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In Stride

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In Stride with Sinead Halpin Maynard offers intimate talks with equestrians at the top of their sport. Brought to you by Ride iQ (Ride-iQ.com).

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 14 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • Yesterday · 58 min

    Caroline Harris: Belief, Doubt, and the Unlikely Horse Behind a Run at the FEI Eventing World Championships

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Caroline Harris fresh off the FEI Eventing World Championships in Aachen to talk about the unlikely horse who carried her from a late start in the sport to two five-star wins, and the mental work behind staying grounded at the highest level of competition. Meet the Guest: Caroline Harris Caroline Harris is a British international event rider who claimed her first five-star victory at Pau in 2024 and added a second at Luhmühlen in 2026, both with her partner D.Day. Those wins earned the pair a place on the British eventing team for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships in Aachen, building on a Nations Cup debut at Boekelo in 2023 and a selection to the British European Championships squad at Blenheim in 2025. In This Episode, Sinead and Caroline Discuss: The unconventional path to a five-star debut at 34, and why D.Day, a horse bred to be a gentle family horse, was never expected to reach the top of the sport How a small ownership syndicate of friends backed D.Day one level at a time, with no pressure attached, all the way to Pau, Luhmühlen, and Aachen Working through self-doubt and nerves with a sports psychologist, and learning to enjoy competing at the top level instead of just surviving it Building a life and identity outside the barn, including training as a personal trainer, and what comes next on the road to Los Angeles 2028 Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • August 21 · 58 min

    Hawley Bennett-Awad: The Event Rider Who Found an Edge in Having One Great Horse, Not Ten

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with two-time Olympian Hawley Bennett-Awad fresh off an electric World Championships in Aachen to talk about building a career one horse at a time, learning to put her own wellbeing first after years of burnout, and the unexpected new horse now fueling her dream of a home Olympics in LA. Meet the Guest: Hawley Bennett-Awad Hawley Bennett-Awad is a two-time Olympian who represented Canada at the 2004 Athens and 2012 London Games, and has competed at four World Championships for her country. Her career has been defined by long partnerships with a small string of horses, including her first advanced mount off the track, and Jollybo, who she competed at the CCI4* and CCI5* levels for close to a decade. Based in Southern California, Bennett-Awad also runs a busy clinic teaching schedule around the country. She recently found an unexpected new partner in Levino, with her sights set on a return to top-level competition. In This Episode, Sinead and Hawley Discuss: What it felt like to watch this year's World Championships in Aachen as a former competitor, and why she calls it the toughest competition in the sport Building a career one horse at a time, learning each horse inside and out, and the discipline that comes with limited resources The mindset shift that led her to scale back a packed teaching schedule and put her own wellbeing first How an unplanned encounter led her to Levino, and her plan to chase a return to top-level competition Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • August 14 · 1 hr 22 min

    Alizée Froment: From Grand Prix Dressage to Liberty, Teaching Horses to Manage Their Own Emotions

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Alizée Froment to talk about her path from Grand Prix dressage to liberty training, and how she teaches horses to recognize tension in their bodies and find their own way out of it. Meet the Guest: Alizée Froment Alizée Froment is a French liberty trainer, performer, and author who competed internationally in dressage up to Grand Prix level and trained the French National Pony Dressage Team. In 2011 she made her international Grand Prix debut aboard her stallion Mistral du Coussoul, competing at that level for years before retiring him from competition in 2018. Since 2009, Froment has performed neck rope liberty demonstrations for hundreds of thousands of spectators around the world. She now works with sport horses sent to her for emotional and behavioral struggles, runs her own liberty and education programs, and has developed courses with fellow trainer Tristan Tucker on his TRT platform. She is the author of The Horses Who Made Me, released in 2024. In This Episode, Sinead and Alizée Discuss: How she reads the physical tension behind a horse's fear, anger, or frustration, and teaches them to release it themselves instead of shutting the emotion down Her horses' daily bodywork routine, including stretching, massage, and natural therapies like clay and essential oils, and how it feeds directly into her training decisions each day The moment she stopped chasing performance in competition and started training for the horse in front of her Why she believes horse welfare debates need more listening and less judgment Episode Sponsor Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • August 7 · 1 hr 10 min

    Linsay Rosser Sumpter: Championing Equality and Opportunity for Women in Rodeo

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Linsay Rosser Sumpter to trace the history of women in rodeo, the fight for equal opportunity and pay, and how a rodeo family legacy turned into a role leading the sport's biggest platform for cowgirls. Meet the Guest: Linsay Rosser Sumpter Linsay Rosser Sumpter is the Commissioner of Premier Women's Rodeo (PWR), the rebrand of the Women's Rodeo World Championship she has led since its founding in 2020. She grew up in a multi-generational rodeo family that produced rodeos for nearly 80 years, competed collegiately as a breakaway roper on scholarship, and spent more than 15 seasons as a college rodeo coach in Colorado. Under her leadership, PWR has paid out over $5 million to female rodeo athletes and secured a new media partnership with Scripps Sports to broadcast the sport nationally. In 2024, she received the Western Sports Foundation's Grit Award for her advocacy on behalf of women in rodeo. In This Episode, Sinead and Linsay Discuss: The history of women in rodeo, from early trick riders to the tragedy that pushed them out of the arena for decades How Premier Women's Rodeo grew out of a push for equal pay and equal opportunity across every rodeo discipline What it took to step out of competition and into the commissioner's chair to build a platform for the next generation The family legacy of stock contracting and rodeo producing that shaped her from childhood Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • July 31 · 1 hr 22 min

    Laura Bruner: Making the Barn the Classroom, Not the Reward

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Laura Bruner to talk about the education gap she saw across 25 plus years in the horse world and the college preparatory academy she built to close it. Meet the Guest: Laura Bruner Laura Bruner is the founder and executive director of Equis Amare College Preparatory Academy (EACPA), a nonprofit college prep high school for equestrian students opening in Penn Valley, California this fall. She spent 20 years on the Hunter/Jumper A circuit, training under Olympians Peter Breakwell and Miguel Leal, and has started more than 350 horses over her 25 plus year career. Laura built EACPA to close the education gap she saw across the industry, pairing core academics with hands-on horsemanship and industry credentialing. Equis Amare College Preparatory Academy "Every horse, every student has a story... The question is: what part of that story do you want to be?” If you want to learn more about EACPA, check it out here. In This Episode, Sinead and Laura Discuss: Why Laura built a bridge between the "real world" of school and the "real world" of the barn instead of asking students to choose one How EACPA's no phone policy protects the soul to soul connection between horse and rider Turning the horse industry's biggest staffing problem, professionals doing 17 jobs with no time to train the next generation, into a pipeline of educated working students Why the "bombproof horse" doesn't exist, and how a fundamental level of education protects parents and clients from costly mistakes Episode Sponsors Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • July 24 · 2 hr 10 min

    Rupert Isaacson: How a Father's Search for His Autistic Son's Voice Became the Horse Boy Method

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard talks with Rupert Isaacson about how horses helped his nonverbal autistic son find his voice, and how that discovery turned into a therapeutic horsemanship method now used around the world. Meet the Guest: Rupert Isaacson Rupert Isaacson is a horseman, author, and founder of New Trails Learning Systems, home to three therapy programs used with autistic kids, veterans, and trauma survivors, work that began after he discovered that riding a horse helped his nonverbal autistic son, Rowan, find his voice. He's also a classical dressage rider trained in the centuries-old "Old Masters" tradition. Rupert wrote the bestselling book and film The Horse Boy about the family's journey across Mongolia to help Rowan, and before that founded the Indigenous Land Rights Fund, which helped the Kalahari Bushmen of Botswana and South Africa win a landmark case for their ancestral land. In This Episode, Sinead and Rupert Discuss: How he first noticed that a horse's gait directly changed how much his son communicated, and discovering the science behind it The three therapy programs he built and how each one meets autistic kids, veterans, and trauma survivors where they are Why classical dressage, not just a calm horse, is what makes a horse capable of this kind of therapeutic work His ride across Mongolia in search of a shaman, the journey that became the book The Horse Boy, and the land rights advocacy work that came before it Why he believes healing takes both hard science and a little bit of magic Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • July 17 · 1 hr 27 min

    Booli Selmayr: Treating Yourself Like an Athlete, On and Off the Horse

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with professional event rider Booli Selmayr to talk about the grief that first sent her out for a run, the injury that nearly ended everything, and why she believes "treating yourself like an athlete" is the missing piece for riders at every level. Meet the Guest: Booli Selmayr Booli Selmayr is a professional event rider and trainer based at Fox Race Farm in Millbrook, New York, where she runs Fox Valley Sport Horses, now celebrating its 10-year anniversary. She came up through Pony Club and fox hunting before completing her first CCI5* at 34, aboard her longtime partner Millfield Lancando at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. She has since built a reputation for pairing serious horsemanship with serious athletic training as a runner, CrossFit athlete, and creator of the "Ride the Pace" cross-country clinic. In This Episode, Sinead and Booli Discuss: Why losing her best friend to cancer, and later another close friend, first sent her out for a run, and how that grew into a full lifestyle Why treating yourself like an athlete, whether that means tracking your food or fueling properly for competition, matters just as much as time in the tack Her "against, on, and with the horse" framework for rider balance, and why real strength, not just being light, makes horses safer and more secure Building Fox Valley Sport Horses from a mostly fox-hunting string into a full eventing program over 10 years, and the confidence it took to bet on herself Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • July 10 · 1 hr 19 min

    Alec Lochore: Reinvention, Responsibility, and Designing the LA 2028 Cross-Country Course

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard talks with Alec Lochore, who is serving as the official cross-country course designer for eventing at the LA 2028 Olympics for the first time in his career, about what the Games mean to the sport and how he ended up designing its biggest stage. Meet the Guest: Alec Lochore Alec Lochore is a veteran eventing official who has worked the Olympics in Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo in various technical and management roles. Raised in a horse family in Scotland, he competed through five-star level before shifting into event organizing, co-founding Musketeer with his brother Hugh, a business that has since run more than 150 events, including Blair Castle and now Scone Palace. In This Episode, Sinead and Alec Discuss: What makes the Olympics a singular stage for a niche sport, and how Alec ended up as LA28's cross-country course designer His design philosophy, including building in options at varying difficulty and honoring what an MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) is actually meant to certify Behind-the-scenes details on building the Santa Anita cross-country track, from turf challenges to licensing restrictions on course "theming" The shared responsibility between course designers, riders, and officials for horse welfare, and his advice for lower-level riders on reading what a course is asking Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • July 3 · 1 hr 9 min

    You Asked, They Answered: Round Two with Sinead & Tik Maynard

    In this special call-in episode of "In Stride", Sinead is joined again by Tik Maynard for another listener-driven conversation. Tik Maynard is the 2024 and 2025 Road to the Horse Champion and the author of In the Middle Are the Horsemen and Starting in the Middle. Along with Sinead, he runs Copperline Farm in Citra, Florida, and teaches clinics across the country. Together, Tik and Sinead respond to a new batch of listener questions, diving into topics including: Building in connection and downtime for horses during a busy competition season Reading the milestones that show a young horse is ready for its first dressage test or show Reframing the decision to retire a horse from "giving up" to knowing when it's time to pivot How rhythm and tension in a horse's body are windows into what they're feeling Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • June 26 · 1 hr 3 min

    Stephanie Goodman: How Letting Go Opened the Door to a Four-Star Win

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard welcomes Stephanie Goodman to explore a career built on saying yes to opportunity, knowing when to walk away, and why the long game rarely looks like a straight line. Meet the Guest: Stephanie Goodman Stephanie Goodman is a professional event rider and trainer based in Eagle, Idaho, who came up through Pony Club in Utah before training under Olympic gold medalist David O'Connor in Middleburg as a teenager. After years on the East Coast, she made the deliberate decision to step away from horses entirely, then rebuilt from scratch into the 30-to-40-horse operation she runs today. Most recently, she won the US Equestrian Open CCI4*-S at Aspen Farms aboard her Dutch Warmblood mare Elwenda DP, who has also won all three of her advanced-level completions. In This Episode, Sinead and Stephanie Discuss: How a 16-year-old from Utah ended up at Gatcombe Park training alongside Olympians and what happens when you just keep saying yes The moment Stephanie and her husband Josh decided to leave horses entirely, move to a ski town in Idaho where they knew no one, and what finally pulled her back How a spooky dressage mare and a late-night conversation at the Kentucky Horse Park became the unlikely catalyst for her first four-star Building a training operation from scratch in the West, and how splitting seasons between Idaho and Florida has sharpened both her riding and her coaching Episode Sponsors Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • June 19 · 1 hr 4 min

    [Rerelease] Emily Hamel: Building a 5* Partnership

    In This Episode of In Stride Sinead is joined by 5* event rider Emily Hamel to talk mindset, partnership, and what it takes to compete at the sport's highest level. Meet the Guest: Emily Hamel Emily Hamel is a 5* event rider and founder of Emily Hamel Eventing, based year-round in Aiken, South Carolina. After years in Phillip Dutton's program at True Prospect Farm, she launched her own boutique training business and co-founded The Whole Equestrian podcast with Tyler Held. Emily and her horse Corvett, known as Barry, made history as the first North American pair to complete all six Northern Hemisphere CCI5* events before Barry's retirement in 2026 after 11 five-star completions. In This Episode, Sinead and Emily Discuss: How mindset, fitness, and wellness work led Emily to co-found The Whole Equestrian podcast What she learned from Phillip Dutton's program and how she's built her own identity as a trainer The tools she uses to manage nerves and stay present at the five-star level What makes Barry's unconventional jumping style work, and the trust behind their partnership Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Got a question for Tik and Sinead? We're doing another call-in episode with Tik and Sinead Maynard, airing July 3rd! Send in your questions one of two ways: leave a voice message, or if you'd rather stay anonymous, type your question instead. Leave a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/in_stride_voicemail Submit your question in writing: https://form.typeform.com/to/oQwgnrxJ Submit within the next 5 days, and please keep voicemails under 90 seconds. We can't wait to hear what you've got!

  • June 12 · 1 hr 20 min

    Mary Wanless: Where Biomechanics Meets the Art of Riding

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Mary Wanless to explore the physics and biomechanics beneath conventional riding wisdom, and why understanding your body at a foundational level can transform both horse and rider. Meet the Guest: Mary Wanless Mary Wanless is a British riding coach, author, and founder of the Ride With Your Mind approach to rider biomechanics. A BSc physics graduate and British Horse Society Instructor, she has spent 40+ years uncovering the science that underlies effective riding. She is the author of the bestselling Ride With Your Mind series and runs an international coaching platform at dressagetraining.tv, working with riders from beginners to team-level competitors. In This Episode, Sinead and Mary Discuss: Why conventional riding cues like "grow tall" and "sit deep" are advanced concepts masquerading as basics The discovery of "bearing down," the core skill most elite riders unconsciously use but can't teach Expertise-induced amnesia and why the best riders often make the worst teachers How the fascia connects rider and horse as one system, and why improving your position changes everything beneath you Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide Created by equine veterinarian Dr. Erica Lacher, the Equine Emergency Vet Care Guide app helps horse owners recognize the signs of a true emergency, know when to call the vet, and understand what to do while help is on the way. Download from the App Store or Google Play at EquineEmergencyApp.com In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • June 5 · 1 hr 34 min

    Ken Ramirez: 50 Years, 500 Species, and Why Training Is as Essential as Food and Water

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Ken Ramirez to dig into the science of positive reinforcement and what it really means to care for the animals in our lives. Meet the Guest: Ken Ramirez Ken Ramirez is one of the world's foremost animal trainers and a leading advocate for positive reinforcement-based training. With more than 50 years of experience spanning over 500 species, Ken has served as Executive Vice President of Animal Care and Training at Chicago's Shedd Aquarium and now teaches hands-on training courses at his own ranch. A self-described "crossover trainer," he brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, real-world experience, and a non-judgmental approach to how we train and care for the animals in our lives. In This Episode, Sinead and Ken Discuss: Why behavioral training is a necessity that ranks alongside vet care, nutrition, and environment in responsible animal care The science behind positive and negative reinforcement Why giving animals the choice to say "no" actually produces better performance The Zambia conservation project where Ken rerouted an entire elephant herd away from poachers, and why it earned him a price on his head Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • May 29 · 1 hr 12 min

    Buck Brannaman: Feel, Presence, and the Partnership You Can't Force

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with legendary horseman Buck Brannaman to dig into the philosophy behind great horsemanship, from feel and presence to discipline, partnership, and what it really means to connect with a horse. Meet the Guest: Buck Brannaman Buck Brannaman is one of the most recognized and respected horsemen in the world. Based in Sheridan, Wyoming, he has spent over four decades traveling the country running horsemanship clinics for riders of every discipline and background. Known for his ability to transform troubled horses and help riders find a deeper connection with their animals, Buck has built a reputation that goes far beyond the horse world. He is the author of The Faraway Horses and Believe: A Horseman's Journey, served as a consultant on Robert Redford's film The Horse Whisperer, and is the subject of the acclaimed 2011 documentary Buck. In This Episode, Sinead and Buck Discuss: The difference between discipline and punishment, and why only one of them actually works Why feel and presence in the saddle can't be faked, bought, or replaced by equipment How to build genuine confidence with a horse starting from the ground up The shift from riding 90% physical to 90% mental, and why experience is an asset in horsemanship Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • May 22 · 1 hr 13 min

    Amber Marshall: The Real Cowgirl Behind Heartland's Amy Fleming

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Amber Marshall to explore the surprising parallels between horsemanship and acting, and what it looks like when a teenage English rider finds her true home in Alberta's cowboy culture. Meet the Guest: Amber Marshall Amber Marshall is best known for her role as Amy Fleming in Heartland, CBC's beloved drama and Canada's longest-running one-hour scripted drama, now in its 19th season. Born and raised in London, Ontario, Amber began riding at age five and started pursuing acting in theatre at eight. As a teenager, she moved to Alberta to film the pilot of Heartland and never looked back. Today, she lives on a hobby farm outside of Calgary with her husband. She is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, with a focus on fostering and spay/neuter initiatives. In This Episode, Sinead and Amber Discuss: How growing up as an English rider and transitioning into Western and cowboy culture shaped both her identity and her character of Amy Fleming over 19 seasons The unexpected overlap between acting and horsemanship and why the subtle body language you learn with horses translates directly to compelling performance on screen The behind-the-scenes reality of working with horses on a TV set, from casting and sourcing animals to the concept of "actor action" (creating the illusion of training without actually training) What working ranch horses taught her about partnership, trust, and the true meaning of a horse with a job Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • May 15 · 1 hr 5 min

    Boyd Martin: What the Best Riders Do That You Can't See

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Boyd Martin for a candid conversation about the mindset, resilience, and relentless drive behind a career at the top of international eventing. Meet the Guest: Boyd Martin Boyd Martin is an Australian-born event rider who competes for the United States at the highest levels of the sport. A four-time Olympian, he has represented the U.S. at London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. At the 5* level, Boyd has won the Kentucky Three-Day Event twice and captured the inaugural Maryland 5 Star in 2021. In 2025, he reached FEI World No. 1, the first American event rider to hold the top ranking in 21 years. In This Episode, Sinead and Boyd Discuss: The evolution of Boyd’s “champion’s mindset” and balancing authenticity with public persona on social media Navigating setbacks, from injuries and disappointment to tough business decisions and shifting priorities The importance of building and leading a strong support team at every level of the sport How to foster mental strength, embrace pressure, and find joy in the day-to-day journey Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. - Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts Exclusive podcast episodes Dressage test prep resources A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Looking for More? Join Boyd Martin and Natalie Hummel on May 21 at 5pm PT / 8pm ET for a free live Mid-Season Reset Webinar designed to help riders break out of pressure patterns, reset mentally and emotionally, and regain confidence before the rest of the season slips away. This powerful conversation will give athletes practical tools to navigate setbacks, recover faster after mistakes, and perform under pressure. Register here: https://championscode.us/live

  • May 8 · 1 hr 3 min

    Sarah Segal: From Horse-Crazy Kid to Nations Cup Show Jumper

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard welcomes Sarah Segal to talk about her unconventional journey from New York City to the international show jumping stage, the realities of chasing opportunities in a competitive sport, and the joy found in deep partnerships with remarkable horses. Meet the Guest: Sarah Segal Sarah Segal is an accomplished international show jumper who has represented the United States in international Nations Cup competitions, including the Longines League of Nations Abu Dhabi CSIO5*. A Princeton University graduate, she has earned top results at the CSI3*, CSI5*, and Grand Prix levels throughout her career, including team gold at the North American Young Rider Championships. In addition to her competitive success, Segal has spent many years riding and training alongside Olympic medalist Chris Kappler at Chris Kappler Inc. In This Episode, Sinead and Sarah Discuss: • Navigating the path from passionate horse-crazy kid in the city to Nations Cup competitor • The logistics, stress, and excitement behind transporting horses across continents (from Miami to Abu Dhabi) • The value of building a supportive, collaborative barn culture and prioritizing top-quality horse care • Choosing substance over social media, focusing on meaningful routines, and creating opportunities at every level of the sport Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. - Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: - Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts - Exclusive podcast episodes - Dressage test prep resources - A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • May 1 · 1 hr 29 min

    Chris Irwin: Where Technique, Intention, and Empathy Align in Horsemanship

    Ride iQ is currently offering a special Kentucky Legacy Rate - a 20% lifetime discount on membership, available for one week only. Use code LEGACY at Ride-iQ.com to lock in your savings for as long as you remain a member. This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with Chris Irwin for an in-depth exploration of authentic horsemanship, the science behind equine connection, and the courage to question longstanding traditions in the horse world. Meet the Guest: Chris Irwin Chris Irwin is a renowned horseman, trainer, clinician, and author known for his innovative and compassionate approach to horsemanship. As the creator of the Mind Your Horse Method, he blends principles of psychology, communication, and equine behavior. Chris has worked with riders and trainers around the world, earning a reputation for transforming challenging horses and creating lasting change through improved understanding and trust. Through his online courses, live clinics, and educational programs, he provides riders with practical tools to develop feel, emotional awareness, and clear communication. In This Episode, Sinead and Chris Discuss: • Chris’s foundational “push, block, draw” framework for communicating with horses • Why mastering the subtle nuances of posture, intention, and presence can profoundly transform horse-human relationships • How recognizing trauma in horses can lead to genuine rehabilitation and trust • Stories from Chris’s decades-long journey from wild mustangs to international clinics • Strategies for integrating empathy, ethics, and personal growth into riding Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. - Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: - Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts - Exclusive podcast episodes - Dressage test prep resources - A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com

  • April 24 · 59 min

    Karen O’Neal: It’s Never Too Late for the 5* Dream

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard welcomes top event rider Karen O’Neal for an honest conversation about perseverance, chasing big dreams at any age, and building a life around horses. Meet the Guest: Karen O’Neal Karen O’Neal is an accomplished event rider, trainer, and coach with well over 100 first-place victories in national and international eventing and show jumping competitions. She is a widely recognized competitor and a USEA ICP Level IV Certified instructor, known for her ability to develop both horses and riders through the levels. Through her training program, Karen focuses on producing confident, competitive horses while helping riders build strong fundamentals, effective communication, and long-term success in the sport. In This Episode, Sinead and Karen Discuss: Karen’s journey to her first Kentucky 5* at age 55, including early days riding, balancing horses with motherhood, and building her training business across the West Coast The unexpected rise of Clooney, a quirky young horse who gradually revealed his potential for the upper levels, and the power of choosing horses by intuition rather than pedigree What it takes to continue riding and competing at the highest level later in life, from embracing constant learning and coaching to prioritizing fitness and health Advice for riders whose paths aren’t linear, why it’s never too late to reach a dream, and the importance of community, adaptability, and finding fulfillment in the everyday journey with horses Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. - Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: - Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts - Exclusive podcast episodes - Dressage test prep resources - A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Looking for More? Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now. - Save 35% with code POD35 at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. - Listen anywhere: https://pod.link/1776969830

  • April 17 · 54 min

    Lendon Gray: Making Dressage More Welcoming

    This Week on In Stride Sinead Halpin-Maynard sits down with legendary dressage rider and coach Lendon Gray for a discussion about legacy, learning, and growing the sport for future generations. Meet the Guest: Lendon Gray Lendon Gray is an American dressage rider, instructor, and author who has had a significant impact on the sport both in competition and education. She represented the United States in international competition, competing at the 1988 Olympic Games and qualifying for the 1980 Olympic team, and has also competed at World Championships and other top events. Beyond her competitive career, she is the founder of Dressage4Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides educational and competitive opportunities for young riders while helping develop the next generation of horsemen. In This Episode, Sinead and Lendon Discuss: The extraordinary journey with Seldom Seen, a “pony” who became an icon at a time when only big, fancy imports were expected to succeed and how their remarkable partnership challenged the norms of dressage Navigating setbacks and pushback from both national and international powers as Lendon Gray paved her own path, and what it taught her about resilience and belief in the “average” horse Making the leap from rider to teacher, and the inspiration behind founding Dressage4Kids, an organization now offering a wide range of educational and competitive opportunities to young equestrians The evolution of dressage in America, why foundational horsemanship still matters, and how Lendon is preparing the next wave of trainers, professionals, and lifelong lovers of horses for success beyond the show ring Episode Sponsor Connaway & Associates The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance. - Visit www.connaway.net or call 501-868-8084 to explore your options. In Stride Is Brought to You by Ride iQ Ride iQ helps everyday riders ride with more clarity, confidence, and purpose through on-demand audio lessons from world-class coaches. Members also get: - Weekly live Q&As with equestrian experts - Exclusive podcast episodes - Dressage test prep resources - A supportive learning community Start your free 14-day trial at Ride-iQ.com Looking for More? Want straightforward, expert advice on keeping your horse sound and thriving? Dr. Erica Lacher’s Horse Health Essentials eight-part program is available now. - Save 35% with code POD35 at RideIQElevate.com/horse-health. Ask An Expert is your go-to podcast for practical, real-world advice from top equestrian professionals. - Listen anywhere: https://pod.link/1776969830

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