Mucking stalls can be very therapeutic. It’s precious time where you can think of life decisions, make up random scenarios in your head, or put your mind on stun and go into autopilot. Who would have thought that picking up horse poop could be so relaxing....
My favourite activity while cleaning the barn is listening to a variety of different podcasts to stimulate my brain, or get lost in the story. Regardless, podcasts are a great tool to learn more about your equine friends, and how to become a better horse person. Here is a list of my favourite horsey podcasts ranging from medical care, to careers in the equestrian world:
1. Straight From The Horse Doctor’s Mouth
I binged every episode after finding out about this podcast. It’s all about tips and tricks about horse health care, maintenance and becoming a great horse owner. It’s hosted by equine veterinarian, Dr. Erica Lacher and her husband Justin Long, who married into her horse loving obsession. They tell you how it is… real and raw. I love the concept of someone new into the horse world interviewing a known professional. They describe veterinary terms in a way that makes sense to the viewer. Whether you’ve been in the equestrian world your entire life, or whether you just boarded the horse crazy train, this podcast is great for everyone and you’ll be chuckling throughout.
If you like the podcast, I highly recommend you check out Justin Long’s book series “Adventures of the Horse Doctor's Husband” that follows their relationship more in depth, and shares stories about tagging along to emergency vet visits. The book is hilarious, even during sad outcomes. It will make you fall in love with their relationship and teach you what NOT to do to prevent a visit from them late at night for your horse.
You’ll also be quoting how you should always have a great relationship with your veterinarian after every podcast/chapter!
2. The Equestrian Podcast
When you think of working in the equestrian world, the main jobs that pop up are trainers, athletes, grooms, vets, etc. However, this podcast opens your eyes to a variety of different careers within the horse industry that you normally wouldn't think about. From talking to professionals launching a new supplement line, to the person organizing all the sponsors for international competitions, it makes you realize that maybe the horse world IS larger than you thought. Who knows, maybe they’ll inspire you to combine your passion with horses with another career at the end of the podcast!
3. Beyond The Saddle
“Beyond The Saddle” podcast also talks about a variety of different careers in the equine industry. It focuses on the guests' past in how they started into the horse world and how they worked their way up to their job. Whether it was combining two passions into one, turning a goal into a dream, or even falling into place in their dream career, it follows the tips and tricks from the professionals in the equestrian world. Everyone has an interesting story to share in how they got to where they are today.
4. Canada Horse Podcast
The “Canada Horse Podcast” is a new podcast based in…. you guessed it… Canada! This makes it very personal for Canadian’s in the horse industry by interviewing professionals in a variety of different disciplines, veterinary care, and discuss a bunch of topics that make you really think and question your role as a horse owner. It’s a very conversational podcast that all horse owners can relate too. Co-host, Nicki Porter is also an equestrian mindset coach, who teaches equestrians how to “grow their mindset to shift them from feeling disconnected, frustrated, and anxious to connected, present, & confident.” Sign me up!
5. Horse Tip Daily
This podcast is all around a great resource for quick horse content on the go. Episodes are pretty much always under 20 minutes, so it’s a great way to introduce yourself to podcasts, if your attention span likes to gallop away on you.
A great place to find more equine related podcasts can be found on the "Horse Radio Network."
