The People Behind The Horses

Mad Barn
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The People Behind The Horses takes you behind the scenes of the equine world through in-depth interviews with the people shaping the industry. From trainers and veterinarians to breeders, riders, and entrepreneurs, discover their stories, expertise, and the unique roles they play in the lives of horses.

Episodes

  1. JAN 14

    The People Behind the Horses: With HEP Insurance

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine care, protection, and performance.   In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Mackenzie Bell, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Business Development with Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers. A lifelong horse lover, Meghan has built an impressive career in the horse racing industry, gaining international experience before returning to Canada to take on her role with HEP Insurance. She shares her experience and offers an inside look at how equine insurance policies are created to protect both horses and their owners.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: How Meghan’s background in the horse racing industry led her into farm and equine insuranceWhat goes into building insurance policies for horses and farm propertiesCommon misconceptions horse owners have about equine insuranceWhy proper coverage is a critical part of responsible horse ownership  Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or horse owner, this episode provides valuable insight into how equine insurance works and why it plays an essential role in safeguarding your horses and your investment.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction00:42 – How Meghan Got Started in the Horse Industry and What Led Her to Insurance02:50 – Most Commonly Seen Equine Insurance Coverage Plans07:14 – What to Look for When Reviewing Your Horses’ Insurance Policy10:24 – How Often Should You Be Reviewing Your Policy?11:24 – Addressing Common Misconceptions About the Equine Insurance Industry13:04 – What Information You Need on Hand When You’re Ready to Register Your Horse for Insurance15:24 – How Closely HEP Insurance Works with Horses’ Medical Care Teams17:04 – When to Consider Getting Farm Insurance and Why It Is So Important19:03 – Looking Toward the Future of the Equine & Farm Insurance Industry20:37 – Final Thoughts and Thank You  📚 Related Resources: Horse Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide to Coverage & Costs  Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠⁠   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    21 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Laura Veenstra

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.   In this episode, we sit down with Laura Veenstra, a certified independent saddle fitter with over 15 years of experience working alongside veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners across Ontario. Laura shares her journey into saddle fitting, what it truly means to be independent in a field with varying standards, and why proper saddle fit is critical for both horse welfare and rider effectiveness.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: Laura’s background in the horse industry and how it led her to saddle fittingWhat “independent saddle fitter” really means and why it mattersHow saddle fit directly affects biomechanics, comfort, and long-term soundnessCommon saddle fit issues she sees in the field and how they impact horsesWhy collaboration between fitters, veterinarians, and nutritionists is essential  Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or dedicated horse owner, this episode offers invaluable insight into how saddle fit plays a foundational role in keeping horses comfortable, willing, and performing at their best.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction01:05 – Laura’s Background in the Horse Industry to Discovering Saddle Fitting03:37 – What It Means to Be an Independent Saddle Fitter07:22 – The Common Concerns and Practices of Saddle Fitting11:14 – Signs Your Saddle Needs to be Adjusted and Industry Standards14:14 – Myths in the Saddle Fitting Industry17:12  – Western Saddle Fitting Vs English Saddle Fitting22:06 – Riding Young Horses and It’s Impact on their Biomechanics23:40 – The Process of Saddle Fitting for Horses with Kissing Spines27:36 – The Future of Saddle Fitting  📚 Related Resources: for HorsesWestern Saddles for HorsesKissing Spine in Horses Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    31 min

  3. 11/19/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Mike Winter

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Canadian 3-time Olympic Event Rider Mike Winter.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: Mike’s journey from his early riding years in Canada to becoming a three-time Olympic eventing athleteThe training philosophies and horsemanship principles that guide his approach to developing top-level horsesThe mindset, discipline, and continuous learning required to sustain excellence at the international levelHow data-driven management, nutrition, and conditioning support sound and confident equine partnersThe importance of mentorship, community, and collaborative leadership within the equestrian industryMike’s perspective on the responsibilities of modern riders, both in the saddle and as ambassadors for the sportInsight into the ongoing conversations around the equestrian sport's social license to operate  Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate horse owner, this episode offers a unique look into the people and purpose driving equestrian sport in Canada.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 00:00 – Welcome00:22– Introduction to Mike and His Journey to the Elite Level of Equestrian Sport05:58 – How Mike’s Mindset and Preparation for the Major Games Have Evolved06:12 – Mike’s Experience as a Member of Canada’s Eventing High Performance Advisory Board11:27 – How Mike’s Experience in the European Eventing Environment Shaped His Perspective on Canada’s National Program16:51 – Balancing Traditional Vs Innovative Training Methods19:41 – Exploring and Improving Equestrian Sports Social License to Operate28:23 - Looking Towards The Future  📚 Related Resources: Mike Winter Athlete ProfileEventing Discipline GuideSocial License to Operate in the Equine Industry Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: madbarn.com/analyze-diet   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    29 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Dr. Jillian Johnson

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals helping shape the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jillian Johnson, a passionate advocate for holistic horse-and-rider care, to explore how alternative therapies are transforming equine performance. With a background in chiropractic care and a deep commitment to integrative approaches, Dr. Johnson shares her journey and insights into the modalities that are making a difference for both horses and their riders.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: How Dr. Jillian Johnson launched her career in chiropractic careHow treating both horse and rider together enhances performance and strengthens the partnership between themA look at the therapies offered at Farmhouse and how they support both horse and riderThe collaborative, multidisciplinary team behind Farmhouse and how they provide integrated care for horses and ridersDr. Johnson’s advice for owners to recognize communication through behavior, trust their instincts, and take a proactive role in their horse’s well-being  Whether you're a competitive rider, a horse owner, or someone passionate about horse wellness, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview: Dr. Jillian Johnson0:40 - How Farmhouse Chiropractic Began1:54 - Treating Both Horse and Rider Holistically3:20 - Connection Between Horse & Rider Imbalances4:33 - Building a Multidisciplinary Team at Farmhouse6:12 - How Therapies Like Laser & Shockwave Work Together7:45 - What to Expect at Your First Horse Appointment9:42 - Customizing Sessions Based on Horse Needs10:57 - Importance of Stretching for Horses12:33 - Empowering Riders to Track & Support Progress13:47 - Stretching Resources & Educational Plans14:47 - Meet the Team Behind Farmhouse Chiropractic15:56 - Favorite Success Story with a Horse16:33 - Advice for Proactive Horse Owners17:12 - What’s Next for Farmhouse Chiropractic?18:00 - Where to Find Farmhouse at World Equestrian Center  📚 Related Resources: Stretches for Horses⁠Pre-Ride Stretches for Equestrians ⁠Chiropractic Care in HorsesMassage Therapy in HorsesLaser Therapy for HorsesKinesiology Taping for Horses Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    19 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Meg Krueger and Lisa Robertson from Equestrian Canada

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with two inspiring leaders from Equestrian Canada, the national governing body for equestrian sport in Canada. Together, they share insights into the organization’s mission. From grassroots initiatives to elite competition, Equestrian Canada is at the forefront of creating a safe, sustainable, and thriving equestrian community. 🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: The Role Equestrian Canada Plays in Shaping Equestrian Sport and Standards NationwideDiscover the Team Behind Equestrian Canada and Their Efforts Towards Advancing Equestrian SportBehind-the-scenes Insight into How Equestrian Canada Develops and Implements InitiativesExplore Just How Much Goes into Supporting Canada’s High Performance Equestrian AthletesAn Inside Look at Equestrian Canada’s CHIP ProgramWhat’s Next for Equestrian Canada and Their Vision for the Future of the Sport  Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate horse owner, this episode offers a unique look into the people and purpose driving equestrian sport in Canada.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 00:00 – Welcome00:38– Introduction to Equestrian Canada’s CEO, Meg Krueger, and President of the Board, Lisa Robertson07:08 – Behind-the-Scenes of Equestrian Canada’s Team and Programs10:02 – Initiatives and Strategies at Equestrian Canada14:00 – Equestrian Canada’s Collaboration within the Community16:58 – Opportunities to Support Equestrian Canada as a Community Member23:28 – Explore What Goes Into Supporting Canada’s High Performance Equestrian Athletes27:03 - Looking Ahead: The Future of Equestrian Canada  📚 Related Resources: Equestrian CanadaMad Barn and Equestrian Canada Forge Innovative Sport Science and Nutrition Partnership  Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    31 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Tik Maynard

    Mad Barn is proud to present the latest installment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight industry leaders shaping the future of equestrian sport and horsemanship. In this episode, we sit down with Tik Maynard, Canadian eventer, author, and two-time Road to the Horse Colt Starting Champion. Known for his relationship-first approach to training, Tik shares his insights on connecting with horses, evolving as a horse person, and preparing for the 2025 Road to the Horse competition. With reflections on family, mentorship, and the mental side of riding, Tik offers a grounded and thoughtful perspective that will resonate with riders at every stage of their journey. 🎙 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: What horsemanship really means and how it extends beyond ridingTik’s approach to training and preparation for Road to the Horse 2025The importance of community and support behind the scenesBuilding confidence, staying humble, and learning from mistakesWhat’s next for Tik in the arena and beyond Whether you're a seasoned rider, a colt-starting enthusiast, or simply passionate about horse-human connection, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss. ⏱ Podcast Timeline 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Overview: Tik Maynard1:00 – What Is a Horseman?2:31 – The 4 Core Principles of Tik’s Training Method5:00 – Understanding Horse Behavior & Emotional Signals7:22 – Influences and Learning Horse Psychology10:11 – Preparing for Road to the Horse: Chicken Camp!13:35 – Comparing Year One vs Year Two at Road to the Horse15:54 – Selecting the Right Horse for Competition18:10 – Behind the Book: "Starting in the Middle"19:56 – Building a Strong Team & Farm Culture21:43 – Advice for Aspiring Equestrians24:29 – What’s Next for Tik Maynard? 📚 Related Resources: How Do Horses Learn? The Science Behind Equine Training & BehaviorHow Human-Horse Communication Impacts Training & Performance Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    26 min

  7. 09/23/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Danielle Kendall

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.   In this episode, we sit down with Danielle Kendall, Sponsorship Director at Angelstone Events. Danielle plays a pivotal role in connecting equestrian sport with the wider community, building partnerships that allow Angelstone to grow as one of Canada’s premier horse show venues. Her work ensures that competitors, spectators, and sponsors alike enjoy an unforgettable experience while advancing the sport.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: Danielle’s background in the horse industry and how it led her to AngelstoneThe skills that prepared her for a leadership role in sponsorship and event developmentWhy sponsorships are so critical to equestrian sport and how they support athletes and organizersA behind-the-scenes look at daily operations at Angelstone EventsHow Danielle engages sponsors to create meaningful partnerships that enhance showsThe challenges of sponsorship in a niche sport and how she overcomes themWhat’s on the horizon for Angelstone and the exciting future of its tournaments  Whether you’re a competitor, a brand interested in supporting equestrian sport, or simply a fan of world-class show jumping, this episode gives you a unique look at the vital role sponsorship plays in keeping the equestrian community thriving.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 00:00 – Welcome00:39 – Danielle’s Background in the Horse Industry01:35 – Skills and Experiences Contributing Her Role02:32 – What Attracted Danielle to come to Angelstone Event03:43 – An Inside Look at the Day to Day Operations 05:00 – The Importance of Sponsorships For the Equestrian Community06:41 – Sponsorship Engagement at Horse Show Venues07:55 – How Danielle Navigates Challenges 08:56 – Looking to the Future of What’s to Come for Angelstone Events   📚 Related Resources: Angelstone EventsPlanning Your Horse’s Competition ScheduleManaging Your Horse at a Show Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠madbarn.com⁠.   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    11 min

  8. 09/10/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Rebecca Howard

    Mad Barn is proud to present the latest episode of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight individuals helping shape the future of equestrian sport through leadership, innovation, and passion. In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Howard, Olympian, coach, and current Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor for the Canadian Eventing Team. From competing on the world stage with her longtime partner Riddle Master to guiding Canada’s top athletes today, Rebecca shares the lessons, challenges, and vision that have shaped her career in high-performance sport. 🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: Behind the scenes of two Olympic Games with Riddle MasterHow Rebecca’s experience as an athlete influences her leadership styleStrategies for building fitness and recovery routines for elite equine athletesReflections on Team Canada’s performance in Paris and what’s next for 2028Advice for developing riders stepping into high-performance programs Whether you're an aspiring equestrian, a dedicated coach, or simply passionate about the future of equestrian sport, this episode offers insights into the evolution of Canadian eventing and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. ⏱ Podcast Timeline: 0:00 – Introduction & Guest Overview: Rebecca Howard0:34 – Rebecca’s Role as Technical Advisor for Team Canada1:18 – The Origin Story of Riddle Master3:08 – Olympic Experiences: London vs Rio4:56 – Managing Olympic-Level Fitness and Recovery5:50 – Rebecca’s Responsibilities as Technical Advisor7:02 – How Rebecca’s Past Shapes Her Current Role9:34 – Key Support Initiatives for Athletes11:45 – Reflections on the Paris Olympics Performance13:13 – Long-Term Goals Toward Los Angeles 202815:02 – Fitness Strategy for Horses & Riders16:25 – Heart Rate Monitors & Training Data16:52 – Advice for Young Riders & Final Thoughts 📚 Related Resources:How to Use a Heart-Rate Monitor for Your Horse How Mad Barn is Helping Canada’s National Eventing Team Prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics Eventing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Want to evaluate your horse’s diet? Connect with a nutritionist or explore our free diet analysis tool at: ⁠https://madbarn.com/analyze-diet/ Mad Barn proudly supports the people and programs advancing equine performance and wellness. To learn more, visit ⁠https://madbarn.com/ 📲 Follow us for more:Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    19 min

  9. 08/27/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Amelia Newcomb

    Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.   In this episode, we sit down with Amelia Newcomb, founder of Amelia Newcomb Dressage. Amelia has built an incredible platform that blends classical dressage with natural horsemanship principles, creating a holistic and adaptable approach to training. Her philosophy emphasizes understanding each horse as an individual and equipping riders with the tools to communicate more clearly and compassionately.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: How Amelia discovered her passion for dressage and turned it into a thriving businessThe ways she is building an inclusive and supportive community within the dressage worldWhy adaptability is central to her training philosophy and how it benefits every horseStrategies for developing rider confidence and fostering better communication with horsesThe role of education in shaping the future of the horse industryHow rider fitness outside of the saddle can transform performance in the arenaAmelia’s perspective on the vital connection between equine nutrition and peak performance  Whether you’re an aspiring equestrian, a professional trainer, or simply passionate about horses, this episode offers fresh perspectives on training, communication, and connection in the dressage arena.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline 00:00 – Welcome00:45 – Amelia’s Journey into Dressage and Developing Her Business03:12 – Building an Inclusive Community in Dressage Training06:05 – Training Philosophy: Adaptability for Every Horse12:40 – Building Rider Confidence and Communication with Horses18:44 – The Importance of Education in the Horse Industry22:59 – Rider Fitness Training Outside of the Saddle27:07 – Nutrition’s Impact on Horse Performance  📚 Related Resources: Amelia Newcomb DressageFitness Exercises for Equestrians: Improving Rider Strength, Flexibility & MobilityDoes My Horse Need to Warm Up Before Exercise? Optimizing Performance with Holistic TrainingUnderstanding Rider Aids & Equine Learning: How Human-Horse Communication Impacts Training & Performance  Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: madbarn.com/analyze-diet   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.   You can also find Mad Barn at:Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    35 min
  10. The People Behind the Horses: With Dr. Tim Worden

    08/13/2025

    The People Behind the Horses: With Dr. Tim Worden

    Mad Barn is excited to introduce our new series, “The People Behind the Horses,” in which we highlight industry leaders who are shaping the future of equine performance and well-being. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Worden, an Equine Sports Science Consultant with a Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Guelph. Dr. Worden has worked with Equestrian Canada and top FEI riders, bringing cutting-edge research, performance analytics, and evidence-based training to the world's best equine athletes. 🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: How biomechanics and sports science are revolutionizing equestrian trainingWhy small training adjustments can make a big impact in competitionThe role of galloping and varied surfaces in equine fitnessThe future of equestrian sports: wearable tech, data tracking & recovery strategiesHow nutrition supports peak performance and longevity Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast, a professional rider, or someone passionate about horse care, this episode offers valuable takeaways on how science-backed methods can improve equine athleticism. ⏱Podcast Timeline 00:00 - Welcome to the Show00:13 - Meet Dr. Tim Worden00:44 - Dr. Worden's Journey into Sports Science03:25 - Applying Research to Horse Training05:30 - Trends in Show Jumping and Beyond10:18 - The Role of Nutrition in Performance11:52 - Future Goals and Industry Growth14:42 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts 📚 Related Resources Interested in learning about supporting high performance horses? We have several blog articles online: How to Feed a High Performance Horse for Training & CompetitionHow to Use Lactate Testing to Improve Your Horse’s Training ProgramBenefits of Exercise in Horses How to Use a Heart-Rate Monitor for Your Horse Performance Nutrition Counseling: https://madbarn.com/performance/ Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠⁠ You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠ Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

    15 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The People Behind The Horses takes you behind the scenes of the equine world through in-depth interviews with the people shaping the industry. From trainers and veterinarians to breeders, riders, and entrepreneurs, discover their stories, expertise, and the unique roles they play in the lives of horses.

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