The Mounting Block - Riding, Life, and Laughs, Because We're Over 40 and Still Getting a Leg Over!

Oriel and Marissa are back — and this week, it’s all about bravery in every form. From Oriel conquering her first official dressage test (complete with white jods, trembling hands and a bravery award) to Marissa’s first trail ride in decades, the pair share laughter, nerves and small victories in the saddle.

Then they’re joined by the incredible Professor Matt Sanders, founder of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, for a powerful conversation on raising resilient kids. Matt dives into the rise in childhood anxiety, how parents can model calm and optimism, and why learning emotional literacy is just as important as learning to ride without falling off.

It’s an episode for every parent — and every rider — learning to stay steady when life feels wobbly!

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Oriel and Marissa tick off a huge milestone: their first unsupervised ride together. In a fenceless grass arena (gulp), they work on serpentines, self-carriage and a few baby canters—plus a quick refresher on arena manners after Laney threatens a cheeky bum-bite. They also unpack a horsemanship clinic with Will from Equine on the Move—think pallets-as-seesaws, pool noodles, bridges and those giant mining tyres that Oriel actually rode over (fear: faced). Next on the agenda? A float-driving clinic (aka “towing water”).
In the second half, they introduce a heartfelt pre-recorded chat with business mentor Claire Riley on navigating separation: getting practical support (parenting coach, lawyer, money person), talking to kids without over-promising, Centrelink realities, legal guardrails, and breaking up kindly. It’s an episode about confidence, under saddle and in life.

After a short break, Oriel and Marissa are back behind the mic — and back in the saddle — for Season Two of The Mounting Block! This catch-up episode is packed with updates from “Horseland,” including the exciting arrival of Hickatee, Marissa’s new quarter horse on lease, and the blossoming paddock friendship (and surprising pecking order!) between Hickatee and Laney.

The duo also opens up about the rollercoaster of horse ownership, from vet checks and heart murmurs to the joy of early-morning feeds and the juggle of family life, work, and riding. With fresh goals, new routines, and a promise to make time for the things that bring them joy, this episode sets the tone for a season all about growth, connection, and not rushing the ride.

In this episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa sit down with Pam Hird — a nutritionist, naturopath, and personal trainer — to unpack the realities of burnout, sleep struggles, and the changes our bodies face as we move through our 40s and 50s.

Pam brings her holistic perspective to the conversation, breaking down how stress impacts our energy, why sleep disturbances become more common, and what’s really going on as we step into the perimenopause era. With practical advice and warm encouragement, she shares tools for balancing hormones, supporting our bodies naturally, and finding sustainable ways to rebuild energy.

This chat is equal parts informative and reassuring, reminding us that while our bodies are shifting, we can thrive with the right support, lifestyle changes, and mindset. If you’ve ever wondered whether the fatigue, restless nights, or sudden shifts you’re experiencing are “just you” — this episode will remind you that you’re not alone, and that there are steps you can take to feel better in this stage of life.

In Episode 17 of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa share the twists and turns of their latest riding lesson. With Laney out of action and Marissa feeling under the weather, the pair mixed up their horses and found themselves navigating all the quirks and challenges that come with riding something new. They also take a moment to reflect on their nearly 12 months back in the saddle, prompted by listener feedback, and open up about where their fears still lie, how they measure progress, and why celebrating small wins is just as important as staying upright.

It’s an honest, light-hearted look at growth, grit, and the joy of sticking with it, even when the ride doesn’t go to plan!

In this episode of The Mounting Block, Marissa shares the hilarious tale of her whirlwind 48 hours as a brand-new pony owner — complete with a cheeky Houdini pony determined to test her patience (and her fences!).

After the laughter, Oriel and Marissa welcome guest Claire Riley from claireriley.co, a business coach who helps business owners back themselves with confidence. Claire talks about why imperfect action often beats perfection, how to reconnect with the passion behind your work, and the mindset shifts that keep you moving forward no matter what stage of business you’re in.

It’s an episode that blends paddock chaos with powerful business wisdom — a reminder that whether it’s ponies or business, backing yourself is always the way forward.

This episode of The Mounting Block takes a powerful turn as Marissa and Oriel are joined by parenting expert Carol Markie-Dadds from Triple P Parenting to mark Bullying Awareness Week. Carol brings decades of experience in child development and family support to an open, honest conversation about the challenges families face when bullying enters the picture.

Together, they explore how bullying shows up in today’s world — from the schoolyard to the digital space — and how parents can be proactive in protecting their children’s mental health.

Carol shares her insights on recognising the signs, opening communication, and empowering children to build resilience, while also encouraging parents to be strong advocates when their child needs support. She also touches on the emotional toll that cyberbullying can take and how teaching empathy early on is a powerful tool for prevention.

With warmth, wisdom, and plenty of practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the tricky terrain of raising kids in a world where bullying is all too common — and support, connection, and open communication are more important than ever.

In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode of The Mounting Block, Oriel and Marissa open up about the reality of life getting in the way of riding, of routines, and of each other. With honesty and warmth, they reflect on the few weeks they haven’t ridden together and how hard it can be to keep passions alive when everything else feels overwhelming.

But the real heart of this episode comes as Oriel shares her IVF journey which is raw, emotional, and brave, with an unexpected and extraordinary twist! This isn’t a polished highlight reel; it’s real life, with all its heartbreak, resilience, and hope.

Whether you’re in the thick of IVF, feeling disconnected from your old self, or just trying to juggle too much, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Sometimes stepping away from the saddle leads to the most powerful perspective of all.

This week on The Mounting Block, we’re joined by an absolute powerhouse — five-time Olympian and beach volleyball gold medallist Natalie Cook! From the sandy courts of Sydney 2000 to life beyond elite sport, Nat shares what it really takes to reach the pinnacle of performance and how she transitioned into her post-athletic life with purpose.

We dive into the mental grit, goal-setting, and laser-sharp focus required to chase down a dream — whether it’s Olympic gold or simply finding joy in something new (like maybe getting Nat into the saddle!). With plenty of laughs, inspiring takeaways, and a few curveballs along the way, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

So… can we convince a beach volleyball legend to swap the sand for stirrups?

In this episode, Marissa finally gets her moment in the saddle on Oriel’s horse, Laney—but where was Oriel during this ride? The duo catch up and unpack the juggle that so many families face: the chaos of coordinating life as working parents, managing FIFO (fly-in fly-out) schedules, travelling without kids, and all the moving parts that come with it. From school pick-ups to juggling the holidays, they talk honestly about the load and the lifeline that is community. It's a reminder that behind every ride (and every rider) is a team making it happen.