This Equestrian Life

By This Equestrian LifeSports

This Equestrian Life episodes

July 30, 2025Episode 23 Navigating Equestrian Business with Alice Benham
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/

Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
1 hr 10 min
July 23, 2025Episode 22 - Beyond Kissing Spines, the truth about equine back pain with Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste
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.
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary

Other show notes:
https://www.horsesinsideout.com/post/24-horse-behaviours-of-the-ridden-horse-in-pain?srsltid=AfmBOoo6lsdd2b3wPCzIpYR9BiCau3YnyUhJ1vkijqfVhjTyUYMvPWWz
1 hr 20 min
July 16, 2025Episode 21 - Visiting Redwings: Ponies, Positive Reinforcement and the Power of the Masses
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.

This Episode is as also sponsored by Westgate labs. Any horse owner can take advantage of Westgate's award winning tests with their expert advice included, by using the code EQLIFE10 to get 10% off (excluding EquiSal tapeworm tests and subscription plans)

Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
1 hr 17 min
June 11, 2025Episode 20 - Being an Equestrian Content Creator: Misconceptions, Money and finding your Mission
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/
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 23 min
June 04, 2025Episode 19 - Fuelling the rider: gut health, glucose and getting breakfast right
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/
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 40 min
May 28, 2025Episode 18 - Equine nutrition with Clare McLeod - feed, forage and finding balance
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)
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 50 min
May 21, 2025Episode 17 - Riding a 14.2hh cob at Badminton Grassroots: an interview with Morven Ritchie
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.
Follow Morven on Instagram
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/
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 3 min
May 14, 2025Episode 16 - Loaning, leasing, letting go: Our honest take on horse sharing and retirement
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/
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 30 min
May 07, 2025Episode 15 - From Saddle Fit to Shampoo: our favourite equestrian products & services
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.
Miri’s saddler: https://www.frankbaines.com/
Rhi’s saddler: https://louisamariacuomosaddles.com/
Equitex saddle pads: https://thesaddlepadcompany.com/ - get free postage and a free postage bag for all uk orders. HACKETT
Rhi’s bespoke bridle: https://www.kellyjleather.co.uk/
Alt ‘bespoke’ bridle options:
https://www.horsemanshipsaddlery.uk/
https://www.henryjamessaddlery.co.uk/
https://expertbits.co.uk/
Tech Stirrups - see here for Redpost’s trial offer: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/gQNYJGNOWHRj
Miri’s skincare: https://natrlskincare.co.uk/
Goodbye Flies: https://www.goodbyeflys.com/
HAAS brushes: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/gADjZcYtURsU
Cowboy Magic detangler: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/xGcSUKkPuXWS
Honest Riders bath bombs: https://www.honestriders.co.uk/collections/wash-box/products/honest-horse-rinse-bombs-warming
Neighked Beautify Hair & Body Oil: https://neighked.com/collections/horse-mane-horse-tail-horse-coat/products/beautify-equine-hair-body-oil
Rhi’s (ancient) waterproof trousers: https://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-sierra-pants-ladies-446057
Miri’s chaps - Just Chaps: https://www.justchaps.com/waterproofs.html?srsltid=AfmBOoppV5jc_NtM4PlmBXvG82c5qyrwOgckHIJ8_rLWv62HoinFJHwW
Holland Cooper waterproof trousers: https://www.hollandcooper.com/products/waterproof-riding-trousers-black?variant=40702339383492¤cy=GBP
Equidry: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/uKiUKFffsjKH
Revolution Race jackets: https://www.revolutionrace.co.uk/
Toggi Saturn jacket (minimal sizes left): https://countryandstable.co.uk/toggi-ladies-saturn-waterproof-jacket
Equilibrium hi-vis brushing boots: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/dgdbnfGypCmb
Carr Day & Martin 2-Step Tack Cleaner: https://redpostequestrian.avln.me/c/TkApNnSrzrtq
MyProtein Clear Whey: https://www.myprotein.com/p/sports-nutrition/clear-whey-protein-powder/12081395/
FreeSoul: https://freesoul.com/pages/a-protein-powder-that-gets-you
SunWarrior: https://www.sunwarrior.co.uk
Other show notes:
The vet Rhi mentioned who gave the talk on skin conditions at pony camp: George Worden, Cliff Equine Hospital. BVMedSci(Hons) BVM BVS PGCert(VetMed) CertAVP(EM) PGCert(VPS) MRCVS Veterinary Surgeon.
The study on bridle fit that Miri spoke about https://pure.hartpury.ac.uk/en/publications/a-bridle-designed-to-avoid-peak-pressure-locations-under-the-head
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/
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 27 min
April 30, 2025Episode 14 - Finding your people - loneliness, communities and coaches
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/
Follow Miri and Rhi:
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary
Produced by Amy Long
1 hr 33 min