Ep 30 Dr. Hilary Clayton on Horse Biomechanics, Rider Biomechanics, Correct Riding Position, and an Independent Seat
Dr. Hilary Clayton is a veterinarian, researcher, and celebrated equestrian whose career spans more than 45 years advancing science in equine locomotor biomechanics, athletic conditioning, rehabilitation, and rider–horse interaction.
She holds a BVMS from the University of Glasgow (1973) and a PhD in biomechanics (1978), and served as the Mary Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in Equine Sports Medicine at Michigan State University from 1997 until her retirement in 2014.
She has authored 7 books and over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles, focusing on how rider position, saddle fit, and training protocols directly affect equine kinematics, gait symmetry, and performance outcomes.
Dr. Clayton is a past president of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, and is also an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science, and has been inducted into multiple halls of fame including the USDF Roemer Foundation and the International Equine Veterinarians Hall of Fame.
This episode is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle, our introductory rider fitness course that is appropriate for all levels of riding and fitness ability. This course will improve your core strength, back strength, and leg strength and strengthen the specific muscles Dr. Clayton discusses in this podcast interview. You can sign up here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/six and use code "JOURNEY" for 10% off.
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Ep 29: Cultivating Success in Barrel Racing with Lindsay Schulz, Clinic Tips, Maximizing Performance in You AND Your Horse
Lindsay Schulz is a standout barrel racer, trainer, and clinician from Moses Lake, WA. As a multiple time futurity champion and arena record holder, she’s earned accolades in regional and national competitions including the 2023 Xtreme Million Athlete of the Year.
Lindsay owns the legendary Miss Eedie Stinson and carefully developed the mare into a true champion. Their partnership earned them headlines at the Xtreme Mini Million in Las Vegas, where Lindsay broke the arena record, winning over $6,000. With total earnings exceeding $142,000 in Xtreme Million events and over $200K in Miss Eedie’s career, Lindsay has proven herself at the highest level as both a trainer and competitor.
Beyond the arena, Lindsay is a respected barrel racing clinician and coach who shares her training insights—emphasizing both horse and rider preparedness and fitness.
This episode is brought to you by COMPETE, our in-season workout program for riding athletes who want to maximize their potential and compete at the highest level possible. Use code "LINDSAY" at checkout for 10% off! Head to www.solidinthesaddle.com/compete to access.
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28: Paul Humphrey on horsemanship, fundamentals, body control, horse conditioning
In this episode I get to chat with master clinician Paul Humphrey. Paul dives into what makes a rider and barrel racer successful, starting with a foundation of solid horsemanship.
Paul discusses horse body control and common mistakes riders make. He discusses how rider strength, fitness, and balance play into being successful at his clinics; especially on day 3 if they are sore or not!
He discusses foundational requirements for young horses including what they should know how to do before coming to one of his clinics. Paul also discusses how to handle hot horses at clinics and the "breakthroughs" that happen in 3 days no matter which level of horse or rider attend.
This was a very informational episode and Paul's expertise shines with the discussion on laying the foundation for a successful barrel racing training program.
This episode is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle, which is a great option for riders who are looking to build strength before going to one of Paul's clinics to withstand the physical requirements of 3 days of intense riding. You can learn more here: www.solidinthesaddle.com/six
You can reach Paul at his website: https://breakingthemoldwithpaul.com/
Or through Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/paul.humphrey.18
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27: Why Athletic Riders Win: Your Breakthrough in Riding Stability, Confidence, and Performance
Here's the bottom line: Strong riders have better health, better performance, and have more fun on their horses.
Want to ride better, safer, and with more confidence? In this quick-hit episode, I break down why having adequate muscle strength for the demands of riding is important. You'll learn why weaker, untrained riders struggle with frustration, injury, and lost confidence, and what they can do to reverse that and get back to riding like they used to.
In this short episode I'll teach you:
- Why you need to focus on lean mass as a woman rider + my tried and true tips to get there
- The biomechanical differences between expert and novice riders
- The muscles required of the rider when your horse rapidly slows down, speeds up, turns, or spooks
- The forces and muscles required during a barrel racing straight run vs. turn and how to train them
- The efficient way to prevent riding injuries
- How to improve balance, strength, and control in just 15 minutes a day
- The overlooked mindset shift that can make you a more confident, competitive rider
If you're a female horseback rider who’s tired of feeling stuck, sore, or behind the competition, this episode is your guide to what steps you can take to change the narrative. Listen now and learn simple, effective strategies to transform your riding- without ever stepping foot in the gym.
This course is brought to you by 6 Weeks to Solid in the Saddle. You can learn more at www.solidinthesaddle.com/six
Resources mentioned in this episode include www.solidinthesaddle.com/backpain and www.solidinthesaddle.com/core
I hope you enjoy today's episode! If you are enjoying these podcasts, please leave us a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. These reviews mean the world to us and help us spread the word to horseback riders everywhere!
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Ep 26 Veterinarian Dr. Anne-Marie Russ on horse conditioning, the impact of weather, and recovery tools
Are you a horseback rider striving to feel confident, strong, and in control in the saddle? Look no further! Solid in the Saddle is the go-to podcast for women riders who want to elevate their riding skills, improve their wellness, and rediscover their passion for horses.
Hosted by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and professional barrel racer who knows firsthand the challenges of overcoming injury and rebuilding strength, this podcast is packed with practical advice, expert interviews, and the latest research tailored specifically for horseback riders.
Each episode dives into essential topics like:
Strength Training for Riders – Exercises designed to help you stay balanced and secure in the saddle.
Nutrition and Wellness – Simple strategies to fuel your body for riding success.
Stress Management and Nervous System Regulation – Learn how to stay calm and focused, even in high-pressure situations.
Competition Mindset – Unlock the mental edge to perform your best in and out of the arena.
Whether you're barrel racing for gold or trail riding with friends, this podcast will inspire you to take charge of your health, build unshakable confidence, and become the rider you’ve always dreamed of being.
💪 Subscribe today to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Ready to take the reins? Visit our website for resources and programs designed to help YOU become Solid in the Saddle!
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