The People Behind The Horses

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine welfare, education, and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Shelby Dennis, IAABC Certified Equine Behavior Consultant, founder of Milestone Equestrian, and author of Secrets of the Horse: A New Approach to Training and Understanding Horses.Drawing from her personal journey, professional experience, and the lessons learned from her horse Milo, Shelby challenges traditional assumptions about horse behavior and explores how empathy, science, and welfare-focused management can transform our relationships with horses.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Shelby’s journey into horses and the experiences that shaped her approach to horsemanship
• The inspiration behind Secrets of the Horse and its message for today’s equestrian community
• Why understanding the root cause of behavior is essential for effective training and horse welfare
• Common misconceptions about horse communication and the importance of viewing behavior through a scientific lens
• How management practices influence equine health, stress, and performance, often more than training alone
• A thoughtful discussion on social license, competition ethics, and the future of horse sport
• The role of transparency, data, and evidence-based decision-making in advancing equine welfare

• Reasons for optimism as a new generation of horse owners and professionals embrace higher welfare standards

Whether you're a rider, trainer, coach, or horse owner, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving conversation around horse behavior, welfare, and the future of horsemanship.⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview: Shelby Dennis
• 1:00 - Shelby’s Early Journey Into Horses
• 2:25 - Inside the Book: Secrets of the Horse
• 6:02 - The Horse That Changed Everything: Milo’s Story
• 9:00 - Lessons Learned From Living With Milo
• 11:52 - Understanding the “Why” Behind Horse Behavior
• 12:24 - Common Misconceptions About Horse Communication
• 16:35 - How Horses Experience the World Differently
• 18:27 - The Biggest Welfare Challenges Facing Horses Today
• 19:50 - Why Management Often Matters More Than Training
• 23:05 - Social License, Competition Ethics & Industry Reform
• 24:19 - Improving Welfare Through Data & Transparency
• 28:08 - Reasons for Hope in the Future of Horsemanship
• 29:46 - Social Media, Education & Changing Perspectives
• 31:06 - The Core Message of Secrets of the Horse

📚 Related Resources:

• Four Quadrants of Horse Training
• How Riders Impact Horses
• Horse Welfare in Show Jumping
• Artificial Riding Aids & Equine Welfare
• Social License to Operate in the Equine Industry
• The 3 Fs of Equine Welfare: Forage, Friends, and Freedom
• Pain Assessment for Horses

Want to evaluate your horse’s diet? Follow this link to connect with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: https://madbarn.cpm/analyze-diet/Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.You can also find Mad Barn on:Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine care, protection, and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Mackenzie Bell, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Business Development with Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers. A lifelong horse lover, Meghan has built an impressive career in the horse racing industry, gaining international experience before returning to Canada to take on her role with HEP Insurance. She shares her experience and offers an inside look at how equine insurance policies are created to protect both horses and their owners.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Meghan’s background in the horse racing industry led her into farm and equine insurance
• What goes into building insurance policies for horses and farm properties
• Common misconceptions horse owners have about equine insurance
• Why proper coverage is a critical part of responsible horse ownership

Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or horse owner, this episode provides valuable insight into how equine insurance works and why it plays an essential role in safeguarding your horses and your investment.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
• 00:42 – How Meghan Got Started in the Horse Industry and What Led Her to Insurance
• 02:50 – Most Commonly Seen Equine Insurance Coverage Plans
• 07:14 – What to Look for When Reviewing Your Horses’ Insurance Policy
• 10:24 – How Often Should You Be Reviewing Your Policy?
• 11:24 – Addressing Common Misconceptions About the Equine Insurance Industry
• 13:04 – What Information You Need on Hand When You’re Ready to Register Your Horse for Insurance
• 15:24 – How Closely HEP Insurance Works with Horses’ Medical Care Teams
• 17:04 – When to Consider Getting Farm Insurance and Why It Is So Important
• 19:03 – Looking Toward the Future of the Equine & Farm Insurance Industry
• 20:37 – Final Thoughts and Thank You

📚 Related Resources:

• Horse Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide to Coverage & Costs

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠⁠

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Laura Veenstra, a certified independent saddle fitter with over 15 years of experience working alongside veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners across Ontario. Laura shares her journey into saddle fitting, what it truly means to be independent in a field with varying standards, and why proper saddle fit is critical for both horse welfare and rider effectiveness.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Laura’s background in the horse industry and how it led her to saddle fitting
• What “independent saddle fitter” really means and why it matters
• How saddle fit directly affects biomechanics, comfort, and long-term soundness
• Common saddle fit issues she sees in the field and how they impact horses
• Why collaboration between fitters, veterinarians, and nutritionists is essential

Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or dedicated horse owner, this episode offers invaluable insight into how saddle fit plays a foundational role in keeping horses comfortable, willing, and performing at their best.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
• 01:05 – Laura’s Background in the Horse Industry to Discovering Saddle Fitting
• 03:37 – What It Means to Be an Independent Saddle Fitter
• 07:22 – The Common Concerns and Practices of Saddle Fitting
• 11:14 – Signs Your Saddle Needs to be Adjusted and Industry Standards
• 14:14 – Myths in the Saddle Fitting Industry
• 17:12  – Western Saddle Fitting Vs English Saddle Fitting
• 22:06 – Riding Young Horses and It’s Impact on their Biomechanics
• 23:40 – The Process of Saddle Fitting for Horses with Kissing Spines
• 27:36 – The Future of Saddle Fitting

📚 Related Resources:

• 
  for Horses
• Western Saddles for Horses
• Kissing Spine in Horses

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Canadian 3-time Olympic Event Rider Mike Winter.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Mike’s journey from his early riding years in Canada to becoming a three-time Olympic eventing athlete
• The training philosophies and horsemanship principles that guide his approach to developing top-level horses
• The mindset, discipline, and continuous learning required to sustain excellence at the international level
• How data-driven management, nutrition, and conditioning support sound and confident equine partners
• The importance of mentorship, community, and collaborative leadership within the equestrian industry
• Mike’s perspective on the responsibilities of modern riders, both in the saddle and as ambassadors for the sport
• Insight into the ongoing conversations around the equestrian sport's social license to operate

Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate horse owner, this episode offers a unique look into the people and purpose driving equestrian sport in Canada.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome
• 00:22– Introduction to Mike and His Journey to the Elite Level of Equestrian Sport
• 05:58 – How Mike’s Mindset and Preparation for the Major Games Have Evolved
• 06:12 – Mike’s Experience as a Member of Canada’s Eventing High Performance Advisory Board
• 11:27 – How Mike’s Experience in the European Eventing Environment Shaped His Perspective on Canada’s National Program
• 16:51 – Balancing Traditional Vs Innovative Training Methods
• 19:41 – Exploring and Improving Equestrian Sports Social License to Operate
• 28:23 - Looking Towards The Future

📚 Related Resources:

• Mike Winter Athlete Profile
• Eventing Discipline Guide
• Social License to Operate in the Equine Industry

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: madbarn.com/analyze-diet

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals helping shape the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jillian Johnson, a passionate advocate for holistic horse-and-rider care, to explore how alternative therapies are transforming equine performance. With a background in chiropractic care and a deep commitment to integrative approaches, Dr. Johnson shares her journey and insights into the modalities that are making a difference for both horses and their riders.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Dr. Jillian Johnson launched her career in chiropractic care
• How treating both horse and rider together enhances performance and strengthens the partnership between them

• A look at the therapies offered at Farmhouse and how they support both horse and rider

• The collaborative, multidisciplinary team behind Farmhouse and how they provide integrated care for horses and riders

• Dr. Johnson’s advice for owners to recognize communication through behavior, trust their instincts, and take a proactive role in their horse’s well-being

Whether you're a competitive rider, a horse owner, or someone passionate about horse wellness, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview: Dr. Jillian Johnson
• 0:40 - How Farmhouse Chiropractic Began
• 1:54 - Treating Both Horse and Rider Holistically
• 3:20 - Connection Between Horse & Rider Imbalances
• 4:33 - Building a Multidisciplinary Team at Farmhouse
• 6:12 - How Therapies Like Laser & Shockwave Work Together
• 7:45 - What to Expect at Your First Horse Appointment
• 9:42 - Customizing Sessions Based on Horse Needs
• 10:57 - Importance of Stretching for Horses
• 12:33 - Empowering Riders to Track & Support Progress
• 13:47 - Stretching Resources & Educational Plans
• 14:47 - Meet the Team Behind Farmhouse Chiropractic
• 15:56 - Favorite Success Story with a Horse
• 16:33 - Advice for Proactive Horse Owners
• 17:12 - What’s Next for Farmhouse Chiropractic?
• 18:00 - Where to Find Farmhouse at World Equestrian Center

📚 Related Resources:

• Stretches for Horses
• ⁠Pre-Ride Stretches for Equestrians
• ⁠Chiropractic Care in Horses
• Massage Therapy in Horses
• Laser Therapy for Horses
• Kinesiology Taping for Horses

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with two inspiring leaders from Equestrian Canada, the national governing body for equestrian sport in Canada. Together, they share insights into the organization’s mission. From grassroots initiatives to elite competition, Equestrian Canada is at the forefront of creating a safe, sustainable, and thriving equestrian community.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The Role Equestrian Canada Plays in Shaping Equestrian Sport and Standards Nationwide
• Discover the Team Behind Equestrian Canada and Their Efforts Towards Advancing Equestrian Sport
• Behind-the-scenes Insight into How Equestrian Canada Develops and Implements Initiatives
• Explore Just How Much Goes into Supporting Canada’s High Performance Equestrian Athletes
• An Inside Look at Equestrian Canada’s CHIP Program
• What’s Next for Equestrian Canada and Their Vision for the Future of the Sport

Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate horse owner, this episode offers a unique look into the people and purpose driving equestrian sport in Canada.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome
• 00:38– Introduction to Equestrian Canada’s CEO, Meg Krueger, and President of the Board, Lisa Robertson
• 07:08 – Behind-the-Scenes of Equestrian Canada’s Team and Programs
• 10:02 – Initiatives and Strategies at Equestrian Canada
• 14:00 – Equestrian Canada’s Collaboration within the Community
• 16:58 – Opportunities to Support Equestrian Canada as a Community Member
• 23:28 – Explore What Goes Into Supporting Canada’s High Performance Equestrian Athletes
• 27:03 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Equestrian Canada

📚 Related Resources:

• Equestrian Canada
• Mad Barn and Equestrian Canada Forge Innovative Sport Science and Nutrition Partnership

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the latest installment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight industry leaders shaping the future of equestrian sport and horsemanship.

In this episode, we sit down with Tik Maynard, Canadian eventer, author, and two-time Road to the Horse Colt Starting Champion. Known for his relationship-first approach to training, Tik shares his insights on connecting with horses, evolving as a horse person, and preparing for the 2025 Road to the Horse competition.

With reflections on family, mentorship, and the mental side of riding, Tik offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective that will resonate with riders at every stage of their journey.

🎙 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What horsemanship really means and how it extends beyond riding
• Tik’s approach to training and preparation for Road to the Horse 2025
• The importance of community and support behind the scenes
• Building confidence, staying humble, and learning from mistakes
• What’s next for Tik in the arena and beyond

Whether you're a seasoned rider, a colt-starting enthusiast, or simply passionate about horse-human connection, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Overview: Tik Maynard
• 1:00 – What Is a Horseman?
• 2:31 – The 4 Core Principles of Tik’s Training Method
• 5:00 – Understanding Horse Behavior & Emotional Signals
• 7:22 – Influences and Learning Horse Psychology
• 10:11 – Preparing for Road to the Horse: Chicken Camp!
• 13:35 – Comparing Year One vs Year Two at Road to the Horse
• 15:54 – Selecting the Right Horse for Competition
• 18:10 – Behind the Book: "Starting in the Middle"
• 19:56 – Building a Strong Team & Farm Culture
• 21:43 – Advice for Aspiring Equestrians
• 24:29 – What’s Next for Tik Maynard?

📚 Related Resources:

• How Do Horses Learn? The Science Behind Equine Training & Behavior
• How Human-Horse Communication Impacts Training & Performance

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Kendall, Sponsorship Director at Angelstone Events. Danielle plays a pivotal role in connecting equestrian sport with the wider community, building partnerships that allow Angelstone to grow as one of Canada’s premier horse show venues. Her work ensures that competitors, spectators, and sponsors alike enjoy an unforgettable experience while advancing the sport.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Danielle’s background in the horse industry and how it led her to Angelstone
• The skills that prepared her for a leadership role in sponsorship and event development
• Why sponsorships are so critical to equestrian sport and how they support athletes and organizers
• A behind-the-scenes look at daily operations at Angelstone Events
• How Danielle engages sponsors to create meaningful partnerships that enhance shows
• The challenges of sponsorship in a niche sport and how she overcomes them
• What’s on the horizon for Angelstone and the exciting future of its tournaments

Whether you’re a competitor, a brand interested in supporting equestrian sport, or simply a fan of world-class show jumping, this episode gives you a unique look at the vital role sponsorship plays in keeping the equestrian community thriving.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome
• 00:39 – Danielle’s Background in the Horse Industry
• 01:35 – Skills and Experiences Contributing Her Role
• 02:32 – What Attracted Danielle to come to Angelstone Event
• 03:43 – An Inside Look at the Day to Day Operations
• 05:00 – The Importance of Sponsorships For the Equestrian Community
• 06:41 – Sponsorship Engagement at Horse Show Venues
• 07:55 – How Danielle Navigates Challenges
• 08:56 – Looking to the Future of What’s to Come for Angelstone Events

📚 Related Resources:

• Angelstone Events
• Planning Your Horse’s Competition Schedule
• Managing Your Horse at a Show

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠madbarn.com⁠.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the latest episode of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight individuals helping shape the future of equestrian sport through leadership, innovation, and passion.

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Howard, Olympian, coach, and current Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor for the Canadian Eventing Team. From competing on the world stage with her longtime partner Riddle Master to guiding Canada’s top athletes today, Rebecca shares the lessons, challenges, and vision that have shaped her career in high-performance sport.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Behind the scenes of two Olympic Games with Riddle Master
• How Rebecca’s experience as an athlete influences her leadership style
• Strategies for building fitness and recovery routines for elite equine athletes
• Reflections on Team Canada’s performance in Paris and what’s next for 2028
• Advice for developing riders stepping into high-performance programs
• 
  

Whether you're an aspiring equestrian, a dedicated coach, or simply passionate about the future of equestrian sport, this episode offers insights into the evolution of Canadian eventing and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

⏱ Podcast Timeline:

• 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Overview: Rebecca Howard
• 0:34 – Rebecca’s Role as Technical Advisor for Team Canada
• 1:18 – The Origin Story of Riddle Master
• 3:08 – Olympic Experiences: London vs Rio
• 4:56 – Managing Olympic-Level Fitness and Recovery
• 5:50 – Rebecca’s Responsibilities as Technical Advisor
• 7:02 – How Rebecca’s Past Shapes Her Current Role
• 9:34 – Key Support Initiatives for Athletes
• 11:45 – Reflections on the Paris Olympics Performance
• 13:13 – Long-Term Goals Toward Los Angeles 2028
• 15:02 – Fitness Strategy for Horses & Riders
• 16:25 – Heart Rate Monitors & Training Data
• 16:52 – Advice for Young Riders & Final Thoughts

📚 Related Resources:How to Use a Heart-Rate Monitor for Your Horse

How Mad Barn is Helping Canada’s National Eventing Team Prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics

Eventing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Want to evaluate your horse’s diet? Connect with a nutritionist or explore our free diet analysis tool at: ⁠https://madbarn.com/analyze-diet/

Mad Barn proudly supports the people and programs advancing equine performance and wellness. To learn more, visit ⁠https://madbarn.com/

📲 Follow us for more:Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Newcomb, founder of Amelia Newcomb Dressage. Amelia has built an incredible platform that blends classical dressage with natural horsemanship principles, creating a holistic and adaptable approach to training. Her philosophy emphasizes understanding each horse as an individual and equipping riders with the tools to communicate more clearly and compassionately.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Amelia discovered her passion for dressage and turned it into a thriving business
• The ways she is building an inclusive and supportive community within the dressage world
• Why adaptability is central to her training philosophy and how it benefits every horse
• Strategies for developing rider confidence and fostering better communication with horses
• The role of education in shaping the future of the horse industry
• How rider fitness outside of the saddle can transform performance in the arena
• Amelia’s perspective on the vital connection between equine nutrition and peak performance

Whether you’re an aspiring equestrian, a professional trainer, or simply passionate about horses, this episode offers fresh perspectives on training, communication, and connection in the dressage arena.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome
• 00:45 – Amelia’s Journey into Dressage and Developing Her Business
• 03:12 – Building an Inclusive Community in Dressage Training
• 06:05 – Training Philosophy: Adaptability for Every Horse
• 12:40 – Building Rider Confidence and Communication with Horses
• 18:44 – The Importance of Education in the Horse Industry
• 22:59 – Rider Fitness Training Outside of the Saddle
• 27:07 – Nutrition’s Impact on Horse Performance

📚 Related Resources:

• Amelia Newcomb Dressage
• Fitness Exercises for Equestrians: Improving Rider Strength, Flexibility & Mobility
• Does My Horse Need to Warm Up Before Exercise? Optimizing Performance with Holistic Training
• Understanding Rider Aids & Equine Learning: How Human-Horse Communication Impacts Training & Performance

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: madbarn.com/analyze-diet

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.

You can also find Mad Barn at:
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine