The Equestrian Podcast

[EP 261] The Perspective of a Horse Show Dad with Chad Oldfather

Chad Oldfather is an author, father of two horse-crazy girls, and the ultimate horse show dad. After experiencing different sides of the horse industry once his daughters "caught the bug", Chad Oldfather shares his perspective on how to be the best horse show dad for his daughters in his book A Man Walks into a Barn. This book navigates how to deal with the ups and downs of youth sports, finances, parental guidance, the horses themselves, how to be the best parent you can be and everything that comes with it. Listen in!

[EP 260] Honoring Black Equestrian Accomplishments with Ebony Horsewomen Founder Patricia Kelly

From the beginnings of the equestrian sport in the United States, African Americans made significant contributions to the horse industry. In racing, the first thirteen winning jockeys of the Kentucky Derby were Black men. These contributions and so many others were made. They were and still are ranchers, jockeys, trainers, grooms, breeders, competitors and so much more. This history has been hidden, dismissed, and denied and erased from history.  It is time to acknowledge and celebrate African American equestrians.

Patricia Kelly is the founder of Ebony Horsewomen, a mission to level the playing field for inner-city youth and give them access to the same opportunities, resources, equine-based programming, and equine-assisted therapy as their suburban counterparts. Patricia lives out this dream with a one-of-a-kind, urban riding center in Hartford Connecticut. Since 1984, Ebony Horsewomen has served their community’s youth, families, adults, and military veterans through equine-assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic riding, and a variety of youth programs. Listen in!

[EP 259] An Inside Look on the International Grooms Association with Lucy Katan

Lucy Katan was an international dressage groom for eight years, representing Team Great Britain at European and World Championships. Lucy is the founder of the British Grooms Association and the International Grooms Association (IGA), a professional platform for grooms working internationally in FEI Disciplines. The IGA exists to support members throughout their career as a groom, providing support, advice, and education to all working in the industry. The support provided by the IGA includes guidance on employment rules, answers to commonly asked questions on recruitment, and provides a toolkit for grooms working freelance. Listen in! 

[EP 258] How Susan Mihalic Began her Writing Career and Created a Story of Courage

*Warning* The topics discussed in this episode may be sensitive for some listeners as it pertains to sexual abuse and misconduct. Here at the Equestrian Podcast we believe every equestrian should have the opportunity to share their story and discuss topics that aren’t brought to light as often as they should in the equestrian industry. We believe that while some topics may be harder to talk about, it is important that we bring education and awareness to the fact that sexual abuse is not something to be taken lightly.

Susan Mihalic is an editor, turned author and creator of debut novel Dark Horses. The book follows Fifteen-year-old equestrian prodigy Roan Montgomery who has only ever known two worlds: inside the riding arena, and outside of it. After getting a "late start" in writing, Susan was able to unleash her imagination at the age of 59 and is already working on her next book. When she’s not writing, Susan can be found riding her horse on the mountain trails in and around Taos, NM, where she has made her home since 1995. 

 

[EP 257] How Sean Jobin Tracks Performance Data for Optimum Results

Sean Jobin is a Canadian International FEI Grand Prix rider and owner and head trainer of Double Clear LLC. Based out of Ocala, FL, and Columbus, OH, Sean is currently ranked top 12 in Canada and top 375 in the world. Sean has been working his way up the ladder to the highest Grand Prix riding level as an FEI5* rider. In 2019 he became the Baker Award winner, and currently competes against the world's top riders as participant for the Major League Showjumping Circuit. When he's not competing, Sean works with clients and horses from around the world for training and sales purposes.

[EP 256] How Lehua Custer Develops Top Dressage Horses without Rushing the Training Process

Lehua Custer is a USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist as well as a trainer and judge. Originally from Hawaii, Lehua was introduced to horses by her empathic and equally equine-loving mother. She was encouraged to ride well and become a true horsewoman. Lehua moved to California to pursue a Bachelor’s in Psychology and grad school at Pepperdine University. While in California, Hilda Gurney took Lehua under her wing, and one lesson turned into a decade long opportunity as an assistant trainer at Keenridge. After living in California for 20 years, she moved her business to Wellington, Fl, in 2019 to fully commit to her invitation to join the US Development Program with goals of representing the US in international sport. She is available year round in Wellington for bespoke coaching and training packages, and offers local and off-site clinics and virtual lessons as requested.

lehuacusterdressage.com

[EP 255] New Generation Polo and How to Handle Burnout in the Height of the Game with Agustin Arellano

Agustin Arellano is currently on TEAM USA for polo and will be competing in the Federación Internacional de Polo (FIP), known as the polo Olympics. He has been officially announced as one of 8 top players on the USA Team who will compete in the XII FIP World Polo Championship. Agustin is a 3rd generation polo player, as his father is Julio Arellano, who is notably was one of the highest-rated polo players in America. His mother, Meghan Arellano, worked alongside his father to train the horses throughout his whole career. At the age of nine, Agustin realized he wanted to pursue a career in polo after his father won the triple crown, the three-26-goal tournaments in Wellington that hadn’t been won in decades. Agustin has already won more than 20 cups as a professional polo player, including the Texas and Kentucky Open. In addition to polo, Agustin shares a passion for wildlife conservation and models for an agency in his spare time. Listen in!

 

[EP 254] How Rebecca Hart Highlights Communication between the Horse and Rider

Rebecca Hart has been a part of the equestrian sport since 1998. Born with a rare genetic disease called hereditary spastic paraplegia, a progressive impairment that causes muscle wasting and paralysis from the middle of the back down, Rebecca found her love for horses and soon got involved with the Paralympic movement at a regional competition in Atlanta, Ga, during which she decided to aim for international competition. Now Rebecca is a 4-Time Paralympian (Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo) Bronze medalist, a World Equestrian Games Silver and Bronze medalist, and recently named to the 2022 US Para Dressage World Championships. Listen in! 

[EP 253] Sustainably Improving the Life of Working Equids with Annie Henderson

Annie Henderson is the Executive Director of the Equitarian Initiative, a global program that supports local communities and animal caregivers to deliver basic and advanced veterinary care to working horses, mules, and donkeys of the developing world that represent 90% of the world's horse population. The mission for Equitarian Initiative is to sustainably improve the health and welfare of working equids for families around the world who depend on these animals for trade, commerce, and transportation. Located in areas with less access to farm equipment and motor transportation, these families rely heavily on working equids as part of their livelihood, making veterinary care essential for both the animal and owner's survival.

[EP 252] How Gleneayre Equestrian Program Provides a Healthy Outlet for those Desiring a Connection with Horses

Gleneayre Equestrian Program is an equine facilitated learning opportunity and working student program that provides a hands-on, experience-based learning environment for people in difficult situations, including children, families, and military personnel. The Gleneayre Equestrian Program is centered around equine facilitated mental health and uses the powerful connection between horses and people to teach, learn, grow, and heal. With the help of Gleneayre Equestrian Program Founder, Ellen Healey and Executive Director, Bill Rube this program is able to thrive and support people through caring for horses.