Because of Horses

U.S. Olympian, dressage coach and youth mentor Charlotte Bredahl is Elise’s guest on this episode of Because of Horses Podcast. Originally from Denmark, Bredahl moved to California at the age of 20 with little more than a suitcase and the dream of becoming an elite equestrian. Known for her compassion, work ethic and commitment to personal growth, Bredahl quickly rose to the Grand Prix level. She competed 42 horses over 37 years, many of whom she developed herself

For veterans who are working to transition from active-duty to civilian life, War Horses for Veterans has become one of the premier programs for horsemanship, networking and personal growth. Founded in 2014, War Horses for Veterans is the brainchild of Patrick Benson, an equestrian and Army combat infantryman who served in Iraq from 1998-2004. Patrick recognized the unique challenges faced by veterans, who struggle with depression or PTSD following their service

Glenys Cox, equestrian coach, educator and “trainer of trainers,” hosts the popular Horse Chats podcast and is the director of Online Horse College, which offers education and opportunities to equestrians across all facets of the industry. She believes that through better education of professionals, horses around the world will lead better lives

Elise’s guests this week are all from Wyoming’s Red Reflet Ranch — co-owner, Bob Kaplan; and Horse Operations Team, Clay and Tammy Trollinger. Red Reflet Ranch is both a working cattle ranch as well as an all-inclusive luxury resort that expands across 27,000 privately-owned acres nestled under the shadow of the Big Horn Mountains. The ranch is renowned for its five-star amenities, fine dining, and diverse outdoor activities (that, of course, include horseback riding)

In this week’s episode, Elise has the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Phil McLoughlin, a central scientific figure in studying and protecting the wild horses of Sable Island. Sable Island is a small, narrow strip of land off the coast of Nova Scotia, renowned for its history of countless shipwrecks and for the 550 wild horses who roam its 26 rugged miles.

In today’s episode, Elise is joined by Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, the co-founder of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses — an award-winning, all-volunteer non-profit. Gentle Carousel’s teams of tiny therapy horses visit over 25,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, and with families who have experienced traumatic events

Tamara Gooch’s love for photography is equaled only by her love of horses, and her passion for each subject is revealed in the artistry, rich color and unique focus of every image she shoots. After fifteen years as a professional photographer, Tamara still gets excited every time she picks up her camera

Elise’s guest this episode is Sandy Collier: acclaimed international judge, clinician and member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Sandy’s analytical approach to training and reputation for consistency in both practice and show pens has resulted in a 50-year career studded with success.   

Tyler Jacobs, director and real estate partner with Hall and Hall, has been selling farms and ranches since 1998. Hall and Hall is the premier source for ranchers looking to buy and sell land in the west, with over $3 billion in total sales since 2008 and more acreage brokered than any firm in the world

Elise’s guest is James Clement, the Horse Division Manager of the Quarter Horse Program at the King Ranch – one of the most respected and historically significant Quarter Horse operations in existence... not only pre-dating recognition of the breed, but directly responsible for its creation.

Elise’s guest today is Reese Koffler-Stanfield, U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist. Reese is a lifelong professional horseperson from Kentucky, who has competed in the sport of dressage since early childhood. She is one of the only USDF Certified Instructor/Trainers through Fourth Level in Region II, which encompasses five states.

Horseman, performer and poet Guy McLean is originally from Melbourne, Australia, but moved to Queensland to what became his parents’ Susan River Homestead Holiday Ranch. There, this shy young boy grew up, devoted to horses and developing his horsemanship skills and deep love for the Bush country

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University is one of only 31 colleges of veterinary medicine in North America… and is considered by many to be one of the finest. Leading this phenomenal College is Dr. Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences — and Elise’s guest today!

Nancy Brown likes to joke around that she “sleeps around a lot… but in a good way!” Combining her love of horses with her passion for travel and writing, Nancy shares her adventures through her blog, website, and various publications. Believing that travel is better on the back of a horse, Nancy has ridden in Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland, Portugal, all over the US, and in countless other beautiful locations.

Rattlesnakes, a wolf at midnight, bears, unexpected snow, and a falling-down-exhausted back country hiker… long-distance solo rider Gillian Larson has seen it all from the saddle as she and her beloved horses, Shyla and Takoda, have covered thousands of miles between Mexico and Canada, and criss-crossed the American West. Alone