduce tension, build trust, and help you both perform your best in the show ring. This is the third episode in the From Nerves to Flow series....

🎙️ Episode 13 — From Nerves to Flow Series (2/5) How to Prepare for Your Next Dressage Competition: Visualization Techniques, Pre-Show Routines & Confidence Strategies Welcome back to the From Nerves to Flow Series! 💛 If you listened to Episode 12, you’ll remember we explored why competition nerves show up, how they affect both you and your horse, and a few simple ways to begin shifting from...

🎙️ Episode 12 — From Nerves to Flow Series (1/5) Dealing with Competition Nerves: How Dressage Riders Can Stay Calm, Focused, and Confident Hey my horsies 🐴💛, welcome to the very first episode in my brand-new From Nerves to Flow Series! This is a 5-part journey where we’ll turn those pre-show butterflies into calm focus, steady confidence, and a stronger connection with your horse. And we’re kic...

Episode 11: Stop Blocking Your Horse: How to Carry Yourself So Your Horse Can Move Freely Have you ever felt your horse heavy in your hands, stiff to one side, or just not moving as freely as you’d like? Before blaming your horse, it’s worth asking: Could it actually be me? In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, we’re exploring the rider’s position — how the way you sit, breathe...

Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in the day to ride? Between work, family, household chores, and life’s endless responsibilities, finding time to spend with your horse can feel impossible. In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, we dive deep into how busy riders can actually create quality time with their horses, without feeling overwhelmed or guilty. We’ll expl...

From Rhythm to Collection: How to Use the Training Scale in Your Daily Dressage Training Welcome back to the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of the most important foundations for every dressage rider: the training scale. Don’t worry — this isn’t a lecture. We’ll explore the scale in a way that makes sense in the saddle, with real-life examples and practical ex...

🎧 Episode Summary: In this empowering episode, we explore the mindset shifts that can transform your riding experience—from taking ownership of your cues to creating moments of presence in even the busiest of days. If you're a time-crunched rider juggling life, work, and horses, this one's for you. You’ll learn how to reframe common thought patterns, deepen your connection with your horse, and bu...

Episode 7: "The Secret to Keep Your Horse Injury-Free: Why Varied Training is a Game Changer" Most riders know the value of consistency, but did you know that too much repetition can actually harm your horse? One of the leading causes of lameness in horses is arthritis — often caused by overload and repetitive stress on the same joints. The good news? You can help prevent this with varied training...

  Does your horse feel sluggish, unmotivated, or “lazy” under saddle? It’s easy to assume your horse is just being difficult — but more often, low energy is a sign that something is wrong physically, mentally, or emotionally. In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, I share my personal journey with my own horse, who went from being labeled a “lazy stallion” to moving with energy,...

🎙️ Episode 5: Too Busy to Ride? How to Create Time to Connect with Your Horse in Everyday Life What if the best thing you could do for your horse this week... wasn’t a training session? In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the busy-ness so many of us feel—and how to still find time and presence for your horse, even when life is full. Whether you're juggling work, kids, or just the daily demands of...

🎙️ Episode 4 — Feel Like a Sack of Potatoes in the Saddle? How to Find Your Seat and Ride with Balance   ✨ Episode Summary: Do you ever feel like you're just bouncing around in the saddle, disconnected and unbalanced—like a floppy sack of potatoes? You're not alone, and you're not stuck there. In this episode of the Happy Rider Healthy Horse podcast, we’re diving deep into how to improve your sea...

🎧 Episode 3: Is Dressage Cruel? The Truth About Ethical Riding and Horse Welfare in Modern Dressage   In this thought-provoking episode, we take an honest look at a question that’s stirring passionate debate around the world: Is dressage riding cruel? With growing concern over animal welfare in equestrian sports, dressage—long celebrated as the art of harmony between horse and rider—is now under...

🎧 Episode 2: 5 Easy Ways to Feel Happier Before, During & After Your Ride   Do you ever show up at the stable feeling scattered, stressed, or disconnected—and then wonder why your ride didn’t feel great? In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 simple and powerful tips you can use to create a positive mindset before, during, and after your ride. These techniques are easy to practice anywhere and wil...

🎙️ Episode 1: 6 Simple Steps to Instantly Improve Focus, Connection & Ride Results Welcome to the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast! In this episode, Sarah shares her personal routine and the core principles that can help you feel more connected, confident, and intentional every time you ride. Whether your horse feels tense, unmotivated, or you just want to create a stronger partnership — thi...

Welcome to The Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast — the go-to show for dressage riders who want to ride with intention and build a positive, productive partnership with their horse. I’m Sarah — a twin mom, veterinarian, dressage rider, and lifelong horse lover. I know how deeply you care about your horse and how much you want your rides to feel connected, kind, and purposeful. But when things don’...