OLIVIA TOWERS PODCAST

We have another training podcast for you and this is one of my favourite topics to discuss.  Lateral work is a vital key to keeping your horse supple, relaxed, and developing strength. People are often nervous to start this as they think it needs to be a big jump up in training but it's very easy to slowly move it into your work.  Enjoy and make sure to share this on social media when you are listening!

In our final episode of the series around improving your horse's paces, we look at the canter.  I chat about how to help your horse improve their canter in the ridden work and hopefully, you can pick up a few useful tips.  Enjoy and make sure to share on social media when you are listening along!   

In our next episode of 'Take the rein with Towers' we talk about the trot. The trot is the easiest pace to 'change' and gets more expression in but of course, with everything, this takes knowledge and patience.    In this podcast, I share the knowledge I have picked up on my journey so it can hopefully help you on yours. Enjoy and don't forget to share when you are listening through social media. Thank you   

In our next episode of 'Take the rein with Towers' we talk all about the walk!    I give you some personal examples of how I have helped my horses with their walk, some exercises, and explanations behind them. Enjoy and please do share this podcast when you are listening to it.     

I've decided to release the training podcasts onto my main channel so everyone can enjoy them and learn from them.  In this episode, I talk you through having your horse 'in front of the leg' which is so fundamental to riding your horse. We talk about what it is, some hurdles we may face when trying to achieve it and useful exercises to try with your horses. I also give a few examples from my personal experiences. Enjoy and thank you for supporting the podcasts. 

In this podcast, I update you on the huge shift in perspective I have had around training and working with horses. I have been challenging the path I was on and seeking a new one.  I hope by sharing this journey I can encourage and help anyone else who faces similar struggles and questions. I don't have the answers yet but I can share the journey.  Let me know what you think through social media, it means a lot. 

In this episode, we chat to Harrison Ashton all about his journey with horses and social media.  He explains how he started his equestrian business of selling horses, the things he has learned from working with horses, and the reason he wanted to start on social media.  Enjoy and make sure to tag us when you are listening 

In our first podcast of 2022, I decided to do a storytime about an amazing life lesson I have been going through.    In the past, I've been all about achieving and doing more but after a few burnouts and struggling to feel like I had a direction I took a step back. I explain how I got to the conclusion in the title and also how much of a positive impact it has had on my relationship with the horses.    Enjoy! 

In this episode of Tackroom Tales with Towers I chat with the charming Jessica Dunn. We talk about how we share similar struggles with obsessing over very small details in our riding, she explains how she can also be very hard on herself and how she overcomes this, making one very scary but incredible choice to move to Germany to ride and how it shaped her as a rider and much more!  Enjoy and as always if you are listening to this on Apple Podcast please do leave a review. Thank you   

In this episode, we talk about a topic that has been a personal struggle for me but also been an incredible learning curve and recently bought so much joy and improvement to my riding.    We talk through why I struggled to have my mum coaching me for so many years and then how I overcame this and now have a thriving working relationship with her. As always I would love to know what you think so please share this podcast and review it at apple podcasts. 

As I gear up to start recording season 4 of the podcasts I wanted to do a little update for you guys on some of the lessons I have been learning in the past 6 months.  In life, we are forever evolving, changing, and growing and one area I have noticed a big difference in my outlook on my time and energy. Going from a very hectic schedule to a more balanced one.  Make sure to share with me on social media when you are listening and how you have found it. 

In this episode, we chat with the wonderful Maeve Sheridan MCSP all about rider's positions. Maeve is a specialist Physiotherapist for horse riders and runs online exercise programmes with a resistance Bungi to improve riders performance.  This topic is one which I am fascinated with as I am always looking to improve myself for my horses.  Maeve has so much knowledge and advice on helping riders and I have been doing her pre-riding warm-up for a while now and really feel a difference.  Enjoy! 

In this episode, we chat with the amazing Lara Butler who is an International Grand Prix dressage rider, was reserve for the 2016 Rio Olympics, Europeans 2017 and World Equestrian games 2018. We chatted about loads of topics from competing to becoming a new mum and juggling this alongside being a professional rider. Enjoy! 

In this episode, I teamed up with Petplan Equine and chatted with their wonderful ambassador Amy Tilston.  We spoke about the move from unaffiliated shows to affiliated and how she found it. We talk about the worries of moving up levels and events and how she overcome these. This podcast will be so encouraging for anyone seeking the confidence to get out and compete.  Enjoy!  https://www.petplanequine.co.uk/

In this episode,  I bring you a nugget of wisdom from our latest exclusive podcast "Take the rein with Towers" all around ways to improve your horse's walk.  To get your hands on the full version follow the link below. *Please note you need to create an account before entering your email and payment otherwise you will get an 'invalid email' message pop up* https://patron.podbean.com/Oliviatowers

In this episode, we chat to the lovely Henry Boswell all about his journey in the equestrian world.  We talk about the hurdles he has had to overcome around the pressures of being selling horses and his choice to step away from that area. We also talk about the shock from coming out of young riders into the senior world of dressage. So much packed into this one!  Enjoy 

In this episode, I chat with my wonderful friend and up-and-coming professional Dressage rider Robbie Mcneill.  We talk about his choice to move from Northern Ireland to pursue his dream of riding full time. He walks us through his time at Talland, backing horses in Germany for one of the most well-known yards there and becoming a head rider on the yard he is currently at. He explains his excitement at his first international and so much more.  Enjoy and let us know what you think of this one by sharing it on social media. 

In this lucky dip episode, we are joined by my dear friend and psychotherapist Ali Bennett who has come to give us all some wisdom on Self-talk. We chat about what it is, why we can be so nasty to our selves and ways to soothe it.  We also look at 'what if' scenarios and how to stop your mind from running away with you.   Enjoy! 

In this episode of Talk it out with Towers & Lyle, we have 3 amazing stories. First up is advice when entering the equestrian industry as a working pupil/groom. We share some of the biggest mishaps we had working on the yard in our younger years!  We then lead into a big one talking all about buying horses from auctions and worrying if it was a mistake or not. Abi and I both have very different experiences from Auctions so we cover lots of ground.  We finish up chatting about a vetting and discussing 'how important are clean X-rays?'  Enjoy and let us know what you think as always. If you would like to feature on the podcast send your story to info@oliviatowersdressage.com 

In this episode,  I bring you a nugget of wisdom from our latest exclusive podcast "Take the rein with Towers" all around how to get your horse onto the bit and then into an outline. This is about how to go from having your horse connected to moulding that connection into a Dressage outline. In the full version, I explain the difference to "on the bit" and having a horse in an outline. Also exercises to achieve this and tips to help you.   To get your hands on the full version follow the link below. *Please note you need to create an account before entering your email and payment otherwise you will get an 'invalid email' message pop up* https://patron.podbean.com/Oliviatowers

In this episode, we chat with the Legend Garth Hughes all around his career as a professional Dressage rider. We talk about his experience of younger people coming into the industry and how at the age of 30 he hadn't competed at advanced level. We also talk over training horses and he gives so great insight.  Enjoy! 

In this episode, we are joined by our first show jumper on the podcast, the amazing Olli Fletcher. At just 18 years old Olli has already racked up an impressive medal collection competing for Great Britain.  We chat about many different things, from competing to training his horses and much more. Enjoy! 

In today's episode of Talk it out with Towers & Lyle we dive into 3 incredible stories sent in by you guys!  First up we get a question about starting competing and making friends in the equestrian world so we talk about our younger years of making friends and the different options you have.  We then lead into a big topic around someone who lost the ride of some horses and then also lost her job, this, in turn, knocked her confidence as a rider. We talk about how to move forward after situations like this and regain confidence in yourself.  We finish with a story from a lovely lady whose horse has started nipping (biting) and how we handle these situations with our own horses.  Enjoy! 

In this episode, I give you a little nugget of wisdom from our exclusive podcast "Tack the rein with Towers" in which we chatted about improving your contact. In this snippet, I explain the feeling of a good contact. How to be consistent but also supple.  In the full episode, we talk over some common issues like what to do if your horse is too strong or too light in rein and also how to get your horse more even in both reins.  To get your hands on all the episodes of "Take the reins with Towers" follow the link below *Please note you need to create an account before entering your email and payment details otherwise you'll get an 'invalid email' message.*  https://patron.podbean.com/Oliviatowers    

In this episode, we have our first groom on the podcast and we are kicking things off with a bang! I am joined by the legend Alan Davies who is the competition groom for Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin. He cares for some of the top horses in the world and is a vital component of their success. Alan is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to looking after horses and is so passionate about them. He is also a wonderful human being.  You are going to love this one! Enjoy 

In this episode, we are joined by the amazing Megan Elphick aka Elphick Event ponies. We had so much fun recording this podcast for you and it was great to hear Megan's story in full.  We chatted about her journey with the horses, going travelling, some tough competition moments and how she over came them and also how she has built a business around her social media platforms.  Enjoy and make sure to share when you are listening over social media. 

In this episode, I am joined by the wonderful Miri Hackett to chat about a really important topic. We firstly talk about how we tell if a horse is in pain or being cheeky, followed by if you were to suspect pain where would you start looking, then our views on 'are all horses ok to be ridden'. We then talk all about ulcers in horses and our experience with them, leading into how to deal with pain memory.  Enjoy! 

In this little teaser for this month's episode of Take the reins with Towers, I give you a tip about when to start introducing lateral work into your horse's training.  In the exclusive episode, we talk about how to introduce lateral work when schooling your horse. I explain what it is and when to start it, how to start it, and the benefits of it. I also cover some common issues people face when starting. So much knowledge packed into this one. I really hope you enjoy it and find it helpful.  If you would like to gain access to the exclusive podcast please follow the link below  https://patron.podbean.com/Oliviatowers

In this episode, I got to chat with the legend that is Anna Ross. We spoke about lots of different topics from her passion for encouraging the young professionals within the sport to her grit and determination to make it as a rider throughout her career. We also spoke about the pressures social media is bringing to riders and how to combat that. We finished by chatting about her journey to owning her very own yard and how that came about. Enjoy 

In this lucky dip episode of the podcast, Theo and I talk about a very sensitive topic. We chat about sex, specifically why we don't believe in sex before marriage. Our aim with this podcast is not to point the finger at anyone and judge them but merely educate people there is a different way than the one our culture teaches us. I share some really personal stories and so does Theo.  This may seem strange and even anger people but if you listen with an open mind we will walk you through why. Also even though our faith is the reason we came to see this it can still be very beneficial for everyone. Enjoy

In our second episode of "Talk it out with Towers & Lyle" we have 3 incredible stories to discuss. The first one is all about using draw reins, the second one is about moving your horse home from a wonderful livery yard. The last story we discuss had so many components to it that we really took our time talking through each one, from vets to breeding and dealing with emotions whilst having to make hard choices.  We finished with sharing an inspiring story that was written to Abi and it got a bit emotional at the end. Enjoy and if you would like your story to appear on the podcast just email it to - info@oliviatowersdressage.com

In this teaser for 'Take the reins with Towers' I give you a tip for deciding what do to in your schooling session with your horse.  In the exclusive episode, I talk you through how to create a work routine for yourself and your horse/pony. We firstly talk about the benefits of this to give you some motivation and I then chat you through how to create a weekly plan and also a plan for each time you school your horse. We finish by talking about how to handle a 'tough session' in the arena to turn it into a positive.  To gain access to all the exclusive podcasts please follow the link below  https://patron.podbean.com/Oliviatowers  

In this episode, we have our first Event rider on Tackroom Tales with Towers. Jo's story is one filled with overcoming adversity to chase her dream. After breaking her back in a riding accident when she was just 17 she didn't let this hold her back and pursued her goal of being able to do horses full time. Enjoy! 

In this lucky dip podcast, we are joined by my amazing Best friend Lucy to talk about all things 'friendship. We cover how we met, past friendships, overcoming hurdles together, and signs of a healthy friendship. Lots of laughter in this one too. Enjoy 

Our first episode of Talk it out with Towers & Lyle! Where you send in your stories and we give advice and encouragement to support you. We cover 3 stories from Abi, Jess, and Beccy which I think everyone will relate to and find some useful advice as we discuss. If you would like to be featured on the next episode send your story to - info@oliviatowersdressage.com 

In our first episode of "Take the reins with Towers" we talk all about getting your horse in front of the leg. This is a fundamental factor in training horses. This is just a snippet of the exclusive podcast which is available to my Patrons. To become a Patron follow the link below -  Be a Patron on Podbean

In our first episode of 2021, I chat with the inspiring Rob Lawrence Jacobs. Rob’s passion, love, and experience with horses have become the foundation in which to educate, uplift, and inspire other equestrians. He is doing incredible things to support and help others experience the joys of riding and working with horses.  If you're listening to this on Apple podcasts I would love for you to rate and review the podcast. Enjoy! 

In the final episode of 2020, I finish with an interview with one of my close mentors Theo Thompson. We chat about our journey together and how he has seen me evolve over the years. You get a look into how I have changed over the past four years and we talk in-depth about some personal topics. If you are listening to this on apple podcasts I would really appreciate it for you to rate and review this podcast. 

In this episode, we chat to the amazing Josh Hill who is a Dressage rider making his mark by supporting riders to break the mould of a 'typical dressage rider'. We talk about how Josh found his earlier years of competing in the Dressage world and how he struggled to find his identity within the sport. We also speak in length about how we feel the dressage world needs to become more accessible for people to keep the sport growing and thriving. There is loads packed into this one so enjoy. 

In this episode, we chat to the inspirational Reece Mccook who is the founder of the campaign ride out racism. After facing a personal experience of racism on a yard he worked at he decided he wanted to make a change in the equestrian world. So much wisdom and education from this young man. Enjoy. 

In this episode, I chatted with the lovely Robyn Smith who is a Scottish international dressage rider. We spoke about her childhood and an incident that changed her life quite early on. We then follow her riding career all the way through with its many highs and lows. Such an honest and heartwarming interview. Enjoy 

In this episode, I chatted with the lovely Robyn Smith who is a Scottish international dressage rider. We spoke about her childhood and an incident that changed her life quite early on. We then follow her riding career all the way through with its many highs and lows. Such an honest and heartwarming interview. Enjoy 

In this episode, I chat with you about my journey with feeling socially anxious last year. Not many people realise this about me as I have a very bubbly, confident exterior but it's something I've handled most of my life. I chat about a tough spell I had last year and how I moved forwards from it. Enjoy 

In this podcast, I talk about my journey over the last year with surrendering my relationship status and learning to be happy where I am. I really excited to bring the 'storytime' back to the podcasts as I know lots of you find them encouraging and enjoyable. 

In this episode, I chatted with the legend that is Dane Rawlins. Dane is an international Grand Prix dressage rider and also ran the famous show Hickstead Dressage for 27 years. He gave so much insight and wisdom in this podcast all around how he thinks we can make the sport sustainable and better. Truly inspiring! Enjoy

In this episode, we chat with Lewis Carrier who is a 23-year-old international Grand Prix Dressage rider. Lewis recently competed in the 2020 under 25 Europeans so we discuss lots of aspects to this. We also chat about how he got into horses and his time working for some incredible professional riders.  We finish off by talking about the Dressage community in the UK and how we would like to see it become more accessible for people. Enjoy! 

In this episode, we talk to Verena aka Girl about the Yard. We go into how she got into horses and then into a few controversial topics which we approach openly and honestly. We talk about how important it is to agree to disagree sometimes and much more. Enjoy! 

In this episode, we chat with the legend, Roland Tong who is an international Grand Prix rider who was shortlisted for Rio Olympics. We spoke about his journey into the equestrian world and all about his career. We also dive into talking about a tough time where he had to sell his top horse to fund buying a yard and how hard it was losing his best friend and dancing partner. So much wisdom packed into this one. Enjoy! 

In this episode, we welcome Abi Lyle back to the podcast to talk in-depth about finding a healthy relationship between exercise and food. This is a must-listen as there are countless pearls of wisdom with 10 amazing tips at the end. We talk about body image, how our weight does not determine our happiness, and finding a way to be healthy both mentally and physically. Enjoy and please do share! 

In this episode, we chat with the wonderful Sue Carson. Sue is a dressage rider, judge, and also owns Sue Carson Saddles. We talk about how she got into horses and becoming a judge. We then go into how she started up her saddle company and cover lots of common questions around saddles. A really interesting interview. Enjoy! 

In this episode, we chat with Georgia Plimbley who is a professional Trick rider and amazing horsewoman. She is the co-director of Theatrick horse productions who perform in live shows and also train up and coming trick riders. We chat about how he got into the trick rider, the mental side, and how you overcome mental blocks, and much more. Enjoy!