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.

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.

Delaya shares her journey from a strict Pentecostal upbringing to becoming a leading voice in equine spirituality, answering the kinds of questions so many horse owners wonder about:

• Why is this something I should consider?

• What does my horse truly want me to know?

• What is the most common reading?

• Can I communicate with my horse myself?

• How do I find a trustworthy animal communicator?

You’ll also learn practical tips on:

• The Power of “No”: Why it’s transformative to give your horse the freedom to say no.

• Artifacts of Connection: How keepsakes can honor your bond with your animals or loved ones.

• Listening Without Bias: Becoming the observer to better understand your horse’s needs.

• Why Mares Matter: The unique emotional and spiritual energy mares bring.

If you’ve ever wanted to connect more deeply with your horse or wondered if there’s more to their behavior than meets the eye, this episode is a must-listen.

Delaya’s insights will help you unlock new ways to communicate, trust, and connect with your equine partner.

Discover more about Delaya via her website: https://www.delayadiana.com/

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.

And it’s for everyone, not just competitive riders. Whether you’re riding for joy, growth, or performance, goals provide direction, build confidence, and make every ride meaningful.

Join Noëlle Floyd and Dr. Jenny Susser, an Olympic-level sport psychologist, as they tackle the mental hurdles holding you back. With actionable advice and practical tools, they’ll help you break through barriers, set goals that work, and transform how you ride and think.

What You’ll Take Away:

• Turn Fear into Focus: Get powerful strategies to manage nerves and ride with confidence.
• Set Goals Like a Pro: Learn how to create clear, achievable goals that keep you motivated and on track.
• Master Your Mindset: Discover how to stay present, block out distractions, and embrace the challenges that push you to grow.
• Ride With Purpose: Stop spinning your wheels—every ride can have meaning and direction when you know how to set the right intentions.

Take charge of your riding journey. Whether you're overcoming fear, seeking progress, or building your relationship with your horse, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with confidence and purpose. Don’t stay stuck—tune in and make every ride count. Your transformative year starts now.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Dr. Jenny’s NF+ masterclasses—How to Control Fear and Anxiety and Performing Under Pressure—are designed to take you even further. These aren’t just lessons; they’re game-changing tools to transform your mindset and unlock your full potential as a rider.

You can watch or listen to Dr. Jenny's TEDx Talk here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUsITcRCm2g

Happy Holidays from all of us at Dear Horse World.

We’re sending our heartfelt thanks to our incredible listeners for joining us on this journey throughout the year. Your support and passion for the equestrian world mean the world to us!

As a token of our appreciation, we’re thrilled to share an exclusive gift just for you: a special discount code for the NOËLLE FLOYD+ platform, because there's never been a better time to explore & learn with our platform.

Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge in 2025, get inspired by exclusive content, or simply connect with your passion for horses over the holidays, NF+ has something for everyone.

👉 Use code 'DHW25' at checkout to unlock your holiday discount on annual memberships (offer valid until Dec 31.)

Thank you for being part of our amazing community. We can’t wait to bring you more stories, insights, and inspiration in 2025, so make sure to hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Barrel Racing Behind the Scenes: Jerri sets the record straight on the realities of barrel racing and shares the lessons it’s taught her and her daughter.
• Dog vs. Horse Training: Surprising connections between these two worlds—and how understanding one can transform your approach to the other.
• The Power of Empathy: Hear Jerri’s viral story about stepping in during a case of horse abuse, and how she used compassion and crisis understanding to help both the human and the horse.
• Turning Struggles into Growth: Why being “incompatible” can often offer the greatest opportunities for learning and connection.
• Jerri’s Open-Minded Approach: Practical strategies for meeting your animal’s unique needs while also managing your own emotions and expectations.

Whether you’re grappling with training challenges, curious about animal behavior, or just looking for inspiration, this conversation is packed with relatable stories, practical advice, and fresh perspectives. Because the best partnerships aren’t built through force or frustration—they’re forged with empathy, patience, and understanding.

Tune in to explore how these principles can transform your relationship with your horse, your dog, and even yourself.

Watch Jerri’s viral video on handing abuse: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_oPAEkyHqG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

Follow Jerri on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailorjerrithedogtrainer/

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!

What You’ll Learn:

• Why tension in your horse is a clue, not a problem—and how to use it to build trust.

• How your horse reflects your emotional state and helps you heal.

• The power of presence and congruence to transform your horse’s response.

• Why safety is the foundation for breakthroughs and how clinicians can create a protected environment of learning.

• How to lead with confidence and foster trust and growth.

Josh and Duey bring decades of experience and a unique focus on you—your challenges and the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or just starting, they’ll guide you to the “aha!” moments that deepen your bond with your horse and transform how you approach challenges.

By the end, you’ll feel empowered to:

• Turn resistance into connection.

• Build a relationship rooted in trust and respect.

• Approach every challenge with clarity and calm.

Step into the empowered connection you’ve been searching for—Josh and Duey will show you how. Tune in now!