The Equestrian Connection

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#80 From Rodeo Cowboy to Horsemanship Legend with Pat Parelli Jun 22, 2025

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About his extraordinary journey in the horse world

Today, our host Christian Kroeber from Germany takes over and talks to Pat Parelli about his extraordinary journey in the horse world – from his beginnings as a rodeo cowboy, through reining with mules, to the development of his own training program in natural horsemanship.

Parelli pursues the goal of making people better horse people – with a deeper understanding of horse behavior and needs. His methods have found over a million followers in more than 70 countries, but they also attract criticism.

In this interview, he explains what lies behind his approach, how it has developed over the years, and what he believes is truly important when dealing with horses. A fascinating episode about attitude, communication, and the challenge of breaking new ground in horse training.

#79 From Trauma to Triumph with Mozambique Horse Safari Jun 08, 2025

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Rescuing and relocating over 100 horses in a time of political upheaval

Pat Retzlaff is the co-founder of Mozambique Horse Safari and the book “One Hundred and Four Horses”.

In this conversation, Pat shares how he and his family were forced to leave their farm in Zimbabwe during a time of political upheaval—and how they made the bold and brave decision to rescue and relocate over 100 horses across borders.

We talk about the challenges they faced, what it took to rebuild their lives in Mozambique, and how that experience led to the creation of a unique safari company that offers unforgettable horseback experiences along the stunning Mozambican coastline.

Whether you’re a traveler or someone navigating big life transitions—this episode has something meaningful for you.

Connect with Mozambique Horse Safari:

#78 The Energetics of Money with Sync Equestrian founder Natalia Graf-Anders May 25, 2025

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Overcoming mindset blocks to uncover your next level

Natalia Graf-Anders is the founder and CEO of Sync Equestrian, a U.S.-based equestrian apparel brand established in 2019. The company is known for designing performance wear that caters to diverse body types, aiming to make every rider feel confident and powerful.

In addition to her work with Sync Equestrian, Natalia leads Sync Academy, where she offers programs focused on transforming one's financial mindset and business growth strategies. Drawing from her personal journey of overcoming financial struggles, she emphasizes the power of shifting subconscious beliefs to achieve abundance.

Originally from Germany, Natalia has built a multi-million dollar brand in the U.S., combining her passion for equestrianism with entrepreneurship.

Connect with Natalia:

Sync Equestrian Website
Sync Academy Website
Natalia’s Instagram

#77 Unpacking the female fascination of horses with author Karin Winegar May 11, 2025

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What is it about women and horses?

If you are a woman who loves horses, if you love a woman who loves horses, if you are the parent of a girl, or the child of a woman who loves horses—this book is for you. Author Karin Winegar does the deepest dive yet into the nature of horse craziness, that incurable attraction and joy so many of us feel in the presence of horses.

Karin’s latest book, “Horse Lovers: Unpacking the Female Fascination,” asks the question: Why are girls and women so very often horse lovers?

Karin Winegar was born horse crazy in Albert Lea, Minnesota and never got over that stage — she even took her horse to college with her. She graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota and attended graduate school in English literature at the University of Minnesota.

Her freelance work has appeared in publications ranging from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal to Practical Horseman, Cowboys & Indians, Conde Nast Traveler and Sailing magazine.

Karin's work has won Lowell Thomas Awards for both investigative reporting and for maritime journalism. She has won numerous awards in the equine industry including two AQHA Steel Dust Awards and the U.S. Equestrian Award.

In this episode, we’re chatting about her latest book, Horse Lovers: Unpacking the Female Fascination.

Connect with Karin:

Website: karinwinegar.com
Website: horsefeedpress.com
Order the Book on Amazon
Order the Book on Bookshop

#76 Blending bodywork and movement therapy with Yasmin Stuart Apr 27, 2025

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Working with the horse’s nervous system to promote lasting changes

Yasmin Stuart is a renowned Equine Physiotherapist and Trauma Informed Horse Trainer based in the UK.

In 2016, Yasmin completed her Level 6 Diploma in Equine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation and has since gone on to study a variety of different bodywork and training methodologies which now underpin her practice. Over the course of her career, she has developed an extensive understanding of behavioural science, posture and biomechanics of which she applies to every horse that she works with - giving her success with even the most complex of cases.

Yasmin prioritises a consent-based approach within both bodywork and training sessions, whereby she works with the horse's nervous system to promote homeostasis. It is this approach which promotes relaxation, opening a doorway into the horse's body - the results being long-lasting emotional and postural changes.

Alongside travelling the UK for in-person 1:1 sessions and internationally for clinics, Yasmin also offers a range of online learning resources which include courses and monthly webinars on different topics which support an integrative approach to horsemanship.

Connect with Yasmin:

Website: https://www.yasminstuartequinephysio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasminstuartequinephysio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yasminstuartequinephysio

#75 The Importance of Wellness for Veterinary Professionals with Tara Glidden Apr 13, 2025

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Integrating boundaries, support, leadership, and self-care

Tara Glidden is a passionate advocate for veterinary professionals and their well-being. With 22 years of experience in the veterinary field, Tara has worked in various roles, from veterinary assistant to registered veterinary technician. Their journey led them to Zoetis, where they spent 8 years in the companion animal division as an industry specialist and strategic account manager, gaining a deep understanding of both clinical practice and industry support.

Now serving as the Director of Wellbeing and HR for 8 independently owned veterinary practices, Tara is dedicated to creating a workplace culture that supports both personal and professional growth. As a certified yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and breath instructor, they integrate these practices into veterinary medicine to help teams navigate stress and burnout.

This episode is for those who work in animal support roles and also for horse owners (and animal owners in general) to perhaps see things from other perspectives when communicating with their animal support teams. We dive into their unique perspective on veterinary well-being, leadership, and the evolving landscape of the profession.

#74 Restoring the whole horse with osteopath Lorre Mueller Mar 30, 2025

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Find it, fix it, and let it be

Lorre Mueller is a registered Equine Osteopath, graduating from the Vluggen Institute for Equine Osteopathy in September 2014.

Lorre has also been a certified Masterson Method® Practitioner since 2010. Lorre was an instructor, mentor, and coach for the Masterson organization for several years. She has also trained in myofascial release.

In this episode, we chat about osteopathy, TMJ and how imbalances in the mouth can affect movement as well as the connection between teeth and feet, self-healing, and the importance of relaxation for release.

Connect with Lorre:

Website: trinityequineservices.com

#73 Tuning Inwards with Mustang Maddy Mar 16, 2025

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Listening to our bodies to listen to our horses

Madison Shambaugh, also known as “Mustang Maddy,” from her work with wild horses, can be found roaming amongst her beloved horse herd in the ancestral lands of the people of Sun Mountain where she spends much of her time tending her herd of milk goats & sheep, making cheese, tanning hides, and engaging in land based craft and lifeways.

While the focus of her work has shifted in recent years, she continues to work with horses–primarily rescues and mustangs with significant trauma who have “failed” conventional training programs. Maddy continues to work with people who wish to deepen the horse-human connection and is devoted to teaching methodologies that honor the diverse ways in which we come to inhabit knowledge that go beyond our minds and the intellectual realms.

Maddy is also a weaver of words and a student to the craft of storytelling. She currently shares her writing in Demeter, the Wild Rose, & the Raven, a publication that examines the intersections of animal-human relations, psychology, sociology, and ecology.

Her wider devotion is to play some small part in the restoration and repair of our relations with our more-than-human kin, in particular the hooved and cloven-footed ones. They are her greatest teachers and source of guidance and inspiration.

Connect with Maddy:

Substack: https://demeterthewildroseandtheraven.substack.com/

#72 Approaching hoofcare from a holistic perspective with Beccy Smith Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

How all aspects of the horse and their environment affect their hooves

Beccy Smith is the CEO and founder of Holistic Reflections CIC & Holistic Equine. She is an independent equine podiatrist and barefoot trimmer, equine body worker, consultant, therapist, wellness coach, equine facilitated learning practitioner, Reiki master, and healer.

Beccy has over 30 years of equine industry professional experience and is a highly proficient and respected holistic equine podiatrist. She is qualified in advanced equine podiatry and her body work qualifications include being a SCENAR-cosmodic therapist, Equine Sports Massage therapist, a Heart Math Coach, and Lazaris Nerve Release Method Practitioner, and she considers herself an independent lifelong pupil of the horse.

Connect with Beccy:

Website: https://www.holisticequine.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beccyatholisticequine

#71 Making Dressage Accessible for Everyone with Amelia Newcomb Feb 16, 2025

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Helping horses and humans all over the world

Amelia Newcomb is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist. She has trained and competed close to 50 horses in almost 500 competitions, and has trained several horses that she started as youngsters all the way up to the Grand Prix.

Her online platform, Amelia Newcomb Dressage helps to develop a trusting and confident relationship between horse and rider. Using elements from both natural horsemanship and classical dressage, Amelia creates a holistic approach to dressage training that adapts to fit the needs of each individual horse and rider. Starting with basic groundwork and progressing to the Grand Prix, Amelia emphasizes trust, understanding, and relaxation for both horse and rider.

Connect with Amelia:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelianewcombdressage/
Website: https://amelianewcombdressage.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmeliaNewcombDressage
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ameliasdressageclub

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