Does your horse feel sluggish, unmotivated, or “lazy” under saddle? It’s easy to assume your horse is just being difficult — but more often, low energy is a sign that something is wrong physically, mentally, or emotionally.

In this episode of The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Podcast, I share my personal journey with my own horse, who went from being labeled a “lazy stallion” to moving with energy, softness, and joy — all by uncovering and addressing the real causes behind his lack of response.

We’ll explore the most common reasons horses can appear lazy, from saddle fit and body imbalances to pain, overpressure, and even learned helplessness. You’ll learn how to investigate what’s going on with your own horse, plus practical steps to help your horse feel better, move better, and enjoy your time together.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Key Points Covered:

Listener Homework:

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

What if the best thing you could do for your horse this week... wasn’t a training session?

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the busy-ness so many of us feel—and how to still find time and presence for your horse, even when life is full. Whether you're juggling work, kids, or just the daily demands of modern life, this episode is filled with mindset shifts, practical strategies, and powerful reminders that connection doesn't require a saddle or a perfect plan—it just needs you, fully present.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to reframe what “productive” time with your horse looks like

✅ What it means to prioritize presence over performance

✅ How to reclaim 2–5 hours a day with one bold phone habit

✅ The 5-Block Method that helps you ride (and live) with intention

✅ Why small moments—like standing in silence—can transform your bond

Whether you're in a riding rut or just craving a deeper connection, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, simplify, and show up in a way that feels good to you and your horse.

🔹 Presence Over Performance

🔹 Reimagine Your Goal

🔹 Time Is There—But It’s Getting Stolen

🔹 Make Small Moments Count

🔹 Don’t Wait for “Perfect”

🔹 Bonus: The 5-Block Time Method + Fundamental Needs

Set a realistic, feel-good goal for this season—focus on connection, not just progress.

Track your phone’s screen time for 1 day—then trade 15 of those minutes for horse time.

Spend pressure-free time with your horse—a walk, a stretch, or just standing together in silence.

Pick 1–2 of your own Fundamental Needs and schedule them in this week.

Write down how it felt—notice what shifts when you choose presence over pressure.

"Your horse doesn’t need you to do more. He needs you to be more present."

If you’re ready to feel more calm, connected, and in control of your time again—this episode will get you started.

💬 Join the conversation: The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Community on Facebook

📆 Need help setting your seasonal goal? Book a 1:1 online coaching session here

🐴 Located in Sealand, Denmark? DM me to book a full Masterson Method session for your horse!

Thanks for tuning in—see you in the next episode!

🎙️ Episode 4 — Feel Like a Sack of Potatoes in the Saddle? How to Find Your Seat and Ride with Balance

✨ Episode Summary:

Do you ever feel like you're just bouncing around in the saddle, disconnected and unbalanced—like a floppy sack of potatoes? You're not alone, and you're not stuck there.

In this episode of the Happy Rider Healthy Horse podcast, we’re diving deep into how to improve your seat in the saddle—so you can ride in balance, feel, and flow. You'll learn how to shift from being a passive passenger to an active partner in the saddle using clear, practical tips you can try in your very next ride.

We’re talking about rider biomechanics, transitions, hip awareness, and even how a 7-minute core workout can dramatically improve your posture and connection. If you’ve been struggling with bouncing, gripping, or just feeling “off,” this episode is your roadmap to finding your seat again—with softness and clarity.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🧠 Rider Homework:

This week, pick one thing to explore:

🔁 Let’s Keep Going:

✅ Want guidance and personal feedback?

✅ Join the Happy Rider Healthy Horse Facebook Community

🎧 Episode 3: Is Dressage Cruel? The Truth About Ethical Riding and Horse Welfare in Modern Dressage

In this thought-provoking episode, we take an honest look at a question that’s stirring passionate debate around the world: Is dressage riding cruel?

With growing concern over animal welfare in equestrian sports, dressage—long celebrated as the art of harmony between horse and rider—is now under the spotlight. But does criticism of modern competition mean that dressage itself is inherently harmful? Or is there another way forward?

We explore:

This episode is for riders who care deeply about their horses and want to make sure their training reflects that love. Whether you're questioning your current approach or seeking to reconnect with the art of dressage in a kinder way, this is a safe space for reflection and real growth.

💬 Let’s continue the conversation!

📩 Want to go deeper?

🎧 Episode 2: 5 Easy Ways to Feel Happier Before, During & After Your Ride

Do you ever show up at the stable feeling scattered, stressed, or disconnected—and then wonder why your ride didn’t feel great?

In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 simple and powerful tips you can use to create a positive mindset before, during, and after your ride. These techniques are easy to practice anywhere and will help you ride with more joy, focus, and connection.

As a twin mom, veterinarian, dressage rider, and horse lover, I know what it’s like to juggle a million things at once. I used to think I thrived on being busy—but what I learned is that what I really love is being efficient and focused without the hustle and stress. And once I applied this shift to my riding, everything changed—for me and my horse.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

💬 Take a deep breath with me and let’s start building better rides—one mindful moment at a time.

🐴 Mentioned in this Episode:

💌 Want to Go Deeper?

If you’re ready for 1:1 online coaching tailored to your unique riding challenges and goals, I’d love to help you build a stronger connection with your horse and more joy in the saddle.

📩 Email me at [email protected] to learn more or DM me on Facebook Messenger

Join our free community of mindful riders in the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook Group – I can’t wait to meet you there!

🎙️ Episode 6: 6 Simple Steps to Instantly Improve Focus, Connection & Ride Results

Welcome to the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast!

Whether your horse feels tense, unmotivated, or you just want to create a stronger partnership — this episode is for you.

You’ll learn:

Grab your notebook and get ready to transform your ride with these 6 simple, proven steps!

🐴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

1. Trigger Point Therapy Pre-Ride

2. Ground Connection Before Mounting

3. Rider + Horse Body Awareness in the Saddle

4. Choosing Patience

5. Defining Success

6. Celebrating the Ride

🔗 Resources & Links:

📌 Don’t Forget:

If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review — it means the world to me and helps other riders find this podcast!

🎧 Subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s episode on using your seat to improve your horse’s balance and rhythm!

Welcome to The Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast — the go-to show for dressage riders who want to ride with intention and build a positive, productive partnership with their horse.

I’m Sarah — a twin mom, veterinarian, dressage rider, and lifelong horse lover. I know how deeply you care about your horse and how much you want your rides to feel connected, kind, and purposeful. But when things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to feel frustrated or unsure.

I’ve been there — and that’s exactly why I created this podcast.

Each week, I’ll share compassionate, practical strategies to help you:

Cultivate a positive mindset and clear, kind communication with your horse

Use simple training systems and feel confident and prepared in the saddle

Support the physical health of your horse through thoughtful exercises and bodywork

Whether you’re new to riding or have years of experience, this podcast will help you grow into the rider your horse would choose.

Subscribe now and join our Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook community — your most joyful and connected rides are just ahead.