David O'Connor On the New USEF Horse Welfare Guidelines
Caroline interviews USEF Chief of Sport David O'Connor about the newly introduced 'Know the Signs' guidelines aimed at promoting horse welfare in equestrian sports in the US. They discuss the purpose of these guidelines, the emotional dynamics in competition, the role of officials, and the evolving nature of regulations, particularly regarding the use of whips. To view the guidelines, go to https://www.usef.org/horse-welfare/protecting-horses
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Your obsession with perfection could be ruining your riding. 3 Ways to combat it, with Dr. Darby Bonomi
This episode is proudly sponsored by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 for 15% off your order at checkout. Perfectionism and an outcome-focused mindset is not only a pretty lousy mindset for performance, but it also makes us miserable. And - relying on results and outcomes when you’re in a sport with a 1200 lb animal who can die suddenly of a stomach ache, or essentially drain your savings account if he steps funny in the field, is just not very low risk. but But luckily, we’re going to go through some strategies to combat perfectionism and reclaim some joy with today’s guest. Dr Darby Bonomi is a sport and performance psychologist who works with riders, entrepreneurs and other business professionals to elevate their game. She work with all disciplines of riders, but mainly hunter/jumper, dressage, and three day eventers, & has been a practicing psychologist for over 30 years. She went to UC Berkeley and then the California School of Professional Psychology. She shows in the amateur owner hunters and has 3 horses. Learn more at www.darbybonomi.com
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Introducing: Out of Bounds, from #WeRideTogether
Trigger Warning: Topics of sexual abuse Join Caroline for a short chat with Carrie Kehring, founder of #WeRideTogether, about the special project highlighting the experience of victims of sexual abuse. Go to www.weridetogether.today to watch the PSAs & roundtable discussions.
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Listen to This When Your Dreams Feel Out of Reach, with Catie Staszak
This episode is sponsored by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services. I recorded this conversation a couple of months ago, and it has stayed with me ever since. It’s a story of perseverance, of reinvention, and of the quiet power of hope — the kind of story that might just be what you need to hear right now. Because you never know what’s waiting for you around the corner. My guest today is someone many of you will already know by voice: Catie Staszak. You’ve likely heard her on FEI TV, CBS Sports Network, ESPNEWS, or ESPNU. She’s a leading multimedia journalist in the equestrian world and a talented show jumper herself, having made her FEI Grand Prix debut earlier this year. In this episode, Catie opens up in a way we rarely get to hear. She shares the financial strain she’s faced in trying to pursue a career in this sport, her battle with an eating disorder, and becoming a caretaker for her father after his Parkinson’s diagnosis — all while continuing to chase a dream that often felt just out of reach. We talk about the trainer who once broke her confidence as a young rider, and the Olympic rider who later offered her a moment of belief that changed everything. Catie’s story is raw, honest, and incredibly human. Through all the challenges, she’s held on to something that’s too often in short supply in this sport: hope. Hope that even when time, money, or opportunity is limited, the dream is still worth chasing.
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The Perspective You Need with Green + Challenging Horses, with Zacarius Salmeron
This episode is proudly presented by Nikovian. Use code horseperson15 at checkout for 15% off your order. We’re living in a horse world that often rushes. Young horses are expected to mature fast, to progress on human timelines, and to succeed by a certain age—or else we worry they’ve “missed their chance” or they wont be sellable. But today, I’m joined by someone who makes an excellent case for slowing down - wayyy down. For the horse’s physical longevity, but for their mental wellbeing. Today, we’re joined by Zac Salmeron—trainer, horseman, and someone who’s quietly but profoundly changing the way we think about young horse development. His work reminds us that the best progress often comes when we stop trying to prove something, and start meeting horses where they actually are. He’s also going to introduce you to a new idea - the idea that giving a horse years off in their youth might just be the best foundation you can give them—and he’s got proof: horses that are in their 20s and look as robust as a 6 year old, still competing, still joyful in their work. Zac believes training should be simple. Clear. Kind. Sometimes, it’s 10 minutes of work. Nothing more, nothing less—just one thing at a time, until the horse understands. Because when a horse understands, they don’t just obey—they offer. They show up fully. They give 200%, and they even ask questions back. That’s not compliance. That’s partnership. If you’ve ever felt pressure to hurry up—whether in your riding or your life—this episode is your permission slip to slow down and do it right. This episode is supported by #WeRideTogether.today, an organization working tirelessly to end sexual abuse in sport.
Being a horse person is like this: the more you learn, the more you realize you know nothing... at all. So, with all the different "bubbles" of the horse world, how can we all get into the same room to share a little bit of curiosity, perspective, and humanity with each other? Welcome to Horse Person, the equestrian podcast hosted and produced by 3x award-winning podcaster Caroline Culbertson. Part education, part human-(horse?) interest, all with the ultimate goal of supporting and encouraging you on your journey to become the best horse person you can be.
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