Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice

Trust Your Gut: How the Equine Microbiome Impacts Health and Performance

Are you making the right choices for your horse’s digestive health, or is their internal ecosystem suffering in silence? In this episode of Ask an Expert, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon, Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation for Purina Animal Nutrition, demystifies the equine microbiome and explains how it impacts every aspect of your horse’s well-being. Episode Highlights: 9:04: What the microbiome actually is, why it matters, and how it functions as your horse’s hidden health driver 18:24: Real-world warning signs your horse’s microbiome may be out of balance and key links to behavior, immunity, and colic risk 25:31: How fiber, feed, stress, and even travel or medications can shape the gut 30:18: The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics - and how to spot products that actually work Meet the Expert, Dr. Mary Beth Gordon Dr. Mary Beth Gordon is the Senior Director of Equine Technical Innovation at Purina Animal Nutrition, where she leads research focused on equine nutrition, exercise physiology, and digestive health. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Delaware Valley University and her PhD in Animal Science, with a focus on equine nutrition and exercise physiology, from Rutgers University. In addition to her work in research, Mary Beth is active in the horse world as a dressage rider. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net [http://www.connaway.net/] or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  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 [https://www.ride-iq.com/?utm_source=aae_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes].

The Secret to a Happy Equine Athlete (That Most Riders Miss)

Ride iQ is currently offering a special Kentucky Legacy Rate - a 20% lifetime discount on membership, available for one week only. Use code LEGACY at Ride-iQ.com [https://legacy.ride-iq.com/?utm_source=aae_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes] to lock in your savings for as long as you remain a member. What if your horse’s happiness is the missing piece in your performance? In this episode of Ask an Expert, renowned Grand Prix dressage rider and clinician Karen Rohlf shares her holistic approach to creating joyful equine athletes. Blending classical dressage with natural horsemanship, Karen dives deep into what real partnership looks like, how to recognize true happiness in your horse, and why everyday choices make a difference. Episode Highlights: 11:56: Introducing the Happy Athlete Training Scale and why happiness and harmony come before communication, biomechanics, and sport 19:44: Concrete ways to add more choice, enrichment, and mental stimulation to your horse’s daily routine 27:37: What true harmony feels like, how to “join up” with your horse, and why being present and patient matters more than you think 34:11: The nine habits of excellent horsemanship and why a sense of humor is a secret weapon for riders at any level 44:16: Understanding healthy biomechanics, practical tips to find your horse’s “sweet spot,” and why trust and curiosity fuel athleticism Meet the Expert, Karen Rohlf Karen Rohlf is the founder of Dressage Naturally, an internationally recognized clinician, and the author of multiple books on training and horsemanship. She is known for her approach that prioritizes partnership, empowers riders as students, and blends classical dressage with relationship-based training. Karen focuses on developing the mental, emotional, and physical connection between horse and rider, with a goal of helping both horses and humans thrive. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net [http://www.connaway.net/] or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  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 [https://www.ride-iq.com/?utm_source=aae_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes].

Every Breath Counts: Understanding the Equine Respiratory System

Understanding and protecting your horse’s respiratory health is key to their comfort, performance, and long-term well-being. In this episode of Ask an Expert, equine respiratory specialist Dr. Laurent Couëtil breaks down the most common issues affecting horses’ lungs and airways. You’ll learn how to identify early signs of asthma, what makes environments either harmful or protective, and which practical steps can make a major difference.  Episode Highlights:  * 06:16: What equine asthma is, why it’s often missed, and key environmental triggers every horse owner should know  * 11:38: If asthma is genetic, environmental, or both and what current research tells us about risk factors  * 28:53: What actually causes inflammation in the horse’s airway, why invisible dust matters most, and how hay feeding practices can dramatically reduce risk  * 45:13: Traveling with hay, head position during hauling, and best-practice strategies to prevent both asthma flares and respiratory infections  * 50:11: How to recognize subtle signs of asthma, when to call the vet, and what treatments protect your horse without compromising performance  Meet the Expert, Dr. Laurent Couëtil Dr. Couëtil is a professor of large animal medicine at Purdue University, where he directs the Equine Sports Medicine Center and is involved in equine research initiatives. With a veterinary degree from France, a residency at Tufts, and a PhD in respiratory physiology, his work has significantly advanced the understanding and management of respiratory health in sport horses. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net [http://www.connaway.net/] or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  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 [https://www.ride-iq.com/?utm_source=aae_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes].  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 [https://www.rideiqelevate.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=in_stride_show_notes].

Rider Safety Equipment 101: Understanding Safety Standards and Finding the Right Gear & Fit

Protecting yourself every ride starts with the right gear and knowing what works (and why) matters. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Ride EquiSafe founder, Catherine Winter, discusses helmets, body protectors, air vests, and safety stirrups, drawing on personal riding experience and deep product knowledge. You’ll learn how to assess fit, understand safety standards, and avoid common mistakes so you can ride with confidence at every level. Episode Highlights: 10:18: What the Virginia Tech helmet study means for riders and how to interpret certification standards 13:18: What MIPS technology is, why it matters, and what riders should know before buying a new helmet 27:38: When to replace your helmet or body protector and why impact, sweat, and age all matter 41:19: Body protectors vs. air vests: how they actually work, their strengths and limitations, and why pairing them offers the highest level of protection 50:22: What makes a stirrup a "safety stirrup" and how discipline, personal comfort, and fall history shape your choice Meet the Expert, Catherine Winter Catherine Winter is the founder of Ride EquiSafe, a business dedicated to helping riders make informed decisions about their safety equipment. A lifelong equestrian, she created Ride EquiSafe to make rider safety more accessible through education, expert guidance, and a curated selection of protective gear. Her work focuses on helping riders feel more confident and protected in the saddle. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net [https://www.connaway.net] or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  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 [https://www.ride-iq.com/?utm_source=aae_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes].  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 [https://www.rideiqelevate.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=in_stride_show_notes].

Performance Psychology: Managing Nerves and Pressure in the Arena

Nerves can make it hard to ride the way you know you can - and show up for your horse the way you want to. In this episode of Ask an Expert, 5* event rider and performance psychologist Ashley Johnson shares actionable tools for conquering competition fears, building resilience, and supporting sensitive or emotional horses. Episode Highlights: 25:12: The single biggest change every rider can make for their mental health and why self-care matters at all levels 31:25: Who should see a sports psychology coach and how performance psychology supports every rider 33:08: Strategies for working with sensitive horses and the mindset shifts that help you succeed under pressure 39:51: Practical exercises for managing show anxiety, using grounding techniques, and staying present in the moment 52:13: The benefits of meditation, simple calming exercises, and how to make mental fitness part of your routine Meet the Expert, Ashley Johnson Ashley Johnson is a 5* event rider, Level V ICP certified instructor, and “A” Pony Club graduate. She holds a Master’s in psychology focused on performance from Harvard and a Master’s in human performance from the University of Florida. She is also a licensed ‘r’ judge and technical delegate with the USEA. Ashley was the inaugural coach of the University of Florida Eventing Team, a role she held for seven years, and is currently the Area 3 Young Rider Coach. She runs Totem Hill Farm in Ocala, Florida. Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net [https://www.connaway.net] or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options.  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 [https://www.ride-iq.com/?utm_source=aae_podcast&utm_medium=show_notes].  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 [https://www.rideiqelevate.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=in_stride_show_notes].