Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice
Ask An Expert is a podcast that offers practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. Guests discuss improving riding skills, training young or green horses, and mastering everyday horse care. Hosted by Ride iQ, each conversation provides relatable insights and tips listeners can apply right away.
Episodes
Trust Your Gut: How the Equine Microbiome Impacts Health and Performance
Are you making the right choices for your horse’s digestive health, or is their internal ecosystem suffering in silence? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation for Purina Animal Nutrition, demystifies the equine microbiome and explains how it impacts every aspect of your horse’s well-being. Episode Highlights: 9:04: What the microbiom
The Secret to a Happy Equine Athlete (That Most Riders Miss)
Ride iQ is currently offering a special Kentucky Legacy Rate - a 20% lifetime discount on membership, available for one week only. Use code LEGACY at Ride-iQ.com to lock in your savings for as long as you remain a member. What if your horse’s happiness is the missing piece in your performance? In this episode of Ask an Expert, renowned Grand Prix dressage rider and clinician Karen Rohlf shares her
Every Breath Counts: Understanding the Equine Respiratory System
Understanding and protecting your horse’s respiratory health is key to their comfort, performance, and long-term well-being. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine respiratory specialist Dr. Laurent Couëtil breaks down the most common issues affecting horses’ lungs and airways. You’ll learn how to identify early signs of asthma, what makes environments either harmful or protective, and which pra
Rider Safety Equipment 101: Understanding Safety Standards and Finding the Right Gear & Fit
Protecting yourself every ride starts with the right gear and knowing what works (and why) matters. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Ride EquiSafe founder, Catherine Winter, discusses helmets, body protectors, air vests, and safety stirrups, drawing on personal riding experience and deep product knowledge. You’ll learn how to assess fit, understand safety standards, and avoid common mistakes so y
Performance Psychology: Managing Nerves and Pressure in the Arena
Nerves can make it hard to ride the way you know you can - and show up for your horse the way you want to. In this episode of Ask an Expert, 5* event rider and performance psychologist Ashley Johnson shares actionable tools for conquering competition fears, building resilience, and supporting sensitive or emotional horses. Episode Highlights: 25:12: The single biggest change every rider can make f
A Vet’s Guide to Managing Ulcer-Prone Horses
Concerned about managing ulcers in your horse? In this episode of Ask an Expert, internationally recognized equine gastric health researcher Dr. Benjamin Sykes takes a science-based, whole-horse approach to understanding and preventing equine gastric ulcers. Dr. Sykes dispels myths, explains the latest research, and offers practical, actionable advice for owners and riders ready to support their h
Ride Smarter, Score Higher: Tips for Achieving a Personal Best in Dressage
Looking to achieve your personal best in the dressage arena? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Sprieser offers honest and practical strategies to help riders at any level raise their scores and their confidence. Lauren shares wisdom on everything from building a foolproof foundation to overcoming nerves, improving transitions, and decoding what judges really want t
EPM Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
EPM is one of the most common and complex neurological diseases facing horses in North America, but what really causes it, and are there ways to protect your horse? In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian Dr. Phil van Harreveld breaks down the real risks of EPM, explains early warning signs, debunks common myths, and gives actionable advice on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for
Buckle Up: An Eventing Safety Crash Course with Jon Holling
Eventing is one of horse sport’s most thrilling disciplines, but what are the biggest safety challenges riders and organizers face today, and how is the sport working to better protect both horses and riders? In this episode of Ask an Expert, 5* event rider and National Safety Officer Jon Holling shares his insider perspective on common safety mistakes, innovations like frangible fences and MER ru
A Beginner’s Guide to Western Dressage: How It Works, How It’s Judged, and How to Start
Western Dressage continues to grow in popularity for good reason, but what truly sets it apart, and how can riders begin their journey in the sport? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Cindy Butler, president of the Western Dressage Association of America, explains what makes Western Dressage unique, how competition and judging work, and what riders need to know before giving it a try!Episode Highli
Let’s Make Some Adjustments: Chiropractic Care for Horse and Rider
Chiropractic care can transform comfort and performance for both horse and rider, but understanding how it works is key to getting the most benefit. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Jillian Johnson, an equine and human chiropractor, discusses her unique journey, explains how chiropractic adjustments help equestrians and their horses, dispels common misconceptions, and shares practical tips fo
Harnessing Genetics: Choosing and Managing Sport Horses
Genetics can reveal more about your horse than you might expect, offering powerful tools for making informed decisions about breeding, training, and daily management. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine geneticist Christa Lafayette shares how modern genetic testing can help owners and breeders uncover everything from health risks and temperament tendencies to athletic potential and ancestry,
We’ve Got You Covered: Equine Insurance Explained
Equine insurance can be confusing, but knowing your options means you’re better prepared when the unexpected happens. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine insurance agent Heidi Wardle explains the different types of coverage available, what they include, how to navigate the claims process, and how to protect everything from your horse to your tack and equipment. Episode Highlights: 2:30: The d
Variety Is the Spice of Life: The Benefits of Cross Training
Keeping your horse’s training fresh and engaging can be the key to higher performance and happier rides. In this episode of Ask an Expert, accomplished dressage trainer Lisa Helmer discusses the benefits of cross training and shares practical ways to add variety, fitness, and fun into your routine. Episode Highlights: 4:00: What cross-training really means, how it fits into a program, and why it m
Learning to Listen: Building a Better Relationship Through Animal Communication
Horses have their own language, and learning to listen opens the door to a deeper, more compassionate connection. In this episode of Ask an Expert, animal communicator Alexa Linton shares how you can better understand your horse’s experiences, tune into their needs, and support them through tools like animal communication, bodywork, and mindful presence. Episode Highlights: 10:30: How animal
The Power of Walk: Building Connection & Balance Through the Walk
The walk is often underestimated, but it has the power to transform both horse and rider, improving balance, communication, and overall well-being. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Diana Waters, founder of The Power of Walk, explores the principles behind slow walk work, the benefits you can expect, and practical approaches for incorporating it into your training. Episode Highlights: 7:00:
The 5 Most Costly Mistakes Horse Owners Make (Webinar Recording)
Daily care decisions play a bigger role in your horse’s long-term health than many owners realize. In this webinar, Dr. Erica Lacher breaks down the five issues she sees most often in her practice, explains the everyday habits that have the biggest impact on soundness and wellbeing, and shares practical, vet-approved strategies you can start using right away. Whether you’re a lifelong horse owner
The Dos & Don’ts of Building and Designing Arenas
Your horse is affected by the footing with every step they take, which makes arena design and footing choices more important than many riders realize. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dickie Osborne dives into the fundamentals of arena construction, explains common pitfalls, and offers advice on evaluating and improving the footing at home and at shows. Episode Highlights: 5:00: Why footing mat
New Year, New Goals: Here’s How to Make Them Happen
Learning to set effective goals as an equestrian is challenging, especially with so many factors outside your control, but in this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Tyler (Held) Murray shares a fresh approach that balances physical, technical, and mental development for lasting performance gains. She explains practical strategies for goal-setting, overcoming setbacks like injury, and the importance of
Your Roadmap for Better Performance Through Self-Mastery
Unlocking peak performance often comes down to mastering your mental game, yet understanding where to begin on that journey can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Natalie Hummel joins Jessa to break down the essential components of self-mastery, from nervous system regulation and ego work to emotional mastery, and explains how these areas directly impact riders in and out of the
Your OTTB Retraining Manual
Retraining an off-the-track Thoroughbred can be one of the most rewarding journeys, but navigating the first steps can leave even experienced riders searching for answers. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Aubrey Graham shares her expertise on retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), discussing key first steps in their transition, common misconceptions, and mistakes riders make. She also of
Skip the Stress: Smart Strategies for Injury Prevention
Preventing injuries is essential for keeping performance horses healthy throughout their careers, but understanding what truly helps can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine surgeon and sports-medicine veterinarian Dr. Maureen Kelleher breaks down the most common discipline-specific injuries, why hoof balance and shoeing are core to soundness, and how owners can make informe
Calling the Shots: The Essentials of Equine Vaccinations
Staying on top of vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect your horse’s long-term health, but knowing what to give, when, and why can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher breaks down how to make confident, informed decisions about your horse’s vaccination plan. She explains how to assess risk, how environmental factors influence
Stop Playing Tack Roulette: Learn Bit & Bridle Fit
Effective bit and bridle fitting supports not only communication but also your horse’s long-term comfort and performance. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine physiotherapist and biomechanics specialist Kailyn Pupa breaks down what riders should know about bit and bridle fitting, how to recognize good (and poor) fit, and the small adjustments that can make a big difference in your horse’s way
How to Unlock Your Horse’s Calm, Willing, and Confident Side
Understanding your horse isn’t about finding a magic button - it’s about clarity, communication, and confidence. In this episode of Ask an Expert, recorded on October 7th, 2025, Dr. Shelley Appleton shares how science, horsemanship, and self-awareness can help you bring out your horse’s best. Episode Highlights: 12:00: The most common issues Shelley sees in the horses she works with 15:30: How she
Equine Posture Explained: What to Look For and Why It Matters
Equine posture offers valuable insight into a horse’s comfort, balance, and overall well-being. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Shelley Thomas explains what your horse’s posture is telling you and how noticing small changes early can support their long-term health and happiness. Episode Highlights: 4:00: What equine posture entails and why it is important to pay attention to it 7:45: What the id
Training the Mind: Emotional Regulation in Horses & Riders
Emotional self-regulation is a foundation of effective training for both horses and riders. In this episode of Ask an Expert, father-and-son team Dr. Paul T. Haefner and Justin Haefner break down how emotional regulation influences learning, confidence, and the partnership in the saddle. Episode Highlights: 8:00: How a horse’s ability to self-regulate impacts training, and clear strategies to
A Veterinarian’s Guide to Winter Horse Care
When the temperature drops, your horse's health needs a thoughtful approach to keep them comfortable and thriving through the winter. In this episode of Ask An Expert, renowned equine vet Dr. Lisa Casinella joins us to reveal the essential winter care practices every horse owner should know. From diet adjustments to blanket selection, Dr. Casinella shares actionable advice to make winter stress-fr
Spot It Early, Heal It Right: Understanding Soft Tissue Injuries
Catching soft tissue injuries early can make all the difference. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Carol Gillis explains how to recognize early signs, take preventative steps, and guide your horse through a successful recovery. Episode Highlights: 4:00: Ways riders can help prevent soft tissue injuries 17:30: Approach to icing legs and cold hosing 20:30: What an initial assessment of lameness
Tips for Successful XC Schooling with Leslie & Lesley Law
Cross-country schooling should be both productive and safe. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Leslie Law and Lesley Grant Law share their expertise on how to get the most out of every schooling session and set yourself up for success. Episode Highlights: 6:30: How often to school cross-country at different levels 14:30: Avoiding pressure on a single schooling session 17:30: Setting up cross-
World-Class Grooming Made Simple with Emma Ford
Every rider wants their horse to look and feel like a champion. In this episode of Ask an Expert, world-class groom Emma Ford shares her top grooming and barn management secrets, developed through years of working with some of the best riders in the world. Episode Highlights: 5:30: Defining great leadership as a groom and barn manager 16:20: Essential barn management must-haves 21:00: Preparing
Equine Biosecurity: What Every Owner Should Know
Equine biosecurity is often overlooked, yet it impacts horses everywhere they go and in everything they do. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Holly Helbig explains what biosecurity means, why it matters, and the simple steps owners can take to keep their horses safe. Episode Highlights: 6:30: Defining equine biosecurity and why it matters 9:00: The common equine diseases vets monitor closely 2
Your Guide to Handling Equine Emergencies
Emergencies can be overwhelming, and knowing when to call the vet isn’t always clear. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Phil van Harreveld shares what owners should do in different equine emergencies and how to make the right call when it matters most. Episode Highlights: 5:00: Must-have items for every horse owner’s emergency kit 8:30: Overlooked emergencies owners should take more seriou
Ride Right: Building Strength Inside and Out with Daniel Stewart
Success in the saddle requires more than riding skills. Mental toughness and physical strength are just as important. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Daniel Stewart explains how he builds riders and coaches who are balanced, confident, and ready to perform their best. Episode Highlights: 19:30: Teaching coaches to support students through stress and nerves 25:30: Finding joy in the process when
Is it Ulcers? What Horse Owners Need to Know
Equine ulcers are one of the most talked-about yet often misunderstood issues in the horse world. In this episode of Ask an Expert, veterinarian Dr. Angie Yates breaks down how ulcers develop, the signs to watch for, and the most effective ways to prevent and treat them. Episode Highlights: 3:00: Understanding the horse’s digestive system: foregut vs. hindgut 11:00: Recognizing the most common sym
Conditioning Schedule Workshop for Training Through Preliminary Levels with Jon Holling
Do you ever wish you had the formula for getting your horse fit, confident, and ready to compete at your level? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Jon Holling shares 6-week conditioning schedule templates for Training, Modified, and Preliminary levels and explains how to adapt them to your horse and circumstances. Even if you’re not an event rider, these conditioning strategies offer valuable insig
Conditioning Schedule Workshop for Starter Through Novice Levels with Jon Holling
Do you ever wish you had the formula for getting your horse fit, confident, and ready to compete at your level? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Jon Holling shares 6-week conditioning schedule templates for Starter, Beginner Novice, and Novice levels and explains how to adapt them to your horse and circumstances. Even if you’re not an event rider, these conditioning strategies offer valuable insi
The Scoop on Equine Nutrition with Dr. Rachel Mottet
For most horse owners, feeding is more than a chore, it’s a way to nurture their horse. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Rachel Mottet breaks down how to create a diet that truly supports your horse’s wellbeing. Episode Highlights: 9:30: Common nutrition mistakes horse owners make 16:15: Building a feeding program from the ground up 26:40: Visual and handling cues for evaluati
Building Blocks of Dressage with Lauren Sprieser
Great riding starts with mastering the basics, but that’s often easier said than done. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Lauren Sprieser shares her insights on the fundamentals of dressage and her approach to developing horses through the levels. Episode Highlights: 8:30: The foundation every dressage horse needs 16:30: The core basics riders must
Rider Fitness Secrets with Coach Tony Sandoval
We expect our horses to be fit, flexible, and athletic—but what about us? In this episode of Ask an Expert, strength and conditioning coach Tony Sandoval dives into rider fitness and shares his approach to building strength, balance, and body awareness in the saddle. Episode Highlights: 15:00 – The current culture around rider fitness in equestrian sports 23:00 – Key components of a well-r
The Hard Facts on Helmet Safety with Jeanie Clarke
Whether you're a seasoned pro or an adult amateur, helmet safety is a topic that affects all of us. In this episode of Ask an Expert, helmet safety expert Jeanie Clarke helps us navigate the different helmet approval standards, emerging technologies, and what truly matters most based on your individual needs. Episode Highlights: 3:00: The key differences between the main helmet safety sta
Horse Care Mythbusting with Equine Veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher
We’ve all heard advice like “never let a colicky horse lie down” or “don’t let a hot horse drink cold water”—but how much of that is actually true? In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher separates fact from fiction as she busts some of the most common horse care myths once and for all. Episode Highlights: 6:10: Debunking dental myths for young and senior h
Equestrian Mindset: How to Bring Out Your Best with Natalie Hummel
As an equestrian, keeping a healthy mindset can be one of the toughest yet most important aspects of our sport. In this episode of Ask an Expert, transformational life coach Natalie Hummel shares advice for becoming the best version of yourself, both in and out of the saddle. Episode Highlights: 13:00 – How to recognize and overcome limiting beliefs rooted in childhood 23:00 – Setting m
Grooming Secrets from Olympic Groom Max Corcoran
Want to make your horse look like a million bucks, just like the pros do? In this episode of Ask an Expert, top FEI groom Max Corcoran shares her favorite tips and tricks for next-level horse grooming and show-ready turnout. Episode Highlights: 14:25 – Pro tips and tricks for braiding at competitions 33:20 – How to keep your horse’s legs and body clean at home 44:00 – Night-before and day
Rider Biomechanics: From Green to Grand Prix with Certified Rider Biomechanics Instructor Suzanne Galdun
Ever wonder how changing little things about your position might help make you better able to influence your horse, or help you stay with their movement? In this episode of Ask an Expert, certified rider biomechanics coach Suzanne Galdun shares all her tips and tricks for how to do a better job of becoming one with the horse!Episode Highlights:14:00 – Tips for shorter riders20:00 – How to balance
From the Judge's Booth: How to Maximize Your Dressage Scores with Peter Gray
Curious about what dressage judges look for in the ring? In this episode of Ask An Expert, internationally renowned dressage judge Peter Gray shares his insights on the art and science of dressage judging. From tips on maximizing scores to understanding the judge’s perspective, Peter’s advice will help you refine your approach and boost your performance.Episode Highlights:17:30 – Crafting a freest
From Shoeing to Supplements: Hoof Care Tips from Hall of Fame Farrier Steve Kraus
In this episode of Ask An Expert, we sit down with Steve Kraus, an American Farriers Association Hall of Fame inductee. Steve brings a wealth of knowledge about all things hoof care—from understanding the anatomy of the hoof to addressing common problems like cracks and splits. If you’ve ever wondered what to look for in a good farrier or how to manage your horse’s hooves day-to-day, this conversa
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