Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara

About Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara

'Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara' is hosted by two saddle sisters, keeping you company one ride at a time. We discuss life, love, horses of course, and all the unexpected turns along the trail.

Publisher

Cara & Sandy

Category

leisure

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

19 Oct 2025

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Interview with Vera V-Abdallah Director and Founder of "Love This Horse Equine Rescue"

   In this episode of Saddle Talk, hosts Sandy and Cara sit down with Vera V-Abdallah, COO and founder of Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Antelope Valley, California. From growing up in Europe with a German state certification in horse training to earning a law degree and working for the Department of Corrections, Vera brings a rare combination of European classical training, legal rigor, and unwavering passion to equine rescue. Sandy, Cara, and Vera dive deep into what truly makes a successful horse rescue, including: The Reality of Rescue: Why Love This Horse focuses on under-saddle training, health, and behavior so rescue horses can become long-term "good citizens." Busting Mare Stigmas: Why the prejudice against mares is completely unfounded and how building a bond with a mare can change your life. The Business of Saving Horses: Balancing a full-time career, managing 100 acres, and providing lifelong sanctuary for 70+ non-rideable horses. Cara’s Personal Story: How adopting her horse, Armani (a secret Lusitano!), from Vera completely changed her perspective on rescue animals. How You Can Help: The real math behind hay bills, veterinary costs, and why becoming a monthly sustaining donor makes all the difference. Resources & How to Support: Website & Donations: Visit lovethishorse.org (https://lovethishorse.org) to make a one-time donation or sign up as a monthly sustaining member. Follow the Rescue: Keep up with available horses, trail rides, and updates on Facebook (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.facebook.com/LoveThisHorse). Enjoying Saddle Talk? Don't forget to follow, rate, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Keep your boots dusty and your hard hats on—we'll see you out on the trail!

2. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Just Another Day

   In this episode of Saddle Talk with Sandy & Cara, the hosts share updates on physical recovery, equine training breakthroughs, and navigating fear on the trail. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578007988647) Episode Overview Injury & Recovery: Cara shares an update on her fractured pelvis, detailing the balance between physical therapy, avoiding "stupid" setbacks like steep stairs, and letting pain act as a natural gauge for healing. Training & Groundwork Updates: Sandy details bringing her horse Kaia home after two months of professional training with Jason, reflecting on foundational groundwork, building confidence with young mares, and using body language instead of forceful correction. Body Energy & Horsemanship Techniques: Inspired by trainers like Chris Irwin, their trainer Jessica, Ryan Rose, and Monty Roberts, the duo explores the concepts of "blocking," "drawing," and "pushing" energy, emphasizing how subtle seat and leg cues create a better connection than pulling on the reins. Overcoming Trail Anxiety & Rider Confidence: A discussion on navigating environmental triggers like strong winds, managing lack of confidence versus gut instincts, and learning when to push through fear or safely dismount. Looking Ahead: The hosts share future plans for trail rides, ponying horses together, introducing obstacle challenges, and progressing with Cara's horse, Armani.

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   Lick and Chew

   In this episode of Saddle Talk, hosts Cara and Sandy dive into the real-life mental and physical challenges of horse ownership—from recovering from injuries and navigating rider anxiety to understanding key horse behavior. Sandy shares updates on her broken pelvis recovery and her milestone transition into menopause, while Cara opens up about her personal tendency to "perseverate" on training goals with her horse, Armani. The hosts then break down the concept of the "lick and chew" response. Learn how horses release jaw tension and switch from panic/flight mode back to their "thinking brain"—and why humans need to apply this exact same self-regulation technique when stress strikes around horses. Connect with Sandy and Cara on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578007988647) Key Topics Covered in This Episode: Injury Recovery & Reality for Equestrians: Navigating physical therapy, broken bones, and the struggle of taking rest when you have horses to care for. Decoding Horse Body Language: What the "lick and chew" reflex means biologically, how adrenaline causes dry mouth in horses, and why jaw-clenching happens during stress. Overcoming Rider Anxiety & Traumatic Scenarios: Strategies for handling worst-case scenario thinking during trailer loading, groundwork, and riding sessions. Proactive Safety & Body Positioning: Essential safety tips for saddling (facing the rear vs. the head), grabbing cinches with your left hand, using fly boots, and avoiding dangerous kick and bite zones. Preventing Food Aggression: How walking away while a horse pins its ears at feed time can unintentionally teach resource guarding—and how to set clear boundaries using a carrot stick. Whether you are starting a young horse, preparing for trailer loading, or managing your own anxiety in the barn, this episode offers practical horsemanship advice, safety tips, and insightful perspective. Tune in to discover how positioning, patience, and giving yourself grace can change your relationship with your horse! Keywords: Horsemanship, Horse Body Language, Equestrian Podcast, Rider Anxiety, Lick and Chew Horse, Horse Safety Tips, Trailer Loading Horses, Horse Training Hacks, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Equine Safety, Menopause and Riding.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Contact Saddle Talk with Sandy and Cara

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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