Horse Person
Being a horse person is like this: the more you learn, the more you realize you know nothing... at all. So, with all the different "bubbles" of the horse world, how can we all get into the same room to share a little bit of curiosity, perspective, and humanity with each other? Welcome to Horse Person, the equestrian podcast hosted and produced by 3x award-winning podcaster Caroline Culbertson. Part education, part human-(horse?) interest, all with the ultimate goal of supporting and encouraging you on your journey to become the best horse person you can be.
Episodes
The Wilder Way: Eva zu Beck on Horse Trekking + the Courage to Live Differently
This episode is sponsored by Hooves & Paws. Go to www.hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson to get 15% off your order! In this episode, adventurer, writer, filmmaker, and National Geographic host Eva zu Beck joins us for a conversation about freedom, discomfort, curiosity, and what it means to feel truly alive. We discuss her solo horseback trek across Mongolia (and yes, we got into the logistics, which
The Dover Saddlery Collapse, And Who's Left in Its Wake
For decades, Dover Saddlery was part of the fabric of horse sport in America. But after store closures, liquidation, and reports of unpaid vendors sent shockwaves through the equestrian industry, bigger questions began to emerge. In this episode, Caroline sits down with Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, to unpack how the story unfolded behind the scenes, what private equity's growing pres
The Internet's Favorite Horse Girl: Esme Higgs
Esme Higgs grew up as a shy horse-crazy kid in a non-horsey family. But as a teenager, she persuaded her parents to film her on her horse who had a knack for picking up the wrong lead. She wanted to see if she could figure out why he was picking up the wrong lead, but then her phone ran low on storage. "No problem," she thought. "I'll upload it to Youtube to free up storage." That was about 10 yea
Better Riding Starts in Your Seat: A Physio's Perspective
This episode is sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Use code HP15 for 15% off your order. Let's just get this out of the way: There is no such thing as a symmetrical rider. In this episode, we're joined by physiotherapist and rider Maeve Sheridan, and we go deep into the rider's seat. We talk about why it matters so much and why many of us are chasing the wrong things when we try to "fix" it. We talk ab
Beyond Heartland: The Real Life of Amber Marshall
This episode is proudly sponsored by Hooves and Paws. Go to hoovesandpaws.com/horseperson or use code HP15 for 15% off your order. No shipping minimums, 365-day return policy, hundreds of thousands of happy customers. For nearly two decades, Amber Marshall has shaped how millions of people see horses through Heartland. But who is she beyond the screen? In this episode, Amber opens up abou
The Ride After Loss: Starting Over with a New Horse, with Dr. Jenny Susser
After losing all three of her horses within a year, sport psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser returns to share what it really looks like to begin again. In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological reality of getting back in the saddle after loss, from the unexpected voice in your head telling you to "get off," to the brain's need for familiarity, certainty, and control. Dr. Jenny breaks
Most of Us Aren't Riding 6-Figure Horses (And That's Okay) - with Maddie Houser of @theblondeandthebay_
This episode is sponsored by Corro. Click here and use code horsewoman15 at checkout. There's a version of this sport that tells you success looks one way: the right horse, the right path, the right goals. And then there's real life, especially as adult amateurs. We have financial hurdles, time constraints, and changing priorities, It's time to embrace that. In this conversation, Madelyn H
From the Tevis Cup to Hollywood: Glynn Turman on a Life Shaped by Horses
This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian apparel without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. In this episode, Beth sits down with Emmy Award-winning actor and lifelong horseman Glynn Turman to explore the deep connection between presence, acting, and horses. From growing up in New York City sneaking off to ride in Central Park s
The Story Behind the Story: Inside Sarah Maslin Nir's Investigation of Jimmy A. Williams and George Morris
If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse in sport, visit #WeRideTogether for crisis resources. Trigger Warning - This episode discusses sexual abuse. In 2018 and 2019, two of the most powerful figures in horse sport were banned for abusing minors. Today's guest tells us how she shined a light on the abuse for the world - outside of just our insular horse world - to see. In this episode,
What Will It Take to Make Equestrian Sport Mainstream? With Frankie Thieriot
This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian - luxury equestrian apparel without the luxury price tag. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. What would it take for equestrian sport to become mainstream? Caroline sits down with Frankie Thieriot - founder of Athletux, upper-level event rider, and longtime commentator - to explore what's really holding the sport back. We talk s
Back to Basics: The Foundation That Fixes Everything with Amelia Newcomb
This episode is supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use HP10 for a 10% discount to support your horse's gastric health through consistently timed hay feedings. Go to www.NordicAutofeed.com What does "go back to the basics" actually mean beyond the cliché? Caroline and Beth sit down with USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix rider Amelia Newcomb of Amelia Newcomb Dressage to break that phrase down into clear
Brain First, Bravery Second: Concussion Science for Riders
This episode is sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. This episode is also supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use code HP10 for a 10% discount. Go here to learn more and take a crucial step in supporting your horse's gut health with timed, consistent forage feeding. In this episode, Caroline sits down with Dr. Erica Gaertner, a board-certified sports medicin
Beth Behrs: From Two Broke Girls to Dressage, Facing Anxiety, & Becoming a Beginner Again
This episode is supported by Nordic Autofeed. Use HP10 for a 10% discount to support your horse's gastric health through consistently timed hay feedings. When actress Beth Behrs joined Horse Person as full-time co-host, we knew we had to flip the mic and tell her story. In this candid conversation, Beth opens up about her journey from overnight fame on hit show Two Broke Girls to finding healing
REBROADCAST: Social Media, Spirituality, and Stepping Away from Sport (Kinda) with Anna Buffini
This episode was originally published on The Horsewoman's Almanac on Oct 01, 2025. We're re-sharing it here following the news that Anna has fully stepped back from Dressage and is leasing her horses out to Sofie Holmes and Ashley Donadt. Next week, we'll return to our regularly scheduled Horse Person content. Anna Buffini is a professional dressage rider who has competed for the U.S. Dressage Te
You & Your Horse's Brain: How Understanding the Type of Horse You Have Can Change Your Training, with Leo Rauscher
This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. In this ep of Horse Person, Caroline is joined by horse behaviorist and trainer, Leo Rauscher, whose work has influenced some of the top show jumpers in the world like Daniel Deusser, Lorenzo de Luca, Luciana Diniz, and Ashlee Bond. Leo's philosophy centers on the idea that horses are always communicating, and nearly eve
Warwick Schiller Has Changed Lots of People and Horses. He Had to Change Himself, Too.
This episode is presented by Corro. Use code horsewoman15 at checkout for $15 off your order. What if true strength in horsemanship isn't control—but awareness? Today, internationally respected horseman, author, podcaster and clinician Warwick Schiller shares how his journey with horses led him to question traditional training, emotional suppression, and the classic cowboy archetype. What began
High Performance Care Without a High Performance Budget with Dr. Erica Lacher
This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Go to www.connaway.net to learn about how you can protect your horse. Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher's eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code CAROLINE for $20 off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Mo
She Wasn't the Trainer's Kid. She Didn't Start Young. She Still Went to the Olympics.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services Irish Olympic dressage rider Abi Lyle didn't come from money or an equestrian legacy. In fact, when she decided to give serious dressage training a go in her mid-20s, she was working in retail. Abi has overcome far more in her 40 years than many people, including extreme domestic abuse, the death of her brother,
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: What's Happening with Horse Person?
Caroline is joined by a special guest to announce a change about the show. Weigh in - we want to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @horsepersonpodcast or email me - caroline[AT]horsepersonpodcast.com
Matt Brown and Cecily Clark Address Horse Abuse in an Open Letter to the Equestrian Community
Today I'm going to do something a little different on the podcast and I'm going to read a letter written to the equestrian community by husband and wife team Matt Brown and Cecily Clark. Matt and Cecily were one of the first interviews I did for this podcast, and I really enjoy their perspective and respect their willingness to put bold ideas and statements forward, especially with regard to horse
Clare Staples of Skydog Sanctuary Found Her Purpose Protecting America's Wild Horses
This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off at checkout. This episode first appeared on The Horsewoman's Almanac. Click here to subscribe to that show - for free! In this episode, Clare Staples shares her journey from a horse-loving child in England to becoming a leading advocate for wild horses in America. She discusses the deep spiritual connection she feel
ROUNDTABLE: How Did Showing Get So Expensive?
The horse world doesn't always agree on everything, but it can agree on this: The cost of competing is becoming prohibitively high. In fact, the cost of most things related to horses seem to be creeping up every time we turn around. How did showing get so expensive? Are enthusiastic riders getting priced out of being able to compete even just a few times a year? What is the sport's leadership's v
Taylor Flury Has Taught Young Horses a Lot. They've Taught Her Even More.
This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Taylor flury is doing something not that many professionals in the US are doing -- she isn't just breeding show jumping horses for top sport, she's breaking them and bringing them along herself. At only 34, Taylor has taken numerous young horses previously not started undersaddle and developed them into competitive FEI
The 30% Problem: What We're Missing About the Horse's Fitness, with Jec Ballou
Most riders think their horses are fit enough for the job they're asked to do. But according to equine fitness expert Jec Ballou, only 30 percent of sport horses actually are. In this episode, we dig into the reasons behind that surprising number and aim to give you a more sophistocated understanding of what 'fitness' means for your horse. We discuss how horses really gain strength, the one area o
David O'Connor On the New USEF Horse Welfare Guidelines
Caroline interviews USEF Chief of Sport David O'Connor about the newly introduced 'Know the Signs' guidelines aimed at promoting horse welfare in equestrian sports in the US. They discuss the purpose of these guidelines, the emotional dynamics in competition, the role of officials, and the evolving nature of regulations, particularly regarding the use of whips. To view the guidelines, go to https
Your Obsession with Perfection Could Be Ruining Your Riding. 3 Ways to Combat It, with Dr. Darby Bonomi
This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. Perfectionism and an outcome-focused mindset is not only a pretty lousy mindset for performance, but it also makes us miserable. And - relying on results and outcomes when you're in a sport with a 1200 lb animal who can die suddenly of a stomach ache, or essentially drain your savings account
Introducing: Out of Bounds, from #WeRideTogether
Trigger Warning: Topics of sexual abuse Join Caroline for a short chat with Carrie Kehring, founder of #WeRideTogether, about the special project highlighting the experience of victims of sexual abuse. Go to www.weridetogether.today to watch the PSAs & roundtable discussions.
Listen to This When Your Dreams Feel Out of Reach, with Catie Staszak
This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. I recorded this conversation a couple of months ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. It's a story of perseverance, of reinvention, and of the quiet power of hope — the kind of story that might just be what you need to hear right now. Because you never know what's waiting for you around the corner. My guest today i
The Perspective You Need with Green + Challenging Horses, with Zacarius Salmeron
This episode is proudly presented by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your order. We're living in a horse world that often rushes. Young horses are expected to mature fast, to progress on human timelines, and to succeed by a certain age—or else we worry they've "missed their chance" or they wont be sellable. But today, I'm joined by someone who makes an excellent case for
USEF Responds to Frustrations Regarding Horse Welfare and Abuse in Sport
In the first interview of this kind, US Equestrian's COO and General Counsel, Sonja Keating, is speaking to the frustrations shared by USEF membership regarding the perceived lack of action and enforcement on horse abuse in sport in the United States. On May 27, the Chronicle of the Horse published an article entitled USEF Must Do Better in Fighting Horse Abuse, written by Caroline Howe. That sam
Caroline Howe: I Don't Think USEF Is Doing Enough Against Horse Abuse. Here's Why.
On May 27, the Chronicle of the Horse published an article entitled USEF Must Do Better in Fighting Horse Abuse, written by Caroline Howe. That same day, the United States Equestrian Federation sent an email to its membership which the Chronicle also published on its website, seemingly in response to Caroline's piece, in which they call for the community to unite against horse abuse and detail a n
Answering Your Questions on Fear, Anxiety while Riding, and Motivation w/ Dr. Jenny Susser - LIVE Call-in Show
This special LIVE episode is made possible by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 to get 15% off your entire order at checkout. This episode is also supported by WeRideTogether.today. We all have a part to play in preventing abuse and misconduct in equestrian sports. Learn more on their website. Dr. Jenny Susser is a renowned, Olympic level sport psychologist who has supported athletes from the beg
Horse Person MADE: Daniel Bluman & Bluman Equestrian
This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. Welcome to Horse Person: MADE — where we explore the stories behind the brands, businesses, and visionaries shaping the horse world. This isn't just about entrepreneurship — it's about the real, human journey: the risks, the resilience, the detours, and the drive it takes to build something meaningful in this industry. T
Don't Let These Common Bitting Mistakes Hold You Back; Why Choosing a Bit for Your Horse Is a Bigger Responsibility Than You Think
This episode is presented by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order. The bit is one of the most powerful—and potentially harmful—tools we use, yet most riders choose one without fully understanding its impact. In this episode, we unpack why choosing a bit and understanding that bit is actually a huge responsibility that we really need more focus and more education on. I'm joined
What If Horses Could Heal the Trauma We're Too Ashamed to Talk About?
This episode is presented by Nikovian. Saly Glassman spent nearly four decades leading one of the largest retail investment practices in the world, but she walked away to help people heal through horses, and isn't looking back. In this episode, we dive into how Saly combined her passions for psychology, philanthropy, and horsemanship to create the Kindle Hill Foundation, a cutting-edge equine-as
The Heart of Horse Care: Emma Chapman on 18 Years As a Pro Groom at the Top of Show Jumping
Emma Chapman has been a professional groom at the top of show jumping competition for almost 2 decades and in that time, she's learned a thing or two. Today, we get to learn from her. Emma, who manages WEG gold medalist Adrienne Sternlicht's operation, gives us an inside look at the essential role of grooms in horse care and competition. We also dive into the evolving career path for grooms and w
Anna Buffini: 'I Built My String of Horses—Then Lost Them All.' On Faith, Winning Messy & Life as a Top US Dressage Rider
You know her from riding in the biggest arenas in the world as an elite US dressage rider, or from her beloved social media following documenting her life as a top athlete. But there's so much more to Anna Buffini and her story than what meets the eye, and today, we're peeling back some of the layers on this incredible young woman who is rightly becoming a role model for many up-and-coming riders.
When We Lose Them: Love, Loss, and the Permission to Grieve
If the only things certain in life are death and taxes, we sure do a poor job talking about the former. Let's change that. In this heartfelt conversation, Caroline Culbertson and renowned sport psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser explore the complexities of grief, particularly in relation to the loss of beloved horses. They discuss personal experiences with anticipatory grief, the emotional toll of pre
Her 5* Show Jumping Career - and Life - Were Sidelined by Undiagnosable Pain. Now, She's Speaking Out.
Paige Jardine is a 5* Australian show jumper whose symptoms started small. Some discomfort, some nausea. But as time went on and she kept pushing through, with doctors providing little insight or treatment, things got worse, until she collapsed at the ingate during an FEI show. Paige spent years seeking a diagnosis, and is now speaking out about the power of removing the shame from women's health
'My Horse Ran Away from Me. Does He Hate Me?' Avoidant Behaviors in Horses and How to Understand and Address Them
If you've ever had a horse turn and walk away from you in the field when you're trying to catch them, or turn away from you in the stall - you are so not alone. That moment can be confusing, annoying - at best it's inconvenient and at worst it's dangerous. But we're going to walk through understanding this avoidant behavior today, give you some perspective on how to understand why your horse is do
'It's Worth the Reward': Skylar Wireman On Making It to the Top On a Limited Budget, Doing the Work Herself, and Focusing on Fun
Money is a factor in our sport - there's no getting around that. But dang if it isn't encouraging when we hear stories of riders who have made their way without extravagant wealth, by doing it themselves, and while prioritizing their horses' well-being. That's the story we have for you today with Skylar Wireman. Skylar Wireman has been called 'The future of show jumping', but she hasn't let her
This Sport Is So Much More than Just the Riding! Tori Repole On Finding Your Own Way, Olympic Reflections, and the Horse-Human Connection
Have you ever felt like it was hard to find your place in the horse world? Maybe you didn't want to be a pro rider, but you wanted to be involved more than just as a hobby. You didn't feel pulled down the veterinary route, but your grades in biology didn't cut it (Caroline raises hand). There are so many ways to be involved, professionally or not, in horses - and Tori Repole is joining us today
5 No-Cost Ways to Improve Your Performance and Wellbeing
'How can I improve my riding outside of the saddle?' 'How can I become a calmer competitor?' 'I only have x hours to ride per week, how can I still make progress?' While there are tons of resources for horse/riding/training education (hit us up if you need some recommendations!), today's episode is focused on how to become a calmer, more focused, more balanced rider when you DO get that barn ti
She Taught Dressage Lessons for $5. Over 100 Lessons Later, Here's What She Learned.
Lessons from an FEI dressage rider for $5? What's the catch? That was my reaction - and the reaction of lots of other riders - when they saw Meghan Laffin's post. But on further investigation, this was an approach to a multi-pronged problem that Meghan identified in the dressage industry: 1) Many riders are feeling the financial strain of pursuing their goals in their sport, 2) Many riders felt a
Barn Culture Can Be Your Biggest Competitive Edge. Let's Talk About How to Build It.
The culture of your barn can make or break your experience there. And if you're a trainer, it can attract the clients of your dreams... or your nightmares. It's time to get intentional about choosing and building culture in our barns and stables. How do we build cultures that are led by the values we choose, instead of the bad habits we fall back on? How do we decide what is most important to us,
Horse Person x Dear Horse World, Live & Unscripted: Standing Out, Fitting In, & the Work of Building Community in an Individual Sport
Today's episode is a special one for me as I sit down with long-time friend and my former boss, Noelle Floyd. This episode might sound a little different, and that's because we had the really lovely opportunity to sit down together at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and record this conversation live in the expo center. And that's exactly what this episode is - an honest, unscripted conversation. N
'I'm Scared of My Horse. Now What?' Troubleshooting Fear and Finding the Unexpected Gifts It Brings with Luke Gingerich
At this point, we collectively know and acknowledge that nearly everyone who rides horses will experience fear at some point - it's the cost of doing business with 1000lb+ creatures who are strong, fast, and have their own instincts. For some folks fear might be momentary or fleeting, and for others, fear may become an unwanted, consistent passenger that seems to take over their experience with th
'I Started Riding at 40. I Want to Ride Prix St. Georges by Age 60!'
At 27, Marcela Pomphrey moved to the UK without knowing a lick of English language. At 30 she began working in a sporting industry she had no experience in. At 31, she started a business. At 40, she started riding. Now, the 46-year-old has a goal of riding at the Prix St. Georges level in dressage by age 60. In this episode of Horse Person, Marcela shares her journey of decades of longing for h
Jonathon Millar Returns: Rebuilding His Brain, Body, and Getting Back in the Saddle after a Traumatic Brain Injury
Jonathon Millar has spent the past year and a half doing something he never expected he'd have to do – slowly, painstakingly rehabilitating from a traumatic brain injury, from which he nearly died, in a non-riding accident that he can't remember. He spent weeks in a coma, had a portion of his skull removed, and then had brain surgery once again to have it replaced. In total, he had 4 brain surgeri
Frustrated, Fearful or Forgetful in Clinics? How to Make Every Clinic Count and Take Charge of Your Learning
If you've ever driven home after a clinic and felt like everything you heard the clinician say has promptly exited your brain stage left, you're not alone. It's so easy for those experiences to pass in a blur, leaving you feeling like you didn't have the experience you were hoping for, or that the time and money spent didn't have a true impact on your training trajectory. So let's address it! In
My Apology to Past Horses, Why Being a Reserve for Rio Was 'the Best and Worst Time in My Career', and Developing a Culture of Caring
When 5* event rider Matt Brown was finally listed as an alternate for the Rio Olympics, it was the realization of a life-long dream. It was also simultaneously the highest and lowest point of his career. He was in a position that he'd worked so hard for, made many sacrifices to get to, and yet, something didn't feel right. "Someone within the sport recommended I do something… that was not legal.
Why I'll Never Waste Another Opportunity to Ask a Question [TRAILER]
Welcome to Horse Person. Launching October 14, releasing episodes every other Monday at 5am. Hit SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don't miss out launch of 3 episodes for your bingeing pleasure.
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