Solid in the Saddle

In today's episode I have the chance to interview the North American Director for Sleip, a Swedish-based objective gait analysis tool for horses. Dr. Jamie Textor, DVM PhD DACVS DACVSMR is a veterinarian based in Northern California. Her professional experience includes specialty surgical and sports medicine practice in veterinary teaching hospitals as well as sports medicine work in the field. Dr. Textor's perspective emphasizes the importance of real-world interpretation and integration of objective gait analysis techniques into everyday practice.

I believe that Sleip is going to fundamentally change how we get our horses in shape, help them recover from injury, and keep horses sound over their entire lifetime. I’m excited to announce that I have the capability of uploading your horse’s videos to the Sleip app remotely through my subscription. Head to solidinthesaddle.com/sleip for more information. 

In this episode we discuss the benefits of objective gait analysis in keeping horses sound, healthy, and performing well throughout their lifetime.

We discuss three separate scenarios in which objective gait analysis can really benefit horse-rider teams. 

1) Getting a horse in shape for competition as well as implications Sleip may have in prehabilitation (preventative conditioning before the horse is injured instead of after)

2) Coming back from an injury

3) Monitoring the status of horses who are actively competing and hauling

We discuss how it can pick up an overuse injury before it is detected by the human eye or felt under saddle.

We talk about the cost of the rider only posting on one diagonal for extended periods of time- years- and the asymmetries the horse will develop due to that. That asymmetry is what I'm wanting to help riders become aware of. 

If a rider only posts on one diagonal and the reason is that their pelvis is a bit twisted or they lack internal rotation on one hip, there are exercises we can do to greatly improve that so posting on the other diagonal doesn't feel so awkward!

Again, I am SO excited to be able to offer this service to riders. The remote analysis will include a PDF of your horse’s gait pattern including any asymmetries and the degree of asymmetry that is present. This includes differences side to side in impact (that is, the horse’s hoof hitting the ground, AND push-off, that is, the horse’s hoof leaving the ground). The important part for riders is to send in a video of your horse trotting in-hand AND a video of your horse trotting with you mounted.

Asymmetry in humans is just as important as it is in horses, so if you’d like a free hip strength workout for riders you can head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/hip.

Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoyed this content please leave a review; we would love to hear from you about which episodes you’re loving and want more content on.

In this episode, nervous system expert Kendall Hitch breaks down how the nervous system constantly scans for safety and threat (often without us realizing it) and how this process shapes stress, anxiety, burnout, and even behaviors like doomscrolling or numbing out.

Through a clear, practical explanation of the vagus nerve and heart rate variability (HRV), this conversation reframes stress not as a mindset problem, but as a physiological capacity issue. Kendall explains why “just calming down” doesn’t work, how survival responses override logic, and what it actually means to build nervous system resilience over time.

This episode is especially valuable for anyone who feels constantly “on,” struggles to come down after stress, or wants a more compassionate, body-based understanding of mental and emotional health. She also discusses how stress affects women's hormone health and both in-the-moment and long-term strategies to reduce stress in your life.

This is an episode you're going to want to share with ALL the women in your life- friends, family, mothers, daughters, trainers, etc!

Key Topics & Time Stamps: [00:02:52] The nervous system as a surveillance system How the nervous system scans for danger up to six times per second, outside of conscious awareness. [00:03:40] The three levels of scanning External environment, internal body sensations, and relational cues. [00:05:22] Why stress isn’t “just psychological” The vagus nerve and why most stress signals travel from body to brain, not just the other way around. [00:06:54] Survival brain vs. thinking brain Why logic and self-talk fail during anxiety and stress responses. [00:08:35] Modern stress vs. ancestral danger How the nervous system mislabels everyday stressors as life-threatening. [00:10:12] Neuroception and nervous system states Understanding ventral vagal (regulated), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown). [00:12:17] Doomscrolling, numbing, and addiction patterns Why behaviors like scrolling, overeating, or substance use are attempts to regulate sensation. [00:14:50] Capacity over coping Why increasing nervous system resilience matters more than stress “management.” [00:18:28] The vagus nerve as a braking system How vagal tone helps regulate survival responses—and what happens when it’s inaccurate. [00:21:10] Trauma and misfiring threat detection When the nervous system stays on high alert—or goes offline entirely. [00:22:02] Lessons from animal nervous systems Why accurate activation and recovery matter across species. [00:25:08] Heart rate variability (HRV) explained Why HRV is one of the best measures of stress resilience. [00:26:20] Training the nervous system like a muscle How resilience is built gradually, not forced. [00:27:15] Measuring progress with wearable data Using HRV trends to understand recovery, stress, and regulation. [00:28:14] Hormones, cycles, and nervous system health Why stress resilience fluctuates and how context matters. [00:44:05] Stress hormones and reproductive trade-offs Why high stress historically signaled the body to delay pregnancy. [00:44:23] Stress, progesterone, and cycle disruption How elevated cortisol lowers progesterone and impacts ovulation and cycle length. [00:45:13] Stress effects on testosterone and estrogen Why hormonal suppression under stress affects both women and men. [00:45:40] Perimenopause as a stress amplifier Estrogen volatility, declining progesterone, and reduced buffering capacity. [00:46:10] Anxiety escalation during perimenopause Why previously manageable stress becomes overwhelming. [00:46:40] Menopause, HRV decline, and stress resilience How low estrogen and progesterone reduce nervous system adaptability. [00:47:04] Prioritizing nervous system health with age Why stress regulation becomes non-negotiable later in life. [00:47:23] Hormones vs. cortisol: a compounding effect How unmanaged stress magnifies hormonal vulnerability. [00:48:37] Prevention mindset for riders Why addressing stress before menopause matters for performance and longevity. Nervous System Training & Symptom Reduction [00:49:06] How long does nervous system work take to help? Why results depend on consistency, intensity, and starting point. [00:49:32] Nervous system training vs. gym training Why occasional effort doesn’t create change. [00:50:12] Regulation vs. repatterning Two layers of nervous system work: immediate calming and deeper trigger rewiring. [00:50:47] Why guidance accelerates results How coaching or programs support long-term repatterning. [00:51:08] Real-world transformations in 3 months From daily panic attacks to restored function and confidence. [00:51:53] Immediate relief vs. lasting resilience Why one-off exercises aren’t enough. [00:52:40] Limitations of talk therapy alone Why cognition can’t always reach brainstem-driven responses. [00:53:18] Nervous system work at the root Why anxiety can resolve when threat responses are retrained. Performance, Riding, and In-the-Moment Regulation [00:54:26] Acute vs. chronic nervous system regulation How athletes can use tools both long-term and in competition. [00:54:58] Training outside the event Why nervous system resilience must be built before performance. [00:55:27] Performance anxiety explained Why competition triggers sympathetic overactivation. [00:55:42] Breath as the autonomic remote control Why breathing is the fastest way to influence nervous system state. [00:56:14] Body awareness and tension release Identifying stress patterns in shoulders, neck, and jaw. [00:57:17] Pandiculation for shoulder tension Using slow release to reset muscle tone. [00:57:43] Tongue circles for neck relaxation A subtle but powerful technique for mounted riders. [00:59:16] Jaw mobility for stress release Reducing clenching to downregulate threat responses. Tapping, Focus, and Mental Clarity [01:00:45] Using tapping before and during rides When and how to apply tapping for acute stress. [01:01:12] Sensation-based tapping vs. cognitive EFT Why focusing on bodily sensation can be more effective. [01:02:06] The body-to-brain stress pathway Why addressing physical sensation matters more than affirmations. [01:03:27] Acupressure shortcuts for riders Using 1–2 points for rapid regulation. [01:04:44] Focus, presence, and performance clarity Why fight-or-flight blocks cognitive function. [01:05:19] When breathwork isn’t the first step Why some athletes need touch or tapping before breath focus. [01:06:18] Personalized breathing strategies Matching breath patterns to nervous system state. [01:06:58] Box breathing for focus Why breath holds improve performance precision. [01:07:45] 4-7-8 breathing and CO₂ tolerance How breath holds retrain anxiety sensitivity. [01:08:11] CO₂ tolerance and stress perception Why low tolerance can mimic panic signals. [01:08:41] Long-term breathwork for resilience & Training tolerance to increase composure under pressure.

Episode Takeaway: True resilience comes from increasing capacity, not avoiding stress!

If you'd like a free breathwork PDF using the techniques of Kendall's that I LOVE, head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/breathe

And if you'd like a free core workout PDF for horseback riders to reduce the stress of thinking you're going to fall off, head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/core .

As always, thank you so much for listening to this episode. Please share with a loved one who may benefit from this episode, even if they aren't a horseback rider!

Dr. Hilary Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher, and celebrated equestrian whose career spans more than 45 years advancing science in equine locomotor biomechanics, athletic conditioning, rehabilitation, and rider–horse interaction.

She holds a BVMS from the University of Glasgow (1973) and a PhD in biomechanics (1978), and served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University from 1997 until her retirement in 2014.

She has authored 7 books and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, focusing on how rider position, saddle fit, and training protocols directly affect equine kinematics, gait symmetry, and performance outcomes.

Dr. Clayton is a past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, and is also an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science, and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame including the USDF Roemer Foundation and the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame.

This episode is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle, our introductory rider fitness course that is appropriate for all levels of riding and fitness ability. This course will improve your core strength, back strength, and leg strength and strengthen the specific muscles Dr. Clayton discusses in this podcast interview. You can sign up here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/six and use code "JOURNEY" for 10% off. 

Lindsay Schulz is a standout barrel racer, trainer, and clinician from Moses Lake, WA. As a multiple time futurity champion and arena record holder, she’s earned accolades in regional and national competitions including the 2023 Xtreme Million Athlete of the Year.

Lindsay owns the legendary Miss Eedie Stinson and carefully developed the mare into a true champion. Their partnership earned them headlines at the Xtreme Mini Million in Las Vegas, where Lindsay broke the arena record, winning over $6,000. With total earnings exceeding $142,000 in Xtreme Million events and over $200K in Miss Eedie’s career, Lindsay has proven herself at the highest level as both a trainer and competitor.

Beyond the arena, Lindsay is a respected barrel racing clinician and coach who shares her training insights—emphasizing both horse and rider preparedness and fitness.

This episode is brought to you by COMPETE, our in-season workout program for riding athletes who want to maximize their potential and compete at the highest level possible. Use code "LINDSAY" at checkout for 10% off! Head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/compete to access.

In this episode I get to chat with master clinician Paul Humphrey. Paul dives into what makes a rider and barrel racer successful, starting with a foundation of solid horsemanship.

Paul discusses horse body control and common mistakes riders make. He discusses how rider strength, fitness, and balance play into being successful at his clinics; especially on day 3 if they are sore or not!

He discusses foundational requirements for young horses including what they should know how to do before coming to one of his clinics. Paul also discusses how to handle hot horses at clinics and the "breakthroughs" that happen in 3 days no matter which level of horse or rider attend.

This was a very informational episode and Paul's expertise shines with the discussion on laying the foundation for a successful barrel racing training program.

This episode is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle, which is a great option for riders who are looking to build strength before going to one of Paul's clinics to withstand the physical requirements of 3 days of intense riding. You can learn more here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/six

You can reach Paul at his website: https://breakingthemoldwithpaul.com/

Or through Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/paul.humphrey.18 

Here's the bottom line: Strong riders have better health, better performance, and have more fun on their horses.

Want to ride better, safer, and with more confidence? In this quick-hit episode, I break down why having adequate muscle strength for the demands of riding is important. You'll learn why weaker, untrained riders struggle with frustration, injury, and lost confidence, and what they can do to reverse that and get back to riding like they used to.

In this short episode I'll teach you:

- Why you need to focus on lean mass as a woman rider + my tried and true tips to get there

- The biomechanical differences between expert and novice riders

- The muscles required of the rider when your horse rapidly slows down, speeds up, turns, or spooks

- The forces and muscles required during a barrel racing straight run vs. turn and how to train them

- The efficient way to prevent riding injuries

- How to improve balance, strength, and control in just 15 minutes a day

- The overlooked mindset shift that can make you a more confident, competitive rider

If you're a female horseback rider who’s tired of feeling stuck, sore, or behind the competition, this episode is your guide to what steps you can take to change the narrative. Listen now and learn simple, effective strategies to transform your riding- without ever stepping foot in the gym.

This course is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle. You can learn more at www.solidinthesaddle.com/six

Resources mentioned in this episode include www.solidinthesaddle.com/backpain and www.solidinthesaddle.com/core

I hope you enjoy today's episode! If you are enjoying these podcasts, please leave us a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. These reviews mean the world to us and help us spread the word to horseback riders everywhere!

Coming soon!

In this episode I get a chance to interview Coach Brandi of Cowgirl Confidence. She sheds light on SO many valuable tools you can use to maximize your mental game before, during, and outside of competitions.

Coach Brandi is a force to be reckoned with in the horse world. Winning her first world championship at just 8 years old, she is no stranger to the pressures and stresses of competing with horses.

You're going to want to play this one on your way to your next competition- or even before your next job interview!

You can access the free GRIT worksheet here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/grit

This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. This is our signature course that combines both physical and mental strengthening over a period of 8 weeks to transform your riding. If you're ready to gain strength, confidence, and stability, sign up at www.solidinthesaddle.com/rideconfident101 .

You can check out Brandi's FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/confidentcowgirl

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and/or review! These reviews truly help us reach more horseback riders who are interested in improving their health OR their horse's health!

Today’s guest is a very special one as she is the single most influential person in my barrel racing career. She has made such a positive impact on my life and I am truly blessed to call her a mentor. Judy Myllymaki is a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Montana Circuit champion, futurity champion, lifelong horsewoman, and one of the most respected clinicians in the barrel racing world. With a career spanning over many decades, Judy has competed—and won—at the highest levels of the sport- and all on self-made horses. She made countless trips to the Montana circuit finals and her “tack room” is filled with trophy saddles from winning all over the country. Earning a spot at the NFR at 54 years old stands as a testament to her grit, precision, and unwavering dedication to horsemanship. Not only did she punch a ticket to compete at the NFR herself, she coached and trained other women to multiple NFR appearances including Raina Rice and Rachael Myllymaki. She’s personally trained many horses that have been at the NFR as well. Known for her ability to develop both horses and riders into confident, consistent performers, Judy brings a unique blend of competitive insight and quiet, powerful teaching. Judy’s clinics are renowned for being grounded in solid fundamentals, clear communication, and giving each horse/rider combination a chance to shine at the highest level they are capable at. I attended my first Judy clinic back in 2014 and have been learning from her ever since. I rode with her while attending Physical Therapy school at the University of Montana and those 3 years were a pivotal shift in my life as a horsewoman. I learned so many things about riding, horse care, barrel racing, hauling, training, and the physiological requirements of getting a horse in shape to run barrels, which is one of the reasons her “stations” will always be a staple of my program. Judy is truly the matriarch of barrel racing in the NorthWest. She is the definition of resilience and of healthy aging- she’s 80 years old and still getting out there and riding, training, coaching, and taking care of business. I hope you all enjoy this podcast episode as much as I loved recording it with her! This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. Learn more at www.solidinthesaddle.com/rideconfident101 Sign up for our free Reach your Riding Goals Masterclass at www.solidinthesaddle.com/goalsreplay

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Courtney James of Heart and Sole therapy in Billings, MT. 

We discuss all things pelvic health including incontinence, pain, prolapse, and how the pelvic floor changes during crucial points in a woman's life including pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. 

In addition to extensive training in women’s health Dr. Courtney is a horseback rider and mom herself. Needless to say, she knows her stuff.

The episode is filled with valuable tools, tips, and information that will have you going “ahhh that’s why…” and get you started on the path to resolving this pesky issue at any age. Hint: there are different factors that affect incontinence at different life stages!  

Normalizing discussion in these areas is important to both Courtney and I and we both truly believe that women should be able to enjoy their horses at any stage of life. 

You'll learn valuable tips from Courtney that you can start applying TODAY! 

Incontinence is a HUGE issue for female horseback riders. But you don’t have to live with it! Head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/incontinence  to get our FREE PDF of incontinence exercises for horseback riders.

You can find Courtney at Heart and Sole Therapy here: https://heartandsoletherapymt.com/ 

Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/heartandsoletherapymt/ 

Or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/heartandsoletherapymt/