In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Hargreaves, a former professional eventer who recently made the bold decision to step away from the sport.

Sasha shares her journey from competing at the highest levels to embracing a new path, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Join us as we explore her "Changing My Life Diaries" and gain insights into the realities of life as a top-level equestrian.

Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply curious about the world of eventing, Sasha's story is sure to inspire. Tune in for an honest conversation about passion, purpose, and the courage to change course.

Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 

Thank you also to Equine Bio Genie for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on their products with code HACKETTEQUINE.

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What if caring for your horses could also restore the land they live on? In this episode of This Equestrian Life, Jane Myers MSc introduces the Equicentral System, a sustainable approach to horse management that works with nature, not against it while offering your horses a more natural way to live.

Discover how mimicking natural grazing patterns can improve your horses’ health, reduce your workload, and bring biodiversity back to your paddocks. Jane shares practical steps you can take to give your horses more freedom and choice, while also supporting rewilding efforts and healthier ecosystems. Whether you have one horse or a whole herd, you’ll come away inspired to create a thriving balance between your horses and the land they call home.

Find out more about Jane and the Equicentral System here. 

Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 

Thank you to our episode sponsors Westgate Labs for sponsoring this episode, use code EQLIFE10 for a discount on worm egg count tests. Excludes Equisal and subscriptions.

Also thanks to Simply Steam .

Check them out for simple effective steaming solutions for healthier dust and mould free forage without the mess of soaking. Simply steam are a uk based company with strong sustainable steaming solutions for you. 

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Unwind Your Mind and Body (Bev, who Miri mentions in the intro) 

Barefoot farrier Tom Broadbridge (founder of Pioneer Hoof Protection) and returning guest holistic vet Lily Wilson (Nurturing Nature Equine) join Rhi and Miri to dive into a discussion on everything from the ethics of barefoot performance horses to communication gaps in hoof care. This episode challenges traditional thinking; whether your horse is shod or barefoot, you'll come away with new insight, and plenty to reflect on.

Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 

Thank you to our episode sponsor Equifeast. 

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Join hosts Miriam Hackett and Rhiannon Davies as they dive into conversation with business strategist Alice Benham. Discover how Alice transitioned from leaving school early to becoming a very successful business owner, and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities within the equestrian industry. This episode explores the balance between passion and business viability, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of trusting oneself in business.

Connect with Alice:

Instagram: @Alice_Benham Podcast: Alice's Podcast Website: AliceBenham.co.uk

Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 

Thank you also to this Episode sponsor The horse Trust, To support their emergency appeal to save Frank the mule follow this link https://horsetrust.org.uk/help-us-save-frank-the-mule/

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In this episode, Miri and Rhi are joined by Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste, a board-certified veterinary neurologist based in the USA. We discuss back pain and kissing spine in horses, as well her point of view on finding the root cause of pain. It’s a fascinating conversation and one we think you’ll love. 

Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Equilibrium Horse Products. To learn more about the trial of the Equilibrium HeatSense Massage pad, click here. 

Learn more about Daniella here. 

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https://www.horsesinsideout.com/post/24-horse-behaviours-of-the-ridden-horse-in-pain?srsltid=AfmBOoo6lsdd2b3wPCzIpYR9BiCau3YnyUhJ1vkijqfVhjTyUYMvPWWz

Welcome back to Season 3 of This Equestrian Life! We’ve missed you and we’ve been busy preparing for a jam-packed season. On this first episode, we head to Redwings in Norfolk, where we spent two days learning about the five key areas of their work: rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, sanctuary and campaigns.

Whilst there, we interviewed Nic de Brauwere, Head of Welfare and Behaviour at Redwings, and we are excited to share that conversation with you here.

To learn more about Redwings and the incredible work they do, visit their website.

Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in environmental sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 

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Dip behind the scenes with Miri and Rhi to hear the reality of being equestrian content creators. Opening up about the pressures and perks of sharing their lives online, they discuss the big issues including how much money an equestrian influencer can make, and debunk common misconceptions about influencer culture within the horse world.

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, we dive into rider-specific nutrition with expert Ruth Sharif. From gut health to glucose crashes, we explore how what you eat affects your energy, focus and performance in the saddle. Ruth shares practical tips on fuelling your body before riding, managing sugar intake and supporting gut health to feel your best both on the ground and in the arena.

Find out more about Ruth and her work at https://ruthsharif.com/

Check out the protein products mentioned by Ruth at Form Nutrition, Will Powders and The Organic Protein Company.

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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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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