#98 Utilising Scientific Research & Critical Thinking as Equestrians with Elisa Walfish

Elisa Walfish (also known as the Data-Driven Equestrian) is a biologist by training, host of the EquiScience Podcast, and a certified Equine Manual Therapy practitioner through Equineology (EEWB), specializing in Functional postural rehabilitation, Myofascial and nervous system relaxation and Equine sports massage. Elisa’s approach combines a scientific understanding of the body with targeted manual techniques to guide the horse towards greater comfort, balance and overall well-being. Her platform of the Data-Driven Equestrian explores the intersection of biology, physiology, and horsemanship to offer evidence-based solutions for improving the physical and mental well-being of sport horses. Through a scientific lens, Elisa aims to optimize care practices to promote not only peak performance but also longevity and happiness for the equine athlete. Connect with Elisa: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedatadriven.equestrian/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZXRgWpbKBKw36ivyJPNM3?si=6f891e4a010540ee

Franke Sloothaak is a true legend of show jumping: During his active career, he became World Champion and Olympic gold medalist, winning numerous major prizes. He trained and competed in top-level competition with more horses than almost anyone else. Today, he works behind the scenes, coaching students all over the world. In conversation with Christian Kroeber, he looks back on his career, recounting how he began teaching at the age of 15, how his time at Alwin Schockemöhle's stable shaped him, and his first appearances for the German team. What unites all the stages of his equestrian career is a keen eye for a horse's strengths and weaknesses. He discusses how seemingly minor details can be crucial and always returns to one key principle: His focus is on training horses in a way that promotes their health, improves their movement, and motivates them for long-term work with humans. An inspiring conversation full of horsemanship, about Franke's personal journey, his will to win, and current challenges in the sport. *Important to note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in German for the wehorse podcast. We used translation software to dub the episode for our English podcast, The Equestrian Connection.

Michelle Bannink is an equine behaviour and trauma specialist, operating internationally with horses and humans facing complex behavioural and emotional challenges, who are looking for ways to bring balance and joy back into their lives. In her work, Michelle became known for helping horses who were labeled as "difficult" or "dangerous" return to regulation, connection and trust. She helps horses move out of survival state, back into clarity, balance and trust. And, she helps humans become the calm, grounded presence their horse can rely on. Michelle’s work integrates a holistic view on equine behavior and communication and practical training structures. This allows horses and humans to experience real, lasting change. And creates a place where learning, connection and true partnership become possible again. Connect with Michelle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be_stable_educationcenter/ Website: https://www.bestable.nl/ / https://www.bestable-skandinavien.com/

Baylee Summer helps ethical horse trainers to create, launch, and sell online offers in just 4 months in her business mentorship program, “Ethical Trainer Alchemy, and she has helped dozens of trainers get their businesses off the ground and generate actual profit (instead of barely breaking even). Baylee has made it her mission to help them get booked out & well paid, so they can sustainably do the work we so desperately need—horse & human alike. I originally interviewed Baylee two years ago, on episode # 69, and today she is back to share her latest FREE offering, “How to Make Your First $5k Online,” which is a mini-course for ethical horse trainers & practitioners where they’ll get a step by step process to to take their work online, attract aligned clients, and generate thousands (even with a tiny following)—without sacrificing integrity OR client success. So, be sure to scroll down to get your free access. Connect with Baylee: FREE Mini Course: https://baylee-summer.mykajabi.com/make-your-first-5k-online Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayleejoysummer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baylee.sheppard

Dr. Ben Sykes is a world leading expert on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome and is actively changing the way we think, talk about, treat, prevent, and manage gastric ulcers in our horses. He has pioneered research on gastric ulcers with a focus on Equine Glandular Gastric Disease and is a well-recognised speaker at numerous conferences around the world on subjects relating to equine health and Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome. Dr. Sykes is also a veterinarian with over 28 years of clinical experience and is boarded with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He graduated from Murdoch University in 1997 before completing an internship at Randwick Equine Centre followed by a residency in Equine Internal Medicine in Virginia, gaining his Diplomate Registration in Large Animal Internal Medicine in 2004. He then spent 7 years in Finland as head of the Equine Hospital at Helsinki University, in private practice, and as a visiting Professor in Equine Medicine and Surgery in Estonia. He has a special interest in equine gastric ulcers, with many peer-reviewed publications to his credit, including being the lead author on the 2015 European College of Equine Internal Medicine Consensus Statement on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in adult horses. Throughout his career Dr. Sykes has worked with a wide range of horses, focusing on high performance horses in racetrack, breeding, and sport horse settings. In this episode, we discuss - you guessed it - ulcers. Our discussion includes what they are, signs to look for, treatment, prevention, and so much more Connect with Dr. Ben Sykes: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.sykes.5095 Email: [email protected]

Rebecca Haddock is a trailblazer in equine taping, with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the horse industry. She is the Owner and President of EquiTecs Equine Technologies Institue, a Certified EEKT and EEBT practitioner, and the author of Stick With Success – Equine Functional Taping Made Simple. Rebecca is known for blending science-based expertise with ranch-tested wisdom and humor, making her teaching both practical and engaging. Her work has transformed equine wellness education, from developing the first scientifically researched equine tape to creating innovative training programs now used in over 26 countries. In this episode, we discuss what Equine Taping is, when and why to use it, how it can benefit every horse, and so much more. Connect with Rebecca: Website: https://www.equitecs.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equi_tecs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiTape

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has changed the so-called Blood Rule in show jumping – sparking debate throughout the equestrian world. This rule concerns how to handle situations in competitions where blood is detected on a participating horse before, during, or after a test. From the date the new regulation comes into force on January 1, 2026, horses will still be able to participate in the competition under certain circumstances despite visible blood, for example in a second round of a Grand Prix or a jump-off. What does this mean for equestrian sport? Why did the FEI General Assembly reach this voting result? And why do many experts see it as a step backward for animal welfare? In this episode, we explore these and other questions together with two insiders who both hold positions within the FEI: veterinarian Dr. Michael Köhler and judge Joachim Geilfus. They explain: • how the controversial vote came about – and why each nation only has one vote • what scenarios could arise at future competitions • what new responsibilities now lie with judges and veterinarians • why they view the rule change critically and what effects they expect An episode for anyone who wants to understand what happens behind the scenes of international sport – and what the decision means for horses, riders and trust in the sport. *Important to note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in German for the wehorse podcast. We used translation software to dub the episode for our English podcast, The Equestrian Connection.

Sabrina Hidiroglou is a Grand Prix Dressage rider and yoga teacher, helping equestrians get supple, calm, and confident - in and out of the saddle. Sabrina’s love for horses began early, and by age 8, she was taking regular dressage lessons, drawn to the precision and partnership of the sport. In 2008, Zinté F came into her life—a fiery young KWPN stallion who became her partner through every phase of her career. Around that same time, Sabrina discovered yoga. What started as a way to improve her position and confidence in the saddle quickly became a tool for navigating pressure, building strength, and staying grounded—on and off the horse. Sabrina became a certified yoga teacher in 2014 and began integrating yoga into her life as both a rider and coach. That same year, she and Zinté reached the FEI Prix St. Georges level, and now, they have competed at the Grand Prix. In 2019, Sabrina launched Yoga for Riders to support other equestrians and make it accessible for riders worldwide. Connect with Sabrina: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinahidiroglou/ Website: https://www.sabrinahidiroglou.com/

Pernilla Nathan is a Sports Performance Consultant using neuropsychology and heart science to help equestrian clients get results quickly and effectively. Pernilla obtained her Master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006 and continued to receive her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2010. Her expertise were in the areas of Trauma disorders, anxiety disorders, multi-cultural diversity issues, well-being, neuropsychological testing and academic testing, as well as humanistic and existential psychology. After years of working as a clinician as well as navigating a divorce, Pernilla re-evaluated her life and pivoted from psychologist to creative entrepreneurship and pioneered a new healing model in integrating peak performance psychology into her work. She began working with all types of healers and avidly studied performance psychology to implement it in her own life. That is when she bought her first horse, a dream that had seemed unattainable until then. And at that moment, she began using her voice to provide others with a blueprint to expand their potentiality as well. By using her platform and skills to empower others to connect with their greatest selves, she is an agent of change. Connect with Pernilla: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpernillanathan/ Website: https://www.drpernillanathan.com/

Bérénice Roussel is a professional rider, holding a Diplôme d'État de la Jeunesse, de l'Éducation Populaire et du Sport, a specialized state-recognized diploma in France for becoming an expert equestrian coach or trainer, offered at the IFCE's training center at the Cadre Noir in Saumur. The training focuses on developing high-level coaching skills, including training design, athlete development, and secure, competent training methods for competitive equestrian sports. Bérénice is also the only French-speaking Balance Through Movement Method trainer and Lazaris Nerve Release Practitioner. Today we’ll be discussing her journey with Classical Dressage, the link between anatomy, biomechanics, nervous system and the spirit of the horse, and her experience learning in another country and language. Connect with Bérénice: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bereniceroussel_ecurieroquedor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005477957894 Website: https://berenicerousselequestrian.my.canva.site/