Curious Equestrian

Horse trainer Josie joins us to explore why going back to basics isn't a step backward but a continuous spiral of deeper understanding. In this thoughtful conversation, we discuss how ego creates barriers to learning, why basics form the foundation even for Grand Prix movements, and how understanding the way horses learn transforms our approach to training.

Josie shares her personal journey from authoritarian training to partnership, including honest reflections on having "obedient but dull horses" and learning to allow expression and joy. We explore the concept of horses as sentient beings rather than beasts of burden, the importance of reading body language, and why there truly are no shortcuts in good horsemanship.

From her work with Willie the Cob to insights about learning theory and pressure and release, Josie emphasizes that returning to basics reveals new layers of understanding each time. We also touch on social media's impact on horsemanship, the historical context of training methods, and why balance - both physical and emotional - underlies everything.

A conversation about humility, continuous learning, and making the world a better place for horses.Guest Bio — Josie Matthews is a professional horse trainer who breaks down horse training into simple, easy-to-understand steps, ensuring clarity and confidence for both riders and their horses.▶️ Watch More from Josie:    / @basichorsetraining  📘 Free Training Guide: https://www.basichorsetraining.com/f/...🌐 Website: BasicHorseTraining.com

What happens when you throw out everything you've been taught about horse training and try the complete opposite?

Diana Waters went from traditional BHS instructor training to building a 22,000-member community around one radical idea: slowing down instead of pushing forward.

In this episode, Diana reveals her "slow walk work" method that's quietly transforming how horse owners approach training, rehabilitation, and building genuine partnerships with their horses.

Connect with Diana:

Website: thepowerofwalk.com

YouTube  @responsiveequine5569 

Facebook Group: Slow Walk Work (22,000+ members)

Why is obesity one of the biggest killers of horses? In this eye-opening episode, veterinarian Katie reveals the shocking truth about equine obesity, with 40% of UK leisure horses classified as overweight. From practical solutions like grazing muzzles to track systems, discover how to spot weight issues and take action. Katie shares candid insights about client conversations, showing world influences, and why modern horse keeping poses unique challenges. Learn why this crisis could devastate our equine population if left unchecked, and get actionable tips for keeping your horse at a healthy weight. Essential listening for every horse owner who wants to ensure their equine partner's long-term health and happiness. 🐎 #HorseHealth #EquineObesity #VetAdvice #HorseManagement

About Dr Katie KershawKatie is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Equine Internal Medicine at Ryder-Davies & Partners Veterinary Practice. She joined the practice in 2012 after qualifying from Bristol Vet School, and has since developed extensive expertise in equine health, preventive care, and obesity management. Alongside her equine work, Katie also has a keen interest in small holdings, especially sheep and goats.🔗 Learn more: Ryder-Davies Equine Services

When Jonny Browne saw an advert for a "rider interpreter to joust at the Royal Armouries," he was curious. What he didn't expect was how this job would completely transform his understanding of horses and horsemanship.

In this conversation, Johnny shares his journey to professional performer, working with everything from medieval armour and live gunfire to falcons and film sets. But the real story is how the horses themselves became his greatest teachers.

We explore Jonny's unique approach to measuring expertise - not in years of experience, but in the number of horses you've worked with. His distinction between "accustoming" versus "desensitising" horses offers a fresh perspective on training, while his advice about putting a mirror in your tack room might change how you approach every session.

From the cob who couldn't handle clanking armour to his work in equine-assisted psychotherapy, Jonny's stories reveal the deeper lessons horses offer about patience, listening, and honest self-reflection.

Whether you're dealing with a "difficult" horse or simply want to deepen your partnership, this conversation will challenge how you think about horsemanship, learning, and what it really means to listen to what horses are telling us.

Connect with Jonny: simplegoodhorsemanship.com

Charlotte Dujardin’s return to competition has brought dressage back into the spotlight — but not without reigniting a vital debate: Can modern dressage truly be ethical?

In this powerful conversation with classical trainer Jessica Kenyon, we explore the forgotten roots of dressage, the importance of harmony between horse and rider, and what it really means to train with compassion.

Whether you're a lifelong equestrian or just discovering the beauty of classical methods, this episode will make you rethink what good training looks like.

🐎 Join the conversation on ethical dressage. Comment your thoughts below!

👉 Follow Jessica:
Instagram: @jessicakennykenyon
Facebook: “Jessica Kenyon Classical Dressage”

Discover the cooling mistakes horse owners make without knowing it. Olympic groom and equine expert Emma Cornish reveals the professional secrets that could save your horse's life this summer.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the "scrape water off" method is dangerous
• Olympic-level cooling techniques used by professionals
• Stable vs turnout: the truth about heatwave management
• Critical summer health checks most riders miss

Your Expert Guide:Emma Cornish is a multi-award-winning equine professional with over 30 years in the field, from Olympic grooming to veterinary rehab. She's the founder of Elite Equine Care, together with Helen Reynolds runs Ice Queens and is an ambassador for Gower Granary, who offer sustainable bedding and forage solutions trusted across the UK.

Perfect for recreational riders, competitors, and barn managers dealing with rising temperatures.

Key Topics: Horse cooling, heat safety, equine care, summer horse management, professional techniques

What if your horse is carrying invisible wounds and hiding trauma? In this emotional journey, we explore horse trauma healing through the eyes and hands of Hannah Jones, founder of Saber Holistics. Discover how she uses Reiki, essential oils, and deep intuition to help horses release emotional trauma and rebuild trust with humans. This isn't just therapy — it's transformation.Whether you're a horse lover, healer, or simply curious about the mind-body-spirit connection in animals, this video will open your heart and your eyes.About Hannah Jones – Founder of Saber HolisticsHannah Jones is a Reiki Master, equine therapist, and certified Masterson Method practitioner who has helped hundreds of horses heal from trauma. Her unique holistic approach blends energy work, bodywork, saddle fitting, and biomechanics — inspired by Celtic philosophy and her own journey of healing alongside her horse, Phoenix.#HorseHealing #ReikiForHorses #HorseTrauma #EquineCare #HolisticHealing Want ad‑free, early episodes + bonus 15 min deep dives? Subscribe here 00:00 - Introduction: What Trauma Looks Like in Horses 01:12 - Meet Hannah Jones & Saber Holistics 02:45 - What Is Horse Trauma? 04:08 - Signs Your Horse May Be Hiding Pain 06:22 - Hannah’s Holistic Healing Journey 08:01 - The Story of Phoenix: Healing Together 10:10 - Reiki, Essential Oils & Energy Work Explained 12:43 - Building Trust Through Connection 14:15 - How Trauma Manifests in the Horse's Body 16:33 - Real Transformations: Horses Hannah Has Helped 18:47 - Understanding Biomechanics & Body Tension 20:18 - Saddle Fit & Physical Healing 22:10 - Why the Celtic Horse Philosophy Inspires Hannah 24:06 - Final Thoughts: Honoring the Whole Horse 25:30 - Learn More About Sabre Holistics

Join us on a journey into the world of free-living horses. Learning Wild founders Bonny Mealand and Dr Emily Kieson reveal the nuanced behaviour of equines in their natural habitat.

Learn more about our guests Bonny and Emily Learning Wild: https://www.touchingwild.com/copy-of-about-bonny

Filmed on location at Wicken Fen watch the video here: https://youtu.be/UI7iV5-hwi8

America's wild horses may disappear in our lifetime, and photographer Susan Goudge is documenting what could be their final chapter.

Susan Goudge is a retired school teacher who discovered wild horses by accident 10 years ago—and now she's witnessing their systematic removal from American landscapes. With no traditional equestrian background, she brings an urgent, outsider perspective to a crisis most people don't even know exists: government roundups that will put more wild horses in holding facilities than remain free by year's end.

Follow her wild horse photography and conservation storiesInstagram: @swgoudge

Is your horse reactive, defensive, or shutting down? Nicky Sharp reveals how healing her own anxiety and nervous system transformed her relationship with Jessie, a traumatized mare who reared, bit, and defended herself "at all costs."

When Nicky bought what she thought was a "safe" hacking horse, she brought home a shut-down mare with deep trauma. While battling her own work-related stress and anxiety, everyone told her she'd made a terrible mistake. Instead of selling Jessie, Nicky made a crucial discovery: she needed to heal her own nervous system first.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why traditional training methods fail with traumatized horses
• The nervous system connection between human and horse anxiety
• Specific lifestyle changes that transformed both partnerships: meditation, sleep hygiene, phone boundaries, and alcohol reduction
• How to read your horse's stress signals and respond appropriately
• Freedom-based training techniques that build trust over dominance
• Why "doing nothing" with your horse can be the most powerful training tool
• How to handle yard criticism when you're working differently with your horse

The breakthrough moment: When Nicky stopped trying to train skills and started building relationship, everything changed. Seven years later, Jessie greets her with daily whinnies, they hack out solo, and even compete in dressage - all achieved through connection rather than control.

Nicky also shares practical advice for overwhelmed horse owners: the 7 foundations for nervous system regulation, how to start with just one minute of daily meditation, and why buying a £10 alarm clock changed her entire relationship with sleep and stress.

This isn't just about horse training - it's about becoming the calm, consistent leader your horse needs by first healing yourself.

Find Nicky on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickysharp
• Facebook: Nicky Sharp
• Instagram: @_nicky_sharp

Resources mentioned:

• Warwick Schiller's connection exercises
• Elsa Sinclair's Freedom-Based Training 101 (free on YouTube)
• The Masterson Method for trauma release

www.curiousequestrian.co.uk