Dear Horse World

• Dear Horse World, It’s Harry Charles: Safety, Speaking up & the Truth about Success in Show Jumping (Sponsored by Connaway)

  Show jumping has a problem—and no one is talking about it. Dangerous course designs are putting horses and riders at unnecessary risk, but the industry’s resistance to change keeps real reform just out of reach. Riders are expected to “tough it out,” officials move slowly, and speaking up could mean jeopardizing sponsorships and career opportunities. Enter Harry Charles, the 25 year-old Olympic show jumper who’s refusing to stay silent. In this episode, Harry pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening in course design, why these risks persist, and what needs to change before more serious accidents occur. He shares firsthand insights from his own near-career-ending fall, the backlash and support he's received for speaking out, and what he believes the future of show jumping should look like.  What You’ll Take Away from This Episode:  A New Awareness of Course Safety Risks – Why certain jumps are more dangerous and how they impact riders at all levels. Behind-the-Scenes at Elite Show Jumping – Harry’s journey from growing up in an Olympic equestrian family to competing at the highest level. How to Advocate for Safer Riding – Practical tips for assessing course risks and making informed decisions in competition. The Future of Show Jumping – What’s at stake for the sport’s longevity if safety concerns aren’t addressed. Why This Matters to Every Rider - Whether you’re a pro or an amateur, understanding these risks can help keep you and your horse safer. From growing up in an Olympic equestrian family to challenging long-standing traditions, Harry’s story is one of breaking barriers and pushing for progress.  If you care about the safety, longevity, and evolution of show jumping, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Listen now and be part of the conversation that could change the sport.  You can read the full post discussed in this episode on the Heathcroft Farm Facebook page, home of the Charles family's show jumping stables, here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15tKduLBht/ And read Harry's interview after the post with Horse and Hound here: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/harry-charles-call-change-after-fall-at-double-883579 -------------------------------------- You can follow Harry's journey on social media: 📱instagram.com/harrycharles_1  📱facebook.com/harrycharlesshowjumping  🌎 www.harry-charles.com You can keep up to date with the Charles' Show Jumping stables at Heathcroft Farm: https://www.facebook.com/heathcroftfarm -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series  @noellefloyd_plus  - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes. For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and start your 7-day FREE TRIAL today!  NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.  ---------------------------------------- This episode is brought to you by Connaway and Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. 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 to explore options, or get in touch today.  📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates  📱 facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

  --------  

  47:03
• Dear Horse World, it’s Duey Freeman: The Mirror Effect, Attachment Theory & Horse Clinics Decoded

  What if your horse could teach you more about yourself than any self-help book ever could? Horses have an uncanny ability to reflect our emotions, highlight our blind spots, and help us grow in ways we never imagined. But unlocking that power requires more than just skill in the saddle—it demands a willingness to look inward. That’s where Duey Freeman comes in.  Duey is a world-renowned therapist, educator, and equine professional who has spent decades helping people discover the life-changing lessons horses offer. As the co-founder of the Gestalt Equine Institute, he blends psychology, relational horsemanship, and a deep understanding of human development to show riders how their interactions with horses can lead to greater trust, connection, and personal breakthroughs.  In this episode, we explore how Duey’s unique approach can help equestrians like you: Understand your horse’s feedback: Learn how your horse mirrors your emotions and behavior, revealing what’s holding you back. Build deeper trust: Use the subtle dynamics of relational horsemanship to create a bond that goes beyond training. Foster personal growth: Discover how your relationship with your horse can help you overcome fear, improve communication, and become more present in all areas of life. Navigate challenges with clarity: Gain insights into how attachment theory and Gestalt therapy can transform not just your riding but your entire perspective on partnership. Whether you’re seeking to improve your performance, strengthen your bond, or simply find more meaning in your time with your horse, Duey’s wisdom offers a roadmap for growth—both in and out of the arena.  This is more than a conversation about horses; it’s a conversation about life, love, and the lessons waiting in every ride. If you’ve ever felt like your horse sees something in you that you don’t, this episode will show you how to finally understand—and transform—what they’re reflecting back.

  --------  

  1:39:26
• No Stupid Questions with Certified Master Saddlefitter, Jochen Schleese

  Have you ever considered the story your saddle is telling? Throughout history, saddles have symbolized connection, partnership, and the journeys we take. But in your own rides, is your saddle telling a story of trust—or betrayal? We often assume a saddle that looks fine or feels "good enough" must be doing its job. But for countless horses, the effects of poor saddle fit are quietly devastating—causing chronic pain, behavioral issues, and eroding the trust between horse and rider. And for female riders, saddles designed for male anatomy may be holding them back in ways they don’t even realize. In this episode, Noëlle sits down with Jochen Schleese, a Certified Master Saddler and Certified Equine and Saddle Ergonomist and founder of Saddlefit 4 Life®, to uncover the hidden truths about saddle fit. With decades of expertise, Jochen has helped countless horses move pain-free and empowered riders to feel balanced, comfortable, and confident. Together, they explore how an ill-fitting saddle impacts not just the horse’s body, but also the emotional and mental connection you share. You’ll learn to spot the subtle signs of poor fit, understand the overlooked needs of female riders, and discover practical steps to assess and improve your saddle—without breaking the bank. This conversation goes beyond saddle fit. It’s about redefining partnership, choosing compassion over convenience, and showing up for your horse in the most fundamental way: by listening. If your ready to take the next step on your saddle fitting journey book a fitting online or onsite here: https://schleese.com/saddle-fit-evaluation/   Dear Horse World listeners and viewers can also sign up to receive a 5% discount off their saddle purchase via this form:  https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/61dd1e1842ca4f56a88be60e151c4512 Resources: Suffering in Silence: The Saddle Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses by Jochen Schleese Explore Jochen’s work and saddle fitting resources: saddlefit4life.com

  --------  

  1:36:28
• Dear Horse World, It’s Nicki Shahinian-Simpson: Posing, Priorities and the Pressure of the Equitation Ring

  In December, a Facebook post of ours sparked a big debate: does the USA put too much emphasis on riding position? Is there room for riders to find more fluidity and freedom in their style? Today, we’re diving into those questions.   Your position in the saddle isn’t just about looking pretty for the judge’s panel. It’s about communication, balance, and creating harmony with your horse. But here’s the challenge—so much of what we’re taught about position can feel rigid, exclusive, or even unattainable. And for many riders, it leaves them questioning: Am I good enough? Do I fit in here?   You’re not alone in feeling this way, and that’s exactly why today’s episode is a must-listen.   We’re joined by Nicole Shahinian-Simpson, a rider who’s lived the highs and lows of equitation and show jumping at the highest levels. Nicki is one of only 11 riders in history to win both the ASPCA Maclay National Championship and the U.S. Medal Finals. She’s competed on the world stage, represented the U.S. in international competition, and has nearly 35 Grand Prix victories to her name.   But what sets Nicki apart isn’t just her accolades—it’s her perspective. She knows firsthand how striving for “the perfect position” can create pressure that steals your joy and confidence as a rider. And she’s here to help you rethink what good riding really looks like.   In this episode, Nicki dives into the realities behind position—how it impacts your horse, why the American equitation system is both a blessing and a challenge, and how to develop a functional, fluid position that works for you. She also tackles the often-unspoken topic of body image in riding: how the pressure to "look the part" can affect confidence, and why strength, individuality, and skill matter far more than fitting a specific mold.   Whether you’re a junior striving to meet the standard, or an amateur who just wants to ride without overthinking, Nicki’s insights will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.   If you’ve ever felt like you don’t “fit the mold” of a polished equitation rider, or wondered if the emphasis on position is holding you back, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and ready to ride your best.   Because your position isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about showing up for your horse.  

  --------  

  1:01:27
• How to Motivate your Horse - Office Hours with Tik Maynard

  Today on Dear Horse World, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of our exclusive NF+ Office Hours sessions - where we connect our community with top experts to gain practical advice and deeper understanding. In this recorded session, renowned horseman Tik Maynard breaks down the motivational pyramid of horses, a powerful tool to help you better connect with and understand your horse, alongside our NF+ Community Director Kylie, who is also a skilled horsemanship expert and clinical counselor. Here’s what you’ll discover: The five core motivators that drive your horse’s behavior. Why safety always comes first and how curiosity shapes learning. Practical ways to use comfort, play, and food to build trust. This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the incredible resources we have available on NF+ so if this episode resonated with you - we'd for you to discover more.  Start your free trial of NF+ and gain access to a network of world-renowned horse experts and world-class equestrian content, designed to meet you wherever you are - no matter where in the world you’re tuning in from. Head to noellefloydplus.com today to start your journey. 

  --------  

  1:01:13

Fler podcasts i Fritid

Trendiga poddar i Fritid

Om Dear Horse World