Media and Musings
Where conversation meets curiosity
Podcasts, published articles, and personal musings — dive into the ideas shaping modern, ethical horse training.
From magazine pages to podcast airwaves—and the occasional late-night blog—I love sharing thought-provoking insights and real-world strategies that challenge the status quo. Whether you're a curious rider, an advocate for horse welfare, or just love learning, this space is for you. Explore the conversations, case studies, and coaching ideas that fuel my work with horses and humans alike.
Welcome to my media hub – a space where knowledge meets conversation.
Here, you’ll find my featured articles in top equestrian magazines, podcast interviews where I share science-based training insights, and my own occasional blog posts on topics I feel deeply passionate about. Whether you’re after practical tips, thought-provoking discussions, or just curious to learn more about ethical, evidence-based horse training—there’s something here for you.
The Equitation Science Library
Your Vault of Ethical,
Evidence-Based Training Tools
Magazine Articles
Published writing from the arena to the page
Jody is a regular columnist for The Foundation Rider, a beautifully produced quarterly magazine recently launched in New Zealand. Dedicated to ethical, evidence-based horsemanship, the magazine aligns perfectly with Jody’s values—and she’s proud to contribute thoughtful, informative articles in each edition.
✨ You can learn more about The Foundation Rider Magazine here
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Click on the covers below to explore selected features from Jody’s column.
The Foundations of Rhythm: Dressage Done Differently
Published in The Foundation Rider – Edition 1
In this debut feature, I dive deep into the real meaning of rhythm in dressage—and why it’s so much more than just the first block on a traditional training scale. From the four corners of rhythm to self-carriage and distinct leg aids, this article rethinks the way we approach rhythm for both horse and rider. It's all about helping horses find their own rhythm, not pushing them into one.
Go, Stop... and Everything In Between
Published in The Foundation Rider – Edition 2
In this second Foundation Flatwork article, I explore why rhythm issues in horses are rarely about rhythm at all. Often, the root cause lies in unclear stop and go cues—leading to resistance, heaviness, and a lack of self-carriage. Working with Kelly and her mare Envy, we revisit the true basics: light, distinct signals for transitions, the importance of shaping (not fixing), and how clarity builds confidence and relaxation. If you’ve ever felt like your horse is “dull” or “heavy,” this one’s for you.t
The Missing Link: Teaching the TURN Response
Coming soon in The Foundation Rider – Edition 3
What if your horse’s tension, napping, or crooked lines weren’t disobedience—but a lack of education in one critical area? In my upcoming article, I’ll explore the misunderstood world of TURN, and why it’s often the missing piece in horse training.
You’ll learn how steering is not just about seat and legs—and why most horses (and riders!) have never been taught a clear, operantly-conditioned TURN response. We’ll unpack how rein cues influence the horse’s front feet, and how improving TURN creates better straightness, connection, and even emotional regulation in the horse.
Stay tuned—this one’s worth the wait!
Podcast Appearances
Listen in: honest conversations on horse training, ethics, and evidence-based riding
Podcasts are one of my favourite formats for sharing ideas and digging deep into the questions riders
are really asking. Whether I’m talking about the science of learning, busting myths around
traditional techniques, or unpacking what’s really going on behind “naughty” behaviour,
these conversations are designed to spark thought, offer tools, and leave you (and your horse) better
off than when you started listening.
Below you’ll find a selection of my podcast appearances — click to listen and explore topics from
TURN to trauma, competition to compassion.
Unveiling the ISES 10 Training Principles
In this foundational episode, I join Dr. Andrew McLean and host Antonia Henderson to unpack the ISES 10 Training Principles—the science-backed framework guiding ethical horse training worldwide. We explore how these principles have shaped our careers, enhanced equine welfare, and helped us address behavioural challenges with clarity and compassion. From decoding ethology to understanding nutrition, competition stress, and behaviour, this episode blends research with real-world practice. A must-listen for anyone passionate about doing better by horses.
A Safer Future for Equestrianism: A Panel Discussion
Panel Episode – ISES Podcast, November 7, 2023
In this special roundtable episode, I join equine behaviour experts Dr. Jan Ladewig and Dr. Andrew McLean to tackle one of the most pressing issues in our industry: safety for both horse and human. We explore real-world training challenges and discuss topics like separation anxiety, standing still, managing overstimulation, avoiding flooding, and selecting appropriate training tools. If you care about safety and ethics in equestrian sport, this deep-dive conversation is essential listening.
Equitation Science, Performance & Welfare – A Candid Conversation
Equestrian Hub Podcast – October 10, 2024
In this engaging interview with podcast host Charlie Brister, I share the journey from pony-mad kid to Grand Prix dressage rider—and how discovering Equitation Science completely reshaped my approach to training. We cover everything from training front legs vs. hind legs, the crossover between dressage and jumping, to social licence, nervous system regulation, and behavioural problem-solving. Whether you're aiming for higher performance or a happier horse, this conversation offers both science and soul.
Blog Posts by Jody
Thoughts from the paddock, the arena—and everywhere in between
Sometimes an idea lands mid-ride. Sometimes it's sparked by a conversation, a client challenge, or a quiet moment watching a young horse learn. This blog is where I capture those moments—offering training insights, reflections on equine welfare, and stories from my own journey with horses. These are occasional posts, written when there’s something important or thought-provoking to say.
Explore below for science-backed tips, myth-busting moments, and the occasional rant or revelation.
Where's My Steering Wheel
Think you’re steering with your seat and legs? Think again. Discover why true TURN is about decelerating the inside front leg—not neck bending or leg pressure. ...more
Science
June 13, 2025•7 min read
What Breed is my Steed?
NZ riders, are you recording your horse’s breeding correctly? Learn how to describe, register, and represent your horse accurately—at home and on the world stage. ...more
Sport
June 13, 2025•7 min read
To Whip or Not to Whip - That is the Question
In the world of horse riding, the use of whips is a topic that stirs strong emotions and opinions. Our latest blog explores the rules and ethical considerations around whip use, aiming to raise awaren... ...more
Ethics
November 01, 2024•10 min read
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