equiteam membership

It’s November and yes we are talking about Christmas, or more specifically EquiTeam’s Christmas Advent Calendar, which this year is back, bigger and better than ever!

Liz, Lou and Liz get together to share some of their exciting plans for this year’s calendar which already has over £1200 of amazing prizes to be won plus content, top tips and fun from some of our top professionals.

Running throughout December all you have to do to take part and be in with a chance of winning our epic prizes is to sign up to our EquiTeam membership. It’s £15 for the month and as well as our advent calendar everyone will have full access to all of our member benefits. What’s even better is if you sign up in November you get up to an extra two weeks completely free, with your membership running through from when you sign up to the end of December.

Just head over to www.equiteam.co.uk to come and get in the Christmas spirit and join in the Equiteam fun

Join EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels and Liz Somerville as they discuss a current topic that has seen a bit of debate on social media – is it time to stop talking about rugging?

From over-rugging, not rugging for welfare purposes to rugging for practical reasons – Liz and Liz share their own thoughts, as well as some research from Dr Marlin, on this hot topic – no pun intended.

While Liz S holds her hands up when it comes to adding an extra rug, Liz D admits to being ‘nesh’ and has to try hard not to think her horses feel the cold like she does!

Topics include:

• when to rug
• when not to rug 
• how over rugging is contributing to the obesity crisis we have in the UK horse population 
• practical tips on rugging
• why horse's don't feel the cold like we do 

Find out how to join EquiTeam here

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There has been so much going on in EquiTeam over the last few months that Liz Daniels and Louise Gillings thought that a catch up podcast was in order!

The duo discuss all things EquiTeam including some highlights from the EquiTeam Connected group, as well as chatting about some of the content including the value of time blog, the Alan Davies Grooming and Turnout Series, as well as the new lunging series.

And we can’t mention the content without chatting about superb workouts and plans from Lauren from Equestrian Fitness Scotland which is included weekly in the EquiTeam Connected membership.

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.

Equiteam member Gillian Birrell chats about the ups and downs of her journey with her horse Ziggy and why she thinks it is important to share that it’s not always full of smiles and achievements.

Returning to riding after a big break, Gillian found herself teamed with a horse who has tested her resilience and confidence on multiple occasions. After 10 falls in almost as many months, Gillian knew it was decision time – did she try and learn to work as a team – or was it time to part company for good?

Gillian shares what tools she has found, and why asking for help and surrounding yourself with positive support has been the is the most valuable part of her journey.

A real honest account of an on-going journey, with a twist of Oompa Loompa and a splash of Johnny Depp.

Read Gillian's blog here:https://www.equiteam.co.uk/its-not-always-been-smiles-and-achievements/ 

What happens when you reach and achieve a goal, but yet you are left feeling a little disappointed?

EquiTeam’s Lou Gillings shares how she achieved her goal and yet the achievement was tarred by the feeling of disappointment knowing that she could have done better, or worked harder.

This is a situation that many equestrians can relate to – yet when looking at the bigger picture and drilling down into details we often find that the goal posts have been moved! In this honest podcast Liz and Lou discuss the next plans, the take-home messages, and why it’s okay to be proud of yourself.

#listenwithequiteam 

In this week’s episode, Liz Daniels chats to Advanced Practice Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Kate Leishman about all things pelvic floor.

With 1 in 2 women experiencing bladder problems, often going many years before seeking advice, Kate explains what a pelvic health physiotherapist is and why problems are more common than many people realise.

Bladder weakness often leaves people feeling embarrassed, but Kate reassures us that people do not need to suffer in silence as there is lots that can be done.

Kate even shares some easy to follow exercises that can help improve your pelvic floor muscles with a message to ‘clench it or drench it’.

Find out more about EquiTeam 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!

EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels chats to Louise Buckner, founder of Island Riding Centre on the Isle of Wight, about giving back to the community, diversification, sustainability and why she believes in teaching kids and adults more than just to ride horses.

Having purchased a derelict farm with her husband just six years ago, it was a toss up between converting it to either a riding centre or a golf course… luckily for the people of the island the horses won!

Louise and her team have built an incredible portfolio of services, making the most and creating opportunities for the whole island and beyond to enjoy.

A fascinating listen from an inspirational equestrian figure who really is making a huge difference to the lives of many by creating a hub of the community with horses at the core.

Find out more about Louise and Island Riding here https://bit.ly/3BPoEeY or follow them on social media 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/islandridingcentre 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/islandridingcentre/ 

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.  

When the world’s most famous super groom agrees to come to Scotland to coach for EquiTeam Confidence Camps and film some grooming and turnout videos for our EquiTeam members, we knew we were in for a fun few days.

What we didn’t realise was just what an absolute privilege it would be to spend time with the man who has travelled the world looking after, amongst others, Valegro, Utophia and Gio and who has been part of numerous Olympic, World and European medal winning teams.

In this episode we reflect on our time with Alan, what we learnt, what we still want to ask him, and just how kind and generous he was with his time, knowledge and experience. It is fantastic to see how his hard work, dedication and support from Carl and Charlotte have given him a platform to promote the role the super grooms play in keeping our horses fit, healthy and at the top of their game.

If you want to access Alan’s grooming and turnout series and learn how to groom, plait and polish like Alan then you can join EquiTeam here

EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels chats to Jane Brindley from Horse Riding with Confidence Scotland to chat about negative self talk and the effects it has.

From what it is, to why it’s emotionally draining and the effects on others, Jane delves deeper to give a thorough understanding of this important topic, and shares some practical tips and management tools for managing negative self talk.

Jane is a confidence and mindset coach who has been working with horse riders, at all levels, since 2004 when she set up her business Horse Riding with Confidence Scotland. She uses hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP and performance coaching to help riders overcome anxiety, grow in self belief and resilience and develop a strong mindset for performance.

Contact Jane:  https://www.horseridingwithconfidencescotland.co.uk/

Topics:

Anxiety

Negativity 

Growth mindset vs fixed mindset

Self-belief 

Limiting beliefs 

Positivity 

From Ryan Renolds to skiing holidays, this week EquiTeam’s Liz Daniels chats to Maeve Sheridan, founder and the mastermind behind the Internationally selling Activate Your Seat programme.

With over 20 years of experience as a Chartered Physiotherapist Meave specialises in the assessment and treatment of horses and riders.

Her years in clinic, coupled with a passion for science, led her to founding Activate Your Seat - a physiotherapy designed and led online exercise programme specifically for horse riders using a bungy.

Maeve shares how treatments have progressed in recent years, why she loves helping others and what motivates her.

Filled with a sense of humour, this is a must-listen episode to find out more Activate Your Seat and the wonderful woman behind it.

Maeve's website - https://animalphysioplus.com/activate-your-seat 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/maeve.animalphysioplus

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/activateyourseat

EquiTeam's guest for this week is the lovely Sarah Oakden, one half of Team
Oakden, a popular livery and training centre in Fife, which she runs
alongside her husband James.

With a history steeped in showing, Sarah shares her journey from the show
ring to finding success in the white boards of dressage as we find out what
really makes her 'tick'.

With a clear passion for coaching and helping others, Sarah touches on her
teaching which ranges from pupils at Pony Club, to coaching riders for Team
GB.

In an interview that aims to scrape beneath the surface, we discover why
Sarah feels she needs to muck out every day before riding, where you are
most likely to find her at Badminton, and uncover what really keeps her
motivated.

An inspiring listen for equestrians of all levels.

Find Team Oakden on Facebook here

EquiTeam founders, Liz, Lou and Liz reflect on 12 months of EquiTeam, sharing what they have learned along the way, what they would do differently, and how they would like to celebrate their first birthday!

From providing a safe community, to sharing some amazing feedback and comments, the trio proudly looks back on a very busy 12 months.

Of course reflection is welcome when it’s to evaluate progress – but what is in store for EquiTeam in the next 12 months?
The exciting search for two scholars is underway, as well as some exciting plans for filming with some very special guests… And EquiTeam share what they are most looking forward to and what new skills they would like to develop.

Happy 1st Birthday EquiTeam and thank YOU for celebrating with us.

Have you got a question about your horse but you’re worried you’re going to sound silly? Not sure where to go for recommendations you can trust? Or maybe you feel that you are the only person feeling nervous or out of your depth? Everyone else seems to have their s**t together…right?

Over the last year our EquiTeam members have blown us away with their enthusiasm to engage, ask questions and support other horse riders in our Facebook Connected group. So much so we wanted to share some of the questions and topics that have come up to encourage everyone to find a safe and supportive equestrian community where no question is considered a silly question. From bridle recommendations, whether to remove cobwebs, finding lost mojos and handling competition nerves this amazing bunch of people come up with the goods every time.

If you haven’t found your own safe and supportive community yet you can check us out at https://bit.ly/3vUrGvm or follow us on social media

Facebook - http://bit.ly/3Gse5R3

Instagram - http://bit.ly/3k5SaYA

The time between Christmas and New Year is a great opportunity to review the past year and start setting some goals for 2023. As the title of this podcast says we have 365 days of opportunities, so dream big, set some goals and get ready to take action.

In this episode the team from EquiTeam chat about how to go about setting some goals, making sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (SMART) and also share some tips to help you achieve your goals. Sharing your goals with others is a brilliant way to keep you motivated and accountable, especially if you have a couple of friends who will encourage and push you when you need some support and being aware about what might get in the way of you achieving your goals is also a great exercise for you to work through.

You can get help with your goal setting by using our EquiTeam Goal Setting download, which is available to all of our EquiTeam members. If you aren’t a member yet but would like to come and join the most supportive and inclusive equestrian community, who will be your biggest cheer leaders, and support and encourage you to achieve your goals, then here’s the link to sign up

As the 2022 Equiteam Confidence Camps have come to a close, camp organisers Liz Daniels and Lou Gillings reflect on the highs, the lows, the memorable parts and share when the 2023 camp dates will be released.

Although not directly connected to the EquiTeam membership, Liz and Lou offer an insight as to the inspiration which came from their residential camps, which ultimately led to the formation of EquiTeam Connected.

From the challenges of rock hard ground and the unprecedented Scottish heat which 2022 will be remembered for, to Lou disclosing that she isn’t always very ‘peopley’, the duo offer a taste of life behind the scenes at camp.