Dear Horse World

• No Stupid Questions with Laine Ashker: The Right Way to Build a Stronger, Fitter Horse and Rider

  You train hard. You show up. You put in the miles. But when your horse runs out of steam mid-course, struggles to recover, or worse - ends up sore or injured - you start asking yourself: Am I doing this right? The reality is that most riders don’t have a real fitness plan. They either under-condition, leaving their horse weak and unprepared, or push too hard too soon, risking injury and burnout. And without clear guidance, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of just “riding more” and hoping for the best. Laine Ashker is a five-star event rider, Grand Prix dressage competitor, and fitness expert.  She’s conditioned top-level horses across disciplines and knows exactly what it takes to build strength, stamina, and soundness—without second-guessing every ride. In this No Stupid Questions episode, you’ll learn: The biggest mistakes riders make when conditioning—and how to fix them How to tell if your horse is actually fit enough (most aren’t) The exact trot and canter sets Lainey uses to build endurance and topline How to get your horse fit—even if you don’t have hills, gallop tracks, or ideal facilities Why Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds need different approaches—and what that means for your program Whether you’re training for a competition or just want your horse to feel stronger and more balanced, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to create a smarter, more effective fitness plan - one that protects your horse’s health while setting you both up for success. 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.com/ -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow!   To join Laine on a guided ride - and to delve into more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and start your 7-day FREE TRIAL today!  NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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  1:43:31
• Dear Horse World, it’s Emilie Conter: How I Won My First 5-Star Grand Prix at WEF (Sponsored by Connaway & Associates)

  Winning against the odds. Every rider dreams of that breakthrough moment - the one that proves all the early mornings, setbacks, and sacrifices were worth it. For Emilie Conter, that moment came in spectacular fashion at the five-star Bainbridge Grand Prix during week nine of WEF. On International Women’s Day, Emilie didn’t just compete - she beat the best in the world, out-riding top names like Henrik von Eckermann and Harry Charles to claim her first five-star Grand Prix victory.  But this win was about more than just one round. It was the culmination of years of dedication, a deep partnership with her incredible mare Bella, and the guidance of her legendary trainer Helena Stormmans. What you’ll learn: How patience, consistency, and the right training transformed a "slow" young mare into a five-star superstar. The underrated skill that top riders rely on for success. Mental strategies to silence overthinking and step into the ring with confidence. The power of an uplifting coach (and how a bet over a horse trailer proved a horse’s potential). Inside the legendary Stephex horse empire and what it’s like growing up in a world-class equestrian business. Whether you’re an aspiring Grand Prix rider or just love hearing how patience, belief, and the right training can triumph, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.  You can follow Emilie's journey on social media:  📱instagram.com/emilie_conter  -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a review - 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 NoelleFloydPlus.com and start your 7-day FREE TRIAL today! 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 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/

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• Dear Horse World, It’s Martin Black - Part 2: Unveiling Secrets from Horsemanship History

  What if the greatest horsemen weren’t defined by their techniques, but by their ability to truly understand the horse? In this episode of Dear Horse World, we pick up where we left off with Martin Black in part 2, continuing our deep dive into the philosophies of two of the most influential figures in horsemanship - Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. Tom, the quiet observer with an almost instinctive connection to horses, and Ray, the bold and relentless teacher, each left a lasting impact on the horse world. Through personal stories and reflections, Martin shares what made these men so extraordinary - their ability to read a horse, their understanding of feel and timing, and the lessons they left behind for future generations. But this episode isn’t just about looking back - it’s about how their wisdom continues to shape horsemanship today. From the balance between tradition and evolution to the role of mentorship and education, Martin offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to deepen their connection with horses. If you’ve ever wondered what made these legends so impactful—or how their insights can still transform the way we work with horses today—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.  To learn more from Martin Black, and access a number of links & resources, visit his website:  🌍 https://martinblack.net/ If you'd like to watch the virtual clinic referenced in this episode with Martin Black & Dr. Steve Peters - Evidence-Based Horsemanship: Timing, Rhythm and Synchrony - you can do so here: https://martinblack.net/shop/originally-aired-2-18-25-ebh-timing-rhythm-and-synchrony Or follow him on socials at: 📱 instagram.com/y6martinblack/ 📺  @MartinBlackhorsemanship  -------------------------------------------------------------- Start Your Journey with NOËLLE FLOYD+ Unlock more exclusive content, in-depth training, and behind-the-scenes insights with NOËLLE FLOYD+. Start your journey today with a free trial – join the community and elevate your equestrian knowledge! 🌍 Website: noellefloydplus.com 📲 Instagram: instagram.com/noellefloyd

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  1:04:56
• Dear Horse World, It's Martin Black - Part 1: Bridging Tradition and Modern Horsemanship

  Make sure you've hit subscribe to Dear Horse World, wherever you get your podcasts, so you don't miss part 2 of our conversation with Martin Black.  What if the true magic of horsemanship isn’t in perfecting techniques or equipment, but in forming a deeper, intuitive bond with your horse? In this episode, we explore how shifting from rigid methods to a relationship-driven approach can transform not only your training, but your entire partnership with your horse. We’re joined by Martin Black, a master of traditional horsemanship who blends the time-honored Vaquero methods with modern, evidence-based practices. Martin has shaped countless horses, starting 500 colts a year and learning from legends like Ray Hunt—his former father-in-law—and Tom Dorrance, the godfather of natural horsemanship. Tom’s influence on the world of horsemanship is immense, and in this episode, Martin shares how his teachings have profoundly impacted the way we communicate with horses. But this isn’t just about history—it’s about rethinking horsemanship itself. Martin reflects on a time when the lines between English and Western disciplines weren’t so clear, when instinct, intuition, and partnership mattered more than labels. What can the English world learn from the cowboys of the Idaho mountains? And what can the Western world take from the English approach? Martin’s insights will change the way you think about discipline and deepen your relationship with your horse. If you've ever felt frustrated by rigid training methods or yearned for fluidity between disciplines, this episode is the wisdom you’ve been waiting for. The book referenced at the start of this episode was Evidence-Based Horsemanship by Dr. Stephen Peters & Martin Black. To learn more from Martin Black, and access a number of links & resources, visit his website:  🌍 https://martinblack.net/ Or follow him on socials at: 📱 instagram.com/y6martinblack/ 📺  @MartinBlackhorsemanship  -------------------------------------------------------------- Start Your Journey with NOËLLE FLOYD+ Unlock more exclusive content, in-depth training, and behind-the-scenes insights with NOËLLE FLOYD+. Start your journey today with a free trial – join the community and elevate your equestrian knowledge! 🌍 Website: noellefloydplus.com 📲 Instagram: instagram.com/noellefloyd

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  1:03:50
• What is Your Horse's Behaviour Trying to Tell You? With Josh Nichol

  What Is Your Horse’s Behavior Trying to Tell You? Does your horse’s behavior leave you feeling frustrated or confused? Whether they’re spooky, stubborn, reactive, or distant, every action your horse takes is trying to communicate something important. In this podcast, Josh Nichol, the founder of Relational Horsemanship, will guide you to decode those behaviors, uncover the root causes, and build a partnership rooted in trust and balance. You’ll learn how to understand your horse’s relational needs, release stored tension, and create a safe, willing connection. With Josh’s proven techniques like body mapping and energy awareness, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. In this podcast, you’ll discover:  What your horse’s behavior is really saying—and how to respond effectively. How to address the root causes of tension, resistance, and reactivity.  Simple, daily techniques to create trust, balance, and willingness. Imagine a horse that feels safe, willing, and eager to connect. This podcast will show you how to make that vision a reality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this session is your chance to unlock the partnership you’ve always wanted.  —-----------------------  Exclusive NF+ Offer: Josh Nichol’s Horsemanship Case Studies Ready to elevate your horsemanship journey? Dive into “Josh Nichol’s Horsemanship Case Studies,” an NF+ exclusive that goes beyond theory into real-world practice. In this series, witness Josh working with three distinct horse-and-rider pairs as he transforms common challenges into breakthroughs in understanding and trust. If you’re seeking a fresh, proven approach to overcome frustration and miscommunication, this case studies series is your next step. Now streaming exclusively on NF+ Plus, enjoy 25% off an annual NF+ membership with the code JOSH25 at noellefloyd.com. Embrace a new path to connection and let your horse’s true message shine through. --------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more from Josh Nichols, or follow him on socials: 🌍 Website: joshnichol.com 📺 YouTube:  @JoshNicholAHorsemansPursuit 📲 Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshnicholahorsemanspursuit/ 📲 Facebook: www.facebook.com/AHorsemansPursuit --------------------------------------------------------------- Start Your Journey with NOËLLE FLOYD+ Unlock more exclusive content, in-depth training, and behind-the-scenes insights with NOËLLE FLOYD+. Start your journey today with a free trial – join the community and elevate your equestrian knowledge!   🌍 Website: noellefloydplus.com 📲 Instagram: instagram.com/noellefloyd

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  1:06:26

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