Think dressage is just for imported warmbloods and rhinestone-studded riders? Think again.

In this must-listen episode, NF+ Masterclass instructor Mette Larsen strips dressage down to what it really is: thoughtful, horse-first training that any rider can use to build better balance, deeper connection, and more confidence—arena or not.

You’ll learn how dressage can help trail horses stop tripping, sharpen your jump-off turns, and make your rides feel more emotionally in sync.

It’s the kind of episode that leaves you itching to throw your leg over and try something new—no white breeches required.

✨ Why you’ll love it:

•  Understand what “on the bit” is really supposed to feel like (and why it’s not just about the frame).
• Learn how to ride into the future—literally—by letting go of your inside rein habit. 
• Discover how dressage creates stronger, more balanced horses (and maybe even cuts down on those vet bills).

Whether you’re a backyard rider with big dreams, a re-rider rebuilding your feel, or a competitor looking for more clarity and connection—this episode is your invitation to rethink everything you thought you knew about dressage. 

This is Part 2 of Mette’s 17-part NF+ Masterclass, “Dressage for All Disciplines”—a full training experience designed to meet you exactly where you are, no matter your discipline.

🔥 Want the rest? Join NF+ to unlock the full series and access 500+ expert-led lessons that help you ride better, feel more confident, and build the partnership you and your horse deserve. 

Right now you can get 15% off an annual membership with the code 'DHW'. 

Just head to noellefloydplus.com to join. Because at NF+, we believe great riding shouldn’t feel exclusive—it should feel empowering. And this is where that starts.

What if going slow wasn’t falling behind—but finally getting it right?

Horse trainer and quietly powerful human Mirjam Dunkel is here to remind us that taking your time isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

With a background in liberty work, classical dressage, and cowboy realness, Mirjam’s trained over 100 young horses and built a reputation on softness, clarity, and doing right by the horse (even when it’s hard, messy, or humbling).

In this episode, we chat about:

• Rebuilding trust with horses who’ve shut down
• Why skipping the “boring basics” backfires
• How slowing down builds connection—and confidence
• And what it means to chase big dreams, one tiny step at a time

Big dreams, quiet wins, and a whole new way of measuring progress—this one’s filled with the kind of wisdom that sticks with you, long after the ride is over.

--------------------------------------

Learn more from Mirjam Dunkel and follow her story on social media:

📱www.instagram.com/mirjam_dunkel

Or train with Mirjam! https://www.mirjamdunkel.com/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

--------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes. 

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

This episode is brought to you by YETI.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) might sound ancient—but it’s helping modern horses in ways you might not expect.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. John Langlois, a Florida-based equine veterinarian with over four decades of experience, who now works exclusively with TCVM. 

After a long career in conventional veterinary medicine, a powerful experience treating broodmares with acupuncture changed everything—and led him to pursue further training in herbal medicine, Tui-na (Chinese medical massage), and spinal manipulation. 

Dr. Langlois breaks down the foundations of TCVM in an accessible, practical way—sharing how this holistic approach can support horses with chronic conditions, behavioural challenges, and hard-to-diagnose issues. 

We talk about:

• What TCVM really is—and how it complements conventional care
• How Dr. Langlois shifted from traditional practice to holistic treatments
• The Five Elements and how they can influence your horse’s health and temperament
• When to consider acupuncture, herbs, or bodywork for your horse
• Common misconceptions about TCVM—and what the science and real-world results show

Whether you're new to the idea of integrative care or already exploring alternative therapies, this episode is packed with expert insight and grounded advice to help you better understand your horse—and support their long-term wellbeing. 

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

--------------------------------------

 If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. 

----------------------------------------

A thank you to our Sponsor, 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.

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

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

Content note: This episode discusses pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the emotional challenges of stepping back from riding. Please take care while listening.

If you're an equestrian navigating pregnancy, trying to conceive, postpartum, or simply curious about how reproductive health intersects with riding, you're likely facing a storm of mixed messages.

Some riders are told to keep going as long as they feel fine, others are urged to stop immediately—and often, those giving advice don’t understand the unique demands of the saddle. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jill L. Hechtman, MD, FACOG a board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience caring for women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.

Dr. Hechtman offers her expert medical perspective on the risks of riding while pregnant—including why she advises against it after the first trimester—and encourages women to make informed, personalised decisions in partnership with their healthcare provider. 

We also discuss:

✔ The importance of understanding risks and trusting your instincts ✔ Safer ways to stay connected to horses when riding isn’t advised ✔ How to care for your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum ✔ What to know about postpartum depression and open conversations around it ✔ Why tuning out external judgment and listening to your inner voice matters most Whether you're riding, resting, or returning to the saddle, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and emotional support for equestrians making some of the most personal decisions of their lives.

--------------------------------------

Learn more from Dr Jill L. Hechtmann and Ringside Health 📱www.instagram.com/ringsidehealth/?locale=it&hl=en 🌎 www.ringsidehealth.com/ And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/ --------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Olympic eventer Boyd Martin breaks down what bravery in the saddle really means—and it’s not just charging ahead without fear.

In this personal masterclass, he unpacks the emotional side of riding, from self-doubt and performance pressure to the inner fire that drives us.

Boyd shares how years of preparation, partnership with the horse, and mental clarity helped him navigate high-stakes moments like being the first rider out at the London 2012 Olympics.

He explores the two extremes riders often fall into—hesitation and over-aggression—and how to find the calm, confident middle ground that allows both horse and rider to thrive.

This bonus episode is full of real-talk about mindset, competition nerves, and the routines that build unshakable confidence in and out of the arena. 

Watch the full masterclass here: https://noellefloydplus.com/programs/boyd-martin-build-bravery-through-competence

Use the code DHW to get 15% off an annual NF+ membership, which includes 3 masterclasses by Boyd Martin.

------------------------------------- 

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe or follow, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow. 

Don't forget to follow us over on Instagram for more insights, BTS and more 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld

This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. and YETI. 

What do an Olympic champion and a barely-started colt have in common? According to David O’Connor—more than you think. In this rare and wide-ranging conversation, recorded live at Road to the Horse, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in equestrian sport to talk about where horsemanship is headed—and what still needs to change.

From the power of “feel” to the importance of fairness, David shares hard-earned wisdom on how riders, trainers, and coaches can build better partnerships and a better future for the sport.

Whether you're a dedicated eventer, a curious amateur, or someone rethinking what it means to do right by the horse—this episode will challenge and inspire you. 

You'll learn:

• How top riders and colt starters are speaking the same language
• What true fairness in training looks like from the horse’s perspective
• How David’s own philosophy has evolved—and why that matters
• What gives him hope about the next generation of riders

This is the kind of conversation that leaves you thinking differently—and riding better. 

-------------------------------------- 

Learn more from David O'Connor and O'Connor Equestrian:

📱https://www.facebook.com/oconnorequestrianteam/  🌎 /www.oconnorequestrian.us/ 

And you can follow us on instagram too! 

Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/ 

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.  ---------------------------------------- A thank you to our Sponsors 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/ This episode is brought to you by 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.

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

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

Let’s talk about the gap - the space between where you are and where you want to be in the horse world.

It’s frustrating.  It’s overwhelming.  And sometimes, it feels impossible to cross. 

You work hard. You love the sport. But the path to high-performance riding, a real career in horses, or even just feeling like you belong in this industry?

It’s blurry.

The people at the top make it look effortless, but the truth is, the real lessons happen behind closed barn doors—where most riders never get to go.

That’s why we’re sitting down with Baylee McKeever, 2023 Young Rider Individual Gold Medalist with her horse Formidable, and someone who grew up inside one of the most elite programs in the world.

As the daughter of Lee and Erica McKeever—two of the most respected professionals in the sport and longtime cornerstones of McLain Ward’s program—Baylee has had a front-row seat to the daily grind, discipline, and decision-making that define success at the highest level. 

Now, she’s carving her own path, learning what actually separates top riders from the rest, and navigating the realities of being a young professional in an industry that doesn’t hand out freebies.

In this episode, Baylee shares:

• A behind-the-scenes look at high-performance sport—what it’s really like growing up inside an Olympic-level program and the daily habits that separate top riders.
• The reality of being a young professional—balancing riding, grooming, and competition, plus the challenges no one talks about when making horses a career.
• How Gen Z is changing the ride—from using technology and social media to redefining career paths and success in the equestrian industry. If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing the key to performing at a higher level, this episode is for you. The answers aren’t in a rulebook. They’re in conversations like this.

--------------------------------------

You can follow Baylee on social media:

www.instagram.com/bayleemckeever/  www.tiktok.com/@baylee.mckeever

And learn more about McLain Ward: https://www.mclainward.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mclain.ward

 https://www.instagram.com/mclainward.official/

 And you can follow us on instagram too!

Click here 👉  instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

--------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

The connection you’re longing for with your horse might not come from doing more—but from doing less.

In this episode, Argentinian horseman Cristóbal Scarpati introduces doma india, an ancestral form of liberty training where trust, presence, and emotional clarity matter more than tools or technique. 

Raised in a family of master horsemen and now teaching globally alongside his son, Perito, Cristóbal brings a rare blend of wisdom, humility, and heart to the conversation.

Whether you’ve never heard of doma india or you’ve been searching for a more intuitive, soulful path with your horse, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible—without ropes, tools, or force. 

You’ll walk away with:

A powerful understanding of doma india and its cultural roots Insight into how emotional regulation impacts connection Practical shifts to bring more trust and freedom into your horsemanship A deeper sense of belonging to something timeless, respectful, and real This is horsemanship as a relationship—not a method.

Tune in and be inspired.

Opening images credit:  @DomaIndiaScarpati  &  @RoadtotheHorseOfficial 

You can follow Cristóbal on social media: instagram.com/cristobal_scarpati

and learn more about Doma India Scarpati at www.scarpatihorsemanship.com/

or facebook.com/scarpatidomaindia instagram.com/scarpatidomaindia/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

-------------------------------------- 

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual membership.

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

What do horses really see when they look at us? According to Tik Maynard, it’s not just our cues or commands—it’s who we are in that moment. In this powerful episode, taken from Tik’s NF+ Masterclass Understanding Horse Behavior, he shares how our emotional state, body language, and inner awareness deeply influence how our horses respond.

And the timing couldn’t be more fitting: Tik has just made history as a two-time Road to the Horse Champion.

Often called the World Championship of Colt Starting, Road to the Horse is one of the most prestigious and influential events in the equestrian world. It’s not just a test of training—it’s a test of character. Competitors are given untouched colts and just a few hours to build trust, partnership, and a solid foundation, all under the watchful eye of a live audience. Past icons of the event include Stacy Westfall, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, and Jonathan Field—horsemen and women who helped shape modern horsemanship as we know it.

Winning once puts your name in the history books. Winning twice, back-to-back, places Tik in rare company—and proves that empathy, clarity, and feel aren’t just ideals. They’re tools for greatness.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to:

• Build a deeper, calmer connection by understanding how your energy shapes your horse’s responses

• Create trust and willingness through slow, thoughtful interactions that honor your horse’s emotional state

• Train with patience and clarity by recognizing the stages your horse goes through when facing something new

• Communicate with meaning by redefining “trust” and “respect” in ways that actually make sense to your horse

This episode is a powerful reflection on horsemanship and what it truly means to show up with intention, humility, and presence. Tik shares the same principles that led him to the top of Road to the Horse—not through force, but through feel. The mindset that builds trust in the round pen doesn’t stop there. It shapes how we lead, connect, and grow in every part of life. When we choose clarity over control and presence over pressure, our horses feel it—and so does everything else around us.

--------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe or follow, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow. 

Don't forget to follow us over on Instagram for more insights, BTS and more 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld 

--------------------------------------

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

What does it mean to ride with honesty - not just with your hands and legs, but with your whole being?

In this raw and refreshingly real conversation, legendary eventer William Fox-Pitt joins host Noelle Floyd to talk about far more than medals and milestones. 

With 14 five-star wins, multiple Olympic medals, and the distinction of being the first rider in history to win five different five-stars, William is one of the most iconic horsemen of our time.

But in this episode, he opens up about the moments between the headlines - the brutal fall that put him in a coma, the comeback that defied medical odds, and the inner compass that’s guided his life with horses for over four decades. 

Together, they explore:

• The concept of congruency and why horses respond to truth in motion
• Why he believes simplicity is underrated, both in horses and in people
• The evolution of eventing and the deeper cost of chasing perfection Why some horses “just do things” for certain riders - and how to become one of them 
• His refreshingly honest take on legacy, aging, and letting go of the iconic identity
• With equal parts humility and wisdom, William reflects on the horses who made his career - and why, in the end, it was never really about the win

You can follow William Fox-Pitt on social media:

📱 www.instagram.com/william.foxpitt 📱 www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100044555524188 💻 www.william-foxpitt.co.uk Learn more about Fox-Pitt Evening https://www.foxpitteventing.co.uk/ And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld --------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series  @noellefloyd_plus  - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.