EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Andy Heffernan steps into the stable and we go well beyond course plans and CV lines — from winter escapes and family life to AI fence drawings, Olympic dream seats, and why Bramham still means everything to him.  HIGHLIGHTS Why winter never really slows him down Using AI to turn fences into drawings The advice from Andrew Nicholson that shaped his career Why Bramham is still his favourite event Olympic finals, jump racing, and skiing envy "More tolerant than I used to be" - summing himself up in a few words GUEST Andy Heffernan - international course designer, coach, and rider To find out more about Strawmax bedding and how it could work in your yard, head to: https://www.strawmax.co.uk  EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Today on When Nicole Met, supported by Bedmax, we meet someone whose life has touched every corner of eventing. From growing up in a family steeped in eventing history to carving out her own path in advertising, creative production and now commentary and podcasting, Annie Bishop talks storytelling, sport, and why fresh voices matter. She also gives an inside look at the US Equestrian Open podcast, working alongside riders across dressage, jumping and eventing, and how the Open format is helping develop combinations and build fans in the lead-up to LA. Highlights Parents who rode at Olympic and World Championship level Advertising, production and crisis comms, and what eventing can learn Commentary, data and storytelling as gateways to the sport The rise of the US Equestrian Open and why the series matters Representation, female voices and growing US commentary talent Hopes for 2026 and building new fans for equestrian sport Guest Annie Bishop – Producer, commentator and host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast. Part of the EquiRatings team, working across eventing, jumping and dressage. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

After closing out 2025 as world number seven, Sam Lissington sits down to unpack the season that changed everything and the road ahead. She reflects on the pride of consistency across Luhmühlen, Burghley, Blenheim and Strzegom, the satisfaction of finally showing what long-term horses like Sooty can do, and the analytical approach behind improving weaknesses and speed through the winter. Sam also tackles the tougher side of the year: Badminton heartbreak, late injuries to key horses and rebuilding horsepower for 2026–27. Plus, an inside look at Lucas Stone's rise and what data, instinct and market context really mean when buying for championships. Highlights World number seven and a year built on consistency Sooty's Luhmühlen podium and Billy Alberto at Burghley Injuries, resilience and refocusing for 2026 Lucas Stone, New York and future championship horsepower Guest Sam Lissington – International event rider for New Zealand and 2025 world number seven. Team Lissington Open Farm Day 2026 Team Lissington is opening it's doors on the 18th Jan! Bring a friend and watch some Winter horsey action with mulled wine and nibbles 🍷🐴 They will run through training priorities, plans for the year ahead and a no-strings-attached overview of the various ownership opportunities and models in eventing. Please RSVP for catering purposes ➡️ link in Sam's bio Want to find out more about EquiRatings Horse Sales? Visit the website here.

In this Red Mills Feed Room episode, Spike is joined by Louise Jones from Red Mills to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in horse nutrition: protein. Does protein really make horses hot? Can you underfeed it without realising? Is soya actually a problem, or just another internet myth? From muscle development and rehab to allergies, topline and performance, this is a straight-talking myth-busting conversation that separates fact from long-held stable lore. Highlights: Why protein is so often blamed for excitability What actually happens when horses are under-fed protein The truth about soya, fertility and inflammation Protein requirements for young horses and horses in rehab Why supplements can't replace a balanced diet Practical, evidence-based and refreshingly clear, this one is for anyone who's ever second-guessed their feeding program. With thanks to Red Mills for their continued support of the Feed Room series. 📲 Stay Connected This episode is brought to you by Connolly's Red Mills. For expert advice, forage analysis, and feeding support, visit redmills.com or connect with their nutrition team directly. Proud partners of the podcast, Red Mills are here to help you feed your horse with confidence.

On today's When Nicole Met show, supported by Bedmax, we are joined by someone who has become one of eventing's most recognisable personalities and a firm favourite with so many. Adam Short takes us from the heart of Newcastle, where ten riding lessons at Stepney Bank Stables changed the course of his life, right through to grooming at Olympic level. He reflects on the years learning under the incomparable Jackie Potts, the leap to Tom McEwen's team and the reality of managing horses and riders through the pressure of major championships. Adam also shares the emotion behind Dublin's journey to Paris, the power of riding schools to transform young lives and why the eventing community means so much to him.  Highlights How Stepney Bank Stables shaped Adam's childhood and future Lessons from Fox-Pitt Eventing and working closely with Jackie Potts Moving to Tom McEwen's yard and settling into championship life The pride and emotion behind Dublin's performance in Paris Why community, opportunity and access matter Guests Adam Short - Head groom to Olympic medallist Tom McEwen. Adam has groomed at the world's biggest stages and is a passionate advocate for Stepney Bank Stables. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

As 2026 gets underway, Nicole Brown is joined by performance coach Aoife Leggett of 360 Coaching to explore how riders, professionals and passionate amateurs alike can make the most of the Year of the Horse. Drawing on her experience in elite yards, corporate environments and performance psychology, Aoife shares practical tools to help listeners build clarity, protect their energy and lead themselves with intention in a demanding sport. This episode is all about aligning ambition with sustainability and learning how to illuminate and inspire, rather than running on empty. In this episode, we cover: The Year of the Horse: what it means for equestrians Aoife explains why 2026 is known as the Year of the Fire Horse and what that represents in terms of momentum, courage and opportunity. The conversation explores the fine line between powerful forward energy and burnout, and how riders can channel this year in a way that supports long-term success. Pillar one: clarity Nicole and Aoife discuss why so many riders lose sight of why they started and how comparison, pressure and social media can cloud decision-making. Aoife shares how reconnecting with your own values, mindset and definition of success can bring focus back to both riding and life more broadly. Pillar two: energy The equestrian world is notorious for long hours and relentless schedules. Aoife breaks down why fatigue is so common and how small, realistic changes can make a big difference. From sleep and recovery to identifying what genuinely gives you energy, this section focuses on sustainability without drastic life changes. Pillar three: leadership Leadership isn't just about running a yard or managing a team. Aoife explains why it starts with how you lead yourself, the habits you keep and the standards you hold in private. Creating positive culture, whether at home, in a professional setup or with a small support team, plays a huge role in performance and wellbeing. Goals, habits and identity Big goals can be motivating, but only if they're backed up by meaningful processes. Aoife talks about the importance of milestones, identity-based habits and narrowing your focus so progress feels achievable and rewarding rather than overwhelming. Breathwork for riders Aoife introduces breathwork as a practical tool for calming nerves, improving focus and managing pressure. She shares a simple breathing exercise that listeners can use anywhere, and explains why breathwork has become a staple for elite athletes across many sports. Resources and links mentioned in the show Aoife Leggett / 360 Coaching website Downloadable reflection guide and breathwork resource Follow Aoife on Instagram About the guest: Aoife Leggett Aoife Leggett is an internationally accredited Coach specialising in Mindset and Performance Coaching for riders, athletes and high-performing professionals. With qualifications in Breathwork, Sport & Performance Psychology, Coaching and Performance Nutrition, she helps equestrians build confidence, manage nerves, achieve their goals and perform at their best - both in and out of the saddle. Through her practice, Three Sixty Coaching, Aoife works with clients worldwide and takes a holistic, rider-centred approach that supports clients in developing clarity and resilience, enabling them to fulfil their full potential in a grounded and sustainable way. Subscribe and follow Make sure you're subscribed to the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

In this episode of When Nicole Met, Nicole catches up with Cameron Beer for a conversation that starts with ponies, cowboys and a lot of fun, and grows into coaching, curiosity and five star ambition. Cameron talks about growing up around horses, learning through play, riding unfamiliar horses through GB Student Riders and why being inquisitive has shaped everything he does. They chat about coaching as a craft, why adaptability matters more than perfection, producing Gatsby, and how curiosity, not pressure, sits at the heart of good horsemanship. The episode also marks an exciting moment, with Cameron announced as the new host of the Foran Equine Grassroots Show for 2026. Highlights: Growing up with ponies and learning by having fun From cowboy days to international eventing ambitions University, GB Student Riders and riding unfamiliar horses Coaching philosophy built on curiosity and play Producing Gatsby and plans for the step up in 2026 Why grassroots riders deserve better support and visibility What's coming next for the Grassroots Show Guests: Cameron Beer, international event rider, Level 3 coach, presenter and incoming host of the Foran Equine Grassroots Show. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

It's the final sign-off for the EquiRatings team in 2025… sort of. Because while most of the crew are mentally halfway to mince pies and mulled wine, the jumping world is still rolling on and some of us are very much still on duty. So what do we do with the whole team on one call at Christmas? Naturally: a very serious quiz (with questionable rules, minus points for guessing, and absolutely zero respect for staying on topic).

Between Christmas and New Year is always a strange pause. The horses still need doing, the calendar for next season is already filling up, and yet it's the one moment in the year where everyone takes a breath and looks around. In this Christmas special, Nicole brings together an all-star panel to reflect on 2025, from personal milestones and big championship moments to confidence wobbles, comeback stories and the quieter wins that matter just as much. It's an honest conversation about perspective, community, and why eventing is as much about the people as it is the results, before attention inevitably turns to championship season and what's coming next. Highlights Personal and professional highlights from 2025, including championship highs and lessons learned along the way How family, perspective and confidence shape performance at the top level British Eventing's year in numbers, participation growth and behind-the-scenes progress Why community matters, from grassroots riders to five-star finish lines Looking ahead to 2026, with world championships, goals, and renewed motivation A festive Q&A covering training basics, accessibility, mindset and enjoying the sport Guests Lucinda Green – Six-time Badminton winner and legendary voice of experience Tom McEwen – Two-time Olympic gold medallist Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing Simon Grieve – Five-star rider and fan Follow @britisheventing on Instagram to stay up to date with all the action.  Inspired to get more involved? Find out how you can support training, education and the eventing community: 👉 British Eventing Training Foundation 👉 Volunteer with British Eventing

As the countdown begins to one of the moments that really signals the start of the season, this episode turns its focus to the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field and the wider impact it continues to have on the sport. Central to that is the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, created in Annie's memory to support developing professionals across all disciplines as they take meaningful steps forward in their careers. Nicole Brown is joined by Annie's father, Putter Goodwin, and this year's grant recipient, Elle Choate, to talk about what the grant was built to do and why it matters. Ellie shares where she's at right now, coming back from a serious injury, getting horses back into work, and trying to build something sustainable in a sport that isn't easy to break into. Putter reflects on Annie's connection to Aiken, the kind of people the grant is meant to support, and how the idea has grown into something that's already making a difference. Highlights Why the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant was created and what it's meant to support Annie's connection to Aiken and the community that shaped her career Elle on recovering from injury and getting back in the saddle The realities of turning riding into a sustainable profession Guests Putter Goodwin - Annie Goodwin's father and a driving force behind the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, created to honour Annie's legacy and support developing professionals across disciplines. Elle Choate - 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant recipient, developing professional based in Aiken. Find out more about the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant and the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. 👉 Learn more about the grant, the event, and how to get involved. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

This is one of those conversations that reminds you how quickly the sport can move when the right horse, the right timing and a lot of patience come together. Lea Siegl joins the show to reflect on a career that has quietly turned into something pretty extraordinary. From being the youngest rider at the Tokyo Olympics to delivering Austria's best-ever European Championship result at Blenheim, she talks about the moments that shaped her, the pressure that didn't always feel like pressure, and the belief it took to keep going when things weren't straightforward. At the heart of it all is DSP Fighting Line. The horse who taught her patience, trust and resilience. Lea also looks ahead to the next phase, with Van Helsing stepping into his moment and Aachen 2026 firmly in focus. Highlights The Olympic journey that came earlier than expected Why Tokyo changed everything, for both horse and rider DSP Fighting Line's story, from spooky youngster to championship star Five-star ambition, championship pressure and learning to trust the process Van Helsing's rise and what the next few seasons could hold Guests Lea Siegl - Austria's leading event rider, Olympic competitor and European Championship top-five finisher, with multiple five-star performances to her name and a growing presence at the very top of the sport. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

In this Feed Room episode, Spike The Vet is back with Red Mills nutritionist Louise Jones to tackle a question that comes up again and again, especially through the winter months: how do you get energy from horses that already carry plenty of condition? They talk through good doers, honest workload assessment, body condition, forage choices, and why simply adding more feed is rarely the answer. There's also an important look at equine metabolic syndrome, including how it can affect competition horses as well as natives, and how feeding needs change depending on the job, from eventing to dressage. Practical, clear, and grounded in real-world experience. HIGHLIGHTS Why good doers can be harder to feed than poor doers The impact of excess weight on energy and performance Simple ways to monitor body condition over time Equine metabolic syndrome beyond the "fat pony" stereotype Feeding low-starch diets without losing performance When targeted starch can help add expression and power The role of forage in managing energy and condition GUESTS Spike The Vet — equine vet and regular voice on the Feed Room series Louise Jones — equine nutritionist with Red Mills, specialising in performance and metabolic management 📲 Stay Connected This episode is brought to you by Connolly's Red Mills. For expert advice, forage analysis, and feeding support, visit redmills.com or connect with their nutrition team directly. Proud partners of the podcast, Red Mills are here to help you feed your horse with confidence.

This episode is exactly why Strawmax Stable Chats exist. Adam Short pulls up a chair and we cover everything from championship pressure to jalapeño margaritas, dream dinner parties, and the horses in Tom McEwens yard who know they're the stars of the show. A brilliant glimpse into the person who keeps the whole operation ticking. HIGHLIGHTS The elite-sport job he'd choose outside horses Kris Jenner, Adele, Alan Carr and Serena Williams at his table The biggest main-character energy in Tom's string Why one-on-one trips create the "special ones" The portaloo incident he can't undo GUEST Adam Short, head groom to Tom McEwen. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook. To find out more about Strawmax bedding and how it could work in your yard, head to: https://www.strawmax.co.uk

Eventing is full of brilliant days and tough ones, which is why the people you bring with you matter just as much as the horses. In this episode of the Grassroots Show, we look at how friendship, shared experience and the right support crew can shape your confidence, your progress and your enjoyment of the sport. Lucy Robinson, glowing, pregnant and still full of sharp humour, joins the show alongside her long time partner in crime, Jess Maye. From early yard meetups to shared show jumping disasters, team chasing memories and event day rituals, the pair talk about how they have built their community and why it has made the sport better at every level.  Highlights How Lucy and Jess first connected and the moment the friendship stuck The role of motivation, FOMO and healthy competition in moving up the levels Why shared lessons, shared lorries and shared disasters build real confidence Tips for eventing alone, from organisation to safety to asking for help How social media creates genuine community for grassroots riders The reality of juggling horses, work and children and how to make it manageable Guests Lucy Robinson -  Red Mills ambassador and the rider behind Footluce Eventing Jess Maye - Creator of Life on the Buckle Presented by Foran Equine, part of the Connolly's RED MILLS family. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Chris Stone has been part of some of the most memorable chapters in modern eventing. Five star winners, a homebred hero, and one of the sport's most fascinating breeding stories. He and his wife Lisa also helped shape the Event Rider Masters era, bringing a new audience into the sport and raising the bar for how eventing was showcased. In this episode, Chris takes us through the journey. From the early days of Harry the Hunter and a birthday surprise that became Chilli Morning, to the emotional rollercoaster of William Fox-Pitt's comeback, and the creation of a breeding programme that now includes three clones of a five star winner. It is eventing through the eyes of an owner who has lived every high and every heartbreak. And the next chapter is already unfolding. Highlights The story behind buying Chilli Morning and how he became Lisa's birthday present Navigating the London 2012 Olympics cycle and the lessons learned William Fox-Pitt's recovery and the road to Badminton 2015 Bicton 2021, the homebred triumph and a career milestone for Gemma How and why the Chilli Morning clones came to be The realities of ownership, the heartbreaks, the breakthroughs and the people who make it possible What the sport needs to thrive in the future and lessons from the ERM years Guest Chris Stone, five star owner, breeder and long-time supporter of innovation in eventing   This episode is powered by EquiRatings Horse Sales,the data-driven way to find your next superstar. From performance metrics to potential and price, EquiRatings helps take the guesswork out of buying and selling horses. Find out more here. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

VOTE HERE: https://equiratings.typeform.com/ERHOTY-QF There's something wonderfully chaotic about Horse of the Year season. Everyone arrives certain they know exactly who should make the list… right up until the episode actually starts. Then the memories flood back, the numbers begin to nudge opinions, and suddenly even the panel isn't quite as sure as they thought. fischerChipmunk FRH. Lordships Graffalo. London 52. The heavyweights are here, the tactics are real, and the rules… well, let's just say they evolve by the minute. Nicole is joined by Diarm, Catherine, Spike and Annie for a full house and as they try to whittle the season down to eight. There are stats, strong opinions, rogue nominations, and one or two tactical plays that nobody is pretending to be subtle about. Settle in. Highlights The five automatic selections and why the top three were never really in doubt Annie's case for fischerChipmunk FRH and the moment in Kentucky that changed her mind Catherine's pitch for Lordships Graffalo and why no one even bothered to argue Spike's "not tonight, I'm saving the spice" approach… until he wasn't D's fully tactical masterstroke that blindsided the rest of the panel The wildcard chaos: Cartania, Cavalier Crystal, Kiarado d'Arville, Commando 3, Qantas R The tightest tally we've ever had on the show, with three horses tied until the final vote The official quarter-final draw Guests Diarmuid Byrne Catherine Austen Spike Milligan Annie Bishop Vote now for your EquiRatings Horse of the Year🐴 

The Feed Room is open and Spike has questions. Louise Jones from Red Mills is back and this time we are getting into the real nuts and bolts of feeding. Balancers, complete feeds, how they actually work, and when each one makes sense. If you've ever wondered whether a scoop of chaff and a balancer is really enough, or why some yards swear by mixes while others live by cubes, this is the episode that clears the fog. Louise breaks down what a complete feed technically is, how the equine world uses the term differently, and why protein and amino acids matter more than people realise. There is even a moment where Spike learns feeds are cooked, and it changes his entire worldview. A genuinely useful conversation with plenty you can take straight back to the yard. Highlights What a complete feed actually is When a balancer works and when it simply does not Why protein and key amino acids often get overlooked The hidden calorie gap in low bucket feeds Mixes versus cubes and how they are made Guest Louise Jones, Red Mills Senior Nutritionist, here to make feeding horses make sense. 📲 Stay Connected This episode is brought to you by Connolly's Red Mills. For expert advice, forage analysis, and feeding support, visit redmills.com or connect with their nutrition team directly. Proud partners of the podcast, Red Mills are here to help you feed your horse with confidence.

The end of a season always brings that odd mix of relief, exhaustion, and the moments you can't quite shake. And 2025 gave us plenty of those. The highs that made you grin. The heartbreaks that stopped you in your tracks.  And then the moments that shifted the sport itself.  It's the washing machine of emotions you only get in eventing, and we're diving straight into the ones that defined the year. Settle in. There's plenty to talk about. Highlights The Kentucky win that became Annie's moment of the year, and the Morven Park rail that broke half the media tent. Badminton's razor-thin margins and how Cooley Rosalent nearly rewrote the script. The cross-country moment that convinced Dee that Lordships Graffalo is something we haven't really seen before. Boyd Martin's world number one milestone and why that 26.0 in the rain changed everything. Harry Meade, inside the time, and the long road to the top spot. The emotional backdrop of Ros Canter's season and why Badminton meant more than just another title. Guests Diarmuid Byrne, EquiRatings Co-Founder Annie Bishop, fresh from the US Open circuit with the stories you didn't see on camera.

In this special episode, Nicole is joined by Dr. Jim Chiappetta, equine vet, inventor and president of Achieve Equine, for a look at the story and science behind Flair Strips. Jim shares how the idea began, why nasal support matters for every horse and what decades of research have taught him about airflow, recovery and performance. They talk through the early testing, the disciplines now using the strip, the welfare focus behind the product and the new innovations Achieve Equine are working on. Highlights: How Flair Strips first came to life Why nasal collapse affects performance and recovery What riders notice across jumping, eventing and western The research behind the strip and its welfare benefits New product developments in the pipeline Guest: Dr. Jim Chiappetta, president of Achieve Equine. Flair Strips support healthy breathing, reduce airway resistance and help horses perform and recover more comfortably. Learn more or explore the full range at flairstrips.com.

In this episode of When Nicole Met, Nicole catches up with a rider who has enjoyed one of the most memorable breakthrough seasons of the year. Katie Magee reflects on her Badminton debut, two British National Championship titles and the partnership with Treworra that has grown into a genuine five star force. From rebuilding after injury to the steady guidance of Nicola Wilson and the realities of running a busy yard in the North, it is an open look at what it takes to keep moving forward. Highlights: Badminton first timer experience and a top twelve finish Producing Treworra into a confident, consistent five star campaigner Returning from a heavy fall with renewed focus How Nicola Wilson has shaped her programme and mindset Life in the North with a full yard and family in the mix British Open victory and standing alongside world class combinations Early thoughts on 2026 with Badminton and Burghley on the horizon Guests: Katie Magee, a British five star rider based in the North of England, winner of two British National Championship titles and best first timer at Badminton 2025. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.