The People Behind The Horses

The People Behind the Horses: With Shelby Dennis

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine welfare, education, and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Shelby Dennis, IAABC Certified Equine Behavior Consultant, founder of Milestone Equestrian, and author of Secrets of the Horse: A New Approach to Training and Understanding Horses.Drawing from her personal journey, professional experience, and the lessons learned from her horse Milo, Shelby challenges traditional assumptions about horse behavior and explores how empathy, science, and welfare-focused management can transform our relationships with horses.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: * Shelby’s journey into horses and the experiences that shaped her approach to horsemanship * The inspiration behind Secrets of the Horse and its message for today’s equestrian community * Why understanding the root cause of behavior is essential for effective training and horse welfare * Common misconceptions about horse communication and the importance of viewing behavior through a scientific lens * How management practices influence equine health, stress, and performance, often more than training alone * A thoughtful discussion on social license, competition ethics, and the future of horse sport * The role of transparency, data, and evidence-based decision-making in advancing equine welfare * Reasons for optimism as a new generation of horse owners and professionals embrace higher welfare standards Whether you're a rider, trainer, coach, or horse owner, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving conversation around horse behavior, welfare, and the future of horsemanship.⏱ Podcast Timeline * 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview: Shelby Dennis * 1:00 - Shelby’s Early Journey Into Horses * 2:25 - Inside the Book: Secrets of the Horse * 6:02 - The Horse That Changed Everything: Milo’s Story * 9:00 - Lessons Learned From Living With Milo * 11:52 - Understanding the “Why” Behind Horse Behavior * 12:24 - Common Misconceptions About Horse Communication * 16:35 - How Horses Experience the World Differently * 18:27 - The Biggest Welfare Challenges Facing Horses Today * 19:50 - Why Management Often Matters More Than Training * 23:05 - Social License, Competition Ethics & Industry Reform * 24:19 - Improving Welfare Through Data & Transparency * 28:08 - Reasons for Hope in the Future of Horsemanship * 29:46 - Social Media, Education & Changing Perspectives * 31:06 - The Core Message of Secrets of the Horse 📚 Related Resources: * Four Quadrants of Horse Training [https://madbarn.com/four-quadrants-of-horse-training/] * How Riders Impact Horses [https://madbarn.com/how-riders-impact-horses/] * Horse Welfare in Show Jumping [https://madbarn.com/equine-welfare-in-show-jumping/] * Artificial Riding Aids & Equine Welfare [https://madbarn.com/rider-aids-and-horse-training/] * Social License to Operate in the Equine Industry [https://madbarn.com/social-license-to-operate-in-the-equine-industry/] * The 3 Fs of Equine Welfare: Forage, Friends, and Freedom [https://madbarn.com/equine-welfare/] * Pain Assessment for Horses [https://madbarn.com/pain-assessment-for-horses/] Want to evaluate your horse’s diet? Follow this link to connect with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: https://madbarn.cpm/analyze-diet/Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.You can also find Mad Barn on:Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

The People Behind the Horses: With HEP Insurance

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine care, protection, and performance.   In this episode, we sit down with Meghan Mackenzie Bell, Assistant Vice President of Sales & Business Development with Henry Equestrian Insurance Brokers. A lifelong horse lover, Meghan has built an impressive career in the horse racing industry, gaining international experience before returning to Canada to take on her role with HEP Insurance. She shares her experience and offers an inside look at how equine insurance policies are created to protect both horses and their owners.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: * How Meghan’s background in the horse racing industry led her into farm and equine insurance * What goes into building insurance policies for horses and farm properties * Common misconceptions horse owners have about equine insurance * Why proper coverage is a critical part of responsible horse ownership   Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or horse owner, this episode provides valuable insight into how equine insurance works and why it plays an essential role in safeguarding your horses and your investment.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline * 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction * 00:42 – How Meghan Got Started in the Horse Industry and What Led Her to Insurance * 02:50 – Most Commonly Seen Equine Insurance Coverage Plans * 07:14 – What to Look for When Reviewing Your Horses’ Insurance Policy * 10:24 – How Often Should You Be Reviewing Your Policy? * 11:24 – Addressing Common Misconceptions About the Equine Insurance Industry * 13:04 – What Information You Need on Hand When You’re Ready to Register Your Horse for Insurance * 15:24 – How Closely HEP Insurance Works with Horses’ Medical Care Teams * 17:04 – When to Consider Getting Farm Insurance and Why It Is So Important * 19:03 – Looking Toward the Future of the Equine & Farm Insurance Industry * 20:37 – Final Thoughts and Thank You   📚 Related Resources: * Horse Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide to Coverage & Costs [https://madbarn.com/horse-insurance/]   Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠⁠ [http://madbarn.com/analyze-diet]   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠⁠ [https://madbarn.com/].   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

The People Behind the Horses: With Laura Veenstra

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance.   In this episode, we sit down with Laura Veenstra, a certified independent saddle fitter with over 15 years of experience working alongside veterinarians, trainers, and horse owners across Ontario. Laura shares her journey into saddle fitting, what it truly means to be independent in a field with varying standards, and why proper saddle fit is critical for both horse welfare and rider effectiveness.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: * Laura’s background in the horse industry and how it led her to saddle fitting * What “independent saddle fitter” really means and why it matters * How saddle fit directly affects biomechanics, comfort, and long-term soundness * Common saddle fit issues she sees in the field and how they impact horses * Why collaboration between fitters, veterinarians, and nutritionists is essential   Whether you’re a competitive rider, trainer, or dedicated horse owner, this episode offers invaluable insight into how saddle fit plays a foundational role in keeping horses comfortable, willing, and performing at their best.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline * 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction * 01:05 – Laura’s Background in the Horse Industry to Discovering Saddle Fitting * 03:37 – What It Means to Be an Independent Saddle Fitter * 07:22 – The Common Concerns and Practices of Saddle Fitting * 11:14 – Signs Your Saddle Needs to be Adjusted and Industry Standards * 14:14 – Myths in the Saddle Fitting Industry * 17:12  – Western Saddle Fitting Vs English Saddle Fitting * 22:06 – Riding Young Horses and It’s Impact on their Biomechanics * 23:40 – The Process of Saddle Fitting for Horses with Kissing Spines * 27:36 – The Future of Saddle Fitting   📚 Related Resources: * for Horses [https://madbarn.com/english-saddle-pads-for-horses/⁠] * Western Saddles for Horses [https://madbarn.com/western-saddles-for-horses/⁠] * Kissing Spine in Horses [ ⁠https://madbarn.com/kissing-spine-in-horses/⁠] Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠ [http://madbarn.com/analyze-diet]   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠ [https://madbarn.com/].   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

The People Behind the Horses: With Mike Winter

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Canadian 3-time Olympic Event Rider Mike Winter.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: * Mike’s journey from his early riding years in Canada to becoming a three-time Olympic eventing athlete * The training philosophies and horsemanship principles that guide his approach to developing top-level horses * The mindset, discipline, and continuous learning required to sustain excellence at the international level * How data-driven management, nutrition, and conditioning support sound and confident equine partners * The importance of mentorship, community, and collaborative leadership within the equestrian industry * Mike’s perspective on the responsibilities of modern riders, both in the saddle and as ambassadors for the sport * Insight into the ongoing conversations around the equestrian sport's social license to operate   Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate horse owner, this episode offers a unique look into the people and purpose driving equestrian sport in Canada.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline * 00:00 – Welcome * 00:22– Introduction to Mike and His Journey to the Elite Level of Equestrian Sport * 05:58 – How Mike’s Mindset and Preparation for the Major Games Have Evolved * 06:12 – Mike’s Experience as a Member of Canada’s Eventing High Performance Advisory Board * 11:27 – How Mike’s Experience in the European Eventing Environment Shaped His Perspective on Canada’s National Program * 16:51 – Balancing Traditional Vs Innovative Training Methods * 19:41 – Exploring and Improving Equestrian Sports Social License to Operate * 28:23 - Looking Towards The Future   📚 Related Resources: * Mike Winter Athlete Profile [https://madbarn.com/mike-winter-equestrian-athlete-profile/⁠] * Eventing Discipline Guide [https://madbarn.com/equestrian-eventing-discipline-guide/] * Social License to Operate in the Equine Industry [https://madbarn.com/social-license-to-operate-in-the-equine-industry/⁠] Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: madbarn.com/analyze-diet [https://madbarn.com/analyze-diet]   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com [https://madbarn.com/].   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine

The People Behind the Horses: With Dr. Jillian Johnson

Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals helping shape the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jillian Johnson, a passionate advocate for holistic horse-and-rider care, to explore how alternative therapies are transforming equine performance. With a background in chiropractic care and a deep commitment to integrative approaches, Dr. Johnson shares her journey and insights into the modalities that are making a difference for both horses and their riders.   🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode: * How Dr. Jillian Johnson launched her career in chiropractic care * How treating both horse and rider together enhances performance and strengthens the partnership between them * A look at the therapies offered at Farmhouse and how they support both horse and rider * The collaborative, multidisciplinary team behind Farmhouse and how they provide integrated care for horses and riders * Dr. Johnson’s advice for owners to recognize communication through behavior, trust their instincts, and take a proactive role in their horse’s well-being   Whether you're a competitive rider, a horse owner, or someone passionate about horse wellness, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.   ⏱ Podcast Timeline * 0:00 - Introduction & Guest Overview: Dr. Jillian Johnson * 0:40 - How Farmhouse Chiropractic Began * 1:54 - Treating Both Horse and Rider Holistically * 3:20 - Connection Between Horse & Rider Imbalances * 4:33 - Building a Multidisciplinary Team at Farmhouse * 6:12 - How Therapies Like Laser & Shockwave Work Together * 7:45 - What to Expect at Your First Horse Appointment * 9:42 - Customizing Sessions Based on Horse Needs * 10:57 - Importance of Stretching for Horses * 12:33 - Empowering Riders to Track & Support Progress * 13:47 - Stretching Resources & Educational Plans * 14:47 - Meet the Team Behind Farmhouse Chiropractic * 15:56 - Favorite Success Story with a Horse * 16:33 - Advice for Proactive Horse Owners * 17:12 - What’s Next for Farmhouse Chiropractic? * 18:00 - Where to Find Farmhouse at World Equestrian Center   📚 Related Resources: * Stretches for Horses [https://madbarn.com/stretching-in-horses/] * ⁠ [https://madbarn.com/planning-horse-competition-schedule/]Pre-Ride Stretches for Equestrians [https://madbarn.com/stretches-for-equestrians/] * ⁠ [https://madbarn.com/managing-your-horse-at-a-show/]Chiropractic Care in Horses [https://madbarn.com/chiropractic-care-in-horses/] * Massage Therapy in Horses [https://madbarn.com/massage-therapy-for-horses/] * Laser Therapy for Horses [https://madbarn.com/equine-laser-therapy/] * Kinesiology Taping for Horses [https://madbarn.com/kinesiology-taping-for-horses/] Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: ⁠⁠madbarn.com/analyze-diet⁠⁠ [http://madbarn.com/analyze-diet]   Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠madbarn.com⁠⁠ [https://madbarn.com/].   You can also find Mad Barn at: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine