Episode 31 – Saddle Fitting, Classical Riding & Putting Horse Welfare First with Claire Whitfield from Saddles Direct

In this episode, host Aaron Englander (Just Horse Riders) sits down with Claire Whitfield (Saddles Direct) – classical riding instructor, IASF saddle fitter and BHS Accredited Professional Coach – to dive deep into what really makes a saddle “fit” for both horse and rider. From classical weight aids and rider balance to tree design, reflocking and why “one saddle fits all” is usually a terrible idea, this conversation is packed with practical, horse-first advice.

Claire explains how her classical dressage background and training with Sylvia Loch shaped her philosophy: rider position, balance and subtle weight aids aren’t “nice extras” – they’re the foundation for harmony and soundness. We talk about why thicker saddle pads don’t fix poor saddle fit, how to spot red-flag behaviours (like “naughtiness” that’s really pain), when to reflock, why six-monthly saddle checks matter, and how rider height, weight and anatomy all influence what a “correct” saddle looks like in the real world.

We also cover common myths (custom = always better, or that expensive = good fit), how often horses really change shape, what to do if you’ve bought the wrong horse/saddle combination, and why storage, age and damage (broken trees, lumpy flocking, dodgy racks) can quietly ruin even the best saddle. If you’ve ever wondered “Is my saddle hurting my horse?” or “Can I safely use one saddle on multiple horses?”, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen, follow & connect with Just Horse Riders:

• Website – https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justhorseriders
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/justhorseriders
• TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficial
• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOffical
• Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi
• Saddles Direct – https://saddlesdirect.co.uk

#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #saddlefitting #saddlefit #classicaldressage #riderbiomechanics #horsewelfare #horsepodcast #equestrian

🎙️ Episode 30 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast — hosted by Aaron Englander from Just Horse Riders — welcomes Nika Vorster, an international equine chiropractor, former GB dressage rider, and ex-flat jockey, on a mission to help a million horses by helping riders heal themselves.

In this inspiring episode, Nika shares her journey from pony-club beginnings in South Africa to competing for Great Britain at Prix St Georges level, and how her work in chiropractic and biomechanics is changing the way we understand horse-and-rider wellness.

We dive deep into:
🐴 How mindset, nutrition, and movement affect your horse’s performance
💪 Why riding alone isn’t enough to stay fit — and how to train smarter
🌿 The truth about seed oils, cortisol, and rider inflammation
🧘‍♀️ The link between female hormones, the menstrual cycle & equestrian performance
❤️ Building connection, confidence, and communication with your horse from the ground up
✨ How to read subtle pain signs, work holistically with your vet & team, and create calmer, happier horses

Whether you’re a competitive rider or love hacking on weekends, this episode will help you see that healing your horse starts with healing yourself.

👇 Listen / Watch Now
🎧 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi
▶️ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOffical

🌐 Find Just Horse Riders Online:
Website – https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justhorseriders
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/justhorseriders
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficial

#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #equestrianlife #horselovers #horsemanship #femaleequestrians #animalchiropractic #dressagerider #riderfitness #equestrianwellness #horsehealth #riderhealth #nikavorster #podcastinterview

Join Aaron Englander from Just Horse Riders as he sits down with Sarah Arthur, CEO of HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association), in this powerful episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast. 🐴✨Discover the incredible work HAPPA does to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses, ponies, and donkeys across the UK. From heartbreaking stories of neglect and abandonment to heartwarming tales of second chances, Sarah shares the charity’s mission, challenges, and inspiring success stories.Learn about:✅ HAPPA’s life-changing rescue cases, including foals saved against all odds.✅ The cost of running a world-class equine welfare charity (£22,000 per week!).✅ Their rehoming and foster schemes giving every horse a true second chance.✅ How YOU can get involved – from sponsoring a horse to visiting their award-winning site in Lancashire.If you care about equine welfare, animal rescue, and giving horses the future they deserve, this episode is a must-watch!👉 Subscribe for more inspiring equestrian stories and insights.🌐 Follow Just Horse RidersWebsite: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi🎙️ About HAPPAWebsite: https://www.happa.org.ukTel: 01282 455992Email: [email protected]#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #horses #equestrian #animalrescue #equinewelfare #happa

This episode features the incredibly talented Gill Pollard – one of the UK’s top equestrian professionals and a Level 5 (Advanced) British Showjumping Course Designer.Gill shares her fascinating journey from Pony Club competitor to designing show jumping courses at the highest level, along with her experience as an accomplished dressage rider. With championship wins at Prix St. Georges and Advanced Medium, Gill offers a rare insight into the competitive equestrian world – from the technical details of course building to the life lessons she’s learned ringside.Expect stories of speed classes, course design challenges, funny competition moments (yes, sheep and wheelbarrows are involved!), and advice for riders of all levels. Whether you’re a show jumping competitor, dressage enthusiast, or just love a good behind-the-scenes equestrian story, this episode is packed with value and entertainment.📌 Listen for:The reality of designing fair yet challenging coursesHow to prepare horses for different types of fences and fillersThe difference between novice and championship-level competitionMemorable moments in Gill’s career – from county shows to championship arenasTips for riders to improve confidence and performance in the ring🌐 Follow Just Horse RidersWebsite – https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficialYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #showjumping #dressage #coursebuilding #equestrianlife #horseriders #horsepodcast #britishshowjumping #ponyclub #ridingtips #equestrianstories

Join host Aaron Englander of Just Horse Riders as he sits down with world‑renowned “Horse Barber” Melody Hames for an honest, funny and deeply insightful chat about the art and science of horse clipping. From the welfare‑first philosophy that guides Melody’s work to the business lessons she’s learned travelling the world with her clippers, this episode explores:Why traditional and creative clipping improve comfort, skin health and athletic performance.The step‑by‑step checkpoints Melody uses to keep horses calm and safe.Blade tension, oiling every nine minutes, and other pro tips that extend equipment life.Building a clipping business, teaching online courses, and handling brand “poachers.”Mental health, burnout, and the life lessons Melody’s late partner horse Romeo continues to teach her. Whether you’re a DIY groomer, a budding equine professional, or just horse‑obsessed, Episode 27 delivers practical take‑aways and heart‑warming stories in equal measure.The Horse Barber - https://thehorsebarber.com/Listen & FollowWebsite: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook:   / justhorseriders  Instagram:   / justhorseriders  TikTok:   / justhorseridersofficial  YouTube:    / @justhorseridersoffical  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQ...#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #horseclipping #horsegrooming #equestrianlife #horsecare #creativeclipping #horsebarber

In Episode 26 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron Englander is joined by Linda Cowperthwaite, a seasoned Team GB endurance rider with 40 years of riding under her belt. 🐎In this inspiring episode, Linda opens up about:How she got started in endurance ridingTraining horses for 100-mile competitionsHeart rate recovery tipsBuilding trust with your horseCompeting internationally, including riding in Qatar and meeting King Charles!Her top tips for crew support, feeding routines, and mental resilience 💪Whether you're an experienced competitor or just endurance-curious, this chat is filled with humour, wisdom, and real rider insight. 🎙️👉 Watch now and take your endurance knowledge to the next level!🔗 Connect with us:Website - https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook -   / justhorseriders  Instagram -   / justhorseriders  Tiktok -   / justhorseridersofficial  YouTube -    / @justhorseridersoffical  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQ...🎧 #justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #enduranceriding #teamGB #horsetraining #equestrianlife

In episode 25 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, host Aaron Englander is joined by Louise Scott, Senior Nutritionist and Product Development Manager from D&H (Dodson & Horrell). Louise shares her extensive expertise on equine nutrition, debunking popular horse feeding myths, explaining the science behind feed formulation, and providing essential tips on feeding horses effectively. They discuss topics such as summer feeding adjustments, managing horse weight and energy levels, and the importance of understanding ingredients and quality assurance in horse feeds and supplements. Louise also highlights D&H's exciting new products and campaigns aimed at supporting horse health.Discover practical nutrition advice to ensure your horse stays healthy and happy! WATCH NOW to gain valuable insights directly from an equine nutrition expert.Follow Just Horse Riders:Website - https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficialYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#JustHorseRiders #EquestrianPodcast #JustHorseRidersPodcast #HorseNutrition #EquineFeed #DodsonandHorrell #HorseCare

In Episode 24 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron Englander sits down with the legendary Sue Stewart, former FEI International Eventing Judge and lifelong equestrian, to talk through decades of wisdom from the horse world.

From judging at international events like Burghley to her early days in the Pony Club, Sue shares invaluable insights into:

• The evolution of eventing and dressage

• The role of the judge and how scores are determined

• How pony welfare and rider confidence have changed over the years

• The importance of enjoying your journey, not just the results

• Why children need ponies with “woodworm and dry rot” 🐴

Whether you're a passionate parent, a competitive rider, or just pony-mad, this episode is full of real stories, laughter, and truth bombs 💣 about the horse industry.

🎧 Watch now, listen later, but don't miss it!

🔗 Follow Just Horse Riders:Website – https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justhorseriders
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/justhorseriders
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficial
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOffical
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi

#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #horsecare #eventing #equestrianlife #ponyclub #horsesofinstagram #dressagetips #ridingadvice #ponylove

🎙️ WATCH NOW! Changing Lives Through Horses | Just Horse Riders Podcast Ep. 23 🐴

Description:In this episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, host Aaron Englander sits down with Alison and Philippa from the British Horse Society (BHS) to discuss their incredible Changing Lives Through Horses program. 🐎

This initiative provides an alternative learning pathway for young people who struggle in traditional school environments, helping them develop life skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging through equine-based education. From personal success stories to insights into how the program is transforming young lives, this episode is a must-watch for horse lovers, educators, and anyone passionate about youth development.

What you'll learn in this episode:✅ How horses can help young people re-engage with education
✅ The life-changing impact of the BHS Changing Lives Through Horses program
✅ Real-life success stories of children finding purpose through equestrian activities
✅ The role of riding schools and communities in providing support
✅ The growing importance of equine-assisted education

🔗 Relevant Links:
🌎 Website: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhorseriders
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justhorseriders
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficial
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOffical
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi
🐴 Changing Lives Through Horses: https://www.bhs.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/changing-lives-through-horses/

📢 Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more equestrian insights!

#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #ChangingLivesThroughHorses #equestrianlife #horseeducation #horsepodcast #britishhorsesociety #horsetherapy

JoinAaron Englander fromJust Horse Riders as he sits down withNeil Foster, an equestrian peak performance mindset coach, for an eye-opening discussion on themental resilience needed in riding and competing. 🚀

💡 In this episode, Neil shares howmindset influences riding success, whether you’re a happy hacker or a five-star eventer. They explore overcomingfear after falls, the importance ofvisualization and confidence, and how self-belief cantransform performance in the saddle.

🔥 Key topics include:
✅ Whymost equestrians limit themselves without realizing it
✅ Howfear and self-doubt hold riders back (and how to beat them!)
✅ The role ofhypnosis & NLP in equestrian mindset coaching
✅ Whycomparing yourself to others kills progress
✅ How to setchallenging yet achievable riding goals

Neil’s expertise incoaching riders at all levels, from leisure riders toelite international competitors, offersgame-changing advice for anyone wanting toimprove their mental game in equestrian sports.

💬 Have you ever struggled with confidence in riding? Drop a comment below! 👇

🔗Follow Just Horse Riders:
🌐 Website -https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/
📘 Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/justhorseriders
📷 Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/justhorseriders
🎵 TikTok -https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficial
📺 YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOffical
🎧 Spotify -https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi

🔗Guest: Neil Foster
🌐 Website -https://neilfostersportsmindcoach.co.uk/

📢Hashtags:
#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #mindsetmatters #horseriding #equestrian #ridersconfidence #horseconfidence #ridingcoach #overcomingfear #equestriantraining