DID YOU KNOW that nutritional deficiencies can impact a horse's physical performance and behavior? (As an added bonus, results of deficiencies in the diet can often be misconstrued as training issues...)

If you want to learn a few subtle signs that horses may display due to problems with their diet, and how a horse's food plays a pivotal role in addressing these underlying issues, come along with us for this episode on EQUINE NUTRITION FOR DUMMIES!

This week we dig into the world of equine nutrition alongside special guest Dr. Jyme Nichols, PHD and Head of Nutrition at Bluebonnet Feeds. Don't be scared, we break down the basics of equine nutrition for the every-day horse owner so you can take what you learn and apply it at home.

Here's a preview of what we covered in this episode: 

PLUS we mythbust our way through a couple of common misconceptions around equine supplements and the importance of hands-on horse knowledge when it comes to optimizing horse's health.

If you want practical advice on feeding your horses for success, check out this episode of No Bucks Given! 

Dr. Jyme Nichols is the Director of Nutrition for Bluebonnet Feeds and Stride Animal Health, and is an ARPAS certified Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) in the Equine discipline. She completed her Master of Science at Montana State University and Doctoral degree at Oklahoma State University. Her published research focused on managing blood glucose and insulin concentrations in horses with an oral psyllium supplement. Additional research interest has focused on supporting equine veterinarians' educational needs in equine nutrition. Dr. Nichols enjoys making the connection for horse owners between research data and real-world applications of unique nutritional ingredients which can support the intricate needs of a horse from the inside out. Dr. Nichols has been part of the team since 2011, and enjoys riding horses and spending time with her husband and two children.

You can find Dr. Jyme's hit podcast, FEED ROOM CHEMIST, anywhere you get your podcasts or at this link: https://strideanimalhealth.com/podcasts/

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses! This week we're featuring Equine Massage 101 which you can check out here: https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/offers/zpbZ3xQz/checkout

This week on No Bucks Given, we have special guest Maddie Houser from The Blonde and The Bay on to talk about her unique journey with her quarter horses in dressage.

Tune in to hear Maddie share her story of transitioning from a seasoned purpose-bred dressage horse to embarking on a new path with untraditional breeds. She opens up about her experiences with her horses, including achieving milestones like earning her USDF silver medal and navigating the challenges of training her western pleasure reject and ex-roping quarter horses for dressage.

We delve into the realities of training untraditional breeds, the mental and emotional aspects of competition, and how we can use dressage as physical therapy for horses.

 Maddie began riding at the age of 3 and from the moment her foot slid into the stirrup, she never looked back... Her dressage career started in 2004 with her Welsh Pony, Brightwood. Since then, many things have changed, but one has remained the same: her fire for this sport. Maddie is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist with her mare, Ulfilia DG "Leah", a 22-year-old Dutch Warmblood. Leah is the true star of The Blonde & The Bay show.

As of December 2019, Leah fully retired from FEI competition and transitioned into living her most deserved best life without the rigors of a performance horse schedule. She'll be with Maddie until the end of time, and happily enjoys her days in the paddock underneath the Texas sun. Most recently, Maddie has been working with quarter horses and taking them up the levels of dressage. 

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The Blonde & The Bay is Maddie's passion project where she shares her journey with transparency, honesty, and a look into what's next for her and her herd of sport horses. You can find Maddie on social media @theblondeandthebay and online at www.theblondeandthebay.com

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses!

Buying a well-fitting saddle for your horse and yourself is already hard enough but if you factor in not-so-ethical sellers, it becomes even tougher. Amanda and I are back this week to discuss slimy saddle sales tactics and how equestrians can be aware of red (and green) flags when it comes to selecting and buying a saddle.

This week, we're joined by special guest Amanda Anderson of Saddle Fitting US. Amanda is a saddle fitter who is well known for advocating for equine welfare and how it's affected by saddle fit.

Amanda has over 24 years of saddlefitting experience and participates in yearly continuing education with multiple brands in Germany and UK/Scotland. Since 2001, Amanda has attended over 20 US, German, and UK based independent and brand-sponsored saddle fitting courses/schools. Amanda has specifically trained on Passier, Euroriding, WOW™, Kieffer, Hennig, Courbette, Stubben, Cardanel, Schleese, Prestige, County, Bates/Wintec, Custom, JRD, Ainsley (Polo), and Laser. She also served as the director of Equine Necropsy and the Denali Equine Research & Rehabilitation Center, is a certified equine sports massage therapist, an acupuncture physician and doctor of oriental medicine, and a USDF bronze medalist.

You can find more about Amanda and Saddle Fitting US at https://www.saddlefitting.us/ or on Instagram and Facebook @saddlefitting.us

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses!

We're back to discuss the question: Is saddle fit an equine welfare issue? This week, we're joined by special guest Amanda Anderson of Saddle Fitting US. Amanda is a saddle fitter who is well known for advocating for equine welfare and how it's affected by saddle fit.

Amanda has over 24 years of saddlefitting experience and participates in yearly continuing education with multiple brands in Germany and UK/Scotland. Since 2001, Amanda has attended over 20 US, German, and UK based independent and brand-sponsored saddle fitting courses/schools. Amanda has specifically trained on Passier, Euroriding, WOW™, Kieffer, Hennig, Courbette, Stubben, Cardanel, Schleese, Prestige, County, Bates/Wintec, Custom, JRD, Ainsley (Polo), and Laser. She also served as the director of Equine Necropsy and the Denali Equine Research & Rehabilitation Center, is a certified equine sports massage therapist, an acupuncture physician and doctor of oriental medicine, and a USDF bronze medalist.

You can find more about Amanda and Saddle Fitting US at https://www.saddlefitting.us/ or on Instagram and Facebook @saddlefitting.us

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses!

Rider fitness might impact your horse's overall welfare more than you might realize...

This week, we have special guest Jamie Graham of Haybales x Barbells to talk about rider fitness and why it's so good for the overall welfare of our horses. As an equestrian fitness expert, Jamie dives into the importance of balance while riding and the scientific studies that prove rider balance is infinitely more important than simply looking at the weight of the rider. Join us as we dive into the science and biomechanics behind how rider fitness not only can improve your own riding exponentially but also how it can help your horse excel under saddle, no matter what discipline you ride! 

Haybales & Barbells strives to provide accessible and affordable fitness programs for equestrians of all riding levels. Their mission is to educate equestrian athletes about why fitness training is beneficial for riders in and out of the saddle. More importantly, they strive to be advocates in creating a more diverse and inclusive environment for ALL equestrian athletes. 

Jamie started her career as a therapeutic horse riding instructor and equine assisted Recreation Therapist after completing her masters degree in Texas. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Recreation Therapist, Youth Exercise Specialist and Equestrian Athlete, she is extremely passionate about promoting the mental and physical benefits of exercise and how it directly links to rider's performance in the saddle.

Through her platform, it is Jamie's goal to promote body inclusivity, diversity and non-diet culture in the Equestrian and Fitness industry. Haybales and Barbells is for anyone and everyone.

Jamie hopes that through any of her various equestrian-specific fitness programs, she can help you achieve your fitness goals and become a better athlete for you and your horse!

You can find Jamie online at www.haybalesandbarbells.com or email her directly at [email protected] to learn more about her fitness programs. 

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound. 

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses! 

This week, we sit down with Andrew Philbrick to talk about "social license to operate" in the horse world. What does this practically mean in the wake of recent scandals for the future of equine sports? 

Before we dive into this week’s interview with Andrew around social license to operate, the Katie Prudent scandal and what it all means for the future of the equestrian community, I want to note that we recorded this episode before the Cesar Parra video came out. Andrew and I both want to emphasize that we are vehemently against horse or rider abuse of any kind, and that we hope this conversation gives you insight to how we can do our part as individuals and as a community to move forward and protect our horses and our sport.

Andrew Philbrick has a long and storied career riding professionally at a high level for over 25 years. Andrew is the owner of Hunter Farms & Princeton Show Jumping and splits his time between Princeton, NJ and Wellington, FL. You can find more information about him and Hunter Farms at www.hunterfarms.us

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! www.freelyforwardbodywork.com

You’ve probably heard the phrase “no hoof, no horse” but let’s breakdown the science behind the biomechanics of equine locomotion of the legs and the feet with one of the top leaders in equine biomechanics, Dr Hilary Clayton. Today, we'll talk about how the hoof and horse's limbs move and react to different types of footing. Learn what kind of footing is best to train in to give them an advantage in any riding discipline and keep them sound and comfortable for years to come!

Listeners, this week I have a special offer on my flagship course, Equine Massage 101, which will teach you how to help your horse through the art of myofascial release. Learn easy techniques to help your horse feel their absolute best! Listen to get the code for 10% off your purchase and learn more here: https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/offers/zpbZ3xQz/checkout

Dr. Hilary Clayton is one of those multi-talented individuals: rider, vet, author, researcher, and clinician Dr Clayton is known internationally for her ongoing contribution to the understanding of equine biomechanics particularly relating to performance and conditioning. Dr. Clayton’s targeted studies in bitting, saddle fit biometrics, kinematics and kinetics, and locomotion have provided valuable insight into the mechanics of equine sports, the interaction between rider and horse, and the effects of various rehabilitation techniques.

She has published seven books and more than 200 scientific articles on these topics. 

Learn more about Dr. Hilary's work here: https://thehorse.com/1author/hilary-m-clayton-bvms-phd/

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses! 

Today we sit down with our friend with Melissa Gallagher and Michael Kilmke to talk about equine welfare in competitive equestrian sports. We dig deep into how we should define welfare in the first place and what changes should be made (or perhaps even old traditions that should be revisited) to get back to what matters most: the well being of the horse in these competitive environments.

Michael has been one of Germany’s top dressage riders since the early 90’s, even though he has never been on the team for a World Championship or an Olympic Games. His European Championship titles are long way back and were won in the late 80’s when he was a young rider. Until 2002 Michael was a member of the B-squad. He achieved his greatest success with White Foot, including winning the national championship in 2000.

Michael began riding when he was a little boy. He also played hand ball for a local club in Münster, but at the age of 16 he decided to focus on his riding. He once confessed jokingly, that ‘he didn’t have a choice.’ His most important trainer was his father, Dr Rainer Klimke but he also trained with Ralf Isselhorst, Albert Stecken, Paul Stecken, Siegfried Peilicke, Harry Boldt, Klaus Balkenhol and Herbert Kuckluck

After his father’s death in 1999 Michael joined his law firm, Dr Klimke and Partners, and continues to work there as a senior partner for, specialising in equestrian legal issues.

or more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/

USE CODE NOBUCKS10 to get 10% off any of our online courses! 

This week, Maija and fellow equine massage therapist, Brittany Gray of Grayscale Equine sit back down to discuss what their first year building their respective bodyworking businesses looked like and how you can do it too! If you want to grow and scale your business while making a lasting impact on the horses you work with, don't miss this episode!

In other news: did you know that MOST horses experience some level of back pain?

Be sure to check out our latest mini course - BACK IN BALANCE - which teaches equestrians to learn how to identify pain through palpation, treat it with massage techniques and prevent it from occuring again, all in easy, bite sized lessons you can watch at home, on your own time.

Back in Balance is currently on SALE for $55 but don't miss out because the price is going up to $79 on February 1st!

Get more information on Back in Balance here: https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/offers/EhvsUVFF

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! www.freelyforwardbodywork.com

As an equine massage therapist, a question I am asked ALOT is if massage guns and their use on horses is safe or beneficial. The answer is a bit more complicated than you'd think! This week we dive into the science of massage guns and how best to approach using them on your horses! Join me and my best friend and amateur equestrian, Laura Adriaanse, as we break down the benefits of this tool! 

In other news: did you know that MOST horses experience some level of back pain?

Be sure to check out our latest mini course - BACK IN BALANCE - which teaches equestrians to learn how to identify pain through palpation, treat it with massage techniques and prevent it from occuring again, all in easy, bite sized lessons you can watch at home, on your own time. 

Back in Balance is currently on SALE for $55 but don't miss out because the price is going up to $79 on February 1st! 

Get more information on Back in Balance here: https://freelyforwardbodywork.mykajabi.com/offers/EhvsUVFF

For more graphics, video explanations, and behind-the-scenes bites, give us a follow @NoBucksGivenPodcast on Instagram.

This episode was executive-produced by Maija Liisa Luttinger and Allie Watson Bayne. Special thanks to our editor and sound mixer, David Dalton of Driftwork Sound.

This podcast is brought to you by Freely Forward Bodywork. Our mission at Freely Forward Bodywork is to make equine bodywork accessible to any horse, no matter where you are in the world. If you are interested in learning more about my online catalog of courses designed to help you bond with your horse through the art of massage, give me a follow on Instagram @freelyforwardbodywork or click this link to check them out yourself! www.freelyforwardbodywork.com