Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice

Ride iQ

Ask An Expert is your go-to for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian pros. Whether you’re curious about improving your riding, training a green horse, or mastering horse care, our expert guests are here to help. Hosted by Ride iQ, these conversations are relatable, insightful, and packed with tips you can use right away. Want more? Ride iQ members get access to over 100 exclusive episodes just like this one, plus unlimited audio lessons you can follow while you ride, taught by some of the best coaches in the business. Head to Ride-iQ.com to get started for free today.

  1. 2D AGO

    Buckle Up: An Eventing Safety Crash Course with Jon Holling

    Eventing is one of horse sport’s most thrilling disciplines, but what are the biggest safety challenges riders and organizers face today, and how is the sport working to better protect both horses and riders? In this episode of Ask an Expert, 5* event rider and National Safety Officer Jon Holling shares his insider perspective on common safety mistakes, innovations like frangible fences and MER rules, and practical advice for riders at every level. Episode Highlights: 4:00: The biggest safety challenges currently facing eventing and what he sees from his role as National Safety Officer 6:00: Frangible fence requirements and why cross-country accidents can still happen despite safety advancements 12:00: How MER rules work and the new MER rule modification for moving from training to preliminary level 40:45: Common safety mistakes lower-level riders make and how they can avoid them 54:50: Practical advice for nervous riders who want to feel safer and more confident on their horses Meet the Expert, Jon Holling Jon Holling is a US based 5* event rider who also serves as chairman of the USEF Eventing Sport Committee and U.S. National Safety Officer to the FEI. He has competed at some of the top international events around the world, including the Burghley CCI5* and Kentucky CCI5*. Jon has also led the Area IV Young Rider Team to multiple gold medals. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    57 min
  2. MAR 4

    A Beginner’s Guide to Western Dressage: How It Works, How It’s Judged, and How to Start

    Western Dressage continues to grow in popularity for good reason, but what truly sets it apart, and how can riders begin their journey in the sport? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Cindy Butler, president of the Western Dressage Association of America, explains what makes Western Dressage unique, how competition and judging work, and what riders need to know before giving it a try! Episode Highlights: 8:45: What Western Dressage is, how it developed, and what makes it different from other equestrian disciplines 17:30: How horses and riders are evaluated in Western Dressage and the key differences from traditional Dressage scoring and expectations 23:50: The skills horses and riders need to succeed and how movements and technical demands progress through the levels 26:30: The different ways to compete in Western Dressage and advice for preparing for your first show 32:00: Recommended attire and equipment 41:20: Where and how to get started in Western Dressage Meet the Expert, Cindy Butler Cindy Butler is the president of the Western Dressage Association of America. She holds a bachelor's degree in equestrian science and business administration from William Woods College and has spent a lifetime showing horses, earning multiple world championship titles. Beyond competing, Cindy has managed horse shows, led equine 4-H programs, organized judging competitions, and served as president of several state and local equine associations. She's also an experienced trainer, instructor, and clinician, traveling the country to teach Western Dressage. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    54 min
  3. FEB 25

    Let’s Make Some Adjustments: Chiropractic Care for Horse and Rider

    Chiropractic care can transform comfort and performance for both horse and rider, but understanding how it works is key to getting the most benefit. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Jillian Johnson, an equine and human chiropractor, discusses her unique journey, explains how chiropractic adjustments help equestrians and their horses, dispels common misconceptions, and shares practical tips for improving alignment, flexibility, and overall well-being in and out of the saddle. Episode Highlights: 13:00: Common patterns seen when working with horses and riders, and how to determine whether chiropractic care is the right fit 16:15: Biggest misconceptions about chiropractic care in the equestrian world, and the training, certification, and education required to practice safely and effectively 21:00: The most common issues in horses that benefit from chiropractic care, and how to recognize signs of discomfort 31:30: Common alignment and movement issues seen in riders, plus stretches and exercises to support the body between adjustments 44:00: One simple thing riders can do to improve symmetry in the saddle, and the most important takeaway every rider should understand about chiropractic care Meet the Expert, Dr. Jillian Johnson Dr. Jillian Johnson is a chiropractor specializing in equestrians and their horses. With a lifelong passion for performance, movement, and partnership, she helps riders and horses feel and perform their best both in and out of the saddle. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. Jillian holds a doctorate in chiropractic and is certified by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She runs Farmhouse Chiropractic, a thriving practice based in Ocala, Florida, where her work focuses on optimizing comfort, alignment, and communication between horse and rider, helping each partnership find greater balance and harmony. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    49 min
  4. FEB 18

    Harnessing Genetics: Choosing and Managing Sport Horses

    Genetics can reveal more about your horse than you might expect, offering powerful tools for making informed decisions about breeding, training, and daily management. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine geneticist Christa Lafayette shares how modern genetic testing can help owners and breeders uncover everything from health risks and temperament tendencies to athletic potential and ancestry, while also addressing common myths and the practical realities of using this cutting-edge technology. Episode Highlights: 13:00: How equine genetic testing works, what the process looks like, and the types of results owners can expect 19:00: What DNA testing can (and can’t) reveal about temperament, behavior, stress response, and trainability 24:00: Health conditions and disease risks that genetic testing can help screen for 27:00: What genetic testing can tell you about injury risk, muscle type, stamina, recovery, and physical stress tolerance 42:00: How equine ancestry testing has evolved, where the science is headed, and common myths about equine genetics Meet the Expert, Christa Lafayette Christa Lafayette is the founder and CEO of Etalon Diagnostics, a pioneering company in equine genetic testing. With a background in science, technology, and business development, Christa has spent over two decades at the intersection of innovation and animal health. Under her leadership, Etalon has become a leader in the field, offering cutting-edge genetic testing that helps horse owners better understand and care for their equine partners. Christa is passionate about empowering horse people with data-driven insights to support sound decisions in breeding, management, and performance. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    54 min
  5. FEB 11

    We’ve Got You Covered: Equine Insurance Explained

    Equine insurance can be confusing, but knowing your options means you’re better prepared when the unexpected happens. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine insurance agent Heidi Wardle explains the different types of coverage available, what they include, how to navigate the claims process, and how to protect everything from your horse to your tack and equipment. Episode Highlights: 2:30: The different types of equine insurance, who each policy is best suited for, and how to choose the right coverage 11:15: Common equine insurance misconceptions 15:30: What major medical typically covers and key exclusions to watch for 31:00: How the claims process works, how to prepare ahead of time, and common mistakes that can lead to denied claims 41:00: Coverage options for tack, trailers, and farm property 48:45: Expert advice for first-time horse owners shopping for equine insurance Meet the Expert, Heidi Wardle Heidi is a lifelong horsewoman who began her career as a professional rider and trainer before transitioning into the equine insurance world in 2017. She now works with clients across disciplines to protect what matters most, from major medical and mortality to liability, farm, trailer, and tack coverage. Heidi brings a rider’s perspective to her work, combining industry knowledge with firsthand experience. She continues to compete her off-the-track-thoroughbreds, Cold Spice and Generalist in the sport of eventing. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    54 min
  6. FEB 4

    Variety Is the Spice of Life: The Benefits of Cross Training

    Keeping your horse’s training fresh and engaging can be the key to higher performance and happier rides. In this episode of Ask an Expert, accomplished dressage trainer Lisa Helmer discusses the benefits of cross training and shares practical ways to add variety, fitness, and fun into your routine. Episode Highlights: 4:00: What cross-training really means, how it fits into a program, and why it matters for both performance and mindset 19:30: Lisa’s favorite cavaletti exercises and easy ways to blend them into flatwork 45:30: One small weekly training change that can make a big difference 47:00: Common cross-training misconceptions and how to spot the physical and mental benefits Meet the Expert, Lisa Hellmer Lisa Helmer is a lifelong horsewoman and USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a degree in equine business management and riding, she trained young horses at the Hanoverian Verband in Germany, where she developed a passion for cross-disciplinary training. She later worked for international Grand Prix rider Pam Goodrich before starting her own business, LCH Equestrian, in Ocala, Florida. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    53 min
  7. JAN 28

    Learning to Listen: Building a Better Relationship Through Animal Communication

    Horses have their own language, and learning to listen opens the door to a deeper, more compassionate connection. In this episode of Ask an Expert, animal communicator Alexa Linton shares how you can better understand your horse’s experiences, tune into their needs, and support them through tools like animal communication, bodywork, and mindful presence.    Episode Highlights:    10:30: How animal communication works in practice  9:20: Simple exercises for tuning in and strengthening communication with your horse  36:00: Situations that are more challenging for horses than we often realize  39:30: How horses experience loss, absence, and changes within the herd  47:00: Supporting horses through long-term rehabilitation and extended rest Meet the Expert, Alexa Linton  Alexa is an osteopathic practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in kinesiology, manual therapy, and energy work. Based in Duncan, BC, she blends science, intuition, and a deep love for horses into everything she does-from her one-on-one intuitive work to her popular programs like the Whole Horse Apprenticeship and her long-running podcast The Whole Horse. Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    50 min
  8. JAN 21

    The Power of Walk: Building Connection & Balance Through the Walk

    The walk is often underestimated, but it has the power to transform both horse and rider, improving balance, communication, and overall well-being. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Diana Waters, founder of The Power of Walk, explores the principles behind slow walk work, the benefits you can expect, and practical approaches for incorporating it into your training.    Episode Highlights:    7:00: The short-term and long-term benefits of focused walk work, and how it supports overall training development  8:45: The difference between a slow walk and a lazy walk, and where intentional walk work fits into a horse’s training schedule  14:00: How walk work is adapted to address different challenges, and how it improves posture, strength, and muscle tone  21:30: An overview of Diana’s program, including timeline, key exercises, and end goals  47:45: A simple, practical walk-focused challenge listeners can try with their own horse    Meet the Expert, Diana Waters  Diana Waters is a BHS-qualified instructor, Enlightened Equitation Teacher, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. She developed Slow Walk Work after discovering how profoundly a gentle, grounded approach could change everything for the horse and the human. What began as a personal journey with a “lazy” horse soon became a method she now shares with horse owners worldwide. Today, she teaches this method to riders around the world through The Power of Walk course and online community, helping horses and humans become more relaxed, confident, and balanced.  Brought to you by Ride iQ  This episode is part of the Ask An Expert podcast series, usually available exclusively in the Ride iQ app, where members have access to more than 200 expert interviews covering training, horse care, sports psychology, and more. Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts, exclusive podcast episodes, dressage test playbooks, and supportive community conversations that make learning feel fun and doable. If you’d like to explore what Ride iQ offers, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com.  Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, is now available, and you can use code POD35 for 35% off. Learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Ask An Expert is your go-to for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian pros. Whether you’re curious about improving your riding, training a green horse, or mastering horse care, our expert guests are here to help. Hosted by Ride iQ, these conversations are relatable, insightful, and packed with tips you can use right away. Want more? Ride iQ members get access to over 100 exclusive episodes just like this one, plus unlimited audio lessons you can follow while you ride, taught by some of the best coaches in the business. Head to Ride-iQ.com to get started for free today.

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