This Equestrian Life

Episode 31 A Horse Abuse Tribunal, Rhi's Barefoot 'Dread' and a Blondie Update

Welcome back to Season 4 of This Equestrian Life! In this episode, Rhi and Miri discuss their own recent updates - including Rhi's musings on going barefoot and the dread it has been causing her, Blondie's visit from the vet and the disturbing case of Cesar Parra, who has been banned from competition for 15 years following an FEI tribunal.
 
Read the Horse & Hound article on Cesar Parra: https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/a-former-olympic-riders-15-year-ban-900665
Read the FEI statement: https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/fei-tribunal-imposes-15-year-suspension-cesar-parra 
[Rhi can't find the showground poster social media post she mentioned, but will update here if she does later!]
 
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 

Episode 30 How to Be a Sustainable Equestrian with White Griffin

In the season finale of season 3 we where joined by the wonderful Ruth Dancer from our season sponsor White Griffin. We discussed the vital topic of how to be a sustainable Equestrian and why this is so important. 
We are so grateful to Ruth from White Griffin not only for joining us on this episode but for their support of season 3 its been a great opportunity to learn more about sustainability, the environment and the small and big things equestrians can be doing to support the planet and the horses we all love so much. They have some great resources on their website for you and your yard friends to use and learn from. Equestrians4Nature 
 
The episode was also generously sponsored by Westgate labs and you can use the code EQLIFE10 for a discount on their products (excludes Equisal tape worms tests) 
This episode was also sponsored by Equisal Tape worm tests. You can assess your horses parasite risk here, and find out what protocol you need to follow to maximise your horses health without worrying about wormer resistance 
 
We will be back with season 4 on October the 15th 2025
 
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 29 Coaching for Competition: A horse-first approach with Liz Eaton

Join us for an insightful episode with renowned coach Liz Eaton, as we explore her horse-first approach to competitive coaching. Liz, known for her "Equitation with Empathy" philosophy, shares her strategies for prioritising horse welfare while achieving competitive success.
Discover how Liz balances the demands of high-level competition with the essential care and understanding of each horse's needs. Whether you're aiming for the top or simply seeking to improve your partnership with your horse, this episode offers valuable guidance on fostering a compassionate and effective training environment.
Follow Liz, Equitation With Empathy, on Facebook and Instagram.
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work 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 28 Horses in film with Stunt Rider Liz DC stunts

Ever wondered what its like to work with horses in film and tv? wonder no more, in this episode we dive into life behind the scenes with Liz dc stunts. From jousting to crying in Gladiator Liz gives us an honest insight into what its really like to work with horses in film. 
Follow Liz on instagram to find out more and maybe book a stunt riding lesson. 
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
Also thanks to The horse Trust, the oldest equine charity for sponsoring this episode, to support the work they do please head to their website linked above and donate if you can, or give them a follow on instagram to find out more about the 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 

Episode 27 From Eventing to Para Dressage: an interview with Jemima Green

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Jemima Green, a former event rider who has transitioned into a Grade Two para dressage competitor. After a life-changing accident, Jemima's resilience and passion for horses led her to redefine her equestrian career. Discover how she overcame challenges, adapted her riding techniques, and found new ways to connect with her horse, Fanta. This episode is a testament to the power of determination and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider.
Follow Jemima's journey on Instagram, Facebook and via her website. 
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
Thank you to our episode sponsors, Equine Bio Genie. 
Check them out for simple effective steaming solutions for healthier dust and mould free forage without the mess of soaking. Simply steam are a uk based company with strong sustainable steaming solutions for you. 
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 26 Why I Left the Sport I Loved: Sasha Hargreaves on Eventing and Life Beyond

In this episode, we sit down with Sasha Hargreaves, a former professional eventer who recently made the bold decision to step away from the sport.
Sasha shares her journey from competing at the highest levels to embracing a new path, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Join us as we explore her "Changing My Life Diaries" and gain insights into the realities of life as a top-level equestrian.
Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply curious about the world of eventing, Sasha's story is sure to inspire. Tune in for an honest conversation about passion, purpose, and the courage to change course.
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
Thank you also to Equine Bio Genie for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on their products with code HACKETTEQUINE.
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 
Other show notes: 
Nicky Pennie Coaching - the mindset coach Rhi mentions in the intro 
 
 

Episode 25 Managing land for horses (and wildlife) with Jane Myers’ Equicentral System

What if caring for your horses could also restore the land they live on? In this episode of This Equestrian Life, Jane Myers MSc introduces the Equicentral System, a sustainable approach to horse management that works with nature, not against it while offering your horses a more natural way to live.
Discover how mimicking natural grazing patterns can improve your horses’ health, reduce your workload, and bring biodiversity back to your paddocks. Jane shares practical steps you can take to give your horses more freedom and choice, while also supporting rewilding efforts and healthier ecosystems. Whether you have one horse or a whole herd, you’ll come away inspired to create a thriving balance between your horses and the land they call home.
Find out more about Jane and the Equicentral System here. 
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
Thank you to our episode sponsors Westgate Labs for sponsoring this episode, use code EQLIFE10 for a discount on worm egg count tests. Excludes Equisal and subscriptions.
Also thanks to Simply Steam .
Check them out for simple effective steaming solutions for healthier dust and mould free forage without the mess of soaking. Simply steam are a uk based company with strong sustainable steaming solutions for you. 
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 
Other show notes: 
Unwind Your Mind and Body (Bev, who Miri mentions in the intro) 

Episode 24 The truth about barefoot with Tom Broadbridge (Farrier) and Lily Wilson (Vet)

Barefoot farrier Tom Broadbridge (founder of Pioneer Hoof Protection) and returning guest holistic vet Lily Wilson (Nurturing Nature Equine) join Rhi and Miri to dive into a discussion on everything from the ethics of barefoot performance horses to communication gaps in hoof care. This episode challenges traditional thinking; whether your horse is shod or barefoot, you'll come away with new insight, and plenty to reflect on.
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
Thank you to our episode sponsor Equifeast. 
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 23 Navigating Equestrian Business with Alice Benham

Join hosts Miriam Hackett and Rhiannon Davies as they dive into conversation with business strategist Alice Benham. Discover how Alice transitioned from leaving school early to becoming a very successful business owner, and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities within the equestrian industry. This episode explores the balance between passion and business viability, the importance of setting boundaries, and the power of trusting oneself in business.
 
Connect with Alice:
Instagram: @Alice_Benham Podcast: Alice's Podcast Website: AliceBenham.co.uk
 
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
 
Thank you also to this Episode sponsor The horse Trust, To support their emergency appeal to save Frank the mule follow this link https://horsetrust.org.uk/help-us-save-frank-the-mule/
 
 
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 22 - Beyond Kissing Spines, the truth about equine back pain with Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste

In this episode, Miri and Rhi are joined by Dr. Daniella Vansteenkiste, a board-certified veterinary neurologist based in the USA. We discuss back pain and kissing spine in horses, as well her point of view on finding the root cause of pain. It’s a fascinating conversation and one we think you’ll love. 
Huge thank you to our season sponsor, White Griffin, Specialists in Environmental Sustainability. White Griffin are supporting the equestrian world and the sports and culture industry in transitioning to a more sustainable future. Learn more about their work here. 
Thank you to our episode sponsor, Equilibrium Horse Products. To learn more about the trial of the Equilibrium HeatSense Massage pad, click here. 
Learn more about Daniella 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  
 
Other show notes:
https://www.horsesinsideout.com/post/24-horse-behaviours-of-the-ridden-horse-in-pain?srsltid=AfmBOoo6lsdd2b3wPCzIpYR9BiCau3YnyUhJ1vkijqfVhjTyUYMvPWWz