Have you ever felt your heart thumping and your palms sweating before a competition, only to realize it wasn't just nerves but something deeper? Riders know what it means to carry pressure long before a round begins. It often starts early. Parents want so deeply for their children to thrive, yet the fear of falling behind can blur the line between supporting and pushing. Most riders have compared themselves to people who make the hardest moments look effortless. And when some young riders rise while others quietly disappear, it forces all of us to question what truly creates long term success. In this episode, we sit down with Rodrigo Pessoa, who brings honesty and decades of legendary experience. As one of the most iconic show jumpers of our generation, his openness is a rare gift. He shares how real development comes from patience, thoughtful pressure and the courage to learn in full view of others. He also explains why young horses and young riders need almost the exact same environment to thrive. Rodrigo takes us inside the realities shaping modern sport. He talks about why wealth does not create perseverance, how the wrong coach can derail a rider faster than no coach at all, and why early pressure often shuts potential down rather than unlocking it. He reflects on the mentorship behind Baloubet du Rouet and the moment that permanently changed how he handles public scrutiny. By the end, you will understand the sport more clearly and feel steadier in your own path forward. You will learn • How pressure really works and why timing matters more than intensity • Why perseverance and engagement outweigh access or privilege • What ruins good horses and good riders and how to prevent it • How to set goals that stretch you without overwhelming you • Why comparison derails progress and how professionals truly think about it • The core mentorship principles behind developing young horses and young athletes Learn more about Rodrigo Pessoa at www.rodrigopessoa.com or on Instagram at @rodrigopessoa.

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This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. 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 www.connaway.net to explore options, or get in touch today. 📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates 📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

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So many riders want their horses sharper, quicker, and more responsive, yet end up drilling, micromanaging, and unintentionally shutting their horses down. Hall of Fame cutting horse trainer Lindy Burch offers a wildly refreshing reframing: what if the sharpest horses are not the ones you control the most, but the ones you allow to think?

In cutting, the horse has to make decisions in real time. They must read the cow, feel the moment, and respond faster than the rider ever could. In this episode, Lindy breaks down how she develops horses who stay mentally present, balanced, and tuned in, not by force, but through short, thoughtful training bursts, strong foundations, and the power of letting the horse learn from the cow itself.

You will hear Lindy unpack the origins of cutting, what makes a great cutting horse, how to ride with more feel, why short sessions produce better learning, and why riding outside the arena creates more balanced, emotionally sound partners in any discipline.

No matter your discipline, this conversation will shift the way you think about responsiveness, contact, pressure, partnership, and how to build a horse that truly tries for you.

You will learn:

• Why micromanagement dulls horses and how to create a horse that thinks with you

• How to use short, focused sessions and the environment as your greatest training tools

• Why riding outside the arena and honoring your horse's mind leads to deeper connection

Resources and products mentioned

• The book Evidence Based Horsemanship

• The history of the National Cutting Horse Association

• The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame

• The book The Art of Racing in the Rain

Learn more about Lindy Burch

Website: https://lindyburch.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindyburchcutters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindyburchcutters

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This episode is brought to you by Total Feeds

Our mission to provide quality nutrition to people and animals puts us in contact with all manner of interesting folks. Whether you're interested in our animal feed, or the people involved in the animal industry: you'll find it at Total Feeds!

Check out our line of Quality Animal Feeds here: https://totalfeeds.com

and YETI.

Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

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Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com.

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Frustration is a human emotion, and it almost inevitably shows up in every rider's journey. The question is what you do when it does.

In this episode, Olympic dressage medalist Laura Graves steps in as your coach and mentor, sharing the mindset that guides her when riding feels more hard than harmonious. This clip comes from her NF+ masterclass Laura Graves Troubleshoots Common Flatwork Woes and offers a rare look into how an elite rider thinks during the private moments of training, when there are no quick answers and no one else in the arena.

Laura reflects on learning to pause instead of pushing, and on the role curiosity plays when a horse doesn't respond as expected. She speaks about developing your own internal dialogue and giving both yourself and your horse the space to figure things out without judgment.

This episode is an invitation to ride with more awareness and patience, guided by one of the most thoughtful voices in the sport.

Listen in and discover what can change when you shift from frustration to curiosity.

Watch Laura Graves Troubleshoots Common Flatwork Woes on NF+. Use the code DHW to receive 15% off an annual membership.

https://noellefloydplus.com/programs/laura-graves-troubleshoots-common-flatwork-woes?category_id=208907

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Learn more about Laura Graves

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauragravesdressage/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauragraves.dressage/

NF+ :https://noellefloydplus.com/authors/author-B6lI72KCcaM

Welcome back to No Stupid Questions, the nutrition edition with Dr. Harry Anderson. In part Part 2 we take deeper look at the physiology that drives your horse's behavior, metabolism, and overall health.

We explore the way sugar, minerals, and fiber interact inside the horse. We talk about why some horses puff up, why certain forage creates sharpness, and how small choices in the feed room can shift the entire internal environment. This is the kind of steady, clear education most of us never received but always needed.

In this episode we cover: • The horse's unique digestive design and how it works in real life • The truth about fiber and why long stem forage is not the full picture • How sugar and NSC influence behavior, energy, and metabolic health • The role of key minerals like magnesium and manganese • What causes swelling, puffiness, or digestive instability • How to approach hay, supplements, and slow feeding with clarity

Referenced Products and Resources: Total Equine Feed Total Equine LNSC Ascophyllum Nodosum Kelp Research Equine Hay Analysis Labs Dr. Harry Anderson on YouTube

This is Part 2 of a two part series, be sure to listen to Part 1 for the full foundation.

Learn more about Dr. Harry Anderson Website https://totalfeeds.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@totalfeeds

Most horse owners are trying their best in the feed room while quietly wondering if they are getting it right. You want your horse to feel calm, healthy, and steady in their body, but the information out there is overwhelming and often contradictory. One person says alfalfa is dangerous. Another says your horse needs hay 24/7. Someone else blames ulcers, sugar, or stress. And in the middle of all of it, you are just trying to understand what your horse is telling you. Dr. Harry Anderson has spent more than fifty years studying animal physiology and nutrition, and he has an uncanny ability to explain complex processes in a way that immediately lowers your shoulders. He walks you through what is actually happening inside a horse's digestive system so you can finally understand which choices matter, which ones don't, and why your horse responds the way they do. If you want to feed your horse with confidence, clarity, and compassion, this conversation gives you the framework you have been missing. In this episode you will learn

• Why micronutrients often shape behavior, energy, and overall wellbeing
• The essential role of the small intestine and why it determines so much of your horse's health
• How hay type and NSC values influence digestion without the fear based narrative
• What we misunderstand about ulcers, stress, and stomach acidity
• Why alfalfa makes some horses feel reactive and what is actually behind that response
• How to support horses who are anxious, metabolic, or recovering from laminitis

Stay tuned for Part 2.

Learn more about Dr. Harry Anderson Website https://totalfeeds.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@totalfeeds

Eventing is equal parts strategy, skill, and mental game, but for many riders it can feel like a constant battle to balance all three phases, keep their horse sound, and make real progress. How do you build a horse's confidence and physical strength without rushing them or burning them out? In this episode, Olympian and 5 star eventer Will Coleman joins us to break down what truly drives elite performance. A lifelong student of the sport, Will shares the mentors who shaped him including David and Karen O'Connor and Anne Kursinski. He talks about his early exposure to natural horsemanship, the lessons he wishes he learned sooner, and the systems he and Katie use to develop sound confident horses who stay happy in their work. We dig into how Will cross trains his horses, how he studies top riders across disciplines, and why rider fitness and honest feedback are essential for anyone who wants to improve. Will also opens up about the heartbreak of preparing two Olympic horses only to watch the Games from the sidelines and what that experience ultimately taught him. This conversation will leave you with a clearer sense of how to build feel, develop your horse with integrity, and make better long term decisions in your training. Tune in to learn • How Will Coleman approaches training as a lifelong student • What he learned from David and Karen O'Connor and Anne Kursinski • Why cross training matters for building sound confident horses • The role of rider fitness and body awareness • How to know when to push and when to pause • What Will learned from the disappointment of missing the Olympic start box Learn More About Will Coleman

• Website: https://www.willcolemanequestrian.com • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willcolemanequestrian • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willcolemanequestrian

This episode is brought to you by YETI.

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Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts. No compromise. Just gear that works as hard as you do.

Explore more at yeti.com. 📱 @yeti 📱 facebook.com/YETI

We're back with Season 2 of Dear Horse World, premiering on December 2nd!

This season, we bring you some of the most iconic voices in the industry, featuring legends like Will Coleman, Lindy Birch, Rodrigo Pessoa, Laura Kraut, and the unforgettable Boots O'Neill.

Their wisdom and experiences reveal life-changing insights into the sport, horses, and horsemanship.

Additionally, don't miss our Black Friday sale starting November 28th for an exclusive 50% off annual NF plus membership.

Join us for another incredible season and elevate your riding to the next level!

00:00 Season Two Announcement and Black Friday Sale 01:15 Karen Rolf's Disney Moments and Training Advice 03:02 Jim Masterson's Animal Communicator Story 05:03 Dr. Ellen Staples on Farrier Relationships 07:20 Dr. Harry Anderson on Equine Nutrition 10:21 Lindy Birch on the Cowgirl Spirit 14:24 Craig Cameron on Positive Thinking in Competition 19:21 Sharon Maadere Understanding Animal Behavior 23:38 Boots O'Neil Qualities of a Great Ranch Horse 28:42 Drake LeBlanc The Unique Identity of Creole Cowboys

Some horses come with a few challenges. This one came with a list. In this episode of Ground Work Guys, Nick and Tik meet a mare who pulls back when tied, rushes off the trailer, fidgets for the farrier, and gets jumpy around the saddle. Instead of diving straight into solutions, they do what they do best: take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

What unfolds is an honest, funny, and surprisingly tender conversation about trust, patience, and why most training problems are really just relationship problems in disguise. From clicker training to pressure and release, from soft timing to emotional awareness, Nick and Tik unpack how small wins build true confidence for both horse and rider.

Here's what you'll learn: • How to rebuild trust with a horse that pulls back or panics when tied • Ways to help a horse back quietly off a trailer • How to turn foot handling from a struggle into a confidence builder • Why rewarding relaxation matters more than rewarding obedience • How clicker training and pressure and release can work together beautifully • Why progress often looks more like a circle than a straight line

It is a thoughtful, down to earth episode that leaves you smiling, nodding, and maybe rethinking the way you handle the tricky moments with your own horse.

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Episode Sponsor: Jug Waterers

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Groundwork Guys - Now streaming on NOËLLE FLOYD's new platform Camp HorseWorld" linked to https://camphorseworld.com/pages/groundwork-guys

Meg writes in about her daughter's experienced 1.25m jumper who's suddenly backing off liverpools (water jumps), and the Groundwork Guys, Tik Maynard and Nick Rivera, dig in to help rebuild his confidence from the ground up. They start where all good training starts: ruling out pain. From there, they look at what the horse is telling them through his reactions, his body, and the way he thinks about the task.

They unpack how fear can look like enthusiasm, why overjumping isn't confidence, and how the words we use, such as always, never, or tried everything can quietly shape the way we train. Then they shift gears to curiosity, showing how to help a horse investigate instead of react, using simple groundwork and obstacles to rebuild trust and calmness.

Here's what you'll learn: • Why pain and tension need to be ruled out before training begins • What overjumping really means and how it connects to anxiety • How target training and draw build curiosity toward something new • When to send instead of lead and why it is often the safer option • Four ways to approach a Liverpool from the ground before ever riding it • How to spot the moment curiosity replaces fear

It's a thoughtful, practical episode about turning pressure into partnership and helping a horse find the confidence to think his way through a question instead of just trying to survive it.

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Episode Sponsor: Jug Waterers

Thanks to the open bowl design and unique draw tube water supply system, animals can see and smell clean, fresh water. No learning how to lift flaps or push balls or float out of the way to get a drink. An animal simply places its mouth in the open pool of water in the drinking bowl and sucks up the water just as it would from a natural water hole.

Visit - bakkoindustries.com

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Groundwork Guys - Now streaming on NOËLLE FLOYD's new platform Camp HorseWorld" linked to https://camphorseworld.com/pages/groundwork-guys

Some horses just do not do spray bottles. One sound, one mist, and it is all over. In this episode of Ground Work Guys, Nick and Tik meet an 18-hand draft mare who panics at the very idea of being sprayed. Even hearing a bottle on the other side of the trailer is enough to send her sky-high.

Instead of fighting through fear, they talk about how to rebuild trust one sense at a time. You will hear them unpack why spray bottles can feel like predators to horses, how to take the mystery out of the sound, and why relaxation beats tolerance every time. They explore ways to use rhythm, predictability, and even curiosity to help a horse think her way through fear rather than run from it.

Here is what you will learn in this episode: • How to safely reintroduce scary objects using sight, sound, touch, and smell • Why a horse's reaction to a spray bottle often has more to do with past restraint than the bottle itself • How to replace panic with predictability through approach and retreat • The difference between tolerance and true relaxation — and why it matters • Why training in short, frequent sessions helps horses learn faster • How to turn desensitizing into a conversation instead of a confrontation

This episode is full of insight, humor, and a few classic Nick and Tik moments that remind us training is as much about staying curious as it is about staying calm.

Watch the full video lessons on Camp HorseWorld, where every rider's journey finds its path.

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Episode Sponsor: Jug Waterers

Thanks to the open bowl design and unique draw tube water supply system, animals can see and smell clean, fresh water. No learning how to lift flaps or push balls or float out of the way to get a drink. An animal simply places its mouth in the open pool of water in the drinking bowl and sucks up the water just as it would from a natural water hole.

Visit - bakkoindustries.com

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Groundwork Guys - Now streaming on NOËLLE FLOYD's new platform Camp HorseWorld" linked to https://camphorseworld.com/pages/groundwork-guys