Because of Horses

In today's episode, Elise and Catie discuss Catie’s focus on melding her passion for horses and for broadcast journalism, the real behind-the-scenes life of a sports reporter, her humorous moments with legendary athletes, and Catie's advice for pursuing your dreams.

In this episode of Because of Horses, Elise and Brandi talk about her approach to training horses, the horse/human bond, what Brandi believes the future of training horses will bring, and how her own life experiences enhanced the way Brandi works with horses and riders

Join Elise and Wendy today, as they dive into the rich history of horses, discussing their evolution, the connection between horses and humans, and how civilization has been affected through culture and language. They also discuss and take a look at Wendy’s views on the evolution of training horses, her insights into the nuances of the horse/human relationship, and the horse's future as the world becomes more mechanized

Elise’s guest today on the Because of Horses podcast is Bianca McCarty — an up-and-coming, truly gifted equine photographer. Bianca was born and raised in Germany, but now lives with her husband on a beautiful Lusitano ranch in Colorado. Bianca shoots a wide array of subjects within the equine category — from competitive events and portraiture, to candid shots for veterinarians, saddlers, breeders, and even equine massage therapists

On this week’s Because of Horses podcast, Elise talks with a guest panel about equine therapy — Founder of Equest Therapeutic Riding Susan Schwartz, Equest’s CEO Lili Kellogg, and Jeff Hensley, Director of Clinical and Veteran Services of Equest’s Hooves for Heroes program

While there are legions of talented female farriers around the globe, it remains a predominantly male profession. So, it’s especially fascinating that the Executive Director of The American Farriers Association happens to be a woman — who, having attended Mount Holyoke College and Yale School of Management, also happens to be incredibly well-educated With terrific insight and a wonderful sense of humor, Elise’s guest today, Beth Daniels, takes the old adage, “No hoof, no horse,” to entirely new l

Elise’s guests this week are country performers and songwriters, husband and wife, Templeton Thompson and Sam Gay — who are currently on tour together, performing at venues all across the U.S.A. Join Elise this week on Because of Horses  as Templeton and Sam talk about sharing their dreams, writing music and performing together, and the ups and downs of living in the spotlight. We'll also listen to excerpts of some of their songs and learn about the creative process behind each.

The daughter of one of the US’s first licensed female jockeys who, to this day, is revered as a living legend. The sister of two successful jockeys in their own right. Married to a top trainer. And herself still numbered among the most successful female jockeys of all time, Donna not only recognizes the role Thoroughbred racing has played throughout her life – she is extraordinarily grateful for the people, the industry, and for the horses, themselves

As even the most passionate horse-crazy kids grow up, life frequently takes them down career paths that don't include the animal that dominated so many of their childhood dreams. But Suzi Vlietstra's professional life couldn't have been crafted more meticulously if she'd created a blueprint in the very moment she laid eyes on her first pony, Brian -- a Christmas present from non-equestrian parents who recognized how deeply she connected with horses.

Following one’s passion isn’t always about making our own life better; sometimes we get a unique opportunity to fully harness the skills, talent, experience, connections, and interests we possess, in the service of someone we love. This is precisely what happened to Elise Gaston Chand’s guest this week — Rupert Isaacson — whose son, Rowan, was diagnosed with autism at two.

In the case of Sallie Stewart, “getting back up on that horse” after her fall meant getting back on the very horse that almost killed her. Sallie’s Andalusian stallion, Escogido XXV, lost his footing and fell while she was riding him. Sallie hit the ground first, then Esco landed on her head, causing facial fractures and a traumatic brain injury that dramatically changed her life.

When people talk about following their dreams, it’s generally in the singular — that one thing that makes their heart sing as a performer, an athlete, or a writer — and it’s usually a solo endeavor. Because of Horses’ guests today, Kiki and Don Teague, have multiple dreams — as if their imaginations are their only limit. And, they’re going on this adventure together, as husband and wife.

Sometimes, all the elements we could need just come together, enabling us to follow the most wonderful of dreams. But having an incredible foundation was just the beginning... years of hard work, long hours, and seven-day weeks were needed before the dream became real for Thoroughbred racing's Anna Seitz.

Today, our guest is Charles Hilton and it’s his journey from a successful corporate career to an internationally published and award-winning professional photographer, that we’ll learn about on this week’s Because of Horses podcast. 

Because of Horses’ guest this week, Sue Weakley, solved this mystery in her own life through a years-long process that took her in unexpected directions, but that led her to become the prolific equestrian reporter and photographer she is today.