Optimized Equine Podcast

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, rider biomechanics expert Erica Poseley reflects on her journey with horses and the 'corner turners' who have shaped her approach to riding, training and teaching. Erica emphasizes the importance of understanding horse behavior and how they learn, as well as the significance of the rider’s position–no matter the discipline or goal! 

About Erica: 

Erica Poseley is a Rider Biomec...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine podcast, Piper Klemm, PhD shares her unique journey from a young horse enthusiast to the owner of The Plaid Horse magazine. She discusses the importance of community, education, and the evolution of the equestrian industry. Piper emphasizes the significance of in-person events, the challenges of riding, and her vision for a more collaborative and supportive equestrian community. She also refl...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett speaks with David Reichert from the United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC). They discuss David's extensive background in equestrian sports, the differences between European and American systems, and the challenges faced by riders in the USEF system. David shares insights on the importance of comprehensive rider education, the innovative approach of UDJC to co...

This episode features Spencer LaFlure, founder of the Center for Neuromuscular-Based Horse Dentistry, discussing a revolutionary approach to equine dental care that goes far beyond traditional tooth floating. The conversation explores how proper jaw alignment through neuromuscular dentistry connects to a horse's entire body system, affecting everything from performance to behavior.

LaFlure explains how traditional dentistry focuses ...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, Tamara Lee Barrett delves into the complexities of equine welfare and the future of the equestrian lifestyle with Daniel Dauphin of Dauphin Horsemanship and McKrell Baier of the United States Equestrian Society. 

The discussion highlights the concept of social license to operate, the importance of public perception, and the internal and external challenges faced by the equestrian comm...

In this conversation, Tessa Nicolet shares her journey from a young horse enthusiast in Switzerland to a respected trainer and clinician based in Arizona. She discusses her philosophy of Cohesive Horsemanship, which blends classical techniques with practical applications, emphasizing mutual respect and communication between horse and rider. Tessa delves into the world of working equitation, highlighting its versatility and the dive...

In this conversation, Tamara Lee Barrett and her friend Rachel dive deep into the challenges many horse owners face when caught between old horsemanship methods and new approaches. Inspired by Piper Klemm's Facebook post, they explore that paralyzing feeling of knowing you should change something but not knowing how to execute it properly.The discussion covers the journey from casual horse experience to horse ownership, the ove...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, Tamara Lee Barrett shares her transformative journey away from traditional hunter-jumper training methods. She reveals how purchasing her young horse Barnaby unexpectedly sparked a profound philosophical shift, challenging her to question long-accepted practices in the equestrian world. Tamara thoughtfully contrasts her former approach—which prioritized obedience and compliance—with ...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, Tamara Lee Barrett interviews Founder and President of the Arizona Endurance Riders Club, Lancette Koerner. Lancette shares her journey into the world of endurance riding, including her experiences with the challenging Tevis Cup in 2015 & 2024. They discuss the unique challenges of endurance rides, and the lessons learned from various horses. Lancette emphasizes the community asp...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, Tamara Lee Barrett speaks with McKrell Baier about the US Equestrian Society, its origins, and its significance in the equestrian community. They discuss the challenges faced by equestrians, the importance of unity and community, and the need for evolving ethical practices in horse sports. 

Takeaways

The US Equestrian Society was founded to address challenges in the equestrian comm...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett sits down with international show jumper Vani Khosla. Vani shares her journey from a non-horse family to competing internationally at the highest levels of show jumping. She discusses her transition from the US to Europe, the differences in equestrian cultures, her approach to horse training, and the importance of developing both horses and riders. The convers...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett reflects on her experience attending the 5-star week at Thermal, a high-level hunter jumper show at Desert Int’l Horse Park. She shares insights about equine optimization she observed even at elite levels of competition.

Key Points:

• Tamara emphasizes that her observations comes from a place of love for the sport, not to cast it in a negative light

• She discuss...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett speaks with McKrell Baier, the Director of Bridge UP Giddy UP, and several students from the program. They discuss the origins of the program, its impact on the community, and the personal growth of the students involved. After meeting the students, the conversation highlights the importance of ethical horsemanship, the structured curriculum, and the future as...

In this episode of theOptimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett is joined by Carl Paoli, an elite gymnast, movement specialist, author, and coach. They explore the concept of 'feel' in movement, the journey of writing his bookFreestyle, and the importance of deliberate practice in achieving optimal performance. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in coaching and training, and the intric...

In this conversation, Host Tamara Lee Barrett is joined by Trainer Dev Branham and Equine Osteopath Vanessa Helvey to discuss authenticity in equine care and training, as well as the pros and cons of social media and online resources in the equestrian world. They explore the nuances of recognizing small gains in training, the need for clear communication, and the role of feedback from horses. The discussion emphasizes the importan...

In this episode of The Optimized Equine Podcast, Tamara Lee Barrett interviews Patrick King, a renowned horse trainer and clinician who promotes Classical Principles for Modern Riders. They discuss the concept of 'Corner Turners,’ the importance of athletic relaxation for horses and humans to become effective learners, and the horses' desire for leadership in many aspects of their lives. Patrick shares his journey through various i...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast Tamara Lee Barrett interviews Jessica Fry, founder of Wild Hearts Equine Therapy and assistant instructor for Mark Rashid. They discuss the unique philosophy, practices, and management that makes Wild Hearts Equine Therapy so special. Jessica shares her journey in establishing the therapy center, the rehabilitation of horses and humans, and the nurturing environment they create. The c...

In this episode of The Optimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett is joined by Equine Osteopath Vanessa Helvey and Dev Branham of Devereux Sporthorses. They discuss the complexities of improving the horse's experience in the horse show world. They also explore the idea that domestic horse's CAN benefit from the competition experience when they are willing participants operating through feel instead of force. The trio advocat...

In this episode of the Optimized Equine podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett interviews Ezra Yoder from No Reins Performance Horses. Ezra shares his journey from growing up Amish to becoming a professional horse trainer specializing in Cowboy Mounted Shooting…which he actually competes in bridleless! He emphasizes the importance of connection between horse and rider, as well as his training philosophy that prioritizes the horse’s menta...