An Equestrian Podcast: Talking Equine Colic

This episode shares my experience of the 48hrs before my horse was taken to an equine hospital.  It mentions the REACT study, undertaken by Nottingham University - you can find more details of the study here: https://www.bhs.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/react-now-to-beat-colic/ 

You can support this podcast by sharing it with a friend, subscribing, rating and reviewing and following us on Instagram @talkingequinecolic

Talking Equine Colic is a personal story and does not constitute veterinary or physiotherapy advice.

This episode covers a wide range of topics with our guest, Gem Gilbert.  From riding one legged horses, to over coming accidents and developing a sense of feel cross country, Gem shares the journey so far with her amazing tri-coloured mount, Con.  We also speak about how we can think sustainably about equine products, robust nail varnish and how she feels about being an engineer in the traditionally male dominated industry of motorsport. If you can keep up with purple flash Gem, follow her on instagram @gemeventing or on her blog www.gemeventing.com. 

In this first episode of 2021, Mell talks to us about her riding background, including that all important first love of the riding school pony.  She also discusses how some reflection led her to think about her riding differently, leading her to embrace dressage on her pony Pippa, one percent at a time.  After years battling Pippa's sweet itch, Mell also shares the breakthrough that worked for her and how she and her non-horsey husband make it work out and about.

You can follow Mell on Instagram @mellandpippa, and on her blog www.mellandpippa.co.uk.

The podcast can be followed on instagram @9to5rider.

In the final episode of this season, Rachael shares her experiences of learning to ride in Guernsey and how she built up a horsey network when she moved over to the UK.  Working long physical hours on a modern dairy farm, she shares how she prioritises her horse Jack to fit to ensure she gets the balance right for her and how she continues to keep inspired on her equestrian journey.

Racheal is kindly supported by Omega Equine @omegaequine.

You can follow Rachael and her horse Jack on Instagram @guernsey_girl_in_dorset.

Keep up to date with the latest episode on instagram @9to5riderpodcast 

In this episode, we speak to Josephine Chua, who splits her time between working in the City of London and relaxing in Hampshire with her showjumping mare Cappi.  Josephine shares her rich experiences of riding in Singapore and Paris and how she came to acquire Cappi here in the UK.  As an Asian rider, Josephine also shares her experiences of competing as a rider of colour and offers some reflections on inclusion in equestrianism and how we could increase racial diversity in particular.

You can follow Josephine and Cappi @josephinechua.eq.

In this episode, happy hacker Katy talks about how horse riding allows her to connect to what is important to her - the natural world, her horse Midas, and the present moment.  We discuss the remarkable difference interactions with horses can have on people's wellbeing and the vital role that horses have played in our lives as we experience these challenging times.  We also talk about the role horse riders can play in protecting the environment, no matter how small.  Katy also discusses the financial realities of horse ownership and the choices we have to make to pay for our riding.

We would love you to support this podcast by reviewing us on iTunes or by following us on Instagram @9to5Rider.

In our ninth episode, Ellie gives us insight into the joys of keeping her horse Promise in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  A busy secondary school teacher, Ellie talk about wanting to have it all and how she makes it work for her.  She shares in detail the careful decision making she has undertaken to support Promise following a diagnosis of navicular and arthritis.  Ellie touches on barefoot, long reining and the remarkable impact walking poles have had on rehabilitating Promise. If you would like to keep up with Promise and Ellie's progress, you can follow them on Instagram @dressageonadraftx. 

In this episode, Lauren shares with us the career choices she has made and how they have impacted her riding life, including roles with long commutes and international travel.  We speak about finding and working with the right instructor for you and your horse, caring for veteran horses and what fruits and vegetables would make up the ideal kebab for her mare Mega.  Lauren is supported by Smart Grooming and gives us some top tips for coat maintenance and turnout.  You can follow Lauren's journey @adventuresofmegatron. 

A 'Matchy Matchy' maestro, Lucy Squire offers us a new perspective on how to get things done with purple flair!  Determined to improve things for other riders, Lucy shares with us how she collaborated with the Forestry Commission to improve access for local woodland hacking.  A keen advocate for the use of pole work in training, Lucy talks of its benefits as well as how horses have also provided a connection to new friends as she has moved around the country throughout her career.

In this episode, Emma Jane Williams shares how she balances working full time, owning four horses and managing her own yard.  Emma talks to us about the importance of a support network from great liveries, to trainers to her riding club.  Her focus on results, enabling others to achieve and her organised preparation 'working backwards' from events have resulted in some 'Big' successes.  Emma also speaks about how she faces competition nerves and her go to bits of kit to save time.

In this episode competitive amateur showjumper Jess Dalwood shares how she has approached retraining and caring for several horses who have a racing background.   Balancing her riding with a busy role as a school teacher and professional musician, we discuss how she feels about competing at large venues against well know names and creates a daily schedule that works for her.  Jess also talks about her most recent fall and her experience of loaning horses. 

In this pilot episode, I spoke to enthusiastic amateur Lydia who shared with me about how she balances work and riding her 17hh Warmblood Ghost.  Lydia spoke about how she holds herself accountable for her riding - even after a challenging week at work - and how her determination and focus at cross country led to success in 2019.  There is also some top tips, a discussion on the benefits of full livery and making the most of riding life.  You can find our more about Lydia on Instagram @somerwelwelsh or #ghostygram.