Walking and Talking With Karl Cook

Let’s explore one of the most unique features of the Swelham Bit — the swivel mechanism. Unlike traditional bits where the shanks move together, the swivel action allows the bit to move independently, providing riders with more flexibility, easier turns, and a lighter feel in the hand. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference! More precision, more options, but also more responsibility for the rider.

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Caracole for the win in Saint Tropez League of Nations 5*!! Three CSIO grand prixs in a row!! Rollie, I love you so much!! Thank you, everyone @pomponioranch and @usajumping, for the opportunity. Now it is on to the Nations Cup final!!!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Holy FOXY lady! Five Star Clear! Getting to know a horse is always a journey of discovery and adaptation. The job is to change who you are and how you ride to meet your horse where they are. You have to think and train accurately, so when you get in the ring, you can just ride. Do, don’t think.

WALKING AND TALKING!!! KALINKA, you show us every day that with a true heart and deep grit, anything is possible. We have had a long journey together so far, but you wake up every day and say, Watch this! Your character lifts us all up. You demand a lot from all those around you, but you give all in return. You were born with wings. I love you. @pomponioranch

WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about @fei stewards, deep breath, it’s not what you think. Stewards being hired, fired, and paid by the show management is a blatant conflict of interest, like students hiring and paying their teachers. How stewards are hired and the pathway of how they are paid needs to be changed to improve their independence. Furthermore, the repercussions for misusing and breaking the rules should work the same as those for athletes. It needs to be more public so the punishment for one has tangible behavioral adjustments for all. Just how doping punishments work for athletes. Stewards need more independence, coupled with much more open oversight.

WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk about nosebands and the new protocol for noseband tightness testing. This little wedge has caused quite the ruckus, I feel, which has all been directed in the wrong direction. Going from a subjective test to an objective one is fantastic, and I applaud @fei for their effort. Unfortunately, their marketing department has been a bit too cavalier with their messaging.

WALKING AND TALKING!! Fox laying down another amazing round. Each round, I feel I am getting closer and closer. We made some changes in the bit and some changes in the ride, which are bringing everything into a great window. We’ll go back down for a calm 130/140 before we make our next step up. LETS GOO!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Europe recap while cruising around on miss Caracole at home. Every day I am more and more amazed with Caracole and everything she is. She impels everyone around her to be better in the most inspiring way!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! The Rolex Falsterbo Grand Prix. Queen Caracole! What more can be said! You are everything! I love you so much. What an amazing show and amazing experience.

We’ve had a few people reach out asking where to find our Walking & Talking products—like our signature Hoof Oil, made for healthy, show-ready hooves, and the Swelham Bit, designed for precision and versatility in the ring. Both are available through our official store. Just tap the link in our bio to explore the full collection.

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 team in and out of the ring. I’m proud to wear their name and even more excited for what’s ahead. Let’s do this.#AriatAthlete #WalkingAndTalking #TeamAriat #ShowJumping #EquestrianStyle #GoFullBeanz

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.

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 meant a lot.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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 park.

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

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

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 #HorseFitness #EquestrianLife #HorseSports #FootingMatters

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 You’ll Learn in This Video: ✔️ The process of DIY arena footing installation ✔️ Choosing the right sand, base, and additives ✔️ How to maintain ideal moisture levels and texture ✔️ Common mistakes to avoid in equestrian footing design This video will help you understand how to create the best footing for your horses. Good footing = better performance + fewer injuries! 📌 Like & Subscribe for more expert equestrian insights! 💬 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest challenge with arena footing? #ShowJumping #ArenaFooting #Equestrian #HorseTraining #DIYFooting #JumpingArenas #HorseCare

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Walking and Talking!!! After taking some time to process, let’s talk about the final individual round at the #Paris2024 #Olympics

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 and focus on the individual, let’s goooooo!!!

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

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 does its job effectively and efficiently. If you’re interested talk to your vet and always use it under the supervision of your vet as we do in our program. Always avoid the snake oil whackos which are unfortunately so prevalent in horse sport.

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)

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 so many stories over the years, it truly is one of the best shows we have on the calendar.

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!

WALKING & TALKING - Today I am answering a great question by @catherinehormats regarding hand placement & framing. Hand placement is critical but it can only be talked about in conjunction with your body movements. Everything your body does is felt by the horse and you can separate different parts of your body. I’ll present some guides I think about but they are guides not rules. At the end of the day remember to make sure what your body is telling the horse and what your hands are telling the horse are the same.

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Let’s round review the Grand Prix of Rome from yesterday. What an experience with a life altering horse. Caracole is a goddess among mortals(my opinion of course, but I’m right). I told Cara in the morning if we jumped clear we could go fast in the jump off, of all horses I have ridden no horse loves to go fast more than her. In the jump off she was on rails and she had no doubt it was her day. With horses like Caracole and Kalinka all I can do is sit back in awe at their character, intelligence and power. Thank you so much for everyone @pomponioranch , this week took everyone in our team and many experts outside of our team to guide and make sure we were prepared. I am eternally grateful to all our team members and everyone we consulted who made this week happen, thank you!

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Let’s talk about how a high level program is built. You thinks all about the more you spend the better, unfortunately that assumption is wrong. A high level program is about impeccable execution using basic products and in this video I’ll show you what I mean.  Do not over think, be consistent and repeatable and your horses will flourish.

Walking & Talking - Colic is a scary and potentially life-threatening issue for horses. But it doesn't have to be a constant worry! In this video, I share the steps we took at our barn to significantly reduce colic cases. Learn how we created a healthier environment for our horses and gained peace of mind.#colic #horsecolic #horse #equestrian

WALKING AND TALKING!! Let’s talk transportation. In all our years of driving ten minutes down the road to all the way across the country and across the pond we have learned a lot. As you can guess success is a series of many steps when followed bring the risk as close to zero as possible. Like anything with horses it takes a good amount of knowledge and real feel for your horses. In this video I show you how we haul and why, you might do things different for different reasons and I would love to hear about it so I can learn as well, more knowledge is always better!

Walking & Talking: Keeping your horse's hooves healthy shouldn't be left to chance! Regular trims prevent cracks, chips, and uneven wear, ensuring proper posture and movement. Daily hoof checks and cleaning remove dirt, debris, and moisture that can lead to infections like thrush. Dietary adjustments, in consultation with your vet, can promote strong hoof growth. Be on the lookout for signs of trouble like lameness, heat, swelling, discoloration, or excessive cracking. Prioritizing hoof care through regular appointments and a proactive approach goes a long way in keeping your horse happy and healthy! #horsecare #hoofhealth #equestrian #horsecentral #wellbeing #farrier #prevention #healthyhorse

WALKING AND TALKING!!!! Oh baby Kalinka let’s goo!! What an amazing way to cap off the season her in Wellington. You’re my guardian angel Dinky and I love you so much! Thank you to the whole Pomponio team on an amazing night, let’s get home now, wooo!! @chromehorsetequila

WALKING & TALKING - Let’s talk about #saddlesoap and how you can use it to bring your #leather back to life! #saddle soap is a gentle yet effective cleaner that removes dirt, grime, and sweat from all your leather goods. It also helps condition the leather, keeping it supple and preventing cracks.

WALKING AND TALKING!! Most conversations about #horsemanship are about big flashy and exciting aspects of #horsecare . In truth great #horse care is all about dedication to the tiniest details every single day as well as finding simplest ways to keep everything running smooth. With that in mind let’s talk about the lowly #feed bucket? It occupies barely a blip in most people’s mind but wow are they critically important to get right.

WALKING AND TALKING!!! Let’s talk about how the #FEI could work with riders, trainers and managers to regulate and control the over showing of #horses. I present an objective numbers based system modeled after the points system used to calculate riders world rank. It is simple and would help adjust the conversation to be much more constructive.