Hi, it's me, Noëlle Floyd. After 12 years of NOËLLE FLOYD productions, I'm returning to my roots – being on the ground, learning from horse people.

I’ll be diving into the heart of horsemanship, connecting with cowboys, historians, Olympians, and everyday riders to challenge conventions and redefine our practices.

Caution: Listening to this episode may change the way you think about horsemanship forever, are you ready?

In the debut episode of Dear Horse World, Noëlle is joined by Josh Nichol, renowned teacher and creator of Relational Horsemanship. Noëlle shares her journey with her rescue Appaloosa, Lady, and how Josh’s guidance helped Lady overcome aggression and resistance—not through control, but by challenging Noëlle’s ability to become vulnerable, receptive, and self-aware.

In this inspiring episode, Noëlle sits down with rising showjumping star Richard Vogel, whose partnership with his horse, United Touch S, captivates crowds the moment they step into the ring. Their presence, determination, and undeniable skill leave the audience in awe, wondering, “How can I create a bond like that with my horse?”

When your horse starts limping or bucking, it’s easy to assume the problem is something visible. But what if it’s hiding deep within—buried in organs, muscle, or fascia?

In this episode, Niki shares how becoming a mom changed her bold approach to life and revealed new layers of resilience. She talks about raising her three boys on their 8,000-acre ranch, where parenting and horsemanship go hand in hand, and how every day is a lesson in patience, compassion, and hard work.

In this episode of No Stupid Questions, equine osteopath Jessica Van Buskirk joins Noëlle for an enlightening look at how osteopathy can transform your approach to horse health. Jessica dives into osteopathy’s unique “whole horse” approach, focused on balancing three main systems: the parietal (musculoskeletal), visceral (organs), and cranial sacral systems.

Inspired by the memory of two loved ones lost to depression, Jodie launched Green, Gold, and Blues to bring attention to mental health in underserved areas. Even when drought forced her to abandon the Australian trail, she didn’t stop. Instead, she took her mission to North America’s Continental Divide Trail, driven by a belief that even the hardest paths can lead somewhere meaningful.

What if your breath and energy hold the key to self-awareness, emotional healing, and a deeper bond with your horse? In this episode, yoga and neuroscience-informed breathwork expert Julia McCabe and relational horsemanship trainer Josh Nichol explore how understanding your inner world transforms your outer relationships—with horses, people, and yourself.

Have you ever wondered where you truly belong in the horse world—or worried that you don’t? In this episode, recorded live from Equine Affaire, Noëlle Floyd and Caroline Culbertson share their journeys of navigating uncertainty, embracing vulnerability, and building communities where riders of all backgrounds can feel at home.

This special bonus episode of Dear Horse World brings you all the energy and insight of a live event! Recorded straight from the buzzing NF+ booth at Equine Affaire in Springfield, Massachusetts, we dive into real-life horse questions from our amazing NF+ members.

The goal? To prove that when it comes to our equine partners, there’s no such thing as a stupid question—only steps toward stronger connections and better understanding.

In this episode of Dear Horse World, we sit down with the legendary horseman, author, and clinician Mark Rashid to explore his groundbreaking approach to horsemanship. Rooted in kindness and inspired by the principles of Aikido, Mark’s work shows riders how to tackle challenges and evolve as partners and people.

Do tension and resistance keep showing up—not just with your horse, but in your relationships too? Here’s the truth: it’s not about training—it’s about connection, and it starts with you.

In this episode, Josh Nichol and Duey Freeman join forces to reveal the secrets to building real, lasting harmony with your horse—and share powerful insights to help you become a more effective and compassionate trainer!

When it comes to training horses—or dogs—it’s easy to focus on surface behaviors: bucking or barking, or bolting or biting. But what if the real story lies deeper—in unmet needs, misunderstood communication, or even the emotions we bring into the equation?

In this episode, we’re joined by Jerri Scherff, a trainer who doesn’t just work with animals—she transforms relationships. Though recently making waves with her hilarious Instagram reels, she’s been known for the last decade for her thoughtful, open-minded approach to dog training. In this episode, Jerri shares the tools and insights that have helped her clients break through frustration and create lasting trust.

Does the thought of goal-setting make you roll your eyes, freeze with anxiety, or shrink in self-doubt? You’re not alone. Maybe you’re stuck in your riding, unsure how to move forward, or wondering if goals even apply to you.

Perhaps the pressure to succeed makes tracking progress feel unbearable, or you’re bracing for self-criticism if you fall short. Here’s the truth: goal-setting isn’t easy. It’s not just a checklist—it’s intentional work that helps you reflect, shift your mindset, and take purposeful action.

Have you ever wondered what your horse is trying to tell you—or if they're trying to tell you anything at all? In this moving episode of No Stupid Questions, host Noelle Floyd sits down with writer, equestrian, and renowned animal communicator, Delaya Diana, to explore the mystical and transformative connection between humans and horses.

In this recorded session, renowned horseman Tik Maynard breaks down the motivational pyramid of horses, a powerful tool to help you better connect with and understand your horse, alongside our NF+ Community Director Kylie, who is also a skilled horsemanship expert and clinical counselor.

Is the U.S. too rigid about riding position? Equitation and show jumping star Nicki Shahinian-Simpson weighs in on finding balance between form and function. With major titles and nearly 35 Grand Prix wins, she knows the pressure of "perfect" position—and why adaptability matters more.

From confidence to body image, Nicki shares how to ride for yourself, not just the judges. If you've ever felt like you don’t fit the mold, this episode will leave you empowered and ready to ride your best.

Ever wondered what your saddle is really saying? In this candid conversation, Noëlle and Jochen Schleese reveal how an ill-fitting saddle can quietly undermine both your horse’s comfort and the trust between you.

With decades of expertise, Jochen shares practical insights and compassionate advice on recognizing subtle signs of poor fit—and how the right adjustments can transform your ride into a true partnership. Tune in for a discussion that proves no question is too small when it comes to caring for your horse.

What if your horse knows you better than you know yourself? Duey Freeman, world-renowned therapist and equine expert, reveals how horses reflect our emotions, highlight our blind spots, and push us toward personal growth—if we’re willing to listen.

Blending psychology, relational horsemanship, and Gestalt therapy, Duey shares how understanding your horse’s feedback can deepen trust, improve communication, and create breakthroughs both in and out of the saddle. If you’ve ever felt like your horse sees something in you that you don’t, this episode will help you finally understand—and transform—what they’re reflecting back.

Show jumping has a safety problem—one that too many riders stay quiet about. Olympic show jumper Harry Charles isn’t one of them. From his own near-career-ending fall to the industry’s resistance to change, he’s pulling back the curtain on what’s really happening and why it needs to change. If you care about the future of the sport, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Horsemanship isn’t about perfecting techniques—it’s about true connection. In this episode, Martin Black shares wisdom from Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt, blending Vaquero traditions with modern insights to break down the barriers between English and Western disciplines. With experience starting 500 colts a year, Martin challenges rigid training methods and redefines feel, timing, and trust—offering a fresh perspective on what’s possible when you put the relationship first.

In part two with Martin Black, we continue exploring the profound influence of Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. Through personal stories and reflections, Martin unpacks their extraordinary ability to understand the horse, their legacy of feel and timing, and how their teachings continue to shape horsemanship today.

On International Women’s Day, Emilie Conter didn’t just compete—she beat the best in the world, claiming her first five-star Grand Prix win at WEF. But this wasn’t just one victory; it was years of hard work, trust in her incredible mare Bella, and the guidance of legendary trainer Helena Stormans.

In this episode, Emilie shares the behind-the-scenes journey of transforming a “slow” young horse into a five-star superstar, the underrated skill top riders rely on, and how mindset can make or break success in the ring. Whether you’re chasing big goals or just love an underdog story, this one’s for you.

You train, you ride, you show up—but if your horse still feels tired, sore, or not quite right, it might be time to rethink your conditioning plan. Laine Ashker, five-star eventer and Grand Prix dressage rider, shares how to build real fitness without overdoing it—and why “just riding more” usually backfires.

From common conditioning mistakes to her go-to trot and canter sets, Lainey breaks down exactly how to build strength, stamina, and soundness—even without perfect facilities. Whether you're prepping for a season or just want your horse to feel better in their body, this episode will help you train smarter and ride with more confidence.