Episodios

  • Understanding Thoroughbreds with Lucy Jackson
    Mar 11 2025

    Join host Dan Bizarro in this insightful episode of 'The Equestrian Life Podcast' as he converses with accomplished event rider Lucy Jackson. Lucy shares her transition from physiotherapy to a successful equestrian career and her current involvement with the Howden Ways Thoroughbred Aftercare Program. They delve into the unique characteristics of thoroughbreds, the importance of structured training, and addressing common misconceptions. Lucy also talks about addressing behavioural issues and ensuring proper physical care for these exceptional horses. Don't miss the valuable insights on helping these remarkable athletes transition into new careers post-racing and learn why thoroughbreds could be the perfect match for you!

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE

    The Howden Way website: https://thehowdenway.com/

    Lucy Jackson's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucy.jackson.5492

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction to Thoroughbreds

    00:30 Welcome to the Podcast

    00:54 Meet Lucy Jackson

    02:53 Lucy's Journey from Physiotherapy to Equestrian

    04:58 Life in New Zealand

    06:53 Return to England and Professional Riding

    09:22 Challenges and Triumphs in Eventing

    14:38 Retirement and New Beginnings

    22:13 Involvement with Thoroughbred Aftercare

    35:22 The Benefits of Early Training for Racehorses

    36:53 Challenges and Solutions in Training Thoroughbreds

    37:16 The Role of Satellite Yards and Trainers

    37:31 Fitness, Finance, and Management in Horse Training

    38:45 The Importance of Consistent Education for Horses

    40:54 Incorporating Event Riders in Training Programs

    43:14 The Value of Thoroughbred Aftercare Programs

    44:09 Addressing Common Issues in Retraining Ex-Racehorses

    46:32 The Importance of Routine and Structure

    53:06 The Role of Veterinary and Physiotherapy Support

    01:01:41 Understanding Kissing Spine in Thoroughbreds

    01:05:51 The Howden Way: Resources and Support for Thoroughbred Owners

    01:10:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    1 h y 12 m
  • Ros Morgan: her eventing journey from Pony Club to international success
    Jun 28 2024

    In this episode, I sit down with Ros to discuss her exciting journey in the world of eventing, from her humble beginnings in the Swansea Pony Club to competing at prestigious events like Badminton and Burley.

    Rose shares fascinating stories about her horses, Horton Venture and Horton Point, their remarkable achievements, and the dedicated training that led to their success.

    She also delves into her transition from rider to coach, offering insights on training techniques, the importance of understanding your horse, and her views on the future of eventing.

    This episode is packed with valuable tips, personal anecdotes, and a deep passion for the sport, making it a must-listen for horse enthusiasts and aspiring eventers.

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:12 Ros's Journey into Eventing: From Pony Club to Professional

    00:49 The Tale of Horton Venture and Horton Point: Horses That Defined a Career

    03:32 Stepping Away from the Sport: Financial Realities and Family Support

    08:51 The Transition from Rider to Coach: Learning and Mentoring

    15:29 Understanding Horses: The Key to Success in Eventing

    18:31 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity in Horse Selection

    28:32 Training Challenges and Solutions: Insights from a Coaching Perspective

    35:22 The Art of Adjusting Strides and the Importance of Quality Canter

    38:21 Eventing Insights: Strategy Over Speed in Cross Country

    38:58 Training Philosophies: The Debate on Canter Work for Novice Horses

    39:46 The Legacy of Interval Training: Preparing for Badminton

    44:06 Eventing's Evolution: The Impact of Surfaces and Spectator Experience

    58:23 Innovative Ideas for Engaging Fans and Enhancing Eventing

    01:04:14 Concluding Thoughts on the Future of Eventing

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    1 h y 6 m
  • Clare MacLeod: The Truth About Feeding Horses
    May 14 2024

    This comprehensive discussion with my guest Claire, an independent equine nutritionist, navigates through the intricacies of horse nutrition.

    We explore various aspects of feeding horses, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

    Key topics include the importance of appropriate forage, the role of supplements, the need for a balanced diet, managing underweight and overweight horses, and tips for choosing the right feed.

    We also discuss the impact of grazing management, forage types, and the significance of professional insight into equine feeding strategies to ensure optimal health and performance.

    We covered all the important aspects of correct equine nutrition and I hope you’ll find this conversation helpful.

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE
    Clare's website: https://www.equinenutritionist.com/
    Clare Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ClareMacLeodEquineNutritionist

    TIMESTAMPS

    01:19 Understanding the Importance of Nutrition in Equine Health

    03:06 The Fundamentals of Equine Nutrition Explained

    07:34 Choosing the Right Feed: Navigating the Maze of Options

    13:02 Personalized Nutrition Plans: The Role of an Equine Nutritionist

    17:01 Managing Forage and Pasture for Optimal Equine Health

    21:44 The Significance of Consistent Forage Quality

    29:55 Supplements in Equine Diet: Necessity or Overkill?

    31:34 The Balance of Vitamins and Minerals in Horse Feed

    32:19 Supplementing with Salt and Electrolytes: A Delicate Balance

    34:27 Exploring the World of Horse Supplements

    37:41 The Benefits and Uses of Mash in Horse Diets

    42:22 Understanding and Managing Horse Weight

    49:10 Feeding Strategies for Underweight Horses

    53:13 Choosing the Right Oil for Your Horse

    56:58 Final Thoughts and Resources for Horse Nutrition

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    1 h y 4 m
  • Charlie Unwin: Unlocking Success in Equestrian Sports
    Mar 24 2024

    In this enlightening conversation with Charlie Unwin, a renowned performance psychologist with a diverse background including military service, we unpack the psychological aspects crucial for mastering equestrian sports.

    We explore the importance of personal leadership, the subtle differences between emotions like excitement and fear, and how understanding these can drastically improve training and performance in competitions.

    The conversation touches on the balance between technical and psychological coaching, the role of personal beliefs, and strategies for maintaining consistency under pressure.

    Unwin shares insights from his experiences across sports, business, and the military, highlighting psychological techniques such as visualization and managing internal systems to enhance performance.

    Additionally, the importance of focusing on controllable elements and developing a competition mindset during training is emphasized, providing valuable strategies for both athletes and coaches.

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE
    Cerntre 10: https://www.centre10.com/
    Charlie's website: https://www.performancelegacy.com/
    Dynamic Performance: https://www.dynamicperformancehub.com/

    To buy Charlie's book ''Inside Out'' click HERE

    TIMESTAMPS

    01:05 Meet Charlie Unwin: A Journey from Military to Equestrian Psychology

    03:20 The Role of Sports Psychology in Equestrianism

    05:20 Consistency: The Key to Equestrian Success

    08:00 Overcoming Mental Challenges in Equestrian Sports

    08:36 Harnessing the Power of Visualization and Flow States

    14:27 The Psychological Impact of Horse and Rider Relationship

    20:31 Personal Leadership and Focus in Equestrian Sports

    31:11 The Importance of Control and Focus in Equestrian Performance

    38:14 Transferring Training Success to Competition

    40:32 The Psychology of Performance: Navigating Fear and Focus

    42:45 Creating a Competition Mindset in Training

    44:14 The Power of Precision: Training Beyond the Basics

    45:29 Elevating Training with Intensity and Focus

    01:06:33 Building Confidence Through Controlled Challenges

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    1 h y 22 m
  • Ros Canter: a "normal" yet extraordinary Event Rider
    Mar 4 2024

    In this interview, I enjoy learning the story of how the amazing Ros Canter went from a young pony club enthusiast to becoming a World Champion.

    Ros discusses her love for training horses, her determination and competitiveness, and the importance of the support she received from her family, her team and her mentors.

    You might think that successful riders don’t struggle with their nerves and you might be shocked to hear that Ros had lots of moments of doubt and at times she even felt relief when competitions got canceled.

    How did she achieve all the amazing results then? You’ll find out!

    There is so much to learn, and I hope you are enjoying learning with me.

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE
    Ros Canter's Offical Website: https://www.roscantereventing.com/
    Ros Canter's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/roscantereventer

    TIMESTAMPS

    02:05 Interview Begins: Early Life and Introduction to Riding

    03:52 The Path to Eventing and University Life

    05:12 The Unexpected Turn to Professional Riding

    06:09 Balancing Passion for Travel and Riding

    11:03 The Influence of Family and Mentors

    17:41 Overcoming Fear and Improving Cross Country Riding

    29:56 Importance of Taking Breaks and Celebrating Success

    31:17 Self-Description and Competitive Edge

    32:05 Understanding Personal Strengths and Training Quality

    34:58 Managing Nerves and Embracing Challenges

    39:52 Adapting Training Approach to Individual Horses

    49:59 Future Aspirations and Advice to Younger Self

    56:07 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    59 m
  • Annabelle Galt: the positive impacts of physiotherapy on horses' performance and welfare
    Feb 18 2024

    Annabelle Galt is a Veterinary Physiotherapist and an active member of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists.

    Bell absolutely loves working with horses and helping them perform at their best.

    The love for her profession is so inspiring, so much so that seeing her enthusiasm every morning David, her husband, decided to leave his old job, go back to university and become a physiotherapist himself.

    In our conversation, we talk about the fundamental role of physiotherapy in horse welfare and sports performance.

    Annabelle reveals how she got into the field, her passion for horses, her focus on academic research, and the functions of various physiotherapy equipment.

    She also emphasizes the importance of a good coach, the correct saddle fitting, regular vet and physio check-ups, building a strong support team, and continuous learning.

    I hope you enjoy our conversation!

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE
    Annabelle Galt Veterinary Physiotherapy: https://www.agvp.co.uk/
    Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AGVetPhysio
    Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/agveterinaryphysiotherapy/

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction to Equestrian Life
    00:56 Guest Introduction: Annabelle Galt
    01:59 Annabel's Journey into Veterinary Physiotherapy
    04:08 Starting and Growing a Veterinary Physiotherapy Business
    08:35 The Role of Physiotherapy in Equestrian Sports
    13:10 Choosing the Right Physiotherapist
    24:54 Advancements in Veterinary Physiotherapy
    32:04 The State of Equestrian Sport and Horse Welfare
    39:33 Personal Goals and Aspirations
    43:33 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    46 m
  • Giovanni Ugolotti: being an Event Rider is all about hard work and a positive attitude!
    Feb 5 2024

    In this inspiring discussion, I welcome my friend and accomplished Italian international event rider, Giovanni Ugolotti.

    We dive deep into Giovanni's past, sharing his journey of moving from Italy to the UK, how he trained to become a successful event rider, and his experiences throughout his equestrian career.

    Gio also discusses the importance of setting goals, how to select a horse, and how to produce an events horse, as well as giving us a sneak peek into what's in store for him this year!

    Do you want to hear about his hopes for the Olympics, and how he manages to stay upbeat even in the hardest times?

    Expect laughter, insights, and genuinely uplifting moments in a conversation that embodies the true spirit of the equestrian way of life.

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE
    C
    ranford stud eventing website: http://www.cranfordstudeventing.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

    00:29 The Importance of Positivity and Motivation

    02:04 Giovanni's Early Riding Experiences

    05:21 The Challenges and Triumphs of Building a Career in Eventing

    09:15 The Journey of Training and Producing Horses

    11:24 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Mistakes

    11:42 The Importance of a Positive Attitude and a Strong Team

    24:13 Choosing and Training Young Horses

    37:50 Looking Forward: Goals for the Upcoming Year

    41:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    43 m
  • Helen West: A deep dive into British Eventing. The good, the bad and the ugly.
    Jan 27 2024

    In our conversation, Helen discusses her journey from a non-horsey background to becoming the CEO of British Eventing, sharing the challenges and lessons learned along the way.
    She talks in-depth about the complexities of British Eventing, her time in the role, the difficulties she faced, and the changes she managed to implement. She also shares her aspirations for the future.

    RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE
    British Eventing website: https://www.britisheventing.com/

    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Entering the Equestrian World: A Personal Journey

    13:16 The State of British Eventing Upon Arrival

    17:33 The Impact of Covid-19 on British Eventing

    27:39 The Role of IT in British Eventing's Challenges

    37:08 Strategies for Change and Improvement

    40:40 The Domino Effect of Change

    41:31 Regrets and Contributions in Sports

    43:06 The Struggle of Making Tough Decisions

    43:53 Understanding Leadership and Decision Making

    45:11 The Importance of Effective Communication

    49:25 The Struggles of Managing a National Governing Body

    56:46 The Challenges of Abandonment Insurance

    Follow me on
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/danbizzarro/
    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DanBizzarro
    Website - https://www.dbeventing.co.uk

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    1 h y 17 m