Advertise on podcast: Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara

As if hot flashes, brain fog, and shifting body dynamics weren't enough, menopause has decided to bring an unwelcome guest along for the ride: saddle sores. In this episode, Sandy and Cara get real about the uncomfortable, unvarnished realities of riding through midlife. Between thinning skin, changing bodies, and riding more frequently than ever, the struggle in the saddle is very real. But don't worry—the gals aren't just complaining; they’re sharing their top battlefield remedies, from gel seat savers and padded underwear to pH-balanced cycling chamois cream and Desitin! Beyond the saddle-sore survival guide, Sandy and Cara take you along for updates on their equine family and life on the trail: The Pony Report: Progress with Armani! Step by step (and foot by foot), Parelli natural horsemanship techniques are helping him tackle his fear of back-leg pressure and crossing bridges.Trail & Training Updates: Kaya hits the obstacle course at Raised Right Ranch, Sierra continues her journey with trainer Jason at Paint D Ranch, and Shooter proves why he's becoming the ultimate "steady Eddie."Real-Life Interruptions: Husbands asking for help turning on lights mid-recording (because of course) and navigating the new dynamics of adult kids moving back home.Perspective Shift: Why American horse culture can be overly goal-driven and expensive, and why leaning into non-traditional horse breeds and mares brings unexpected joy. Grab your coffee, settle into a comfortable seat (preferably a soft one!), and join Sandy and Cara for a hilarious, honest, and heartfelt ride.

In this episode of Saddle Talk, hosts Sandy and Cara sit down with Vera V-Abdallah, COO and founder of Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Antelope Valley, California. From growing up in Europe with a German state certification in horse training to earning a law degree and working for the Department of Corrections, Vera brings a rare combination of European classical training, legal rigor, and unwavering passion to equine rescue. Sandy, Cara, and Vera dive deep into what truly makes a successful horse rescue, including: The Reality of Rescue: Why Love This Horse focuses on under-saddle training, health, and behavior so rescue horses can become long-term "good citizens."Busting Mare Stigmas: Why the prejudice against mares is completely unfounded and how building a bond with a mare can change your life.The Business of Saving Horses: Balancing a full-time career, managing 100 acres, and providing lifelong sanctuary for 70+ non-rideable horses.Cara’s Personal Story: How adopting her horse, Armani (a secret Lusitano!), from Vera completely changed her perspective on rescue animals.How You Can Help: The real math behind hay bills, veterinary costs, and why becoming a monthly sustaining donor makes all the difference. Resources & How to Support:Website & Donations: Visit lovethishorse.org to make a one-time donation or sign up as a monthly sustaining member.Follow the Rescue: Keep up with available horses, trail rides, and updates on Facebook. Enjoying Saddle Talk? Don't forget to follow, rate, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Keep your boots dusty and your hard hats on—we'll see you out on the trail!

In this episode of Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara, the hosts share updates on physical recovery, equine training breakthroughs, and navigating fear on the trail. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Episode OverviewInjury & Recovery: Cara shares an update on her fractured pelvis, detailing the balance between physical therapy, avoiding "stupid" setbacks like steep stairs, and letting pain act as a natural gauge for healing.Training & Groundwork Updates: Sandy details bringing her horse Kaia home after two months of professional training with Jason, reflecting on foundational groundwork, building confidence with young mares, and using body language instead of forceful correction.Body Energy & Horsemanship Techniques: Inspired by trainers like Chris Irwin, their trainer Jessica, Ryan Rose, and Monty Roberts, the duo explores the concepts of "blocking," "drawing," and "pushing" energy, emphasizing how subtle seat and leg cues create a better connection than pulling on the reins.Overcoming Trail Anxiety & Rider Confidence: A discussion on navigating environmental triggers like strong winds, managing lack of confidence versus gut instincts, and learning when to push through fear or safely dismount.Looking Ahead: The hosts share future plans for trail rides, ponying horses together, introducing obstacle challenges, and progressing with Cara's horse, Armani.

In this episode of Saddle Talk, hosts Cara and Sandy dive into the real-life mental and physical challenges of horse ownership—from recovering from injuries and navigating rider anxiety to understanding key horse behavior. Sandy shares updates on her broken pelvis recovery and her milestone transition into menopause, while Cara opens up about her personal tendency to "perseverate" on training goals with her horse, Armani. The hosts then break down the concept of the "lick and chew" response. Learn how horses release jaw tension and switch from panic/flight mode back to their "thinking brain"—and why humans need to apply this exact same self-regulation technique when stress strikes around horses. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Injury Recovery & Reality for Equestrians: Navigating physical therapy, broken bones, and the struggle of taking rest when you have horses to care for.Decoding Horse Body Language: What the "lick and chew" reflex means biologically, how adrenaline causes dry mouth in horses, and why jaw-clenching happens during stress.Overcoming Rider Anxiety & Traumatic Scenarios: Strategies for handling worst-case scenario thinking during trailer loading, groundwork, and riding sessions.Proactive Safety & Body Positioning: Essential safety tips for saddling (facing the rear vs. the head), grabbing cinches with your left hand, using fly boots, and avoiding dangerous kick and bite zones.Preventing Food Aggression: How walking away while a horse pins its ears at feed time can unintentionally teach resource guarding—and how to set clear boundaries using a carrot stick. Whether you are starting a young horse, preparing for trailer loading, or managing your own anxiety in the barn, this episode offers practical horsemanship advice, safety tips, and insightful perspective. Tune in to discover how positioning, patience, and giving yourself grace can change your relationship with your horse! Keywords: Horsemanship, Horse Body Language, Equestrian Podcast, Rider Anxiety, Lick and Chew Horse, Horse Safety Tips, Trailer Loading Horses, Horse Training Hacks, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Equine Safety, Menopause and Riding.

In the second half of the conversation, Jessica goes deeper into the philosophy behind teaching horses and riders. She explains why good horsemanship starts with the human, why rapport matters more than speed, and how patience, structure, and clear communication create better outcomes for both horse and rider. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Key Topics Covered:The importance of understanding horse behaviorWhy “the process does not look like the product”Breaking training into small, achievable stepsChoosing credentialed instructors and sticking with one methodWhy video and feedback matter in trainingHow horses respond to human impatience and pressureThe 15-minute learning window for horses and humansWhy rapport is the foundation of every good partnershipJessica’s future goals in teaching and continued growthHow building a strong foundation supports every discipline Closing Thought:Part 2 centers on Jessica’s teaching philosophy: that true horsemanship is built on relationship, patience, and the willingness to keep learning. It’s a reminder that the goal is not just better training — it’s better understanding. Resources & Links: Pat Parelli - Official WebsiteParelli Levels and Certification infoDressage Basics Explained - USDFSeven Games of ParelliThe Process, Not the Product - Pat Parelli Connect with Jessica: Jessica's FacebookJessica's Website

In this first half of the conversation, Jessica shares how her lifelong connection to horses began, the early influences that shaped her horsemanship, and the path that eventually led her into the Parelli program. She talks about learning through experience, building skills gradually, and discovering the value of foundation, patience, and trust in horse training. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Key Topics Covered:Jessica’s early horse memories and family influenceHow recreational riding shaped her approach to horsemanshipThe Reno Parelli conference that changed her perspectiveHer transition from casual rider to committed student of ParelliEarly experiences with wild horses and the Stagecoach horse communityHow she balanced school, work, and horse ownershipThe role of her first horses in deepening her training journeyWhy the process of horsemanship takes time and repetition Closing Thought:Jessica’s first half of the story is really about laying the groundwork — in horses, in learning, and in life. It sets up the mindset that later makes the deeper training conversations possible. Resources & Links: Pat Parelli - Official WebsiteParelli Levels and Certification infoDressage Basics Explained - USDFSeven Games of ParelliThe Process, Not the Product - Pat Parelli Connect with Jessica: Jessica's FacebookJessica's Website

Are you coddling your horse—or your partner? In this episode of Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara, we dive deep into the unexpected parallels between wild mustang gentling and human relationships, focusing on why setting clear boundaries is essential for both. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook!

In this episode of Saddle Talk, we’re taking you along on an our video adventure of the high-stakes mustang rescue mission! What started as a chaotic brainstorming session in Part 1 has officially turned into reality: we are inheriting two homeless Mustangs to save them from a grim fate at the meat market. Join us as we break down the logistics of the rescue, share the funny (and slightly manipulative) way we convinced our husbands to let us bring more horses home, and discuss why we believe breeding wild range horses is highly unethical. From navigating the gorgeous Nevada range to pulling off a flawless trailer loading on the very first try, this episode is a raw, real, and heartwarming look at what it means to step up for horses and human "saddle sisters" in need.

In this special, first-ever video episode, hosts Cara and Sandy are hitting the open road! Tag along on their road trip as they venture out to check on two mustangs in need of a good home. While on the move, they dive deep into the raw, emotional world of animal care, horse training, and the lifelong commitment it takes to rescue and rehabilitate. They also open up about what it really means to "co-parent" an animal (trust us, it’ll all make sense once you tune in!). Will these mustangs come home with Cara & Sandy? Be sure to subscribe to this podcast to find out, with part two coming out July 30th! Connect with the hosts!

Protect your passion. Discover why a certified horseback riding helmet is your most critical piece of tack, whether training at home or trail riding. Never risk riding in a helmet that has sustained an impact—even if it looks fine on the outside. Lead by example and prioritize rider safety on every single ride! Connect with the hosts!

Hold onto your hats, because things are getting weird at the ranch! This week on Saddle Talk, Sandy and Cara are trading their grooming brushes for sage bundles. Cara’s house has been feeling a little... crowded lately, and we’re not talking about extra barn cats. To get to the bottom of the bumps in the night, the girls invite a Cowgirl Shaman over to perform a spiritual sweep and figure out exactly who—or what—is loitering in the hallways. Guest: Terri Jay Cowgirl Shaman In this episode, we’re diving into:The House Call: Identifying the specific energies and spirits making themselves at home at Cara’s place.Spiritual Mucking: The process of clearing out unwanted "guests" and reclaiming the space.Horse Girl Energy: How being a rider shapes your intuition (and why ghosts should probably be afraid of us).Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, you won't want to miss this wild ride through the supernatural side of the West. It’s high vibes, heavy boots, and a whole lot of "heck no!" Follow Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara on Facebook!

In this episode, Sandy and Cara dive deep into the unexplainable with "Mary the Ghost," a persistent spirit in Cara's home who frequently opens kitchen drawers and messes with electronics. After a quick "Pony Update" regarding the evolving dynamics of Sandy’s herd and the progress of Cara’s students, the duo explores the parallel life stages of women and horses. From the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause to the physical toll of a lifetime in the saddle, Sandy and Cara get candid about their personal health journeys, the power of therapy, and their future plans to consult a medium. Note: Sandy and Cara emphasize that while they share their personal experiences with health and horsemanship, listeners should always consult a professional before trying new medical treatments or training techniques. Follow Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara on Facebook!

In this episode, Sandy and Cara take a deep dive into the mystical world of animal communication. Sandy shares her recent consultation with renowned communicator Lydia Hibby, seeking answers for her horse, Shooter. The conversation covers: The "Science" of Connection: The hosts discuss their initial skepticism and the specific stories—like Lydia knowing about a pet pigeon’s specific car preference—that turned them into believers.Shooter’s Backstory: Lydia uncovers the traumatic root of Shooter’s fear of being tied, linking it to a chaotic accident involving two other horses that Cara hadn't previously detailed.Holistic Health: From Tapping (EFT) for adrenaline release to identifying hidden physical tension in the TMJ and kidneys, the episode explores how emotional trauma manifests physically in horses.The Heart of the Matter: A touching revelation about Shooter's appreciation for Cara’s affection reminds us why the bond between rider and horse is so unique. Whether you’re a skeptic or a seeker, this episode offers a heartwarming look at how better understanding our horses can lead to safer, happier rides. Follow Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara on Facebook!

In this episode of Saddle Talk, Sandy and Cara dive into the emotional and often unpredictable journey of bringing a new horse home. Sandy shares the origin story of her beautiful new Palomino, originally named Scarlett, who was gifted to her through a connection with Cara's former farrier. While the horse was described as "green broke," Sandy quickly discovers that reality is far more complex when she heads to Palomino Valley for the pickup. From a 30-minute struggle in a round pen to a week-long challenge just trying to catch her new partner, Sandy reflects on the vital difference between a horse that has been trained and a horse that is truly "ready". The hosts explore the importance of humility in horsemanship, the power of a deep breath, and the technical nuances of Parelli training, specifically working through "Zone One" trauma. Whether it’s negotiating with a pessimistic husband or learning to go slower to get further, this episode is a testament to the consistency, time, and love required to turn a "hot mess" into a solid citizen.

Send a text We follow a DNA breadcrumb trail to learn who Armani really is and why his movement and mind feel so Iberian. The results spark laughs, a Labrador Retriever glitch, and real leads that could trace a great‑grandparent and open doors to registration. Don’t forget to follow Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara wherever you get your podcasts. Please leave us a review, share us with a friend, and saddle up with us next time as we ride through more stories, questions, and our wild tangents Support the show