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Solange dives into how larger chests affect rider balance, hand position, and upper body stability, and offers concrete, body-aware strategies to ride with your anatomy instead of against it. She’s joined by longtime student and assistant Aurora, who shares how being full-chested has shaped her own position, confidence, and coaching. Solange then answers a listener question about staying on when a horse spins, breaking down the mechanics behind those sudden “salad spinner” moments and giving riders targeted homework to build spin-proof stability through better turning, torso position, and seat use. Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 15: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Aurora Time Stamps: 10:15 - Aurora 35:20 - Rider Tip

To celebrate one year of Stable Riding with Solange we have a listener question episode! So kick back, relax and listen to Solange get interviewed for a change. Big thank you to all the listeners who made this last year possible. Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 14: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Ngozi Time Stamps: 00:31 - Solange’s journey to coach & host04:30 - Meet Ngozi, listener Q&A begins07:14 - Pancake Pony’s “job”08:21 - George Washington & US vs. EU riding10:54 - Favorite horse movie & ape riders12:53 - How rider intensives work14:51 - Riding steep hills on trail16:48 - Key Equisizer exercises18:39 - Sitting trot on bouncy horses22:30 - Staying stable in upward transitions25:39 - What is a hunter pace & prep28:39 - Biggest mistakes and lessons learned34:32 - Common rider mistakes & easy fix37:56 - Ngozi’s riding journey & closing

To continue our Rider Body Theme, John joins the episode to discuss learning to ride with a serious ankle injury as well as riding through procedures for it. Then Solange breaks down a basic but vital skill : Kicking! Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 13: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: John Time Stamps: 00:29 - Solange intro & disclaimer01:10 - “Stable riding” concept04:59 - Rider adaptations & injuries11:04 - Meet John12:00 - John starts riding13:27 - Ankle injury story17:24 - Fox hunting & first field19:44 - Ireland hunt story28:31 - Lab intensive & safety31:28 - Ankle fusion rehab36:48 - New mare Bookie38:27 - Advice to injured riders40:23 - Leg aid/kicking lesson

Did you know that riders under 5 feet 4 inches tall have to ride differently than their taller counterparts? Solange talks all things Tiny Ladies. For the rider tip she breaks down arm pulling VS back pulling and gives you an exercise to try! Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 12: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Jocelyn and Tara Time Stamps: 00:31 - Solange intro & fan story04:59 - Why body type matters in riding09:25 - Defining “tiny ladies” & their needs12:26 - Meet Tara & Jocelyn17:20 - Queen Waffles & rider–horse match19:36 - “Taco Tara” fall & hands breakthrough23:52 - Jocelyn’s hunt story & stage‑five clinger26:34 - Equisizer lab & returning after breaks31:30 - Jocelyn’s 3 a.m. canter eureka35:35 - Advice for petite adult riders39:24 - Turning lesson: arm‑pulling vs back‑pulling47:12 - Neck reining tips for short‑armed riders

Solange has the good fortune of speaking with Frankie Lovato the creator of the Equicizer! Her Equicizers are the stars of the show in her Stable Riding LAB. Next up Solange’s rider tip and homework focus on posting, an often overlooked but critical motion for riders. Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 11: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Frankie Lovato with Equicizer Time Stamps: 00:56 - What is an Equicizer08:24 - Why Solange uses the lab11:52 - Meet Frankie, creator16:41 - Rehab on wooden horse20:04 - Other jockeys want one23:27 - Founding Wooden Horse Corp26:02 - Seabiscuit & movie work30:23 - Global reach of Equicizer35:16 - Therapeutic riding story39:18 - Engineers can’t “improve” it41:50 - Where to find Frankie online45:52 - Solange’s Equicizer herd49:37 - Posting trot fundamentals

The hunt field is the definition of Real World Riding! Solange speaks on her love of the field and how it truly is a place for All Riders…and All Horses! Next we have an interview with a long time Foxhunter who shares her riding story. Spring is here and Solange thinks that this makes it the perfect time for us all to practice our halt transitions! Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Valerie Time Stamps: 00:32 - Solange on riding cliques and foxhunting02:46 - Discovering foxhunting at 1705:00 - Foxhunting basics and terminology06:21 - Hunt fields and field master roles07:41 - Community vibe and introducing Valerie09:11 - Wild hunt on bad pony Pickles10:17 - Valerie’s age and starting riding at 3612:36 - Anxiety around “large fauna” and value of groundwork16:05 - Why Valerie loves hunting and “church” on horseback20:00 - Meet Gorn, the OTTB gentle giant24:12 - Memorable joint meet and extended trot “sailing”29:34 - Stable Riding vs show ring position and key tweaks34:54 - Huge rear and “sit a little trouble” success story40:00 - Rex the standardbred and foxhunting’s inclusivity45:39 - Rider tip: practicing halt transitions

Stable Riding and Equine Affaire go together like chocolate and peanut butter! Listen to Solange tell the story of Equine Affaire from the Professionals point of view. Then we hear from Alex, long time Equine Affaire participant and a rider in one of Solange’s clinics at the event. The Rider tip and homework focuses on light seat with how to correctly stand in your stirrups. Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Alex Time Stamps: 01:40 - Preparing for first Columbus Equine Affaire03:58 - Best Booth award & first podcast interview05:04 - Equine Affaire becomes core of business05:26 - Heading to Massachusetts 2024 event06:28 - Meeting Alex through Rider Pro program10:01 - Alex’s lifelong riding & fairy-tale pony Sam11:48 - Why they love foxhunting14:52 - Alex’s history with Equine Affaire15:57 - Losing confidence after serious accidents & menopause link24:11 - Clinic experience and Solange’s teaching approach32:40 - Lab and mounting lessons40:47 - Standing in the stirrups rider tip & homework

Stable Riding is for All Riders. All body types…and all ages! Today we hear from Pam, who is happily riding well into her retirement. Next Solange will talk about how to put your feet back into your stirrups smoothly and on the first try. Listen in.... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3891: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Pam Time Stamps: 00:31 - Solange on age, riding, and “Fabergé egg” riders07:35 - Introducing Pam, Solange’s 70-year-old student08:37 - Pam’s return to riding after 50 years14:10 - Pam’s career as an L&D nurse and retirement shift16:49 - Riding different horses, confidence, and first fall21:59 - The lab tools: Mighty Bucky, Home Horse, Equisizer24:40 - Neck pain, migraines, and benefits of riding & PT27:49 - Other movement practices: water aerobics & hiking33:56 - Older success stories + stirrup retrieval tip & homework

As riders we use our body every time we sit on our horse, but often our own fitness, motion and movement gets passed over. It’s easy to invest in our horses’s bodywork and ignore own own! This month Solange speaks with Ifa Simmonds, a professional fitness coach who specializes in equestrians. As the creator of EFA, the Equestrian Fitness Academy, Ifa is the perfect person to talk about all things rider bodies! Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3871: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Ifa Simmonds from IfaFit Time Stamps: 00:41 - Rider vs. Horse Wellness: Solange discusses the industry’s focus on horse soundness over rider fitness. 03:00 -Psychology of the Rider: Addressing why many female riders are dismissive or adversarial toward their own bodies. 06:50 - Interview with Ifa Simmons: Ifa shares his background in exercise science and his transition to training equestrians. 09:30 - The Ideal Body Type Myth: A discussion on "fence and dancer" body types and how traditional instruction can fail different frames. 12:20 - The Lab vs. The Arena: Solange explains the benefits of teaching rider mechanics on an "equisizer" rather than a live horse. 16:45 - The "Not-So-Secret" Secret: Ifa shares his frustration with riders who only want to talk about their horses during fitness assessments. 19:00- The Reality of Rider Injuries: A look at the high percentage of lower back injuries in the equestrian community. 23:15 - Virtual vs. Online Coaching: A breakdown of Ifa’s different training tiers (EFA Ultimate and EFA Elite). 27:10 - Rider Homework - The Dead Bug: Ifa provides a step-by-step guide to a core-stabilizing exercise designed specifically for riders. 31:00 - Final Encouragement: Solange reflects on the importance of being a "professional encourager" for both humans and horses.

All riders have bodies and some have Complex bodies. Our guest Stephanie shares her story of riding with Cerebral Palsy and how working with her body instead of against it she is able to meet her riding goals. We talk about different tack options as well as how having a positive outlook makes all the difference in the world! This month's rider’s tip and homework tackles crookedness and leaning on the horse's back. Let Solange help you tackle your “bad foot” once and for all! Listen in.... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3846: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Stephanie C. Time Stamps: 01:00 - Intro to topic 08:14 - Stephanie 31:15 - Joy and Judgement 32:29 - Rider Tip

Returning to the saddle after a pregnancy, birth and with a new baby has its own unique set of challenges! Solange breaks down all the factors at play and interviews a new mom who made the transition back to riding both successfully and gracefully. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3826: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Valerie Pflughoeft Time Stamps: 01:31 - Returning to Riding After Baby 12:23 - The Impact of Stable Riding on Horses 20:06 - Reentering the Saddle After Pregnancy 25:41 - Returning to Riding After Motherhood 31:46 - Rider Tips and Homework: Understanding Time in the Saddle Takeaways: The profound journey of returning to riding post-pregnancy is one that necessitates careful consideration and planning, as discussed in this episode.The host's personal narrative underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance during one's transition back to riding after childbirth, which can prove invaluable.A key takeaway from the discussion emphasizes the necessity of patience and gradual progression, particularly for those re-entering the saddle after an extended hiatus due to motherhood.Emotional factors play a significant role in a rider's experience post-pregnancy, and acknowledging these nuances can facilitate a more supportive riding environment.Riders must understand that their bodies undergo considerable changes during pregnancy and childbirth, necessitating a thoughtful approach to reconditioning and skill development.The podcast highlights the importance of community and support networks for mothers returning to riding, as these can provide encouragement and practical assistance during their transition.

Men are half the population but a small percentage of the non-professional horse world. Solange discusses the challenges and differences in teaching a male rider and interviews a gentleman who came into hunt seat riding as both an adult and a complete beginner. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3806: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Dan Stohlmann Time Stamps: 00:26 - Introduction to Stable Riding 06:25 - The Journey into Riding: A Personal Story 13:03 - Beginning the Journey: From Running to Riding 18:52 - Learning to Ride: The Journey Begins 28:13 - The Transition to Equestrian Life 29:21 - The Experience of Fox Hunting 35:26 - The Impact of Riding on Personal Life 44:53 - Rider tip Takeaways: The podcast emphasizes the importance of diversity in the equestrian community, particularly the inclusion of male riders who may feel underrepresented.The discussion reveals that teaching male riders presents unique challenges and opportunities, highlighting the differences in learning styles between genders.Listeners are encouraged to recognize the historical significance of riding, as it connects them to a long-standing tradition that transcends generations.The conversation stresses the necessity of direct communication in instruction, particularly for male riders, who often prefer straightforward guidance.

Today we tackle something that happens to All Riders. Riding after a fall and how to navigate the physical and mental rehab needed to return to doing what we love. Our guest Lisa has successfully returned to riding after 3 terrible falls that all resulted in injuries. She shares with us her experience healing her body and most importantly overcoming the natural fear that comes from that experience. Solange's Rider Tip and Exercise for the week is all about Hands and Shoulders! She tells you how to find the correct hand position for your individual body. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3781: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Lisa Meringolo Time Stamps: 07:17 - Lisa's Journey: Overcoming Fear and Injury in Riding18:20 - Making Good Decisions in Riding22:27 - The Evolution of a Rider: Overcoming Fear and Finding Confidence31:00 - Embracing the Journey of Recovery33:01 - The Importance of Professional Help in Overcoming Rider Fear Takeaways: The episode emphasizes the significance of addressing both the physical and mental rehabilitation of riders after experiencing a fall or injury, which is often overlooked in traditional riding instruction.Listeners are encouraged to embrace their emotions and fears as normal responses to riding incidents, rather than viewing them as signs of weakness or failure.The podcast highlights the importance of compassionate instruction and the need for judgment-free understanding to foster a supportive environment for riders during their recovery process.The conversation illustrates how creating a calm and stable atmosphere for riders can help alleviate anxiety, allowing them to regain confidence and enjoy their riding experience once again.

Welcome to the first episode of Stable Riding with Solange! Join us to hear a little about how this podcast came about, followed by an interview with a Real World Stable Rider. This episode’s Stable Rider is Krista, who completed the 2022 Mongolian Derby. Krista will tell us all about her riding journey and amazing experience flying across the steppe. Are you interested in being a Stable Rider? Each episode will close with Solange giving a riding tip and some rider homework to keep you learning and riding between now and next month's episode. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3762: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Krista Carter Time Stamps: 00:26 - Introduction to the Stable Riding Podcast 06:50 - Krista Carter 13:26 - The Journey to the Mongol Derby 23:36 - Lessons from the Mongol Derby 40:40 - Rider Tip and Homework Takeaways: The inception of the podcast episode stems from a desire to focus on the rider's experience and improvement in all equestrian disciplines.I, Solange Ellis, emphasize the importance of rider stability and techniques through my Stable Riding system, which I have dedicated my professional life to developing.Krista, the featured guest, shares her remarkable journey of completing the 2022 Mongolian Derby, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of such an arduous adventure.The podcast aims to provide actionable riding tips and rider homework to enhance skills between episodes for continuous learning and improvement.Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Stable Riding system by practicing the stable position, which is fundamental for maintaining balance and control while riding.The camaraderie and support experienced during the Mongolian Derby exemplify the strong community bonds formed among riders, enhancing their overall experience.