ABC’s of Horses with Christy Wood

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood celebrates the wisdom, experience, and enduring spirit of senior horses. These gentle teachers play an invaluable role in guiding young horses and riders alike, offering lessons in patience, resilience, and trust.

Christy shares personal stories and insights into the care, health, and longevity of senior horses—emphasizing their contin...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood explores two foundational yet complex aspects of horse behavior and training: rearing and roping.

The conversation begins with an in-depth look at rearing—why horses do it, what it means, and how understanding this natural communication behavior is essential for safety and training. Christy offers practical advice for beginners and stresses when...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood explores the fascinating quirks of horses—the playful, creative, and sometimes puzzling behaviors that reveal their personalities and well-being. From lips exploring the world to inventive boredom-busters, these quirks can be both entertaining and informative.

Christy explains how to distinguish between harmless quirks and harmful vices, why obs...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood takes us on the Chief Joseph Trail Ride—a remarkable 1,300-mile journey retracing the historic route of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce. Spanning 13 segments over 13 years, the ride blends history, community, and adventure.

Christy shares her personal experiences on the trail, preparation tips for riders and horses, and the event’s evolution into...

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast, Christy Wood shares the critical role of pony horses in training young horses and building rider-horse communication. You'll also hear insights on trail riding, including the famous Chief Joseph Trail Ride, plus safety tips and equipment preferences for ponying. Learn why a pony horse should be solid, confident, and turnkey, and how horses learn from one ano...

It’s all about over fences and the Olympics in this episode of Big Blend Radio's “ABC's of Horses” equestrian podcast with Christy Wood.

In this engaging conversation, Christy dives into the fascinating world of equestrian sports, exploring the origins of ‘over fences’ from its roots in fox hunting to its modern role in show jumping and Olympic competition. They discuss the key differences between hunter and jumper classes, the fou...

From a whinny to a nicker, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “ABC’s of Horses” equestrian podcast with Christy Wood explores "horse noises," the fascinating world of horse vocalizations and what they mean.

Learn how to interpret different horse sounds, including variations in intensity and frequency. Is your horse expressing comfort, excitement, anxiety, or even attraction? Whether it's a call for food, a signal of distress, or pla...

It's all about Understanding and Caring for Mares on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. 

Hear about attitude and disposition, emotions, performance, breeding and pregnancy, hormonal health, foaling and gestation, and so much more.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a ...

It's all about Lunging Your Horse on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Hear about what lunging is and why it is important, lunging positions, and the best gear and equipment for lunging.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associ...

It's all about Kicking and Communication on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Hear what makes horses kick, how to maneuver around a horse so you do not get kicked, and how to communicate whether on the ground or on horseback. 

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a car...

It's all about How to Become a Horse Show Judge on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. 

Main Points of Discussion include: - Ring stewarding - Getting your foot in the door  - References from show managers - Know the rule book for each association - Apply, get accepted, and go to a judge’s seminar   - Getting carded

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting...

It's all about Instruction for Horses and Riders on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Instruction is especially important when looking at purchasing a new horse. 

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being...

It's all about Horse Hoof Care on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. 

Hear about how to clean a hoof, supplements, about shoes and shoeing, protective boots,  choosing a farrier, and more. 

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed asso...

It's all about Horse Gear and Tack on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. 

Hear about the gear differences between English and Western, and tack for Show versus Pleasure. Plus, all about clean and functional leather (not nylon), bits, spurs, pads and more.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obsta...

It's all about The Chief Joseph Trail Ride on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with equestrian expert Christy Wood. 

Christy Wood talks about her second 13-year circuit of the Chief Joseph Trail Ride, a progressive trail ride hosted by the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC). A portion of the ride is completed each year, with the entire sequence taking thirteen years to complete. Its route traces, as c...

It's all about foals, fillies, and colts on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Topics of is discussion include breeding, foal prep, birth assistance, post-birth care.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with be...

It's all about how to read and understand your horse's energy and emotions on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood...

From Hay to Carrots, it's all about the Equine Diet on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stabl...

It's all about Horse Care, Colic, and Common Sense on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stable...