Horse trainer and author Kate Sandel invites you to rethink what it really means for a horse to be well – in body and in mind. If your horse isn’t mentally with you, she argues, you’re not truly training together, you’re just doing things to them.

In this conversation, we explore how to see the horse in front of you more clearly, soften your expectations, and build a partnership that feels good for both of you. Drawing on French classical riding, horsemanship, and bodywork, Kate shares practical ways to centre the horse’s experience in everyday training choices.

• Why you can’t separate a horse’s physical soundness from their emotional state.

• How to notice who your horse actually is, instead of who you hoped they’d be.

• The truth behind so‑called “naughty” behaviour, and what it might be telling you.

• Why simple walking with your horse is one of the most underrated tools you have.

• What really makes a great teacher – for horses and for humans in the arena.

• How grassroots equestrians can nudge the wider horse world toward kinder training.

Kate is a UK‑based horsemanship teacher, French classical riding practitioner (École de Légèreté trainee), equine sports massage therapist, and author of Riding In Release. From her base on Dartmoor, she runs Soft & Sound, offering lessons, clinics, and online support for more ethical horse–human partnerships.

Links and resources

• Resources & After Hours Q&A (newsletter): https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk/horse-human-partnership-right-question

• Soft & Sound: https://softandsound.org/

• Riding In Release: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4745/9781908809940

• Newsletter: https://www.curiousequestrian.co.uk

• Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian

• Merch: https://curiousequestrian.teemill.com/

Do you care for a senior horse and want to ensure they are happy and healthy? Then you won't want to miss this episode written and narrated by Sue Palmer.

Sue is an experienced equestrian physiotherapist with over 25 years in the industry. Sue has worked with inspiring owners and professionals during her career, and she's here to share her insights and expertise on caring for older horses.

Sue's Free Horse Massage Mini MasterclassThe Inquisitive Herd — free newsletterEvery episode includes an after-hours conversation available only to subscribers. Subscribe free at www.curiousequestrian.co.ukBooks written by Sue PlamerHorse Massage for Horse Owners — Sue Palmer Harmonious Horsemanship — Sue Palmer and Sue Dyson Browse our bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian

Sue Palmer is a chartered physiotherapist who works with horses and riders every day. Her mission, which she has given herself until 2030 to achieve, is straightforward: she wants every equestrian to understand that pain and behaviour in horses are linked. That when a horse is called naughty, difficult, or lazy, the first question should be whether that horse is in pain.

In this episode, Anna Louise sits down with Sue to talk through what horse massage means in practice - not as a luxury, but as a tool for listening.

Free Horse Massage Mini Masterclassthehorsephysio.co.uk

The Inquisitive Herd — free newsletter

Every episode includes an after-hours conversation available only to subscribers. Subscribe free B

ooks mentioned in this episode

Horse Massage for Horse Owners — Sue PalmerHarmonious Horsemanship — Sue Palmer and Sue Dyson

Browse our bookshop:

bookshop.org/shop/curiousequestrian