The Equestrian Connection

Latest Episodes:

#90 Embracing Curiosity vs. Fear with Dr. Pernilla Nathan Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

Empowering equestrians with neuropsychology & heart science

Pernilla Nathan is a Sports Performance Consultant using neuropsychology and heart science to help equestrian clients get results quickly and effectively.

Pernilla obtained her Master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006 and continued to receive her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2010. Her expertise were in the areas of Trauma disorders, anxiety disorders, multi-cultural diversity issues, well-being, neuropsychological testing and academic testing, as well as humanistic and existential psychology.

After years of working as a clinician as well as navigating a divorce, Pernilla re-evaluated her life and pivoted from psychologist to creative entrepreneurship and pioneered a new healing model in integrating peak performance psychology into her work. She began working with all types of healers and avidly studied performance psychology to implement it in her own life.

That is when she bought her first horse, a dream that had seemed unattainable until then. And at that moment, she began using her voice to provide others with a blueprint to expand their potentiality as well. By using her platform and skills to empower others to connect with their greatest selves, she is an agent of change.

Connect with Pernilla:

Instagram: instagram.com/drpernillanathan
Website: drpernillanathan.com

#89 Balanced Bodies, Balanced Minds with Bérénice Roussel Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

The link between anatomy, biomechanics, the nervous system, and the spirit of the horse.

Bérénice Roussel is a professional rider, holding a Diplôme d'État de la Jeunesse, de l'Éducation Populaire et du Sport, a specialized state-recognized diploma in France for becoming an expert equestrian coach or trainer, offered at the IFCE's training center at the Cadre Noir in Saumur. The training focuses on developing high-level coaching skills, including training design, athlete development, and secure, competent training methods for competitive equestrian sports. Bérénice is also the only French-speaking Balance Through Movement Method trainer and Lazaris Nerve Release Practitioner.

Today we’ll be discussing her journey with Classical Dressage, the link between anatomy, biomechanics, nervous system and the spirit of the horse, and her experience learning in another country and language.

Connect with Bérénice:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bereniceroussel_ecurieroquedor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005477957894
Website: https://berenicerousselequestrian.my.canva.site/

#88 The Impact of the Rider’s Posture and Biomechanics with Katherine Lowry Oct 12, 2025

Show notes

Getting in touch with your physical awareness as an equestrian

Katherine Lowry is a Biomechanics Clinician and Founder of EQUILibrium Biomechanics.

After suffering two traumatic spinal injuries and struggling with stress and anxiety around continuing to lose control of her body, Katherine Lowry decided to take back her power in her life and heal her body from the inside out. Now, she uses the same powerful techniques to help others find inner balance and through that balance, peace.

Katherine’s method for developing rider bodies is aligned with the Balance Through Movement Method, an equine development program to protect and heal the body.

Connect with Katherine:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EQUILibriumLLC Website: https://equilibriumbiomechanics.mykajabi.com/

#87 Fascia, Ribcage Restrictions, and more with Sara Aventino Sep 28, 2025

Show notes

The importance of the ribcage in equine performance and posture

Sara is a certified professional in Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy (EMFT), and the only person in Italy certified in Level 1 Neuro Fascial Conditioning™ and Rib Entrapment Syndrome Therapy™.

She is also certified as an EQ Practitioner in emotional intelligence and self-awareness, and is studying to become an NLP Practitioner. Sara’s desire to combine self-awareness techniques with working with horses stems from the desire to seek clear and profound communication with the animal and find balance together.

On this episode, we chat about EMFT, neuro-fascial conditioning, rip entrapment, how bridle fit can affect the horse’s fascial nerves and skull, and more.

Connect with Sara:

Website: https://www.saequine.it/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saequinetherapy/

#86 Ethical Breeding Practices with Audrie Anthony of Bocoy Reproductive Center Sep 14, 2025

Show notes

The importance of genetics to give every foal a chance

Audrie Anthony’s passion for horses and competition began at only eight years old in her hometown of Miami, FL. Audrie discovered her drive to work with dangerous horses early on as she saw a lack of compassion and understanding for these horses. Even before her 20th birthday, Audrie had taken dozens of free or unrideable horses into the competition ring. She competed these horses in the Little Wood, WEF, USEF, USDF and US Nationals & Regionals, winning High Points, Year End championships, Regional and Nationals titles.

Audrie found developing her own breeding program as a way to give every foal a chance that many of her unruly competition horses never had. After studying pedigrees, genetics, and equine markets, Audrie developed a system of genetically selecting stallions and mares for producing an elite athlete that is sane, sound and talented, while also being ahead of the sales and competition markets.

Audrie is currently competing as an Adult Amateur and breeding Hanoverian Warmbloods, while finishing her PhD at Purdue University.

Connect with Audrie:

Website: www.bocoystables.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bocoystables
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BocoyStables
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@audanthony

#85 Infusing Humour into Empathy for Horses with Sarah-Katrin Bourdeaux Aug 31, 2025

Show notes

The transition from posting from social media to a self-published book

Sarah-Katrin Bourdeaux lives near Munich, Germany. After completing a degree in art history and archeology, she first worked in event management before moving into freelance marketing. The idea for her first book, “Do Puddles Eat Ponies,” came after years of writing a blog about her two horses and their experiences with day-to-day training, dressage, and horse shows. Blending humor, creativity, and an eye for detail makes her writing unique and authentic, and adored by fans all over the world.

Sarah also shares her knowledge as a self-publisher with other aspiring authors in her online courses, which you can find on her website.

Connect with Sarah:

Order the Book (North America): https://trafalgarbooks.com/products/do-puddles-eat-ponies
Website: www.sarahbourdeaux.de
Instagram (English): www.instagram.com/sarahbourdeauxauthor
Instagram (German): www.instagram.com/sarah_bourdeaux

#84 Mastering what it means to be “horse-first” with Alizée Froment Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

Bringing out your horse’s best self through care, training, and an open mind

This is a replay of our classic episode, originally recorded and aired in early 2023.

Alizée Froment is a former international Grand Prix rider turned show performer, now known for her artistic and beautiful performances, bitless riding, and horse-first philosophy.

Alizée has six courses with us on the wehorse platform, with everything ranging from bitless riding to liberty training to flying lead changes.

On this episode, we chat about having individual programs for each horse, the benefit of bareback pads, pre-and-post-ride care routines, transitioning to bitless, mastering the basic of groundwork and liberty training, and more!

You can connect with Alizée at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alizeefroment/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alizee.froment

#83 Getting to Know Craniosacral Therapy with Elisse Miki Aug 03, 2025

Show notes

The Importance of Pre-Treatment Assessments

Elisse Miki is the founder of Equilibria Therapeutics, a multi-disciplinary therapist, educator, and one of the leading voices in the field of equine craniosacral therapy.

Elisse holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, is a Registered Massage Therapist, and has advanced training in osteopathic manual therapy, with over 20 years of experience working with both human and equine bodies. Through her business, Equilibria Therapeutics, she offers not only hands-on sessions for horses but also certification programs, continuing education, and mentorship for equine professionals and bodyworkers.

In this episode, we explore what craniosacral therapy actually is, why assessment matters before diving into treatment, and the many ways the horse’s body holds and tells their story.

Connect with Elisse:

Website: www.equilibriatherapeutics.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/eqtherapeutics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eqtherapeutics

#82 The Importance of Girth Fit with Tapestry Equine founder, Linda Hauck Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Why you should be asking questions about your horse’s gear

Linda Hauck has been passionate about Eventing and Thoroughbreds since she started riding at the age of 14. Linda was a member of the Jr. Ontario 3-Day Event Team, achieved “A” Level in Pony club, and was sponsored as a top junior to train in Virginia with Olympian Torrance Watkins. By 1990, she was competing in Eventing at the Advanced level, and in 1991 she obtained her Thoroughbred Trainers racing license. In addition, Linda has Level 3 Technical Delegate in Eventing and she is an Equine Canada Level 2 competition coach. The bottom line is, Linda has many thousands of hours watching and riding horses!

Since then, Linda has created multiple patented products, including the Spursuader and the Comfort Girth which continue to be the flagship products of Tapestry Equine.

In this episode, we’re discussing the importance of correct girths, being willing to ask questions about gear, and how she decided to invent her own.

Connect with Tapestry Equine:

Website: https://tapestryequineproducts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tapestryequineproducts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TapestryEquineProducts/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNR5V6KgzJgAQ5yEo9lreA/videos

#81 Riding Big with John Haime Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

Developing confidence and reframing pressure, in and out of the saddle

John Haime is one of the leading Performance Coaches in high level sports and works regularly for some of the world's top show jumpers and eventers (as well as everyday, young riders in all disciplines).He is also the author of the popular best-selling book, “Ride Big” – a guide to confidence in equestrian sport embraced by equestrians at all levels.

John’s experience ranges from working with some of the world’s leading athletes in the major professional sports leagues, regularly coaching leading C-level executives in Fortune 100 companies, and he has education in psychology, neuroscience, emotional intelligence, communication and executive coaching.

In this episode, we’ll be discussing the impact and importance of confidence in equestrian sport, the purpose of a Performance Coach, and how you can go from Riding Small to Riding Big.

Connect with John Haime:

Website: https://equestrian.johnhaime.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnhaimeequestrian/
Order “Ride Big” the book: https://trafalgarbooks.com/products/ride-big
The Pressure Guide (FREE DOWNLOAD): https://mailchi.mp/newedgeperformance/peakperformance

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