When was the last time you had an open conversation with a friend about your cycle? What sort of feelings do you get when someone starts to open up about theirs to you?

In this episode, we're speaking to Coni Longden-Bird, co-founder of NIXI Body - an innovative leak-proof underwear brand that the Equestrian Mums Club partnered with in 2024. Together, we're talking about normalising conversations around women's health - and how breaking down stigma and shame can lead to more empowered, healthy women.

Listen along to hear more about:

• Coni's background and fertility journey
• The need to prioritise self-care, especially through conception and then motherhood
• The need for education around menstrual health
• Who NIXI Body are and their mission
• Why NIXI Body's products are ideal confidence boosters for those with bladder leaks or periods

We had such a blast on this episode - and hope that this content can make you laugh along with us, as we explore the topic of women's health with a little light-hearted humour!

Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including fertility challenges and discussions around shame. We advise listener discretion.

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We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there.

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Do you ever meet people in this life that you are immediately drawn to? What is the defining factor for you? For us, often it's a blend of grit, charisma, authenticity and a multifaceted skillset - which this episode's guest certainly has in spades!

Like many of the equestrian parents we've spoken to, Ali Surrey Dane has multiple hats to wear...

• She runs and owns a livery yard - Hurston Dressage and Eventing
• She's a British Dressage Coaching Certificate L3 coach and List 3 British Dressage judge
• She's a rider (although seems to take that title with a pinch of salt!)
• She's a Non-Executive Director for both the British Grooms Association and the Equestrian Employers Association
• Of course, she's also a mummy, too - to one gorgeous little boy, Rafael!

How does she do it all... we'll never really know! But, on a sunny day in mid-March, we got up close and personal with the wonderful lady, herself.

In this episode, listeners can hear a little bit more about...

• What Ali really think the equestrian industry needs more of (Clue: it's not horses!)
• How she managed to buy herself a little Lusitano gelding... and not a big warmblood mare?
• How a rough pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean a slow return to riding!
• Her son and his namesake
• How equestrian employers need to make changes for parents to sustain their own businesses
• Plus, much more... in true Equestrian Mums Club fashion!

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Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club?

We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there.

Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What would you say your superpower is?

In this episode, we're getting to know Elli Sydenham - supermum, single parent and social media manager(!) for her 13-year-old daughter, Phoebe and their many four-legged friends. Known on Instagram by the handle @hattie_the wildcardpony, this glorious duo are brightening our feeds on the daily - with daughter, Phoebe, letting her creative streak and determined nature run riot and mum, Elli, being the "buffer and safety net" for content, comments and followers. (Pretty hard work when there's 15k+ followers!)

Listen on to hear more about:

• Elli's background and life as a "first generation equestrian" & "first generation equestrian mum"
• The challenges and benefits of co-parenting with an ex
• Advocating for Phoebe's ADHD diagnosis and life after the discovery
• The benefits of horses and social media for someone with a neurodevelopment difference
• Managing an adolescent's social media account as a parent

This was such an open and honest conversation, with huge thanks to Elli for her candour. We hope this conversation gives you plenty to think about, but plenty to be hopeful about, too - especially if you, or someone you know, are struggling with accepting a "difference" of any kind. Because, your difference can be just what the world needs!

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Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club?

We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there.

Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!