In an addition to our "fabulous ladies who throw caution to the wind and dare to adventure" we speak to Char Lasseter, International Dressage Diva who decided to run away to Vienna, then to America, then to France, then back to England to run pantos with horses. Real horses, not the there's-a-man-in-the-butt kind. Inspirational. 

Who doesn't love a Quarantine Quiz. I honestly think I've done more quizzes over the last three months than ever before in my life (not to brag but I'm damn near undefeated because I know lots of #uselessinformation). Helena Bissex is a certified Quiz Queen, having been part of the Great British Pony Club Quiz team that took part in the international quiz exchange to Canada. As a centre member Helena was able to completely throw herself into this incredible opportunity without having her own horse, showing that you don't need to own or even loan to be able to do incredible things with horses! Plus in this episode we share details of the first ever Pony Podcast Quiz, also known as "Alex is going to absolutely ruin Tess in this Pony Podcast Quiz". Enjoy!

Now if you're anything like us, the only things you've heard about "the Barefoot Brigade" is every now and again when someone pops up on social media and tells you that shoes are cruel, bits are evil and riding makes you a horrible person. We wanted to set the record straight and get some real information on the subject. Nailing metal onto their feet is one of the oldest practices we have when it comes to working with horses, it was around before the Romans and predates bridles, stirrups and saddles! 

Enter Krista Jones, down-to-earth, logical and altogether lovely she spoke to us about the concept of keeping your pony barefoot, what you need to consider and what it might mean for their workload - enjoy!

Questions like, why do I need insurance? What does Loss of Use really mean? What's the weirdest claim you've ever seen? All answered in just one episode by the lovely Anna Goodley of Lycetts insurance

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Alex chats to the wonderful Mollie Summerland. Mollie has been so open on her own social media about her struggles, we speak to her about her experiences and how she deals with tough times. As ever, we at The Pony Podcast want you all to know that our inboxes are always open to anyone, whether it's to talk about an episode or just for a chat. We will do our absolute best to make sure no message goes unanswered. Stay safe xx

Oh look! A classic us getting carried away. Listen for National and International Championship experience and talking about crying before your showjumping and Pony Club vs. British Eventing

In the 18th and 19th centuries "decorative hermits" or keeping a hermit in your garden were popular as a fun little eccentricity to entertain your friends when they came for dinner. Different times. With all this practise of isolation, Tess is officially applying for positions as a decorative hermit. Happy to not speak to anyone. Only requirement is that new home has a good change of scenery from her current one. 

The utterly wonderful Tara Punter of Tara Punter PR comes on the podcast to talk to us about life in Public Relations (and how tough it is at the moment) and all things mindset. If you liked Lisa Sparrowhawk's episode you will LOVE this and if you've not heard Lisa's yet and LOVE this then scroll back! Either way, it's your one way ticket to motivation.

In a break from our usual scheduling, we were approached by the lovely Alice Bruno from the Online Riders Collective a while ago to see if she could come on and chat about their new initiative, Clinics For A Cause. All the way over in Lexington, West Virginina (not to be confused with Lexington, Kentucky) she makes for our first international guest and we couldn't have asked for a nicer one!

It's been a while since we got totally carried away talking to a guest hasn't it? It hasn't? Oh well. Lisa Sparrowhawk talks us through maintaining a positive attitude in these difficult times and staying motivated for training and progression. Whether by continuing to set yourself goals or working on your personal narrative. Listen for a little Monday Positivity to start your week with.