Equestrian Health & Fitness: Rider Wellness, Mobility, and Strength for Better Riding
Horse Talk
In this episode of Horse Talk, host Lauren Abbott explores equestrian health and fitness for riders, with a special focus on women aged 35 to 65. Are you prioritizing your own wellness as much as your horse’s performance? Lauren breaks down proven strategies to enhance rider mobility, strength, and overall well-being, covering effective off-the-horse exercises, resistance and strength training, injury prevention, and daily routines to help equestrians build a healthier, more resilient body for riding. Whether you're looking to improve your flexibility, reduce aches and pains, or develop...
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SafeSport in Equestrian Sport: The Red Flags We Ignore & Why Barn Culture Still Protects the Wrong People
Horse Talk
Insights Into Equine Law: Safe Sport and the Future of Equestrian Governance For many within the equestrian community, the mention of "Safe Sport" elicits a complex reaction: confusion regarding its scope, concern over its implementation, and fear of its power. Yet, despite the rumors and anxiety that often circulate in barns and showgrounds, the entity remains a permanent and powerful fixture in the landscape of Olympic sports. To demystify this regulatory body, it is essential to turn to legal experts who navigate its intricacies daily. Kimbrell Hines, equine attorney with Turkel Cuva...
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Recurrent Airway Obstruction (Heaves) in Horses: Causes, Signs, and Management
Horse Talk
By Kyla Szemplinski, MS, UT TSU Shelby County Extension Spring is on the horizon, bringing warmer weather, longer days, and vibrant colors from blooming flowers, hay pastures, and trees. While scenic, this seasonal change can be a trigger for respiratory allergies in horses; most commonly a condition known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), also called “heaves” or equine asthma. RAO is a prevalent and chronic horse lung disease linked to allergens like pollen, mold, and dust. What is RAO? RAO or heaves, is also referred to as equine asthma, equine chronic obstructive pulmonary...
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Rising Hay Costs in 2026: What Horse Owners Need to Know
Horse Talk
Need more content like this? Subscribe to The Horse Review for leading industry trends, insights, and news! Discover why hay prices remain high in 2026. Learn how drought, production costs, and market trends affect horse owners and get tips for managing your feed budget. Feeling the Pinch at the Feed Store? If you've bought hay in early 2026, you've likely noticed that prices are a persistent concern for your horse care budget. While some market reports show slight easing in certain regions, high-quality alfalfa and grass hay suitable for horses remain expensive. A combination of...
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Horse Talk Reads: Spring Grass Laminitis: Prevention, Symptoms, and Management for Healthy Hooves
Horse Talk
By with UT TSU Shelby County Extension Prevent spring grass laminitis in horses with expert tips on pasture management, symptoms to watch for, and effective treatment options. All horse owners look forward to a warm, sunny spring following a grueling winter. The days are longer and the grass is becoming lush for grazing, providing fresh nutrients for horses. However, while this nutrient-rich spring grass is beneficial, it can also present challenges—most notably, spring grass laminitis. Laminitis in horses, especially during spring when pastures are at their greenest, is a condition no...
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Performance Horse Nutrition: Fueling Health & Muscle Recovery with Karen Davison at Purina Animal Nutrition
Horse Talk
Featured Guest: Karen Davison, Director of Equine Technical Sales at Purina Animal Nutrition Episode Summary In this episode of Horse Talk, we sit down with Karen Davison, Director of Equine Technical Sales at Purina Animal Nutrition, to explore the complex world of fueling performance horses. Karen shares her journey into equine nutrition and discusses how the science behind feeding horses has evolved over the years. We discuss the importance of scientific data in equine nutrition research, while breaking down what truly matters for your horse's health. From managing gastric ulcers to...
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Riding Without the Show Ring: Finding Fulfillment in Everyday Rides | Horse Talk Reads
Horse Talk
Episode Description Are you looking to find deeper fulfillment in your equestrian journey, beyond the pressure of the show ring? This Horse Talk Reads episode explores the immense joy and benefits of non-competitive horse riding. We dive into how stepping away from competition can strengthen the horse and rider connection, turning everyday rides into meaningful adventures. Discover the mental health benefits of horseback riding, from stress reduction to building resilience. We provide practical horseback riding tips to cultivate presence, trust, and partnership with your horse. Whether you're...
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Understanding Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
Horse Talk
Is your horse struggling with weight gain, strange fat deposits, or unexplained lameness? It could be more than just a few extra pounds. In this episode of Horse Talk Reads, we dive deep into Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), a critical horse health issue that every owner should understand. We translate an expert article from Kyla Simplinski with UT-TSU Shelby County Extension into an easy-to-follow guide, breaking down the science behind EMS, the warning signs you can't afford to ignore, and the proven strategies to manage it effectively. Learn how to spot the early symptoms of this metabolic...
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Top Helmets of 2025: A Guide to Equestrian Safety
Horse Talk
Your riding helmet is the most critical piece of horseback riding gear you'll ever own. But with evolving technology and countless options, how do you choose the right one? In this episode of Horse Reads, we dive into the world of equestrian helmets, breaking down everything you need to know to protect your most valuable asset. We explore the science behind safety certifications, the innovation of MIPS technology, and reveal our picks for the best riding helmets of 2025. Whether you're a weekend trail rider or a competitive show jumper, this guide will help you ride confidently and safely. In...
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Top Horse Breeds for Beginners: Finding Your Perfect First Horse
Horse Talk
Choosing your first horse is a monumental step in any equestrian journey. In this episode of Horse Talk Reads, we guide you through finding the perfect equine partner. We discuss the most important traits to look for in beginner-friendly horses, emphasizing that a calm temperament, willingness to learn, and a forgiving nature are more crucial than looks. This episode provides essential equestrian tips for new riders, helping you understand what makes a horse a safe and reliable mount. We explore five of the best horse breeds for beginners, including the famously steady American Quarter Horse...
info_outlineYour riding helmet is the most critical piece of horseback riding gear you'll ever own. But with evolving technology and countless options, how do you choose the right one? In this episode of Horse Reads, we dive into the world of equestrian helmets, breaking down everything you need to know to protect your most valuable asset. We explore the science behind safety certifications, the innovation of MIPS technology, and reveal our picks for the best riding helmets of 2025. Whether you're a weekend trail rider or a competitive show jumper, this guide will help you ride confidently and safely.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- (00:25) The Unseen Guardian: Why your helmet is the single most important piece of equipment for any rider.
- (01:05) Decoding Safety Standards: What do certifications like ASTM, SEI, PAS015, and VG1 really mean? We break down the rigorous testing that ensures your helmet is up to the task.
- (01:27) The MIPS Revolution: A deep dive into MIPS technology (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) and how this slip-layer system helps reduce rotational forces that can cause serious brain injury.
- (03:53) Comfort Meets Function: Discover how modern fit systems, ventilation, and customizable features are making helmets safer and more comfortable than ever.
- (05:25) The Best Riding Helmets of 2025: Our top picks for every discipline, style, and budget, including standout models from leading brands.
- (07:10) Helmet Care and Replacement: Essential advice on when and why you should replace your helmet, even if it looks undamaged after a fall.
Key Topics Discussed
Understanding Helmet Technology
(02:21) We go beyond the surface to explain the technical aspects of equestrian safety. Learn the difference between various safety certifications and why multi-standard helmets offer superior protection. We also simplify the complex science behind MIPS technology to show how it protects against angled impacts.
Top Helmet Picks for 2025
(05:42) Looking for your next helmet? We review the standout models of the year, highlighting what makes each one special.
- Best for Customization & Safety: 1K MIPS CCS
- Best on a Budget: Ovation Deluxe Schooler
- Best for Style & Luxury: Samshield Shadowmat
- Best for Sun Protection & Comfort: GPA First Lady 2X & Kask Starlady
Fit, Comfort, and Longevity
(07:06) A helmet only works if it's worn correctly and is in good condition. We share practical tips for measuring your head, achieving a perfect fit with modern adjustment systems, and understanding the five-year rule for helmet replacement to ensure your gear is always performing at its best.
Resources Mentioned
- ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets
- MIPS Technology
- 1K Helmets
- Ovation Riding
- Samshield
- GPA Safety Legend
- KASK Equestrian
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