Building Better Hunters with Katie Armstrong | Ep 62

Are we giving young horses the foundation they actually need to succeed?

In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we sit down with Katie Armstrong, founder of Building Better Hunters, to talk about one of the most important conversations happening in the hunter/jumper industry today: how we start young horses.Katie has dedicated her career to improving the way young horses are developed, believing that a horse's future is shaped long before it ever steps into the show ring. From building confidence and trust to establishing clear boundaries and safe handling practices, she shares why horsemanship—not shortcuts—is the key to creating successful hunter horses.

We also dive into the differences Katie has observed between imported and domestic horses, the importance of reading a horse's mind instead of just its movement, and why so many behavioral issues can be prevented with the right foundation. If you've ever wondered what separates a horse that's truly confident from one that's simply coping, this conversation is for you.

Whether you're an amateur rider, trainer, breeder, or simply passionate about better horsemanship, Katie's perspective offers valuable insight into developing horses that are happier, safer, and more successful throughout their careers.In this episode, we discuss:

* Katie Armstrong's philosophy behind Building Better Hunters

* Why foundation is everything when starting young horses

* Building confidence, trust, and respect from day one

* Preventing behavioral issues through better horsemanship

* The differences Katie has noticed between imported and domestic horses

* How to recognize when a horse feels overwhelmed or unsafe

* Why consistency creates confident, reliable hunter horses

* The future of young horse development in the hunter/jumper industryIf you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment with your thoughts.

We'd love to hear what you think makes a great young horse and how we can continue improving the future of our sport.