Solid in the Saddle

In today's episode I have the chance to interview the North American Director for Sleip, a Swedish-based objective gait analysis tool for horses. Dr. Jamie Textor, DVM PhD DACVS DACVSMR is a veterinarian based in Northern California. Her professional experience includes specialty surgical and sports medicine practice in veterinary teaching hospitals as well as sports medicine work in the field. Dr...

In this episode, nervous system expert Kendall Hitch breaks down how the nervous system constantly scans for safety and threat (often without us realizing it) and how this process shapes stress, anxiety, burnout, and even behaviors like doomscrolling or numbing out. Through a clear, practical explanation of the vagus nerve and heart rate variability (HRV), this conversation reframes stress not as...

Dr. Hilary Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher, and celebrated equestrian whose career spans more than 45 years advancing science in equine locomotor biomechanics, athletic conditioning, rehabilitation, and rider–horse interaction. She holds a BVMS from the University of Glasgow (1973) and a PhD in biomechanics (1978), and served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine...

Lindsay Schulz is a standout barrel racer, trainer, and clinician from Moses Lake, WA. As a multiple time futurity champion and arena record holder, she’s earned accolades in regional and national competitions including the 2023 Xtreme Million Athlete of the Year. Lindsay owns the legendary Miss Eedie Stinson and carefully developed the mare into a true champion. Their partnership earned them head...

In this episode I get to chat with master clinician Paul Humphrey. Paul dives into what makes a rider and barrel racer successful, starting with a foundation of solid horsemanship. Paul discusses horse body control and common mistakes riders make. He discusses how rider strength, fitness, and balance play into being successful at his clinics; especially on day 3 if they are sore or not! He discuss...

Here's the bottom line: Strong riders have better health, better performance, and have more fun on their horses. Want to ride better, safer, and with more confidence? In this quick-hit episode, I break down why having adequate muscle strength for the demands of riding is important. You'll learn why weaker, untrained riders struggle with frustration, injury, and lost confidence, and what they can d...

Coming soon!

In this episode I get a chance to interview Coach Brandi of Cowgirl Confidence. She sheds light on SO many valuable tools you can use to maximize your mental game before, during, and outside of competitions. Coach Brandi is a force to be reckoned with in the horse world. Winning her first world championship at just 8 years old, she is no stranger to the pressures and stresses of competing with hor...

Today’s guest is a very special one as she is the single most influential person in my barrel racing career. She has made such a positive impact on my life and I am truly blessed to call her a mentor. Judy Myllymaki is a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Montana Circuit champion, futurity champion, lifelong horsewoman, and one of the most respected clinicians in the barrel racing world. With...

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Courtney James of Heart and Sole therapy in Billings, MT.  We discuss all things pelvic health including incontinence, pain, prolapse, and how the pelvic floor changes during crucial points in a woman's life including pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.  In addition to extensive training in women’s health Dr. Courtney is a horseback ri...

In this episode I sit down with Casey French of Match Made Equine. We dive into what makes a good horse-rider match and what makes a bad one. This podcast goes there- it's not often discussed, and is honestly a little embarrassing to discuss when it goes wrong! But it doesn't have to be like that. 2 of the most common things she sees are 1) Green horse, green rider and 2) Riders who have lost musc...

In this episode I sit down with the amazing Maggie Poloncic who is a world-class barrel racing jockey. Maggie is one of the strongest and most athletic barrel racers I've ever seen, and it has paid off heavily for her in a sport of managing 1200 lb animals. Maggie discusses her background in dance and how that helped her develop precise proprioception and coordination in every joint in her body. S...

If you compete with your horses, then you NEED to listen to this episode! Coach Katie Lovett of the nationally-ranked UMW Volleyball team drops valuable tips and advice for those looking to maximize their competitive potential. Coach Katie discusses mindset in high-stress situations, cultivating and maintaining a positive mindset, and the importance of physical AND mental readiness to compete. She...

Dr. Aleisha discusses how to hack your brain to incorporate healthy habits into your life as a horseback rider to optimize performance and health. She gives a clear, 3-step process setting riding goals and creating a plan to reach them. She discusses the 4 laws of habit change from James Clear's book, "Atomic Habits," and dives into how each of these laws can be used in the busy life sch...

In this episode I sit down and talk all things horse wellness and rehabilitation with Summer Nicole Terry of Superior Rehabilitation. Summer is an expert body worker who specializes in performance horses. We talk about useful tools for building a horse's strength including toppline, hind end, proprioception, and core. We discuss the pros and cons of swimming horses vs. using a modality like aquatr...

In this episode (Part 2/2) I sit down with world-renowned barrel racing trainer Shannon Kerr to continue our conversation on making the absolute best barrel horses in the world. She discusses the recent world-record breaking run on a standard pattern set by Anderson Carreira and Black Cat Lider. We discuss all of the questions that were asked in our polls leading up to this episode, so if you subm...

In this episode I sit down with the legendary Shannon Kerr.  Shannon Kerr is a world - renowned barrel racing trainer who currently resides in Brazil. She got her start on racehorses , dabbled in jumping and dressage, and found her passion in barrel racing   where she had success and trained for Judd Little .   She’ s   trained horses in the United States , Italy, and now...

In this episode I sit down with Kalena Webb, founder of Women of the Wild West Horse Show. She discusses how the Sale came about as well as the events that are involved with it today. This is an ALL WOMEN event, so grab your girlfriends and come to Gooding, Idaho to see some high-quality horses consigned by women! Breakaway roping: Saturday, May 24 $25,000 added Barrel Race: Sunday, May 25 Horse S...

In this episode I dive DEEP with Whitley Sharp into all things success-related. Both Whitley and I strongly believe that there is always a way to make your dreams come true and this episode is a peek through the keyhole of how to make that happen. She shares the experiences, work, time, and strategies she has used to get where she is today. Whitley is an extremely hard worker and she is getting to...

In this episode I get a chance to sit down and hear Diana Morris's story of competing on many different horses over the years before barrel racing before the "D" system was in place. Diana shares her extensive background in rodeo and on a fun side note she discusses the TV Show "1923" being filmed at her ranch. Recently Diana has focused on physical fitness with Solid in the Saddle programs to imp...

In this episode I chat with Melanie South who is an accomplished horsewoman, Equine Instructor at the University of Montana Western, and a previous riding instructor at the Natural Horsemanship program offered through UMW. She credits her success in the equine world with getting to ride a variety of horses from an early age and learning how to train and season a difficult horse. Melanie shares her...

In this episode I get to chat with one of the best barrel racers in the country, Tayla Moeykens, and her mom Deena Moeykens. In September Tayla had the horse world of Montana on the edge of our seats while she battled the bubble to the NFR, finishing 16th in the world in the WPRA barrel racing. Currently she's sitting 8th! Here's a list of her recent accomplishments:  ❖ 2023 Montana Circuit F...

This episode featured Dr. Ali Wolpern, PhD who discusses creatine supplements. Dr. Ali has a background in exercise science, exercise physiology, and nutrition. She covers the benefits of creatine, effects on muscle performance/growth and dosage recommendations for different demographics including women, pregnant individuals, and older adults. The discussion also touched on the safety and potentia...

Rachel Mottet, PhD is an expert in the field of equine nutrition. Listen as she shares what is worth spending money on when it comes to horse supplementation and what is NOT. She dives into ulcer management and the importance of quality forage. She also busts some myths- myths that I have always believed! This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. Check...

Annie Novotny Sorge is a mom, barrel racer, trainer, dental hygienist, and entrepreneur. She is a pro at wearing many hats and balancing them all! Listen as she shares the struggles and fun of raising kids while having horses. Annie's episode is so refreshing and real, and I hope you all enjoy it! This episode is brought to you by "Getting Back in the Saddle After Baby", our course for postpartum...