More real horses, more real problems—and more fresh perspectives on what might be going on beneath the surface.

In Part 2 of this special Dear Horse World special double episode series, we’re continuing our conversation with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).

After exploring three listener-submitted case studies in Part 1, we’re back with three more.

This time, Dr. Langlois brings a TCVM approach to:

• A gelding with insulin irregularities and possible thyroid concerns
• A mare struggling with behavioural issues and chronic respiratory trouble
• A Belgian sport horse showing rearing behaviour and a persistently swollen leg

Through these stories, we explore how acupuncture, herbs, bodywork, and energy balancing can help reveal root imbalances that often go overlooked—and offer support when traditional methods aren’t enough.

Whether you’re exploring alternatives or just curious about what holistic care really looks like in action, this episode offers thoughtful insight, practical takeaways, and a whole new way of thinking about horse health.

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series for more Dear Horse World episodes, wherever you're listening!

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Real horses, real problems—and a fresh perspective on what might be going on beneath the surface. In this special two-part Dear Horse World episode, we’re back with Dr. John Langlois, an equine veterinarian with over 40 years of experience who now works exclusively in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). After introducing us to the world of acupuncture, herbs, and energy balancing in our first conversation, Dr. Langlois returns to answer your questions. We invited listeners to submit their horse’s health challenges—and in this first instalment, we cover three fascinating case studies: - A horse in New Zealand struggling with heat-induced asthma - A stallion with persistent musculoskeletal pain and no clear diagnosis - A mare with a chronic cough and intermittent skin itching Dr. Langlois brings a TCVM lens to each case, exploring how ancient practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine can help identify root imbalances and support healing—especially when conventional approaches fall short. Whether you’re TCVM-curious or navigating complex issues with your own horse, this episode offers insight, practical advice, and a thoughtful new way of understanding equine health. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into more listener-submitted cases.

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Every rider knows the feeling.

That moment when you and your horse are so in sync, it’s like you’re breathing together. No pulling, no gripping, no second-guessing—just presence, softness, and trust.
But then there are the other days.

You overthink. Your horse resists. Your leg tenses, your hands take instead of give. The connection frays. The confidence dips. And you wonder… Why does it feel so hard?
According to five-time Olympian Anne Kursinski, it’s not about strength. It’s not even about talent. It’s about feel—and feel is something you can learn.

In this intimate, wisdom-packed conversation, Anne opens up about the journey behind her Olympic career: the mentors who doubted her, the tough moments that shaped her, and the deep presence she brings to every ride, clinic, and teaching moment today.
We explore:

• Why “talent” is the most overrated concept in riding
• How to develop feel by listening to your horse—on the ground and in the saddle
• The difference between pressure and micromanagement
• How your energy, focus, and self-worth affect your horse’s performance
• Why presence—not perfection—is the real path to progress

Whether you're in the barn before sunrise or riding once a week between life’s responsibilities, Anne’s insights will help you ride with more clarity, softness, and purpose.

Because connection isn’t something you force—it’s something you create.

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Learn more from Anne Kursinski and follow her on social media:

https://www.annekursinski.com/

www.instagram.com/annekursinski

www.facebook.com/AnneKursinski

www.youtube.com/@ridingandjumpingmentor9453/videos

And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 www.instagram.com/dearhorseworld

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit www.NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

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This episode is brought to you by YETI.

Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts.
No compromise.

Just gear that works as hard as you do. Explore more at yeti.com.

📱 @yeti

📱 facebook.com/YETI

Think dressage is just for imported warmbloods and rhinestone-studded riders? Think again.

In this must-listen episode, NF+ Masterclass instructor Mette Larsen strips dressage down to what it really is: thoughtful, horse-first training that any rider can use to build better balance, deeper connection, and more confidence—arena or not.

You’ll learn how dressage can help trail horses stop tripping, sharpen your jump-off turns, and make your rides feel more emotionally in sync.

It’s the kind of episode that leaves you itching to throw your leg over and try something new—no white breeches required.

✨ Why you’ll love it:

• Understand what “on the bit” is really supposed to feel like (and why it’s not just about the frame).
• Learn how to ride into the future—literally—by letting go of your inside rein habit.
• Discover how dressage creates stronger, more balanced horses (and maybe even cuts down on those vet bills).

Whether you’re a backyard rider with big dreams, a re-rider rebuilding your feel, or a competitor looking for more clarity and connection—this episode is your invitation to rethink everything you thought you knew about dressage.

This is Part 2 of Mette’s 17-part NF+ Masterclass, “Dressage for All Disciplines”—a full training experience designed to meet you exactly where you are, no matter your discipline.

🔥 Want the rest? Join NF+ to unlock the full series and access 500+ expert-led lessons that help you ride better, feel more confident, and build the partnership you and your horse deserve.

Right now you can get 15% off an annual membership with the code 'DHW'.

Just head to noellefloydplus.com to join. Because at NF+, we believe great riding shouldn’t feel exclusive—it should feel empowering. And this is where that starts.

What if going slow wasn’t falling behind—but finally getting it right?

Horse trainer and quietly powerful human Mirjam Dunkel is here to remind us that taking your time isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

With a background in liberty work, classical dressage, and cowboy realness, Mirjam’s trained over 100 young horses and built a reputation on softness, clarity, and doing right by the horse (even when it’s hard, messy, or humbling).

In this episode, we chat about:

• Rebuilding trust with horses who’ve shut down
• Why skipping the “boring basics” backfires
• How slowing down builds connection—and confidence
• And what it means to chase big dreams, one tiny step at a time

Big dreams, quiet wins, and a whole new way of measuring progress—this one’s filled with the kind of wisdom that sticks with you, long after the ride is over.

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Learn more from Mirjam Dunkel and follow her story on social media:

📱www.instagram.com/mirjam_dunkel

Or train with Mirjam! https://www.mirjamdunkel.com/

And you can follow us on instagram too!
Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

This episode is brought to you by YETI.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) might sound ancient—but it’s helping modern horses in ways you might not expect.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. John Langlois, a Florida-based equine veterinarian with over four decades of experience, who now works exclusively with TCVM.

After a long career in conventional veterinary medicine, a powerful experience treating broodmares with acupuncture changed everything—and led him to pursue further training in herbal medicine, Tui-na (Chinese medical massage), and spinal manipulation.

Dr. Langlois breaks down the foundations of TCVM in an accessible, practical way—sharing how this holistic approach can support horses with chronic conditions, behavioural challenges, and hard-to-diagnose issues.

We talk about:

• What TCVM really is—and how it complements conventional care
• How Dr. Langlois shifted from traditional practice to holistic treatments
• The Five Elements and how they can influence your horse’s health and temperament
• When to consider acupuncture, herbs, or bodywork for your horse
• Common misconceptions about TCVM—and what the science and real-world results show

Whether you're new to the idea of integrative care or already exploring alternative therapies, this episode is packed with expert insight and grounded advice to help you better understand your horse—and support their long-term wellbeing.

To learn more about Dr. Langlois and his work in TCVM with Chi University, visit https://chiu.edu/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow. You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

----------------------------------------

A thank you to our Sponsor, YETI.

Made for early mornings in the barn and long days in the saddle. Whether you're hauling feed, chasing daylight on the trail, or loading up for a weekend on the road, YETI coolers and drinkware are built to handle it.

No shortcuts. No compromise. Just gear that works as hard as you do.

Explore more at yeti.com.
📱 @yeti
📱 facebook.com/YETI

Content note: This episode discusses pregnancy, postpartum mental health, and the emotional challenges of stepping back from riding. Please take care while listening.

If you're an equestrian navigating pregnancy, trying to conceive, postpartum, or simply curious about how reproductive health intersects with riding, you're likely facing a storm of mixed messages.

Some riders are told to keep going as long as they feel fine, others are urged to stop immediately—and often, those giving advice don’t understand the unique demands of the saddle.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jill L. Hechtman, MD, FACOG a board-certified OB/GYN with over 20 years of experience caring for women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.

Dr. Hechtman offers her expert medical perspective on the risks of riding while pregnant—including why she advises against it after the first trimester—and encourages women to make informed, personalised decisions in partnership with their healthcare provider.

We also discuss:

✔ The importance of understanding risks and trusting your instincts
✔ Safer ways to stay connected to horses when riding isn’t advised
✔ How to care for your mental health during pregnancy and postpartum
✔ What to know about postpartum depression and open conversations around it
✔ Why tuning out external judgment and listening to your inner voice matters most

Whether you're riding, resting, or returning to the saddle, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and emotional support for equestrians making some of the most personal decisions of their lives.

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Learn more from Dr Jill L. Hechtmann and Ringside Health
📱www.instagram.com/ringsidehealth/?locale=it&hl=en
🌎 www.ringsidehealth.com/

And you can follow us on instagram too! Click here 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld/

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share with those you know in the Horse World - it really helps us grow.

You can also check out the rest of the series @noellefloyd_plus - just hit the playlist tab for more Dear Horse World episodes.

For even more expert-led workshops, in-depth courses, and exclusive lectures designed to elevate your riding and horsemanship, visit NoelleFloydPlus.com and use code 'DHW' for 15% off annual memberships!

NF+ brings you direct access to top equestrian professionals, training insights, and a passionate community of riders dedicated to learning and improving.

Olympic eventer Boyd Martin breaks down what bravery in the saddle really means—and it’s not just charging ahead without fear.

In this personal masterclass, he unpacks the emotional side of riding, from self-doubt and performance pressure to the inner fire that drives us.

Boyd shares how years of preparation, partnership with the horse, and mental clarity helped him navigate high-stakes moments like being the first rider out at the London 2012 Olympics.

He explores the two extremes riders often fall into—hesitation and over-aggression—and how to find the calm, confident middle ground that allows both horse and rider to thrive.

This bonus episode is full of real-talk about mindset, competition nerves, and the routines that build unshakable confidence in and out of the arena.

Watch the full masterclass here: https://noellefloydplus.com/programs/boyd-martin-build-bravery-through-competence

Use the code DHW to get 15% off an annual NF+ membership, which includes 3 masterclasses by Boyd Martin.

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If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe or follow, like, and leave a review - it really helps us grow.

Don't forget to follow us over on Instagram for more insights, BTS and more 👉 instagram.com/dearhorseworld