Horse Person

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 about the responsibility of representing horses to a global audience, how she balances authenticity with storytelling, & what Heartland gets right (and has to adapt) about real horse life. We also go deeper into Amber's personal journey as a horsewoman. We discuss how horses grounded her in an industry built on performance, and what she's learned from living a true ranch life. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation that will remind you what you're missing if you're too busy thinking about the future or the past; Amber will invite you to sink into the moment and be where your feet are. Follow us on insta: www.instagram.com/horsepersonpodcast Subscribe on Youtube to watch this episode: www.youtube.com/horsepersonpod

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 Houser of @theblondeandthebay_ got really honest about her journey from losing her confidence, to completely redefining what success looks like as an amateur rider riding unconventional horses in the sport of dressage. For her, it meant letting go of what others expected or thought, and getting real with herself about what felt comfortable and happy to her. We talk about over-horsing ourselves, the pressure to "push through," and the reality that not everyone is riding a six-figure warmblood (in fact, most of us don't!)… and that doesn't make you any less of a rider. If anything, it might make you a better one. If you've ever felt behind, intimidated, or questioned your path in this sport, this episode is for you.

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, investigative journalist Sarah Maslin Nir takes us inside how those stories were uncovered with a detail most people would have missed (shout out to the incredible Mollie Bailey who first reported on Jimmy A William for The Chronicle of the Horse). From there, Sarah walks us through the meticulous but often uncomfortable process of building trust with survivors and exposing the abuse to the world at large through the words of The New York Times. Sarah is a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Learn more about her work here.

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, actionable steps. Amelia shares the three core areas she always returns to when something isn't working: groundwork, rider position, and the dressage training scale. From the simple but powerful poll release, to improving rhythm through counting, to building true suppleness before chasing roundness, she explains how strengthening the foundation actually accelerates progress. You'll also hear practical tools you can use immediately like the "rider position sandwich," the A-R-R-R (Aid, Reaction, Release, Repeat) acronym, and why suppleness is the most commonly skipped step in training. Whether you ride dressage, jump, trail ride, or are simply trying to regain confidence, this episode is a reminder that basics aren't a step backward, they're the fastest way forward. Share it with a barn mate, trainer, or save it for the next time you need a reset.

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 and purpose in the horse world. She shares how panic attacks led her to equine therapy with Cassandra Ogier's Reflective Horse program, why rescuing her first mare changed her life, and how dressage became the unexpected sport that gave her a new identity outside of Hollywood. Beth talks about learning to ride as an adult amateur, building confidence after a scary fall, and why being a beginner rider in her late 30s was one of the most empowering things she's ever done. We also dive into her view on barn culture, athletic identity, and why horses feel like the one place where fame doesn't matter. If you've ever wondered whether it's "too late" to start, or how horses can change your nervous system and your perspective, this one's for you.

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 everything they do is driven by self-preservation. Together, we challenge the assumption that pushy, tense, spooky, or "checked out" behavior is a dominance or respect problem. Instead, Leo invites us to look at these moments through the horse's lens, where communication is built almost entirely on space, movement, and clarity. In this conversation, you'll learn: How horses' language has evolved to keep them safe & what that means for us How fear shuts down communication The diff between leadership and dominance Why clarity = safety How right-brain and left-brain horses experience pressure differently Why punishment doesn't make sense to your horse Practical, step-by-step examples you can apply immediately in groundwork and riding To learn more about Leo, visit his IG page.

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. Most of us are feeling the financial squeeze of maintaining horses and wanting to do our absolute best by them in the midst of the cost of everything rising. So, one of the big things we have to determine is what is worth the price, and what's not. On the show today I'm joined by veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher to walk us through what's effective, what's not, and where your dollar is best spent when mapping out management costs for your horse. We talk about everything from feet to equipment to supplements to bodywork and I can guarantee you will leave this episode with a clearer understanding of how you can make the best plan for your horse without spending frivolously. Dr Lacher is a veterinarian and owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic and host of the 'Straight From The Horse Doctor's Mouth' podcast.

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

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 feels with horses, the challenges of running a sanctuary, and the importance of preserving wild horse families. Clare also touches on the legislative landscape affecting wild horses and her efforts to inspire change through storytelling and advocacy. This episode is also supported by #weridetogether. Check out their viral Out of Bounds series here.

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 Grand Prix Jumpers. But Taylor still faces the frustrations, doubts, and questions that many of us face when developing young horses. She thrives on the process, but she's not immune to the moments of, 'Should I send this horse to someone else?' or 'Will this ever get better?' that many of us face. The difference is that Taylor has honed this skills and mindset to bust through those moments and make it to the other side. She's sharing that with us today, as well as how her frightening diagnosis of a brain disease as a young rider turned into a blessing fork-in-the-road moment for her career as a horsewoman today. This episode is also sponsored by #WeRideTogether. Their Out of Bounds video series has gone viral, viewed over 10 million times in just a few weeks. Check it out here.

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://www.usef.org/horse-welfare/protecting-horses

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.

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 slowing down - wayyy down. For the horse's physical longevity, but for their mental wellbeing. Today, we're joined by Zac Salmeron—trainer, horseman, and someone who's quietly but profoundly changing the way we think about young horse development. His work reminds us that the best progress often comes when we stop trying to prove something, and start meeting horses where they actually are. He's also going to introduce you to a new idea - the idea that giving a horse years off in their youth might just be the best foundation you can give them—and he's got proof: horses that are in their 20s and look as robust as a 6 year old, still competing, still joyful in their work. Zac believes training should be simple. Clear. Kind. Sometimes, it's 10 minutes of work. Nothing more, nothing less—just one thing at a time, until the horse understands. Because when a horse understands, they don't just obey—they offer. They show up fully. They give 200%, and they even ask questions back. That's not compliance. That's partnership. If you've ever felt pressure to hurry up—whether in your riding or your life—this episode is your permission slip to slow down and do it right. This episode is supported by #WeRideTogether.today, an organization working tirelessly to end sexual abuse in sport.