Eventing Podcast

Burnham Market has become Oliver Townend territory. A remarkable record here, a system that works, and Cooley Rosalent back again - it's a combination that's hard to look past. But it's never that simple here. This is a track that consistently produces top-level performances, and when horses run well at Burnham Market, it usually stands up against anything else in the calendar. Add in Banzai du Loir, an in-form Gemma Stevens yard, and the usual pre-Badminton question of who actually runs and how hard… and there's a bit more to it than it first looks. Highlights Oliver Townend's record, and why this run works so well for his horses Cooley Rosalent vs Banzai du Loir at the top of the field Why Burnham Market consistently produces strong four-star performances The depth in the field, including Gemma Stevens and a strong supporting cast Who runs, who doesn't, and what we really learn this close to Badminton Guests Catherine Austen, equestrian journalist and eventing analyst. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don

Rider fitness is something we all know matters, but it's often the first thing to fall down the list. In this episode, Cameron is joined by Katie Bleekman to break down what rider fitness actually looks like, from strength and mobility to nutrition, recovery, and the habits that make it stick. It's not about doing more. It's about doing the right things, consistently, and understanding how it all feeds into your riding. As always, Cameron wraps up the episode with the #GrassrootsChallenge - listen to the end, try it, post it, and tag your efforts using #GrassrootsChallenge. Highlights Why riding alone isn't enough to build true fitness Strength, mobility, and endurance, what riders actually need The biggest mistakes riders make when starting out Simple, realistic ways to build fitness into a busy routine Nutrition, hydration, and why recovery matters just as much as training Guests Katie Bleekman, rider and coach specialising in event rider fitness and nutrition Presented by Foran Equine, part of the C

Andy Heffernan didn't grow up in horses, and he didn't have an obvious path into the sport. What started with a riding school in England quickly turned into something more, and from there he built a career the hard way, riding whatever horses he could, learning on the job, and figuring out how to make it work. That journey has taken him to the Olympics, into coaching the Dutch team, and now into course design at some of the biggest events in the world. In this episode, he reflects on building a business, balancing multiple roles at the top of the sport, and what it takes to keep progressing in an ever-changing landscape. Highlights A non-horsey start and the path into eventing Building a career through producing and selling horses Coaching the Dutch team and preparing for championships The realities of course design and managing pressure The future of five-star and the pathway through the sport Guests Andy Heffernan - Dutch team coach, Olympic event rider, and international cross-country course designer.

The overview show is back, and this time it's all about the big picture. Which nation is actually in the strongest position heading towards Aachen 2026? We talk about it all the time, but this is putting numbers behind it. Strength, depth, and what the data is really saying at the top of the sport.  While there's a lot of movement across the board, one thing is clear. Great Britain isn't going anywhere. The depth is still there, the results are still coming, and they remain the toughest team to beat. New Zealand bouncing back, Japan showing what's possible, and a number of nations who will feel like there's an opportunity if they can get three good performances on the board when it counts. Highlights Breaking down HPR and what it actually tells us about squad depth Why Great Britain still dominates, and just how far ahead they are Which nations are trending up, and which ones have work to do Why championship eventing feels more open than ever The bigger picture, participation, five-star numbers, and what com

Thoresby is done and dusted, and it delivered. A big win, a few messy moments, and a proper reminder that even the best riders have to fight for it. Gemma Stevens did exactly that, bouncing back from a tough start to take the Grantham Cup with Cooley Park Muse. Elsewhere, the form is starting to show. Tom Jackson looks full of confidence, and Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo had the kind of run that just ticks the box. It wasn't straightforward. The cross country asked questions, there were a few issues, and plenty to take away heading into the next few weeks. Highlights Gemma Stevens regroups and delivers to win with Cooley Park Muse Tom Jackson on form with a strong weekend, including a win with United 36 Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo back out and looking right on track Cross country proves influential across the divisions Early Badminton form lines starting to take shape Guests Nicole Brown Catherine Austen EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Lucienne Bellissimo begins the 2026 season with a new flag beside her name, now officially representing the United States. It is a change that reflects where life and sport have taken her. From riding ponies in the New Forest to building businesses, surviving serious injuries, and returning to the top level of eventing, Lucienne's journey has been anything but straightforward. In this episode she reflects on the resilience behind that journey, the decision to build her life in the US, and the horses she believes could carry her towards five-star success. Highlights Lucienne Bellissimo's move to represent the United States in 2026 Growing up in the New Forest and finding her path into eventing Launching the Horse Scout platform and balancing business with riding Recovering from multiple serious injuries and returning to competition The US eventing landscape and the impact of the US Equestrian Open Five-star ambitions and the horses leading her 2026 season Guest Lucienne Bellissimo – International event ride

The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park brings together one of the strongest early-season fields, with Badminton entries, returning champions, and a mix of horses at very different stages of their spring campaigns. This episode previews the Grantham Cup and the wider four-star divisions, looking at who could win, who's likely using it as a prep run, and which combinations are starting to show form ahead of the five-stars. From established names to rising talent, it's a first proper look at how the season is shaping up. Highlights Grantham Cup contenders and podium predictions Who's running to win vs. who's prepping for five-star Key horses to watch ahead of Badminton and Kentucky Standout names across both four-star divisions Guests Nicole Brown – Host and analyst Spike Milligan – FEI team vet with decades of championship experience Catherine Austen – Eventing journalist EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Buying a horse is one of the hardest things to get right in this sport. Not because there aren't options, but because the right ones aren't always visible. The best horses are often off-market, spread across global networks, and difficult to compare without real context. This episode breaks down how the EquiRatings Horse Sourcing process actually works, building a global pool of horses, filtering that pool using performance data, and narrowing it down through experience, insight, and real conversations with riders and owners. From first search to final shortlist, it's about giving buyers a clearer view of the market and the confidence to make the right call. Highlights Why the best horses are often not publicly available How EquiRatings builds and filters a global pool of horses The role of data alongside rider feel and experience How shortlists are created and decisions are made The difference between the Complete and Light search models How the portal gives buyers a live view of the market Guests Sam Wat

The 2026 Defender Kentucky entries are out… and suddenly, everything feels very real. There's something about seeing the list in black and white. The names, the horses, the matchups. The ones who have come close before, the ones building toward something bigger, and the ones who might just change the story this year. At the top, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality arrive as the standout favourite. The American challenge is strong, with Will Coleman and Boyd Martin both bringing serious contenders, while Harry Meade is once again searching for that elusive five-star win. Beyond the favourites, it's a seriously deep field. Horses that have been there and done it, horses stepping up, and plenty that feel like they're right on the edge of something big. And behind it all, Kentucky itself is already taking shape. The build-up, the pressure, and the feeling that when the week arrives, it will move fast. Highlights First reaction to the 2026 Kentucky entry list Why Tom McEwen leads the field, and what could stop him

The first real marker of the 2026 season has been laid down. The Setters' Run Farm Carolina International always brings a good field, but this year it was stacked. Margins tight from the first phase, no one making the time, and a track that kept shifting the leaderboard right to the end. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 didn't lead it from the front, but when it mattered, they were the ones who delivered. Fastest cross-country round of the day, the only sub-30 finish, and suddenly a horse a lot of people hadn't seen much of is right in the conversation. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake put down a serious marker. Jennie Brannigan's FE Lifestyle does what he always does at Carolina. And further down, horses like Diabolo and Miks Master C ran exactly the rounds they needed to, with bigger plans clearly in mind. Highlights Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 take the four-star win with the fastest cross-country round Margins tight after dressage, the top five separated by less than a penalty No one makes the time, across both jumpin

Yorkshire tea in hand, Nicola Wilson sits down for a conversation that reflects exactly where she is now. A winter focused on getting stronger, small milestones that matter, and a return to the sport that looks different, but still feels the same at its core. Since 2022, her role has evolved, with coaching now at the centre. Working with riders like Katie McGee and Gabby Dickerson, and as part of the British youth teams, she talks about seeing horses and riders through a wider lens, then narrowing in on the details that make the difference. What comes through is the clarity. Focus on what you can do. Keep moving forward. And take the progress, step by step. Highlights A winter focused on strength and steady progress How her coaching perspective has evolved The importance of small, consistent improvements Supporting riders on their path to five-star Guest Nicola Wilson - British Olympic medallist and former top-level event rider, now a leading coach working with elite riders and the next generation

Carolina International is here, and with it one of the strongest four-star fields we've seen so far this season. Nicole Brown is joined by Holly Hudspeth to preview the Setters' Run Farm Carolina International, a key leg of the US Equestrian Open and an important early-season test for horses targeting Kentucky, Badminton and the World Championships at Aachen. From past winners returning with new riders to major contenders like Diabolo, Miks Master C, HSH Blake and Denim, the field is packed with experience, form and a few combinations ready to take a big step forward. With cross-country time always influential and a course designed by Derek di Grazia, this weekend will start to shape how the spring unfolds. Deep dive article on Carolina: https://news.equiratings.com/stories/you-need-to-watch-carolina-this-weekend-heres-why Highlights Key contenders and returning winners What it takes to win at Carolina World Championship and spring targets Podium picks and dark horses Guests Holly Hudspeth – Horse &

The Australian season is up and running, and Wandin is where things start to take shape. This week's Preview Show looks at a four-star field that may be small, but has plenty to like. Some arrive in form, others are building, and for a few, this is an important step on the road to Adelaide. Sophia Hill brings Tulara Baltango off a strong run, Sam Jeffree has two contenders after an impressive start to the season, and there is plenty of experience alongside combinations looking to step forward. Add in the demands of Wandin, the terrain, the time, and it starts to ask the right questions. Highlights Wandin as a stepping stone to Adelaide Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango's form Sam Jeffree's strong start to the season Experienced campaigners and emerging combinations The challenge of Wandin's cross-country Guest Sharon Ridgway, Australian eventing expert and analyst EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Budgeting for eventing might not be the most glamorous topic, but it is one every grassroots rider faces. In this episode of the Grassroots Show, Cameron Beer is joined by five-star rider and accountant, Lauren Innes, to talk about the realities of financing an eventing season. From building a practical budget and planning your competition calendar to finding smart ways to train without spending a fortune, this episode is packed with practical advice for riders trying to make the sport work. As always, Cameron wraps up the episode with the #GrassrootsChallenge - listen to the end, try it, post it, and tag your efforts using #GrassrootsChallenge. Highlights How to build a realistic budget for an eventing season Cost-saving ways to train and prepare your horse Where it is worth investing your money, and where it is not Understanding British Eventing membership options Managing finances without losing the fun in the sport Guest Lauren Innes – Five-star event rider, chartered accountant and member of the Briti

The Cup of Tea series returns for 2026, powered by Carr & Day & Martin, proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills family. Nicole catches up with Irish event rider Esib Power to talk winter training, producing the next generation of horses, and plans for the season ahead. Based at her family yard in County Meath, Esib has an exciting group of horses ready to step up this year, with her nine and ten-year-olds targeting four-star level and long-term aims later in the season. She reflects on a disrupted 2025 season after breaking her collarbone early in the spring, why patience is often the key when producing young horses, and why trips to England for events like Barbury and Thoresby are such a valuable way to start the year. Highlights Life and training at Esib's family yard in County Meath Producing the next generation of event horses Plans to start the season at Barbury and Thoresby Building horses towards four-star level Targets for her top horses later this year Guest Esib Power – Irish internation

The new season is coming into view, which means one thing. It is time for the horses to watch in 2026. Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne and Catherine Austen to pick the horses they think could define the season ahead. From potential five-star winners to the young horses you might not know yet but will soon. Could Cooley Rosalent add another five-star? Will Lordships Graffalo, London 52 and fischerChipmunk FRH battle it out again at the World Championships in Aachen? And is Annaghmore Valoner the horse to finally give Harry Meade that long-awaited five-star victory? Plus the team share their dark horses for a five-star podium and the young names to keep firmly on your radar this year. If you want a few storylines to follow as the 2026 season begins, this is the place to start. Highlights Five-star winners to watch in 2026 The World Championships showdown at Aachen Dark horses for a five-star podium The young horses who could break through this season Guests Diarmuid Byrne, EquiRatings co-founder C

International Women's Day lands right as the season comes back into view, and this British Eventing Show opener, in partnership with Zebra Products, feels like the perfect moment to celebrate what makes the sport so special. Nicole Brown is joined by British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams, five-star winner Gemma Stevens, and Belsay organiser Laura de Wesselow, for a behind the scenes look at how British Eventing sets competitors, organisers, and officials up for the year ahead. From the energy building towards opening day, to Belsay stepping up as a full four-star fixture, to British Eventing's BE Prepared campaign, this episode looks at the people, preparation, and collaboration that help the sport move forward. Plus, Gemma goes "In the Zone" with Zebra Products and shares three simple, practical ways to set yourself and your horse up for a strong start. Highlights International Women's Day special with three standout voices across the sport How British Eventing is building for the future with collaboration ac

The next generation is about to get its own world stage. For the first time, the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships arrive this summer, with Millstreet set to host a championship that genuinely bridges the gap between young rider success and senior championship pressure. So… who's ready? Nicole Brown is joined by Diarm Byrne and Ali Barrett to look at the numbers, the standout performances, and the combinations already making noise at four-star short level. From established names like Calvin Böckmann and Alice Casburn, to emerging contenders from Australia, the US, Ireland, France and beyond, they start to piece together what this first edition could look like. U25 Article: https://news.equiratings.com/stories/looking-at-the-major-contenders-for-millstreet-2026 Highlights The top Under 25 performances of 2025 Who leads the High Performance Ratings Which nations look strongest on paper Early predictions for individual and team gold Guests Ali Barrett – EquiRatings AI & Sports Media Analyst Diarmu

Phillip Dutton is on the board. The 2026 season opened at the LiftMaster Grand Prix Eventing Showcase presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, and it was Phillip Dutton and Denim who walked away with the $100,000 win. A brand new four-star test caused early drama. Rails reshuffled the leaderboard. And Jay Hambly's cross-country track built pressure right to the final rider. Nicole Brown and Annie Bishop review the action from Aiken, from Humble Glory's podium climb to Elisa Wallace's statement performance, and what this result means as the road to Kentucky begins. Plus, Annie chat's with Phillip on his Showcase win and what it means for the rest of the season. Highlights Phillip and Denim's $100,000 victory The debut of the 2026 four-star dressage test Key rails in show jumping Jay Hambly's first Showcase cross-country track Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality step up Sophia Hill and Humble Glory's podium finish Early-season signals ahead of Kentucky Guests Annie Bishop – Host of the US Equestrian O

Ownership in eventing rarely follows a straight line. For Alex Wakeley, it has been shaped by family history, a first tentative run at BE80, and a young grey bought quietly after the Rio Olympics who would go on to win at Le Lion d'Angers. In this episode of Through the Owners' Eyes, Nicole Brown sits down with Alex, owner of Cristal Fontaine and Chairman of the Event Horse Owners Association, to talk about what ownership really looks like. From the highs of a six-year-old World Championship title with Kitty King to the realities of injury management, long seasons, and knowing when a horse owes you nothing more, Alex reflects on the full ownership journey.  Highlights From first event nerves to owning a Le Lion d'Angers six-year-old World Champion Buying young, trusting instinct, and choosing the right rider The realities of injuries, longevity, and horse welfare at the top level Syndicates, access, and bringing younger owners into the sport The role of the Event Horse Owners Association, from hospitality to