The Equestrian Connection

Dr. Ben Sykes is a world leading expert on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome and is actively changing the way we think, talk about, treat, prevent, and manage gastric ulcers in our horses. He has pioneered research on gastric ulcers with a focus on Equine Glandular Gastric Disease and is a well-recognised speaker at numerous conferences around the world on subjects relating to equine health and Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome.

Dr. Sykes is also a veterinarian with over 28 years of clinical experience and is boarded with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. He graduated from Murdoch University in 1997 before completing an internship at Randwick Equine Centre followed by a residency in Equine Internal Medicine in Virginia, gaining his Diplomate Registration in Large Animal Internal Medicine in 2004. He then spent 7 years in Finland as head of the Equine Hospital at Helsinki University, in private practice, and as a visiting Professor in Equine Medicine and Surgery in Estonia. He has a special interest in equine gastric ulcers, with many peer-reviewed publications to his credit, including being the lead author on the 2015 European College of Equine Internal Medicine Consensus Statement on Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in adult horses.

Throughout his career Dr. Sykes has worked with a wide range of horses, focusing on high performance horses in racetrack, breeding, and sport horse settings.

In this episode, we discuss - you guessed it - ulcers. Our discussion includes what they are, signs to look for, treatment, prevention, and so much more

Connect with Dr. Ben Sykes:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.sykes.5095
Email: [email protected]

Rebecca Haddock is a trailblazer in equine taping, with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the horse industry. She is the Owner and President of EquiTecs Equine Technologies Institue, a Certified EEKT and EEBT practitioner, and the author of Stick With Success – Equine Functional Taping Made Simple.

Rebecca is known for blending science-based expertise with ranch-tested wisdom and humor, making her teaching both practical and engaging. Her work has transformed equine wellness education, from developing the first scientifically researched equine tape to creating innovative training programs now used in over 26 countries.

In this episode, we discuss what Equine Taping is, when and why to use it, how it can benefit every horse, and so much more.

Connect with Rebecca:

Website: https://www.equitecs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equi_tecs/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquiTape

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has changed the so-called Blood Rule in show jumping – sparking debate throughout the equestrian world. This rule concerns how to handle situations in competitions where blood is detected on a participating horse before, during, or after a test.

From the date the new regulation comes into force on January 1, 2026, horses will still be able to participate in the competition under certain circumstances despite visible blood, for example in a second round of a Grand Prix or a jump-off.

What does this mean for equestrian sport? Why did the FEI General Assembly reach this voting result? And why do many experts see it as a step backward for animal welfare?

In this episode, we explore these and other questions together with two insiders who both hold positions within the FEI: veterinarian Dr. Michael Köhler and judge Joachim Geilfus.

They explain:
• how the controversial vote came about – and why each nation only has one vote
• what scenarios could arise at future competitions
• what new responsibilities now lie with judges and veterinarians
• why they view the rule change critically and what effects they expect

An episode for anyone who wants to understand what happens behind the scenes of international sport – and what the decision means for horses, riders and trust in the sport.

*Important to note: This podcast episode was originally recorded in German for the wehorse podcast. We used translation software to dub the episode for our English podcast, The Equestrian Connection.

Sabrina Hidiroglou is a Grand Prix Dressage rider and yoga teacher, helping equestrians get supple, calm, and confident - in and out of the saddle.

Sabrina’s love for horses began early, and by age 8, she was taking regular dressage lessons, drawn to the precision and partnership of the sport. In 2008, Zinté F came into her life—a fiery young KWPN stallion who became her partner through every phase of her career.

Around that same time, Sabrina discovered yoga. What started as a way to improve her position and confidence in the saddle quickly became a tool for navigating pressure, building strength, and staying grounded—on and off the horse.

Sabrina became a certified yoga teacher in 2014 and began integrating yoga into her life as both a rider and coach. That same year, she and Zinté reached the FEI Prix St. Georges level, and now, they have competed at the Grand Prix.

In 2019, Sabrina launched Yoga for Riders to support other equestrians and make it accessible for riders worldwide.

Connect with Sabrina:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrinahidiroglou/
Website: https://www.sabrinahidiroglou.com/

Pernilla Nathan is a Sports Performance Consultant using neuropsychology and heart science to help equestrian clients get results quickly and effectively.

Pernilla obtained her Master's in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2006 and continued to receive her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University in 2010. Her expertise were in the areas of Trauma disorders, anxiety disorders, multi-cultural diversity issues, well-being, neuropsychological testing and academic testing, as well as humanistic and existential psychology.

After years of working as a clinician as well as navigating a divorce, Pernilla re-evaluated her life and pivoted from psychologist to creative entrepreneurship and pioneered a new healing model in integrating peak performance psychology into her work.
She began working with all types of healers and avidly studied performance psychology to implement it in her own life.

That is when she bought her first horse, a dream that had seemed unattainable until then. And at that moment, she began using her voice to provide others with a blueprint to expand their potentiality as well. By using her platform and skills to empower others to connect with their greatest selves, she is an agent of change.

Connect with Pernilla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpernillanathan/
Website: https://www.drpernillanathan.com/