Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice

Positive reinforcement training isn’t just about treats and clickers. It’s about helping your horse feel safe enough to learn. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Shawna Karrasch, a pioneer in the field, and trainer and breeder Jessie Hillegas explain how it builds more confident, trusting horses, how to bring it into a horse who was trained traditionally, and how it can help with everything from separation anxiety to vet care.

Please note: Shawna shares a personal story in this episode that includes a mention of childhood sexual abuse.

Episode Highlights:

• What positive and negative reinforcement actually mean, how clicker, target, and food-based training fit in, and why they affect a horse’s brain and emotions differently
• How to bring positive reinforcement into a horse who was trained traditionally, and how it fits with dressage, eventing, hunters, and jumpers
• Why separation anxiety happens and how to build a new association with being apart, one small step at a time
• How cooperative care and giving your horse a choice can make vet visits, handling, and grooming easier
• Simple ways to enrich your horse’s turnout and keep them mentally engaged

Meet the Experts, Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas

Shawna Karrasch is a pioneer of positive reinforcement training in the equestrian world, bringing humane, effective behavior techniques to professionals and amateurs alike through her teaching, books, and global clinics. She began her career training marine mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and orcas, where voluntary participation made reward-based methods essential, and later recognized how these same principles could transform horse training. She is the author of You Can Train Your Horse to Do Anything.

Jessie Hillegas began her riding career in traditional hunter jumper programs, spending 20 years working with large A-rated show barns on the East Coast, where she trained young horses, coached Bucknell University’s equestrian team, taught lessons from beginner through advanced, and prepared horses for competition. She later launched her own warmblood breeding and training program in Pennsylvania, breeding top hunters that have won prizes at venues like Warrenton, Upperville, and the Devon Horse Show. After a filly she bred came back to her with PTSD-like behavior, she turned to positive reinforcement, and today she and Shawna work as partners through Shawna Karrasch Equine.

Ask an Expert Is Brought to You by Ride iQ

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches.

Members also get:

• Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts
• Exclusive podcast episodes
• Dressage test prep resources
• A supportive learning community

Start your free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first month or year when you sign up at ⁠http://askrideiq.com

Is your horse’s personality working with your training or against it? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider and author Yvonne Barteau breaks down the four core horse personality types and shows you how to figure out which one you’re dealing with, and how to adjust your handling and riding to match.

Episode Highlights:

• The four core personality types (social, fearful, aloof, and challenging), and how to read your horse’s true personality
• How personality, energy level, and intelligence combine to shape your training plan, plus the passive-to-aggressive scale and why some horses show two personalities

• How to find a horse that fits you as a rider, how to train each type, and Yvonne’s book recommendations

Meet the Expert, Yvonne Barteau

Yvonne Barteau is a lifelong horsewoman, USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist, and FEI trainer and clinician. She’s the author of Ride the Right Horse and The Dressage Horse Manifesto, and the founder of Horses Without Humans, a horse rescue and rehabilitation organization.

Ask an Expert Is Brought to You by Ride iQ

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches.

Members also get:

• Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts
• Exclusive podcast episodes
• Dressage test prep resources
• A supportive learning community

Start your free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first month or year when you sign up at ⁠http://askrideiq.com

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 microbiome actually is, why it matters, and how it functions as your horse’s hidden health driver

18:24: Real-world warning signs your horse’s microbiome may be out of balance and key links to behavior, immunity, and colic risk

25:31: How fiber, feed, stress, and even travel or medications can shape the gut

30:18: The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics - and how to spot products that actually work

Meet the Expert, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon

Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation at Purina Animal Nutrition, where she leads research focused on equine nutrition, exercise physiology, and digestive health. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and her PhD in Animal Science, with a focus on equine nutrition and exercise physiology, from Rutgers University. In addition to her work in research, Mary Beth is active in the horse world as a dressage rider.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit http://www.connaway.net/ or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 holistic approach to creating joyful equine athletes. Blending classical dressage with natural horsemanship, Karen dives deep into what real partnership looks like, how to recognize true happiness in your horse, and why everyday choices make a difference.

Episode Highlights:
11:56: Introducing the Happy Athlete Training Scale and why happiness and harmony come before communication, biomechanics, and sport
19:44: Concrete ways to add more choice, enrichment, and mental stimulation to your horse’s daily routine
27:37: What true harmony feels like, how to “join up” with your horse, and why being present and patient matters more than you think
34:11: The nine habits of excellent horsemanship and why a sense of humor is a secret weapon for riders at any level
44:16: Understanding healthy biomechanics, practical tips to find your horse’s “sweet spot,” and why trust and curiosity fuel athleticism

Meet the Expert, Karen Rohlf

Karen Rohlf is the founder of Dressage Naturally, an internationally recognized clinician, and the author of multiple books on training and horsemanship. She is known for her approach that prioritizes partnership, empowers riders as students, and blends classical dressage with relationship-based training. Karen focuses on developing the mental, emotional, and physical connection between horse and rider, with a goal of helping both horses and humans thrive.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit http://www.connaway.net/ or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 practical steps can make a major difference.

Episode Highlights:

• 06:16: What equine asthma is, why it’s often missed, and key environmental triggers every horse owner should know
• 11:38: If asthma is genetic, environmental, or both and what current research tells us about risk factors
• 28:53: What actually causes inflammation in the horse’s airway, why invisible dust matters most, and how hay feeding practices can dramatically reduce risk
• 45:13: Traveling with hay, head position during hauling, and best-practice strategies to prevent both asthma flares and respiratory infections
• 50:11: How to recognize subtle signs of asthma, when to call the vet, and what treatments protect your horse without compromising performance

Meet the Expert, Dr. Laurent Couëtil

Dr. Couëtil is a professor of large animal medicine at Purdue University, where he directs the Equine Sports Medicine Center and is involved in equine research initiatives. With a veterinary degree from France, a residency at Tufts, and a PhD in respiratory physiology, his work has significantly advanced the understanding and management of respiratory health in sport horses.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit http://www.connaway.net/ or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 you can ride with confidence at every level.

Episode Highlights:
10:18: What the Virginia Tech helmet study means for riders and how to interpret certification standards
13:18: What MIPS technology is, why it matters, and what riders should know before buying a new helmet
27:38: When to replace your helmet or body protector and why impact, sweat, and age all matter
41:19: Body protectors vs. air vests: how they actually work, their strengths and limitations, and why pairing them offers the highest level of protection
50:22: What makes a stirrup a "safety stirrup" and how discipline, personal comfort, and fall history shape your choice

Meet the Expert, Catherine Winter

Catherine Winter is the founder of Ride EquiSafe, a business dedicated to helping riders make informed decisions about their safety equipment. A lifelong equestrian, she created Ride EquiSafe to make rider safety more accessible through education, expert guidance, and a curated selection of protective gear. Her work focuses on helping riders feel more confident and protected in the saddle.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit https://www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 for their mental health and why self-care matters at all levels
31:25: Who should see a sports psychology coach and how performance psychology supports every rider
33:08: Strategies for working with sensitive horses and the mindset shifts that help you succeed under pressure
39:51: Practical exercises for managing show anxiety, using grounding techniques, and staying present in the moment
52:13: The benefits of meditation, simple calming exercises, and how to make mental fitness part of your routine

Meet the Expert, Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson is a 5* event rider, Level V ICP certified instructor, and “A” Pony Club graduate. She holds a Master’s in psychology focused on performance from Harvard and a Master’s in human performance from the University of Florida. She is also a licensed ‘r’ judge and technical delegate with the USEA. Ashley was the inaugural coach of the University of Florida Eventing Team, a role she held for seven years, and is currently the Area 3 Young Rider Coach. She runs Totem Hill Farm in Ocala, Florida.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit https://www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 horses’ well-being.

Episode Highlights:
7:10: The two types of equine gastric ulcers, how they differ, and why management needs to be tailored to each
11:30: Why ulcers remain so common and how small changes in daily management can make a real impact
23:30: Which horses are more prone to ulcers, including breed, age, and temperament factors every owner should understand
36:45: How to manage recurring ulcers and the role of long-term care, routine, and behavior in prevention
44:13: Treatment options that actually work and why management is key to lasting results

Meet the Expert, Dr. Benjamin Sykes

Dr. Sykes is an internationally recognized leader in equine gastric health and clinical research. A graduate of Murdoch University, he completed an internship at Randwick Equine Centre and a residency in equine internal medicine in Virginia. He also holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in veterinary pharmacology from the University of Queensland. Dr. Sykes is affiliated with Southern Cross University and is the owner of BW Sykes Consultancy, traveling worldwide as an invited speaker and consultant for high-performance equine cases.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 to see.

Episode Highlights:

• 8:10: How to choose the right test level, build a solid foundation, and improve transitions
• 13:10: How to prepare for a consistent, relaxed ride and why the basics matter at every stage
• 21:00: How to manage “horse show brain,” overcome nerves, and practice effectively under pressure
• 26:00: Tack and warm-up best practices, plus common mistakes to avoid on show day
• 34:40: Why memorizing your test matters and how to confidently learn and run through tests at home
• 46:30: How to improve your free walk and halts, plus tips for mastering key movements with effective ring craft

Meet the Expert, Lauren Sprieser

Lauren Sprieser is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist with Distinction and an international Grand Prix dressage rider. She runs a successful training and coaching business, Sprieser Sporthorse, out of Clearwater Farm in Marshall, Virginia. In addition to producing numerous FEI horses and riders, Lauren is a longtime contributor to the Chronicle of the Horse and has written for Dressage Today, Noelle Floyd, and Practical Horseman. She is a graduate of the FEI Young Rider and U25 programs and holds a degree in public policy and urban planning from Sarah Lawrence College.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates
The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit https://www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 every horse owner.

Episode Highlights:

4:00: What causes EPM, where the parasite is found, and whether some horses are more susceptible than others

12:00: What owners can do to help reduce the risk of EPM in horses that have been exposed to the parasite

22:00: Common myths and misconceptions about EPM symptoms and diagnosis

31:20: Treatment options for EPM and how effective they are

34:20: How often EPM leads to neurological symptoms, how severe those symptoms can be, and the likelihood of recurrence after treatment

Meet the Expert, Dr. Phil van Harreveld

Dr. van Harreveld received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University, and his master’s degree and surgical board certification from Kansas State University. He practiced as an equine veterinary surgeon for more than 22 years, founding the first equine referral hospital in Vermont, which he operated for over two decades. In addition to handling the hospital’s field cases, he managed the in-house medical and surgical case load. He joined the Merck Animal Health equine veterinary professional services team in 2022.

Episode Sponsor

Connaway & Associates

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit https://www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 rules, and practical advice for riders at every level.

Episode Highlights:

4:00: The biggest safety challenges currently facing eventing and what he sees from his role as National Safety Officer

6:00: Frangible fence requirements and why cross-country accidents can still happen despite safety advancements

12:00: How MER rules work and the new MER rule modification for moving from training to preliminary level

40:45: Common safety mistakes lower-level riders make and how they can avoid them

54:50: Practical advice for nervous riders who want to feel safer and more confident on their horses

Meet the Expert, Jon Holling

Jon Holling is a US based 5* event rider who also serves as chairman of the USEF Eventing Sport Committee and U.S. National Safety Officer to the FEI. He has competed at some of the top international events around the world, including the Burghley CCI5* and Kentucky CCI5*. Jon has also led the Area IV Young Rider Team to multiple gold medals.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 Highlights:

8:45: What Western Dressage is, how it developed, and what makes it different from other equestrian disciplines

17:30: How horses and riders are evaluated in Western Dressage and the key differences from traditional Dressage scoring and expectations

23:50: The skills horses and riders need to succeed and how movements and technical demands progress through the levels

26:30: The different ways to compete in Western Dressage and advice for preparing for your first show

32:00: Recommended attire and equipment

41:20: Where and how to get started in Western Dressage

Meet the Expert, Cindy Butler

Cindy Butler is the president of the Western Dressage Association of America. She holds a bachelor's degree in equestrian science and business administration from William Woods College and has spent a lifetime showing horses, earning multiple world championship titles. Beyond competing, Cindy has managed horse shows, led equine 4-H programs, organized judging competitions, and served as president of several state and local equine associations. She's also an experienced trainer, instructor, and clinician, traveling the country to teach Western Dressage.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 for improving alignment, flexibility, and overall well-being in and out of the saddle.

Episode Highlights:

13:00: Common patterns seen when working with horses and riders, and how to determine whether chiropractic care is the right fit

16:15: Biggest misconceptions about chiropractic care in the equestrian world, and the training, certification, and education required to practice safely and effectively

21:00: The most common issues in horses that benefit from chiropractic care, and how to recognize signs of discomfort

31:30: Common alignment and movement issues seen in riders, plus stretches and exercises to support the body between adjustments

44:00: One simple thing riders can do to improve symmetry in the saddle, and the most important takeaway every rider should understand about chiropractic care

Meet the Expert, Dr. Jillian Johnson

Dr. Jillian Johnson is a chiropractor specializing in equestrians and their horses. With a lifelong passion for performance, movement, and partnership, she helps riders and horses feel and perform their best both in and out of the saddle. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Jillian holds a doctorate in chiropractic and is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She runs Farmhouse Chiropractic, a thriving practice based in Ocala, Florida, where her work focuses on optimizing comfort, alignment, and communication between horse and rider, helping each partnership find greater balance and harmony.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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, while also addressing common myths and the practical realities of using this cutting-edge technology.

Episode Highlights:

13:00: How equine genetic testing works, what the process looks like, and the types of results owners can expect

19:00: What DNA testing can (and can’t) reveal about temperament, behavior, stress response, and trainability

24:00: Health conditions and disease risks that genetic testing can help screen for

27:00: What genetic testing can tell you about injury risk, muscle type, stamina, recovery, and physical stress tolerance

42:00: How equine ancestry testing has evolved, where the science is headed, and common myths about equine genetics

Meet the Expert, Christa Lafayette

Christa Lafayette is the founder and CEO of Etalon Diagnostics, a pioneering company in equine genetic testing. With a background in science, technology, and business development, Christa has spent over two decades at the intersection of innovation and animal health. Under her leadership, Etalon has become a leader in the field, offering cutting-edge genetic testing that helps horse owners better understand and care for their equine partners. Christa is passionate about empowering horse people with data-driven insights to support sound decisions in breeding, management, and performance.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 different types of equine insurance, who each policy is best suited for, and how to choose the right coverage

11:15: Common equine insurance misconceptions

15:30: What major medical typically covers and key exclusions to watch for

31:00: How the claims process works, how to prepare ahead of time, and common mistakes that can lead to denied claims

41:00: Coverage options for tack, trailers, and farm property

48:45: Expert advice for first-time horse owners shopping for equine insurance

Meet the Expert, Heidi Wardle

Heidi is a lifelong horsewoman who began her career as a professional rider and trainer before transitioning into the equine insurance world in 2017. She now works with clients across disciplines to protect what matters most, from major medical and mortality to liability, farm, trailer, and tack coverage. Heidi brings a rider’s perspective to her work, combining industry knowledge with firsthand experience. She continues to compete her off-the-track-thoroughbreds, Cold Spice and Generalist in the sport of eventing.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 matters for both performance and mindset

19:30: Lisa’s favorite cavaletti exercises and easy ways to blend them into flatwork

45:30: One small weekly training change that can make a big difference

47:00: Common cross-training misconceptions and how to spot the physical and mental benefits

Meet the Expert, Lisa Hellmer

Lisa Helmer is a lifelong horsewoman and USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in equine business management and riding, she trained young horses at the Hanoverian Verband in Germany, where she developed a passion for cross-disciplinary training. She later worked for international Grand Prix rider Pam Goodrich before starting her own business, LCH Equestrian, in Ocala, Florida.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 communication works in practice

9:20: Simple exercises for tuning in and strengthening communication with your horse

36:00: Situations that are more challenging for horses than we often realize

39:30: How horses experience loss, absence, and changes within the herd

47:00: Supporting horses through long-term rehabilitation and extended rest

Meet the Expert, Alexa Linton

Alexa is an osteopathic practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in kinesiology, manual therapy, and energy work. Based in Duncan, BC, she blends science, intuition, and a deep love for horses into everything she does-from her one-on-one intuitive work to her popular programs like the Whole Horse Apprenticeship and her long-running podcast The Whole Horse.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 short-term and long-term benefits of focused walk work, and how it supports overall training development

8:45: The difference between a slow walk and a lazy walk, and where intentional walk work fits into a horse’s training schedule

14:00: How walk work is adapted to address different challenges, and how it improves posture, strength, and muscle tone

21:30: An overview of Diana’s program, including timeline, key exercises, and end goals

47:45: A simple, practical walk-focused challenge listeners can try with their own horse

Meet the Expert, Diana Waters

Diana Waters is a BHS-qualified instructor, Enlightened Equitation Teacher, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. She developed Slow Walk Work after discovering how profoundly a gentle, grounded approach could change everything for the horse and the human. What began as a personal journey with a “lazy” horse soon became a method she now shares with horse owners worldwide. Today, she teaches this method to riders around the world through The Power of Walk course and online community, helping horses and humans become more relaxed, confident, and balanced.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 or just getting started, you’ll come away feeling more confident, prepared, and proactive about your horse’s care.

Episode Highlights:

17:15: Mistake #1: Calling everyone but the veterinarian

21:30: Mistake #2: Spending hard-earned money on supplements

26:15: Mistake #3: Poor quality farrier work

28:30: Mistake #4: DIY wound care

33:40: Mistake #5: Skipping routine care

46:00: Real-world case Q&A

Meet the Expert, Dr. Erica Lacher

A graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Erica Lacher is the owner and lead veterinarian of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. She has a particular interest in helping sport horses have long, successful careers and helping owners learn how to make that happen. When she's not at the clinic, Erica competes her own horses in the jumper ring and co-hosts the podcast Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth with Justin Long.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

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 matters for horse soundness and performance, and how to recognize good vs. bad footing

8:00: The key steps to building a quality arena, including material selection and proper proportions

17:10: How to choose the right footing, and how footing needs differ by discipline

31:00: Evaluating footing at competitions, what to look for when you arrive, and how to decide if a venue is worth returning to

47:00: Differences between indoor and outdoor arena construction, and how often a well-built arena should be retested and reevaluated

Meet the Expert, Dickie Osborne

Dickie has been a horse owner since childhood and built his first arena more than 30 years ago. After a long career as an excavation contractor, he combined his construction expertise with his lifelong involvement in horses to become a leading authority on equestrian arena design and footing. He is the founder of Precision Equestrian Arenas and Precision Arenas Academy, and he builds and consults on arena projects across the country.

Brought to you by Ride iQ

This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more.

Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable.

If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at https://www.ride-iq.com/.

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 POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.