Have you ever felt underrepresented in the equine world? Perhaps you've noticed that women are often in less leadership positions in this sector... despite making up over 75% of participants in the sport?! In this episode, we're talking to someone who is part of an organisation looking to change that. Muireann O'Toole Brennan is Co-Founder and CMO of Equitas - an online publication standing for justice, fairness and equity for females in our industry. In this very thought-provoking episode, we're talking about: An introduction to Muireann, her work and her familyThe Equitas mission and why it is so importantFlexibility and a skilled female workforceToxic masculinity in some disciplines and the risk it poses to the workforceThe delight of ex-racehorses, and the joy they can bring!The mental health epidemic happening in the equestrian world - and what Equitas are doing about it This was an absolutely incredible and honest conversation, with someone who - although always looks on the bright side of life(!) - is really championing some of the most serious topics we are faced with as equestrians. We were delighted to speak to Muireann and get her perspective. *Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including discussions around gender discrimination, sexual harassment, mental health and suicide. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

How do women prioritise after having a baby? Does a child mean the end of your career - professional or riding? As a self-confessed career woman, Mel Newman wasn't expecting a baby to be part of their family dynamic! Having worked in Marketing within the equestrian industry for a decade, and with a string of high-profile brands behind her name, many could be mistaken for thinking of Mel as just "married to the job". However, in this chat, we're getting to finding out what really matters to this supermum! This conversation touches on: - Mel's upbringing between The Netherlands and the UK - Her unexpected pregnancy and the impact it had on her riding - How she makes balances family life with progressing her professional career - The importance of guarding your mental wellbeing - especially with social media - Societal expectations and roles in the home - The importance of listening to your own instincts - Plus, much more! Enjoy listening along, as we have a laugh with (and learn a little more about!) someone we've worked with for many moons! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

Are you travelling with your littles this summer? Perhaps it's your very first flight abroad as a family? Or... are you heading off for some jolly camping capers?! In this episode, we're chatting about the essentials we've taken with us to make travelling with kids that little bit easier. And, we're sharing the tips we've been given by others to help make those journeys *slightly* less stressful! We hope this episode is useful for you. Safe travels! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What did June look like for us? Curious to find out? In this episode of the Equestrian Mums Club podcast, we catch listeners up on our lives, discussing our children, horses, and recent experiences. Sophie shares updates about her daughter Olive, her pregnancy (as she reaches 6 months in!), and her horses. Meanwhile, Katie opens up about the very recent loss of her horse, Leo - and how that is affecting all areas of family life. The conversation also touches upon going back to work after maternity leave and the difficulties of balancing work and childcare. We also share our struggles with keeping a tidy house(!) as well as announcement about podcast episodes in the month of August. TLDR? Get to know us a little bit more, as well as some updates on how the Equestrian Mums Club has grown over the month (with much more still to come!). *Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including discussions around horse euthanasia, grief and loss. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

Have you ever wondered about the connection between confidence and becoming a new parent? Has your confidence in the saddle changed for the better or the worse, since having a child? In this episode, we are speaking to international master mindset and performance psychology coach, author, speaker and trainer, Jenni Winter-Leach. Founder of Flying Changes Mindset, Jenni has a wealth of experience in helping equestrians show up to be the best they can be - by harnessing the power of their own mind! Listen in to hear more on: Jenni's journey from corporate careerist to transitioning to an equestrian mindset expertHow your nervous system shapes our response to different situationsThe psychological theory behind confidence - and how trauma can affect this The importance of understanding the root cause for confidence issues - not just dealing with the symptomsWhat the definition of a trauma actually is!How trauma responses can shape our parenting This was a truly fascinating episode for us - so we hope our listeners enjoy and learn a thing or two along the way! Our key takeaway was simply this - mindset matters, in parenting, riding and in the way we treat ourselves and others. Invest in it! *Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including discussions around grief and loss. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What does fatherhood really look like... versus the picture he has in his head pre-kids?! (Spoiler alert: It's a bit different!) On this episode of the Equestrian Mums Club podcast, Sophie's flying solo to have a chat with her co-host - Katie's - husband and long-suffering "horse widow", Simon! Listen in to this episode to hear more about: The infamous "meet cute" for he and Katie... with an unlikely location! How he (a self-confessed non-equestrian) really feels about having horses in his back gardenHis take on their late pregnancy newsHow he is navigating fatherhood, in the midst of his own griefHis thoughts on his Katie's transition to motherhoodThe (unusual!) phrase he keeps in mind, to remember to make the best of every situation It's rare we get the non-horsey side of the coin on this podcast... so take a seat and get ready to listen along to the real, authentic story of someone "equestrian by association"! Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including grief and loss of a parent. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What did May look like for us? Curious to find out? In this episode of the Equestrian Mums Club podcast, we catch listeners up on our lives, discussing our children, horses, and recent experiences. Sophie shares updates about her daughter Olive, her pregnancy, and her horses, while Katie talks about her new horse (Lottie) and her son Rafe. The conversation (as always!) delves into the challenges and joys of parenting, as well as the humourous and chaotic moments of everyday life as an equestrian. The conversation covers the challenges and parallels between raising children and caring for horses, as well as the unique experiences of being an equestrian mother. It also touches on the complexities of balancing family, work, and equestrian responsibilities. TLDR? Get to know us a little bit more, as well as some updates on how the Equestrian Mums Club has grown over the month (with much more still to come!). --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

When was the last time you had an open conversation with a friend about your cycle? What sort of feelings do you get when someone starts to open up about theirs to you? In this episode, we're speaking to Coni Longden-Bird, co-founder of NIXI Body - an innovative leak-proof underwear brand that the Equestrian Mums Club partnered with in 2024. Together, we're talking about normalising conversations around women's health - and how breaking down stigma and shame can lead to more empowered, healthy women. Listen along to hear more about: Coni's background and fertility journeyThe need to prioritise self-care, especially through conception and then motherhoodThe need for education around menstrual health Who NIXI Body are and their missionWhy NIXI Body's products are ideal confidence boosters for those with bladder leaks or periods We had such a blast on this episode - and hope that this content can make you laugh along with us, as we explore the topic of women's health with a little light-hearted humour! Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including fertility challenges and discussions around shame. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

Do you ever meet people in this life that you are immediately drawn to? What is the defining factor for you? For us, often it's a blend of grit, charisma, authenticity and a multifaceted skillset - which this episode's guest certainly has in spades! Like many of the equestrian parents we've spoken to, Ali Surrey Dane has multiple hats to wear... She runs and owns a livery yard - Hurston Dressage and EventingShe's a British Dressage Coaching Certificate L3 coach and List 3 British Dressage judgeShe's a rider (although seems to take that title with a pinch of salt!)She's a Non-Executive Director for both the British Grooms Association and the Equestrian Employers AssociationOf course, she's also a mummy, too - to one gorgeous little boy, Rafael! How does she do it all... we'll never really know! But, on a sunny day in mid-March, we got up close and personal with the wonderful lady, herself. In this episode, listeners can hear a little bit more about... What Ali really think the equestrian industry needs more of (Clue: it's not horses!)How she managed to buy herself a little Lusitano gelding... and not a big warmblood mare?How a rough pregnancy doesn't necessarily mean a slow return to riding! Her son and his namesakeHow equestrian employers need to make changes for parents to sustain their own businessesPlus, much more... in true Equestrian Mums Club fashion! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What would you say your superpower is? In this episode, we're getting to know Elli Sydenham - supermum, single parent and social media manager(!) for her 13-year-old daughter, Phoebe and their many four-legged friends. Known on Instagram by the handle @hattie_the wildcardpony, this glorious duo are brightening our feeds on the daily - with daughter, Phoebe, letting her creative streak and determined nature run riot and mum, Elli, being the "buffer and safety net" for content, comments and followers. (Pretty hard work when there's 15k+ followers!) Listen on to hear more about: Elli's background and life as a "first generation equestrian" & "first generation equestrian mum"The challenges and benefits of co-parenting with an exAdvocating for Phoebe's ADHD diagnosis and life after the discoveryThe benefits of horses and social media for someone with a neurodevelopment differenceManaging an adolescent's social media account as a parent This was such an open and honest conversation, with huge thanks to Elli for her candour. We hope this conversation gives you plenty to think about, but plenty to be hopeful about, too - especially if you, or someone you know, are struggling with accepting a "difference" of any kind. Because, your difference can be just what the world needs! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

We love an announcement at EMC HQ... In this short but sweet bonus episode of the Equestrian Mums Club podcast, Sophie is spilling the beans on a BIG secret... Listen in, to find out more! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What did April look like for us? Curious to find out? Get to know us a little bit more inc. updates on our family, horses and home lives as well as some updates on how the Equestrian Mums Club has grown over the month (with much more still to come!). --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

Parenthood (& horse ownership!) can be challenging, to say the least. But, what happens when you decide to put some of that online? In this episode, we're speaking to parent, horse owner and content creator, Rachael Barnett - online moniker, @raythegoth. Best known on Instagram and YouTube for her funny, heartwarming and relatable content with her cob mare, Pepper - she's attracted over 46k followers combined! Listen to the full chat, for more around: Her early years abroadHow she found her way into social mediaHow content creators need to be mindful when choosing to share The challenges of online criticism vs. the beauty in building authentic relationships through social mediaThe impact of social media on mental healthHer initial struggles with parenthood and her perspective on having a 'lockdown baby'Why new parents shouldn't be afraid to reach out for help We're so pleased that Ray was able to share so much with us in this episode, and it gives you plenty to think about - parent, guardian or parent-to-be! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

If you won £200,000 on the lottery tonight... what would you spend it on? How do you know what your financial priorities are (& what "should" they be)? In this episode, we're talking to the self-titled "pensions princess", Charlotte Watson. UK-based financial planner, horse owner/rider/enthusiast/aficionado and mother-of-one - Charlotte is certainly not your stereotypical "man in a pin-striped" suit! In this chat, Charlotte is breaking down the difficult financial jargon you've probably heard of... with a sprinkle of glitter, a great big smile and in terms you and your horsey dreams will be delighted to hear about! Who knew finances could be fun?! (No, we're not kidding!) Listen on to hear more on... Who is Charlotte - and how did a horsey girl, the daughter of a jockey, become a financial planner?!What can a financial planner do for you?Who should be using a financial planner? How should you be prioritising your finances, based on my income level?What IS child benefit and is it worth claiming?When should we be looking to save or invest?How can we protect ourselves financially - inc. tips around life cover, sick pay, retirement planning, and inheritancePlus, Charlotte's top tips for expectant equestrian parents Charlotte is giving us a truly unique viewpoint on finances - knowing our struggles as equestrians, parents and people juggling so many responsibilities. Money is so emotive for many of us - so we really hope you find this episode as useful as we did whilst recording! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

How can we look after our bodies, once we've had a baby? AND how on earth can we do that, when we've four-leggeds to fend for, too?! In this episode, we’re speaking to a lady that has more job titles than most! Gemma Dawson is an osteopath, pilates instructor, mummy MOT practitioner and women’s health enthusiast. She runs Clinic 124 - a multidisciplinary clinic dealing with all aspects of health - which she runs alongside her own osteopathic practice and a Pilates Studio (The Pilates Studio Whitstable). She’s also a wife, mother and fellow horse enthusiast - so we absolutely cannot wait to find out more about her life, her work and perhaps get some much needed advice on how to make the best of postpartum life - for our own bodies and our babies. If you're looking for quick tips on how to feel good in yourself, whilst juggling all the 'hats' - here's the place to start! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

What did March look like for us? Curious to find out?! Get to know us a little bit more inc. updates on our family, horses and home lives as well as a few exciting updates on how the Equestrian Mums Club has grown over the month (with much more still to come!). --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there.Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

Life has many twists and turns, ups and down - and as equestrians and parents, we can sometimes think that perhaps we experience a few more than the average Joe(lle)! It's not an 'easy' life to begin with - but many of our fellow equestrians are also privately facing trials and tribulations we may know very little about... In this episode, we got to speak to an "everyday equestrian mum", Cheryl Dollery, about her experiences so far... From living with two hilarious Highland ponies and a growing family, to losing a baby girl with ⁠Patau's Syndrome⁠ and a troublesome newborn stage with her gorgeous little boy, Theo. In her own words, Cheryl tells us more about; Native pony chuckles and capers (inc. Highland pony and Welsh Section D quirks!)How her Highland ponies fit into everyday family lifeHer little boy, Theo, and his rocky start to newborn lifeHow losing a baby girl with Patau's Syndrome (a genetic chromosome disorder) has affected her lifeHow you learn to live with grief as time passes Plus, much more. We were so grateful to Cheryl for generously sharing her experiences with us, so hope you can take some strength and inspiration from this episode. Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including baby loss and grief. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

Most people try to give parenting or horse advice, that comes from a genuine place. And, a lot of the time... we can often ask for it. However, some of the time we don’t ask for it... and get it anyway! In this episode, we discuss ways in which we can pick out the good from the bad (and politely ignore the unsolicited) - without coming across as ‘my way or the highway’.  Expect to hear from our own experiences, as we muddle our way through motherhood and horse ownership - as well as some of the experiences shared by our listeners. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

We often marvel at mothers who take on careers alongside parenting... but there's jobs, and then there's elite-level sport... In this episode, we were blessed to have an glimpse into how one superwoman makes it all work - Olympic medallist, international dressage rider, Laura Tomlinson. Laura has competed at the World Equestrian Games, the European Championships, 2x Olympic Games and a vast number of other high profile shows throughout her career. She was part of the gold medal-winning team at the London 2012 Olympics and also took home an individual bronze medal with her Danish Warmblood, Mistral Højris (Alf). Incredibly, she was also appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to equestrianism. We sit down and get to know Laura over a cup of tea - as she gives us all a rare glimpse into what life is really like as an elite athlete and as an equestrian mum of four (wow!). Join us and listen in, as we find out more about: Where her love of horses really startedWhat it was like to experience selection and participation for the Olympic GamesHow she balances parenthood alongside her husband, professional polo player, Mark TomlinsonWho her children are, as well as their interestsHow she keeps the memory of loved ones passed alive for her childrenDaily life with four children and multiple horses! Plus, much much more. We hope you enjoy! --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!

There are some moments in life, where you get to meet people you feel like you've already known a lifetime... but in this episode we got a good reminder that what people post about on social media, isn't always all of who they are! In this episode, we got to speak to the wonderful, talented and multi-faceted, Olivia Towers - who many know as one of the very first equestrian social media influencers in the UK. In her own words, Olivia tells us more about; How she's feeling about her pregnancy and (now that she's a mummy-to-be!)How her ideas and thoughts around social media have evolvedHer career twists and turns, and the chapters she's been through so farWhat life is really like behind the social media 'lens'How training horses can set people up for little humans Plus much, much more! Please note: Some of the topics we discuss in this episode some listeners may find challenging - including mental and behavioural disorders. We advise listener discretion. --- Want to hear more from the Equestrian Mums Club? We’re over on Instagram and Facebook - find us with the handle @equestrianmumsclub or head to our profile page for the link straight there. Make sure to hit the follow button for more content like this!