What if the best thing you could do for your horse this week... wasn’t a training session?

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the busy-ness so many of us feel—and how to still find time and presence for your horse, even when life is full. Whether you're juggling work, kids, or just the daily demands of modern life, this episode is filled with mindset shifts, practical strategies, and powerful reminders that connection doesn't require a saddle or a perfect plan—it just needs you, fully present.

You’ll learn:

• ✅ How to reframe what “productive” time with your horse looks like

• ✅ What it means to prioritize presence over performance

• ✅ How to reclaim 2–5 hours a day with one bold phone habit

• ✅ The 5-Block Method that helps you ride (and live) with intention

• ✅ Why small moments—like standing in silence—can transform your bond

Whether you're in a riding rut or just craving a deeper connection, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, simplify, and show up in a way that feels good to you and your horse.

🔹 Presence Over Performance A walk, a groom, or even a quiet shared breath can be more powerful than a “perfect” ride.

🔹 Reimagine Your Goal Make your next goal match your life season. Try a groundwork week, a walk in nature, or aim to get one good sigh or chew per session.

🔹 Time Is There—But It’s Getting Stolen Delete your social apps Friday, reinstall Monday. Sounds extreme? Try it—you might unlock 2–5 hours a day. And your horse will feel the difference in your energy.

🔹 Make Small Moments Count Watch your horse’s reactions: is he curious, shut down, or nervous? These micro-interactions tell you more than you think.

🔹 Don’t Wait for “Perfect” Connection doesn’t need ideal weather or a clear schedule. Ten intentional minutes can make your whole week.

🔹 Bonus: The 5-Block Time Method + Fundamental Needs This flexible system helps you protect your priorities and feel grounded—not overwhelmed. You'll learn how to structure your days around what truly matters, including riding, family time, and self-care.

1. Set a realistic, feel-good goal for this season—focus on connection, not just progress.

2. Track your phone’s screen time for 1 day—then trade 15 of those minutes for horse time.

3. Spend pressure-free time with your horse—a walk, a stretch, or just standing together in silence.

4. Pick 1–2 of your own Fundamental Needs and schedule them in this week.

5. Write down how it felt—notice what shifts when you choose presence over pressure.

"Your horse doesn’t need you to do more. He needs you to be more present."

If you’re ready to feel more calm, connected, and in control of your time again—this episode will get you started.

• 💬 Join the conversation: The Happy Rider Healthy Horse Community on Facebook

• 📆 Need help setting your seasonal goal? Book a 1:1 online coaching session here

• 🐴 Located in Sealand, Denmark? DM me to book a full Masterson Method session for your horse!

Thanks for tuning in—see you in the next episode!

🎙️ Episode 4 — Feel Like a Sack of Potatoes in the Saddle? How to Find Your Seat and Ride with Balance

✨ Episode Summary:

Do you ever feel like you're just bouncing around in the saddle, disconnected and unbalanced—like a floppy sack of potatoes? You're not alone, and you're not stuck there.

In this episode of the Happy Rider Healthy Horse podcast, we’re diving deep into how to improve your seat in the saddle—so you can ride in balance, feel, and flow. You'll learn how to shift from being a passive passenger to an active partner in the saddle using clear, practical tips you can try in your very next ride.

We’re talking about rider biomechanics, transitions, hip awareness, and even how a 7-minute core workout can dramatically improve your posture and connection. If you’ve been struggling with bouncing, gripping, or just feeling “off,” this episode is your roadmap to finding your seat again—with softness and clarity.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why "fixing" your seat with tension only backfires
• How your breath and alignment influence your horse’s movement
• The power of transitions to help you feel your hips and improve seat timing
• Key differences in biomechanics between trot and canter
• Why your core strength matters more than brute strength or stiffness
• How subtle changes in posture and position can unlock better performance
• Ways to create lightness, symmetry, and softness so your horse moves better under you
• How to give your horse space in the ribcage and spine to truly work with you

🧠 Rider Homework:

This week, pick one thing to explore:

• Try some intentional walk–trot transitions and notice your hip movement
• Focus on the shift in your seat between trot and canter
• Do a 7-minute core workout and notice how it affects your balance
• Write down what you notice in your ride—or share it with the community!

🔁 Let’s Keep Going:

✅ Want guidance and personal feedback? Book a 1:1 online coaching session with me and let’s take your riding to the next level—without guessing or going it alone. [Insert booking link]

✅ Join the Happy Rider Healthy Horse Facebook Community for support, tips, and shared progress: [Insert group link]

🎧 Episode 3: Is Dressage Cruel? The Truth About Ethical Riding and Horse Welfare in Modern Dressage

In this thought-provoking episode, we take an honest look at a question that’s stirring passionate debate around the world: Is dressage riding cruel?

With growing concern over animal welfare in equestrian sports, dressage—long celebrated as the art of harmony between horse and rider—is now under the spotlight. But does criticism of modern competition mean that dressage itself is inherently harmful? Or is there another way forward?

We explore:

• What dressage actually is and its classical roots in cavalry training
• Why this topic is so controversial right now, and what sparked the global discussion
• Common misconceptions around cruelty in dressage and how to separate myth from fact
• Why riders who love dressage shouldn’t feel ashamed or guilty
• How dressage can be a beautiful, horse-centered practice when done with empathy and awareness
• Signs that your horse is a willing partner—not just obedient
• What it means to ride ethically, responsibly, and with heart

This episode is for riders who care deeply about their horses and want to make sure their training reflects that love. Whether you're questioning your current approach or seeking to reconnect with the art of dressage in a kinder way, this is a safe space for reflection and real growth.

💬 Let’s continue the conversation! Join our supportive Happy Rider Healthy Horse community of heart-led riders on Facebook

📩 Want to go deeper? Email me at dyrlaegesarahthor@gmail.com or DM me on Facebook Messenger to learn more about 1:1 coaching and how we can work together to create a more ethical, connected dressage practice that honors your horse every step of the way.