Strong in the Saddle | Equestrian Fitness and Wellness

As equestrians, we've all had self-defeating thoughts at some point or another related to our riding. "We'll never be able to get a flying lead change." "I'll never be a good enough rider to compete at that level." And some of these thoughts are not conscious. They pop up unconsciously in our mind on those days when we are feeling less than awesome.  But words, whether spoken or just thoughts...

We've all been there. Our confidence has been shaken by one thing or another when it comes to our horses. If you struggle with your confidence, the first step is identifying what could be a barrier to you feeling more confident and comfortable on or around horses. In this week's episode, Katrina goes over seven barriers preventing you from being the confident rider that you are meant to be. Be sur...

We all put our horses first. They get the best feed. We make sure they get their exercise. All of their regular maintenance appointments are scheduled well in advance. The slightest issue gets look at by a professional. But what about our horse's rider? What about our own physical and mental health? If we aren't taking care of ourselves, we won't be able to give our horses 10%. In this week's epis...

In this episode, Katrina goes through ten traits that all mentally strong riders possess. In a world where horses are better than ever and riders are more talented that you can imagine, it is critical that you work on yourself as a person and as a rider to ensure that you too can rise to the top. Listen to this episode to find out what traits you need to ride with the best. Remember to follow the...

There are so many reasons why you need to focus on progress instead of perfection with your horse. Not only will it make the experience much more enjoyable, but you are actually MORE LIKELY to achieve your goals when you make progress your priority. Want to learn how? Tune into this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Instagram @acowgirlandherhorse Remember, it's always a #gooddaytoride

There are tons of people in the horse industry that you can follow and learn from but there have been three individuals that Katrina thinks you should give particular attention to in 2021. Who made the list? Listen to the episode to find out. Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram @acowgirlandherhorse And remember, it's always a good day to ride.

Are you ready for some horse trivia?! In this week's episode, Katrina keeps things light-hearted with some random horse trivia. How's your random horse knowledge? Find out by listening to the episode. Also in the episode is Katrina's critique of the new Black Beauty movie out on Disney + . Is it worth watching? Is the original better? Find out what Katrina has to say here. Keep up with the show on...

Equine-assisted therapy. It's been around for a long time but it is still a form of therapy that is little known to the general population and even to those who work with horses. In this week's episode, Katrina does a bit of a dive into the world of equine-assisted therapy. What is it? How does it work? Who is it for? Learn all about it in this episode of A Cowgirl and her Horse. Stay connected to...

Just 20 short days left until we can say adios to 2020. Isn't that insane?! In this week's episode, Katrina goes through some reasons why you might not have achieved your horse-related goals in 2020 (aside from the global pandemic!).  Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram @acowgirlandherhorse

Everything you wanted to know about bareback riding (no not the rodeo event, we mean riding sans saddle). That's what this week's episode is all about. Katrina takes you from the ground up today. If you're brand new to riding bareback, you won't want to miss this episode! Be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram @acowgirlandherhorse and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review the podcast. Rem...

Can you believe that Christmas is LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY!! Yep, that's right. Check your calendar folks. In this week's episode, Katrina goes through her horsey gift guide for 2020. If you are struggling to decide what to put under the tree for the horse person in your life, tune into this episode. Here's a list of everything mentioned in this week's episode: Wild Rags - check out Etsy. In the epi...

In this episode, Katrina dives into some realities (good and bad) that come with owning a horse and that you simply need to accept as a horseperson. Yes, horses are wonderful and they can do amazing things for the hearts and souls of their owners, but they also come with some definite challenges. If you are a horse owner, you will know exactly what Katrina is talking about in this episode. If you...

That's right! Katrina is leaving the barrel racing industry! In this week's episode, Katrina talks about why she has made the decision, after over a decade in the sport, to close that chapter on her horse journey. In addition, she talks about what's next for her in the horse industry. Will she try mounted shooting? Maybe jousting? Or perhaps she will try her luck at endurance races. Find out what...

On this week's episode of the podcast, we have our very first guest: Katrina's mom! Katrina and her mom, Lorraine, sit down and chat about growing up with horses and how they can have a pivotal impact on a person's life as they grow up. This is certainly an episode you will not want to miss. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and follow the podcast on Instagram @acowgirlandherhorse.

First off, I want to apologize for not releasing an episode in so long. And I want to also say thank you to those of you who have stuck around. It means the world to me. In this first episode back, Katrina gives an update on why an episode hasn't been released for several months, what she's doing with her horse, and what is on the horizon for A Cowgirl and Her Horse (hint: exciting things are comi...

Whether you like it or not rider weight matters, particularly if you are in a sport like barrel racing. The more weight a horse has to carry, the slower they are going to be. And speed (or lack thereof) shouldn't be your only concern. Carrying extra rider weight is hard on a horse physically, as many studies have shown. Learn about the impacts here. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcas...

Getting ready to start conditioning after winter? Has your horse been sitting out in the pasture all winter? It's time to get them back into shape! But don't just go back to how you were riding them last fall. You need to treat them like the out of shape couch potato that they are. Listen to this week's episode as Katrina goes into how to go about conditioning your horse after winter. Be sure to s...

Should you be wearing spurs? Never? Sometimes? All of the time? On certain horses? If you ask some people, they will say absolutely not. There is no reason that you should wear spurs. In this episode, Katrina pushes against that and advocates for the use of spurs in certain situations, arguing that they can be an extremely useful (and completely humane) tool to use. Give it a listen! Be sure to su...

Before you head to the cloverleaf pattern, there are certain rider fundamentals for barrel racing that are required, if you want to have any chance at successfully getting around the three barrels. Yes, the concept of barrel racing is simple but that doesn't make it easy. You need to know how to ride and, if you want to be successful in this increasingly competitive sport, then you REALLY need to...

It's that time of year when we all start thinking about mud management. Unfortunately, it's usually too late when we start thinking about it. We are already up to our eyeballs in mud and our horses are huddled on the one patch of grass that isn't a boggy mess. With some relatively simple solutions you can get through spring without going through March mud madness! Be sure to subscribe, rate and re...

Is your horse in pain? For a question that seems so straight forward, you may not always have a clear answer. While sometimes a horse that is in pain will show obvious signs of their distress, this is not always the case. Horses tend to be very stoic animals that have evolved to hide their pain, which makes your job as a horse owner that much more difficult. Listen to this week's episode to learn...

Should you take the right or left barrel first? The answer? It depends. There are lots of factors that go into determining which barrel you will ultimately end up taking first when you head down the alleyway but it all basically boils down to your horse. Determining which barrel to take first should have very little to do with the rider. If you are confused about the question of whether your shoul...

It's time to talk a bit about bits for barrel racing! Which bit is best? What should you use for a competition bit versus your training bit? Learn a little bit about all of it in this week's episode of A Cowgirl and Her Horse. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast. This will help ensure that others can hear the podcast and that episodes will continue to be released. Your support is gre...

Keeping your barrel horse loving his job is critical if you want to make some money-winning runs. Your horse needs to give his all if you expect to have any chance in the increasingly competitive world that is barrel racing. Follow the tips in this week's episode and you will be well on your way to keeping your barrel horse loving his job. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast. This wi...

Colder weather means that now is the perfect opportunity to spend some time cleaning your tack. In this week's episode, Katrina goes over how to go about cleaning your tack. She covers everything from bits and bell boots to saddles and silver. After listening to this, your tack will look like it's brand new. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast. This will help ensure that others can h...