Shows
Solid in the SaddleEp 31: Deep Dive Into Nervous System Regulation, How Stress Impacts Women's Hormones, Sleep, and Breath Work for Horseback Riders with Kendall HitchIn this episode, nervous system expert Kendall Hitch breaks down how the nervous system constantly scans for safety and threat (often without us realizing it) and how this process shapes stress, anxiety, burnout, and even behaviors like doomscrolling or numbing out.
Through a clear, practical explanation of the vagus nerve and heart rate variability (HRV), this conversation reframes stress not as a mindset problem, but as a physiological capacity issue. Kendall explains why “just calming down” doesn’t work, how survival responses override logic, and what it actually means to build nervous system resilience over time.
This...
2026-01-221h 24Solid in the SaddleEp 30 Dr. Hilary Clayton on Horse Biomechanics, Rider Biomechanics, Correct Riding Position, and an Independent SeatDr. Hilary Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher, and celebrated equestrian whose career spans more than 45 years advancing science in equine locomotor biomechanics, athletic conditioning, rehabilitation, and rider–horse interaction.
She holds a BVMS from the University of Glasgow (1973) and a PhD in biomechanics (1978), and served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University from 1997 until her retirement in 2014.
She has authored 7 books and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, focusing on how rider position, saddle fit, and training protocols directly affect equine kinematics, gait symmetry, and performance outcomes.
Dr...
2025-10-301h 04Solid in the SaddleEp 29: Cultivating Success in Barrel Racing with Lindsay Schulz, Clinic Tips, Maximizing Performance in You AND Your HorseLindsay Schulz is a standout barrel racer, trainer, and clinician from Moses Lake, WA. As a multiple time futurity champion and arena record holder, she’s earned accolades in regional and national competitions including the 2023 Xtreme Million Athlete of the Year.
Lindsay owns the legendary Miss Eedie Stinson and carefully developed the mare into a true champion. Their partnership earned them headlines at the Xtreme Mini Million in Las Vegas, where Lindsay broke the arena record, winning over $6,000. With total earnings exceeding $142,000 in Xtreme Million events and over $200K in Miss Eedie’s career, Lindsay has proven hers...
2025-09-2641 minSolid in the Saddle28: Paul Humphrey on horsemanship, fundamentals, body control, horse conditioningIn this episode I get to chat with master clinician Paul Humphrey. Paul dives into what makes a rider and barrel racer successful, starting with a foundation of solid horsemanship.
Paul discusses horse body control and common mistakes riders make. He discusses how rider strength, fitness, and balance play into being successful at his clinics; especially on day 3 if they are sore or not!
He discusses foundational requirements for young horses including what they should know how to do before coming to one of his clinics. Paul also discusses how to handle hot horses at...
2025-08-011h 03Solid in the Saddle27: Why Athletic Riders Win: Your Breakthrough in Riding Stability, Confidence, and PerformanceHere's the bottom line: Strong riders have better health, better performance, and have more fun on their horses.
Want to ride better, safer, and with more confidence? In this quick-hit episode, I break down why having adequate muscle strength for the demands of riding is important. You'll learn why weaker, untrained riders struggle with frustration, injury, and lost confidence, and what they can do to reverse that and get back to riding like they used to.
In this short episode I'll teach you:
- Why you need to focus on lean mass...
2025-07-1841 minSolid in the SaddleEp 26 Veterinarian Dr. Anne-Marie Russ on horse conditioning, the impact of weather, and recovery toolsComing soon!
2025-07-1158 minSolid in the SaddleEp 25 Mindset, Resilience, Competition Composure, and GRIT with Coach Brandi Turnipseed of Cowgirl ConfidenceIn this episode I get a chance to interview Coach Brandi of Cowgirl Confidence. She sheds light on SO many valuable tools you can use to maximize your mental game before, during, and outside of competitions.
Coach Brandi is a force to be reckoned with in the horse world. Winning her first world championship at just 8 years old, she is no stranger to the pressures and stresses of competing with horses.
You're going to want to play this one on your way to your next competition- or even before your next job interview!
...
2025-07-031h 01Solid in the SaddleEp 24 Judy Myllymaki: NFR Journey Stories, Gardeners & Roses, and Life LessonsToday’s guest is a very special one as she is the single most influential person in my barrel racing career. She has made such a positive impact on my life and I am truly blessed to call her a mentor. Judy Myllymaki is a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Montana Circuit champion, futurity champion, lifelong horsewoman, and one of the most respected clinicians in the barrel racing world. With a career spanning over many decades, Judy has competed—and won—at the highest levels of the sport- and all on self-made horses. She made countless trips to the Montan...
2025-06-191h 11Solid in the SaddleEp 23: Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Health, Pelvic Floor Pain, and Postpartum, Perimenoupause, and Menopause with Women's Health PT Dr. Courtney JamesIn this episode I sit down with Dr. Courtney James of Heart and Sole therapy in Billings, MT.
We discuss all things pelvic health including incontinence, pain, prolapse, and how the pelvic floor changes during crucial points in a woman's life including pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause.
In addition to extensive training in women’s health Dr. Courtney is a horseback rider and mom herself. Needless to say, she knows her stuff.
The episode is filled with valuable tools, tips, and information that will have you going “ahhh that’s why…” and get you started...
2025-06-0658 minSolid in the SaddleEp 22 Finding the Right Horse for You with Casey FrenchIn this episode I sit down with Casey French of Match Made Equine. We dive into what makes a good horse-rider match and what makes a bad one.
This podcast goes there- it's not often discussed, and is honestly a little embarrassing to discuss when it goes wrong! But it doesn't have to be like that. 2 of the most common things she sees are 1) Green horse, green rider and 2) Riders who have lost muscle mass due to age or having kids (hint: this one can be fixed with the correct rider fitness program!)
We also...
2025-05-291h 04Solid in the SaddleEp 21: Body Awareness from Dancing + Working Out Helps Maggie Poloncic Train, Ride, and WIN in Barrel RacingIn this episode I sit down with the amazing Maggie Poloncic who is a world-class barrel racing jockey. Maggie is one of the strongest and most athletic barrel racers I've ever seen, and it has paid off heavily for her in a sport of managing 1200 lb animals.
Maggie discusses her background in dance and how that helped her develop precise proprioception and coordination in every joint in her body. She describes how strength training has given her confidence to compete at the highest level. Maggie tells the story of her famous horse "Ain't Seen Me Yet" or "...
2025-05-191h 06Solid in the SaddleEp 20 Competition Mindset, Physical + Mental Preparation, and Sport Psychology with Coach Katie LovettIf you compete with your horses, then you NEED to listen to this episode! Coach Katie Lovett of the nationally-ranked UMW Volleyball team drops valuable tips and advice for those looking to maximize their competitive potential.
Coach Katie discusses mindset in high-stress situations, cultivating and maintaining a positive mindset, and the importance of physical AND mental readiness to compete. She discusses some of her favorite sports psychology resources that have helped her and her players.
Whether or not you consider yourself in this way, horseback riders are ATHLETES. This episode will help you shift your...
2025-05-1356 minSolid in the SaddleEp 19 Reaching Riding Goals, Habit Hacks, Consistency, and Benefits of Strengthening for Horseback Riders with Dr. Aleisha ShirleyDr. Aleisha discusses how to hack your brain to incorporate healthy habits into your life as a horseback rider to optimize performance and health. She gives a clear, 3-step process setting riding goals and creating a plan to reach them.
She discusses the 4 laws of habit change from James Clear's book, "Atomic Habits," and dives into how each of these laws can be used in the busy life schedule of a horseback rider.
You can purchase Ride Strong 101 for 15% off with a discount code exclusive for podcast listeners: use code PODCAST at checkout. Sign up toda...
2025-05-0548 minSolid in the SaddleEp. 18 Horse Rehab and Conditioning, and Therapy Tools with Summer Terry of Superior TherapyIn this episode I sit down and talk all things horse wellness and rehabilitation with Summer Nicole Terry of Superior Rehabilitation. Summer is an expert body worker who specializes in performance horses. We talk about useful tools for building a horse's strength including toppline, hind end, proprioception, and core.
We discuss the pros and cons of swimming horses vs. using a modality like aquatred. Summer dives into why long trotting may NOT be good for conditioning barrel horses and some safer alternatives for your horse's stifles. She discusses how a rider's fitness or lack of fitness may...
2025-04-251h 47Solid in the SaddleEpisode 17: Shannon Kerr on Brazilian Barrel Horse Bloodlines, Supplements, Bleeding, and ExhibitionsIn this episode (Part 2/2) I sit down with world-renowned barrel racing trainer Shannon Kerr to continue our conversation on making the absolute best barrel horses in the world. She discusses the recent world-record breaking run on a standard pattern set by Anderson Carreira and Black Cat Lider.
We discuss all of the questions that were asked in our polls leading up to this episode, so if you submitted a question, tune in to hear Shannon's answer!
She graciously took the time to answer each question thoroughly and completely. And she totally shifted my perspective on...
2025-04-151h 05Solid in the SaddleEp. 16 Shannon Kerr: Top tips about Brazilian horse health, training, and record breaking runsIn this episode I sit down with the legendary Shannon Kerr. Shannon Kerr is a world-renowned barrel racing trainer who currently resides in Brazil. She got her start on racehorses, dabbled in jumping and dressage, and found her passion in barrel racing where she had success and trained for Judd Little. She’s trained horses in the United States, Italy, and now Brazil. Her natural talent and drive to succeed has resulted in a successful transition into the world’s toughest barrel racing scene, where the horses are frequently running low
2025-04-081h 03Solid in the SaddleKalena Webb Women of the Wild West Horse Show May 24-26In this episode I sit down with Kalena Webb, founder of Women of the Wild West Horse Show. She discusses how the Sale came about as well as the events that are involved with it today. This is an ALL WOMEN event, so grab your girlfriends and come to Gooding, Idaho to see some high-quality horses consigned by women!
Breakaway roping: Saturday, May 24
$25,000 added Barrel Race: Sunday, May 25
Horse Sale: Monday, May 26
Vendor booths throughout the weekend.
Stop by and see our Solid in the Saddle Trailer where you c...
2025-04-0120 minSolid in the SaddleEp 15. Whitley Sharp: Forging a Path for Dreams to Come True with Hard work, Hustle, ManifestationIn this episode I dive DEEP with Whitley Sharp into all things success-related. Both Whitley and I strongly believe that there is always a way to make your dreams come true and this episode is a peek through the keyhole of how to make that happen.
She shares the experiences, work, time, and strategies she has used to get where she is today. Whitley is an extremely hard worker and she is getting to reap the fruits of her labor now after years of hustling and never giving up. She offers valuable nuggets of wisdom for riders...
2025-03-261h 15Solid in the SaddleEp 13 Diana Morris: From Competing at the Women's National Finals to the Calgary StampedeIn this episode I get a chance to sit down and hear Diana Morris's story of competing on many different horses over the years before barrel racing before the "D" system was in place. Diana shares her extensive background in rodeo and on a fun side note she discusses the TV Show "1923" being filmed at her ranch.
Recently Diana has focused on physical fitness with Solid in the Saddle programs to improve her riding, knee pain, and back strength. She ends the episode by sharing a solid tip about the mental side of having success in the...
2025-03-1946 minSolid in the SaddleHow a Diverse Riding Background Shaped Melanie SouthIn this episode I chat with Melanie South who is an accomplished horsewoman, Equine Instructor at the University of Montana Western, and a previous riding instructor at the Natural Horsemanship program offered through UMW. She credits her success in the equine world with getting to ride a variety of horses from an early age and learning how to train and season a difficult horse.
Melanie shares her story as well as how strength training helped her return to riding after she had her daughter. Melanie completed "6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle" and returned to riding with...
2025-03-121h 00Solid in the SaddleEp 12 Tayla & Deena Moeykens on Building Confidence, Mental Toughening, and Staying Focused/Present at the TopIn this episode I get to chat with one of the best barrel racers in the country, Tayla Moeykens, and her mom Deena Moeykens.
In September Tayla had the horse world of Montana on the edge of our seats while she battled the bubble to the NFR, finishing 16th in the world in the WPRA barrel racing. Currently she's sitting 8th!
Here's a list of her recent accomplishments: ❖ 2023 Montana Circuit Finals Average and Year End Champion, qualifying for the NFR Open❖ 2024 Big Sky Region Barrel Racing Champion❖ 2024 Reserve Women’s All-Around Champion❖ 2024...
2025-03-041h 03Solid in the SaddleCreatine Supplementation for Muscle, Performance, and Brain Health in Women Horseback Riders (Especially Postmenopausal) with Dr. Ali WolpernThis episode featured Dr. Ali Wolpern, PhD who discusses creatine supplements. Dr. Ali has a background in exercise science, exercise physiology, and nutrition. She covers the benefits of creatine, effects on muscle performance/growth and dosage recommendations for different demographics including women, pregnant individuals, and older adults.
The discussion also touched on the safety and potential benefits of creatine supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as its affordability and ease of use. If you have further questions you can reach out to Dr. Ali at ali.wolpern@umwestern.edu.
This episode is brought to...
2025-02-2549 minSolid in the SaddleEp 10 Equine Nutrition Broken Down with Dr. Rachel Mottet, PhDRachel Mottet, PhD is an expert in the field of equine nutrition. Listen as she shares what is worth spending money on when it comes to horse supplementation and what is NOT. She dives into ulcer management and the importance of quality forage. She also busts some myths- myths that I have always believed!
This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. Check it out here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/rideconfident101
If you’re a rider who ever struggles with nerves, we’ve got the solution. Head to www.solidinthesaddle.com...
2025-02-181h 03Solid in the SaddleEp. 9 Balancing Momming + Horseback Riding, Exercising to Improve Pain Postpartum with Annie SorgeAnnie Novotny Sorge is a mom, barrel racer, trainer, dental hygienist, and entrepreneur. She is a pro at wearing many hats and balancing them all! Listen as she shares the struggles and fun of raising kids while having horses. Annie's episode is so refreshing and real, and I hope you all enjoy it! This episode is brought to you by "Getting Back in the Saddle After Baby", our course for postpartum moms (whether it's been 2 months or 20 years since you've had kids!) Check it out here: https://www.solidinthesaddle.com/offers/HRyLRNoZ
2025-02-1129 minSolid in the SaddleEp. 8 Performance Enhancing Interventions for Elite Performance Horses with Sharp Sports MedicineDr. Jared Sharp and Whitley Sharp are the owners of Sharp Sports Medicine, an equine focused veterinary practice that caters to the performance horse industry! Sharp Sports Medicine serves a majority of the Northwest from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Utah and Nevada.
Sharp Sports Medicine has become a place for ELITE equine athletes to go to stay sharp. Based out of Caldwell Idaho and Aguila Arizona, they are able to provide their customers with the industry’s latest veterinary medicine and technology on the go. As competitors themselves, both Dr. Sharp and Whitley understand the dynamics of th...
2025-02-041h 00Solid in the SaddleEp 7 Developing Horseback Proprioception and Center of Gravity Awareness as you Age with Mary van DerveerAleisha and Mary discussed the physical requirements and benefits of dressage riding. Mary explained how a rider must balance their center of gravity over the horse's center of gravity, constantly adjusting and shifting their weight. She also shared her personal experience of regaining her balance and strength after a break from riding. Mary credited the Ride Strong program for improving her balance, aids, and overall riding ability. She also mentioned that the program helped alleviate her right hip pain, which was affecting her running and riding. Mary emphasized the importance of equal activation and relaxation of muscles in maintaining...
2025-01-2838 minSolid in the SaddleEp. 6 Keys to Success with Legendary Barrel Horse Futurity Trainer Mark BugniToday on the podcast we have the Legendary Mark Bugni!
Mark is a 1.6 milion dollar rider, has been on the cover of Barrel Horse News 3 TIMES and has had countless successes in the futurity world. He rode JL Roc Lost a Soc to 11 Futurity titles in 2022 to finish with over $400,000 in winnings that year.
Mark shares his story of coming from humble beginnings and using his natural talent, desire, and passion to capitalize on his dream.
He shares
What it was like to feel the raw talent from JL Roc Lost a...
2025-01-221h 09Solid in the SaddleEp. 5 Chronic Stress Relief and Nervous System Regulation for Horseback Riders with Kendall Hitch𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚? If so, this podcast episode is for you. Kendall Hitch does an amazing job explaining the nervous system, chronic stress, and ways you can improve your stress response to affect your horse in a positive way. If your horse is nervous, jumpy, anxious, spooky, etc. that’s a sign you may need to work on regulating your OWN nervous system to help them regulate ours. If you’d like to learn more from Kendall you can visit her website at https://www.healwithkendall.com She offers courses, 1:1 visits, & testing to bring your nervous system health to its optimal level.
2025-01-151h 01Solid in the SaddleEp. 4 A Deep-Dive into Abby Knight's (#1 in MT WPRA Circuit) Barrel Racing ProgramAbby Knight is currently the #1 barrel racer in Montana in the WPRA AND NBHA. She's had success at every level and is a true competitor. She tells the story of the horses she currently has in the trailer as well as the horses that made her the jockey she is today. She discusses rodeo vs. jackpot horses, different types of rodeo ground, and how her current horses use themselves around the barrels to stay safe on bad ground. Abby tells some heartwarming stories about the grit and try of her horses. If you've been wondering about the difference between...
2025-01-041h 07Solid in the SaddleEp. 3 Success After Learning to Ride as an Adult with Alayne BickfordListen as Alayne inspires us all with her story of getting into horses in her mid-twenties and thirties- to now having great success as a trainer and barrel racer at 59!
Alayne is a dedicated member of Solid in the Saddle and is the epitome of what we stand for: hard working, kind, disciplined, encouraging, and a love for horses. She shares her unique journey and what has helped her along the way.
This episode is brought to you by Ride Strong 101: Unstable to Unshakeable in 8 Weeks. You can check it out here: https://www.solidinthesaddle...
2024-12-2634 minSolid in the SaddleRodeo Resilience, Horse Care, and Winning Tips with Hailey Garrison GrahamIf there is anyone who knows how to win, it's Hailey Garrison Graham. Hailey is a 3 times HS National Finalist, 3 times college national finalist, and 3 time circuit finalist (in 2 different circuits!) Did I mention she's only 25 years old? Learn how Hailey keeps fighting her way back to the winner's circle despite horse health issues. She and her horse are the definition of resilience and I can't wait for you to get to hear some of her valuable tips.
2024-12-1646 min
Solid in the SaddleMaximizing Equine Health and Performance with Veterinarian Dr. Kerry PrideDr. Kerry Pride is a Montana-born vet with deep roots in ranching, outfitting, and horse racing. From her childhood in Yellowstone's backcountry to mastering acupuncture and chiropractic for horses, Kerry provides insightful wisdom for horseback riders.
Key Points
• Kerry's rich Montana heritage
• Shift from general practice to equine acupuncture & manipulation
• A heartwarming EPM recovery story
• Keeping older horses nimble and fit
• Insights on equine conformation and future stars
2024-12-111h 07
Resilient Reiner#13 Unbridled Strength: Mental Performance Meets Physical Training w/Dr. Aleisha ShirleyThis week on the Resilient Reiner podcast, we're bridging the gap between the mind and body with special guest, Dr. Aleisha Shirley, a seasoned physical therapist and founder of Solid in the Saddle. Aleisha works to help riders develop confidence through strength training so they can be at the top of their game. We had a BLAST talking together and had a great time covering a lot of material! So grab your headphones, and press play!LISTEN NOW! [0:01] Intro+Aleisha's Background: A quick overview of the episode and a warm introduction to Aleisha Shirley. Discover how Al...
2023-07-0651 min
Rider’s EdgeRiding After Injury with Aleisha ShirleyJoin today's conversation with Aleisha Shirley, physical therapist. She talks about her favorite subject: becoming a better rider. Her own story shows how riders can return to competition after injury. Her program Solid in the Saddle helps riders improve after injury or after losing confidence. Aleisha uses slow motion analysis among other ways to assess her clients. Aleisha is hosting a clinic at The Art of the Cowgirl: Montana Gathering in June 2023.
2023-05-1740 min
Real Life HorsemanshipAleisha Shirley - People Are More Concerned About Themselves Than About YouOur guest this week is a unique one! Aleisha Shirley is a physical therapist that dedicates her career to help riders become the best versions of themselves to succeed in the competitive ring with their horses. We loved hearing all she had to say, and we hope you all do as well!
2023-03-2946 min