Making Milestones

How Capitalism & Patriarchy Are Ruining Horse Welfare... and the world at large

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this deeply personal episode, Shelby reflects on grief, societal injustice, the corruption within the horse industry, and the importance of staying...

Reflecting on the last year & the loss of my dad.

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A short episode updating on recent life changes and discussing loss.Support the podcast:Subscribe to PatreonShop my products

The Horse Industry Is Corrupted: FEI Blood Rule Revision & More

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion on the problems within the industry and the common excuses used to justify their existence. This episode is an important discussion on co...

An Honest Discussion About Gaza Ft. Martha Figueroa

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the humanitarian issue that is the mass starvation and attacks of people in Gaza.Donate to help Coach Ahmed and his family here: http://...

The Blame Game: How It Contributes to Horse Abuse

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode talks about the systemic nature of normalized abuse within the horse world and how it impacts people's perception on the t...

The Ethics of Equine Competition ft. Gaia Resmini

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An honest conversation on the ethics of competition with horses and ways in which welfare can be improved.Support the podcast:PatreonShop The Mileston...

Shifting The Tides of Horsemanship with Lockie Philips

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode dives into an incredible conversation with Lockie Phillips from Emotional Horsemanship. We discuss a number of different topics pertainin...

The Pressures of Equestrianism

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Annnd we're back! This week's episode is the Making Milestones return following hiatus and it encompasses the important discussion of building...

Breaking the Silence: From Abusive Trainers to Healing Journeys Ft. Carol Odell

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this enlightening episode of the Making Milestones podcast, where we delve into the intricate journey of our special guest, Carol Odell, a ...

Unmasking the Realities of Elite Horse Sport ft. DressageHub

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to this week's episode of Making Milestones Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of elite dressage with Susan Wachowicz, the founder...

The Lonely Path of Horsemanship Evolution.

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores the often solitary journey of shifting your approach to horse training and the impacts it has on personal relationships and se...

2025 Intentions, Plans & Goals

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let's talk about the changes and shifts that I would like to create in my life in 2025 and how I intend to go about it. This is a reflective episode o...

2024 Recap: Lessons from a Year of Growth and Change

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this special end-of-year episode, we reflect on the transformative events and personal growth that characterized 2024. Join as I dive into the chal...

Embracing Self-Assurance: Trusting Your Decisions in & Out of the Horse World

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Making Milestones podcast after a brief hiatus! In this episode, we explore the critical theme of developing self-assurance and tr...

Facing Burnout: Navigating Life's Daily Struggles and Societal Pressures

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Making Milestones podcast! This week, we dive into the challenges of balancing life's daily struggles with broader societal issues...

Unpacking the Disposable Mindset in the Horse Industry

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this thought-provoking episode of the Making Milestones podcast, we delve deep into the intricate topic of the "disposable mindset" prevalent in th...

Growth in the Confines of the Horse World + The Power of Manifestation

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's discussion, we delve into the discomforts associated with personal growth and changing perspectives, especially within the realm of equestr...

Hoof Health Unveiled: Insights with Lynda Vanden Elzen

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest, Lynda Vanden Elzen from Sound Hoof Trimming. Linda shares her extensive knowledge and...

Revolutionizing Horse Care: The Paddock Paradise System

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This exciting episode featuring a special guest, Alexa Linton, an osteopathic manual practitioner and equine sport therapist. Together, they dive into...

Voices from Gaza: The Plight of Persecuted People & Their Horses ft. Martha Figueroa

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us this week on the Making Milestones podcast for an eye-opening conversation with Martha Figueroa, a passionate equestrian and advocate for marg...

Unraveling Societal Norms in the Horse World

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Making Milestones podcast, we delve into the intriguing intersections between horse culture and broader societal dynamics. Shel...

Why You Shouldn’t Feed Horses Treats: Debunking R+ Myths

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode delves into one of the most debated topics in the equestrian community: the use of treats in horse training. Shelby explores the common f...

Is Selling Horses Ethical?

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in as we explore the misconceptions surrounding equine behavior and how management practices play a significant role in shaping what many perce...

Why You Shouldn’t Be a Horse Trainer

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we delve into the often unspoken challenges faced by horse trainers, highlighting the misconceptions surrounding the profession. Whil...

A "Good" Death: The "Unwanted Horse" & Ethicality of Euthanasia

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode tackles a deeply important and timely topic as we approach the fall and winter seasons: the rising costs of horse care and the difficult ...

Life in Transition: Moving with Horses and Navigating Change

21 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to the Making Milestones podcast with Shelby Dennis of Milestone Equestrian. In this episode, she dives into the challenges and logistics...

Unrealistic Expectations Humans Have For Horses

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After a brief hiatus, we're diving into a bit of everything in today's episode. First, I'll share a personal life update, discussing the busy summer m...

Unmasking Stress in the Horse World: Freak Accidents

25 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving into a multifaceted discussion on some pressing issues in the horse world, recorded live while running errands. The focus? A tragi...

Overcoming Obstacles and Manifesting Dreams

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a poignant episode of Making Milestones where we delve into the highs and lows of life, tackling issues such as financial struggles, season...

A Deep Dive into Positive & Negative Reinforcement in Horse Training

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Making Milestones podcast, where we uncover one of the most debated topics in the equestrian world - po...

Reclaiming Spirituality: An Awakening of Consciousness in a Materialistic World

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to an enlightening episode of the Making Milestones podcast, where I shift focus from horse training to delve deep into the world of personal ...

The Grief & Confusion of Reforming Horsemanship Practices: A Tough Journey

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this compelling episode of the Making Milestones podcast, Shelby about her transformative journey from a traditional to a modern, compassionate hor...

Misogyny in the horse World

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this eye-opening episode of the Making Milestones podcast, we delve into an often overlooked issue within the equestrian world: misogyny. Despite b...

The Concept of Neurodivergency in Humans & Horses

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a captivating episode of Making Milestones podcast, where we delve deep into my personal narrative of neurodivergence. This episode present...

How Horse Abuse, Capitalism & Patriarchy Are All Related...

30 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How is horse welfare impacted by patriarchy and capitalism? Listen to find out. *note* sorry about the audio on this, I used a new mic and it was not ...

2023 Recap + 2024 Intentions and Goals

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Talking more about lessons I've learned in 2023 and things I want to work on in the new year.   Support my work: http://patreon.com/sdequus http://sh...

Year End Reflections (This Year Was a Sh*t Show)

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Reflecting on 2023, the good the bad and the ugly...   Support me elsewhere: http://shopmilestoneeq.com http://patreon.com/sdequus http://milestoneeq...

Disconnection is a Disease in Humanity

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about disconnection and how it enables abuse in and out of the horse world.   Other ways to support my work" http://patreon.com/sdequus http:...

I Am Tired

12 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A little life update, why I’ve been a little subdued and MIA, talking about the current world situation and my thoughts about it. This is not very h...

Interviewing Dr. Temple Grandin: Animal Welfare, Neurodivergency & More

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interviewing Temple Grandin about her work with animal welfare and neurodivergency/autism advocacy.   Check out her books and other info: https://www...

Paris Horse Welfare Conference on Hyperflexion: RECAP

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about my experience in Paris, France at a Horse Welfare Conference on Hyperflexion that the FEI sent representatives to attend...   Help supp...

Holistic Hoof Care: with Dr. Tomas Teskey

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Talking to Dr. Tomas Teskey, an equine veterinarian specializing in hoof care about all things hoof.   Support the podcast: http://patreon.com/sdequu...

Loving Your Horse Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Cause Harm

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing how we can still harm welfare even with good intentions, especially with normalized practices in the industry and what we can do about this...

Personal Growth & Self Esteem: The Journey of Creating It

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about my experience with leaving toxic relationships and how I built self esteem afterwards. How to deal with hateful comments and mean people...

Harm Reduction in the Horse World

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing how we can reduce harm in the horse world even in situations where we may have less control to make big changes.   Support my work: http:/...

Toxic Relationships In & Out Of The Horse World: Life Update& Discussion

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing my experience with toxic relationships and thoughts on it.   Support my work: http://shopmilestoneeq.com http://patreon.com/sdequus http:/...

Normalized Apathy Towards Sport Horse Distress

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing the horse welfare movement, realistic change and weird things the industry has normalized as being completely benign when there are indicat...

Self Love & Developing Confidence In & Out of the Horse World

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing the journey to self confidence and self love.   Check out my links & support the podcast below: http://patreon.com/sdequus http://shopmile...

The Horse Industry is Failing to Protect Horse Welfare

11 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing the horse welfare movement and need for immediate change in the industry.   Join the welfare movement and sign the petition: http://linktr...

Mental Health Talk & The Craziness Of Life

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An update on the absolute insanity that has been life lately.   Checkout my links: http://shopmilestoneeq.com http://patreon.com/sdequus http://miles...

Horse Bodily Dysfunction with Equine Therapist Ansley Bevan (AB Equine Therapy)

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion with Ansley Bevan of AB Equine Therapy on a variety of common issues we see in horses and how they affect the overall biomechanics of the...

Improving Horse Welfare in the Industry with Renate Larssen, Equine Ethologist

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A discussion about horse welfare and modern equine science with equine ethologst, Renate Larssen.   Support the podcast: http://shopmilestoneeq.com h...

Creating Positive Change In The Horse World with Lockie Phillips of Emotional Horsemanship

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Talking with Lockie Phillips of Emotional Horsemanship about a number of different aspects of the horse industry. This is an inspiring and emotive epi...

Why Are We So Accepting of Punishment In The Horse World?

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing punishment culture in the horse world and how I think it starts within how we treat ourselves and other humans for doing the "wrong" thing....

Year End Reflection, The Karl Cook Situation & Self-Accountability in The Horse Industry

28 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A messy mishmash of a podcast episode prior to the end of the year. See y'all in the new year after a break.   Follow up article: https://horsenetwor...

Autonomy In Horse Training: Is Autonomy Reinforcing?

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about autonomy for horses and how it can actually facilitate reinforcing the behaviours we want and doing away with problem beh...

Debunking Common Myths About Reward Based Horse Training

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"Treats make horses nippy!" "I want the horse to do it for me, not the food!" "You'll be reliant on treats forever and then they won't listen."   Sup...

Navigating Guilt in Horsemanship

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Equestrians often hold a lot of guilt towards past treatment of horses and this can be such an obstacle to over come that it may feel more comfortable...

Misinformation in the Horse Industry

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing the degree of misinformation in the horse world and how it impacts equestrians.   Shop my product line: http://milestoneequestrian.ca/shop...

How I Would Build My Dream Barn

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How I'd build my dream barn/farm for equine welfare.   Shop my product line: http://milestoneequestrian.ca/shop-milestone Subscribe to my Patreon htt...

The Horse Industry’s Resistance to Change

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing how much denial of science there is in the horse world, where I think it comes from and how to navigate the lack of desire to change in the...

Training Wild or Scared Horses With No Ropes/ Restraints... +Life Update

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Working with wild mustangs, what it's teaching me and how I'm doing it. Reflecting on normalized practices in the horse world and the learned experien...

Training Wild or Scared Horses With No Ropes/ Restraints... +Life Update

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Working with wild mustangs, what it's teaching me and how I'm doing it. Reflecting on normalized practices in the horse world and the learned experien...

Early ”Childhood” Trauma in Horses

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about trauma in young horses and how it impacts them for years to come and how we as humans contribute to causing this type of trauma with wha...

Is Euthanasia Ethical? + Consent In Horse Training?

26 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the ethicality of euthanasia along with the idea of consent in training and whether or not horse trainers show any capacity for respecti...

Punishment Culture in the Horse World & Real World

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How we are taught to use high pressure, punishing tactics in and out of the horse world from a very young age.   Shop my new products: http://amoreeq...

Accepting Change in the Horse World

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing the lack of willingness to accept new info in the horse world, even when it comes from credible sources, and how this limits growth.   Sho...

Forage Alternatives to Hay: Talk with MadBarn’s Scott Ciesler

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about alternatives to hay in areas experiencing hay shortages and other things equine nutrition.   Subscribe to my Patreon: http://patreon.co...

The ”Horse Always Comes First” Myth

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does the horse really always come first in common horse world practices? Or, is this common phrase just used to justify people's training methods an...

R+ & R-: Training Approaches and the Mindsets behind them

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the industry mindsets towards different training methods and the problems they may post.   Shop: http://amoreequestrian.ca/pages/milest...

Horse World ”Grittiness” Encourages Recklessness

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about some of the problematic attitudes in the horse world and how they encourage risk taking behaviours.   Subscribe to Patreon: http://patr...

Most Horse People Don’t ”Love” Their Horses The Way They Need To

28 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about how many of us have been taught from early on in our riding careers to show love for our horses in all of the wrong ways, to the detrime...

Everyone Who Works With Horses Trains Horses: Here’s Why

27 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about behaviour and learning science basics and why the info we have on horses shows such a huge need for change in the horse world and horse ...

Reforming The Horse Industry: What it Actually Looks like

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about reforming traditional horse keeping & training practices and the reality of it.   Help support the podcast: http://patreon.com/sdequus ...

A Bodily Autonomy Rant + What’s Going on With Milo?

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the right to choose and how vital it is as a basic human right. Going into detail on my stance regarding what is going on currently in t...

Reflecting On Previous Riding Practices

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An update on my mare who colicked as well as discussing previous riding practices, rolemodels when growing up and how I think the industry creates a l...

The Horse Industry’s Social License

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the horse industry's social license and how elitism impacts some of the issues in the horse world.   http://patreon.com/sdequus http://...

Interviewing an Equine Nutritionist: Scott Cieslar, founder of MadBarn

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Interviewing Scott Cieslar and asking some equine nutrition questions, going over common myths and misinformations in equine nutrition as well as the ...

Overcoming Shame & Guilt in Horse Training

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, I discuss guilt and shame for past training methods and how I have dealt with it along with the positive correlation in my mental hea...

Horse World Myths & Misconceptions

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing some of the common myths equestrians are taught and why we need to stop normalizing them.   Become a Patron Shop My Merch Shop Bridles/Sad...

The Trainer-Student Power Dynamic

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about how we perpetuate some toxic norms in the horse world when it comes to fair treatment of students.   Subscribe to my Patreon Shop my st...

The Mark Todd Incident and ”Little Abuses” in the Horse World

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the culture of punishment in the horse world and the normalization of rough training tactics and how it will be our undoing.   Shop Ana...

Science Denying in Social Issues & TheHorse World

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the freedom convoy here in Canada and how cognitive dissonance contributes to it. Also, talking about how cognitive dissonance impacts h...

Disorder in Human & Horse Psychology

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about how our culture in the horse & human worlds perpetuates behavioural issues.   Shop the Ana Luisa sale: https://shop.analuisa.com/shelby...

2021 (& 2020) Year End Recap & Reflection

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Reflecting on some of the many changes the last year and more. Talking about plans currently with the horses and the business as well as what we did t...

If You‘ve Ever Been Afraid of or ”Hated” Horses, Listen to This

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A podcast for non-horse people and horse people alike. Send this to your friends, family and acquaintances if they have a fear of horses and maybe it ...

Coercive Training Methods & Bad Management: We Need To Heighten our Standards

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Discussing certain high stress/punishment based training methods and why under no circumstances they should be justified. Talking about the state of t...

Honest Talk About The Death of My Horse

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about some of the trauma from georges death and a word of warning for how you choose to treat people online.

The Plight of the Modern Horse

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about horses as domesticated animals being one of the most misunderstood and mishandled species and why this mindset is so prevalent. Touching...

The Culture of Violence in Horse Training

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the whole Amber Cobb scandal along with other concerning attitudes and mindsets that are prevalent in the horse world and how I think ou...

Horse Anxiety & Rushing Training

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about anxious horses and how often management plays a role in their success.

An Honest, but sad, life update

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

🥲

The Rushing of Young Horses

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about training young horses and how prevalent rushing them is on social media.

My Rescue Horse’s Hoof Journey

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about Milo’s hoof rehab journey and other stuff related to him

Massage for Equine Health & Wellbeing: An Interview with Jim Masterson

10 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I get to interview Jim Masterson, a big name in the equine massage and bodywork community. We discuss his new documentary featuring h...

Human Trauma-Horse Trauma

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

*some mild swearing and tw: addiction and brain trauma talk* Discussing trauma within the lens of both the human and the horse. Talking about personal...

The Importance of Vulnerability & Accountability As Equestrians

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I talk about different horse training methods and my thoughts on peoples responses to them as well as the importance of people holding...

Privilege in The Horse World

30 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about the lack of access in the horse world and how privilege contributed to that. Support the podcast by subscribing to our Patreon: Patreon....

Lack of Accountability in Horse Training/Showing

17 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Talking about how “easy” it is to become a horse trainer due to lack of regulatory / certification boards and problems with the show industry --...

2020 Recap

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

My trials and tribulations in 2020, struggling with depression and my anxiety and ADHD, death of a horse among other things. All of the highs and lows...