Horse Illustrated Magazine

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 16, hosts Susan Friedland and Raquel Lynn discuss saddle fitting and an important announcement from Raquel. Then, they chat with Ifa Simmonds, a certified fitness performance coach for equestrians and creator of The Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA). Finally, they talk with Kate Olsen of Second Stride about ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse of the month Steel City Dude.

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Listen to Barn Banter episode 16 now to meet Ifa and Steele City Dude.

Ifa Simmonds, Equestrian Fitness Performance Coach

Ifa Simmonds is a certified fitness performance coach for equestrians with over a decade of experience and creator of The Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA). He empowers riders through holistic fitness and wellness programs to enhance their performance in the saddle. His primary goal is to help riders improve their riding fitness with greater stability, suppleness, strength, and stamina in the saddle. He’s trained a host of disciplines, from trail riders to competitive professional dressage, eventing, western pleasure, reining, hunter/jumper riders, and their riding coaches.

Ifa brings his expertise in functional fitness, yoga, and pilates to EFA through education and certifications. He is a clinician, writer, and presenter who’s been on the speaking circuit at Equine Affaire Ohio and Massachusetts. He also enjoys working with different organizations and is featured on multiple podcasts. EFA is the leading holistic fitness coaching program for equestrians in English and western disciplines dedicated to enhancing balance, position, and athleticism.

◆ The Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA) Website 
◆ Ifa’s Instagram (@ifafit)
◆ IFA FIT Equestrian on Facebook

Steel City Dude, Adoptable Horse of the Month

Steel City Dude, AKA Steel, is 4-year-old, off-track Thoroughbreds eligible for the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover Competition. Standing over 16.3 hands high, Steel last raced on February 18, 2022, and retired with a left front sesamoid complete fracture. The joint is fused; he has hardware in the leg. He does have slight rotation in his right front, and Second Stride has X-rays available. Steel is currently being turned out at night with other quiet geldings and does great.

Steel is a kind and laid back gelding with a fun and sweet personality. He is very curious and enjoys looking around the farm to see what is going on. Steel will make a great companion to a working horse, youngster or older gelding. He will bring a smile to your face every day and will return the love. He is also suitable for non-riding therapy, as he loves children. He isn’t spooky and takes things in stride. He doesn’t mind other animals and is intelligent and easygoing.

Learn more about Steel here.

In addition to Barn Banter episode 16, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrated’s podcasts.