This Equestrian Life

Horse Welfare: Perception, PR and Provocations at the top of the sport with Christine Bjerkan

Closing out season 4 with a wonderful conversation with Christine Bjerkan from Equerry co, we covered the bases from horse welfare to the perception of 5* sport. It was passionate and full of interesting thought provoking moments. 
Thank you to our sponsors of season 4 The Horse Trust 
Head to their website to find out more about how you can support the amazing work they do.
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 
If you would like to get involved in sponsoring the podcast in season 5 and beyond please drop us an email here thisequestrianlifepod@gmail.com
 
 

Episode 40 The Life of a Police Horse: From Training to Retirement with The Horse Trust

Join us this week as we interview Russ from The Horse Trust, our season sponsor. We hear all about Russ's time in the Met Police and his work with some very special police horses, as well as The Horse Trust who he now works for and the work that they do for these incredible animals.
Thank you to our sponsors of season 4 The Horse Trust 
Head to their website to find out more about how you can support the amazing work they do.
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 
If you would like to get involved in sponsoring the podcast in season 5 and beyond please drop us an email here thisequestrianlifepod@gmail.com
 
 
 
 

Episode 39 A Christmas Special! Reflections, Gift Guide and Goals for 2026

In this episode, we had a proper catch up, we shared our biggest wins of 2025 and some things we are leaving behind. We shared a special gift guide too. It was great to have a reflection of the last year. We hope you enjoy it. 
Miri's gift list 
- Hand made rope halters
- Biodegradable plant based sponges 
- Give the gift of learning with Miri's patreon
- A lovely reusable water bottle from Yeti
- A warm waterproof trouser
- A very waterproof trouser
- Dri rug 
- Horsemanship saddlery bridle
 
Rhi's Gift list 
- Biodegradeable water wipes (for that baby wipe shower) 🤣
- waterproof over trousers 
- Thermos flask
- Bespoke bridle Kelly J leather 
- Riding lesson diary 
- Own horse riding diary 
- Thin neck scarf 
 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 38 Being an equine vet (and why I stopped) with Holly Lenahan

In this episode, we are joined by Holly Lenahan, equine vet, showjumper and much loved equestrian content creator. Holly takes us through her journey to becoming an equine vet, her specialism in equine breeding and why she's ultimately decided to step back from her veterinary role. 
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust. The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. 
Thank you to Petnpony for sponsoring this episode. Use code TEL10 for a discount from their whole site. 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 37 Training with trust : The 6 Pillars of Soundness with Steffi Spielhaupter

This week we where joined by Steffi Spielhaupter and we discussed a very wide range of topics, from the ethics and the top of the sport to how we can all learn how to read our horses in a more horse first holistic way. it was an insightful listen we hope you enjoy.
 
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust. The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. 
 
Thank you to Westgate labs for sponsoring this episode and highlighting the importance of gut health and parasite control. Westgate make caring for our horses parasite risk so easy find out more on their website and use code EQLIFE10 for a discount. 
 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 36 Saddle fit secrets with Mandy Miller Olympus saddlery

We welcomed Mandy Miller to the podcast this week, Mandy has a wealth of knowledge and took the time to share some of that with us. You can connect with Mandy through her website here
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust. The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. 
 
Thank you to Petnpony for sponsoring this episode use code TEL10 for a discount from their whole site. The viral waterproof trousers are here and on sale! 
 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 35 Hormones, Mindset and the Female Body with Maisie Hill

We welcomed Maisie Hill to the podcast this week. We spoke about all things women's health from periods to the menopause and everything in between. As a rider and hormone specialist Maisie brings an important voice to the topic of women's health. If you want to hear more from Maisie you can listen to her podcast here or find her on instagram here. 
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust. The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. Find their Tack donation page Here
 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 34 - Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt: The pony who inspired a book and a life with horses

For episode 34, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt joins us to discusses the childhood of riding which inspired her latest children’s book, Kat And Brandy. 
We discuss everything from riding as a child, to sharing her riding life now with her daughters and the power of being in the presence of a horse. 
To purchase the book follow this link here. Kat and Brandy
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust. The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. Don't forget you can join them for their Weigh to win initiative here 
 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 33 From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief Harnessing your Mindset for Riding with Nicky Pennie

In this episode, we delve into the world of mindset coaching with Nicky Pennie, an empowerment coach who specialises in helping equestrians unlock their full potential.
Discover how shifting your mindset can transform not only your riding experience but also your relationship with yourself and your horse.
Nicky shares her personal journey, insights into overcoming competition nerves, and practical strategies for building confidence both in and out of the saddle. 
Connect with Nicky: https://series.beyourbestyet.co.uk/ 
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust. The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. Donate to their hay appeal here: https://horsetrust.org.uk/ 
Thank you to our episode sponsor PetnPony. Use code TEL15 for a discount: https://petnpony.co.uk/
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary 

Episode 32 R+ and Consent based training with Hayley from BL Horsemanship

Welcome back to Season 4 of This Equestrian Life! In this episode, Rhi and Miri discuss their own recent updates - and have a very insightful chat with Hayley from BL horsemanship on all things R+ and how she has raised her young horse with a cooperative care approach.
You can follow Hayley here BL Horsemanship
 
Thank you to our season sponsor, The Horse Trust.The Horse Trust’s is the oldest Horse Charity in the UK providing retirement and respite for the UK’s service horses, ponies and donkeys. They are funded entirely by public donations. Help them reach their £60,000 goal to prepare land to help a further 50 horses by donating today. 
Follow Miri and Rhi: 
Follow Miri on Instagram, TikTok and train with Hackett Equine 
Follow Rhi on Instagram, TikTok and fill out your Equestrian Money Diary