In this episode of The Neighsayers Podcast, we sit down with Elisa Walfish, the brilliant mind behind The Data Driven Equestrian. Elisa shares her journey into equine bodywork, what inspired her to start her own successful podcast, and how she’s helping horse owners apply science-based insights to improve performance, conditioning, and overall well-being for their horses.
Elisa’s work shines a light on how research and evidence can empower everyday riders and owners. Whether you’re curious about equine bodywork, passionate about performance, or just love hearing from thought-leaders in the equestrian world, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.
The Data Driven Equestrian
Sarah and Liv look back on a summer full of farm life, horses, and plenty of memorable moments—then turn the page toward cozy fall days ahead. From sunny trail rides to prepping the barn for cooler weather, it’s a warm-hearted recap of where the season’s taken them (and what’s coming next!). Grab your favorite cup of tea and join them for Episode 20 of Neighsayers.
In this episode, Sarah and Liv sit down with Paul Ryneveld, Director of Business Development and Racing Support at Horse Racing Alberta, for a deep dive into the world of horse racing. From thoroughbreds and standardbreds to quarter horses, Paul walks us through the ins and outs of the industry—how it’s funded, the incentives that support Alberta breeders, and the programs that keep the sport thriving.
We also explore why horse racing continues to be such an exciting experience for fans and the massive economic impact the industry has across Alberta. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or just curious about the sport, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and reasons to love the track.
In episode 18, Sarah and Liv dig into why consistency is the unsung hero of horse care. From nutrition to training to conditioning, the duo tackle the truth: progress doesn’t come from chasing the latest feed fad, supplement craze, or training shortcut—it comes from sticking with a plan long enough for your horse’s body (and brain) to adapt.
They break down how horses learn, why muscles, bones, and tendons need time to remodel, and how nutrients like don’t just “kick in” overnight. Along the way, expect some laughs, a few relatable rants about switching supplements too soon, and practical takeaways you can apply in your own barn.
If you’ve ever been tempted to jump on the “next best thing” for your horse, this episode is your reminder: consistency isn’t boring—it’s the real game changer.
This week, Sarah & Liv sit down with the unstoppable Cayden Cyrankiewicz—rodeo athlete, horsewoman, and member of the team at C.A.E.R. (And yes, we try to pronounce that last name without pulling a muscle. 🤠)
Together, they dive into all things rodeo: the conditioning and nutrition that keep athletes performing at their best, the daily grind behind the arena lights, and what it really takes to live the rodeo lifestyle.
If you’ve ever wondered what fuels a rodeo competitor—body, mind, and horse—you don’t want to miss this one!
Liv and Sarah saddle up for their fastest episode yet — a no-filter, no-prep, rapid-fire question showdown. They haven’t seen the questions, there’s no time to think, and absolutely no dodging the answers. From guilty pleasures and must have equipment to their most unexpected horse moments, every response is off the cuff, unbridled, and full of laughs. Hold onto your reins… this ride’s a quick one, and you never know what’s around the bend!
Hey Again. While they took a little break (okay… four months), the horses didn’t — and neither did the chaos. In this episode, Liv and Sarah are finally back in the saddle (figuratively and literally) to catch you up on everything that’s been keeping them wildly busy, exhausted, and too distracted to even hit "record." From horse drama to real-life farm overload, they're serving up updates, laughs, and a healthy dose of “what month is it now?”.
Why does owning a horse sometimes feel like accidentally subscribing to 8000 conflicting newsletters — all handwritten by that one lady at the barn who swears by moon phase hoof trims? This week, we’re wading through the tidal wave of unsolicited advice about your horse’s feet, feed, tack, and training methods.... Join us as we share how to survive the opinion rodeo, set healthy boundaries, and gently nod while ignoring Gary from Facebook’s theory on why you're wasting your money feeding your horse cookies. It’s loud out there — let’s turn down the neighs.
Welcome back to Neighsayers!
In today’s episode, we’re going global. We’re joined by Jorine Cosse, a fellow equestrian and friend who lives in Europe and has spent time in North America, giving her a unique perspective on how sport horses are raised and developed across continents.
From foals in the field to future champions in the ring, we’re diving into what’s different—and maybe what’s better when it comes to breeding and developing young horses. Stay tuned for Part 2 with this fantastic guest, coming soon!
In this episode of Neighsayers, we dive headfirst into the recent controversies shaking up the equestrian world — from Erynn Ballard’s whipping incident to the social media storms surrounding Charlotte Dujardin. While we firmly stand against anything that threatens a horse’s welfare, we also believe every story has more than one side. Join us as we unpack the heated debates, discuss the fine line between accountability and online mob mentality, and remind ourselves that kindness and open conversation matter more than ever.
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it's time to get your horse back into shape! In this episode of Neighsayers, Sarah and Liv discuss everything you need to know about spring conditioning. From evaluating your horse’s soundness to designing a safe and effective conditioning plan, they cover key considerations to ensure your equine partner is ready for the season ahead. Whether you're bringing a horse back from a winter break or just fine-tuning their fitness, this episode has tips for every rider.
Saying goodbye to a beloved horse is one of the hardest decisions we’ll ever face. In this heartfelt episode of Neighsayers, Sarah & Liv explore the signs that tell us when it’s time to let our horses go and how to make this decision with love, dignity, and compassion. They share guidance, personal stories, and ways to honor our horses in their final moments. Let’s navigate this tender topic together with kindness and support.
In this episode of Neighsayers, we dive into the subtle signs of discomfort and pain in horses. Join us and exlpore the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE), a groundbreaking tool developed by Dr. Sue Dyson and her team. Sarah explains how RHpE is invaluable for assessing horses in rehabilitation, conditioning, and training, and how learning to recognize even the most subtle signs of pain can help us provide better care for our equine companions.
In Episode 8, Liv & Sarah dive into the fascinating world of fads and gimmicks in the equestrian industry. From trendy training tools to "miracle" tack and ever-changing feeding fads, they're break down what’s truly beneficial versus what’s just clever marketing. Are these innovations improving horse care and performance, or are they just flashy distractions? What makes us drop our hard earned dollars without thinking twice? They're sharing personal experiences, and offering practical advice on how to separate fact from fiction in the horse world. Don’t miss this insightful episode!
In this episode of Neighsayers, Liv and Sarah take a deep dive into the challenges of being a newcomer in the equestrian industry. From finding the right barn culture to dealing with gatekeeping and unspoken rules, they share personal experiences and insights on navigating these obstacles while staying true to kindness and integrity. Whether you're a new rider, an aspiring trainer, or just trying to find your place, this episode is for you!
In Episode 4 ofNeighsayers, the spotlight turns to our very own co-host, Liv! We dive into the fascinating world of equine bodywork, exploring how Liv helps horses feel their best through massage, stretching, and other hands-on techniques. From surprising success stories to the challenges of working with equine clients, Liv shares her experiences, advice, and a few behind-the-scenes moments. Whether you’re a horse owner or just curious about the horse-human connection, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.
In this third episode, Sarah and Liv dive into the incredible world of equine water treadmills. Sarah shares her expertise on why this innovative tool is a game-changer for horses, from aiding in rehabilitation to enhancing conditioning for athletes. Liv offers her unique perspective as an equine bodyworker, highlighting how the treadmill complements her practice and benefits equine health and performance. Whether you’re curious about rehabilitation techniques or looking to optimize your horse’s training routine, this episode is overflowing with valuable insights and tips!
In this second episode, Sarah and Liv take you behind the scenes of farm life. From early morning chores to late-night fence fixing, they share the ins and outs of keeping the place running. Then, it’s time to meet the stars of the farm—the horses! Get to know each one through quick bios that highlight their unique personalities, quirks, and stories. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just a fan of farm life, this episode is packed with relatable moments and heartfelt connections