Curious Equestrian

Is your saddle silently damaging your horse? Certified saddle fitter Jennifer Howland-Christensen reveals the three critical fitting mistakes that 80% of riders make unknowingly.

Discover the subtle signs of poor saddle fit that most people miss, why expensive doesn't mean better fitting, and the simple assessment you can do yourself before calling a professional.

Plus: Jennifer shares her controversial take on why some popular saddle brands consistently cause problems.

What you'll learn:

• The 5-minute assessment that reveals saddle fit issues
• Warning signs your horse is compensating for poor tack
• Why saddle fitting isn't a one-time fix
• Cost-effective solutions that don't require buying new equipment

About the expert: Jennifer Howland-Christensen is a certified saddle fitter with over 15 years of experience helping riders solve chronic training and behavior issues through proper tack fitting.

Watch the members Q&A with Jen: Q&A with certified saddle fitter Jennifer Howland-Christensen.

HS Award-winning campaigner Natalie Munir reveals how strangers feeding your horses could kill them—and the defense strategies that actually work.

Natalie Munir is the founder of the Stop Feeding Our Horses campaign and BHS Equine Welfare Award winner who has documented thousands of dangerous public feeding incidents worldwide. What started as lockdown frustration became a global movement when she discovered the shocking scale of horses being secretly fed by strangers—with devastating consequences.

This conversation exposes the hidden crisis every horse owner faces but rarely discusses. Natalie shares heartbreaking stories of horses lost to "harmless" treats, explains why our industry's reputation works against us when confronting feeders, and reveals the defense strategies that actually protect our horses. You'll discover why signs don't work, how feeding incidents bankrupt owners, and the psychological approach that stops determined feeders.

Whether you've found mysterious treats in your field, confronted trespassers, or live in constant fear of strangers harming your horses, this conversation provides the understanding and practical tools to protect your animals and join a movement that's saving lives.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Meet Natalie Munir - Stop Feeding Our Horses Campaign Founder

05:20 The Lockdown Crisis That Sparked a Movement

12:45 Lightning's Story: When "Kindness" Kills

18:30 Why Horse Owners Are Losing Land and Giving Up

25:15 The Defense Strategies That Actually Work

32:40 How Our Industry Reputation Makes Things Worse

38:20 Your Action Plan: Protecting Your Horses Today

CONNECT WITH THE CAMPAIGN:

Stop Feeding Our Horses Website: www.StopFeedingOurHorses.co.uk

Public Facebook Group: Stop Feeding Our Horses

Instagram: @Stop_Feeding_Our_Horses

Twitter: @HorsesStop

What's your worst public feeding experience? How do you protect your horses from well-meaning strangers? Share your stories below—your solutions might save someone else's horse.

#publicfeeding #equinewelfare #horsesafety #horseowners #CuriousEquestrian

ABOUT CURIOUS EQUESTRIAN: We sit down with leading trainers, behaviourists, equine experts, and extraordinary equestrians pushing boundaries and putting the horse first.

🖥 Expert Articles & Analysis:

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What separates a great horseman from average riders? Ben Longwell reveals the 3 core leadership principles that transform horse-human partnerships.

Learn why being "nice" to your horse might be hurting your relationship, how to rebuild confidence through groundwork, and the authentic leadership approach that creates willing partners, not just compliant horses.

Ben shares decades of ranch wisdom and vaquero traditions that work for any discipline - from his journey as a shy ranch kid to mentoring riders worldwide.

✅ Get clear on consistent communication✅ Understand the difference between nice vs kind leadership✅ Build confidence from the ground up✅ Apply time-tested principles that actually work

Perfect for riders struggling with confidence, leadership, or seeking deeper partnerships with their horses.#horseman #horsetraining #horsemanship #leadershipImages: Natalie Longwell, Giles Pike, Jon Longwell, and Nick Grant.00:00 Introduction: From Ranch Kid to Global Mentor04:36 The Pivotal Mentorship Moment That Changed Everything13:33 Overcoming Fear: Shy Kid to Confident Public Speaker21:29 The Bridle Horse Tradition: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Riders40:40 The Human Challenge: Working with People vs Horses50:26 Rebuilding Confidence After Horse Trauma57:38 Leadership Secrets: Consistency, Clarity & Empathy1:00:43 How to Connect with Ben & True West Horsemanship🖥 Visit our website for expert articles & exclusive tips: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jack and Paula Curtis, founders of Art of the Horseman, who have dedicated over 30 years to cultivating meaningful connections between horses and their people. Since 1994, this dynamic duo has been transforming riders and horses through their heart-centered approach to horsemanship.Connect with Jack & Paula Curtis:🎟️ Online Horse Fair Free Tickets: https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/free-ticket▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@ArtOfTheHorseman🌐 Online Programs: https://www.becauseofthehorse.net/🖥 Visit our website for expert articles & exclusive tips: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk

When a horse reared up and crushed Aisling Byrne in a freak accident, doctors delivered a devastating verdict: she would never walk again, let alone ride. With a shattered pelvis, broken hips, and severe spinal damage, even survival seemed uncertain. Yet through extraordinary determination, Aisling not only learned to walk again but defied all medical expectations to return to international show jumping competition. In this powerful conversation, she shares her remarkable journey from hospital bed to competition ring, revealing how she developed new ways to communicate with her horses despite permanent physical limitations. Discover the mindset that carried her through years of grueling rehabilitation, the moment she first sat on a horse again, and why she believes her accident gave her a deeper connection with her equine partners. An unforgettable story of resilience that proves limitations are often just perceptions waiting to be overcome.Connect with Aisling:Follow her journey on Instagram: @aislingbyrne1TikTok: @ashbur1🖥 Visit our website for expert articles & exclusive tips: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk🛒 Curious Equestrian Merch – Show your love for horses in style: https://shop.curiousequestrian.co.uk✨ Subscribe for weekly horse care, training, and riding insights: https://www.youtube.com/@curiousequestrian?sub_confirmation=1🐎 Join the herd: Unlock deep dives, early access & exclusive community content: https://www.youtube.com/@curiousequestrian/membership💬 Got thoughts or questions? Comment below — we love hearing from you!

The Taboo Topic Every Horse Owner Needs to Hear: Professional Sheath Cleaning

In this eye-opening episode, Allie MacLeod of The Horsebox Spa reveals why professional sheath cleaning is a critical yet overlooked aspect of equine care. Discover how common behavioral issues like bucking, tail rubbing, and tenseness might actually be signs your horse needs hygiene attention. Ali explains the dangers of DIY approaches, shares warning signs your horse is uncomfortable, and discusses how proper technique can transform your horse's comfort and performance. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or new to horse ownership, this frank conversation cuts through the embarrassment and misinformation to deliver practical advice that could change your horse's life.

🐴 Topics covered:

• Why wild horses don't need cleaning but domestic horses do
• Common behavioral signs indicating sheath discomfort
• The importance of finding a qualified professional hygienist
• What to expect during a professional cleaning session
• How regular maintenance prevents serious health issues
• The truth about mares needing hygiene attention too

Listen now to discover the essential care service many horse owners overlook - and why it matters more than you think.

#HorseHealth #EquineCare #ProfessionalSheathCleaning #HorseWelfare

Training Horses with Kindness with Sandra Poppema @SandraHippoLogicIn our latest episode, we speak with Sandra Poppema, founder of HippoLogic and creator of The Confident Clicker Trainer method. Sandra shares her journey from traditional training to positive reinforcement, revealing how this shift transformed not just her training methods but her entire relationship with horses.👉🏻 Special Offer for Our Listeners!Sandra has generously provided a FREE Clicker Training Assessment for all Curious Equestrian listeners! During this personal 1:1 session, you'll discover your training strengths and weaknesses, helping you identify your next steps for improvement.Book your free assessment here: https://tidycal.com/hippologic/curious-equestrian

When Tam and Ants Bennett took over a traditional North Devon riding school, they discovered horses that were fearful and shut down. Instead of continuing business as usual, they made the bold decision to close their doors temporarily and reimagine what equestrian education could be.In this episode of The Curious Equestrian, we discover how this couple transformed a conventional riding stables into a Horse Connection haven where the relationship between humans and horses takes priority over riding objectives. Join host Anna Louise as she explores Collacott Farm and uncovers why slowing down and being present with your horse might be more transformative than you think.Visit collacott.co.uk to learn about their holiday cottages and Horse Connection experiences in North Devon.https://www.collacott.uk/horse-connec...#HorseConnection #EquineTherapy #NaturalHorsemanship #HorseHuman #DevonHorses #HorseRehabilitation #MindfulRiding #EquineEducation #CuriousEquestrian #horsetraining 🖥 Visit the Curious Equestrian website to explore expert articles, exclusive training tips, and much more: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk

Are your horse's hooves truly healthy? In this eye-opening interview, natural hoof care expert Louise Backholler reveals what a healthy hoof really looks like and why so many domestic horses struggle with hoof issues. Louise shares what healthy hooves actually look like and the warning signs to watch for, how the wild horse model can transform domestic horse management, and why movement matters more than genetics for hoof health.

She offers simple ways to improve your horse's environment without extensive land and explains how subclinical laminitis affects more horses than most realize. "A healthy hoof is first and foremost a hoof without an iron shoe nailed to it," says Louise, founder of Rebel Horse Care. Discover how natural hoof care goes beyond trimming to fundamentally improve your horse's overall wellbeing.Follow Louise:Website: https://rebelhorsecare.euInstagram & Facebook: @RebelHorseCare🖥 Visit the Curious Equestrian website to explore expert articles, exclusive training tips, and much more: https://curiousequestrian.co.uk

Are traditional horse training methods missing something vital? Discover how incorporating play into your horsemanship can transform your horse's learning ability and deepen your connection.Horse trainer Gabi Neurohr shares how simple games can build connection, solve behaviour problems, and develop your horse's personality through natural horsemanship principles. Enter for a chance to win Gabi's 'Whatever the Weather' online course: https://kingsumo.com/g/1vjg6z1/whatever-the-weather-courseLearn more about our Guest: https://www.gabineurohr.com/