Today’s episode is a special one, as it’s among the very last we recorded during our time at the Sunshine Tour earlier this year, and it brings this incredible series to an end. We had the chance to sit down with Belgian rider Andres Vereecke, someone whose name you might already know: he’s the son of the renowned show jumper Koen Vereecke, but whose story is very much his own.In our conversation, Andres opens up about the unique balance of running a business while competing at the highest level, the challenges and rewards of working so closely with his family, and the lessons he’s taken from sport and business. At Beyond the Stables what matters is to get to know the person behind the rider and what shines through is his passion and dedication for the sport: qualities that translated into a great conversation! Let's dive in!
We recorded this episode at the Sunshine Tour earlier this year, with a guest who is now a member of Team Great Britain. But you might have known her from before (maybe from her YouTube channel) and followed her journey from the very beginning with her crazy ponies. If you’re like me, you’ve been rooting for her way before her showjumping success. You guessed it: we had the absolute pleasure of spending some time with Jess Hewlett.Jess is now representing her country around the world, but her journey wasn’t easy or straightforward. She built everything from scratch. She didn’t come from a horsey family, bought her first ponies with all her savings, and look at her today.One thing that stands out about Jess is how she always finds the good in a horse and makes it work, no matter what. She knows how to seize every opportunity and turn it into success. It’s her hard work and dedication that brought her to where she is now.Jess has built a community, and today inspires the equestrian world. But as you know, here on Beyond the Stables, we’re all about getting to know the person behind the athlete ,and she is genuine, warm, real and so much fun! We had an amazing time chatting with her, and now it’s your turn to get to know Jessica Hewlett!
Today’s episode was recorded back in February at the Sunshine Tour, and to keep those sunny vibes going, we’re bringing you a brilliant young rider flying the flag for Portugal.She rides for Portugal, but with her deep Irish roots, she’s equally at home in Kilkenny. Today we are bringing you the incredibly talented Molly Hughes Bravo. Growing up surrounded by horses in her family’s Hughes Horse Stud, Molly has lived and breathed this sport from day one. She’s already made her mark in ponies, and now she’s working with a determination that’s impossible to ignore.In this episode, you’ll hear about her journey, her unique Irish-Portuguese identity in the sport, and the family that shaped her. Most importantly, you’ll get to know Molly as the bright, hardworking, and warm person she is - someone we know deserves to be in the spotlight.Trust us, you don’t want to miss this conversation !
Over the past few weeks, one young rider has been turning heads in the world of showjumping. He’s Irish, incredibly talented, and right now he’s shining bright on the 5* stage. We’re talking about none other than Seamus Hughes Kennedy.Since we recorded this episode back in Geneva, Seamus has made his Nations Cup debut at the 5* level — and within just a few weeks, he jumped double clear in the Grand Prix of Rome, double clear in the Nations Cup of La Baule, and followed it up with brilliant rounds in Rotterdam.Thanks to this streak of top performances, he’s officially been selected to represent Ireland at the Senior European Championships. It’s a massive milestone, and such a well-deserved one.In this episode, Seamus takes us back to where it all began — The Irish countryside on his sister’s wild pony — and how that start led to the world’s biggest showjumping arenas. He also shares what’s clearly a huge part of his success: his family and loved ones. If you’ve been to a show, you’ve definitely seen them — warm, passionate, and always by his side.With all the great work Seamus has done recently, we couldn’t resist asking Irish Chef d’Équipe Michael Blake what he thought. As he puts it, “Seamus is intelligent and talented, and Rocky is a freak.” So buckle up — this is just the beginning for this incredible duo.And as we always say on this podcast, our goal is to get to know the person behind the rider. Despite all the recent success, Seamus remains so humble, grounded, and kind. down-to-earth.
We recorded this episode in Geneva with someone we’re really excited about: Jules Orsolini. He’s our first French guest recorded in English, and he just happens to be the reigning European Young Rider Vice-Champion.He’s one of those young riders who are equally driven in and out of the ring. He’s as passionate about basketball as he is about showjumping, he studies business at university alongside his riding, and he’s thinking beyond the arena. In this episode, Jules opens up about what it means to represent France, to join the Young Riders Academy, and to balance sport with studies and other passions. We say this often, but it’s true: we want to meet the person behind the rider. And today, you’ll get to know Jules. He is ambitious, sharp, and not afraid to carve out his own path.Today, we’re kicking off something special. This is the very first episode of our Young Riders Academy series. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that many of our past guests have come through this prestigious program, supported by Rolex. It’s more than an academy—it’s a launchpad for future champions. So, we thought it was time to turn the spotlight on the newest members of the 2025–2026 class.
This episode marks the first of our special Geneva specials, and who better to kick things off than the future of Swiss show jumping herself? Yes, you heard that right. At just 20 years old, she made her 5* Nations Cup debut in Calgary, arguably the toughest show on the calendar. Today, we're joined by Géraldine Straumann.In this episode, you’ll get to know Géraldine: her incredible journey so far, how she met her dream horse, the iconic Long John Silver, she also shares the important role her family plays in her career, the decision to leave Switzerland and join the Schou Stables, and, of course, a series of memorable anecdotes that have shaped her path.As always, what matters most to us is getting to know the person behind the rider. And Géraldine? She’s truly one of the kindest, most thoughtful people we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with: curious, open-minded, and always eager to learn.We had such a great time recording this episode with her, and we’re sure you’re going to enjoy it just as much.
We’re bringing you this episode from sunny Spain, recorded during the Sunshine Tour—and on Valentine’s Day, no less!This one’s extra special because we were joined by our very first German guest: the fun, refreshingly real, and seriously talented Leonie Böckmann.Leonie made her 5* Nations Cup debut just last year, and trust us—the red jacket suits her very well, and we have a feeling she’ll be wearing it a lot more in the future!From the moment we sat down with her, it just clicked. She’s so down-to-earth and genuine. We talked about everything from her family’s deep roots in the sport to how she approaches life both in and out of the saddle!Beyond being an incredible rider, Leonie brings such an inspiring energy and stays true to herself in a world that can sometimes feel intense and fast-paced. Sharing this moment with her was a lot of fun but also inspiring!
In this episode of Beyond The Stables, we sit down with Kim Emmen, one of the Netherlands’ top riders, who delivered a double clear at the Paris Olympics just months before we met her at the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona. Kim is one of only two female rider to compete in the Olympic individual final at Paris 2024.We talked about her Olympic experience, her partnership with Imagine, and what it takes to perform at the highest level. Kim has a calm, focused approach to the sport, and it’s easy to see why she’s been so successful. She also brought her two dogs along, who might just be our most memorable podcast guests yet.A great conversation with an athlete who lets her riding speak for itself.
We're bringing something special to this episode of Beyond The Stables—not just one guest, but two. Recorded at the Sunshine Tour, we sit down with Jodie & Ellie Hall McAteer, two sisters who have each carved out their own place in the equestrian world.Jodie is competing at the top level for Team Great Britain, while Ellie is running Hyde Park Stables, balancing business and sport. They share stories from their childhood in the pony circuit, the different paths they’ve taken, and what it really means to be a Hall McAteer. Expect plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in and out of the ring. If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, this one's for you, you’ll definitely leave with a smile!
In this episode of Beyond The Stables, we sit down with Carlos Hank Guerreiro, Mexico’s top-ranked showjumper and a rising star in the equestrian world. Carlos made his Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games as one of the youngest riders in the competition. He shares his experience at the Olympics, the unique atmosphere of Team Mexico, and the role his family plays in his career. What stands out most about Carlos is his unwavering positivity and perspective. Through every challenge, he maintains a calm, focused attitude that has shaped both his career and life. Join us for an insightful conversation with an athlete who truly embodies resilience and determination.
We sat down with Dani Waldman—feathers, flair, and fearlessness included. From dominating the showjumping ring to creating Horse Bytes, Dani is making five-star showjumping sharper, smarter, and more accessible than ever. In this episode, she talks about stepping away from competition, breaking the mold, and bringing fans an insider’s unfiltered take on the sport. She’s bringing us showjumping like never before: raw, real, and packed with everything you didn’t know you needed to know—all in just 10 minutes
Kevin Jochems is a talented and accomplished young Dutch rider who has represented his country on countless occasions. Recorded at the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, this episode takes an in-depth look at Kevin’s journey - from his early beginnings to his incredible 5-star Grand Prix victory at just 23, and his continued success on the global stage. More than just a rider, Kevin shares insights into his life, his family’s influence, the challenges and joys of running his own business, and what it means to be part of Team Netherlands. He also shares the story of The Young Champions Auction, a project he co-found with friends. Through it all, his warmth, humility, and infectious enthusiasm shine through.
This week, we’re excited to share an inspiring conversation with Niamh McEvoy, one of the brightest rising stars in Irish showjumping. Recorded at the Sunshine Tour, this episode takes a closer look at Niamh’s incredible year, which includes winning team gold at the Young Rider Championships and individual gold at the Five-Year-Old World Championships. Niamh opens up about her journey, sharing how training at Ballypatrick Stables in Ireland has shaped her career and philosophy. She also gives us an exclusive preview of Ballypatrick’s highly anticipated online auction on December 28th, where one of the highlights is Orange De Baugy, Niamh’s Lanaken World Champion. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into the future stars of the sport. Beyond the accolades, Niamh’s story is defined by her kindness—both in her approach to the horses she rides and her ability to handle the pressures of competitive showjumping. Her insights and experiences are sure to resonate with riders, enthusiasts, and fans of the sport. Tune in now to hear Niamh McEvoy’s inspiring journey and get an inside look at one of the most exciting young talents in showjumping today.
Aujourd'hui, dans le troisième épisode de notre série Suisse, on vous emmène à Zurich, chez un jeune cavalier qui, à seulement 25 ans, a déjà tout accompli : des Championnats d'Europe seniors, des Championnats du monde, et cet été, il a eu l'honneur de participer aux Jeux Olympiques. Nous sommes chez Edouard Schmitz ! Ce qui nous touche particulièrement chez Edouard, c’est sa capacité à atteindre l'excellence dans son sport tout en maintenant une vie équilibrée. Contrairement à beaucoup d'autres cavaliers qui vivent dans une bulle cheval, Edouard cultive d’autres centres d'intérêts. Derrière lui, on trouve des biographies, des livres de mathématiques, et même des skis ! Mais ce qui nous intéresse avant tout, c'est de vous faire découvrir la personne derrière l'athlète, au-delà des titres et des médailles. Dans cet épisode, vous découvrirez un Edouard chaleureux, drôle et spontané. On espère que cet échange vous apportera un peu de cette chaleur ! Il nous raconte aussi son expérience avec la famille Fuchs, comment il a lancé sa carrière en indépendant, ses études, sa famille, ses moments de gloire, et ses moments plus difficiles. Un épisode riche et humain, à ne pas manquer.
In our second episode of our Swiss Special Series , we sit down with Peter Van Der Waaij, the youngest chef d’équipe leading one of the most successful showjumping teams in the world—the Swiss Elite Jumping Team. Recorded during the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, we dive deep into Peter’s fascinating journey, from equestrian journalist and auction organizer to dynamic leader of a powerhouse team. Peter shares how he manages to lead a team of top riders, many of whom are older than him, while navigating cultural and linguistic differences. He reveals what's behind the Swiss team's incredible success, from their unparalleled bond to the horsemanship that sets them apart. But how does he manage all of that? For us it all comes down to his leadership style, energy, and charisma. Peter knows how to unite a team, and isn’t afraid to admit when he’s wrong. He has an incredible ability to inspire people and bring out their best. For us what really matters isn’t the medals or the titles, it’s the person in front of us and getting to know Peter was inspiring and fun and we’re sure you’ll feel the same!
Bienvenue dans notre Série Spéciale Suisse! Pendant trois épisodes consécutifs, on part à la rencontre des talents suisses en prélude au mythique CHI de Genève, l’un des moments forts de la saison équestre. Pour ce premier épisode, nous avons posé nos micros dans les écuries familiales de Bryan Balsiger, à Neuchâtel. À seulement 27 ans, Bryan a déjà une carrière impressionnante : il représente la Suisse aux Jeux Olympiques de Tokyo, il est victorieux en Grands Prix 5* et brille régulièrement sur les plus belles pistes du monde. Mais aujourd’hui, on vous propose de découvrir le Bryan au-delà de ses performances, en tant que personne. Dans cet épisode, on découvre une personne profondément humaine. Bryan nous parle de sa famille, du rôle central qu’elle joue dans sa vie et dans sa carrière, de sa capacité à rebondir face aux défis, et de ce qu’il a appris au fil des années, le tout avec beaucoup d’humour et d’authenticité. C’est une conversation chaleureuse, inspirante et pleine de rires, qui nous rappelle que derrière les performances se cache une vraie personne, ancrée dans ses valeurs. Écoutez l’épisode maintenant et laissez-vous inspirer par l’histoire de Bryan Balsiger, une étoile suisse portée par la famille, l’humilité et la passion!
Nous voilà de retour au Sunshine Tour, pour la deuxième fois cette saison, pour enregistrer sous le soleil et les palmiers. Et aujourd’hui, on a une invitée qu’on attend depuis longtemps, une jeune cavalière française dont vous avez surement beaucoup entendu parler ces derniers temps et qui n’est autre qu’ Inès Joly! Inès a récemment marqué l’histoire en remportant le prestigieux Grand Prix 5 étoiles de Monaco. Une victoire qui a fait beaucoup de bruit, mais Inès était déjà dans nos radars bien avant. Nous savions que derrière son beau sourire se cachait bien plus et on avait entièrement raison. Avant de plonger à 100 % dans le monde des chevaux, elle a exploré d’autres horizons, elle était infirmière. Cette expérience rend Inès encore plus inspirante et la distingue de nos autres invités. Au-delà des résultats, ce qui nous a marqué chez elle, c’est sa bienveillance, son authenticité et cette manière unique de répandre autour d’elle une énergie positive et chaleureuse. Dans cet épisode, elle se livre avec sincérité sur les réalités parfois dures du haut niveau, mais aussi sur l’amour et le soutien qu’elle a reçus après son triomphe à Monaco. C’est un échange vrai et inspirant, et on espère que vous aussi découvrirez une nouvelle facette de Ines!
This week, we’re coming to you from the iconic Dublin Horse Show, where we had the chance to sit down with Irish rider Sean Monaghan. Now, if you’ve never been to the Dublin Horse Show, let us tell you—it’s so much more than just a show. The atmosphere is vibrant, the arenas are world-class, and the mix of ponies, elite riders, and rising stars makes it truly one-of-a-kind. Families, fans, and even those who aren’t deeply involved in the sport gather to experience the magic. Sean described it as ‘absolutely phenomenal,’ and after experiencing it firsthand, we can fully understand why it holds such a special place in the hearts of so many. The energy is unmatched, and if you haven’t attended yet, it’s an event you simply have to see for yourself. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Sean’s incredible journey—from growing up in a racehorse family to building his own show jumping business and mentoring & coaching Ireland’s future talent. At just 24, he’s already made impressive strides. He’s also a graduate of the Young Riders Academy, a program we’ve touched on before with some of our other inspiring guests. Sean shares his thoughts on starting his own venture, his dedication to horsemanship, and the importance of patience in achieving success.
Today, we’re excited to bring you an episode recorded at the iconic Stephex Stables, where we got to sit down with the incredible Emilie Conter. Coming from a true horse dynasty, Emilie plays a key part in the Stephex empire. But beyond the titles and responsibilities, what really stands out is her bright, bubbly personality. Emilie brings warmth, humor, and a spark of fun around. Emilie competes at the highest levels, produces exceptional horses, and runs a successful horse sales business. She thrives in this world, balancing both her riding career and her role in the business. In this interview, you’ll discover the heart of who Emilie is - her thoughtful approach to the sport and her deep connection with her horses. Her love for what she does shines through in every word. So tune in, and get ready to meet the one and only Emilie Conter!
Today’s episode was recorded in the iconic setting of Dinard, where everything is pink! From the flowers to the jumps, it truly feels like La Vie en Rose. In this vibrant atmosphere, we sat down with our very first American guest, Mimi Gochman. At just 20 years old, she’s already ranked seventh in the Under-25 World Rankings and won the 2023 FEI rising star award. There is no doubt, she is one of the top young talents out there. Mimi shares an insider’s view on the American showjumping system, giving us a clearer picture of how things work on the other side of the Atlantic. We’re thrilled to have her break it down for us—and for you. She dives into the main contrasts between the U.S. and European systems, sharing her experiences from both worlds. Incredibly talented and hardworking, Mimi surrounds herself with top mentors, like Darragh Kenny, who play a key role in her journey. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the U.S. show jumping scene. We hope you enjoy this exclusive look at the American system and what makes it tick through the eyes of one of its brightest young stars.