equestrian community

On Anti-Bullying Week (13-17^th November 2023) we chat to Mental Health Coach and Riders Minds Consultant, Sylvia Bruce about the sensitive topic that is bullying.

Most equestrians have experienced or witnessed bullying within the industry, but it is not something that people like to talk about and still makes people feel uncomfortable.
But what exactly is bullying, and what is it not?

Bullying has a huge impact on mental health and well-being and in this episode Sylvia shares an insight into understanding how bullying is characterised, what to do if you are being bullied, what to do if you see someone being bullied and where to go for additional support.  

If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

For more resources on bullying head over to the following webistes:

https://ridersminds.org 

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week-2023-make-noise-about-bullying 

#listenwithequiteam 

When our recent Equiteam blog about the value of time sparked an incredible conversation within our EquiTeam Connected Facebook group, we knew that we needed to continue the conversation and open it up to the wider equestrian community.

Time is, without doubt, our most precious commodity and once it’s gone, it’s gone. In this episode we chat about what we can achieve when we allow ourselves and our horses more time, what we can learn and how time allows us to make memories with friends and family and our horses and how to appreciate what’s important in life.

Scroll less, say no more often, make memories and remember that work can (sometimes) wait!

Do you find riding in open spaces at speed a bit nerve racking? Or maybe you just want to learn to gallop your horse properly?

You are most definitely not alone. After a post in our Facebook group EquiTeam Connected raised this issue, Liz and Lou sat down to discuss how to safely, and confidently ride at speed. This episode covers everything from choosing the right time, place and people to go with, how your position is super important for you and your horse, how to choose the best ground and cope with variations in terrain and how to manage those nerves and safely build your confidence.  

You can find out how to join Equiteam and access our member videos on cantering in an open space and the two point position here

Have you lost a bit of motivation? It happens to us all!

In this week’s episode EquiTeamers Liz Daniels and Lou Gillings chat about Liz’s recent trip to the Isle of Islay and the amazing equestrian community who reminded Liz of some very important life lessons.
And the pair wrap up by talking about a recent crazy challenge that required a huge amount of mental resilience and reminded Liz just how much we are capable of even when we don’t think are.

Welcome to "Owen's Equestrian Journey," the YouTube podcast that takes you on an exciting adventure into the world of horses through the eyes of a spirited 13-year-old boy! Meet Owen, a typical, cheeky, and popular young lad who enjoys playing football and occasionally finds himself getting into a bit of trouble. But there's one thing that sets Owen apart from the crowd – his absolute adoration for horses.

Despite fitting into the stereotypical boy mold, Owen has discovered a deep passion for these majestic creatures that brings out the best in him. Horses have a transformative effect on Owen, making him behave exceptionally well and inspiring him to go the extra mile. He is determined to follow his dreams and become a professional show jumper, defying expectations and breaking stereotypes along the way.

In each episode of "Owen's Equestrian Journey," join us as we delve into Owen's world of horses. From heartwarming stories of his interactions with these magnificent animals to thrilling tales of his adventures in the equestrian realm, Owen will take you on a ride you won't forget. Expect to hear about his training sessions, challenges he faces, and the joy he experiences when soaring over jumps with grace and precision.

But it's not just about horses for Owen. Through his podcast, he aims to inspire other youngsters who may feel a similar connection with these incredible animals. Owen believes that horses have the power to bring out the best in everyone, and he wants to share his journey, lessons learned, and the incredible bonds formed with his four-legged friends.

So, saddle up and join Owen on his equestrian journey as he shares laughter, lessons, and the sheer thrill of pursuing his dreams. Whether you're a fellow horse lover or simply curious about the magical bond between humans and horses, "Owen's Equestrian Journey" promises an entertaining and insightful podcast that will leave you inspired and cheering for this determined young show jumper.

Welcome to our podcast featuring special guest Frankie Penford, the founder of FJP Equine Service. In this episode, we have an engaging conversation with Frankie about his remarkable success at the renowned Hickstead, his experiences as a man in the equestrian industry, navigating the challenges of bullying, and his transition from being a former jockey to establishing a thriving career as a show jumper. Join us as we delve into Frankie's journey, exploring his triumphs, struggles, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Get ready for an inspiring and enlightening discussion on overcoming obstacles, forging a path in the equestrian world, and making a name for oneself in the highly competitive show jumping arena.

Support us here - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2178384/supporters/new

Sometimes the struggle is real! Life, work, family, horses….

This week Liz and Lou have been let loose to chat about all the juggling horse owners have to do to fit everything into an already busy life. Self-pressure, other people’s expectations and comparison can all leave us feeling like we are failing especially when you believe that you should be superwoman and able to achieve way more!

Liz & Lou chat about acceptance, taking the pressure off, how buying yourself some time might be the way forwards and share some tips and tools to help you feel more organised, and manage the time that you do have more effectively.

Enjoy…

www.equiteam.co.uk 

In this week’s episode the two Lizs are chatting about how to finish XC like a Pro.

We cover everything from your prep before you get on to go to the start, how to pull up safely to minimise injury, how to know if your horse has recovered well and we also dispel some myths around washing off properly.

Cool boots verses ice, how much water should they be allowed to drink, and how to look after their legs are all covered in this episode.

Our take home message is simple… the welfare and care of your horse after XC should always come first.

If you want to learn more about how to look after your horse like the pros then this is a must listen episode!

In this episode EquiTeam’s Liz and Lou chat about dealing with setbacks, why it’s important to allow yourself time to process, acknowledge and take control of the situation, how to learn from mistakes, and why sometimes setbacks can help you to develop skills and move forwards.

As they reflect on and share some experiences, the duo chat about having tantrums, hiding the biscuits and Lou turns the tables as Liz answers the quick-fire questions.  

EquiTeam’s Liz and Lou chat about the importance of riding your own race and not comparing yourself to others.

Following on from her well-received and timely EquiTeam blog, Lou delves deeper into being proud of your journey, not judging your progress on others around you, why smiling is infectious, and why you should be proud to sparkle!

From lightbulb moments  to dinner with Ryan Renolds, we challenge you not to take something away from this insightful, yet humourous podcast which is a great reminder to ride your own race.

Read our blog here https://bit.ly/3VvI9m4 

This week Liz, Lou and Liz S are back together for a special EquiTeam catch up. As well as all of the educational and fun content we have enjoyed producing for our EquiTeam members, our Facebook group EquiTeam Connected has been busier than ever with posts and questions about Atypical Myopathy, how to get started with British Dressage, confidence blips, HRT, and loads of encouragement and support when needed.

Have a listen to find out more about our exciting Christmas advert competition and how you can be in with a chance to win some incredible prizes. Our new recommend a friend scheme has also just launched and every time you recommend us to a friend and they sign up, we're giving away one of our awesome EquiTeam bobble hats or hat silks.

Find out how to join our supportive, kind and fun group, and experience a bit of the EquiTeam magic for yourself …here

Being part of the equestrian world is tough enough without people thinking it is ok to be nasty about a fellow rider or coach. In this episode the team from EquiTeam share their own experiences of negativity and nastiness and the impact it had on them. 

They ask the question, when does a negative comment actaully tip over into bullying and share some resources including Mind and Riders Minds which are there to help and support riders if you or someone you know are struggling.

Being kind, supportive and calling out those negative nancies is the only way we are going to make an impact and at EquiTeam we are already seeing the power that being positive and supportive can have in our online community.

So in a world where you can be anything be kind, or be quiet, and if you want to be part of our kind, supportive equestrian community you can find out more here https://bit.ly/3n0eXmR 

Insta verses reality, keyboard warriers, authenticity and finding your community

If you are an equestrian trying to navigate your way through the world of social media then this episode is for you. Rhea Freeman joins our own Liz Daniels to share their experience and words of wisdom when it comes to the ups and downs of social media. With many years of experience in marketing, PR and social media there’s not much these two ladies don’t know about this topic.

From how to mute someone, or how to full on block those nasty keyboard warriers Liz and Rhea discuss the importance of controlling the controllables and being aware that what we see on social media every day is just a snapshot in time and not the reality of every day life.

The reality of life with horses is that it goes wrong more often than it goes right and we all need to be better at sharing the good and the bad. Authenticity builds trust and where we have trust we can connect with other likeminded horse lovers and find our own safe community to laugh, support, commiserate and have fun.

If you would like to join EquiTeam’s own community you can find out more here

Rhea can be found at www.rheafreemanpr.co.uk or in her own awesome Facebook community, Small & Supercharged which provides inspiration and support for small businesses, influencers and bloggers in the country and equestrian space  https://www.facebook.com/groups/small.and.supercharged/