The Just Horse Riders Podcast

Getting a good photo of your horse is harder than it looks. Ears forward, standing square and not mid-sneeze is a lot to ask, and the pictures that end up on the wall matter more than most riders realise. Equine portrait photographer Becky Swallow has spent over 11 years photographing horses and their people, from top dressage and eventing riders at Badminton Horse Trials to muddy ponies in back fields, and her work has appeared in Horse & Hound.Aaron Englander sits down with Becky to talk about what really goes into a professional horse photoshoot. According to Becky, around 80% of its value is the experience, not the print.You'll hear:How to prepare your horse for a photoshoot, including the simple groundwork that teaches a horse to stand stillGoodbye shoots, and why they produce some of the most honest images Becky createsWhy AI-generated images can't recreate the bond between horse and ownerHow to choose an equine photographer, from checking portfolios to picking someone you actually get on withWhat to wear, why golden hour on a summer evening is her favourite light, and the app she uses to get ears prickedBecky also talks openly about how her own horses have supported her mental health. She describes how her ginger prince Woody went from fearing poles on the ground to flying round a BE90 regional qualifier, and shares her ambition to photograph Team GB at the Olympics. It's honest, funny and full of tips you can try on the yard this week.Becky Swallow Photography: https://beckyswallowphotography.co.uk/Becky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyswallowphotography/Read the blog: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/blogs/news/ep42-becky-swallow-equine-portrait-photographyChapters0:00 Introduction2:22 Meet Becky Swallow, Equine Photographer3:52 How Becky Got Into Photography8:51 Starting an Equine Photography Business13:52 Becoming a Dressage Event Photographer15:00 Badminton & Photographing Top Riders20:00 Next Goal: Team GB Olympic Photographer23:53 Keeping Your Passion When It's Your Job28:06 Why Equestrian Hands Get So Dry30:52 Can AI Replace a Real Horse Photographer?33:22 What a £495 Horse Photoshoot Includes35:49 Editing, Slideshows & Choosing a Print39:41 Goodbye Shoots: Final Memories42:07 Photographing Laura Collett at Home45:53 The Real, Muddy Side of Horse Ownership47:47 Teenagers, Social Media & Photoshoots51:33 Why Cheap Event Photos Lower the Bar53:07 How to Choose an Equine Photographer55:46 Weddings, Births & Life Milestones57:33 When Horse Photoshoots Go Wrong1:02:19 Staying Safe Around Spooky Horses1:05:09 Getting Published in Horse & Hound1:09:29 What Dressage Riders Want in a Photo1:11:46 Why Professional Shoots Cost What They Do1:15:16 Advice for Young Equine Photographers1:19:17 Becky's Horses & Mental Health1:26:18 Woody's Journey to BE90 Eventing1:34:22 How to Prep Your Horse for a Photoshoot1:36:49 Booking Lead Times & Turnaround1:37:54 Brand Shoots vs Personal Shoots1:41:04 Horse Photoshoots as Equestrian Gifts1:46:31 Quickfire Round: Photography TipsListen now on Spotify or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC8k5ptsxIw

How do you keep a miniature horse healthy — and why don't you need to ride to love horses? Vicky & Tilly Norris on life with minis and showing in-hand.This week Aaron sits down with the mother-and-daughter duo behind Tilly's Miniature Horse Tails — one of the loveliest accounts in the equestrian world — to talk about keeping, showing and genuinely enjoying miniature horses, with no saddle required.Vicky Norris has shown and bred miniature horses for the best part of two decades; her 13-year-old daughter Tilly is a young in-hand handler with around 25,000 followers, featured in Horse & Hound and co-author of the activity book "Hobby Horsing Around" in support of horse welfare charity HAPPA.According to Vicky Norris, miniature horses need exactly the same care as full-size horses — farrier every 6–8 weeks, back checks and physio — with weight control the single biggest difference.In this episode:- Why Tilly swapped riding for showing in-hand after a fall knocked her confidence- The real difference between a miniature horse and a Shetland pony- Keeping minis fit and laminitis-free with walks and in-hand jumping- Home educating around a full show season — with a tutor who's also the riding instructor- Rescuing a neglected Shetland, handling online criticism, and the HAPPA book▶ Watch now, or 🎧 listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi⏱ CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction0:45 Keeping Minis Healthy & Laminitis Risk3:50 Miniature Horses vs Shetland Ponies5:44 Tilly's Story: Confidence After a Fall9:13 Showing Minis In-Hand at RIHS14:39 Going Viral & Meeting Fans17:29 Breeding Miniature Horses23:27 Home Educated Around Horses38:56 Online Safety for a Young Creator45:02 William the Escape-Artist Stallion54:47 Rescuing a Neglected Shetland64:40 Hobby Horsing & the HAPPA Book71:18 Advice for Horse-Mad Kids81:55 Future Plans & Modelling87:13 Quick-Fire RoundFollow Tilly's Miniature Horse Tails:https://www.instagram.com/tillysminiaturehorsetails/Just Horse Riders:https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridershttps://www.instagram.com/justhorseridershttps://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #miniaturehorse #inhandshowing #shetlandpony #equestrianlife #hobbyhorsing

Rider fitness coach Katie Bleekman explains how riders should train off the horse — hip mobility, core strength and why yard work isn't training. If you've ever finished a lesson out of breath, felt your back go after a hard flatwork session, or walked into a gym and only used the treadmill because you didn't know what else to do, this episode is for you.Katie Bleekman is the founder of Event Rider Fitness, a personal trainer and rider fitness coach who competed to 3* eventing, groomed professionally at international level, and represented Team GB at the European Pony Eventing Championships. She now coaches female equestrians — from happy hackers to Olympic-level riders — from her family farm in Devon.According to Katie Bleekman, mobility is the gateway to everything: if you're immobile through the hips, your lower back ends up creating movement it was never designed for — which is exactly why so many riders live with back pain.In this episode:Why yard work is activity, not training — and what the difference actually means for your ridingThe movement screen every rider should do, and why hip mobility is almost always the first thing to fixHow many strength sessions a week riders really need (hint: it's fewer than you think)Progressive overload explained in plain English — the reason your training isn't workingWhy £15 of resistance bands beats a Peloton, and the rider fitness myth Katie wants binned for goodGrab a coffee, get comfy and watch now — or listen on Spotify on the school run, in the lorry or while you're mucking out.Find Katie:https://www.eventriderfitness.com/https://www.instagram.com/katiebleekmanhttps://www.youtube.com/@katiebleekman9712Just Horse Riders:https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridershttps://www.instagram.com/justhorseridershttps://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #riderfitness #equestrianfitness #hipmobility #corestrength #eventing 0:00 Introduction1:15 Who Katie Is and What She Does2:08 Growing Up in a Horsey Family5:45 Pony Europeans and a £3,000 Gamble8:53 Leaving Horses for an Office Job12:35 How She Became a Personal Trainer15:01 Covid and Starting Event Rider Fitness16:27 Why Riders Feel Lost in the Gym20:33 The Rider Movement Screen Explained22:58 Hip Mobility: Gateway to Everything23:37 Core Strength: What It Really Does27:53 Is Yard Work Actually Training?31:13 Rider Burnout and Why Rest Matters36:05 How Many Sessions a Week You Need38:56 The Glass Ball vs Rubber Ball Rule42:36 What Coaching With Katie Looks Like49:26 Progressive Overload for Riders51:56 Unrealistic Expectations and Guilt1:00:08 The "No Pain, No Gain" Myth1:04:42 Hormones, Fuelling and Lifestyle1:07:11 Sleep: The Free Performance Tool1:08:20 Riding as a Mental Reset1:20:13 Being Scared to Start1:26:11 The Biggest Mistakes Riders Make1:29:17 Where Rider Fitness Is Heading1:33:41 Training Around Injuries1:39:12 Home Kit: £15 and Bodyweight1:53:33 Quickfire Round2:04:24 Where to Find Katie

How to take the perfect horse photo — pro equestrian photographer Lillie Ratcliffe shares the tricks, prep and kit that actually make the difference.In this episode, host Aaron Englander sits down with Lillie Ratcliffe, founder of Lillie Ratcliffe Photography and a UK equestrian & countryside brand photographer with 300k+ followers across platforms, to unpack how everyday riders can get gorgeous photos of their horses — and how she turned tacking-up ASMR into a viral career.According to Lillie, horses standing still are actually harder to photograph than horses in motion — because a moving horse naturally holds a good shape through its gait. You'll come away knowing how to stand a horse square, get those ears pricked forward, and prep before the camera even comes out.In this episode:The three tricks that get a horse's ears forward (maraca, hunt horn & one more)Why bathing and grooming before a shoot matters most — especially for greysPhone vs professional camera — and why the real magic is in the editingBrand vs portrait photography, plus realistic UK pricingThe cup-of-tea video that hit 13 million views and 40k followers in a weekWatch now — and if you'd rather listen, catch it on Spotify.Website: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #horsephotography #equinephotography #equestrianbusiness #horsephotoshoot #equestriancontent0:00 Introduction (17)1:30 Meet Lillie & the viral TikTok page (39)4:00 How to get the perfect horse photo (38)6:30 Tricks to get a horse's ears forward (40)9:00 Bugsy & Reggie: her two horses (34)12:00 Starting a photo business at 16 (36)16:00 Brand vs portrait photography (34)20:00 Phone vs professional camera (33)24:00 AI imagery vs authentic content (36)28:00 Prepping horse & rider for a shoot (39)32:00 Realistic pricing & what you pay for (40)36:00 Advice to her 16-year-old self (35)

How do you become an equestrian model — and why are horse brands choosing real riders over runway models? Charliee Seymour explains how it works.In Episode 38, Aaron sits down with Charliee Seymour, founder and director of CS Equine Models — the UK's first modelling agency built exclusively for equestrians. From a naughty 12.2hh pony called Dennis to staging Arabian beauty horses in front of 6,000 people in Abu Dhabi, this is the story of turning genuine horsemanship into a career nobody else had built.According to Charliee, brands hire on the rider, horse and skill-set combination — not follower count — and a model's social media is "almost like a digital portfolio" rather than a numbers game. If you've ever wondered what an equestrian shoot day actually involves, this one's for you.In this episode:Why equestrian models are signed for horsemanship, not height or dress sizeWhat models really earn per day — and why the horse gets paid tooThe application process, the 18+ rule, and what gets an application binned instantlyUGC vs. influencer marketing, and why authenticity sellsWhether AI is a threat to real models — and why horses might keep the industry safeWatch now, or listen on Spotify wherever you get your podcasts.Website: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKiCS Equine Models - https://csequinemodels.com/#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #equestrianmodelling #equestrianmodel #showjumping #horsebrands #equineindustry0:00 Introduction2:33 How Charliee Got Into Horses3:34 Dennis: The Naughty Pony That Built Grit9:03 From Pony Club to Showjumping10:30 Why Mainstream Modelling Didn't Fit19:41 The Ted Baker Casting Turning Point24:45 Launching the UK's First Equine Agency33:30 Equestrian vs Mainstream Models39:03 What Equestrian Models Get Paid45:19 Abu Dhabi & the Arabian Beauty Horses50:29 How to Apply & Get Signed56:50 AI vs Real Models in Campaigns1:08:46 Horses, Burnout & Staying Grounded1:15:29 Range Rover, Stunt Riders & What's Next1:23:11 Quick-Fire: Myths & Mistakes1:40:48 Shout-Outs & Final Thoughts

How does a UK show horse producer get a young horse ready for HOYS, Royal Windsor and Royal International? Vicky Smith explains the real graft.In Episode 37 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron sits down with Vicky Smith — Cheshire-based professional show horse producer, multiple HOYS winner (Coloured Ridden Non-Native Horse of the Year, Maxi Cob of the Year), Royal Windsor and Royal International champion, and a former PE teacher who took a sabbatical that turned into a full-time career producing show horses.According to Vicky, "showing is a sport where you are being judged — so to be judged for a living is quite hard." She also explains why no other discipline asks a rider to spend all winter training a horse, only to hand the reins to a stranger in the summer.What you'll learn:Why six weeks of January roadwork still beats any modern shortcut for fitnessHow variety (hacking, herd turnout, pole work, farm rides) keeps show horses mentally freshThe honest conversation every producer should have with owners about expectationsWhy bitting is the most over-thought area in showing — and what to fix insteadHow amateurs can get into showing through riding clubs, BSHA, TSR and London InternationalWatch now, or listen on Spotify wherever you get your podcasts.Website: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #showhorses #HOYS #RoyalWindsor #horseproducer #UKshowing0:00 Introduction0:46 Meet Vicky Smith — Cheshire show yard2:18 From riding school to HOYS at Wembley5:00 Eventing, hunting and finding showing again6:51 Teaching PE while running 8 show horses14:07 The HOYS 2018 weekend that changed everything17:00 Breaking her pelvis at 16 and going to uni19:14 Taking on horses — managing expectations27:34 Winter roadwork and legging-up explained30:49 Rest, recovery and match fitness41:23 Building the team — mum, Hayley and the grooms47:12 Vets, farriers and the wider yard network50:33 What a normal day looks like at the yard53:50 Selling on, retiring and saying goodbye57:34 Bart — the horse of a lifetime59:28 The pressure of being judged for a living1:02:09 Pathways for amateurs — clinics and BSHA1:05:37 When it goes wrong — the runaway in the ring1:12:21 Keeping show horses mentally fresh1:19:33 How Vicky switches off1:21:50 What people get wrong about showing1:26:17 Quick-fire round1:31:59 Advice for riders aiming at HOYS

Six-time Olympian Mary King MBE and Zebra Products founder Simon Middleton sit down to talk eventing careers, comebacks and 25 years of building one of the UK's leading equestrian brands.This is a rare double-header: a rider who reached world number one after breaking her neck, and the man whose premium equestrian distribution business was nearly over before it began — he broke his back the day before Zebra Products launched in 2000.Mary King is a six-time Olympian (team silver 2004 and 2012, bronze 2008), two-time Badminton winner, Burghley champion and the first rider ever to take both first and second at Kentucky with home-bred horses. She retired in March 2026 after 46 seasons in the sport.Simon Middleton is the founder and Managing Director of Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Amerigo, Bucas, Uvex, Sprenger, Equipe and Veredus.According to Mary, her surgeon's advice after fracturing her C5 vertebra was simple: don't ride for eight weeks, and don't fall off for ten. Less than a year later she was back at the top of the sport.In this episode:- How Mary came back from a broken neck to reach world number one- Simon's journey from selling fruit to supermarkets to building Zebra Products- How home-bred event horses are produced from foal to 5-star- The brands, riders and moments that shaped modern British eventing- Mary's reflections on 46 seasons, six Olympics and stepping away from the sportListen now on Spotify or watch the full conversation here.0:00 Introduction1:35 Coming back from a broken neck3:05 Broken back day one of Zebra Products5:35 Starting Zebra in a foot-and-mouth year6:00 Non-horsey backgrounds and early riding7:26 Watching Badminton as a kid9:59 The mindset that gets you to the top12:39 Early career setbacks and pushing through20:44 Influencers vs. authentic brand marketing22:54 What people misunderstand about eventing28:46 Competing at the top as a mum33:00 A normal day in an Olympian's life35:07 Mary, Emily and a family dynasty43:59 Spotting a good product vs. good marketing45:07 Teaching your own daughter to ride50:15 Learning without TikTok or YouTube1:00:33 How tech has changed British Eventing1:02:15 Why Mary retired after 46 seasons1:09:12 What's next for Zebra Products1:10:17 Quick-fire round: 10 rapid questions1:17:04 Mentors, family and final reflectionsEpisode sponsor — Zebra Products: https://www.zebraproducts.co.uk/Website: https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #maryking #zebraproducts #eventing #badminton #britisheventing

Horse riders are athletes — but most are fuelling their horses better than themselves.In this episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, host Aaron Englander sits down with qualified nutritionist and equestrian Kristen Stavridis to talk about the one thing most riders overlook: their own nutrition. Kristen is an 8-year qualified nutritionist, social media educator, and author of The Fiber Fix — a practical guide to gut health for everyday people.According to Kristen, the single biggest nutrition mistake horse riders make is under-fuelling — not eating enough to support the physical and mental demands of riding, mucking out, and long competition days.In this episode we cover:- Why skipping breakfast on show day affects your focus, muscle strength, and safety- How your gut microbiome controls cravings, immunity, and energy levels- The truth about electrolyte supplements — and why most riders don't need them- Nutrition advice for female riders — menstrual health, perimenopause, and bone density- Quick, practical food swaps for busy yard mornings (no meal prep required)Watch now, or listen on Spotify at the link below.📖 Get Kristen's book — The Fibre Fix:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fibre-Fix-More-Supercharge-Health/dp/103508709X🌐 https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/📘 https://www.facebook.com/justhorseriders📸 https://www.instagram.com/justhorseriders▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOffical🎙️ https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#justhorseriders #equestrianpodcast #justhorseriderspodcast #equestriannutrition #guthealth #riderhealth #horseridertips #showdaynutrition0:00 Introduction & Quickfire Round29:30 Meet Kristen Stavridis31:17 Kristen's Equestrian Background33:34 Horses & Mental Wellbeing35:40 Kristen's Nutrition Career Journey39:24 Balanced Diets vs. Extreme Trends44:15 Fasting, Protein & What's Changed49:23 Creatine — The Truth for Riders58:09 Kristen's Daily Diet Explained1:03:20 Fibre, Gut Health & Your Microbiome1:10:31 How Sugar Hijacks Your Gut Bacteria1:13:22 Top Fibre Foods for Busy Riders1:14:34 Electrolytes — Are You Wasting Money?1:20:32 Fuelling for Riding & Competition Days1:26:49 Mucking Out Is a Workout — Eat Accordingly1:32:03 Hydration Tips for Yard & Show Days1:35:59 Skipping Meals & Weight Loss on the Yard1:37:51 Nutrition for Menstrual Health & Menopause1:46:22 Supplements — Less Is More2:02:08 Your Gut & Your Brain — The Connection2:02:50 Competition Nerves & Upset Stomachs2:03:58 Matcha vs. Coffee — Which Is Better?2:05:00 One Habit That Transforms Gut Health2:08:20 Kristen's Final Message to Riders

In this episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, host Aaron Englander sits down with Ivy and Laura, the faces behind the popular Instagram account “At Home With Ivy & Ponies.” Their page has captured the hearts of many in the equestrian world by sharing the real side of life with ponies—something that often gets lost behind perfectly curated social media posts.Together they discuss the reality of children learning to ride, the ups and downs of pony ownership, and why the messy, chaotic moments can be just as important as the big achievements in a rider’s journey. It’s an honest and refreshing conversation about confidence, resilience, and the magic that horses bring into young riders’ lives.In this episode, Aaron, Ivy, and Laura talk about:Why many equestrian social media accounts show the “perfect ride” and what’s missing from that pictureThe real challenges children face when learning to ride horses and poniesHow young riders deal with falls, setbacks, and rebuilding confidenceWhy the small moments with horses often matter the mostThe joy, chaos, and life lessons that come from growing up around poniesWhether you're a horse owner, pony parent, rider, or equestrian enthusiast, this episode offers a relatable and heartwarming look at life behind the saddle.

What happens when a “friendly” off-lead dog causes devastating consequences?In this powerful and emotional episode of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, Aaron Englander sits down with Victoria (Endurance with Darcy) and Katie, founders of the Leash & Release campaign, to discuss dog attacks on horses, rider safety, and why education — not blame — is the real solution.From heartbreaking personal stories to practical safety advice, this episode dives deep into:• The real impact of off-lead dog incidents• Why 96% of reported horse attacks involve off-lead dogs• The legal grey areas in UK legislation• What the Dangerous Dogs Act does (and doesn’t) protect• How riders and dog owners can prevent incidents• Why “Leash in the presence, release when safe” could save lives• Practical hacking safety tips (high-vis, cameras, insurance, QR tags)• The psychology of horses, dogs, and human reactionsThis isn’t about banning dogs.It’s about shared responsibility, mutual respect, and safer countryside access for everyone.Whether you’re a rider, dog owner, parent, or countryside user — this conversation matters.Watch now to understand the movement that’s gaining national attention.Listen on Spotify if you’re on the go.🔹 Learn more about Leash & Releasehttps://www.leashandrelease.co.uk/🔹 Follow & support Just Horse RidersWebsite – https://www.justhorseriders.co.uk/Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/justhorseridersInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/justhorseridersTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@justhorseridersofficialYouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@JustHorseRidersOfficalSpotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/7sUBwfQNIG40hRgs8hXbKi#equestrian#horsesafety#dogattacksonhorses#countrysidecode#hackinghorses#horseriding#dogowners#britishhorse#equestrianlife#justhorseriders#equestrianpodcast#justhorseriderspodcast