Wendys Whinnies

Dr. Erica Lacher is a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, and the owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. In addition to practicing medicine, she is also an author, blogger, and podcaster, with the mission of making the world a better place for horses. Her podcast, Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth, is popular among horse owners worldwide. She enjoys competing in show jumping with her horses, and spending time outdoors with her husband.

Lynn is the head coach at Horse Wise and founder of LOPE, a charity that helps ex-racehorses and youth learn from each other. Lynn has developed an innovative curriculum for teaching science that uses senior racehorses as teachers. She has partnered with veterinary associations to encourage K-12 students to consider veterinary careers. With her curriculum and herd of racehorse professors, Lynn hopes to bring the world of living science to students across the US – while also creating a pipeline of eager, future vet school candidates.

Veterinarians and research scientists from around the world gathered in Ocala, Florida last week for the 27th Annual Equine Health and Nutrition Conference. Hosted by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), speakers included Dr. Hilary Clayton, Dr. Stephanie Valberg, Dr. Joe Pagan, and other experts in feeding, conditioning, and preparing the equine athlete for competition. Dr. Lydia Gray was in attendance and summarized the key findings from the three days of research presentations in this webinar.

Emma's equine journey, beginning at six, led her from an aspiring jockey to a renowned practitioner in equine and human therapy. Trained at the British Racing School, she worked in prestigious stables globally. Her quest for deeper equine understanding led to Equine Craniosacral Therapy studies with Maureen Rogers and anatomy under Debranne Patillo. Inspired by personal therapy experiences, Emma specialized in Craniosacral Biodynamics, influenced by embryologist Erich Blechschmidt's work. Her dedication took her to Germany's Blechschmidt collection, enriching her foundational knowledge. Today, Emma operates a successful equine practice in Victoria, Australia, and offers her expertise to human clients in Melbourne.

Jec was raised in a horse training family in Vermont, studied dressage throughout Europe, and eventually settled in California. About 15 years ago, she realized that most of the problems riders struggled with stemmed from their horses not using their bodies well. They lacked strength or coordination, they had muscle imbalances, they were stiff, and so on. Meanwhile, horse training had become too specialized and way too complicated. We needed simple, straightforward tools to help horses use their bodies optimally. This prompted her to write her first book in 2005, 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider, which was endorsed by the United States Dressage Federation as critical for every rider to own. Three other books followed, all of which have been translated into foreign languages and are widely trusted around the world for helping horses regain freedom of movement, enjoyment of exercise, and strong bodies. Today, she works with students and their equine partners across the globe through publications, customized fitness plans, online courses, and in-person clinics.

In 1982 Robyn became involved full-time with the Tellington Method that was developed by her sister Linda. She has been the editor of the monthly Newsletter for more than 30 years. Since 1986 she has been teaching Tellington TTouch® Method on a full-time basis in Canada, the US, Europe, South Africa, and Australia and spends about 160 days a year traveling. Robyn has given demonstrations and lectures at various venues including Spruce Meadows; Equitana USA and Germany; Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan; International Humane Society Conference in Vienna and Murdoch University in Perth.

Through her never-ending quest for personal self-improvement and her practice of authentic communication, she has become a powerful voice that helps guide riders to better partnerships and results in harmony. Even after all the decades of being a professional trainer, instructor, and competitor at the Grand Prix level, she still wakes up every day feeling like a little girl in love with horses… And you can too.

Continuing conversations with Laura and Sharon Wilsie!

Martina Neirdhart, DVM has a practice for veterinary manual therapy offering veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, myofascial work, taping, leech therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Martina will discuss Kissing Spines and how other conditions may also affect horses' backs.

If you've been wondering how Feldenkrais can improve your riding, here's your chance to experience it for yourself! Ride with greater ease, more freedom, and joy. Join me for this eye-opening webinar!

Sharon White, a Feldenkrais student of Wendy's will discuss her recent trip to Santiago, Chile for the Pan American Games! Sharon White is an international CCI5* three-day eventing rider, trainer, and Level 4 USEA ICP Certified Instructor based at Last Frontier Farm in Summit Point, West Virginia. With over 25 years of experience as a professional equestrian, Sharon is a well-respected and dedicated horsewoman who always seeks to do her best by the horses first.

Dr. Ward returns to continue the discussion on the equine veterinarian shortage and what horse owners can do to prepare.

Jec was raised in a horse training family in Vermont, studied dressage throughout Europe, and eventually settled in California. About 15 years ago, she realized that most of the problems riders struggled with stemmed from their horses not using their bodies well. They lacked strength or coordination, they had muscle imbalances, they were stiff, and so on. Meanwhile, horse training had become too specialized and way too complicated. We needed simple, straightforward tools to help horses use their bodies optimally. This prompted her to write her first book in 2005, 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider, which was endorsed by the United States Dressage Federation as critical for every rider to own. Three other books followed, all of which have been translated into foreign languages and are widely trusted around the world for helping horses regain freedom of movement, enjoyment of exercise, and strong bodies. Today, she works with students and their equine partners across the globe through publications, customized fitness plans, online courses, and in-person clinics.

Dr. Joyce Harman graduated from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 with an interest in acupuncture and alternative medicine. She went to England and Ireland to study equine exercise physiology and sports medicine, always looking for a better, safer way to treat and train horses.

Common Hoof Problems from a Veterinarian/Journeyman Farrier Perspective.

Dr. Joyce Harman graduated from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 with an interest in acupuncture and alternative medicine. She went to England and Ireland to study equine exercise physiology and sports medicine, always looking for a better, safer way to treat and train horses.

Helena brings over 25 years of horse experience and business expertise to the Stall and Stable mission. Her career began in software, but after years of honing her creative and tech skills, she eventually combined her passion for horses with her professional skills and landed full-time in the equestrian industry. Helena hosts and is Managing Director of the Stall and Stable Podcast.

Understanding Equine Lameness: An Owner's Framework to Troubleshoot the Unsound Horse.

Alicia Harlov of the Humble Hoof joins Wendy to talk about how she uses her Track System at her Hoof Rehab Facility.

The importance of the nervous system and how our modern sport horses require it more than ever before.

Dr. Erica Lacher is a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, and the owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. In addition to practicing medicine, she is also an author, blogger, and podcaster, with the mission of making the world a better place for horses. Her podcast, Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth, is popular among horse owners worldwide. She enjoys competing in show jumping with her horses, and spending time outdoors with her husband.

Lynn is the head coach at Horse Wise and founder of LOPE, a charity that helps ex-racehorses and youth learn from each other. Lynn has developed an innovative curriculum for teaching science that uses senior racehorses as teachers. She has partnered with veterinary associations to encourage K-12 students to consider veterinary careers. With her curriculum and herd of racehorse professors, Lynn hopes to bring the world of living science to students across the US – while also creating a pipeline of eager, future vet school candidates.

Veterinarians and research scientists from around the world gathered in Ocala, Florida last week for the 27th Annual Equine Health and Nutrition Conference. Hosted by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), speakers included Dr. Hilary Clayton, Dr. Stephanie Valberg, Dr. Joe Pagan, and other experts in feeding, conditioning, and preparing the equine athlete for competition. Dr. Lydia Gray was in attendance and summarized the key findings from the three days of research presentations in this webinar.

Emma's equine journey, beginning at six, led her from an aspiring jockey to a renowned practitioner in equine and human therapy. Trained at the British Racing School, she worked in prestigious stables globally. Her quest for deeper equine understanding led to Equine Craniosacral Therapy studies with Maureen Rogers and anatomy under Debranne Patillo. Inspired by personal therapy experiences, Emma specialized in Craniosacral Biodynamics, influenced by embryologist Erich Blechschmidt's work. Her dedication took her to Germany's Blechschmidt collection, enriching her foundational knowledge. Today, Emma operates a successful equine practice in Victoria, Australia, and offers her expertise to human clients in Melbourne.  

Jec was raised in a horse training family in Vermont, studied dressage throughout Europe, and eventually settled in California. About 15 years ago, she realized that most of the problems riders struggled with stemmed from their horses not using their bodies well. They lacked strength or coordination, they had muscle imbalances, they were stiff, and so on. Meanwhile, horse training had become too specialized and way too complicated. We needed simple, straightforward tools to help horses use their bodies optimally. This prompted her to write her first book in 2005, 101 Dressage Exercises for Horse and Rider, which was endorsed by the United States Dressage Federation as critical for every rider to own. Three other books followed, all of which have been translated into foreign languages and are widely trusted around the world for helping horses regain freedom of movement, enjoyment of exercise, and strong bodies. Today, she works with students and their equine partners across the globe through publications, customized fitness plans, online courses, and in-person clinics.

In 1982 Robyn became involved full-time with the Tellington Method that was developed by her sister Linda. She has been the editor of the monthly Newsletter for more than 30 years. Since 1986 she has been teaching Tellington TTouch® Method on a full-time basis in Canada, the US, Europe, South Africa, and Australia and spends about 160 days a year traveling. Robyn has given demonstrations and lectures at various venues including Spruce Meadows; Equitana USA and Germany; Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan; International Humane Society Conference in Vienna and Murdoch University in Perth.

Through her never-ending quest for personal self-improvement and her practice of authentic communication, she has become a powerful voice that helps guide riders to better partnerships and results in harmony. Even after all the decades of being a professional trainer, instructor, and competitor at the Grand Prix level, she still wakes up every day feeling like a little girl in love with horses… And you can too.

Continuing conversations with Laura and Sharon Wilsie!

If you've been wondering how Feldenkrais can improve your riding, here's your chance to experience it for yourself! Ride with greater ease, more freedom, and joy. Join me for this eye-opening webinar!

Martina Neirdhart, DVM has a practice for veterinary manual therapy offering veterinary chiropractic, acupuncture, myofascial work, taping, leech therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. Martina will discuss Kissing Spines and how other conditions may also affect horses' backs.

Sharon White, a Feldenkrais student of Wendy's will discuss her recent trip to Santiago, Chile for the Pan American Games! Sharon White is an international CCI5* three-day eventing rider, trainer, and Level 4 USEA ICP Certified Instructor based at Last Frontier Farm in Summit Point, West Virginia. With over 25 years of experience as a professional equestrian, Sharon is a well-respected and dedicated horsewoman who always seeks to do her best by the horses first.

Dr. Ward returns to continue the discussion on the equine veterinarian shortage and what horse owners can do to prepare.

The Shortage of Equine Veterinarians and what owners can do to prepare.

Elsa Sinclair is a horse trainer from the Pacific Northwest of the United States who brings a unique and powerful perspective to the horse world. From a family of horse trainers, she experimented with many different styles of horsemanship until she stumbled on a question that needed exploration: What if horses were given a choice? Would they let us ride them? Without force or tools to control and without bribes to lure them? The question led to a project, the journey of one wild mustang off the range, Myrnah, a horse with her own mind, strength, and sense of independence. One trainer, no tools, just body language. What started as simple questions, birthed the movie Taming Wild, an online course for those interested in learning Freedom Based TrainingⓇ, and a following of people who seek their own answers in what it takes to work more collaboratively with horses. What does it take to truly work together in freedom?

It has been my dream to help empower equestrian women to the next level of their life. We can all use a leg-up in life and we can all benefit from accountability and coaching. As the saying goes, the best ability is accountability. My life has been dedicated to coaching women. Now it is solely devoted to coaching equestrian women. In my life I have benefited greatly from mentors and coaches. My mentors have helped me grow personally, professionally, and financially. I also know that not everyone can afford private personal coaching. I struggled mightily to have coaches and mentors, however, every time I invested in myself it always proved to be the best investment I could make. I invite you to join me and some of the most amazing women. Our exclusive community is life changing, and this my deepest wish for you, to Live A Life You Love. Visit thesmartequestrian.com to learn more about Jenna's transformative coaching services.

Dr. Erica Lacher is a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida's College of Veterinary Medicine, and the owner of Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic in Newberry, Florida. In addition to practicing medicine, she is also an author, blogger, and podcaster, with the mission of making the world a better place for horses. Her podcast, Straight from the Horse Doctor's Mouth, is popular among horse owners worldwide. She enjoys competing in show jumping with her horses and spending time outdoors with her husband.

CARI SWANSON is a USDF Silver Medalist, FEI dressage competitor, eventing competitor through Preliminary, and a Graduate of the USDF “L” Education Program for Judge Training. Cari trains, breeds and sells horses for dressage, jumping, eventing and trail riding in addition to teaching students of all levels to ride including preparing actors for their riding scenes in film. Cari has worked with Jonathan Groff, Ray Stevenson, Russell Crowe, Dan Stevens, Ethan Hawke, Haley Bennett, Russell Brand, Colin Farrell, Gretchen Mol, Amy Acker, Hilary Duff among others. Cari is a member of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and an author of Whoa Means Whoa, and contributor to Animal Actors, a fascinating book about animal trainers for film.

Lauren is a BSc (Hons) Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation graduate from Bishop Burton University, obtaining a first class degree. Current MSc Veterinary Physiotherapy student at the University of Nottingham. Further training is currently being undertaken with the Equine Massage Academy (EMA) to qualify as an equine sports and remedial massage therapist.

Lisa Miksis joins Wendy to discuss PEMF. What is it and how does it work?

Dr. Michele Broadhurst DC, CCSP, FIAMA, CAC (IVCA), CCRP, Mtech chiro (RSA)Dr. Broadhurst graduated from Chiropractic College and is a Certified Sports Chiropractic Physician. She expanded her scope of practice to animals, attended Options for Animals, and is certified by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association. She was one of the first certified animal chiropractors in South Africa had a human, large, and small animal practice specializing in animal chiropractic, dry needling, and rehabilitation. I have a special interest in canines, sport, studs and thoroughbred racehorses in South Africa. She is the author and co-author of 3 books, Co-Author of A Clinician's guide to dry needling for myofascial pain. A Clinician's Guide to Myofascial Pain in the Canine Patient and A Clinician's Guide to Myofascial Pain in the Equine Patient. After immigrating to the USA and establishing practices in Maine and Colorado, In 2021 she moved to Dallas Texas to take up the challenging position as Director of Integrative medicine at Valley Ranch Pet Clinic and subsequently opened a rehabilitation clinic in Coppell called Rehab 4 Pets.

Interviewed by Dr. Lydia Gray and Julia Reynolds, Wendy talks about her childhood, her love of horses and why she created The Whole Rider™ Course, which is based on her training as a Feldenkrais Practitioner®.

Dr. Susan Fay is an internationally-known speaker, clinician, consultant, and author of Sacred Spaces -Communion with the horse through Science and Spirit. She has an educational background in psychology, and environmental science, but believes she learned the most valuable life lessons from her horses. Susan acquired numerous local, national, and world championships on her beloved Morgans, but retired from the show ring to devote her time to teaching. Her passion is to introduce people to psychological and energetic principles that allow them to BE in this world in a more meaningful way, and to experience communion with their horses, dogs, and other animals.

Lydia Gray, DVM, MA is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine (and U of I -- Springfield, where she did graduate work in communications). She has worked in private practice, at the veterinary school, for the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), in the animal welfare field as Executive Director of the Hooved Animal Humane Society, and most recently as the former Staff Veterinarian - Research & Medical Director for SmartPak Equine. But what makes her most interesting is what she does in her "spare time." From dressage to sidesaddle to carriage driving -- and from judging to scribing to putting on workshops -- Dr. Gray loves exploring new disciplines with her horses, including the versatile Trakehner "Newman," (may he rest in peace), and the up-and-coming "Stan Lee," a 5yo Dutch Warmblood.

After graduating from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991, Dr. Rachel Heart Bellini started her career working at thoroughbred racetracks all across the country. After leaving the track she settled in the Chicago suburbs and specialized in referral sports medicine. Recognizing the limitations of the conventional model in treating chronically sore sport horses, she began to expand her training, a process that has continued for the past 20 years. Dr. Bellini is now certified in Veterinary Acupuncture, Animal Chiropractic (VSMT), and Human Homeopathy, and has accumulated hundreds of hours of training in advanced chiropractic, functional neurology, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and spiritual medicine. In 2008, she founded Heart Equine and travels across the United States to practice holistic sports medicine. Currently based in beautiful Texas hill country, Dr. Bellini offers online courses to holistic equestrians and is a passionate advocate for providing the best possible care to equine athletes. 

Dr. Heather O'Leary is a veterinarian who specializes in acupuncture, chiropractic, and other holistic modalities. She has attended live Sure Foot Pad workshops with Wendy and incorporates SFPs into her equine therapy sessions. Here she talks about creating an enriched environment for your horse's physical and mental well-being.

Alicia Harlov, of Humble Hoof, talks about the different aspects of Navicular Disease. Note - the beginning of this webinar was not recorded. Only the introductions were lost and she repeated the first slide.

Celeste Lazaris is a biomechanical lameness specialist, an expert in equine movement and muscle development, and a pioneer in developing the physical body to protect the nervous system. Her primary focuses are releasing nerve impingements in the horse that cause restrictions and undiagnosed lameness, teaching owners how to develop their horse's body both in hand and under saddle, and utilizing intrinsic motivation and proper movement to prevent injury and nerve-related problems. She is highly valued by Veterinarians around the world for her ability to help them utilize a more holistic approach to lasting changes. Due to her background as a professional trainer and competitive rider, she is approachable and excels in teaching both trainers and adult amateurs alike. Her work is truly revolutionary for equine performance, lameness prevention, and helping the horse-human dynamic.

Dr. Martha M. Faraday (Ph.D.) is a scientist and holistic equine nutritionist whose mission is to alleviate suffering and promote vibrant health in horses of all ages.  Prior to her work with horses, Dr. Faraday spent two decades developing evidence-based medical treatment protocols for physicians to optimize the care of human patients. After struggling to manage her own horses' complex conditions – insulin resistance, founder, neurological issues, allergies -- she was inspired to turn her attention to a deeper understanding of how to use food and nutraceuticals to support the body in healing itself.  “Food is the foundation” became her mantra.  She continues her training with tutorials from expert practitioners and formulators.  Her practice includes horses in all stages of life and work, from horses in intensive competition to retired elders

Carol Layton, B.Sc, M.Ed (Balanced Equine) is an independent Equine Nutritionist and educator with a science and technology background with a passion for the optimal feeding of horses, based on science. In 2008, Carol enrolled in equine nutrition courses provided by Dr Eleanor Kellon VMD and has been a tutor for students in NRCPlus since 2009. Carol is currently a lecturer in Equine Nutrition for the Certificate of Equine Hoof Care Practitioner course (ACEHP) in Australia and has been invited to speak at numerous conferences in Australia and overseas including the 2012 World Hoof Care Conference in Prague, 2017 NO Laminitis Conference in Arizona and more recently the Progressive Hoof Care Practitioners Conference in Denver. Carol enjoys endurance, her endurance horse, Omani Mr Sqiggle was an Australian National Points and Distance horse in 2009 and won the Big 3 Award, one horse/one rider in 2010 (250 mile marathon Shahzada, Tom Quilty and State Championship 100 milers).

Bettina Drummond shares with us on a wide variety of topics including defining dressage terms, personal experiences, and her view of dressage in the modern age.

Catherine Winter is the founder and owner of Ride EquiSafe whose mission is to help equestrians be safer in the saddle. She is a passionate advocate for equestrian safety and launched the company due to her own personal challenges researching equipment for herself.