Solid in the Saddle

Aleisha Shirley
  • 5.0 (10)
  • HOBBIES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you a horseback rider striving to feel confident, strong, and in control in the saddle? Look no further! Solid in the Saddle is the go-to podcast for women riders who want to elevate their riding skills, improve their wellness, and rediscover their passion for horses. Hosted by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and professional barrel racer who knows firsthand the challenges of overcoming injury and rebuilding strength, this podcast is packed with practical advice, expert interviews, and the latest research tailored specifically for horseback riders. Each episode dives into essential topics like: Strength Training for Riders – Exercises designed to help you stay balanced and secure in the saddle. Nutrition and Wellness – Simple strategies to fuel your body for riding success. Stress Management and Nervous System Regulation – Learn how to stay calm and focused, even in high-pressure situations. Competition Mindset – Unlock the mental edge to perform your best in and out of the arena. Whether you're barrel racing for gold or trail riding with friends, this podcast will inspire you to take charge of your health, build unshakable confidence, and become the rider you’ve always dreamed of being. 💪 Subscribe today to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Ready to take the reins? Visit our website for resources and programs designed to help YOU become Solid in the Saddle!

  1. OCT 30

    Ep 30 Dr. Hilary Clayton on Horse Biomechanics, Rider Biomechanics, Correct Riding Position, and an Independent Seat

    Dr. Hilary Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher, and celebrated equestrian whose career spans more than 45 years advancing science in equine locomotor biomechanics, athletic conditioning, rehabilitation, and rider–horse interaction. She holds a BVMS from the University of Glasgow (1973) and a PhD in biomechanics (1978), and served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University from 1997 until her retirement in 2014. She has authored 7 books and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, focusing on how rider position, saddle fit, and training protocols directly affect equine kinematics, gait symmetry, and performance outcomes. Dr. Clayton is a past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, and is also an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science, and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame including the USDF Roemer Foundation and the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame. This episode is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle, our introductory rider fitness course that is appropriate for all levels of riding and fitness ability. This course will improve your core strength, back strength, and leg strength and strengthen the specific muscles Dr. Clayton discusses in this podcast interview. You can sign up here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/six and use code "JOURNEY" for 10% off.

    1h 5m

  2. SEP 26

    Ep 29: Cultivating Success in Barrel Racing with Lindsay Schulz, Clinic Tips, Maximizing Performance in You AND Your Horse

    Lindsay Schulz is a standout barrel racer, trainer, and clinician from Moses Lake, WA. As a multiple time futurity champion and arena record holder, she’s earned accolades in regional and national competitions including the 2023 Xtreme Million Athlete of the Year. Lindsay owns the legendary Miss Eedie Stinson and carefully developed the mare into a true champion. Their partnership earned them headlines at the Xtreme Mini Million in Las Vegas, where Lindsay broke the arena record, winning over $6,000. With total earnings exceeding $142,000 in Xtreme Million events and over $200K in Miss Eedie’s career, Lindsay has proven herself at the highest level as both a trainer and competitor. Beyond the arena, Lindsay is a respected barrel racing clinician and coach who shares her training insights—emphasizing both horse and rider preparedness and fitness. This episode is brought to you by COMPETE, our in-season workout program for riding athletes who want to maximize their potential and compete at the highest level possible. Use code "LINDSAY" at checkout for 10% off! Head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/compete to access.

    42 min

  3. AUG 1

    28: Paul Humphrey on horsemanship, fundamentals, body control, horse conditioning

    In this episode I get to chat with master clinician Paul Humphrey. Paul dives into what makes a rider and barrel racer successful, starting with a foundation of solid horsemanship. Paul discusses horse body control and common mistakes riders make. He discusses how rider strength, fitness, and balance play into being successful at his clinics; especially on day 3 if they are sore or not! He discusses foundational requirements for young horses including what they should know how to do before coming to one of his clinics. Paul also discusses how to handle hot horses at clinics and the "breakthroughs" that happen in 3 days no matter which level of horse or rider attend. This was a very informational episode and Paul's expertise shines with the discussion on laying the foundation for a successful barrel racing training program. This episode is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle, which is a great option for riders who are looking to build strength before going to one of Paul's clinics to withstand the physical requirements of 3 days of intense riding. You can learn more here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/six You can reach Paul at his website: https://breakingthemoldwithpaul.com/ Or through Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/paul.humphrey.18

    1h 4m

  4. JUL 18

    27: Why Athletic Riders Win: Your Breakthrough in Riding Stability, Confidence, and Performance

    Here's the bottom line: Strong riders have better health, better performance, and have more fun on their horses. Want to ride better, safer, and with more confidence? In this quick-hit episode, I break down why having adequate muscle strength for the demands of riding is important. You'll learn why weaker, untrained riders struggle with frustration, injury, and lost confidence, and what they can do to reverse that and get back to riding like they used to. In this short episode I'll teach you: - Why you need to focus on lean mass as a woman rider + my tried and true tips to get there - The biomechanical differences between expert and novice riders - The muscles required of the rider when your horse rapidly slows down, speeds up, turns, or spooks - The forces and muscles required during a barrel racing straight run vs. turn and how to train them - The efficient way to prevent riding injuries - How to improve balance, strength, and control in just 15 minutes a day - The overlooked mindset shift that can make you a more confident, competitive rider If you're a female horseback rider who’s tired of feeling stuck, sore, or behind the competition, this episode is your guide to what steps you can take to change the narrative. Listen now and learn simple, effective strategies to transform your riding- without ever stepping foot in the gym. This course is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle. You can learn more at www.solidinthesaddle.com/six Resources mentioned in this episode include www.solidinthesaddle.com/backpain and www.solidinthesaddle.com/core I hope you enjoy today's episode! If you are enjoying these podcasts, please leave us a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. These reviews mean the world to us and help us spread the word to horseback riders everywhere!

    41 min

  5. JUL 11

    Ep 26 Veterinarian Dr. Anne-Marie Russ on horse conditioning, the impact of weather, and recovery tools

    Coming soon!

    59 min

  6. JUL 3

    Ep 25 Mindset, Resilience, Competition Composure, and GRIT with Coach Brandi Turnipseed of Cowgirl Confidence

    In this episode I get a chance to interview Coach Brandi of Cowgirl Confidence. She sheds light on SO many valuable tools you can use to maximize your mental game before, during, and outside of competitions. Coach Brandi is a force to be reckoned with in the horse world. Winning her first world championship at just 8 years old, she is no stranger to the pressures and stresses of competing with horses. You're going to want to play this one on your way to your next competition- or even before your next job interview! You can access the free GRIT worksheet here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/grit This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. This is our signature course that combines both physical and mental strengthening over a period of 8 weeks to transform your riding. If you're ready to gain strength, confidence, and stability, sign up at www.solidinthesaddle.com/rideconfident101 . You can check out Brandi's FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/confidentcowgirl If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and/or review! These reviews truly help us reach more horseback riders who are interested in improving their health OR their horse's health!

    1h 1m

  7. JUN 19

    Ep 24 Judy Myllymaki: NFR Journey Stories, Gardeners & Roses, and Life Lessons

    Today’s guest is a very special one as she is the single most influential person in my barrel racing career. She has made such a positive impact on my life and I am truly blessed to call her a mentor. Judy Myllymaki is a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Montana Circuit champion, futurity champion, lifelong horsewoman, and one of the most respected clinicians in the barrel racing world. With a career spanning over many decades, Judy has competed—and won—at the highest levels of the sport- and all on self-made horses. She made countless trips to the Montana circuit finals and her “tack room” is filled with trophy saddles from winning all over the country. Earning a spot at the NFR at 54 years old stands as a testament to her grit, precision, and unwavering dedication to horsemanship. Not only did she punch a ticket to compete at the NFR herself, she coached and trained other women to multiple NFR appearances including Raina Rice and Rachael Myllymaki. She’s personally trained many horses that have been at the NFR as well. Known for her ability to develop both horses and riders into confident, consistent performers, Judy brings a unique blend of competitive insight and quiet, powerful teaching. Judy’s clinics are renowned for being grounded in solid fundamentals, clear communication, and giving each horse/rider combination a chance to shine at the highest level they are capable at. I attended my first Judy clinic back in 2014 and have been learning from her ever since. I rode with her while attending Physical Therapy school at the University of Montana and those 3 years were a pivotal shift in my life as a horsewoman. I learned so many things about riding, horse care, barrel racing, hauling, training, and the physiological requirements of getting a horse in shape to run barrels, which is one of the reasons her “stations” will always be a staple of my program. Judy is truly the matriarch of barrel racing in the NorthWest. She is the definition of resilience and of healthy aging- she’s 80 years old and still getting out there and riding, training, coaching, and taking care of business. I hope you all enjoy this podcast episode as much as I loved recording it with her! This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. Learn more at www.solidinthesaddle.com/rideconfident101 Sign up for our free Reach your Riding Goals Masterclass at www.solidinthesaddle.com/goalsreplay

    1h 11m

  8. JUN 6

    Ep 23: Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Health, Pelvic Floor Pain, and Postpartum, Perimenoupause, and Menopause with Women's Health PT Dr. Courtney James

    In this episode I sit down with Dr. Courtney James of Heart and Sole therapy in Billings, MT.  We discuss all things pelvic health including incontinence, pain, prolapse, and how the pelvic floor changes during crucial points in a woman's life including pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.  In addition to extensive training in women’s health Dr. Courtney is a horseback rider and mom herself. Needless to say, she knows her stuff. The episode is filled with valuable tools, tips, and information that will have you going “ahhh that’s why…” and get you started on the path to resolving this pesky issue at any age. Hint: there are different factors that affect incontinence at different life stages!   Normalizing discussion in these areas is important to both Courtney and I and we both truly believe that women should be able to enjoy their horses at any stage of life.  You'll learn valuable tips from Courtney that you can start applying TODAY!  Incontinence is a HUGE issue for female horseback riders. But you don’t have to live with it! Head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/incontinence  to get our FREE PDF of incontinence exercises for horseback riders. You can find Courtney at Heart and Sole Therapy here: https://heartandsoletherapymt.com/  Or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/heartandsoletherapymt/  Or on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/heartandsoletherapymt/

    59 min
See All (31)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Are you a horseback rider striving to feel confident, strong, and in control in the saddle? Look no further! Solid in the Saddle is the go-to podcast for women riders who want to elevate their riding skills, improve their wellness, and rediscover their passion for horses. Hosted by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and professional barrel racer who knows firsthand the challenges of overcoming injury and rebuilding strength, this podcast is packed with practical advice, expert interviews, and the latest research tailored specifically for horseback riders. Each episode dives into essential topics like: Strength Training for Riders – Exercises designed to help you stay balanced and secure in the saddle. Nutrition and Wellness – Simple strategies to fuel your body for riding success. Stress Management and Nervous System Regulation – Learn how to stay calm and focused, even in high-pressure situations. Competition Mindset – Unlock the mental edge to perform your best in and out of the arena. Whether you're barrel racing for gold or trail riding with friends, this podcast will inspire you to take charge of your health, build unshakable confidence, and become the rider you’ve always dreamed of being. 💪 Subscribe today to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Ready to take the reins? Visit our website for resources and programs designed to help YOU become Solid in the Saddle!

Information

  • Creator
    Aleisha Shirley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Solid in the Saddle

You Might Also Like