Equine nutritionist Clare MacLeod joins the show to debunk common myths around feed, soya and sugar, emphasising science over scaremongering. She explains the importance of forage-based diets, why balance matters more than brand, and how to navigate misleading marketing. Clare also shares how owners can make informed, simple feeding choices - without needing a science degree or falling for hype.

Find out more about Clare: https://www.equinenutritionist.com

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

To explore Redpost’s Equilibrium Heat Sense Massage Pad trial, click here: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/JZYyOSaGhWaG (this is an affiliate link)

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Morven shares her experience of completing Badminton Grassroots on her 20-year-old cob, reflecting on the inspiration and challenges of the sport.  Miri and Rhi also delve into the damaging stereotype of mares being "difficult," calling for greater empathy and understanding of equine behaviour and hormones.

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This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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Rhi and Miri unpack the many sides of horse loaning, part-loaning and retirement, offering practical advice and personal stories for anyone considering sharing a horse. They explore the emotional, logistical and financial aspects, from contracts and insurance to navigating owner dynamics.

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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Navigating equestrian products: 

In this episode, Miri and Rhi discuss some of their favourite equestrian products, covering aspects of tack, horse care and rider wear.

The items we spoke about are listed below in order of mention - some of these are affiliate links and we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Other show notes: 

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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In this episode, Miri and Rhi discuss their weeks (including Harley’s physio and a Duchess update!) and then dive into a discussion on loneliness, finding the right professionals and communities before answering your questions on weighing up private vs. livery yards.

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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In this episode, Miri and Rhi are joined by holistic vet Lily Wilson, of Nurturing Nature Equine. They discuss Lily’s approach to horse care, needle shyness and have an in-depth discussion about the surprising impact of haynets + hay placement in stables.

Follow Lily: https://www.nurturingnatureequine.co.uk/ 

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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In this episode, Rhi and Miri dive into the world of young horses, discussing everything from foals to five-year-olds, the ethics and challenges of early training and their own personal experiences. From shaping behaviour to emotional growth - both equine and human - they explore what it truly means to raise a horse kindly.

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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Welcome back to season 2! In this episode, we’re kicking things off with a much-requested episode on all things confidence.

This podcast is brought to you by Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equilibrium Products.

To learn more about the incredible work that Redwings do, visit https://www.redwings.org.uk/rhi 

To learn more about Equilibrium Horse Products, visit https://equilibriumproducts.com/ 

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In the season finale, Miri and Rhi talk all things springtime. From changing grass, to worming and hoof care, we get into all the key things to think about at this time of year.

This Equestrian Life is brought to you by Miri Hackett (Hackett Equine) and Rhiannon Davies. Join our weekly chats where we discuss everything from training and mental health to our weekly horse-shaped mishaps - all from the perspective of a professional rider and hobby rider. 

Huge thanks to Premier Performance and Westgate Labs for sponsoring this podcast. 

Get your 4 FREE Premier Performance products with every order - that's 20% off AND 4 exclusive goodies FREE with every order using code equestrianlife20

Use EQLIFE10 for 10% off Westgate Labs test kits and get results you can trust to protect your horse with access to their award winning expert advice.

NB - the discount above excludes EquiSal tapeworm kits and the subscription service.

In this episode, Miri and Rhi discuss all things competition and horses. From nerves and preparation to navigating your purpose and how to show up as a good mentor for your horse and good fellow competitor, we break it all down.

Chapters

00:00 Miri’s week: Holistic Therapy 

05:26 Rhi’s week: Harley update: did the competition plan work? 

09:13 presence vs. nerves competing 

13:04 thoughts on top-level competition 

21:05 training to compete, or training to train? 

21:48 the financial pressure of competing 

25:02 the pressure we put on ourselves

26:10 finding a positive mindset 

27:43 competing against ‘yourself’

31:58 knowing your horse’s strengths and weaknesses

38:25 welfare at shows 

46:43 being a nice fellow competitor 

51:22 friends & food at shows 

58:28 process & preparation 

01:01:14 travelling & turnout 

01:10:22 Miri’s showing career 

01:14:16 Q&A: First-time owner finances

Huge thanks to our sponsors for today’s episode: Premier Performance and Champion Equestrian.

Get your 4 FREE Premier Performance products with every order - that's 20% off AND 4 exclusive goodies FREE with every order using code equestrianlife20.

Sign up to be the first to hear about an exciting product drop from Champion on https://championhub.com/. 

Premier Performance T&Cs - DISCOUNT CODE CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS, SALE PRODUCTS or BUNDLE PACK PROMOTIONS. Not available on Premier Horse Treats, packs of 3, 5 and 10 cookies or palatability samples, mash, Unicorn and Variety cookies are also exempt. Free products included whilst stocks last. Free products will be added to your order at the time of sending out.