What makes a champion Dressage horse? What makes a champion show jumping or evening horse? How about what makes a good therapeutic riding horse? Listen for these answers and more in this week's Mad About Horses Podcast.
Dr. Chris Mortensen starts off this podcast episode delving into the incredible story of Lis Hartel, a Danish dressage rider who overcame polio to become a champion. He discusses Lis's significant contributions to equestrian sports and therapeutic riding.
The episode explores different horse breeds used in various
English disciplines like dressage, show jumping, eventing, and the qualities that make a horse suitable for each discipline. Also, the importance of confirmation in horse performance and different horse breeds involved in racing and driving are discussed. The episode concludes with a look at therapeutic riding horses and their qualities, as well as how Lis Hartel's story continues to inspire the Paralympic equestrian sport and therapeutic riding.
 
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:46 The Inspiring Story of Lis Hartel
03:56 Lis Hartel's Legacy and Impact
06:00 Transition to Discussion on Horse Breeds
08:51 Exploring the Characteristics of Dressage Horses
11:36 The Role of Warm Bloods in Dressage
17:52 Understanding Horse Confirmation for Dressage
24:08 Introduction to Show Jumping
26:54 Understanding the Vision of Horses
27:33 Breeds for Show Jumping
28:19 Olympic Show Jumping Champions and Their Breeds
29:50 The Role of Confirmation in Show Jumping
32:19 The Challenges of Cross-Country Course for Eventing
33:24 Breeds for Eventing
34:07 Olympic Eventing Champions and Their Breeds
35:16 The Diversity of Breeds in Eventing
36:00 Introduction to Horse Racing
37:51 Endurance Racing and Horse Welfare
39:51 Breeds for Endurance Racing
41:30 The Sport of Horse Driving
44:39 Therapeutic Riding and Suitable Breeds
48:02 Closing Remarks and Encouragement for Engagement