Stable Riding with Solange

Horse Radio Network

Stable Riding is for all horse riders! Each episode, we’ll sit down with a unique rider who may not fit the traditional mold. Together we will explore their riding story, uncover the challenges they've overcome, and celebrate their triumphs. At the end of each episode Solange will give the listener a tip and exercises to try in the saddle to help them feel more Stable. When different types of riders talk with each other we all learn…and our horses benefit.

Episodes

  1. Rider Body Fitness, Movement and Motion

    Jan 27

    Rider Body Fitness, Movement and Motion

    As riders we use our body every time we sit on our horse, but often our own fitness, motion and movement gets passed over. It’s easy to invest in our horses’s bodywork and ignore own own! This month Solange speaks with Ifa Simmonds, a professional fitness coach who specializes in equestrians. As the creator of EFA, the Equestrian Fitness Academy, Ifa is the perfect person to talk about all things rider bodies! Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3871: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Ifa Simmonds from IfaFit Time Stamps: 00:41 - Rider vs. Horse Wellness: Solange discusses the industry’s focus on horse soundness over rider fitness. 03:00 -Psychology of the Rider: Addressing why many female riders are dismissive or adversarial toward their own bodies. 06:50 - Interview with Ifa Simmons: Ifa shares his background in exercise science and his transition to training equestrians. 09:30 - The Ideal Body Type Myth: A discussion on "fence and dancer" body types and how traditional instruction can fail different frames. 12:20 - The Lab vs. The Arena: Solange explains the benefits of teaching rider mechanics on an "equisizer" rather than a live horse. 16:45 - The "Not-So-Secret" Secret: Ifa shares his frustration with riders who only want to talk about their horses during fitness assessments. 19:00- The Reality of Rider Injuries: A look at the high percentage of lower back injuries in the equestrian community. 23:15 - Virtual vs. Online Coaching: A breakdown of Ifa’s different training tiers (EFA Ultimate and EFA Elite). 27:10 - Rider Homework - The Dead Bug: Ifa provides a step-by-step guide to a core-stabilizing exercise designed specifically for riders. 31:00 - Final Encouragement: Solange reflects on the importance of being a "professional encourager" for both humans and horses.

    57 min
  2. Riding after Pregnancy

    11/25/2025

    Riding after Pregnancy

    Returning to the saddle after a pregnancy, birth and with a new baby has its own unique set of challenges! Solange breaks down all the factors at play and interviews a new mom who made the transition back to riding both successfully and gracefully. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3826: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Valerie Pflughoeft Time Stamps: 01:31 - Returning to Riding After Baby 12:23 - The Impact of Stable Riding on Horses 20:06 - Reentering the Saddle After Pregnancy 25:41 - Returning to Riding After Motherhood 31:46 - Rider Tips and Homework: Understanding Time in the Saddle Takeaways: The profound journey of returning to riding post-pregnancy is one that necessitates careful consideration and planning, as discussed in this episode.The host's personal narrative underscores the importance of seeking professional guidance during one's transition back to riding after childbirth, which can prove invaluable.A key takeaway from the discussion emphasizes the necessity of patience and gradual progression, particularly for those re-entering the saddle after an extended hiatus due to motherhood.Emotional factors play a significant role in a rider's experience post-pregnancy, and acknowledging these nuances can facilitate a more supportive riding environment.Riders must understand that their bodies undergo considerable changes during pregnancy and childbirth, necessitating a thoughtful approach to reconditioning and skill development.The podcast highlights the importance of community and support networks for mothers returning to riding, as these can provide encouragement and practical assistance during their transition.

    37 min
  3. Fear and Riding After a Fall for September 23, 2025

    09/23/2025

    Fear and Riding After a Fall for September 23, 2025

    Today we tackle something that happens to All Riders. Riding after a fall and how to navigate the physical and mental rehab needed to return to doing what we love. Our guest Lisa has successfully returned to riding after 3 terrible falls that all resulted in injuries. She shares with us her experience healing her body and most importantly overcoming the natural fear that comes from that experience. Solange's Rider Tip and Exercise for the week is all about Hands and Shoulders! She tells you how to find the correct hand position for your individual body. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3781: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Lisa Meringolo Time Stamps: 07:17 - Lisa's Journey: Overcoming Fear and Injury in Riding18:20 - Making Good Decisions in Riding22:27 - The Evolution of a Rider: Overcoming Fear and Finding Confidence31:00 - Embracing the Journey of Recovery33:01 - The Importance of Professional Help in Overcoming Rider Fear Takeaways: The episode emphasizes the significance of addressing both the physical and mental rehabilitation of riders after experiencing a fall or injury, which is often overlooked in traditional riding instruction.Listeners are encouraged to embrace their emotions and fears as normal responses to riding incidents, rather than viewing them as signs of weakness or failure.The podcast highlights the importance of compassionate instruction and the need for judgment-free understanding to foster a supportive environment for riders during their recovery process.The conversation illustrates how creating a calm and stable atmosphere for riders can help alleviate anxiety, allowing them to regain confidence and enjoy their riding experience once again.

    44 min
  4. Using Your Stirrups Properly in the Mongol Derby for August 26, 2025

    08/26/2025

    Using Your Stirrups Properly in the Mongol Derby for August 26, 2025

    Welcome to the first episode of Stable Riding with Solange! Join us to hear a little about how this podcast came about, followed by an interview with a Real World Stable Rider. This episode’s Stable Rider is Krista, who completed the 2022 Mongolian Derby. Krista will tell us all about her riding journey and amazing experience flying across the steppe. Are you interested in being a Stable Rider? Each episode will close with Solange giving a riding tip and some rider homework to keep you learning and riding between now and next month's episode. Listen in... Horses in the Morning Stable Riding with Solange Episode 3762: Host: Solange of Stable RidingSponsor: Stable RidingGuest: Krista Carter Time Stamps: 00:26 - Introduction to the Stable Riding Podcast 06:50 - Krista Carter 13:26 - The Journey to the Mongol Derby 23:36 - Lessons from the Mongol Derby 40:40 - Rider Tip and Homework Takeaways: The inception of the podcast episode stems from a desire to focus on the rider's experience and improvement in all equestrian disciplines.I, Solange Ellis, emphasize the importance of rider stability and techniques through my Stable Riding system, which I have dedicated my professional life to developing.Krista, the featured guest, shares her remarkable journey of completing the 2022 Mongolian Derby, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of such an arduous adventure.The podcast aims to provide actionable riding tips and rider homework to enhance skills between episodes for continuous learning and improvement.Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Stable Riding system by practicing the stable position, which is fundamental for maintaining balance and control while riding.The camaraderie and support experienced during the Mongolian Derby exemplify the strong community bonds formed among riders, enhancing their overall experience.

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Stable Riding is for all horse riders! Each episode, we’ll sit down with a unique rider who may not fit the traditional mold. Together we will explore their riding story, uncover the challenges they've overcome, and celebrate their triumphs. At the end of each episode Solange will give the listener a tip and exercises to try in the saddle to help them feel more Stable. When different types of riders talk with each other we all learn…and our horses benefit.

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