Walking and Talking With Karl Cook

Let’s explore one of the most unique features of the Swelham Bit — the swivel mechanism. Unlike traditional bits where the shanks move together, the swivel action allows the bit to move independently, providing riders with more flexibility, easier turns, and a lighter feel in the hand. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference! More precision, more options, but also more responsibility for the rider.

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Caracole for the win in Saint Tropez League of Nations 5*!! Three CSIO grand prixs in a row!! Rollie, I love you so much!! Thank you, everyone @pomponioranch and @usajumping, for the opportunity. Now it is on to the Nations Cup final!!!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Holy FOXY lady! Five Star Clear! Getting to know a horse is always a journey of discovery and adaptation. The job is to change who you are and how you ride to meet your horse where they are. You have to think and train accurately, so when you get in the ring, you can just ride. Do, don’t think.

WALKING AND TALKING!!! KALINKA, you show us every day that with a true heart and deep grit, anything is possible. We have had a long journey together so far, but you wake up every day and say, Watch this! Your character lifts us all up. You demand a lot from all those around you, but you give all in return. You were born with wings. I love you. @pomponioranch

WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about @fei stewards, deep breath, it’s not what you think. Stewards being hired, fired, and paid by the show management is a blatant conflict of interest, like students hiring and paying their teachers. How stewards are hired and the pathway of how they are paid needs to be changed to improve their independence. Furthermore, the repercussions for misusing and breaking the rules should work the same as those for athletes. It needs to be more public so the punishment for one has tangible behavioral adjustments for all. Just how doping punishments work for athletes. Stewards need more independence, coupled with much more open oversight.

WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about nosebands and the new protocol for noseband tightness testing. This little wedge has caused quite the ruckus, I feel, which has all been directed in the wrong direction. Going from a subjective test to an objective one is fantastic, and I applaud @fei for their effort. Unfortunately, their marketing department has been a bit too cavalier with their messaging.

WALKING AND TALKING!! Fox laying down another amazing round. Each round, I feel I am getting closer and closer. We made some changes in the bit and some changes in the ride, which are bringing everything into a great window. We’ll go back down for a calm 130/140 before we make our next step up. LETS GOO!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Europe recap while cruising around on miss Caracole at home. Every day I am more and more amazed with Caracole and everything she is. She impels everyone around her to be better in the most inspiring way!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! The Rolex Falsterbo Grand Prix. Queen Caracole! What more can be said! You are everything! I love you so much. What an amazing show and amazing experience.

We’ve had a few people reach out asking where to find our Walking & Talking products—like our signature Hoof Oil, made for healthy, show-ready hooves, and the Swelham Bit, designed for precision and versatility in the ring. Both are available through our official store. Just tap the link in our bio to explore the full collection.