Tag Archives: Because of Horses

Because of Horses Podcast Celebrates Its 100th Episode with Reiner Shawn Flarida Friday, Sept. 13

Shawn Flarida’s name is synonymous with the sport of reining. One of the most successful reiners in the world, Shawn won five World Equestrian Games gold medals, is a nine-time winner of the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and in 2017 became the first reiner to break the $6 million mark in winnings.

Shawn produces horses for Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic competition, as well as mounts for Non-Pros and Youth Riders. In choosing his horses, Shawn believes that the mind, body, and heart are keys to a great reining horse. He has partnered with dozens of top horses, including Wimpy’s Little Step, Wimpy’s Little Chic, KR Lil Conquistador, and Spooks Gotta Whiz, all of whom have helped him to build a comprehensive resume which includes all the sport’s top jewels.

Every horse or rider who trains at Shawn Flarida Reiners in Springfield, Ohio receives his best, no matter what their goals. He is especially dedicated to helping young riders progress within the sport, taking students from Rookie to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Reining Championships.

Shawn credits his success to the support of his family. He knew he wanted to be a horse trainer from a young age and was mentored and encouraged by his father, Bill. Shawn turned pro right out of high school, spending two years working for older brother Mike before striking out on his own. Shawn’s wife Michele helps keep the business running smoothly, while son Sam is an up-and-coming reining competitor. His parents Betty and Bill still support Shawn at shows, and Bill continues to offer friendly advice from the sidelines.

“We can’t believe this will be our 100th Because of Horses podcast episode. It is truly a labor of love. Thank you to all our loyal listeners. We appreciate your kind words and comments and love hearing from you!” — Elise Gaston Chand, Because of Horses host

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Award-Winning Equestrian Journalist Diana De Rosa to Visit Because of Horses Friday, May 24

Photo courtesy of Diana De Rosa.

For over 35 years, veteran equestrian journalist, photographer, and public relations maven Diana De Rosa has covered equestrian sport around the world, including the past eight Olympic Games, all eight World Equestrian Games, several Pan Am Games, and FEI World Cups. Diana enjoys creating richly told stories through photography and writing and has over 1,000 published credits to her name.

Diana is the owner of Press Link, a public relations firm based in Farmingdale, New York. Her past and present clients include the Hampton Classic, National and Washington International Horse Shows, USA Equestrian Trust, Healthy Horse Boutique, Running Wild, Dream Works, the American Hunter Jumper Foundation, and Twentieth Century Fox. Diana worked with the late actor Christopher Reeve for eight years before his death in 2004.

A past president of American Horse Publications, Diana is also a longtime member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists. She currently is on the executive board of the Press Club of Long Island. Diana’s work has taken her to 30 countries and has even led to a stint in front of the camera when she co-hosted the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show for local TV station WVVH. She was presented with the 2005 US Equestrian Federation Media Award for Photography in recognition of a photo of show jumper Peter Wylde and Fein Cera competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Diana dedicated her win to Reeve.

Diana is the co-organizer of the EQUUS Film Festival, held annually in New York City with tour stops around the United States. Notable recent tour appearances by the Festival included the 2017 World Cup in Omaha, Nebraska and the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina.

Diana is a former riding school manager and a graduate of SUNY Albany, where she studied languages.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Six-time Olympian and American Dressage Icon Robert Dover to Visit Because of Horses April 19

Listen to Elise’s conversation with Robert Dover on the Because of Horses podcast, Friday, April 19

Robert Dover’s professional and competitive accolades have left a legacy unmatched by any other American dressage rider. A dressage specialist since the age of 19, Robert’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence have proven influential in raising the standard within the sport in the U.S.

Robert made his first Olympic appearance at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games at the age of 28. He went on to represent the United States at the next five consecutive Olympic Games, earning four bronze medals along the way. In addition, Robert rode on four World Equestrian Games teams. In 1987, he made history by becoming the first American to win the Aachen Grand Prix since 1960, defeating six-time German Olympic gold medalist Reiner Klimke in the process.

After retiring from the competitive arena, Robert served as the technical advisor/chef d’Équipe for The Dutta Corp/U.S. Dressage Team from 2013 through the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Under his leadership, the team earned a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games, a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and a silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. He has served on the U.S. Olympic committee Athlete Advisory Council and the U.S. Equestrian Team Dressage committee.

Robert is well-regarded as a coach to both established and up-and-coming international pairs. He played a critical role in fundraising for the high-performance competition and training program and has taught in several growth and development programs, seeking to increase the depth and skill of riders aiming for the international ring.

In 2007, Robert partnered with the Fox Reality Channel to create and promote a TV show called “The Search for America’s Next Equestrian Star: Dressage.” A field of 400 applicants was whittled down to just six who competed for the chance to become Robert’s second assistant trainer at his Romance Farm in Wellington, Florida, along with other prizes. He also is the creator, producer, and master of ceremonies for “American Equestrians Got Talent” that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for high-performance equestrian sport.

But Robert’s impact on the equestrian community extends beyond just the dressage arena. In 1996, he founded the Equestrian Aid Foundation, an organization which financially assists equestrians suffering from life-threatening illness, catastrophic accident, or injury. He remains involved as the chairman emeritus.

Through his new Robert Squared, a line of luxury vegan leather tack and equipment, he gives a portion of all the proceeds to Equestrian Aid Foundation, Brooke USA, and Danny & Ron’s Rescue.

For his overall horsemanship and dedication to the sport, in 1994 Robert was named the U.S. Olympic Male Equestrian Athlete of the Year. He was inducted into the Roemer Foundation/U.S. Dressage Federation Hall of Fame in 2008.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Dressage Coach and Olympian Charlotte Bredahl Appears Because of Horses Podcast Mar. 29

Charlotte Bredahl. Photo by Kathryn Burke.

DALLAS — March 27, 2019 — U.S. Olympian, dressage coach, and youth mentor Charlotte Bredahl joined Elise Gaston Chand for a conversation that airs this Friday, March 29, on the 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.

Bredahl is perhaps best known for her breathtaking performances on the quirky and sensitive Monsieur, her partner on the bronze medal winning team for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. She returned to the international spotlight in 1997, riding Lugano to the silver medal in the North American Championships. Bredahl trained both horses from start to the Grand Prix level. For Bredahl, riding and training has never been about winning ribbons. She loves the process of developing horses and has turned her focus almost exclusively to coaching and training others.

In 2018, Bredahl was appointed the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Dressage Development Coach, which will allow her to help athletes to reach elite performance goals. Previously, she worked as the USEF Assistant Youth Coach and from 2009-2011, was the featured clinician for the US Dressage Federation (USDF) Adult Clinic Series, teaching riders in each of the country’s nine regions. She was presented the USDF Gold Medal of Distinction and named a USDF Honorary Instructor.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Equestrian Education Expert Glenys Cox to Visit Because of Horses Podcast on March 15

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.

Glenys is a former international three-day event and dressage competitor based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. She merges 40 years as a horse person with her advanced graduate study and extensive experience in the field of education. She creates programming and content designed to improve the lives of horses through the increased knowledge of those who care for them. Her specialty is preparing and training students to work within the industry.

The Horse Chats podcast first aired in 2017. It features guests who are established industry experts alongside those whose stars are still on the rise. Glenys’ mission is educating owners, riders, and trainers on best management practices and training techniques. Horse Chats listeners have a love and passion for horses, the equine industry, and a desire to improve their skills and expand their knowledge.

Under Glenys’s direction, Online Horse College offers courses that combine both practical and theoretical components on topics across the industry. Glenys believes in a hands-on approach to learning and stays in contact with each student. Online Horse College’s programs are internationally recognized for excellence.

Listen to Elise’s conversation Friday, March 15 and learn more about Glenys Cox.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Dr. Phil McLoughlin, Sable Island Wild Horse Expert, to Visit Because of Horses March 1

Photo by Dr. Phil McLoughlin.

Dr. Phil McLoughlin, a population ecologist from the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Biology, has been studying Sable Island’s wild horses since 2007. With the help of students and colleagues, he has named and kept track of the life histories and movements of nearly 900 animals over 12 years of research. Renowned for its history of shipwreck and its rugged, wind-swept coastline, tiny Sable Island is considered the home of one of the last remaining herds of completely wild horses in the world.

The 550 horses currently living on Sable Island are the descendants of animals first introduced in the mid-1700s. Their existence is a matter of extreme pride to the people of Nova Scotia, and the Sable Island horse has been noted as a breed of significant conservation interest due to their distinct genetic heritage. Human presence on Sable Island is limited to a handful of scientists, tourists, and the managers of the meteorological station. Its horses have never been handled or managed in any way for over 30 generations.

Using non-invasive techniques, Dr. McLoughlin has taken advantage of this unique outdoor laboratory to better understand how biological and ecological isolation has impacted these special animals. The horses are Sable Island’s only terrestrial mammal and unlike many other wild herds, they are free from predation, interspecific competition, and human influence.

Dr. McLoughlin’s Sable Island research has helped to initiate a new program to better manage populations of feral horses in the Alberta foothills. His work has further implications for the improved management of domesticated horses, from understanding the genetic challenges of closed studbooks to improving best practices which promote equine well-being.

Listen to Elise’s conversation Friday, March 1.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Because of Horses Podcast Welcomes Dressage Rider Reese Koffler-Stanfield Friday, Jan. 18

Reese Koffler-Stanfield is a U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver, and gold medalist. Reese is a lifelong Kentucky horseperson who began competing in dressage as a child. She is one of the only USDF Certified Instructor/Trainers through Fourth Level in Region II, which encompasses five states.

Reese participated in USDF Youth programs including the Advanced Young Rider Program, culminating in numerous international medals. She has trained with world-class coaches including Conrad Schumacher, Kathy Connelly, Jessica Ransehousen, Ellen Bontje, and George Williams.

Now, Reese is the head rider, trainer, and coach at Maplecrest Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, a state-of-the-art dressage training facility. She is also a sought-after clinician.

“She’s one of the bravest people I know,” said Stacy Westfall.  “(She’s) a dressage trainer who’s willing to teach a reiner to ride dressage.”

Listen to Elise’s conversation with Reese Friday, Jan. 18.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Guy McLean Joins Because of Horses Host Elise Gaston Chand Friday, Jan. 11

Photo by Alden Corrigan Media.

Horseman, performer, and poet Guy McLean is originally from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, but moved 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.

Named official Ambassador of the Outback, Guy has wowed audiences with his performances of horsemanship, Bush poetry, and whip cracking since 1999. He strives to keep the traditions of the Bush and the Aussie stockman alive.

In 2005, Guy was the inaugural winner of Equitana’s “Way of the Horse” young horse-starting competition. It was the methods he learned in the Queensland Bush that brought him victory.

Guy and his talented horses have performed for over a million people and achieved worldwide acclaim. He is referred to by his fans and Australian dignitaries as a “national treasure” and “living legend.” Although this humble Australian still blushes at such remarks, it is these kind words and his remarkable relationship with his horses that inspire him to succeed and continue to spread his message.

Now an international sensation, Guy makes his base in the United States… although his beloved homeland of Australia is where his heart resides.

About Because of Horses

Each week, Elise Gaston Chand hosts informative and entertaining conversations with, for and about horses, horse-people, and the equestrian life. Because of Horses is the horse-lover’s podcast for listeners worldwide, sharing notable equestrians’ personal stories, challenges, triumphs, and expert insights, as well as timely topics and exciting event information from around the globe.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.