The NOËLLE FLOYD Podcast

Most of us learned to ride before we ever learned to ask.
We learned the halter, the rope, the pressure, the release. We learned how to make a horse do the thing. And somewhere in there, quietly, a lot of us started to feel that something about it wasn't quite right — and didn't have the words, or the permission, to say so.
Elsa Sinclair had that feeling at twelve.
She's the creator of Freedom Based Training and the documentary Taming Wild, and this conversation is the story of where it came from — which is really the story of a question she couldn't put down.
It started with a student, who asked her: do you think horses actually like being ridden? And then, before Elsa could finish answering — do you think they ever had a choice?
She didn't have an answer. So she went looking for one.
What follows is one of the most honest origin stories I've had on this show. A lonely girl on a spirited Appaloosa named Demi. Years of clinics and books and methods that never felt like the thing she was reaching for. An offer from a near-stranger she couldn't refuse. And finally a year in a field with a wild mustang named Myrnah — no halter, no rope, no treats, no way to make her do anything — just the freedom to walk away, and the hope that she'd choose to stay.
Elsa says something in here I keep coming back to. That she never set out to be spiritual or soft about it. She wanted something "logical and practical and understandable" — a way of being with horses built on peace instead of domination, that still actually worked.
We talk about why she refuses to promise her horse a calm, composed version of herself. About trust as the willingness to suspend judgment. And about the idea that rearranged how I see every herd I've ever stood in: that in a healthy herd, awareness replaces dominance — because dominance only shows up when nobody was paying attention in the first place.
This is the beginning of Freedom Based Training, told by the woman who built it.
Elsa Sinclair is a lifelong horsewoman, behavior researcher, and filmmaker. Her year with Myrnah became the award-winning documentary Taming Wild and a book of the same name, and she now teaches Freedom Based Training to students around the world.
If you've ever wondered whether your horse would choose you — this is Part One. Stay for Part Two, where she shows us exactly how it's done.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
The single question from a student that made Elsa stop and ask whether horses actually choose to be ridden
Why she trains with no halter, rope, or treats — and what the horse's freedom to walk away forces you to get right
The reason she refuses to promise her horse a calm, composed version of herself, and what she does instead
How she defines trust as "the willingness to suspend judgment," plus the 80/20 rule for how often you're allowed to get it wrong
What Ari, the aloof stallion who needed no one, taught her about reaching a horse who isn't interested in you
Why she calls it the slowest training method on Earth, and the honest reason it isn't for everyone
The herd-dynamics reframe that replaces dominance with awareness
To find out more about Elsa Sinclair: website | instagram | facebook | patreon
CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] A surreal reunion and the wish list that started the road trip
[00:44] Elsa's origin story: Demi and "good buckers make good jumpers"
[05:51] The birth of Freedom Based Training: peace over domination
[09:02] The question that changed everything — do horses choose to be ridden?
[11:34] The offer she couldn't refuse, and a documentary called Taming Wild
[14:24] Training without tools: timing, curiosity, and day one with Myrnah
[18:35] Companionship as currency: matching, mirroring, and sensory association
[21:31] The promise she won't make: congruence over composure
[28:22] Showing up on a bad day, and what trust actually is
[34:32] Ari, the aloof stallion, and the 80/20 rule
[40:49] Why the slowest training method on Earth isn't for everyone
[47:00] Herd dynamics: replacing dominance with awareness
Episode Sponsored by Total Feeds
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Interested in more from Noëlle?
Noëlle's writing again — head to her Substack for essays, observations, and the kind of thinking that doesn't fit in an episode. https://noellefloyd.substack.com
Every episode is also on YouTube, where the conversation continues in the comments. 
https://www.youtube.com/@noellefloyd_plus
And if you're ready to go deeper, NF+ is where the real work happens — masterclasses, curated content, and a community that takes horses seriously. https://noellefloydplus.com
You can also download the app - NF+ App
Thank you for your support!

If you watched videos last fall of horses stumbling and struggling to stand, what happened with EHV-1 neurological horses during the 2025 outbreak was more complicated than social media suggested. In this episode of the NOËLLE FLOYD Podcast, Noëlle sits down with equine internal medicine specialist Dr. Bruno Karam for the clearest explanation of what EHV-1 is, why it sometimes turns neurological, and what every horse owner needs to know before the next outbreak.
You'll learn how nearly every horse already carries EHV-1 latently, how stress and travel trigger shedding without symptoms, and why EHM — equine herpes myeloencephalopathy — begins in the respiratory tract and ends with blood clots cutting off oxygen to the spinal cord. Dr. Karam also explains why the western show circuit created a near-perfect storm in November 2025, how the EHV vaccine reduces risk even though it doesn't prevent EHM, and why taking your horse's temperature twice daily — and knowing their individual baseline — is one of the most powerful tools you have.
You'll walk away knowing how to monitor your horses, why reaching for Banamine too fast can mask early warning signs, and which biosecurity habits at shows make the biggest difference.
Subscribe to the NOËLLE FLOYD Podcast — formerly Dear Horse World — wherever you listen.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN
Why nearly every horse already carries EHV-1 latently — and what triggers shedding with no visible symptoms
The exact biological pathway from respiratory infection to spinal cord damage that causes EHM
Why the western show circuit's travel structure created exponential exposure chains in 2025
What the EHV vaccine actually does and doesn't do, and why it still matters for herd immunity
How to take and interpret your horse's temperature using their individual baseline, not just 101.5°F
Why giving Banamine at the first elevated temp can mask early outbreak warning signs
The most overlooked transmission vector at shows: human hands moving between horses
To find out more about Dr. Bruno Karam DVM - Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital - Equine
This episode is sponsored by Pegasus Training & Rehabilitation Center


Here at Pegasus, our mission is to run a first class horse training, rehabilitation, and conditioning facility; provide horses of all disciplines with full and complete care of the highest quality; partner with our clients to ensure that we not only meet, but exceed, their individual goals and needs; and maintain our facility and equipment with the highest level of care.



To find out more about Pegasus - website | instagram | facebook
Interested in more from Noelle?
Noelle's writing again — head to her Substack for essays, observations, and the kind of thinking that doesn't fit in an episode. https://noellefloyd.substack.com
Every episode is also on YouTube, where the conversation continues in the comments. 
https://www.youtube.com/@noellefloyd_plus
And if you're ready to go deeper, NF+ is where the real work happens — masterclasses, curated content, and a community that takes horses seriously. https://noellefloydplus.com
CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction to Dr. Bruno Karam, Equine Internal Medicine Specialist
[00:38] What an Equine Internist Does and Why It's Unique
[02:00] Memorable Cases — From Yellow Fat Disease to Aspiration Pneumonia
[09:34] What Is EHV-1 — Horse COVID Explained
[11:10] How EHV-1 Spreads and What Recrudescence Means
[13:11] Why Some Horses Go Neurological and Others Don't
[16:00] Shedding Explained — Subclinical Carriers and Transmission
[18:06] Vaccines for EHV — What They Do and Don't Protect Against
21:00] Vaccine Risk, Hesitancy, and How to Think About Risk Assessment
[24:28] The 2025 Outbreak — What Really Happened in Texas Before NFR
37:38] What Horse Owners Can Do — Monitoring and Biosecurity at Shows

It is easy to get wrapped up in the competitive environment when prize money and recognition wait at the gate. Our natural human instinct causes us to objectify horses as high-speed pieces of equipment or treat them like sentimental human pets, yet both approaches cause immense confusion for the animal.
When challenges arise, a rider focuses strictly on overriding the obstacle in front of them, whereas a horseman steps back to evaluate the wider picture and protect the partnership. 
Daniel Bluman breaks down the psychological differences between these choices, sharing the real-world management practices that establish what he calls horse karma. He discusses why daily turnout and social connection create a healthier brain for an athletic horse, allowing them to remain sound and happy for years.
What is Horse Karma?: Daniel shares a childhood story from Colombia that shaped his belief that treating every horse with empathy always pays it forward.

Clarity is Humanity: Loving a horse means giving clear, decisive training directions instead of treats, carrots, and confusing human sentimentality.

Becoming Indispensable: Learning how the animal functions biologically makes a person scarce and highly valued, securing a sustainable livelihood.

Managing Social Validation: Daniel urges us to handle the craving for online recognition and instead celebrate the unseen daily lifestyle.

Meet Daniel
Daniel Bluman is an Olympic athlete and co-founder of Bluman Equestrian. He is an entrepreneur and a producer of horses who believes patience is a massive competitive advantage. His philosophy rests on the conviction that horses are our teachers, and our primary mission is to provide them with respect and dignity.
Explore the mission at:
BlumanEquestrian.com
This episode is brought to you by:
Connaway & Associates Equine Insurance Services, Inc.

The friendly and knowledgeable team at Connaway & Associates brings together more than 30 years of experience to offer a wide range of insurance services, including horse insurance, farm insurance, and liability insurance.

Visit www.connaway.net | @connawayassociates | facebook.com/connawayassociatesequine 
Interested in more from Noëlle?
Noëlle's writing again — head to her Substack for essays, observations, and the kind of thinking that doesn't fit in an episode. https://noellefloyd.substack.com
Every episode is also on YouTube, where the conversation continues in the comments. 
https://www.youtube.com/@noellefloyd_plus
And if you're ready to go deeper, NF+ is where the real work happens — masterclasses, curated content, and a community that takes horses seriously. https://noellefloydplus.com
Chapters and Time Stamps:
0:00 Horses are not equipment
4:00 Stop canceling riders you don't understand
5:10 Why clarity is kindness
8:32 The problem with humanizing horses
9:33 Why Daniel turns his horses out together
11:26 What stall life does to a horse's eyesight
12:54 When science catches up to horsemanship
14:00 Why the same ring every day limits your horse
17:00 The disappearing horseman
21:40 Horsemen always earn more than riders
25:35 Show jumping's social license problem
28:00 Managing the social media validation trap
35:50 Rapid fire questions

We have all walked into the barn carrying the weight of a chaotic day, a mile-long to-do list, and a rider ego that thinks jumping twenty fences is the only way to improve. We get clumsy because we try hard to chase points, ribbons, and instant gratification. We end up losing the horse. 
Three-time Olympian Daniel Bluman helps us trade that frantic energy for a higher standard. Daniel represents Israel on the world stage, but his true strength lies in his ability to do less. He reminds us that our horse is an animal rather than a tool, and our success belongs in the quality of our bond instead of the ribbons we collect. 
If you feel tired of the frantic cycle, this conversation provides permission to stop performing and start listening. We dive into the shift from rider goals—those check-box milestones we want for ourselves—to horseman needs, which are the mental and physical foundations our horses require to thrive.
The Glamorous Farmer Mindset: Daniel explains why elite success requires appreciating the daily, weather-independent lifestyle of a simple farmer.

The Trap of Accolades: Chasing endless victories and high rankings leads to an unfulfilled career, whereas finding joy in the daily routine changes the game.

Educating the Next Generation: Daniel shares his focus on raising his children to be great horsemen and happy, well-balanced people.

Postponing Your Own Gratification: A true horseman stays honest to the path, protecting the horse above immediate ring results

Meet Daniel
Daniel Bluman is an Olympic athlete and co-founder of Bluman Equestrian. He is an entrepreneur and a producer of horses who believes patience is a massive competitive advantage. His philosophy rests on the conviction that horses are our teachers, and our primary mission is to provide them with respect and dignity.
Explore the mission at:
BlumanEquestrian.com
CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 Daniel Bluman Joins Dear Horse World: Why He Reached Out 
00:02:09 What Watching Other Riders Teaches You About This Sport
00:03:56 Glamorous Farmers: The Connection to Nature Every Horseman Needs
00:06:27 What Show Jumping Must Not Forget as Prize Money Pours In
00:10:06 Why Chasing Fame in the Horse World Leads to a Miserable Career
00:13:28 The Barns Around the World That Showed Daniel What Really Matters
00:15:19 How to Fall in Love With the Life of the Horseman
00:16:35 The Mentors Who Showed Him You Can Be Both Horseman and Champion
00:20:46 Rider vs. Horseman: Daniel's Full Breakdown
00:25:02 What's Happening Inside a Rider's Mind When the Horse Gets Left Behind
00:29:11 The Riders Daniel Fears in Competition — and Admires Most as Horsemen
00:31:27 Horse Karma: Treating Every Horse Right Is How Champions Are Made

What if everything you've been calling a behavior problem is actually your horse asking for help? On this episode of Dear Horse World, Noëlle sits down with Jim Masterson — founder of the Masterson Method and a leading voice in equine bodywork for horse owners — to explore exactly that question. Jim has worked hands-on with an estimated 700 horses a year at peak, trained over 10,000 students worldwide, and built a method shaped entirely by what horses told him. This conversation will change how you see your horse.
Jim and Noëlle unpack how the horse nervous system moves between sympathetic arousal (guarding, bracing) and parasympathetic release (dropping the head, yawning, shifting weight). You'll understand why an agenda — even a caring one — can block that release, and how approaching your horse with quiet, clear intention changes what becomes possible. Natural horsemanship principles run through everything: you're not working on the horse. You're working with it.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN
Why the poll-atlas junction is the single most important tension point in your horse's body, and how releasing it can shift movement, behavior, and comfort throughout the entire horse — not just the neck.
How to identify when your horse's "behavior problems" — head-shyness, resistance to bridling, difficulty with one canter lead, sudden bucking — are expressions of physical tension, not disobedience.
Jim's five levels of touch (air gap, egg yolk, grape, lemon, and hard lime) and how to stay beneath your horse's bracing response so tension can actually release instead of getting blocked.
How to start the bladder meridian technique today — free, with no equipment — by following the blinks, yawns, and lick-and-chew responses your horse is already giving you.
How your horse's nervous system moves between sympathetic guarding and parasympathetic release, and what visible signs tell you a real tension release has happened.
Why approaching body work without a "fix it" agenda is essential — and how your own intention and presence either opens your horse up or causes them to shut down and block out the work entirely.
Why regular body work is one of the only things you can do with your horse that is all give and no take — and how even one bladder meridian session can begin to transform your horse's trust in you.
Jim Masterson is the creator of the Masterson Method Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork, author of Beyond Horse Massage, and former body worker for the US Endurance Team. He has certified over 650 practitioners in 20 countries and taught more than 10,000 students since 2006.
Start your equine bodywork for horse owners journey at MastersonMethod.com.
Instagram and Facebook
Watch the free bladder meridian video on YouTube, and share this equestrian podcast with every horse owner in your life who has a horse they don't fully understand yet.
Interested in more from Noëlle?
Noëlle's writing again — head to her Substack for essays, observations, and the kind of thinking that doesn't fit in an episode. https://noellefloyd.substack.com
Every episode is also on YouTube, where the conversation continues in the comments. 
https://www.youtube.com/@noellefloyd_plus
And if you're ready to go deeper, NF+ is where the real work happens — masterclasses, curated content, and a community that takes horses seriously. https://noellefloydplus.com
Chapters:
00:00:00 When Behavior Is Pain: The Lens That Changes Everything
00:01:33 Jim Masterson on 10,000 Students and a Method Born From Horses 
00:04:32 From Groom to Bodywork Pioneer: How It All Started
00:07:09 Discovering the Bladder Meridian and What Horses Were Showing Him
00:14:23 Congo, Baboons, and Learning to Read Animal Cues
00:20:09 The Three Key Tension Junctions Every Horse Owner Should Know
00:29:09 How Tension Travels Through the Body: Compensation and Connection
00:39:36 Why Releasing Tension Changes Your Horse's Performance and Well-Being
00:44:25 Body Work as the Fastest Path to Real Horse-Human Connection
00:51:45 Subtle Signs of Discomfort and How to Spot Them Before They Become Problems
00:56:03 Levels of Touch and What Makes the Masterson Method Different
01:07:15 How to Start Doing Body Work on Your Own Horse Without an Agenda