Daniel Dauphin: Horsemanship, Bitting, and Developing Feel from the Feet Up

This Week on In Stride    Sinead Halpin-Maynard is joined by horsemanship trainer Daniel Dauphin to talk about his unconventional path in the horse world and his approach to training, problem-solving, and horsemanship.   Meet the Guest: Daniel Dauphin  Daniel Dauphin is a seasoned horsemanship trainer with decades of experience helping riders and horses of all levels build safer, smarter, and more confident partnerships. He’s widely respected for his deep knowledge of horse behavior and tack, particularly bits and their function, and has worked with thousands of horses and handlers across disciplines. Daniel also hosts the popular podcast Adult Onset Horsemanship, where he shares candid, real-world conversations with respected experts on training, communication, and living well with horses.  In This Episode, Daniel and Sinead Discuss:    • How Daniel got his start with horses and carved out his own path in the industry  • What most riders misunderstand about bits and how they truly affect the horse  • Why developing feel and awareness of where your horse’s feet are matters at every level  • His approach to starting colts and working with problem horses and why it’s so effective  Episode Sponsor EquiHealth App Keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. 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 Week on In Stride    Sinead Halpin-Maynard is joined by international sports commentator John Kyle for a behind-the-scenes look at life behind the microphone.   Meet the Guest: John Kyle  John Kyle is an international sports commentator whose storytelling and insightful analysis have made him a familiar presence in the equestrian world. He has served as an equestrian commentator at four Summer Olympic Games, including London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024, and has also taken his craft to the Winter Olympic stage at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Known for blending deep technical knowledge with engaging narrative, John brings clarity and context to eventing and high-performance sport for audiences around the world.  In This Episode, John and Sinead Discuss:    • His role at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and what it entails  • How his path into commentary unfolded and opportunities opened along the way  • Learning to blend research and knowledge with pace and cadence on air  • The responsibility that comes with representing and shaping the narrative of the sport of eventing    Episode Sponsor EquiHealth App Keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. 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 4 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 reflects on the idea of legacy and how it shows up in the way they train, compete, and respond when things get hard. They explore what each of them wants their legacy to be, whether their day-to-day choices align with that vision, and what can get in the way of contributing to the sport in the way they truly want to.  Throughout the episode, they discuss:  • What legacy really means and how it ties everything together  • What the sport has given them, and what they feel called to give back  • Why reflection and perspective are essential for knowing if you’re on the right path  • How their daily actions either support or drift away from the values and legacy they hope to leave  Join Natalie, Tik, Michael, Phillip, and Will for the final episode of the season as they bring the conversation full circle and tie everything together.  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 

This Week on In Stride    Sinead Halpin-Maynard is joined by Irish event rider and sport horse sales professional Lee Maher to talk about finding his own path in the horse world and building a successful sales program.Meet the Guest: Lee Maher  Lee Maher is an Irish event rider and co-founder of EquiSales International. He has competed through the upper levels of eventing, including a top-10 finish in a CCI2*-L and a 7th-place result in a CCI2*-S at Mill Spring International Horse Park in 2025. While Lee brings extensive competition experience to his work, his true specialty lies in sport horse sales, where he focuses on giving horses a solid foundation and matching them with riders who are the right long-term fit. He works alongside his husband, Chris Talley, and they split their time between Ocala, FL and Charlottesville, VA.  In This Episode, Lee and Sinead Discuss:    • Taking the leap from Ireland to the U.S. and building a career without a traditional background  • The principles behind his sales program and why honesty and fit matter more than fast results  • What it’s like building a business with your spouse and navigating work, life, and time off  • Putting horse welfare first while managing expectations in sales and competition  Episode Sponsor EquiHealth App Keep your horse’s training, health records, and goals organized in one place. -  Visit https://www.equihealth.net/ to learn more. 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 3 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 dives into what becomes possible when there’s enough capacity to access a true flow state. They explore how an optimally regulated nervous system allows flow, and what may be blocking it from getting there. Throughout the episode, they discuss:  • moments when performance felt effortless, and times when everything felt forced and the flow state disappeared • What blocks the nervous system from finding presence and peak performance • A process for returning to presence and peak performance when it feels out of reach Join Natalie, Tik, Michael, Phillip, and Will for a candid conversation on flow, presence, and peak performance under pressure.   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 horsemanship trainer Chelsea Canedy to talk about finding purpose, connection, and fulfillment in the horse world.  Meet the Guest: Chelsea Canedy  Chelsea Canedy is known for blending traditional training methods with natural horsemanship, including groundwork, liberty work, and R+ training. Her background in social service and meditation practice informs her practical, relationship-focused approach to improving performance with horses and riders. She is the author of Finding Purpose, has created several Equestrian Masterclasses with Noëlle Floyd, and is a sought-after podcast guest, clinician, and presenter at festivals and expos across the country. Chelsea is based in Wales, Maine, at Unexpected Farm, and spends her winters in Ocala, Florida.  In This Episode, Chelsea and Sinead Discuss:    • Letting go of a single goal and allowing space to explore other paths in the industry  • How blending liberty work, dressage, and jumping creates deeper understanding and connection  • Why teaching a horse “tricks” can improve confidence, relaxation, and postural control  • What horses need from people right now, and why slowing down and seeing them as individuals matters  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. 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 Week on In Stride    Sinead is joined by amateur event rider and small animal veterinarian Katie Malensek to talk about her impressive career in and out of the saddle, and how she manages to do it all.  Meet the Guest: Katie Malensek  Katie Malensek is an amateur event rider and small animal veterinarian based in Port Orange, Florida. Originally from Burlington, Ontario, she has competed at the 4* level and represented Canada on the FEI Eventing Nations Cup team in Belgium in 2023, riding Landjaeger. At the Nations Cup, she finished clear with only time faults in the CCIO4*. In addition to her Nations Cup appearance, Katie has competed in other FEI events, including CCI3-L and CCI2-L competitions in Myakka City, Florida, riding horses she has developed through the levels herself.    In This Episode, Katie and Sinead Discuss:    • Katie’s perspective on the sport as an amateur and what that status means to her  • How she returned to horses after stepping away for graduate school, and what drew her back to the sport  • Her experience competing on a Nations Cup team and how she balanced work, training, and international competition  • Why it’s important for riders to speak up when changes are needed to prioritize horse safety and welfare  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 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