#14: Empowering Youth Through Horsemanship with BridgeUP GiddyUP

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 aspirations of the program to expand and promote equestrian education. The students share their experiences, emphasizing the transformative power of working with horses and the lessons learned beyond riding. 

Takeaways

The program aims to provide equestrian education and beyond to underserved communities.

Students are involved in an intensive year-round program that combines riding lessons with practical and theoretical knowledge for life in and out of the saddle.

The program emphasizes the importance of ethical treatment of horses and responsible horsemanship.

Students learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation through their interactions with horses.

The program aims to expand its reach and provide opportunities for more students to access equestrian education.

Community involvement is a key aspect of the program's mission and success.

The importance of lifelong learning in horsemanship is a central theme of the conversation.

The program seeks to change perceptions of equestrian sport by promoting ethical practices and transparency.

Students express how their experiences in the program have positively impacted their personal growth and confidence.

Chapters

00:00 The Bridge UP Giddy UP Story

04:36 The Structure and Commitment of the Program

07:04 Meet BridgeUP GiddyUP: Student Introductions and Experiences

22:11 Holistic Approach to Equestrian Education

26:42 The Lifelong Journey of Learning with Horses

27:40 The Importance of Breathing in Riding

29:06 Passion for the Process vs. Competition

30:37 Community Engagement and Equestrian Programs

32:29 Barriers to Accessible Equestrian Sport

35:47 Introducing Level Up Licensing Events

38:42 Equine Welfare and Competition Standards

42:20 Transparency in Equestrian Events

47:11 The Coexistence of Humans and Horses

49:36 Ecological Benefits of the Equestrian Lifestyle

50:40 Developing a Standardized Curriculum

53:43 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans

55:22 Tables Turned: Tamara’s Story

*You can follow and support Bridge UP Giddy UP on Instagram*

*United States Equestrian Society’s mission is “To Serve as a Driving Force in the USA for the Regeneration of Ethical and Accessible Equestrian Ecosystems.” Learn more about the curriculum, certifications, and Level Up Licensing Events at us-es.org*
*Learn more about Tamara on⁠ Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠X⁠ and at ⁠tamaraleebarrett.com⁠*