The NOËLLE FLOYD Podcast

High-performance horse care with no filter, no judgment, and zero dumb questions.

Let's be honest: you've Googled "do calming supplements actually work?" an hour before your class while your horse dances in the cross ties. You've wondered if your "lazy" gelding is actually just cooked, and you've definitely had a moment mid-warm-up where your horse's energy turned full-on feral.

This week, Noëlle sits down with Max Corcoran — Olympic groom, eventing insider, and your new barn bestie — to get real about what it actually takes to care for high-performance horses without losing your mind (or your budget).

We're talking:

✨ When to start joint support (and what's worth your $$$)

✨ Managing hot horses without just sedating the soul out of them

✨ Pre-show routines, post-ride recovery, and how to spot burnout before it hits

✨ Small barn strategies that work when you're the whole team

Whether you're juggling riding with a 9–5 or just want to do right by your horse under pressure, this episode is packed with unfiltered advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical tips from someone who's lived it.

You'll walk away with:

✔️ Confidence to make horse-first decisions — even in high-stakes moments

✔️ Clarity on what matters (and what's just noise) in performance care

✔️ A few Max-isms you'll probably start repeating at the barn Real talk, real care, and absolutely no stupid questions.

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow!

And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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This episode is brought to you by YETI and Connaway & Associates

YETI - Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts. No compromise.

Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com.

📱 @yeti

📱 facebook.com/YETI

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Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net to explore options, or get in touch today. 📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates 📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

Every rider knows the feeling: you're in the middle of a training session and something just doesn't click. There's a disconnect, not just with your horse, but with your approach and mindset. It's more than just a riding issue—it goes deeper, reflecting the challenges and complexities of the equestrian sport.

Today, we've got a guest who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. Karl Cook is an Olympic medalist and top-level showjumper who brings innovation and blunt honesty to the equestrian world.

In this episode, we'll delve into Karl's unique viewpoints on horse care, training, and the tools and technology that are changing how we approach the sport.

Known for his blunt and innovative style, Karl discusses the importance of focusing on fundamentals, avoiding quick fixes, and the tendency of horse owners to frame their horses as inherently unique to evade responsibility.

He talks about his latest projects, including the development of new bits, bridles, and sensors to improve training accuracy. Karl emphasizes the value of actionable data over mere feelings, highlighting a balance between subjective feel and objective information. He also discusses how simple yet disciplined adjustments can significantly impact riding performance and horse care.

Karl dives into his methods for integrating new horses into his program and the subtle differences in their management, stressing the importance of treating horses well, maintaining consistency, and the role of structured, data-informed practices. He advocates for a straightforward, action-oriented approach to overcome challenges and promote continuous improvement in both riders and horses.

Karl's book that he would read to the Horse World - anything by Jean-Marie Denoix, DVM, Ph.D.

Learn more from Karl Cook and follow him on social media:

📱www.instagram.com/mrtankcook/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. ---------------------------------------- This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net to explore options, or get in touch today. 📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates 📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

Every horse owner knows the feeling: walking through the field, chasing after a horse that won't come, sensing that disconnect not just with the horse, but with life.

It's more than just a training issue—it's a reflection of something deeper, a desire for connection and harmony that feels out of reach.

Being around horses is about more than riding—it's about finding peace, balance, and a deeper bond. Many people long for that connection, not only with their horses but also with themselves, especially in a world full of stress and constant "doing." But how do you get there when the path feels unclear?

In this episode, we sit down with Cassandra Ogier—founder of The Reflective Horse and co-founder of She Herd Power—to explore how horses reflect not just our actions, but our internal state. Cassandra's groundbreaking work in Somatic Riding and Equine Guided Empowerment helps riders regulate their nervous systems, claim space without force, and embody the kind of grounded leadership horses naturally trust.

This isn't about fixing your horse—it's about remembering yourself. Cassandra shares powerful, practical tools to shift from anxious doing to embodied being.

From simple grounding techniques to exercises in space claiming and energetic awareness, this episode offers a roadmap to true connection—moment to moment, breath by breath.

Whether you're navigating tension in the saddle or in your life, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen in, and lead like a mare: calm, congruent, and unapologetically present.

Cassandra's book that she would read to the Horse World - Listen Like a Horse by Kerri Lake

Learn more about Cassandra and her work with The Reflective Horse here: https://www.thereflectivehorse.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thereflectivehorse

And She Herd Power here: https://sheherdpower.squarespace.com/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

More real horses, more real problems—and more fresh perspectives on what might be going on beneath the surface.

In Part 2 of this special Dear Horse World special double episode series, we're continuing our conversation with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

After exploring three listener-submitted case studies in Part 1, we're back with three more.

This time, Dr. Langlois brings a TCVM approach to:

• A gelding with insulin irregularities and possible thyroid concerns
• A mare struggling with behavioural issues and chronic respiratory trouble
• A Belgian sport horse showing rearing behaviour and a persistently swollen leg

Through these stories, we explore how acupuncture, herbs, bodywork, and energy balancing can help reveal root imbalances that often go overlooked—and offer support when traditional methods aren't enough.

Whether you're exploring alternatives or just curious about what holistic care really looks like in action, this episode offers thoughtful insight, practical takeaways, and a whole new way of thinking about horse health.

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series for more Dear Horse World episodes, wherever you're listening!

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Real horses, real problems—and a fresh perspective on what might be going on beneath the surface. In this special two-part Dear Horse World episode, we're back with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). After introducing us to the world of acupuncture, herbs, and energy balancing in our first conversation, Dr. Langlois returns to answer your questions. We invited listeners to submit their horse's health challenges—and in this first instalment, we cover three fascinating case studies: - A horse in New Zealand struggling with heat-induced asthma - A stallion with persistent musculoskeletal pain and no clear diagnosis - A mare with a chronic cough and intermittent skin itching Dr. Langlois brings a TCVM lens to each case, exploring how ancient practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine can help identify root imbalances and support healing—especially when conventional approaches fall short. Whether you're TCVM-curious or navigating complex issues with your own horse, this episode offers insight, practical advice, and a thoughtful new way of understanding equine health. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into more listener-submitted cases.

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

That moment when you and your horse are so in sync, it's like you're breathing together. No pulling, no gripping, no second-guessing—just presence, softness, and trust. But then there are the other days.

You overthink. Your horse resists. Your leg tenses, your hands take instead of give. The connection frays. The confidence dips. And you wonder… Why does it feel so hard? According to five-time Olympian Anne Kursinski, it's not about strength. It's not even about talent. It's about feel—and feel is something you can learn. In this intimate, wisdom-packed conversation, Anne opens up about the journey behind her Olympic career: the mentors who doubted her, the tough moments that shaped her, and the deep presence she brings to every ride, clinic, and teaching moment today. We explore:

• Why "talent" is the most overrated concept in riding
• How to develop feel by listening to your horse—on the ground and in the saddle
• The difference between pressure and micromanagement
• How your energy, focus, and self-worth affect your horse's performance
• Why presence—not perfection—is the real path to progress

Whether you're in the barn before sunrise or riding once a week between life's responsibilities, Anne's insights will help you ride with more clarity, softness, and purpose. Because connection isn't something you force—it's something you create.

Anne's book that she would read to the Horse World - Thinking Body, Dancing Mind - Chungliang Al Huang

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Learn more from Anne Kursinski and follow her on social media:

https://www.annekursinski.com/

www.instagram.com/annekursinski www.facebook.com/AnneKursinski www.youtube.com/@ridingandjumpingmentor9453/videos

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld Episode Sponsored by:

YETI

Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts. No compromise.

Just gear that works as hard as you do.

Explore more at yeti.com | @yeti | facebook.com/YETI

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Think dressage is just for imported warmbloods and rhinestone-studded riders? Think again.

In this must-listen episode, NF+ Masterclass instructor Mette Larsen strips dressage down to what it really is: thoughtful, horse-first training that any rider can use to build better balance, deeper connection, and more confidence—arena or not.

You'll learn how dressage can help trail horses stop tripping, sharpen your jump-off turns, and make your rides feel more emotionally in sync.

It's the kind of episode that leaves you itching to throw your leg over and try something new—no white breeches required.

✨ Why you'll love it:

• Understand what "on the bit" is really supposed to feel like (and why it's not just about the frame).
• Learn how to ride into the future—literally—by letting go of your inside rein habit.
• Discover how dressage creates stronger, more balanced horses (and maybe even cuts down on those vet bills).

Whether you're a backyard rider with big dreams, a re-rider rebuilding your feel, or a competitor looking for more clarity and connection—this episode is your invitation to rethink everything you thought you knew about dressage.

This is Part 2 of Mette's 17-part NF+ Masterclass, "Dressage for All Disciplines"—a full training experience designed to meet you exactly where you are, no matter your discipline.

🔥 Want the rest? Join NF+ to unlock the full series and access 500+ expert-led lessons that help you ride better, feel more confident, and build the partnership you and your horse deserve.

Right now you can get 15% off an annual membership with the code 'DHW'.

Just head to noellefloydplus.com to join. Because at NF+, we believe great riding shouldn't feel exclusive—it should feel empowering. And this is where that starts.

What if going slow wasn't falling behind—but finally getting it right?

Horse trainer and quietly powerful human Mirjam Dunkel is here to remind us that taking your time isn't weakness—it's wisdom.

With a background in liberty work, classical dressage, and cowboy realness, Mirjam's trained over 100 young horses and built a reputation on softness, clarity, and doing right by the horse (even when it's hard, messy, or humbling).

In this episode, we chat about:

• Rebuilding trust with horses who've shut down
• Why skipping the "boring basics" backfires
• How slowing down builds connection—and confidence
• And what it means to chase big dreams, one tiny step at a time

Big dreams, quiet wins, and a whole new way of measuring progress—this one's filled with the kind of wisdom that sticks with you, long after the ride is over.

Miriam's book that she would read to the Horse World - any book by Jay Shetty.

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Learn more from Mirjam Dunkel and follow her story on social media:

📱www.instagram.com/mirjam_dunkel

Or train with Mirjam! https://www.mirjamdunkel.com/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Amazon Disclosure: Third-party books and products denoted on this page and website may be hyperlinked to the Amazon affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

This episode is brought to you by YETI.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) might sound ancient—but it's helping modern horses in ways you might not expect.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. John Langlois, a Florida-based equine veterinarian with over four decades of experience, who now works exclusively with TCVM.

After a long career in conventional veterinary medicine, a powerful experience treating broodmares with acupuncture changed everything—and led him to pursue further training in herbal medicine, Tui-na (Chinese medical massage), and spinal manipulation.

Dr. Langlois breaks down the foundations of TCVM in an accessible, practical way—sharing how this holistic approach can support horses with chronic conditions, behavioural challenges, and hard-to-diagnose issues.

We talk about:

• What TCVM really is—and how it complements conventional care
• How Dr. Langlois shifted from traditional practice to holistic treatments
• The Five Elements and how they can influence your horse's health and temperament
• When to consider acupuncture, herbs, or bodywork for your horse
• Common misconceptions about TCVM—and what the science and real-world results show

Whether you're new to the idea of integrative care or already exploring alternative therapies, this episode is packed with expert insight and grounded advice to help you better understand your horse—and support their long-term wellbeing.

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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A thank you to our Sponsor, YETI.

Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts. No compromise. Just gear that works as hard as you do.

Explore more at yeti.com. 📱 @yeti 📱 facebook.com/YETI

Content note: This episode discusses pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the emotional challenges of stepping back from riding. Please take care while listening.

If you're an equestrian navigating pregnancy, trying to conceive, postpartum, or simply curious about how reproductive health intersects with riding, you're likely facing a storm of mixed messages.

Some riders are told to keep going as long as they feel fine, others are urged to stop immediately—and often, those giving advice don't understand the unique demands of the saddle.

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jill L. Hechtman, MD, FACOG a board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience caring for women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.

Dr. Hechtman offers her expert medical perspective on the risks of riding while pregnant—including why she advises against it after the first trimester—and encourages women to make informed, personalised decisions in partnership with their healthcare provider.

We also discuss:

✔ The importance of understanding risks and trusting your instincts ✔ Safer ways to stay connected to horses when riding isn't advised ✔ How to care for your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum ✔ What to know about postpartum depression and open conversations around it ✔ Why tuning out external judgment and listening to your inner voice matters most Whether you're riding, resting, or returning to the saddle, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and emotional support for equestrians making some of the most personal decisions of their lives.

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Learn more from Dr Jill L. Hechtmann and Ringside Health 📱www.instagram.com/ringsidehealth/?locale=it&hl=en 🌎 www.ringsidehealth.com/ And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/ --------------------------------------

If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.