The Equestrian Connection

The concept of "contact" is something that stays with many riders throughout almost their entire riding lives. Unfortunately, beginners are often taught it inadequately—after all, just because the horse’s head is down doesn’t mean there is correct contact. And even once you’ve mastered it, a different horse might present new challenges by leaning on the bit, curling behind the vertical, or hollowing its back and lifting its head.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Britta Schöffmann dispels common myths and clears up any confusion: she explains what the term actually means and what correct contact feels like. If you feel that the contact between you and your horse could be softer or more steady, you’ll also get plenty of tips that you can try out right away in your next riding session. Enjoy!

*Please note: This episode is a translated episode from The wehorse Podcast, originally aired July 2026.

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Maddie Houser is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist with her now retired Dutch Warmblood mare, Leah, and since 2021 has been focused on helping shed light on the versatility of the Quarter Horse and their place in the dressage ring. Maddie’s instagram account, The Blonde & The Bay, showcases her training progressions, the ups and downs of horse and farm ownership, equestrian fashion, and more.

This is our third podcast interview with Maddie because we enjoy our conversations so much, and this one is no different!

Connect with Maddie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblondeandthebay_/

Anna Buffini is a professional dressage rider with accomplishments such as being a 2x World Cup finalist, 4x Senior Nations Cup Team member, 2016 U25 National Champion, and the 2014 US Young Rider Champion.

Anna is such an inspiration to many riders and a role model for equestrians of all ages.
This is our second podcast interview together and in this episode, we’re catching up to see what she’s up to these days and what’s changed since we last spoke four years ago.

Connect with Anna:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_buffini/

Veronika von Rohrscheid is the creator of biotensegrative training. Her goal is to teach the horse health-promoting movement patterns and thus help it develop a competent body.

In conversation with Sonja Kriegel, Veronika clarifies that she does not want to create a new riding or training method. She wants to convey an understanding of the horse's body and its movement patterns, so that every horse person can train their horse in a way that maintains its health – regardless of riding level, discipline, or competitive ambitions.

Veronika describes exactly what biotensegral training is and why all horses – not just those suffering from fatigue or other ailments – can benefit from it: Issues such as a dull gait, problems with contact, lack of relaxation and suppleness, or difficulties with positioning and bending can all be explained and resolved with Veronika's approach. Look forward to many "aha!" moments in this podcast episode.

*Please note: This episode is a translated episode from The wehorse Podcast, originally aired February 2026.

From the Arabian horse circuit to hunter/jumper to dressage and exercising race horses, Shelby’s practical experience with different kinds of horses has made her a well rounded horse person. On top of her practical experience, Shelby has also taken several Equine Science based courses through Guelph to work towards her Certificate of Equine Science, choosing to emphasize her studies and education on Equine Behaviour. In early 2021, Shelby received her Equine Behaviour Consultant certification from the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants.

The understanding and correct application of equine learning theory has allowed Shelby to hone her skills as a horse person and continue modernizing her approach as a trainer, with emphasis on equine ethology and ethical practice. Shelby attributes her history with horses to shaping the hardworking, patient and driven individual she is today.

Connect with Shelby:
Website: https://milestoneequestrian.ca/