Big news. I’ve officially partnered with @Ariatequestrian as my exclusive team clothing sponsor. For years, I’ve held off on sponsorships because I valued the freedom to choose what worked best, especially when it came to gear that impacts how we perform. But Ariat’s consistency, commitment to quality, and deep roots in American horse sport made this decision feel not just right but necessary. They’ve built a legacy of functional, durable, and sharp-looking gear that supports me and my entire te...
Jun 26, 2025•2 min
WALKING AND TALKING!!! Let’s break down the key differences between European and American shows. The pros, the cons, and what we can learn from both. This can be a touchy topic, it’s not about which one is better but about what we can learn from each.
Jun 20, 2025•9 min
WALKING AND TALKING: It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am to be back in the ring with Kalinka. This was her first show back after a long road of recovery, and just walking into that arena with her again was emotional. I missed her fire, her focus, and that incredible feeling she gives each round. We’ve taken our time, done the work, and trusted the process. It felt amazing to have her out there again, doing what she loves. Thank you to everyone who helped us reach this point. This one m...
Jun 11, 2025•7 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about the Rome Nations Cup and how jumping the course twice allows for adjustments to tried and tested methods. Super interesting, especially the last line, where I rode it two different ways with different results. It was a super cool learning experience for me.
Jun 05, 2025•6 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! It’s Foxy time! Finally, show time! We have been slowly and methodically doing our work, and it was finally time to show, and boy, did Foxy not disappoint. So many people have been a part of this journey so far, from @victorbettendorf and his family to everyone @pomponioranch thank you so, so much. Here we go, y’all!
May 30, 2025•3 min
Walking and Talking - The round pen is a key part of the training process. Its shape encourages the horse to stay engaged and focused while allowing for consistent direction and pace. It’s an ideal space for building communication, reinforcing cues, and working through foundational exercises.#RoundPenTraining #HorseTrainingBasics #KarlCook #Horsemanship #EquestrianEducation
May 21, 2025•9 min
Walking & Talking: Counting strides is more than just knowing the number between fences; it’s about planning your ride. Whether it’s a forward five or a holding six, knowing the count lets you make the right call for your horse’s stride, pace, and balance. It’s especially critical in combinations and related lines where rhythm and adjustability make or break a round. Dialing in your plan with accurate stride counts helps you stay sharp.
May 16, 2025•3 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! We have new Swelham sizes! Get excited; we are adding different sizes of the swelham to our catalog. We have listened to you all, getting shorter shanks and softer mouthpieces. There are plenty more to come as well.
Apr 24, 2025•2 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s keep learning about the swelham. I have received a lot of great questions, both online and in person, so let’s talk about them. This may be the perfect bit for you or maybe not today, but the more we know, the better.
Apr 18, 2025•9 min
WALKING AND TALKING!!! I am so excited! @vogel has finally brought my dreams to life. After many years of work with other manufacturers, it is finally time to show the world our brand-new tall boot design. It meant to solve all of the problems I was having while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. These are unlike anything you have seen or felt, and you must try them, whether custom or off-the-shelf. Even in a classic field, there is always room for innovation, and @vogel knocked it out of the pa...
Apr 14, 2025•8 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s goo Home Run, we had the 4* in Wellington last week and she was amazing I am so proud of her. When moving up there are some things to think about and consider which I go over. Let’s also update on miss lady Foxy! @grace_tituss @pomponioranch @kask_equestrian @vogel_equestrian @ariatequestrian
Mar 25, 2025•8 min
Walking and Talking!!! Let’s goo Home Run!! No seriously her name is Home Run. We have had a great few classes in Florida so far. I feel it will be super interesting to see how I take learning from one round and carry it to the next to make rapid change in how fast we are able to go. Homie you’re amazing and thank you @mtengell and @riderinbalance for the bottle from @feddie_ocean_distillery. Let’s goo @pomponioranch
Mar 07, 2025•11 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! There is so much talk about the ‘ideal’ footing. Sometimes, the ideal footing is specific for the precise work you want your horse to do. In that vein, given specific particular goals, let’s consider how slippery grass can be beneficial. Generally, good proprioception in your horse is built with multiple types of footing, not one ‘ideal’ footing. #Equestrian #HorseTraining #ShowJumping #HorseFooting #RiderTips #EquineHealth #HorseCare #Proprioception #horsebackriding #Horse...
Feb 28, 2025•4 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! When it comes to your home arena footing, everyone has an opinion—but what truly matters? In this video, I break down the process of building our own show-jumping footing from scratch, explaining the key factors that influence performance, safety, and longevity. The Most Important Rule? Consistency! Before you fine-tune materials or maintenance, your footing must feel the same from one corner of the arena to the other. Without consistent footing, nothing else matters! What ...
Feb 03, 2025•16 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! My boy Mac is killing it! 2* gp here in thermal. He killed it today, and his groom, Sarah, had the best day!
Feb 01, 2025•10 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Have you ever wondered what makes the perfect horse walker surface? Let’s dive into our setup and the game-changing design that keeps it durable and easy to maintain. Getting it right isn’t easy—but this solution is next-level! Check it out! #HorseWalker #EquestrianTraining #walkingandtalking
Jan 31, 2025•3 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s discuss the aids and devices I use to train better, faster, and more accurately. Accurate training is so critical that fixing a problem that isn’t a problem makes no sense.
Jan 27, 2025•18 min
WALKING AND TALKING!!! Geneva is a life-changing show. I am so grateful for the experience, but wow, there was so much to learn, I am not perfect and never will be, but I will learn, and I will get better. Caracole, my angel, I devote all my work to be the best I can for you! Thank you so much for the experience. @pomponioranch @chigeneve
Dec 19, 2024•11 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about the Santa Anita Grand Prix; what a class, and what a week. Caracole and I have been working so hard at home to make our flow on the course better. Last night was a show of what we have been working on. Never rest; there is always better. Cara, you are the queen. I get emotional even when thinking about you. You are everything.
Nov 25, 2024•12 min
Walking & Talking - A few weeks ago we covered how we travel internationally with our horses so let’s discuss how we travel locally. In this video, we will cover the design and features of our new local horse trailer. Key features include large, accessible doors and ramps for quick loading and unloading, rubber floors for safety, and a design that allows horses to be loaded backward for enhanced safety in emergencies.
Oct 21, 2024•4 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Sometimes heading to a show is as easy as driving ten minutes down the road and other times it requires flying across the world. This is how we get our horses across the world safely and in the best health possible!
Oct 08, 2024•2 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about the US Olympic selection procedure. No matter what the system and process are there is always better so let’s talk about some simple tangible solutions. Some may be nervous about what I have to say but given my recent experience, I believe we can all move forward together. So take a deep breath, this will be fun.
Sep 26, 2024•18 min
Let’s fit my new #swelham bit. I have received some messages/comments from people wanting to see the Swelham on a bridle so let's go over it. If I do not touch on something you would like to see, comment below and I’ll be happy to address it.
Sep 11, 2024•5 min
Walking and Talking!!! After taking some time to process, let’s talk about the final individual round at the #Paris2024 #Olympics
Aug 15, 2024•13 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about the team final, the course, our round, and the silver medal. My unicorn lady #Caracole has just been on another level of brilliance, she loves showing back in her native France. Everyone on the @usajumping team has given all and it paid off. What a dream come true and a life-altering experience. Thank you so much everyone @pomponioranch it takes the whole team to have a chance and they are the best in the world. Now it’s time to put the team class behind us...
Aug 03, 2024•9 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about our round in the first round of the team final here at the Paris #olympics in Versailles. What an amazing experience for the best team on the grid. We qualified just behind Germany in second. Let’s get this thing done. All or nothing for gold!! @pomponioranch @usajumping
Aug 02, 2024•11 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Therapies play a critical role in our program. As with everything we integrate our vets and body worker (who is also a board-certified vet and not some random whacko) in every element. We adjust our training to reflect the horse’s specific therapies, vet work, and feeding. Within the umbrella of therapies, we use laser therapy a lot. When you understand what it does and does not do you can leverage its power without wasting time and money. This machine from America Cryo doe...
Jul 19, 2024•12 min
Walking and Talking! Let's release a brand new product! Introducing my latest creation - the Swelham! It's a unique hybrid of the best features from a swale and a Pelham bit. I developed and created the prototype years ago, and now it's time to share its special features with you. Watch the video where I explain in detail how it functions. I'm excited for you to try it and share your thoughts, as well as any suggestions for what future mouth pieces should be (Link in Bio)
Jul 10, 2024•16 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about the La Baule Grand Prix with the unbelievable Caracole De La Roque! On the back of our week in Rome she comes here and delivers another spellbinding performance to finish second in the GP. We were so close to first, and would have had it with a slightly refined track. Caracole is on fire, everyone @pomponioranch is giving everything they got to this summer and I am so so proud to work with such amazing people. It was my first time to La Baule, I have heard ...
Jun 12, 2024•11 min
WALKING AND TALKING!! Our after show secrets, are well… not so secret. We do simple things with correct timing to boost recovery. Timing is everything. No special product, device, or method. Thanks to @imogen_hiltermann for the great question!
Jun 05, 2024•11 min
