The Unbridled Equestrian

Katrina Chapman
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the very first episode of The Unbridled Equestrian Podcast—a space for curious, horse-obsessed riders and lifelong learners. If you want to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, strengthen your connection with your horse, or see familiar challenges from a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. This debut sets the tone for honest, practical conversations that help you and your horse grow—one ride at a time. Follow along and let’s get unbridled.

  1. Ep. 19 Your Horse Is Screaming - Most Riders Can't Hear It with Jochen Schleese

    Mar 13

    Ep. 19 Your Horse Is Screaming - Most Riders Can't Hear It with Jochen Schleese

    What if the tool you trust most is slowly breaking your horse's spirit—and body? In this raw, eye-opening conversation, I sit down with master saddlemaker and saddle fitting pioneer Jochen Schleese, who shares the heartbreaking story of how an ill-fitting saddle ended his Olympic dreams and taught him the most important lesson of his career: your horse is trying to tell you something. From his early days as a competitive three-day eventer in Germany to revolutionizing saddle design for the female pelvis, Jochen pulls no punches about the saddle fitting industry's dirty secrets—and why 80% of saddle fitters can't even agree on the correct tree width. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ How traditional saddle design is based on 700-year-old standards (and why that's a massive problem) ✅ The shocking truth about "disposable saddles" that can cost tens of thousands of dollars ✅ How saddle pressure creates long-term skeletal damage you can't see until it's too late ✅ Why the "rooftop" design in most saddles can cause chronic pain for female riders ✅ The difference between a saddle fitter (mechanic) and a saddle rep (car salesman)—and why it matters ✅ What scapular rotation reveals about saddle fit (and why most trees are designed backwards) ✅ How to know if your "custom" saddle is actually helping or hurting your horse This episode is for you if: - Your horse has unexplained resistance, stiffness, or behavior changes - You've been through multiple saddles and nothing seems to "work" - You're tired of conflicting advice from saddle fitters - You want to understand the biomechanics behind proper saddle fit - You're ready to become your horse's best advocate Jochen doesn't hold back—he calls out the industry's corruption, shares why money nearly made him lose his connection with horses, and explains why education (not just sales) is the only path forward for the equestrian world.

    58 min
  2. Ep. 18 Empowerment Over Dominance: Stop Misreading Your Horse's Behavior with Josh Nichol

    Mar 6

    Ep. 18 Empowerment Over Dominance: Stop Misreading Your Horse's Behavior with Josh Nichol

    Think your horse is being disrespectful? You're probably reading them all wrong! In this transformative conversation with world-renowned horseman Josh Nichol, we dive deep into why most horse training problems have NOTHING to do with the discipline you're working on—and everything to do with misunderstanding what your horse actually needs. Josh has spent decades pioneering relational horsemanship, an approach that transforms not just how we train horses, but how we understand ourselves. If you've ever felt like you're constantly walking on eggshells around your horse, backing away to keep things calm, or fighting the same behavior issues over and over- this episode will change everything! 💡 Key Takeaway: Your horse isn't trying to be bad. They're giving you feedback. When you learn to read their needs correctly, everything changes—their movement, their confidence, and your relationship. Whether you're struggling with spooking, bolting, a horse that won't leave the barn, or you simply want a deeper partnership- this conversation will give you the tools to shift from defensive training to empowered growth. About Josh Nichol: Josh is a globally respected horseman who has helped thousands of riders transform their relationships with their horses through his relational horsemanship approach. Learn more at joshnichol.com

    53 min
  3. Ep. 17 The Equine Microbiome Crisis (And How to Fix It Naturally) with Sarah Griffiths

    Feb 28

    Ep. 17 The Equine Microbiome Crisis (And How to Fix It Naturally) with Sarah Griffiths

    In this episode of the Unbridled Equestrian Podcast, Sarah Griffiths, a classical homeopathic practitioner and founder of the Animal Synergist, discusses the critical importance of gut health in horses. She shares insights from her clinical trial on the equine microbiome, emphasizing the alarming prevalence of gut dysfunction in horses and the need for a diverse diet. Sarah advocates for natural foraging and holistic nutrition as essential components of equine care, while also addressing the generational issues affecting horse health. The conversation highlights practical tips for horse owners to improve their horses' gut health and overall well-being.

    1h 2m
  4. Ep. 16 More Than ‘Just Tape’ : Kinesiology Taping for Swelling, Soreness, and Rehab with Christa Veinotte

    Feb 13

    Ep. 16 More Than ‘Just Tape’ : Kinesiology Taping for Swelling, Soreness, and Rehab with Christa Veinotte

    In this episode of the Unbridled Equestrian Podcast, Katrina Chapman sits down with Christa Veinotte, founder of Hestaband Tape, to break down equine kinesiology taping and how it supports rehabilitation, performance, and everyday horse care. They cover what makes Hestaband different, why education matters, how taping can help with swelling, soreness, and injuries, and how fascial tension can impact movement and muscle development. Christa also shares the research and clinical testing behind the tape, plus what’s new with Tape 3, introducing Hestaband Lymph. Christa's Website: https://hestaband.com/pages/about Christa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christaveinotte_rmt/ Christa's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/clvequinetherapy In this episode: How Christa’s rehabilitation work led to the creation of Hestaband Tape What makes Hestaband different, and why adhesion and performance matter Why education is essential for horse owners and practitioners using taping How taping can support swelling, soreness, and injury recovery How fascial tension can limit muscle development and affect performance How to combine taping with other therapies for better outcomes The research and clinical trials behind Hestaband’s development What’s next: Tape 3 is here, introducing Hestaband Lymph Sound bites: “It was made for a purpose.” “I love hearing success stories like that.” “It’s just a piece of tape that can’t work.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Equine Taping and Christa Veinotte 01:42 The Journey of Developing Hestaband Tape 03:30 Unique Features of Hestaband Tape 05:56 The Importance of Education in Equine Taping 08:32 Courses for Horse Owners and Practitioners 11:16 The Global Impact of Hestaband Tape 13:48 The Science Behind Kinesiology Taping 16:12 The Role of Taping in Rehabilitation 18:45 Fascial Tension and Muscle Development 21:10 Innovations in Taping for Various Species 23:52 Conclusion and Future of Equine Taping

    36 min
  5. Ep. 15 Lead Like a Horse: Congruence, Calm, and Connection with Juliana Brossolette

    Feb 5

    Ep. 15 Lead Like a Horse: Congruence, Calm, and Connection with Juliana Brossolette

    In this episode of The Unbridled Equestrian Podcast, Katrina sits down with Juliana Brosselet, an equine mindset and leadership coach who helps horse owners uncover the personal and leadership challenges behind their horse human dynamics. Together, they explore why horses are such powerful mirrors for our growth, and how the tension, resistance, or feeling stuck we experience with our horses often points to something deeper in us. You will hear what trustworthy leadership actually looks like without forcing it, why emotional regulation is the foundation of real partnership, and how to treat connection like a relationship bank account you can consistently grow. Juliana shares practical tools you can use right away for mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional processing, plus a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness. It is often the doorway to confidence, congruence, and better rides. If you have ever thought, “Why does this keep happening with my horse?” this episode will shift how you see the question, because every challenge is feedback and every mistake can be a lesson, depending on what you make it mean. Connect with Juliana Website: https://consciousequineconnections.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciousequine/ Quotes from this episode “Horses are mirrors for our growth.” “You can learn from every mistake.” “What are you making it mean?”

    56 min
  6. Ep. 14 ⁠Stop Picking Favorites Matching Bodywork to Your Horse’s Needs

    Jan 30

    Ep. 14 ⁠Stop Picking Favorites Matching Bodywork to Your Horse’s Needs

    In this episode of the Unbridled Equestrian Podcast, Katrina Chapman breaks down one of the most common mix ups in horse care: when to choose massage, when to choose chiropractic care, and why your personal favorite modality should never be the deciding factor. You will learn how massage supports soft tissue like muscles and fascia, while chiropractic care focuses on skeletal alignment and joint function. Katrina walks through the real world signs that point to each approach, from post workout soreness and tightness to persistent crookedness and sudden changes in behavior. Most importantly, she brings it back to one question that changes everything: what problem does your horse actually have? If you want a clearer, calmer way to make bodywork decisions, protect your horse’s comfort, and work more effectively with equine professionals, this episode will help you match the right tool to the right need. In this episode: Why “favorites” can lead to the wrong care choices Massage vs chiropractic: what each modality actually addresses Signs your horse may need chiropractic support When massage makes the most sense for recovery and tension Why some horses benefit from both, in the right order and timing Sound bites: “What problem does your horse actually have?” “Neither one is better than the other.” “Keep learning about your horse, their needs.” Chapters: 00:00 Understanding the Debate: Massage vs Chiropractic Care 08:07 Identifying When to Use Each Modality 14:25 The Importance of Tailored Care for Horses

    15 min
  7. Ep. 13 Beyond Training: The Biomechanics Your Horse Needs You To Understand with Emma Kjelson

    Jan 22

    Ep. 13 Beyond Training: The Biomechanics Your Horse Needs You To Understand with Emma Kjelson

    In this episode of The Unbridled Equestrian Podcast, Katrina sits down with Emma Kjelson, animal behaviorist and founder of Dynamic Equine, for a grounded, eye opening conversation about what horses are really telling us through their bodies, their movement, and their reactions under saddle. Emma’s work lives at the intersection of equine behavior and biomechanics. As a certified IAABC Equine Behaviour Consultant and certified Equine Bodyworker, she combines movement science with behavior analysis to spot the subtle indicators most people miss, the tiny signs of tension, asymmetry, stress, or hesitation that can signal deeper biomechanical strain or psychological overwhelm. Instead of pushing through, she teaches riders how to get curious, slow down, and build programs that support symmetry, flexibility, power, and willingness without sacrificing welfare. Together, Katrina and Emma unpack why performance issues often show up when something else is off first, pain, stress, confusion, fear, rider tension, or mismatched expectations. They talk about rider psychology and emotional regulation, how our nervous systems shape the ride more than we want to admit, and what ethical performance really looks like when the goal is a willing partner, not just a compliant athlete. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” and your horse still seems resistant, inconsistent, or shut down, this conversation will help you zoom out, connect the dots, and rethink what support can actually look like. Check out Emma’s podcast, The Friends On Horses Podcast, and learn more about her work at https://dynamicequine.ca/ including her collaboration with exercise psychologist Annika McGivern at Illuminate Equine International. In This Episode, We Get Into: • How Emma blends movement science and behavior to improve performance and welfare • The subtle signs of distress that often get mislabeled as attitude or training gaps • Why curiosity is the most underrated skill in horse care • How rider emotional state can shape horse behavior and decision making • Ethical performance and what it means to prioritize willingness • Why individualized training works better than cookie cutter methods • How understanding horse evolution can change modern welfare practices Standout Moments: • “Curiosity is key in horse care.” • “We want the calm, grounded focus.” • “It’s a team sport.” Keywords: equine behavior, biomechanics, horse welfare, rider psychology, performance issues, animal behaviorist, equine training, horse care, emotional regulation, equestrian sports

    1h 3m
  8. Ep. 12 Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes: Rethinking Love in Horse Sport with Alexa Linton

    Jan 16

    Ep. 12 Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes: Rethinking Love in Horse Sport with Alexa Linton

    What if the way you were taught to “love” horses… wasn’t actually love at all? In this episode of The Unbridled Equestrian Podcast, Katrina sits down with Alexa Linton, equine educator, osteopathic practitioner, and founder of Whole Horse Collective and Outside the Box Equine for a raw, real conversation about the uncomfortable realizations that changed how both of them care for and work with horses. They talk openly about operating from dominance, control, and a “that’s just how it’s done” mentality, believing it was love, believing it was good horsemanship… until they realized it wasn’t. Until injuries, burnout, tension, and quiet red flags forced a deeper reckoning for them both. This episode pulls back the curtain on how sport horse culture often prioritizes performance over physiology, tradition over truth, and control over choice (often without us even realizing it). Alexa and Katrina dig into how environment, movement, choice, and cumulative stress quietly shape soundness and longevity, long before a horse ever “acts out” or breaks down. You’ll hear why horses are meant to move far more than most systems allow, how stress often whispers before it screams, and why love in horse sport might look less like control, and more like listening, to yourself and your horse. If you’ve ever felt that gut-level sense that something isn’t adding up, or caught yourself wondering whether your horse is thriving… this conversation will hit home. Alexa's Instagram: @alexalinton Check out Alexa's Website: https://alexalinton.ca/ In This Episode, We Get Into: • The moment both hosts realized dominance wasn’t love, and the fallout that followed • How “good care” can lead to preventable injuries in sport horses • Why movement, environment, and choice are non-negotiable for soundness • How stress accumulates quietly before showing up as behavior or breakdown • What it actually means to support the whole horse, not just manage symptoms Standout Moments: • “We genuinely thought we were doing right by them.” • “Stress doesn’t announce itself, it leaks.” • “Love without listening isn’t love at all.” Keywords: equine welfare, horse sport, horse injuries, horse management, equine movement, dominance in training, horse behavior, equine bodywork, Whole Horse Collective, Outside the Box Equine, horse–human relationship

    57 min
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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to the very first episode of The Unbridled Equestrian Podcast—a space for curious, horse-obsessed riders and lifelong learners. If you want to deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, strengthen your connection with your horse, or see familiar challenges from a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. This debut sets the tone for honest, practical conversations that help you and your horse grow—one ride at a time. Follow along and let’s get unbridled.

Information

  • Creator
    Katrina Chapman
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit

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