In this final episode of Season 1 of the Liberated Equestrian Podcast, I share a very personal update and reflections on the past few months.

After a recent horseback riding fall, I’ve been processing the risks of riding, the reality of healing, and how the CALM framework (Connection, Awareness, Learning, Motivation) continues to guide me through challenges. This pause has given me a new perspective on listening to my body, leaning into God’s timing, and embracing the growth that comes through struggle.

This episode is unscripted—raw, real, and from the heart. My hope is that you’ll find encouragement, belonging, and inspiration to keep moving toward the freedom and confidence you were created for.

☕ Grab a cup of tea and join me in this reflective conversation to close out Season 1.

Helpful Links

Stableminded Counseling

Stableminded Coaching for Equestrians

Liberated Equestrian Membership

Finding Calming Course

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s life really like behind the scenes of a horse rescue—and how does it impact both horses and people?

In this episode of the Liberated Equestrian Podcast, I sit down with Leigha Schrader, horse trainer and business professional at Days End Farm Horse Rescue (DEFHR). Leigha specializes in liberty horsemanship, colt starting, and trick training, while also competing on the hunter/jumper circuit.

Together we explore:

✨ The realities of rescue work—trust, healing, grief, burnout, and resilience

✨ How liberty horsemanship is about connection, not just freedom

✨ The balance of caring for horses while tending to your own mental health

✨ Why presence and compassion are at the heart of horsemanship

Whether you’re an equestrian or simply navigating life’s challenges, this conversation will encourage you to honor your heart, set healthy boundaries, and discover hope through connection.

For show notes and helpful links, head over to the blog at Stableminded.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Sandy Hart-Long, President and owner of FICS, a business that has been advising clients on arena construction, footing, and maintenance for over 20 years. Sandy’s experience ranges from working with backyard enthusiasts to Olympic champions.

We delve into Sandy’s journey into the equestrian world, which started with her love for ponies as a little girl and evolved into her current unique business, primarily consulting and building arena footings. She shares how her father started the company over 30 years ago, initially focusing on fly spray systems before branching into arena services. As a former history major and teacher, Sandy found her true calling in helping equestrians achieve optimal footing, often bridging the communication gap between riders and contractors.

Sandy emphasizes that good footing isn't about being fancy or expensive; it's about being safe and consistent.

This episode, however, isn't simply about discussing the importance of arena footing maintenance because Sandy's work is truly a metaphor for the journey of transformation. Sandy describes the importance of "understanding that every arena is unique, and how a horse's happiness and performance are directly impacted by the quality of their footing" -- this is truly about so much more than material and construction.

Finding your footing, so to speak, echoes my own experiences as a therapist, as I look for foundational issues affecting a client's mindset.

Sandy diagnoses and addresses underlying problems in arenas to ensure a harmonious experience for horse and rider. And in my line of work, whether as a therapist or coach, I'm focused on exploring the underlying problems of the heart, mind, body, and soul that are contributing to a client's presenting symptoms so that we can collaboratively define a strategy for healing and growth. She also shares valuable lessons on navigating client relationships, building conviction in her expertise, and how her newer passion for surfing has provided a metaphor for embracing life’s challenges and uncertainties.

This episode is packed with relatable wisdom for any horsewoman navigating her career and personal journey, with the bonus of discovering how to best support a horse's performance by paying attention to the footing.

Helpful Links

FICS with Sandy Hart-Long

Stableminded Counseling

Stableminded Coaching for Equestrians

Liberated Equestrian Membership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.