Have you ever considered the story your saddle is telling? Throughout history, saddles have symbolized connection, partnership, and the journeys we take. But in your own rides, is your saddle telling a story of trust—or betrayal?

We often assume a saddle that looks fine or feels "good enough" must be doing its job. But for countless horses, the effects of poor saddle fit are quietly devastating—causing chronic pain, behavioral issues, and eroding the trust between horse and rider. And for female riders, saddles designed for male anatomy may be holding them back in ways they don’t even realize.

In this episode, Noëlle sits down with Jochen Schleese, a Certified Master Saddler and Certified Equine and Saddle Ergonomist and founder of Saddlefit 4 Life®, to uncover the hidden truths about saddle fit. With decades of expertise, Jochen has helped countless horses move pain-free and empowered riders to feel balanced, comfortable, and confident. Together, they explore how an ill-fitting saddle impacts not just the horse’s body, but also the emotional and mental connection you share.

You’ll learn to spot the subtle signs of poor fit, understand the overlooked needs of female riders, and discover practical steps to assess and improve your saddle—without breaking the bank.

This conversation goes beyond saddle fit. It’s about redefining partnership, choosing compassion over convenience, and showing up for your horse in the most fundamental way: by listening.

Resources:

• Suffering in Silence: The Saddle Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses by Jochen Schleese

• Explore Jochen’s work and saddle fitting resources: saddlefit4life.com

In December, a Facebook post of ours sparked a big debate: does the USA put too much emphasis on riding position? Is there room for riders to find more fluidity and freedom in their style? Today, we’re diving into those questions.

Your position in the saddle isn’t just about looking pretty for the judge’s panel. It’s about communication, balance, and creating harmony with your horse. But here’s the challenge—so much of what we’re taught about position can feel rigid, exclusive, or even unattainable. And for many riders, it leaves them questioning: Am I good enough? Do I fit in here?

You’re not alone in feeling this way, and that’s exactly why today’s episode is a must-listen.

We’re joined by Nicole Shahinian-Simpson, a rider who’s lived the highs and lows of equitation and show jumping at the highest levels. Nicki is one of only 11 riders in history to win both the ASPCA Maclay National Championship and the U.S. Medal Finals. She’s competed on the world stage, represented the U.S. in international competition, and has nearly 35 Grand Prix victories to her name.

But what sets Nicki apart isn’t just her accolades—it’s her perspective. She knows firsthand how striving for “the perfect position” can create pressure that steals your joy and confidence as a rider. And she’s here to help you rethink what good riding really looks like.

In this episode, Nicki dives into the realities behind position—how it impacts your horse, why the American equitation system is both a blessing and a challenge, and how to develop a functional, fluid position that works for you. She also tackles the often-unspoken topic of body image in riding: how the pressure to "look the part" can affect confidence, and why strength, individuality, and skill matter far more than fitting a specific mold.

Whether you’re a junior striving to meet the standard, or an amateur who just wants to ride without overthinking, Nicki’s insights will help you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t “fit the mold” of a polished equitation rider, or wondered if the emphasis on position is holding you back, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, seen, and ready to ride your best.

Because your position isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about showing up for your horse.

Today on Dear Horse World, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of our exclusive NF+ Office Hours sessions - where we connect our community with top experts to gain practical advice and deeper understanding.

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.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The five core motivators that drive your horse’s behavior.
• Why safety always comes first and how curiosity shapes learning.
• Practical ways to use comfort, play, and food to build trust.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the incredible resources we have available on NF+ so if this episode resonated with you - we'd for you to discover more.

Start your free trial of NF+ and gain access to a network of world-renowned horse experts and world-class equestrian content, designed to meet you wherever you are - no matter where in the world you’re tuning in from.

Head to noellefloydplus.com today to start your journey.