Dear Horse World

• Dear Horse World, It’s Mirjam Dunkel: Why Less Pressure Leads to More Progress in Horse Training

  What if going slow wasn’t falling behind—but finally getting it right? Horse trainer and quietly powerful human Mirjam Dunkel is here to remind us that taking your time isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. With a background in liberty work, classical dressage, and cowboy realness, Mirjam’s trained over 100 young horses and built a reputation on softness, clarity, and doing right by the horse (even when it’s hard, messy, or humbling). In this episode, we chat about: Rebuilding trust with horses who’ve shut down Why skipping the “boring basics” backfires How slowing down builds connection—and confidence And what it means to chase big dreams, one tiny step at a time Big dreams, quiet wins, and a whole new way of measuring progress—this one’s filled with the kind of wisdom that sticks with you, long after the ride is over. -------------------------------------- Learn more from Mirjam Dunkel and follow her story on social media: 📱www.instagram.com/mirjam_dunkel Or train with Mirjam! https://www.mirjamdunkel.com/   And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/ -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.  For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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• No Stupid Questions - Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Vet, Dr Langlois (Sponsored by YETI)

  This episode is brought to you by YETI. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) might sound ancient—but it’s helping modern horses in ways you might not expect. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. John Langlois, a Florida-based equine veterinarian with over four decades of experience, who now works exclusively with TCVM.  After a long career in conventional veterinary medicine, a powerful experience treating broodmares with acupuncture changed everything—and led him to pursue further training in herbal medicine, Tui-na (Chinese medical massage), and spinal manipulation.  Dr. Langlois breaks down the foundations of TCVM in an accessible, practical way—sharing how this holistic approach can support horses with chronic conditions, behavioural challenges, and hard-to-diagnose issues.  We talk about: What TCVM really is—and how it complements conventional care How Dr. Langlois shifted from traditional practice to holistic treatments The Five Elements and how they can influence your horse’s health and temperament When to consider acupuncture, herbs, or bodywork for your horse Common misconceptions about TCVM—and what the science and real-world results show Whether you're new to the idea of integrative care or already exploring alternative therapies, this episode is packed with expert insight and grounded advice to help you better understand your horse—and support their long-term wellbeing.  To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/   --------------------------------------  If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes. For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.  ---------------------------------------- A thank you to our Sponsor, YETI.  Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it. No shortcuts. No compromise. Just gear that works as hard as you do.  Explore more at yeti.com. 📱 @yeti 📱 facebook.com/YETI

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  1:25:49
• Dear Horse World, It’s Dr. Jill Hechtman: Riding while Pregnant - Myths, Risks & Science-Based Advice

  Content note: This episode discusses pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the emotional challenges of stepping back from riding. Please take care while listening. If you're an equestrian navigating pregnancy, trying to conceive, postpartum, or simply curious about how reproductive health intersects with riding, you're likely facing a storm of mixed messages. Some riders are told to keep going as long as they feel fine, others are urged to stop immediately—and often, those giving advice don’t understand the unique demands of the saddle.  In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jill L. Hechtman, MD, FACOG a board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience caring for women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Hechtman offers her expert medical perspective on the risks of riding while pregnant—including why she advises against it after the first trimester—and encourages women to make informed, personalised decisions in partnership with their healthcare provider.  We also discuss: ✔ The importance of understanding risks and trusting your instincts ✔ Safer ways to stay connected to horses when riding isn’t advised ✔ How to care for your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum ✔ What to know about postpartum depression and open conversations around it ✔ Why tuning out external judgment and listening to your inner voice matters most Whether you're riding, resting, or returning to the saddle, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and emotional support for equestrians making some of the most personal decisions of their lives. -------------------------------------- Learn more from Dr Jill L. Hechtmann and Ringside Health 📱www.instagram.com/ringsidehealth/?locale=it&hl=en 🌎 www.ringsidehealth.com/ And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/ -------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes. For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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• Building Bravery Through Competence - An NF+ Masterclass Exclusive with Boyd Martin

  Olympic eventer Boyd Martin breaks down what bravery in the saddle really means—and it’s not just charging ahead without fear. In this personal masterclass, he unpacks the emotional side of riding, from self-doubt and performance pressure to the inner fire that drives us. Boyd shares how years of preparation, partnership with the horse, and mental clarity helped him navigate high-stakes moments like being the first rider out at the London 2012 Olympics. He explores the two extremes riders often fall into—hesitation and over-aggression—and how to find the calm, confident middle ground that allows both horse and rider to thrive. This bonus episode is full of real-talk about mindset, competition nerves, and the routines that build unshakable confidence in and out of the arena.  Watch the full masterclass here: https://noellefloydplus.com/programs/boyd-martin-build-bravery-through-competence Use the code DHW to get 15% off an annual NF+ membership, which includes 3 masterclasses by Boyd Martin. -------------------------------------  If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe or follow, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow.  Don't forget to follow us over on Instagram for more insights, BTS and more 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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  11:18
• Dear Horse World, It’s David O’Connor: Feel, Fairness, & the Future (sponsored by Connaway and YETI)

  This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. and YETI.  What do an Olympic champion and a barely-started colt have in common? According to David O’Connor—more than you think. In this rare and wide-ranging conversation, recorded live at Road to the Horse, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in equestrian sport to talk about where horsemanship is headed—and what still needs to change. From the power of “feel” to the importance of fairness, David shares hard-earned wisdom on how riders, trainers, and coaches can build better partnerships and a better future for the sport. Whether you're a dedicated eventer, a curious amateur, or someone rethinking what it means to do right by the horse—this episode will challenge and inspire you.  You'll learn: How top riders and colt starters are speaking the same language What true fairness in training looks like from the horse’s perspective How David’s own philosophy has evolved—and why that matters What gives him hope about the next generation of riders This is the kind of conversation that leaves you thinking differently—and riding better.  --------------------------------------  Learn more from David O'Connor and O'Connor Equestrian: 📱https://www.facebook.com/oconnorequestrianteam/  🌎 /www.oconnorequestrian.us/  And you can follow us on instagram too!  Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/  If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships! NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.  ---------------------------------------- A thank you to our Sponsors This episode is brought to you by Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc. 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 to explore options, or get in touch today. 📱 instagram.com/connawayassociates  📱 www.facebook.com/people/Connaway-Associates-Equine-Insurance-Services-Inc/100063556540763/ This episode is brought to you by YETI. Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it. No shortcuts. No compromise. Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com. 📱 @yeti 📱 facebook.com/YETI

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