Dan Bizzarro: Riding, Coaching, and Building a Better System

This episode of Equestrian Mastermind is sponsored by VetCS. VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for everything from joint support to calming solutions for stressful situations. Their clean, consistent formulas are made by horse people who truly understand horses. Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride to purchase and use code InStride20 for 20% off.    This is Season 3, Episode 2 of Equestrian Mastermind, featuring world-class riders Phillip Dutton, Tik Maynard, Will Coleman, and Michael Pollard, guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel.  In this episode, the group explores how fear and pressure show up in high-stakes moments, and how that relates to success and failure. They share how each of them navigates those situations and close with a visualization exercise guided by Natalie. Throughout the episode, they discuss:  • Whether they are competitors who hate to lose or love to win, and what truly motivates them to compete • The importance of operating from confidence and presence, and being willing to take risks  • How learning to sit with fear and pressure, rather than fight it, can prevent those feelings from taking control  Join Natalie, Tik, Michael, Phillip, and Will for a candid conversation on fear, pressure, and how to move forward without letting either hold you back.    Equestrian Mastermind  is brought to you by Ride iQ.     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 want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠.     Want to hear more from Natalie Hummel? Through her Limitless Academy, Natalie offers an 11-month journey designed to help riders reset, rewire, and rise into their full potential by combining nervous system science with elite-level performance coaching. Follow Natalie on social media @nataliehummelcoaching 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.     Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. From improving your riding to mastering everyday horse care, our experts break it all down. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1776969830 

Bonus Episode: This conversation originally aired on the Horse Person Podcast, hosted by Caroline Culbertson, and we’re bringing it over to the In Stride feed for you to enjoy.In this episode of the Horse Person Podcast, Caroline sits down with equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher to talk about where horse owners should (and shouldn’t) spend their money when it comes to care and management. They cover everything from hoof care, tack and equipment to supplements, daily habits, and bodywork. Dr. Lacher explains how to build a smart, effective care plan without a high-performance budget.Dr. Erica Lacher is an equine veterinarian and the owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. Known for her horse-first approach, she is passionate about educating owners, promoting long-term soundness, and helping horses have comfortable, successful careers through thoughtful management and informed care decisions.Want to hear more from the Horse Person Podcast? Hosted by Caroline Culbertson, the show creates a supportive space for curious, thoughtful conversations about the many realities of life with horses, without judgment. You can find the Horse Person Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.Want to hear more from Dr. Lacher? Her eight-part program, Horse Health Essentials, dives deeper into the everyday decisions that keep horses sound and thriving. Use code POD35 for 35% off and learn more at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health.

This Week on In Stride    Sinead is joined by Italian event rider Dan Bizzarro to reflect on how he got started in the sport, what led him to create the Dan Bizzarro Method, and the experiences that have shaped his career.  Meet the Guest: Dan Bizzarro  Dan Bizzarro is an international event rider and coach who has spent more than 20 years riding, training, and coaching across dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. He has represented Italy in Nations Cup competitions, was shortlisted for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and competed at the 2025 European Championships. Based in Oxfordshire, Dan teaches riders of all levels and created the Dan Bizzarro Method to provide a simple, effective structure riders can use at home, in clinics, during competition warm-ups, and out hacking. His method is designed to support real horses and everyday riders, not just elite athletes.  In This Episode, Dan and Sinead Discuss:    • What sparked the creation of the Dan Bizzarro Method and the purpose behind it  • How he got started in riding and the barn culture he grew up in • Why he chose to step back from running a large program, focus on other interests, and how that shift became a game changer in his career  • His training and teaching philosophy and how it shapes the way he works with horses and riders    Episode Sponsors VetCS VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for joint support, calming, and overall wellness. -  Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride and use code InStride20 for 20% off. 🎁 VetCS Giveaway VetCS is running a giveaway for In Stride listeners! The giveaway package includes one tube of Hemp Extract Paste, one container of Hemp Extract Powder, and one bag of Calming Muffins from VetCS. The total value of the bundle is $290 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. -  Enter here: https://form.typeform.com/to/wil4LQqs EquiHealth App Keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. The Equestrian College Advisor Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for academics and riding. -  Learn more at equestriancollegeadvisor.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ 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 prep resources • A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Looking for More? Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving?  Dr. Erica Lacher’s Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now. -  Save 35% with code POD35 at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals.  -  Listen anywhere: https://pod.link/1776969830

This episode of Equestrian Mastermind is sponsored by VetCS. VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for everything from joint support to calming solutions for stressful situations. Their clean, consistent formulas are made by horse people who truly understand horses. Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride to purchase and use code InStride20 for 20% off.    This is Season 3, Episode 1 of Equestrian Mastermind, featuring world-class riders Phillip Dutton, Tik Maynard, Will Coleman, and Michael Pollard, guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel.  In this episode, the group explores clarity, the deeper why behind everything they do, beyond results, rankings, or wins. Natalie leads an honest conversation about what continues to pull these riders forward at the highest level of the sport.  Throughout the episode, they reflect on: • Where they find inspiration when motivation feels low • Moments in their careers when accomplishments didn’t bring the fulfillment they expected • What still drives them when external pressure and expectations are stripped away  Join Natalie, Tik, Michael, Phillip, and Will for a thoughtful, candid conversation on purpose, fulfillment, and what truly sustains a long-term career at the top of the sport.    Equestrian Mastermind is brought to you by Ride iQ.     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 want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠.     Want to hear more from Natalie Hummel? Through her Limitless Academy, Natalie offers an 11-month journey designed to help riders reset, rewire, and rise into their full potential by combining nervous system science with elite-level performance coaching. Follow Natalie on social media @nataliehummelcoachingWant 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.     Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. From improving your riding to mastering everyday horse care, our experts break it all down. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1776969830 

This Week on In Stride  Sinead is joined by U.S. event rider Tommy Greengard to talk about his journey to the top of the sport and the team of horses and humans that helped him get there.    Meet the Guest: Tommy Greengard  Tommy Greengard is an international event rider with top results at the upper levels, including winning the CCI4*-S on Joshuay MBF and the CCI3*-S on Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad at Aspen Farms in 2025. He also won the USEA Young Event Horse West Coast 5-Year-Old Championship in 2022 with That’s Me Z, and in 2025 the pair led all three phases of the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final at the USEA American Eventing Championships. Based in California, Tommy runs an operation with Andrea Pfeiffer to scout and produce top event horses.    In This Episode, Tommy and Sinead Discuss:  • How he got started with horses and how West Coast barn culture shaped his development as a rider  • How his partnership with Andrea Pfeiffer started and what makes their collaboration unique  • His principles and approach to developing young horses  • The importance of building a strong team and community for long-term success Episode Sponsors VetCS VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for joint support, calming, and overall wellness. -  Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride and use code InStride20 for 20% off. 🎁 VetCS Giveaway VetCS is running a giveaway for In Stride listeners! The giveaway package includes one tube of Hemp Extract Paste, one container of Hemp Extract Powder, and one bag of Calming Muffins from VetCS. The total value of the bundle is $290 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. -  Enter here: https://form.typeform.com/to/wil4LQqs EquiHealth App Keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. The Equestrian College Advisor Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for academics and riding.-  Learn more at equestriancollegeadvisor.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ 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 prep resources • A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Looking for More? Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving?  Dr. Erica Lacher’s Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now. -  Save 35% with code POD35 at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals.  -  Listen anywhere: https://pod.link/1776969830

This episode contains explicit language This Week on In Stride  Sinead is joined by American jockey Rosie Napravnik to talk about her experience as a woman on the racetrack and the journey that shaped her career.    Meet the Guest: Rosie Napravnik  Rosie Napravnik was one of the most successful jockeys of her era, winning the Kentucky Oaks twice and capturing two Breeders’ Cup races. She made history as the first female jockey to ride in all three U.S. Triple Crown races in a single year and achieved some of the best finishes by a woman in those Classics. Over her career she was often ranked among the top jockeys in North America by earnings and wins, and she led major meets such as Fair Grounds and Keeneland.    In This Episode, Rosie and Sinead Discuss:  • Navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated sport  • How she got her start on the track and the path to becoming a professional jockey  • The qualities that make an exceptional racehorse  • Her passion for restarting off-the-track Thoroughbreds and the career she’s built beyond racing  Episode Sponsors VetCS VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for joint support, calming, and overall wellness. -  Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride and use code InStride20 for 20% off. 🎁 VetCS Giveaway VetCS is running a giveaway for In Stride listeners! The giveaway package includes one tube of Hemp Extract Paste, one container of Hemp Extract Powder, and one bag of Calming Muffins from VetCS. The total value of the bundle is $290 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. -  Enter here: https://form.typeform.com/to/wil4LQqs EquiHealth App Keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. The Equestrian College Advisor Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for academics and riding. -  Learn more at equestriancollegeadvisor.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ 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 prep resources • A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.comLooking for More? Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving?  Dr. Erica Lacher’s Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now. -  Save 35% with code POD35 at RideIQElevate.com/horse-healthAsk An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals.  -  Listen anywhere: https://pod.link/1776969830

This episode of In Stride is sponsored by VetCS. VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for everything from joint support to calming solutions for stressful situations. Their clean, consistent formulas are made by horse people who truly understand horses. Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride to purchase and use code InStride20 for 20% off.  VetCS is running a giveaway for In Stride listeners! The giveaway package includes one tube of Hemp Extract Paste, one container of Hemp Extract Powder, and one bag of Calming Muffins from VetCS. The total value of the bundle is $290 and can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. Simply fill out your details to enter: https://form.typeform.com/to/wil4LQqs. This episode is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation.  This episode is sponsored by EquiHealth App. EquiHealth App helps you keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized all in one place, making horse care simpler and more efficient. Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more.  In this special call-in episode of “In Stride”, Sinead is joined by Tik Maynard for a listener-driven conversation. Tik is the 2024 and 2025 Road to the Horse Champion and the author of In the Middle Are the Horsemen and Starting in the Middle. Along with Sinead, he runs Copperline Farm in Citra, Florida, and teaches clinics across the country.   Together, Tik and Sinead respond to questions submitted by listeners, diving into topics including:  • Navigating the process of buying and getting to know a new horse  • Daily practices that build and maintain a strong partnership  • The values that guide their approach to horsemanship and barn management  • The top three things every horse should know and what they look for when evaluating a horse  Join Tik and Sinead for this special call-in episode as they react in real time and explore these questions together.  In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. 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 want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠. 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. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. From improving your riding to mastering everyday horse care, our experts break it all down. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1776969830

We’re opening the floor for a special call-in episode of In Stride with Sinead Halpin Maynard and Tik Maynard, airing January 2nd. Submit a voicemail with your questions or ideas, and Sinead and Tik will listen, react, and dive into the conversation together. Leave your message at https://www.speakpipe.com/in_stride_voicemailIn Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. 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 want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠. 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. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. From improving your riding to mastering everyday horse care, our experts break it all down. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1776969830

This episode of In Stride is sponsored by VetCS. VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for everything from joint support to calming solutions for stressful situations. Their clean, consistent formulas are made by horse people who truly understand horses. Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride to purchase and use code InStride20 for 20% off.  This episode is also sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation.  In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by the one and only Peter Gray.  Peter Gray is an accomplished Olympic event rider, international judge, and high-level coach. He competed at the Olympic Games as an event rider, including the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympics, and earned individual bronze at the 1987 Pan American Games. As a coach, he served as the Canadian national team coach from 1996 to 2000 and has held roles including Canadian team selector and high-performance leadership roles in both Canada and the U.S. As a judge, Peter holds a USEF ‘S’ dressage license and an FEI Level 3 eventing license, judging through the five-star level, and was appointed as a judge for the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Italy.   Peter reflects on the many roles he’s held throughout his career and the lessons he’s learned along the way, including:  • How growing up on the small island of Bermuda shaped his path to becoming an international competitor  • Training principles that stand the test of time, and approaches the sport needs to move beyond • Why proper coaching matters, and the value of learning from coaches with extensive experience at the upper levels  • How judging has influenced his perspective on riding, both in hindsight and in how he views the sport today Join Peter and Sinead for a thoughtful conversation about riding, coaching, judging, and a career that has spanned every level of the sport.  In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. 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 want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠. 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. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. From improving your riding to mastering everyday horse care, our experts break it all down. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1776969830

This episode of In Stride is sponsored by VetCS. VetCS is an equine veterinarian–founded company creating science-backed hemp products for everything from joint support to calming solutions for stressful situations. Their clean, consistent formulas are made by horse people who truly understand horses. Visit https://vetcs.com/pages/in-stride to purchase and use code InStride20 for 20% off.  This episode is also sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation.   In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic eventing course designer Pierre Le Goupil.  Pierre Le Goupil is an internationally respected eventing course designer and lifelong horseman whose career began with more than two decades of competing internationally. He and his family established the event Le Grand Complet on their farm in Normandy, a competition that grew into one of the major horse trials in France and later relocated to Haras du Pin. After transitioning from riding to course design, Le Goupil went on to design at top FEI events around the world and was appointed as the cross-country course designer for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.   Pierre reflects on his journey to becoming one of the world’s leading course designers and what shaped his approach to the sport, including:  • The qualities he believes define a truly great course designer  • How cross-country course design has evolved over the years and how that evolution has influenced the horses themselves  • His experience designing the cross-country course for the 2024 Paris Olympics, and how he balanced challenge and global expectations  • The pressure and responsibility that come with the role, and the strategies he uses to stay mentally grounded  Join Pierre and Sinead for an insightful conversation about what it takes to design cross-country tracks on the world stage.  In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. 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 want to give it a try, you can learn more and start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com⁠. 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. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. From improving your riding to mastering everyday horse care, our experts break it all down. Listen wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1776969830