Heal Your Horse

Every stage of a horse's life speaks a different language. In this full recording of The Lifetime Horse, Nika Vorster and Bradley Whale show you how to read the one in front of you, and how to catch the small signs before they become permanent. From birth to the veteran years, a horse's body is always changing, building itself, reaching its peak, then reorganising, and each stage needs something completely different from you. In this live session we walk through all three stages of the horse's biomechanical life and give you practical, everyday ways to read and support your own horse at home. In this webinar you will learn: ✓ Why the developing, mature and veteran horse each process load completely differently ✓ The early warning signs that a horse is carrying more than it can absorb, and how to spot them at home ✓ Why fatigue, not the exercise itself, is what wires problems in for life ✓ Simple, stage-specific changes you can make this week ✓ How to look at your own horse with more confidence and far less second-guessing Chapters 00:00 Welcome and house rules 00:00 Meet your speakers 00:00 What you will learn tonight 00:00 The force chain, how the whole body works as one 00:00 The three stages of a horse's life 00:00 Stage 1, the developing horse (0 to 10) 00:00 Stage 2, the mature horse (10 to 20) 00:00 Stage 3, the veteran horse (20 and over) 00:00 The diagnostic blueprint, early warning signs 00:00 System drift, how a small problem becomes permanent 00:00 Your action plan, three changes to make this week 00:00 Recap and where to go next (Drop your real timestamps in once you've watched it back. Chapters really help watch time and search.) About your presenters Nika Vorster MSc is an equestrian performance and biomechanics specialist with over thirty years working with horses at the highest level, and the founder of The Female Rider Code. Bradley Whale B.Ost is an osteopath, educator, researcher and author with over twenty years across human and equine healthcare, who has worked with Olympic competitors, Formula One personnel and elite athletes. Get the Assessment Toolkit Scan the QR code on screen to get The Lifetime Horse Assessment Toolkit, a simple, do-it-yourself workbook that helps you read your own horse in an afternoon, matched to its stage of life. If this helped you see your horse a little differently, subscribe to The Horse Listener for more, and tell us in the comments which stage your horse is in right now. #TheHorseListener #EquineBiomechanics #HorseHealth #YoungHorse #HorseTraining #HorseWelfare #Dressage #KissingSpines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do when your horse is aggressive, clearly in pain and completely normal on paper? In this episode I am joined by equine therapist Alex Geudon, an old friend from my Oxfordshire days, whose whole-horse approach to balance and health began long before her qualifications, growing up in Germany with a grandfather who treated everything with folk medicine and taught her that a symptom is information, not the problem itself. Alex shares the story of Ella, the mare she has known since before she was born, whose slipping stifles, refusal to turn right and escalating aggression were dismissed as young horse quirks until one vet suggested putting her to sleep. X-rays, bloods and a full workup found nothing, her ovaries were removed on the best advice available, and every symptom returned within three months. That heartbreak sent Alex down a path of hindgut microbiome testing, traditional Chinese herbs and years of research that finally gave Ella her life back, and it changed the direction of Alex's own. We talk about why the foal's microbiome is set in the first few months of life and can only be managed after that, what modern feed and imported sport horses mean for the metabolic problems now showing up everywhere, why detoxing the liver first is the wrong way round, what chronic pain does to a horse's nervous system, and the questions every owner should ask before agreeing to remove a mare's ovaries. Alex also shares the story of Jubilee, the starved youngster whose recovery came down to one breakthrough, and why making the nervous system feel safe is where the real healing begins. If you have a horse with mysterious intermittent lameness, unexplained aggression or a diagnosis that never quite fits, this conversation will give you a new set of questions to ask. Connect with Alex Geudon: Facebook: Alex Geudon Equine Therapist https://www.facebook.com/p/Alex-Geudon-Equine-Therapist-61581668819620/ Website: https://www.equicircle.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A horse can be obedient and still not feel safe, and it can be labelled difficult when it is really confused, afraid, physically uncomfortable or simply unprepared for what is being asked. In this episode I am joined by Scott Purdum, horse behaviourist and rider confidence coach at Advantage Horsemanship, who has spent more than 20 years helping riders understand what their horse's behaviour is actually trying to communicate. Scott shares the story of the young horse that bucked him off twice in fifteen minutes, turned his anger into fear, and changed the direction of his career, and how buying that horse and spending a year rebuilding the relationship taught him what no amount of ego ever could. We dig into why preparation replaces fear, how to build a plan that stacks wins your brain recognises as evidence, why you should stop riding for a feeling and start riding with a plan, and what neuroplasticity teaches us about habits in both horses and humans, because a habit is never broken, only replaced. We also unpack the language we use around horses, why Scott refuses to call a horse disrespectful, what a pushy horse is really responding to, how intention and energy decide whether your horse believes you, and why trust comes down to one thing, which is the consistency of how you show up, mentally and physically, every single time. Whether you have lost your confidence, inherited a horse with an ingrained pattern, or simply want to understand the why behind your horse's behaviour, this conversation will change how you see the label "difficult". Connect with Scott Purdum: Website: https://www.advantagehorsemanship.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advantagehorsemanship Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advantagehorsemanship YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AdvantageHorseman TikTok: search Advantage Horsemanship Confident Accelerator programme: via the website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens to us as female equestrians when our bodies start changing and nobody has warned us what to look for? In this episode I sit down with international showjumping coach Mia Palles-Clark, who has coached riders around the world for over 25 years, worked with the England Pony Teams since 2017, coaches the British Army Show Jumping Team and is now Head of Equestrian Sports at Millfield School. Mia shares the knee injury that made no sense until she understood what perimenopause does to ligaments, how HRT changed everything within a month, and the moment her body forced her to walk away from the perfect yard and into the biggest role of her career. We talk about coaching men versus women, why you cannot buy feel, what teenagers and their horses teach each other about emotional regulation, why Mia caps her coaching days at six hours, and the conversations most riders are too embarrassed to start, from breeches colour and period pants to bra fit and saddle comfort. Whether you are riding through your cycle, wondering why your body suddenly feels different in the saddle, or coaching riders who are, this conversation is the honest, practical chat the industry has needed for a long time, because horses read what we bring to them, and understanding ourselves is part of understanding them. Connect with Mia Palles-Clark: Website: https://www.coach-mia.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miapallesclark Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miapallesclarkshowjumping Millfield School Equestrian: https://www.millfieldschool.com/senior-13-16/sport/sports-a-z/equestrian British Showjumping: https://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the “difficult” horse is not being difficult at all… but simply trying to communicate discomfort in the only way they know how? In this episode of the Heal Your Horse podcast, I sit down with Linda Hauck, founder of Tapestry Equine Products , to explore what horses have taught her through decades of eventing, Thoroughbred racing, coaching, and product innovation. From training racehorses and competing at Advanced level, to inventing the patented Spursuader and Tapestry Comfort Girth, Linda shares how her products were not created from marketing ideas, but from years of observing horses brace, hollow, react, and attempt to communicate discomfort. We dive into: • Why “girthy” horses are often misunderstood • The hidden impact tack can have on movement and behaviour • What sensitive horses taught Linda about communication • Why observation is one of the most important skills horse owners can develop • How comfort changes performance This conversation is a reminder that horses are constantly giving us information through movement, posture, behaviour, tension, and reaction. The question is whether we are willing to slow down enough to listen. If you enjoy deeper conversations around horse behaviour, biomechanics, performance, and connection, make sure to subscribe to the channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Heal Your Horse podcast, I sit down with Iris Walshe to explore a conversation that I believe so many riders quietly struggle with but rarely talk about openly — the connection between neurodiversity, the nervous system, emotions, and horses. We dive into why some riders feel everything so deeply around horses, how overwhelm and anxiety can show up in training, and why horses often mirror what is happening internally long before we consciously realise it ourselves. This conversation explores: • Neurodiversity within the equestrian world • Why sensitive riders often connect deeply with horses • The impact of the nervous system on communication and performance • Emotional regulation around horses • The pressure many riders place on themselves • How horses can teach us to become better listeners and communicators One of the most powerful parts of this episode is the reminder that horses are not judging us. They are simply responding to what they feel, what they see, and the energy we bring into the partnership. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, misunderstood, emotionally exhausted, or deeply connected to horses in a way you struggle to explain, this episode is for you. Connect with Iris: LinkedIn: Iris Walshe LinkedIn Email: walsheiris@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and honest conversation, Nika Vorster is joined by Kimberly Dunn — clinical hypnotherapist, mindset coach, and lifelong horsewoman — to unpack the psychology of fear in riders and how to finally move through it. After two decades in the horse world, Kimberly has helped hundreds of riders rediscover joy and confidence through her Enlightened Equestrian Program and Ride or Cry Kit . Together, she and Nika explore: Why “just be brave” and “get back on” often make things worse The link between the rider’s nervous system and the horse’s behavior What regulation really means — and how to do it How to rebuild confidence after a fall, trauma, or motherhood The 3 daily practices to stay calm, grounded, and connected If you’ve ever felt ashamed of being scared, lost your spark, or wondered why your horse mirrors your emotions — this episode will change the way you think about fear forever. 🎧 Listen to learn how to rewire your mind, reset your body, and ride from calm confidence instead of survival mode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this transformative conversation, Nika Vorster sits down with Caroline Gaya — international dressage rider, yoga teacher, and equestrian coach — to explore the deeper connection between body, breath, and horse. Caroline shares how yoga first entered her life when her body cried out for balance after years of professional riding. What began as a simple class soon revealed itself as the bridge between her own nervous system and her horse’s. Together they unpack: How yoga reconnects riders to their body’s natural rhythm and “neutral state.” Why sensitivity — not strength — is a rider’s greatest asset. How to balance masculine drive with feminine flow in training. What it really means to “ride like a woman,” honouring your cycle, your energy, and your intuition. Caroline offers three simple grounding practices riders can use right away and reveals the biggest lesson horses have ever taught her: your sensitivity is your strength. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body or burned out by “pushing through,” this episode will help you soften back into flow — for you and your horse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this soulful episode, Nika Vorster sits down with Emma Actis , founder of Emma Actis Horsemanship and creator of The Chestnut Mare Method . Emma shares her early experiences growing up on a cattle ranch, the moment a young rescue horse named Charger changed everything she thought she knew, and how a lifetime of listening, failing, and observing has shaped her gentle, intuitive approach to horsemanship. Together, they explore: Why “difficult” horses are our greatest teachers How to communicate through body language, play, and empathy Why true leadership isn’t about dominance, but emotional consistency The surprising connection between softness, strength, and self-awareness This episode is a reminder that real horsemanship isn’t about control — it’s about curiosity. And that sometimes, the hardest horses arrive to show us the parts of ourselves that need softening most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your emotions weren’t getting in the way of your success—but guiding you toward it? In this transformative episode, Nika Vorster sits down with Dr. Anne-Marie King , medical doctor turned elite performance coach and creator of The Realignment Method . Together, they unpack why so many high achievers—especially equestrians—get caught in cycles of pressure, perfectionism, and burnout. Anne-Marie shares her four-part Realignment Process: 1️⃣ Non-Resistance – accept what you feel 2️⃣ Non-Judgment – understand, don’t fight it 3️⃣ Non-Attachment – release control of outcomes 4️⃣ Alignment – reconnect with excitement and flow They explore why high performers often confuse suffering with success, how emotions serve as powerful intelligence, and the subtle gender differences in how men and women approach growth. Whether you’re an athlete, leader, or rider chasing your next level—this episode will help you free yourself, not fix yourself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode, Nika sits down with Zoe Van Kruiningen-Coade , founder of Get Good With Horses and former Parelli professional, to explore the truth behind horse-human connection.Zoe shares how her 900 kg Irish Warmblood, Mia , forced her to question everything she thought she knew — leading her to discover that real horsemanship begins when the ego ends. From building trust with traumatized horses to balancing empathy with clarity, Zoe and Nika dive into: The moment Zoe realised her horse was mirroring her own energy. Why softness, not strength, creates true partnership. How to stop using your horse as a therapist — and start showing up as the grounded leader they deserve. This conversation is a reminder that getting good with horses isn’t about technique — it’s about who you become in the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your emotions were the key to your next level — not the obstacle? In this powerful conversation, Nika Vorster sits down with performance psychologist and coach Dr Anne-Marie King to explore how high achievers can release emotional blocks that keep them stuck in cycles of proving, perfectionism, and burnout. Dr Anne-Marie shares her four-step Realignment Process — non-resistance, non-judgment, non-attachment, and alignment — a practical framework that helps ambitious people get out of their heads and back into flow. Together, they unpack how to turn emotions into intelligence, why women often hesitate to claim their own growth, and how to reconnect with what feels genuinely exciting and alive. If you’ve ever felt driven but drained, this episode will help you realign — and rise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your gym strength doesn’t translate to the saddle? In this episode, Nika Vorster talks with dressage rider and founder of Equibody Fit Fitness, Jack , about the gap between general fitness and rider-specific fitness. Jack shares how his powerlifting background left him with tight hips and poor mobility, and how retraining his body — even learning the splits — transformed his riding at Grand Prix level. Together, they discuss Equibody’s mission to help riders build a body that “just works,” the differences in training for men and women, and why most riders should focus on the 80% foundations rather than the last 10% of optimization. If you’ve ever felt strong in the gym but stiff in the saddle, this episode will change the way you think about rider fitness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What separates a good rider from a great one? According to Dan , it’s not flashy exercises or quick fixes—it’s repetition, fitness, and mindset. In this episode, Nika sits down with international rider and coach Dan , whose career spans from the junior European Championships to over 15 years of training riders in the UK and Italy . They explore why the fundamentals never stop mattering, how to address “bad habits” with clarity and consistency, and the role of rider fitness in building confidence in the saddle. Dan also shares his coaching philosophy: listening first, acting second, and empowering riders to be self-sufficient rather than dependent on a trainer. Whether you’re chasing medals or just aiming to ride with more confidence, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the “dangerous” horse isn’t dangerous at all—but depressed or misunderstood? In this episode, Nika Vorster speaks with equestrian coach and author Joanna (Horses Explained) about horse psychology and the overlooked mental health of our equine partners. Joanna shares insights from her book Understanding Horse Depression, explains the difference between temperament and personality, and breaks down the four temperament types that shape how horses respond to training. Together, they explore how rider energy and emotions influence horses, why labels like “difficult” can hide deeper issues, and how rehabilitation rooted in patience and empathy changes outcomes. Joanna also tells the story of her horse Ella, a so-called “dangerous” mare who became a trusted partner through understanding and trust. Joanna wants to clarify a few things from the conversation: The Research citation is credit to a 2012 study by Carole Fureix and Martine Hausberger .-The link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22761752/ Clarification on horse depression- This is a brief introduction to horse depression. The first step in recognizing subtle signs is knowing your individual horse and being familiar with the equine ethogram so you can distinguish species-typical behaviours from those that may suggest a problem. Depression in horses is a real, diagnosable condition with specific symptoms; I’d love to dive deeper into this in a future conversation. Definitions to include: Temperament: A horse’s inborn way of reacting to the world—how sensitive he is, how quickly he startles, and how easily he settles. Temperament shows up early, is largely genetic, and remains stable over time. We can shape responses, but not the core reactivity. Personality: The whole picture—temperament plus learned patterns from experience and environment, along with quirks, preferences, and social habits. Personality evolves over time, but core traits tend to stay recognisable. In short: Temperament is innate ; personality is temperament shaped by environment and experience . By improving the environment and handling, we can influence (not replace) aspects of personality while respecting the horse’s nature. To work or contact Joanna directly: Book a Horse Personality Portrait: www.horsesexplained.com Instagram: @horsesexplained Media/Lessons/Workshops: horsesexplained@gmail.com Upcoming book: Understanding Horse Depression — releasing Spring 2026 . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your horse’s body language is telling you more than you realise? In this conversation, Nika Vorster sits down with equine behaviourist Carolina (Horse Conversations) to explore the subtleties of equine communication and the role of positive reinforcement in training. Carolina shares her personal journey into natural horsemanship, how a traumatised horse shifted her approach, and why observing tiny changes in eating, expression, and posture reveals so much about a horse’s emotional state. Together, they unpack whether issues stem from past trauma or present handling, how horses act as mirrors of human emotions, and why curiosity is the most powerful tool a horse owner can bring to training. To work with Caroline directly, click on the link below. https://horseconversations.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your horse’s “naughty” behaviour is really pain—and the rehab plan is missing the point? In this conversation, Nika Vorster and equine practitioner Ansley Bevan dig into evidence-informed, horse-centered rehab. From Florida’s heat to the UK’s milder climate, they compare management realities, unpack why traditional stall-rest protocols can fail the horse mentally, and explore how behaviour is a primary signal of discomfort. Ansley shares lessons from her horse Charlie, the origins of her Equine Wellness Academy, and why educating owners creates better outcomes than chasing quick fixes. If you’ve felt stuck, gaslit, or overwhelmed, this one offers a grounded roadmap for advocating for your horse—with patience, presence, and practical tools. Ansley's contact details: Website: abequinetherapy.com/academy Instagram: @abequinetherapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Horse's are constant reminders for us to be more kind not only to others, but to ourselves as well. In this episode, I talk you through 5 invaluable lessons horse's keep reminding me to do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Alice and I met over 5 years ago in Oxfordshire Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.