Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara

Cara & Sandy
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Hobbies

'Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara' is hosted by two saddle sisters, keeping you company one ride at a time. We discuss life, love, horses of course, and all the unexpected turns along the trail.

  1. 3d ago

    Just Another Day

    In this episode of Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara, the hosts share updates on physical recovery, equine training breakthroughs, and navigating fear on the trail. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Episode OverviewInjury & Recovery: Cara shares an update on her fractured pelvis, detailing the balance between physical therapy, avoiding "stupid" setbacks like steep stairs, and letting pain act as a natural gauge for healing.Training & Groundwork Updates: Sandy details bringing her horse Kaia home after two months of professional training with Jason, reflecting on foundational groundwork, building confidence with young mares, and using body language instead of forceful correction.Body Energy & Horsemanship Techniques: Inspired by trainers like Chris Irwin, their trainer Jessica, Ryan Rose, and Monty Roberts, the duo explores the concepts of "blocking," "drawing," and "pushing" energy, emphasizing how subtle seat and leg cues create a better connection than pulling on the reins.Overcoming Trail Anxiety & Rider Confidence: A discussion on navigating environmental triggers like strong winds, managing lack of confidence versus gut instincts, and learning when to push through fear or safely dismount.Looking Ahead: The hosts share future plans for trail rides, ponying horses together, introducing obstacle challenges, and progressing with Cara's horse, Armani.

  2. Aug 30

    Lick and Chew

    In this episode of Saddle Talk, hosts Cara and Sandy dive into the real-life mental and physical challenges of horse ownership—from recovering from injuries and navigating rider anxiety to understanding key horse behavior. Sandy shares updates on her broken pelvis recovery and her milestone transition into menopause, while Cara opens up about her personal tendency to "perseverate" on training goals with her horse, Armani. The hosts then break down the concept of the "lick and chew" response. Learn how horses release jaw tension and switch from panic/flight mode back to their "thinking brain"—and why humans need to apply this exact same self-regulation technique when stress strikes around horses. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Injury Recovery & Reality for Equestrians: Navigating physical therapy, broken bones, and the struggle of taking rest when you have horses to care for.Decoding Horse Body Language: What the "lick and chew" reflex means biologically, how adrenaline causes dry mouth in horses, and why jaw-clenching happens during stress.Overcoming Rider Anxiety & Traumatic Scenarios: Strategies for handling worst-case scenario thinking during trailer loading, groundwork, and riding sessions.Proactive Safety & Body Positioning: Essential safety tips for saddling (facing the rear vs. the head), grabbing cinches with your left hand, using fly boots, and avoiding dangerous kick and bite zones.Preventing Food Aggression: How walking away while a horse pins its ears at feed time can unintentionally teach resource guarding—and how to set clear boundaries using a carrot stick. Whether you are starting a young horse, preparing for trailer loading, or managing your own anxiety in the barn, this episode offers practical horsemanship advice, safety tips, and insightful perspective. Tune in to discover how positioning, patience, and giving yourself grace can change your relationship with your horse! Keywords: Horsemanship, Horse Body Language, Equestrian Podcast, Rider Anxiety, Lick and Chew Horse, Horse Safety Tips, Trailer Loading Horses, Horse Training Hacks, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Equine Safety, Menopause and Riding.

  3. Aug 15

    Pt. 2 - From Nay to Yay, an Interview with Jessica Ponte, the Parelli Trainer that Turned Armani from a Dragon to a Horse

    In the second half of the conversation, Jessica goes deeper into the philosophy behind teaching horses and riders. She explains why good horsemanship starts with the human, why rapport matters more than speed, and how patience, structure, and clear communication create better outcomes for both horse and rider. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Key Topics Covered:The importance of understanding horse behaviorWhy “the process does not look like the product”Breaking training into small, achievable stepsChoosing credentialed instructors and sticking with one methodWhy video and feedback matter in trainingHow horses respond to human impatience and pressureThe 15-minute learning window for horses and humansWhy rapport is the foundation of every good partnershipJessica’s future goals in teaching and continued growthHow building a strong foundation supports every discipline Closing Thought:Part 2 centers on Jessica’s teaching philosophy: that true horsemanship is built on relationship, patience, and the willingness to keep learning. It’s a reminder that the goal is not just better training — it’s better understanding. Resources & Links: Pat Parelli - Official WebsiteParelli Levels and Certification infoDressage Basics Explained - USDFSeven Games of ParelliThe Process, Not the Product - Pat Parelli Connect with Jessica: Jessica's FacebookJessica's Website

  4. Jul 30

    Pt. 1 - From Nay to Yay, an Interview with Jessica Ponte, the Parelli Trainer that Turned Armani from a Dragon to a Horse

    In this first half of the conversation, Jessica shares how her lifelong connection to horses began, the early influences that shaped her horsemanship, and the path that eventually led her into the Parelli program. She talks about learning through experience, building skills gradually, and discovering the value of foundation, patience, and trust in horse training. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! Key Topics Covered:Jessica’s early horse memories and family influenceHow recreational riding shaped her approach to horsemanshipThe Reno Parelli conference that changed her perspectiveHer transition from casual rider to committed student of ParelliEarly experiences with wild horses and the Stagecoach horse communityHow she balanced school, work, and horse ownershipThe role of her first horses in deepening her training journeyWhy the process of horsemanship takes time and repetition Closing Thought:Jessica’s first half of the story is really about laying the groundwork — in horses, in learning, and in life. It sets up the mindset that later makes the deeper training conversations possible. Resources & Links: Pat Parelli - Official WebsiteParelli Levels and Certification infoDressage Basics Explained - USDFSeven Games of ParelliThe Process, Not the Product - Pat Parelli Connect with Jessica: Jessica's FacebookJessica's Website

  5. Jul 15

    Coddling Men & Mustangs

    Are you coddling your horse—or your partner? In this episode of Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara, we dive deep into the unexpected parallels between wild mustang gentling and human relationships, focusing on why setting clear boundaries is essential for both. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook!

  6. Jun 30

    Oops! We did it again!

    In this episode of Saddle Talk, we’re taking you along on an our video adventure of the high-stakes mustang rescue mission! What started as a chaotic brainstorming session in Part 1 has officially turned into reality: we are inheriting two homeless Mustangs to save them from a grim fate at the meat market. Join us as we break down the logistics of the rescue, share the funny (and slightly manipulative) way we convinced our husbands to let us bring more horses home, and discuss why we believe breeding wild range horses is highly unethical. From navigating the gorgeous Nevada range to pulling off a flawless trailer loading on the very first try, this episode is a raw, real, and heartwarming look at what it means to step up for horses and human "saddle sisters" in need.

  7. Jun 16

    This Was Definitely Not The Plan

    In this special, first-ever video episode, hosts Cara and Sandy are hitting the open road! Tag along on their road trip as they venture out to check on two mustangs in need of a good home. While on the move, they dive deep into the raw, emotional world of animal care, horse training, and the lifelong commitment it takes to rescue and rehabilitate. They also open up about what it really means to "co-parent" an animal (trust us, it’ll all make sense once you tune in!). Will these mustangs come home with Cara & Sandy? Be sure to subscribe to this podcast to find out, with part two coming out July 30th! Connect with the hosts!

  8. May 30

    One Fall Can Change It All

    Protect your passion. Discover why a certified horseback riding helmet is your most critical piece of tack, whether training at home or trail riding. Never risk riding in a helmet that has sustained an impact—even if it looks fine on the outside. Lead by example and prioritize rider safety on every single ride! Connect with the hosts!

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

'Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara' is hosted by two saddle sisters, keeping you company one ride at a time. We discuss life, love, horses of course, and all the unexpected turns along the trail.

Information

  • Creator
    Cara & Sandy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara
  • Show Website
    Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara