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This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Grand Prix dressage rider Anna Buffini. Anna Buffini is a highly accomplished American dressage rider. She started with a standout junior career, winning both the team and individual titles at the 2014 U.S. Young Rider National Championship riding Sundayboy, and helping lead Team USA to gold at the FEI North American Youth Championships that same year. In 2016, she claimed the U25 National Championship title at the USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup. As a professional, Buffini has been selected for at least four senior Nations Cup teams, representing the U.S. at top-tier events including Compiègne, Rotterdam, and Aachen. She is also a two-time World Cup finalist, qualifying in 2022 and 2023, where she achieved a sixth-place finish in the freestyle. Based in San Diego, Buffini continues to compete at the Grand Prix level while mentoring young riders, solidifying her reputation as one of the most respected U.S. dressage athletes today. In this episode, Anna Buffini shares her journey in the sport of dressage and the values that continue to guide her career, including: • How her family’s influence and her parents’ guidance helped shape her mindset and work ethic. • Her intentional use of social media to educate, uplift, and bring positivity to the horse world. • How she mentally prepares for competition, including navigating the unpredictability of sport. • Her strategies for maintaining balance, joy, and perspective while pursuing high-level goals. • Her coaching philosophy and the qualities she believes define an effective and supportive trainer.  Join Anna and Sinead for an inspiring conversation about the future of equestrian sport and the impact riders can have beyond the arena. Anna’s Book Recommendation: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 

This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert.

This episode is also sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now!

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Executive and Personal Coach, Author, and Entrepreneur Kelly Wendorf.

Kelly Wendorf is a lifelong horsewoman, ICF Master Certified Coach, author, and founder of The EQUUS Experience®—an award-winning equine-assisted learning process that helps people tap into deeper awareness and authentic leadership. She began riding as a child and later became a dressage rider and trainer, running a riding school in Santa Fe. Her global journey has included studying with spiritual and Indigenous leaders across India, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia. Kelly also founded Kindred magazine in Australia, where she spent 15 years immersed in neuroscience, social justice, and transformative cultural change. She’s the author of Flying Lead Change and editor of Stories of Belonging, an anthology highlighting diverse and Indigenous voices. Today, Kelly blends her lifelong love of horses with coaching, mentoring, and cultural innovation to help people lead with wisdom, compassion, and presence.

In this episode, Kelly shares the experiences that have shaped her unique approach to working with both horses and people, including:

• How her time with Indigenous communities and spiritual teachers has influenced her work and outlook.

• What inspired her to start EQUUS and how it’s grown into a business focused on connection and transformation.

• The idea that great leaders lead from behind—and how that applies just as much to horses as it does to people.

• Why being present and really listening to your horse’s feedback matters, especially when you're asking something of them.

Join Kelly and Sinead for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation about the human-horse relationship and how deep connection can lead to powerful change.

Listeners of this episode are invited to take the EQUUS course “How to Lead a Transformative Life” at no cost. This powerful 4-hour course (normally $457) takes place over two consecutive Saturdays. Use code EQUUS100KW at checkout — click here to join the course.

This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science.

Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now here: https://purdue.biz/EquitationScience.

In this episode of In Stride, Sinead is joined by 3-day event rider and horsemanship trainer Michael Alway. Michael Alway specializes in starting young horses for all disciplines and equine behavior modification for common issues.

With a strong background in natural horsemanship, Michael began his career in western riding and studied directly under Pat and Linda Parelli.

He competed in two Extreme Mustang Makeovers and served as a freestyle judge at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover from 2019 to 2021.

Michael and his wife, Marion Alway, run Viewpoint Equestrian, a training and coaching business based in Boyce, Virginia. In this episode, Michael shares his journey in the horse world and the core principles behind his training philosophy, including:

• How his early experiences with horses shaped the path to where he is today.

• The key principles he prioritizes when starting young horses.

• His thoughtful approach to pressure and how he teaches that concept to riders.

• The importance of the horse’s confidence in the rider, in the horse’s job, and in the learning process.

Join Michael and Sinead for an insightful conversation about developing a meaningful, trust-based relationship with your horse.