Dear Horse World, It’s Anne Kursinski: How to Build Feel and Ride with Olympic-Level Clarity (Sponsored by YETI)
Release Date: 06/10/2025
Dear Horse World
Horse care is a demanding and often unpredictable endeavor. One day your horse is calm and shiny, and the next, they're pacing, puffy, or blowing through your aids. As a responsible owner, you might find yourself questioning: Am I doing this right? The truth is, most owners overlook the intricate balance between fitness and care, either under-preparing their horse or overextending them, risking injury and burnout. Max Corcoran is an Olympic-level groom, eventing insider, and the go-to person when top riders need their horses performing at their best. She’s managed the care of horses at...
info_outlineDear Horse World
Every rider knows the feeling: you're in the middle of a training session and something just doesn't click. There's a disconnect, not just with your horse, but with your approach and mindset. It's more than just a riding issue—it goes deeper, reflecting the challenges and complexities of the equestrian sport. Today, we've got a guest who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo. Karl Cook is an Olympic medalist and top-level showjumper who brings innovation and blunt honesty to the equestrian world. In this episode, we'll delve into Karl's unique viewpoints on horse care, training, and the...
info_outlineDear Horse World
Every horse owner knows the feeling: walking through the field, chasing after a horse that won’t come, sensing that disconnect not just with the horse, but with life. It’s more than just a training issue—it’s a reflection of something deeper, a desire for connection and harmony that feels out of reach. Being around horses is about more than riding—it’s about finding peace, balance, and a deeper bond. Many people long for that connection, not only with their horses but also with themselves, especially in a world full of stress and constant "doing." But how do you get there when the...
info_outlineDear Horse World
More real horses, more real problems—and more fresh perspectives on what might be going on beneath the surface. In Part 2 of this special Dear Horse World special double episode series, we’re continuing our conversation with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). After exploring three listener-submitted case studies in Part 1, we’re back with three more. This time, Dr. Langlois brings a TCVM approach to: A gelding with insulin irregularities and possible thyroid...
info_outlineDear Horse World
Real horses, real problems—and a fresh perspective on what might be going on beneath the surface. In this special two-part Dear Horse World episode, we’re back with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). After introducing us to the world of acupuncture, herbs, and energy balancing in our first conversation, Dr. Langlois returns to answer your questions. We invited listeners to submit their horse’s health challenges—and in this first instalment, we cover three fascinating...
info_outlineDear Horse World
Every rider knows the feeling. That moment when you and your horse are so in sync, it’s like you’re breathing together. No pulling, no gripping, no second-guessing—just presence, softness, and trust. But then there are the other days. You overthink. Your horse resists. Your leg tenses, your hands take instead of give. The connection frays. The confidence dips. And you wonder… Why does it feel so hard? According to five-time Olympian Anne Kursinski, it’s not about strength. It’s not even about talent. It’s about feel—and feel is something you can learn. In this intimate,...
info_outlineDear Horse World
Think dressage is just for imported warmbloods and rhinestone-studded riders? Think again. In this must-listen episode, NF+ Masterclass instructor Mette Larsen strips dressage down to what it really is: thoughtful, horse-first training that any rider can use to build better balance, deeper connection, and more confidence—arena or not. You’ll learn how dressage can help trail horses stop tripping, sharpen your jump-off turns, and make your rides feel more emotionally in sync. It’s the kind of episode that leaves you itching to throw your leg over and try something new—no white...
info_outlineDear Horse World
What if going slow wasn’t falling behind—but finally getting it right? Horse trainer and quietly powerful human Mirjam Dunkel is here to remind us that taking your time isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. With a background in liberty work, classical dressage, and cowboy realness, Mirjam’s trained over 100 young horses and built a reputation on softness, clarity, and doing right by the horse (even when it’s hard, messy, or humbling). In this episode, we chat about: Rebuilding trust with horses who’ve shut down Why skipping the “boring basics” backfires How slowing down builds...
info_outlineDear Horse World
This episode is brought to you by YETI. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) might sound ancient—but it’s helping modern horses in ways you might not expect. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. John Langlois, a Florida-based equine veterinarian with over four decades of experience, who now works exclusively with TCVM. After a long career in conventional veterinary medicine, a powerful experience treating broodmares with acupuncture changed everything—and led him to pursue further training in herbal medicine, Tui-na (Chinese medical massage), and spinal...
info_outlineDear Horse World
Content note: This episode discusses pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the emotional challenges of stepping back from riding. Please take care while listening. If you're an equestrian navigating pregnancy, trying to conceive, postpartum, or simply curious about how reproductive health intersects with riding, you're likely facing a storm of mixed messages. Some riders are told to keep going as long as they feel fine, others are urged to stop immediately—and often, those giving advice don’t understand the unique demands of the saddle. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jill...
info_outlineEvery rider knows the feeling.
That moment when you and your horse are so in sync, it’s like you’re breathing together. No pulling, no gripping, no second-guessing—just presence, softness, and trust.
But then there are the other days.
You overthink. Your horse resists. Your leg tenses, your hands take instead of give. The connection frays. The confidence dips. And you wonder… Why does it feel so hard?
According to five-time Olympian Anne Kursinski, it’s not about strength. It’s not even about talent. It’s about feel—and feel is something you can learn.
In this intimate, wisdom-packed conversation, Anne opens up about the journey behind her Olympic career: the mentors who doubted her, the tough moments that shaped her, and the deep presence she brings to every ride, clinic, and teaching moment today.
We explore:
- Why “talent” is the most overrated concept in riding
- How to develop feel by listening to your horse—on the ground and in the saddle
- The difference between pressure and micromanagement
- How your energy, focus, and self-worth affect your horse’s performance
- Why presence—not perfection—is the real path to progress
Whether you're in the barn before sunrise or riding once a week between life’s responsibilities, Anne’s insights will help you ride with more clarity, softness, and purpose.
Because connection isn’t something you force—it’s something you create.
-------------------------------------
Learn more from Anne Kursinski and follow her on social media:
https://www.annekursinski.com/
www.instagram.com/annekursinski
www.facebook.com/AnneKursinski
www.youtube.com/@ridingandjumpingmentor9453/videos
And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld
--------------------------------------
If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.
You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.
For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!
NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.
--------------------------------------
This episode is brought to you by YETI.
Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.
No shortcuts.
No compromise.
Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com.
📱 @yeti
📱 facebook.com/YETI