Season 1 Highlights, Part 2: The Mindset Shifts Every Rider Needs to Hear

Season One of Dear Horse World changed the way so many of us think about riding and about ourselves. But there was no way to fit all the mic-drop moments into one episode, so here is Part Two. This is an honest look at what it truly takes to grow with your horse, not just to train harder. We’re talking about the uncomfortable but transformative shifts that distinguish simply "riding" from genuine partnership. You’ll hear: Josh Nichol on why leadership isn’t control. It’s learning to be calm when everything in you wants to tense. Animal communicator, Deleah, on vulnerability, surrender, and the purpose horses are quietly asking us to find. Dr. Jenny Susser on confidence, goal setting, and why every rider (yes, even you) deserves to own their space in the arena. Karl Cook on cutting through schemes and taking responsibility for the basics of great horse care. Dewey Freeman and Dr. Connie on looking deeper than “bad behavior” to what our horses are really experiencing. William Fox-Pitt on believing in the horse you have and adapting with humility when plans change. These are the conversations that shift you from overthinking and reacting to leading with clarity, trust, and purpose. It is honest, it is challenging, and it might just change how you ride forever. Want to be first to know when Season Two drops? Join the mailing list here and stay connected to a community of riders rethinking what great horsemanship can be.   If these conversations inspired you, you’ll find even more at noellefloydplus.com—our learning community for riders who want to deepen their horsemanship, connect across disciplines, and grow alongside world-class trainers. Explore courses, resources, and tools designed to bring the wisdom of Dear Horse World into your everyday riding.

Season One of Dear Horse World has been nothing short of transformative. In this special finale, Noëlle Floyd revisits the conversations that cracked open our understanding of what it means to be in true partnership with horses—and with ourselves. From Jochen Schleese revealing how saddle fit can numb a horse’s body, to Nikki Simpson dismantling the “pose” in favor of authentic effectiveness in the saddle, to Anne Kursinski reminding us that patience and repetition are the real keys to mastery—each guest has left an indelible mark. We’ll hear from Mark Rashid about the weathered cowboy who unknowingly set him on his path, from Cristóbal Scarpati reading a colt’s plea to be trained with kindness, and from Dr. Steve Peters on the neuroscience of curiosity, learning, and flow. Some moments are raw, like Jerri Scherff’s story of confronting horse abuse at a barrel race. Others are poetic, like William Fox-Pitt’s reflections on congruency, or Nick Dowers on the power of presence. Together, they weave a tapestry that shows just how deeply interconnected our horsemanship, values, and humanity really are. This season was born from a mission: to unite the horse world through conversation. Along the way, it has transformed Noëlle—heart, mind, and soul. The hope is that somewhere in these voices, every listener will hear a piece of their own story, and leave with a sense that the messy middle we all occupy is where transformation begins. Join Noëlle in revisiting the moments you voted as your favorites, alongside a few that shaped her forever. —---------  If these conversations inspired you, you’ll find even more at noellefloydplus.com—our learning community for riders who want to deepen their horsemanship, connect across disciplines, and grow alongside world-class trainers. Explore courses, resources, and tools designed to bring the wisdom of Dear Horse World into your everyday riding. —--------- This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net to explore options, or get in touch today. 📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates  📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/

Matt Brown has ridden at the top of the sport. But when he watched a replay of one of his proudest rounds, he didn’t see a confident partnership—he saw a horse responding to pressure, not trust. That moment changed everything. In this episode, Matt joins us to talk about why he stopped carrying a whip in eventing competitions—and how that decision opened the door to something deeper: leadership, vulnerability, and the quiet reckoning that happens when tradition no longer aligns with who you want to be. Matt names what so many riders feel but rarely say out loud, from internalized pressure to the shame of past mistakes to the fear of evolving in public. You’ll walk away with: Language for the subtle forms of pressure that can go unnoticed in training A deeper understanding of how systemic norms shape personal choices Insight into what real partnership with a horse can look like, without force Encouragement to rethink tradition with nuance, empathy, and clarity This is a conversation about the beliefs we absorb without knowing, the pressure we pass down without meaning to, and the kind of rider we become when we stop trying to prove we belong—and start listening instead. —--------- Connect with Matt Brown 📸 Instagram: @eastwesttrainingstables 🌐 Website: www.eastwesttrainingstables.com 🐴 Training & Clinics: Learn more about Matt and Cecily’s coaching, clinics, and horses for sale at East West Training Stables ✍️ Read More: Explore Matt’s columns on The Chronicle of the Horse → Matt Brown on COTH

Trailer loading isn’t just about getting your horse from A to B—it’s a skill. And like any skill, it depends on trust, preparation, and practice. In this episode of Dear Horse World, you’ll hear the first video from Tik Maynard’s Trailering 101 & Common Trailering Problems Masterclass on NF+. Tik explains why most “loading problems” are really relationship problems, how to set your horse up for success, and why rushing almost always backfires. This is just one lesson from a 19-part, 3.5-hour masterclass, now updated with four rider case studies that show exactly how Tik works through common trailering struggles. 👉 Watch the full course on NF+ at and use code DHW for 15% off your annual membership. Because a horse that loads quietly isn’t just convenient—it’s peace of mind. -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld  

Equine Neuroscience in Action: Turning Science into a Stronger Bond In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Stephen Peters, we move from theory to application — how to take the neuroscience of learning and connection and put it to work with your horse. We explore: Why drilling a task can reduce dopamine and motivation How reward-based training works at the chemical level — and its limits The difference between externally resourced and internally resourced horses What habits like cribbing reveal about stress and coping How oxytocin withdrawal drives “herd bound” behavior — and how to replace it Why shorter, well-timed training sessions can outperform hours in the saddle How to expand a horse’s “window of tolerance” without overwhelming them This is where brain science becomes a practical, humane training advantage — building a smarter, more resilient, and more connected horse. -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow! And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

From the Navy to Neuroscience: What Horses Can Teach Us About the Brain Before he became one of the most sought-after voices in equine neuroscience, Dr. Stephen Peters lived an entirely different life — growing up between Japan and England in a military family, serving as a Navy officer, and even working at Goldman Sachs. But a personal tragedy pulled him into the world of brain science, setting him on a path that would change not just his career, but the way thousands of horse owners understand their animals. In this conversation, Stephen reveals how a clinical neuroscientist’s view of the brain reshapes everything we think we know about training horses. You’ll learn: Why attention is a finite resource in young horses — and the surprising age when their brains can actually sustain it. How fear rewires the brain and why “making it happen” often comes at a long-term cost. The three essential ingredients for learning that apply to horses and humans alike. Why “dwell time” isn’t just downtime — it’s the brain’s most powerful consolidation tool. How stable design, sensory deprivation, and even whisker clipping can make a horse less capable of learning. The simple science-backed approach that can literally make a horse smarter. It’s a masterclass in connection, not control — rooted in evidence, but brought to life with the kind of cowboy wisdom you can only learn in the round pen. Whether you’ve never sat on a horse or you’ve spent a lifetime in the saddle, this episode will change how you think about brains, learning, and the delicate art of trust.  -------------------------------------- Stay tuned for part 2. -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow! And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld  

You love your horse—but your bank account? Not so much. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “Can I really afford this?” while clicking “checkout” on supplements or showing fees, you’re in good company. Most riders are doing their best to make the numbers work in a sport that doesn’t exactly favour modest budgets. In this episode of No Stupid Questions, Noëlle sits down with equestrian finance coach Mary Hurston of Budgeting with MH to talk candidly about the financial side of horse life—the part we rarely say out loud but all feel behind the scenes. Mary brings a shame-free approach to budgeting that’s made for real equestrians with real goals. We dig into: How much of your income should actually go to horses? Is horse insurance worth the monthly premium—or not? Can you really write off horse expenses? What does it actually cost to show for a week at an “A” circuit venue? How to plan for big goals like buying land, building a barn, or affording shows—without burning out If you’re dreaming big, feeling stretched thin, or just want to take the guesswork out of your horse expenses, this episode will leave you feeling clear, capable, and way more confident. Because in this community? There are no stupid questions—especially when it comes to money. -------------------------------------- Mary Hurston website: https://www.budgetingwithmh.com/ -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow! And for even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

What If the Calmest Person in the Arena Was the Most Powerful? Nick Dowers is a cowboy, a colt starter, a reined cow horse champion—and one of the most quietly revolutionary horsemen in the game. In this episode, 2016 Road to the Horse Champion and NRCHA finalist Nick Dowers joins Noëlle to break down how foundation, feel, and trust can take a horse from its first ride to world-class performance. But this conversation goes deeper than competition. Nick shares how growing up on a remote Nevada ranch shaped his "horse-as-teacher" mindset, why staying calm under pressure is a learned skill, and how real progress comes from rewarding the try, not chasing perfection. Whether you're starting fresh or rebuilding the foundation, Nick’s approach offers clarity, grounded wisdom, and a whole new way to see your horse. You’ll walk away with: – A clearer sense of timing and feel – Permission to slow down and build better – Practical insights from one of the top horsemen in the Western world – A fresh perspective on what calm, connected horsemanship really looks like This is horsemanship that transcends disciplines—and transforms relationships. -------------------------------------- And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes. For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving. -------------------------------------- This episode is brought to you by YETI.   Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it. No shortcuts. No compromise.  Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com. 📱 @yeti 📱 facebook.com/YETI

Why is balance the word every rider hears again and again—but still struggles to master? In this special episode, 5* eventer and Grand Prix dressage rider Laine Ashker breaks down exactly what balance means, why it matters across every discipline, and how to actually develop it—in both your horse and yourself. This conversation is the foundation of her 3-day “Building a Better Canter” guided ride series, and it's packed with real talk, practical tools, and mindset shifts you can start using today. Whether you're retraining an OTTB or refining your ride before the next show, this episode will reframe the way you think about balance. 🎁 Free Bonus for Listeners: Get a better canter, one ride at a time with Laine Ashker’s full 3-day “Building a Better Canter” Guided Ride Series—FREE   👉 noellefloydplus.com/orders/customer_info?o=213079 Key Takeaways: Why balance is more than posture—it’s rhythm, energy, and self-carriage How lunging without side reins builds better movement The “100 transitions” method Laine uses in flatwork How to ride a half-halt that actually works What balanced jumping feels like—and how to get there How to adapt exercises for where you and your horse are today About Laine: Laine Ashker is a 5* event rider and Grand Prix dressage competitor known for her bold, clear teaching style and passion for developing confident, rideable horses at every level. She’s trained everything from off-the-track Thoroughbreds to top-level sport horses and is a longtime fan-favorite in the equestrian community. 🧠 Ready to feel what better balance really means? Press play. --------------------------------------   You can follow Laine Ashker on social media:  instagram.com/laineyea tiktok.com/@laineashker www.facebook.com/laineyea Or head to her website: http://laineashkereventinganddressage...   And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld   --------------------------------------   If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.   You can also check out the rest of the series on noellefloydplus.com just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.   For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!   NF+ is the premier equestrian learning platform, offering expert-led, science-backed training with 500+ videos, structured pathways, and direct access to top professionals—helping riders and trainers sharpen skills, solve challenges, and prioritize ethical horsemanship anytime, anywhere.  

When your horse gets injured, the usual path is clear: call the vet, follow the textbook treatment, hope for the best. Now consider this—what if the future of healing wasn’t in prescriptions and routine protocols, but in something far more powerful?   For decades, groundbreaking therapies like stem cells, ozone therapy, and PRP have been transforming human medicine. But in the horse world? They’ve been met with resistance, skepticism, and a surprising amount of industry pushback.   That hasn’t stopped Dr. Alberto Rullan. Fueled by a personal tragedy-turned-miracle—his brother’s survival thanks to experimental stem cell therapy—he’s made it his mission to bring these cutting-edge treatments to equine care. And the results? Life-changing.   In this episode, Dr. Alberto pulls back the curtain on the science behind regenerative medicine, the shocking reasons these therapies aren’t mainstream, and the horses that have defied the odds thanks to his work.   We dig into what this means for riders and owners—and why it’s time to challenge outdated systems and demand better care for our horses.   If you’re ready to rethink what’s possible for your horse’s health, this episode will help you break free from the old ways and step into the future. — 🎧 Learn more about Dr. Alberto Rullan and his groundbreaking work in equine sports medicine and rehabilitation: 🏥 Performance Equine Veterinary Services (PEVS) – Lameness diagnostics and performance care: performanceequinevs.com 🌿 EPIC – Equine Performance Innovative Center – Advanced rehab for equine athletes: epcrehab.com 📚 Dr. Rullan’s Official Site – Resources, education, and his mission to serve 1 million horses: albertorullan.com Follow Dr. Rullan and EPIC on social: 📸 Instagram: @dralbertorullan 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/epicrehabcenter 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/albertorullanvmd ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@epicrehabcenter  -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.  For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.