Happy rider, Healthy horse⎮dressage rider, dressage exercises, horse trigger point therapy, horse acupressure

Sarah Martine - Veterinarian, dressage rider coach
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Welcome to the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast. In this podcast you will discover simple methods and techniques to achieve optimal dressage performance! Every episode will provide you with simple and effective solutions to get instant results in your riding. I bet this will improve your connection with your horse and reignite your passion and motivation! Do you often have unproductive rides because you lack inspiration or due to challenges with your horse being too strong, lazy, or unresponsive to your signals? Does your rides often lead to frustration and are you sometimes worried that your rides will result in injuries to your horse? Maybe this is impacting your motivation, your love of riding, and your relationship with your horse? My mission is to equip you to create a wholesome partnership with your horse and guide you to make every ride positive and fruitful through a patient positive mindset, simple training systems and maintaining the physical health of your horse with the right exercises and Masterson trigger point therapy. If you are ready to become a more creative rider and to build up and strengthen your connection, ready to learn non-invasive techniques to increase the mobility, comfort and longevity of your horse. If you are ready for you and your horse to be the best dance partners in crime - then you’re in the right place! Hi friend, I am Sarah, a twin mom, veterinarian, dressage rider and horse lover. All my riding life I have noticed so many young and adult riders get frustrated with their horses and I even did so myself. I felt bad and guilty afterwards because I knew the horse did not wake up that morning with a mission to go against me. I could feel so powerless when I was convinced I tried my best and my horse wouldn’t listen and do what I told him to. One day my personal trainer said something I will never forget; she reminded me that my horse did not have any ambitions, the ambitions were all on me, that my horse did not choose to be ridden, I chose to ride him and that actually my horse and the majority of all horses are people pleasers and they want to do anything for their rider. He would do anything for me if I just gave him correct simple signals and I then kept the patience for him to understand the signal and move his body to the right respond. From that day I created an intentional strategy for my riding and decided to always have a positive and patient mindset around my horse. I told myself, that I am obliged to always give the horse a chance to understand me. And now, I am so thrilled to share it all with you! If you feel ready to be the best rider and partner for your horse, to be a team and to find solutions that are simple and effective and get instant results in your riding, your connection and in your horse’s body health - This podcast is for you! Grab your helmet and get ready for a ride, tune in to exchange everything that hasn’t worked for a plan that will - Let’s go!

  1. 1D AGO

    EP 32 // Are You Overwhelmed by Your Calendar? How to Stop Being Overwhelmed and Protect Your Energy as a Rider

    Many riders feel stuck in their training — but the real tension often begins long before they enter the arena. In this episode, we explore how a constantly full calendar affects your nervous system, your presence, and ultimately your horse. I share my own story of being a time optimist and people pleaser, and how learning to say no changed my energy at home and in the saddle. You’ll get simple, practical steps to create space, regulate your body, and arrive at your horse calm, clear, and available. • A busy schedule keeps your nervous system in subtle survival mode • Chronic low-level stress reduces feel, patience, and clarity in the saddle • Your horse mirrors your internal pace — even when you don’t notice it • Saying no creates recovery space, not disappointment • White space in your calendar improves presence and connection • Regulation leads to fewer aids and better welfare • Protecting your energy makes you more generous, not less This Week’s Exercise Goal: Arrive regulated and present at your next ride. Steps: Open your calendar and protect one afternoon, evening, or full day for the next 14 days. Cancel or decline one non-essential commitment. Before your next ride, sit in your car for one minute and ask: “How am I arriving today?” Feel-checks: • Feel-check: Your shoulders soften and your breathing slows before mounting. • Feel-check: The first 5–10 minutes of your warm-up feel less rushed. • Feel-check: Your contact feels elastic, not fixed. “Your horse does not need a busy rider. Your horse needs a present one.” Try 1–2 steps on your next ride and tell me what you felt. Questions or 1:1 coaching: dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com Join the HRHH community on Facebook. If this helped, please leave a 5-star written review. Make peace with your calendar to reduce rider stress, regulate your nervous system, and improve dressage connection and horse welfare.

    12 min

  2. FEB 11

    EP 31 // How to Improve Your Horse’s Canter for Higher Dressage Scores and to Build Strength for Longevity

    EP 31 // How to Improve Your Horse’s Canter for Higher Dressage Scores and to Build Strength for Longevity Many riders lose the natural jump in the canter while trying to improve it. In this episode, I explain why collecting and driving at the same time often creates a flat, blocked canter — and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to improve collected canter for higher dressage scores while building real strength that supports your horse’s body and long-term soundness. I share clear rider adjustments, six practical canter steps, and a calm, welfare-first mindset that helps your horse carry himself with more lift, balance, and ease — without pressure or force. • Step 1: How your rider position and self-carriage allow your horse to carry himself • Step 2: A canter exercise that activates the hindquarters and abdominal muscles without rushing • Step 3: Using a 20-metre circle to engage the inside handle and rebuild natural jump, strength, and true collection without holding • Step 4: Improving balance and adjustability with light shoulder-in on the long side • Step 5: Why walk–canter transitions often give you the best canter jump • Step 6: How canter poles — in the lunge — help your horse work freely over the back and organise his body naturally For your next ride, choose just one exercise and keep it simple. Ride canter on a large or 20-metre circle. Ride three normal canter strides, sitting softly. On the fourth stride, rise into a light seat and apply a light, even pressure with both lower legs to invite your horse to engage his hind legs and abdominal muscles and lift his body under you. Sit softly again and repeat a few times only. Notice that the canter feels more lifting, not faster. The back feels softer and more elastic. Your breathing and contact stay calm and light. “You carry yourself — so your horse can carry himself.” — Sarah Try one or two of these ideas on your next ride and notice what you feel. Questions or 1:1 coaching: dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com or DM Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse community on Facebook and write your questions or your typical challenge in the comments. If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review. Improve your horse’s canter for higher dressage scores with simple, welfare-first steps that build lift, strength, and long-term soundness.

    14 min

  3. FEB 5

    EP 30 // How to Use the Masterson Method for Minor Injuries and Acute Swellings in Horses

    When your horse gets injured or suddenly shows swelling, it’s easy to feel unsure and powerless. In this episode, you’ll learn what you can calmly and safely do when your horse has a minor injury or an acute swelling that doesn’t immediately require a vet. We walk through simple assessment steps, how to observe movement, and how the Masterson Method can support your horse by releasing muscle tension, improving circulation, and helping the nervous system settle. Through a real-life story and clear, gentle guidance, this episode shows how listening to your horse can make a meaningful difference in stressful moments—always with welfare first and the vet as your backup when in doubt. • Stay calm and observe before acting • Assess swelling, heat, posture, and weight bearing • Let movement show you where the body struggles • Use light touch and follow the horse’s responses • Support blood flow by helping muscles release • Expect changes as the body regulates itself Goal: Support comfort and reduce tension after a minor injury or acute swelling. Stand quietly and observe your horse in the stable. Look for swelling, heat, and asymmetry. If safe, observe your horse in movement on both reins without asking for performance. Use light touch on sensitive areas and wait for eye blinking before staying with the contact. Allow the release and reassess daily rather than doing long sessions. Feel-check: Eye blinking, softer breathing, or a deep sigh under your fingers. Feel-check: Chewing, yawning, or gentle stretching during the release. Feel-check: Changes in swelling, posture, or ease of movement over the next 24–48 hours. Try one or two of these steps the next time your horse shows a mild swelling or tension. If you’re unsure what you’re feeling, send a DM or email and ask. If you live in Denmark, you can book a full Masterson treatment. If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review. Calm, welfare-first guidance on using the Masterson Method to release tension from chronic injuries and support horses with minor acute injuries and swellings.

    14 min

  4. JAN 27

    EP 29 // Struggling With Contact? How to Create a Softer, Steadier Connection With Your Horse

    If your contact feels either heavy or completely absent, this episode will help you understand why. Many riders try to fix contact issues by riding more forward, but this often creates more tension and resistance instead of balance. In this episode, we slow everything down and look at what’s really happening in your horse’s body when the contact feels wrong. You’ll learn why tempo, patience, and body awareness matter more than rein pressure, and how waiting for your horse to find its body can change both the connection and long-term soundness. A welfare-first approach to building a softer, more honest connection you can trust. • Heavy or empty contact is a sign of imbalance, not a hand problem • Hanging on the rein often means a long body and hind legs pushing backward • Avoiding the contact often shows up as a high, narrow neck and a tense topline • Riding faster rarely solves contact issues and often increases resistance • Slowing the tempo allows the back and topline to start moving again • Honest contact comes when the horse feels balanced and secure in its body • Patience and waiting are key to building strength instead of wear Goal: Help your horse find a calm, stable, and honest connection without force Before riding, gently check your horse’s topline and jaw and release obvious tension Under saddle, slow the tempo down more than feels comfortable and stay there Keep your hands calm and wait for your horse to seek the contact on its own If helpful, hold both reins in both hands to create a stable, predictable frame Feel-check: The tail swings softly and the back feels more alive under the saddle Feel-check: The mouth becomes quieter and the contact feels lighter, not empty Feel-check: Breathing slows and the rhythm stays calm and steady “Slow down, wait, and let the horse show you when the body is ready.” — Sarah • Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook community to share your experience • 1:1 coaching available for riders who want personal guidance and clarity Try one or two steps on your next ride and notice what changes in your horse’s body. Questions or 1:1 coaching: [dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com] Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook group. If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review. Create a softer contact with your horse by slowing down, improving balance, and letting the horse seek an honest connection without force.

    14 min

  5. JAN 20

    EP 28 // How to Ride Better Transitions in Dressage: From Tense to Effortless

    Many dressage riders struggle with transitions that feel tense, rushed, or heavy — even when they understand the theory. In this episode, we explore why transitions are not about speed, but about energy, balance, and preparation. You’ll learn how correct transitions can create suppleness, strength, and elasticity, rather than tension. We break down common rider mistakes, explain how your own body influences every transition, and show how to prepare your horse so transitions feel smooth and effortless. With simple, feel-based steps, this episode helps you build clearer communication, better balance, and more harmony for both you and your horse. • Transitions are changes of gait, not changes of speed • Correct transitions improve suppleness, strength, and elasticity • Too little energy causes rushed upward transitions • Too much speed creates heavy downward transitions • Rider tension blocks balance and clarity • Your horse mirrors your rhythm, balance, and body tone • Fewer, better transitions create better learning and welfare Goal: Create calm, balanced walk–trot transitions with the right energy Steps: Ride a large circle in walk and check that the walk feels active and elastic. Soften your hips and allow the horse to move your body before asking. Initiate trot from your upper body, not by pushing with the seat. Return to walk by growing tall and slowing your own rhythm first. Feel-checks: • Feel the walk becoming trot-able before you ask. • Feel your hips staying soft and mobile through the transition. • Feel the horse keep the same shape and balance before and after. “Do in your body what you want your horse to do in his body.” • Try one or two transitions on your next ride and notice the energy before you ask. • Reflect on what you felt and how your horse responded. • Questions or 1:1 coaching: dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com or a DM • Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse community on Facebook. • If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review. Learn how to ride smooth, balanced dressage transitions by improving energy, balance, and rider awareness — from tense to effortless.

    11 min

  6. JAN 20

    EP 27 // 3 Effective Stretching Exercises for Horses: Easy Ways to Improve Flexibility, Suppleness, and Strength

    Cold weather can make both riders and horses feel stiff, tight, and less comfortable in the body—but stretching matters just as much if you ride in a warm climate. In this episode, you’ll learn how physical restrictions in your horse’s neck, shoulders, and topline can affect contact, balance, and overall movement. Sarah explains why stiffness is often mistaken for resistance, how asymmetry overloads the legs over time, and why pushing harder usually creates more tension. You’ll be guided through three simple and effective stretching exercises—two from the ground and one under saddle—that support suppleness, strength, and long-term soundness without force. • If your horse avoids stretching forward and down, the limitation is often physical, not behavioural. • Asymmetry in the body creates uneven load on the legs and increases injury risk over time. • Overbending and driving forward usually increase tension instead of releasing it. • The topline works as one connected system from shoulder to neck, back, and loin. • Stretching is most effective when muscles are warm and the horse is invited, not forced. • Small, consistent habits create more change than occasional long sessions. Goal: Help your horse release tension in the shoulders and topline and improve balance and stretch. Every time you clean your horse’s hooves—before or after riding—add the forelimb retraction stretch. Guide the leg softly back and pause just above the ground, waiting for your horse to take the stretch. Hold for 3–5 seconds and repeat up to three times on each foreleg. Feel-check: The leg feels heavier and softer in your hands before you release. Feel-check: Your horse’s breathing slows and the neck appears longer afterwards. Feel-check: Under saddle, the back swings more freely and the contact feels more even. “True strength begins when the body feels safe enough to let go.” — Sarah Try turning the forelimb stretch into a simple habit every time you clean hooves and notice what changes over the next few rides. Download the free Physical Checks & Basic Masterson Bodywork Reference Guide in the Files section of the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Facebook group. If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review. Simple horse stretching exercises to improve flexibility, suppleness, topline function, and long-term soundness—winter or year-round.

    17 min

  7. JAN 6

    EP 26 // 6 Months of Podcasting: Reflection on the pillars of the podcast; Mindset, Welfare and Sustainable Dressage Training

    Over the past six months, this podcast has explored what truly supports a healthy partnership between horse and rider. In this season wrap-up episode, we reflect on the themes you’ve connected with the most: rider mindset, horse well-being, and simple dressage exercises that build strength, suppleness, and motivation. We talk about finding a middle way between extremes in today’s riding culture and why sustainable progress always starts with listening. This episode also looks ahead to 2026, inviting you to turn dreams into realistic plans by breaking big goals into small, achievable steps. The intention remains the same: to support happy riders and healthy horses, working together on the horse’s terms. You don’t need more pressure to move forward. You need clarity, patience, and a structure you can trust. Mindset shapes every aid you give. Small physical signals from the horse are information, not problems. Dressage works best when used as a tool, not a test. Progress happens when preparation comes before performance. Motivation grows when goals feel realistic and meaningful. Consistency comes from simplicity, not intensity. This week, choose one clear intention for your next ride. Keep it small and achievable. Before you mount, decide what “enough” looks like today. During the ride, focus on one exercise that helps your horse feel more balanced or supple. End the session when the horse offers even a small improvement. Notice whether your breathing stays slow and steady. Feel if the contact remains soft and even on both reins. Observe whether your horse feels more willing or relaxed in the last minutes than in the first. “Most horses love to work — when we listen and invite them into a fair conversation.” Try one or two small steps on your next ride and note what you felt. Questions or 1:1 coaching: DM on Facebook or [dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com] Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse community on Facebook. If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review.

    13 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    EP 25 // 7 Dressage Mistakes That Block Progress in Training and Competition — And What to Do Instead

    Many dedicated dressage riders feel stuck even though they train consistently and care deeply about their horse. In this episode, we explore seven of the most common training and competition mistakes that quietly block progress. You’ll learn why chasing exercises instead of quality creates tension, how riding at too high a level too early affects balance and willingness, and why preparation and mental clarity matter more than correction. We also talk about riding at competitions with the same calm structure as at home. The focus throughout is welfare-first dressage, simple systems, and clear next steps you can use on your very next ride. • Quality always comes before shape and exercises • One or two clear focus points create calmer, more effective training • Advanced movements grow from simple, well-prepared basics • Variation in training supports strength, suppleness, and motivation • Preparation prevents problems better than late correction • Competitions are not the place for new solutions • Mental plans create calm and direction under pressure This week, focus on riding quality before exercises. Goal: Maintain rhythm, balance, and elastic connection before asking for more. At the start of your ride, choose one quality marker, such as rhythm or reaction to the leg. Ride simple transitions and easy figures while monitoring that quality. Before riding a more difficult exercise, prepare 3–5 strides in advance. If the quality drops, step back to a simpler movement and allow a short pause. Feel-check: Notice if the rhythm stays steady for several strides. Feel-check: Check that the contact feels elastic rather than heavy or empty. Feel-check: Observe whether your horse stays relaxed yet responsive. “Clarity and patience create progress — not control.” • Try 1–2 of these ideas on your next ride and notice what you feel. • Questions or 1:1 coaching: dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com • Join the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse community on Facebook. • If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star written review. 7 common dressage training and competition mistakes — and simple, welfare-first fixes to improve balance, clarity, and consistency.

    11 min
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Welcome to the Happy Rider, Healthy Horse Podcast. In this podcast you will discover simple methods and techniques to achieve optimal dressage performance! Every episode will provide you with simple and effective solutions to get instant results in your riding. I bet this will improve your connection with your horse and reignite your passion and motivation! Do you often have unproductive rides because you lack inspiration or due to challenges with your horse being too strong, lazy, or unresponsive to your signals? Does your rides often lead to frustration and are you sometimes worried that your rides will result in injuries to your horse? Maybe this is impacting your motivation, your love of riding, and your relationship with your horse? My mission is to equip you to create a wholesome partnership with your horse and guide you to make every ride positive and fruitful through a patient positive mindset, simple training systems and maintaining the physical health of your horse with the right exercises and Masterson trigger point therapy. If you are ready to become a more creative rider and to build up and strengthen your connection, ready to learn non-invasive techniques to increase the mobility, comfort and longevity of your horse. If you are ready for you and your horse to be the best dance partners in crime - then you’re in the right place! Hi friend, I am Sarah, a twin mom, veterinarian, dressage rider and horse lover. All my riding life I have noticed so many young and adult riders get frustrated with their horses and I even did so myself. I felt bad and guilty afterwards because I knew the horse did not wake up that morning with a mission to go against me. I could feel so powerless when I was convinced I tried my best and my horse wouldn’t listen and do what I told him to. One day my personal trainer said something I will never forget; she reminded me that my horse did not have any ambitions, the ambitions were all on me, that my horse did not choose to be ridden, I chose to ride him and that actually my horse and the majority of all horses are people pleasers and they want to do anything for their rider. He would do anything for me if I just gave him correct simple signals and I then kept the patience for him to understand the signal and move his body to the right respond. From that day I created an intentional strategy for my riding and decided to always have a positive and patient mindset around my horse. I told myself, that I am obliged to always give the horse a chance to understand me. And now, I am so thrilled to share it all with you! If you feel ready to be the best rider and partner for your horse, to be a team and to find solutions that are simple and effective and get instant results in your riding, your connection and in your horse’s body health - This podcast is for you! Grab your helmet and get ready for a ride, tune in to exchange everything that hasn’t worked for a plan that will - Let’s go!

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