Advertise on podcast: Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice

Your horse can't tell you when something hurts, but the way they move can. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian and author Dr. Bob Grisel explains how to read your horse's movement, spot lameness earlier, and support their soundness and longevity. Episode Highlights: Why lameness isn't as simple as "sound" or "lame," and how a horse's movement can point to where a problem is coming fromThe difference between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing lameness, and what each can tell youWhy catching problems early makes such a difference, and how sending video clips to your vet can help between visitsHow X-rays fit in, and why what shows up on an image doesn't always match what your horse feelsHis thoughts on joint injections and icing, and what rehab can look like after a hind suspensory injury Meet the Expert, Dr. Bob Grisel Dr. Bob Grisel graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and has more than 30 years of experience with sport horse medicine and surgery. He built the Atlanta Equine Clinic, worked as a vet at the 1996 Olympic Games, and is the author of Equine Lameness for the Layman. Ask an Expert Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian expertsExclusive podcast episodesDressage test prep resourcesA supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first month or year when you sign up at askrideiq.com

Positive reinforcement training isn’t just about treats and clickers. It’s about helping your horse feel safe enough to learn. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Shawna Karrasch, a pioneer in the field, and trainer and breeder Jessie Hillegas explain how it builds more confident, trusting horses, how to bring it into a horse who was trained traditionally, and how it can help with everything from separation anxiety to vet care. Please note: Shawna shares a personal story in this episode that includes a mention of childhood sexual abuse. Episode Highlights: What positive and negative reinforcement actually mean, how clicker, target, and food-based training fit in, and why they affect a horse’s brain and emotions differentlyHow to bring positive reinforcement into a horse who was trained traditionally, and how it fits with dressage, eventing, hunters, and jumpersWhy separation anxiety happens and how to build a new association with being apart, one small step at a timeHow cooperative care and giving your horse a choice can make vet visits, handling, and grooming easierSimple ways to enrich your horse’s turnout and keep them mentally engaged Meet the Experts, Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas Shawna Karrasch is a pioneer of positive reinforcement training in the equestrian world, bringing humane, effective behavior techniques to professionals and amateurs alike through her teaching, books, and global clinics. She began her career training marine mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and orcas, where voluntary participation made reward-based methods essential, and later recognized how these same principles could transform horse training. She is the author of You Can Train Your Horse to Do Anything. Jessie Hillegas began her riding career in traditional hunter jumper programs, spending 20 years working with large A-rated show barns on the East Coast, where she trained young horses, coached Bucknell University’s equestrian team, taught lessons from beginner through advanced, and prepared horses for competition. She later launched her own warmblood breeding and training program in Pennsylvania, breeding top hunters that have won prizes at venues like Warrenton, Upperville, and the Devon Horse Show. After a filly she bred came back to her with PTSD-like behavior, she turned to positive reinforcement, and today she and Shawna work as partners through Shawna Karrasch Equine. Ask an Expert Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian expertsExclusive podcast episodesDressage test prep resourcesA supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first month or year when you sign up at ⁠askrideiq.com

Is your horse’s personality working with your training or against it? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider and author Yvonne Barteau breaks down the four core horse personality types and shows you how to figure out which one you’re dealing with, and how to adjust your handling and riding to match. Episode Highlights: The four core personality types (social, fearful, aloof, and challenging), and how to read your horse’s true personalityHow personality, energy level, and intelligence combine to shape your training plan, plus the passive-to-aggressive scale and why some horses show two personalitiesHow to find a horse that fits you as a rider, how to train each type, and Yvonne’s book recommendations Meet the Expert, Yvonne Barteau Yvonne Barteau is a lifelong horsewoman, USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist, and FEI trainer and clinician. She’s the author of Ride the Right Horse and The Dressage Horse Manifesto, and the founder of Horses Without Humans, a horse rescue and rehabilitation organization. Ask an Expert Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian expertsExclusive podcast episodesDressage test prep resourcesA supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial and get 20% off your first month or year when you sign up at ⁠askrideiq.com

Are you making the right choices for your horse’s digestive health, or is their internal ecosystem suffering in silence? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation for Purina Animal Nutrition, demystifies the equine microbiome and explains how it impacts every aspect of your horse’s well-being. Episode Highlights: 9:04: What the microbiome actually is, why it matters, and how it functions as your horse’s hidden health driver 18:24: Real-world warning signs your horse’s microbiome may be out of balance and key links to behavior, immunity, and colic risk 25:31: How fiber, feed, stress, and even travel or medications can shape the gut 30:18: The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics - and how to spot products that actually work Meet the Expert, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation at Purina Animal Nutrition, where she leads research focused on equine nutrition, exercise physiology, and digestive health. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and her PhD in Animal Science, with a focus on equine nutrition and exercise physiology, from Rutgers University. In addition to her work in research, Mary Beth is active in the horse world as a dressage rider. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.

Ride iQ is currently offering a special Kentucky Legacy Rate - a 20% lifetime discount on membership, available for one week only. Use code LEGACY at Ride-iQ.com to lock in your savings for as long as you remain a member. What if your horse’s happiness is the missing piece in your performance? In this episode of Ask an Expert, renowned Grand Prix dressage rider and clinician Karen Rohlf shares her holistic approach to creating joyful equine athletes. Blending classical dressage with natural horsemanship, Karen dives deep into what real partnership looks like, how to recognize true happiness in your horse, and why everyday choices make a difference. Episode Highlights: 11:56: Introducing the Happy Athlete Training Scale and why happiness and harmony come before communication, biomechanics, and sport 19:44: Concrete ways to add more choice, enrichment, and mental stimulation to your horse’s daily routine 27:37: What true harmony feels like, how to “join up” with your horse, and why being present and patient matters more than you think 34:11: The nine habits of excellent horsemanship and why a sense of humor is a secret weapon for riders at any level 44:16: Understanding healthy biomechanics, practical tips to find your horse’s “sweet spot,” and why trust and curiosity fuel athleticism Meet the Expert, Karen Rohlf Karen Rohlf is the founder of Dressage Naturally, an internationally recognized clinician, and the author of multiple books on training and horsemanship. She is known for her approach that prioritizes partnership, empowers riders as students, and blends classical dressage with relationship-based training. Karen focuses on developing the mental, emotional, and physical connection between horse and rider, with a goal of helping both horses and humans thrive. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.

Understanding and protecting your horse’s respiratory health is key to their comfort, performance, and long-term well-being. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine respiratory specialist Dr. Laurent Couëtil breaks down the most common issues affecting horses’ lungs and airways. You’ll learn how to identify early signs of asthma, what makes environments either harmful or protective, and which practical steps can make a major difference.  Episode Highlights:  06:16: What equine asthma is, why it’s often missed, and key environmental triggers every horse owner should know 11:38: If asthma is genetic, environmental, or both and what current research tells us about risk factors 28:53: What actually causes inflammation in the horse’s airway, why invisible dust matters most, and how hay feeding practices can dramatically reduce risk 45:13: Traveling with hay, head position during hauling, and best-practice strategies to prevent both asthma flares and respiratory infections 50:11: How to recognize subtle signs of asthma, when to call the vet, and what treatments protect your horse without compromising performance Meet the Expert, Dr. Laurent Couëtil Dr. Couëtil is a professor of large animal medicine at Purdue University, where he directs the Equine Sports Medicine Center and is involved in equine research initiatives. With a veterinary degree from France, a residency at Tufts, and a PhD in respiratory physiology, his work has significantly advanced the understanding and management of respiratory health in sport horses. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Protecting yourself every ride starts with the right gear and knowing what works (and why) matters. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Ride EquiSafe founder, Catherine Winter, discusses helmets, body protectors, air vests, and safety stirrups, drawing on personal riding experience and deep product knowledge. You’ll learn how to assess fit, understand safety standards, and avoid common mistakes so you can ride with confidence at every level. Episode Highlights: 10:18: What the Virginia Tech helmet study means for riders and how to interpret certification standards 13:18: What MIPS technology is, why it matters, and what riders should know before buying a new helmet 27:38: When to replace your helmet or body protector and why impact, sweat, and age all matter 41:19: Body protectors vs. air vests: how they actually work, their strengths and limitations, and why pairing them offers the highest level of protection 50:22: What makes a stirrup a "safety stirrup" and how discipline, personal comfort, and fall history shape your choice Meet the Expert, Catherine Winter Catherine Winter is the founder of Ride EquiSafe, a business dedicated to helping riders make informed decisions about their safety equipment. A lifelong equestrian, she created Ride EquiSafe to make rider safety more accessible through education, expert guidance, and a curated selection of protective gear. Her work focuses on helping riders feel more confident and protected in the saddle. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Nerves can make it hard to ride the way you know you can - and show up for your horse the way you want to. In this episode of Ask an Expert, 5* event rider and performance psychologist Ashley Johnson shares actionable tools for conquering competition fears, building resilience, and supporting sensitive or emotional horses. Episode Highlights: 25:12: The single biggest change every rider can make for their mental health and why self-care matters at all levels 31:25: Who should see a sports psychology coach and how performance psychology supports every rider 33:08: Strategies for working with sensitive horses and the mindset shifts that help you succeed under pressure 39:51: Practical exercises for managing show anxiety, using grounding techniques, and staying present in the moment 52:13: The benefits of meditation, simple calming exercises, and how to make mental fitness part of your routine Meet the Expert, Ashley Johnson Ashley Johnson is a 5* event rider, Level V ICP certified instructor, and “A” Pony Club graduate. She holds a Master’s in psychology focused on performance from Harvard and a Master’s in human performance from the University of Florida. She is also a licensed ‘r’ judge and technical delegate with the USEA. Ashley was the inaugural coach of the University of Florida Eventing Team, a role she held for seven years, and is currently the Area 3 Young Rider Coach. She runs Totem Hill Farm in Ocala, Florida. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Concerned about managing ulcers in your horse? In this episode of Ask an Expert, internationally recognized equine gastric health researcher Dr. Benjamin Sykes takes a science-based, whole-horse approach to understanding and preventing equine gastric ulcers. Dr. Sykes dispels myths, explains the latest research, and offers practical, actionable advice for owners and riders ready to support their horses’ well-being. Episode Highlights: 7:10: The two types of equine gastric ulcers, how they differ, and why management needs to be tailored to each 11:30: Why ulcers remain so common and how small changes in daily management can make a real impact 23:30: Which horses are more prone to ulcers, including breed, age, and temperament factors every owner should understand 36:45: How to manage recurring ulcers and the role of long-term care, routine, and behavior in prevention 44:13: Treatment options that actually work and why management is key to lasting results Meet the Expert, Dr. Benjamin Sykes Dr. Sykes is an internationally recognized leader in equine gastric health and clinical research. A graduate of Murdoch University, he completed an internship at Randwick Equine Centre and a residency in equine internal medicine in Virginia. He also holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool and a PhD in veterinary pharmacology from the University of Queensland. Dr. Sykes is affiliated with Southern Cross University and is the owner of BW Sykes Consultancy, traveling worldwide as an invited speaker and consultant for high-performance equine cases. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Looking to achieve your personal best in the dressage arena? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Grand Prix dressage rider Lauren Sprieser offers honest and practical strategies to help riders at any level raise their scores and their confidence. Lauren shares wisdom on everything from building a foolproof foundation to overcoming nerves, improving transitions, and decoding what judges really want to see. Episode Highlights:  8:10: How to choose the right test level, build a solid foundation, and improve transitions 13:10: How to prepare for a consistent, relaxed ride and why the basics matter at every stage 21:00: How to manage “horse show brain,” overcome nerves, and practice effectively under pressure 26:00: Tack and warm-up best practices, plus common mistakes to avoid on show day 34:40: Why memorizing your test matters and how to confidently learn and run through tests at home 46:30: How to improve your free walk and halts, plus tips for mastering key movements with effective ring craft Meet the Expert, Lauren Sprieser Lauren Sprieser is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist with Distinction and an international Grand Prix dressage rider. She runs a successful training and coaching business, Sprieser Sporthorse, out of Clearwater Farm in Marshall, Virginia. In addition to producing numerous FEI horses and riders, Lauren is a longtime contributor to the Chronicle of the Horse and has written for Dressage Today, Noelle Floyd, and Practical Horseman. She is a graduate of the FEI Young Rider and U25 programs and holds a degree in public policy and urban planning from Sarah Lawrence College. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

EPM is one of the most common and complex neurological diseases facing horses in North America, but what really causes it, and are there ways to protect your horse? In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine veterinarian Dr. Phil van Harreveld breaks down the real risks of EPM, explains early warning signs, debunks common myths, and gives actionable advice on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for every horse owner. Episode Highlights:  4:00: What causes EPM, where the parasite is found, and whether some horses are more susceptible than others  12:00: What owners can do to help reduce the risk of EPM in horses that have been exposed to the parasite  22:00: Common myths and misconceptions about EPM symptoms and diagnosis  31:20: Treatment options for EPM and how effective they are  34:20: How often EPM leads to neurological symptoms, how severe those symptoms can be, and the likelihood of recurrence after treatment Meet the Expert, Dr. Phil van Harreveld Dr. van Harreveld received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University, and his master’s degree and surgical board certification from Kansas State University. He practiced as an equine veterinary surgeon for more than 22 years, founding the first equine referral hospital in Vermont, which he operated for over two decades. In addition to handling the hospital’s field cases, he managed the in-house medical and surgical case load. He joined the Merck Animal Health equine veterinary professional services team in 2022. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates  The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Brought to you by Ride iQ This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com. Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Eventing is one of horse sport’s most thrilling disciplines, but what are the biggest safety challenges riders and organizers face today, and how is the sport working to better protect both horses and riders? In this episode of Ask an Expert, 5* event rider and National Safety Officer Jon Holling shares his insider perspective on common safety mistakes, innovations like frangible fences and MER rules, and practical advice for riders at every level. Episode Highlights: 4:00: The biggest safety challenges currently facing eventing and what he sees from his role as National Safety Officer 6:00: Frangible fence requirements and why cross-country accidents can still happen despite safety advancements 12:00: How MER rules work and the new MER rule modification for moving from training to preliminary level 40:45: Common safety mistakes lower-level riders make and how they can avoid them 54:50: Practical advice for nervous riders who want to feel safer and more confident on their horses Meet the Expert, Jon Holling Jon Holling is a US based 5* event rider who also serves as chairman of the USEF Eventing Sport Committee and U.S. National Safety Officer to the FEI. He has competed at some of the top international events around the world, including the Burghley CCI5* and Kentucky CCI5*. Jon has also led the Area IV Young Rider Team to multiple gold medals. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Western Dressage continues to grow in popularity for good reason, but what truly sets it apart, and how can riders begin their journey in the sport? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Cindy Butler, president of the Western Dressage Association of America, explains what makes Western Dressage unique, how competition and judging work, and what riders need to know before giving it a try! Episode Highlights: 8:45: What Western Dressage is, how it developed, and what makes it different from other equestrian disciplines 17:30: How horses and riders are evaluated in Western Dressage and the key differences from traditional Dressage scoring and expectations 23:50: The skills horses and riders need to succeed and how movements and technical demands progress through the levels 26:30: The different ways to compete in Western Dressage and advice for preparing for your first show 32:00: Recommended attire and equipment 41:20: Where and how to get started in Western Dressage Meet the Expert, Cindy Butler Cindy Butler is the president of the Western Dressage Association of America. She holds a bachelor's degree in equestrian science and business administration from William Woods College and has spent a lifetime showing horses, earning multiple world championship titles. Beyond competing, Cindy has managed horse shows, led equine 4-H programs, organized judging competitions, and served as president of several state and local equine associations. She's also an experienced trainer, instructor, and clinician, traveling the country to teach Western Dressage. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Chiropractic care can transform comfort and performance for both horse and rider, but understanding how it works is key to getting the most benefit. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Jillian Johnson, an equine and human chiropractor, discusses her unique journey, explains how chiropractic adjustments help equestrians and their horses, dispels common misconceptions, and shares practical tips for improving alignment, flexibility, and overall well-being in and out of the saddle. Episode Highlights: 13:00: Common patterns seen when working with horses and riders, and how to determine whether chiropractic care is the right fit 16:15: Biggest misconceptions about chiropractic care in the equestrian world, and the training, certification, and education required to practice safely and effectively 21:00: The most common issues in horses that benefit from chiropractic care, and how to recognize signs of discomfort 31:30: Common alignment and movement issues seen in riders, plus stretches and exercises to support the body between adjustments 44:00: One simple thing riders can do to improve symmetry in the saddle, and the most important takeaway every rider should understand about chiropractic care Meet the Expert, Dr. Jillian Johnson Dr. Jillian Johnson is a chiropractor specializing in equestrians and their horses. With a lifelong passion for performance, movement, and partnership, she helps riders and horses feel and perform their best both in and out of the saddle. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Jillian holds a doctorate in chiropractic and is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She runs Farmhouse Chiropractic, a thriving practice based in Ocala, Florida, where her work focuses on optimizing comfort, alignment, and communication between horse and rider, helping each partnership find greater balance and harmony. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

Genetics can reveal more about your horse than you might expect, offering powerful tools for making informed decisions about breeding, training, and daily management. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine geneticist Christa Lafayette shares how modern genetic testing can help owners and breeders uncover everything from health risks and temperament tendencies to athletic potential and ancestry, while also addressing common myths and the practical realities of using this cutting-edge technology. Episode Highlights: 13:00: How equine genetic testing works, what the process looks like, and the types of results owners can expect 19:00: What DNA testing can (and can’t) reveal about temperament, behavior, stress response, and trainability 24:00: Health conditions and disease risks that genetic testing can help screen for 27:00: What genetic testing can tell you about injury risk, muscle type, stamina, recovery, and physical stress tolerance 42:00: How equine ancestry testing has evolved, where the science is headed, and common myths about equine genetics Meet the Expert, Christa Lafayette Christa Lafayette is the founder and CEO of Etalon Diagnostics, a pioneering company in equine genetic testing. With a background in science, technology, and business development, Christa has spent over two decades at the intersection of innovation and animal health. Under her leadership, Etalon has become a leader in the field, offering cutting-edge genetic testing that helps horse owners better understand and care for their equine partners. Christa is passionate about empowering horse people with data-driven insights to support sound decisions in breeding, management, and performance. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.