Let’s Talk Horses: The Ultimate Riding Education Podcast

In this episode I talk through a question someone asked me the other day, and why slowing things down is so important. This is a follow on from the last episode so go take a listen to that first.

In this episode I expand on conversations I have been having with my riders and academy members about taking time.

Link to my Academy:

https://www.alignedequitation.com/thealignedrideracademy

A few extra links to research here are:

Podcast on Joy vs Pressure in sport:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cK0BhwioT23mJtTK5OTau?si=2GNAGkYoSSmjQ8Od66rzgw

An interesting YouTube video regarding time went Anya Beren

https://youtu.be/uzK6LubLT8I?si=FaVre-iUqqW6_vrn

A conversation I have been having recently that I wanted to share with you.

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In this episode I cover some key times in your life when your riding position is affected, and what we need to think about to avoid this.

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In this episode we just take a moment to think about what we do it all for, how do we define success with our own horse and how does that then shape how we spend our time with them.

A calm relaxing episode on this January day

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In this episode I look at what your outside aids actually do and how to use them.

In this episode I talk about how and why conscious movement in the form of Equistretch (Yoga for riders) helps your riding on many different levels.

It's a conversation I have regularly with clients as to why they improve so much in a short space of time and why its so important if you want to get the most from your time on the horse.

Link to subscribe to my mailing list and get your FREE bundle of classes https://www.alignedequitation.com/freebundle

Rider Biomechanics Q&A — Stable Legs, Better Position & Progress Off the Horse

Struggling with a swinging lower leg? Want one simple change that improves your whole position? In this Q&A episode, we cover lower leg stability, the top three foundations every rider needs, and how to keep improving even when you can’t ride. Clear, practical, rider-focused answers to help you ride better from the inside out.

In this final episode of my mini menopause series I take a deep dive into what it's like to struggle with confidence due to the menopause and why this is.

I give you some helpful things to think about and action so that this doesn't become the end of your journey with horses., as well as help you to not feel so alone.

In this episode, we tackle three of the most frustrating and misunderstood menopause symptoms - fatigue, sleeplessness, and brain fog - and explore how they uniquely impact horse riders.

We’ll unpack why these symptoms happen, how they affect your balance, reaction times, confidence, emotional regulation, and even your connection with your horse. From the mornings when you wake up exhausted before you even step into the yard, to the days when your brain feels like cotton wool and simple tasks feel overwhelming - these experiences are real, valid, and more common than you think.

You’ll hear practical strategies to manage low energy, support your nervous system, improve sleep quality, and stay safe and confident in the saddle even when your mind and body aren’t cooperating. We’ll also explore how to adapt your riding and horsemanship on tough days, without guilt and without losing progress.

This episode is a must-listen for any rider navigating the mental and physical fog of menopause. You’re not alone - and with the right tools, you can ride through it with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful role exercise plays for riders navigating peri-menopause and menopause. From unpredictable energy levels to changing hormones, joint stiffness, balance shifts, and emotional ups and downs—your body is moving through a transformation that directly affects how you feel in the saddle.

We’ll explore why the right kind of movement matters more than ever, how strength and mobility support your riding position, and why consistent exercise can stabilise mood, improve confidence, and help you feel more connected to your horse. You’ll learn simple, rider-friendly ways to build resilience in your nervous system, protect your joints, and keep your seat secure even when your hormones are trying their hardest to knock you off balance.

Whether you’re returning to riding, staying active through menopause, or simply wanting to feel more comfortable and capable in your body - this episode gives you the tools and reassurance to keep moving forward, literally and emotionally.

Tune in and discover why exercise isn’t just “nice to do” during menopause - it’s one of your most powerful aids in the saddle.

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked reality of perimenopause symptoms and how they show up in the saddle. From changes in balance, confidence dips, brain fog, joint stiffness, disrupted sleep, and shifting emotions - we break down how these physical and hormonal changes can directly affect your riding, your connection with your horse, and your overall wellbeing.

Together, we explore why so many riders feel “not quite themselves” during this stage of life, how the nervous system and hormones intertwine, and why it’s not just in your head when your body suddenly reacts differently. You'll learn practical ways to support yourself, adapt your riding, and regain control, confidence, and comfort both on and off the horse.

This is the honest conversation riders deserve about perimenopause - empowering, compassionate, and full of insight to help you keep riding strong through every season of change.

This is part of my Mini Menopause series aimed at supporting riders through this chapter in life.

A short catch up episode on why I've been away for so long, navigating a big concussion, understanding how the peri-menopause has effected me and my horse riding and how the ponies are getting on.

Link to the academy: https://www.alignedequitation.com/thealignedrideracademy

Link to the meno calculator:

https://zoe.com/menoscale

Link to concussion protocol:

https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/assets/EXTRA_Docs/BEF_concussion_guidance.pdf

Unlocking Your Horse’s Nervous System: The Key to Better Riding and Connection

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the horse’s nervous system and how it influences movement, behavior, and overall well-being. Understanding how your horse processes information, reacts to stimuli, and regulates stress can transform the way you train and ride. We’ll explore how you can work *with* your horse’s nervous system to build trust, improve relaxation, and create a more responsive and confident partner. Tune in to gain insights that will help you connect with your horse on a whole new level!

This is just a short episode to say thank you, a huge milestone passed this weekend and I wanted to jump on and say a massive thank you.

In this episode, we dive into the surprising connection between your nervous system and your riding performance. It’s not just about technique or strength—how your body processes stress, balance, and movement plays a huge role in how you connect with your horse. Learn how tuning into your nervous system can help you ride more confidently, fluidly, and in harmony with your horse. Whether you’re struggling with tension or just looking to enhance your feel, this episode will give you the insights you need to ride your best!

In this episode, we’re diving deeper into the power of breathing as a rider. This is part 2 of our focus on breathing, and we’ll explore how simple adjustments to your breath can make a huge positive impact on your horse. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking episode that will not only get you thinking differently but also give you practical tips to support your horse through better breathing.

Are You Breathing Correctly? Transform Your Riding with Better Breath

Breathing correctly is something I’m incredibly passionate about because it’s one of the most common issues both in everyday life and the horse world. Poor breathing habits can lead to a whole range of problems, from tension to lack of connection with your horse. In this episode, we’re tackling the basics: how to know if you’re breathing correctly and, if not, how to retrain yourself to breathe the right way. Let’s start here and make a real difference in your riding!

I realise I've said this before but I am back, 20925 has so far been a bit brutal, but there is light in my diary and so recordings are coming...

Starting this year with some thoughts on what we need to think about when making plans for our horses.

A short episode with something to think about for the new year

In this episode I address the issue that can be so prevalent in winter, or any season that is an extra challenge with horses, how do we stay motivated?

In this episode I discuss the horses brace, and how this can effect the way your aids are responded to, if you are doing the work yet still feel like you are using more pressure than you'd like, whether it be with the legs, the seat or the reins, have a listen. The answer could be here.

In this episode I discuss a few things we need to consider when riding in spurs, and whether we or our riders should really be choosing to ride in spurs.

I do not advocate riding in spurs, but I know a lot of people do, I used to also and have since learnt and taken time to think about really what is best.

This episode is about explaining what we need to know before making that choice.

A little different but still hugely relevant, in this episode I have a little thought about our responsibility to our horses on how we show up for them. And why they may like us to show up slightly differently.

This is a follow up to last weeks episode about the riders seat, this time addressing the more forward thinking horses and how it is as equally important to think about our own bodies and how our seat functions with these types as it is with the more shut down horses.

In this episode we deep dive into the importance of the riders seat

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I love proprioception, its a long word to say and spell, but its soooo important to riders, in this episode I dive into why its so important and what we need to do about it.

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In this episode I give you little update about our new pony, but also get you thinking about how we use rider alignment and pressure, how we need to be in a state of awareness to be able to use less pressure.

In this episode I delve into the detail of what the riders core is all about, why its needed, and what it actually is

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Just a little catch up this time, let you know what's been happening in life here and why I may have been a tad quiet.

In this episode I talk about how we can make constant positional changes in our riding and why we cannot just try and do it in our weekly lessons.

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Just a dip in the water as we jump back into recording, a little ramble about why school movements are important for helping us improve our own riding whilst supporting our horses journey too.

www.megparkinson.com