EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

EquiRatings

The Eventing Podcast squad bring you on a weekly, data-fuelled journey through the world of eventing. Previews, reviews and analysis - all supported by EquiRatings' data.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 42 min
Inside Scone 2026: Building year two with Alec Lochore
The countdown is on to Scone Palace International Horse Trials, and year two is shaping up to be even bigger. Nicole is joined by Event Director and LA 2028 Olympic course designer Alec Lochore to go behind the scenes of one of the sport's newest international events. From designing a world-class cross-country course to balancing the needs of riders, spectators and owners, Alec explains what has changed since the inaugural event, how the course has evolved, and why Scone is quickly becoming one of the standout fixtures on the calendar. They also discuss the realities of running a modern horse trials, the challenge of course design following a difficult few weeks for the sport, and how lessons from events like Scone could shape the road to the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Highlights What makes Scone unique in year two How the cross-country course has evolved Creating an event for riders and spectators Behind the scenes with Event Director Alec Lochore Lessons from course design on the road to LA 2028 Why Scone is more than just a horse trials Guests Alec Lochore – Event Director, Scone Palace International Horse Trials & Course Designer for the LA 2028 Olympic Games
Wednesday · 1 hr 12 min
British Eventing Show: Youth Special
Episode Description The future of British Eventing takes centre stage in this special youth-focused episode. Nicole Brown is joined by British Eventing Youth Coach Nicola Wilson to discuss what really prepares young riders for championship success, from building confidence under pressure to the importance of teamwork, resilience and learning from those around you. The team also heads to Bishop Burton ahead of the Festival of Youth, where British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams, organiser Dusty Baker and Assistant Principal Ann Paling share how the event has become more than just a championship. It's a celebration of young riders, new friendships and the pathway through the sport. Plus, Central Region Youth Coach Tim Rogers and Festival of Youth competitor Freddie Spicer offer a rider's perspective on preparing for one of the biggest weeks of the season. You won't want to miss this one! Highlights Nicola Wilson on coaching future championship riders Why the Festival of Youth is about more than competition Behind the scenes at Bishop Burton Tim Rogers' top tips for Festival of Youth success Rosie Williams answers your questions on BE Lite, Millstreet, Aachen and the future of British Eventing Guests Nicola Wilson – British Eventing Youth Coach and former European Champion Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing Dusty Baker – Head of Equine and Festival of Youth organiser, Bishop Burton College Ann Paling – Assistant Principal, Bishop Burton College Tim Rogers – Central Region Youth Coach Freddie Spicer – Festival of Youth competitor This episode is brought to you by Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Sprenger and Veredus, and title partner of the British Eventing Podcast for 2026. Find out more at: zebraproducts.co.uk
Tuesday · 32 min
Millstreet Under 25 World Championships Review Show
The first-ever FEI Eventing Under 25 World Championship is in the books… but did it live up to the hype? Nicole and Annie Bishop look back on a championship that delivered influential jumping phases, dramatic leaderboard changes, and a worthy first-ever World Champion in Calvin Böckmann, who led after dressage, slipped to third after picking up time penalties across country, and came back to win it on the final day. They also discuss the performances that stood out, from Cerys Macaulay's climb from seventh to individual silver on Kananaskis, to Olivia Dutton and Jewelent's run to individual bronze, to Great Britain edging out the host nation for team gold on Irish soil. Highlights Did the first Under 25 World Championship deliver? Calvin Böckmann claims the inaugural world title Cerys Macaulay's climb to individual silver Olivia Dutton and Jewelent's run to individual bronze Team GB strike gold, and what comes next for the competition Guests Nicole Brown and Annie Bishop This episode is supported by Connolly's Red Mills, a family-owned Irish feed and nutrition company producing premium horse, pet, and agri products since 1908, and proud presenting sponsor of the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships. Learn more at: redmills.com
July 24 · 31 min
Littlemax Future Stars: Oliver Barrett
Eight-year-old Oliver Barrett watched Chris Burton win at Aachen and fell in love with the sport. Fourteen years later, he's heading back to the iconic venue himself, with a horse his family bred, started under saddle and produced every step of the way. In this episode of the Future Star series, Nicole catches up with Oliver ahead of his first senior World Championships. Sandhills Briar was backed at home in New South Wales, carried Oliver to a CCI5* victory at Adelaide earlier this year, and now the pair are bound for Germany as one of Australia's most exciting combinations. They talk about growing up on a breeding property, what it's like having two Olympic event riders as parents, and why they've chosen to stay based in Australia rather than following the more traditional path to Europe. Oh, and Oliver's dad built him a mini Aachen in the back paddock using a tractor. You'll definitely want to hear that story in full. Highlights Sandhills Briar's journey from foal to five-star winner Growing up with Olympic event riders for parents Preparing for Aachen from Australia The pressure riders put on themselves A home Olympics on the horizon in 2032 Guest Oliver Barrett – Australian event rider heading to his first senior World Championships with Sandhills Briar. This series is brought to you by Littlemax, part of the Bedmax family. Their dust-extracted pine shavings are designed to give horses a cleaner, more comfortable bed. Find out more at bedmaxshavings.com/littlemax.
July 23 · 26 min
Cup of Tea with Alice Casburn
Topspin used to spook at dandelions. Alice Casburn spent more time catching him in the collecting ring than riding him. Now, at 18, he's heading to the first-ever FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships as the favourite. Nicole sits down with Alice to look back on the remarkable partnership that's taken them from a quirky homebred nobody else wanted to ride, to five-star success and a Bramham title that secured their place on the British team. They also talk about the pressure of arriving as the favourite, why she'd happily take a big, tough track at Millstreet, and the exciting reserve mare waiting in the wings. Oh... and there's a tiny dog looking for a boyfriend. You'll have to listen for that one. Highlights Topspin's journey from spooky youngster to championship favourite Learning to handle the pressure of expectation Bramham, British titles and celebrating the big moments LSS Ile De Re and the future beyond Topspin The "rivalry" with Germany's Calvin Böckmann Guest Alice Casburn – five-star event rider and British team member for the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships. Supported by Carr & Day & Martin, trusted equine care since 1765 and part of the Connolly's Red Mills group.
July 22 · 1 hr 4 min
U25 World Championships Preview Show
The first ever FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships are here. Nicole is joined by Diarmuid Byrne, Spike Milligan and Annie Bishop to look ahead to Millstreet, where a world title is on the line. Topspin against Altair de la Cense. Alice Casburn against Calvin Böckmann. They've already gone head-to-head twice before, and now they meet again with the biggest prize yet. The Prediction Centre has them well clear of the rest of the field, but is it really that straightforward? The team also looks at the strength of the American and Irish squads, which horses could shake up the podium, and where the championship might be won and lost. Highlights Topspin vs Altair de la Cense Team medal predictions The jump from three-star to four-star Reading the Prediction Centre Dark horses to watch Guests Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder and data analyst Spike Milligan – FEI team vet with decades of championship experience Annie Bishop – US eventing broadcaster and co-host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here. Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs. If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
July 17 · 34 min
Flair Overview Show: The Changing Road to Championships
Is a horse's route to a championship as important as its destination? As we build towards Aachen, Sam Watson joins Nicole for one of these deep-dive overview shows, and this one gets right to the heart of how the modern event horse is made and managed. The days of one road to a championship are gone. Now riders are picking their own paths, saving legs, choosing four-star over five-star, and building form lines that don't always line up neatly against each other. Sam has the EquiRatings numbers to prove it, and they tell a story that goes well beyond selection headaches. Because underneath the championship talk sits a bigger question. Has the type of horse we're producing actually changed? And if it has, what does that mean for the long format, for injury risk, and for the future shape of the sport? Highlights Five-star starts on the decline Rethinking the championship form line The 33% drop in long-format numbers What a "Horse of the Year" ranking could look like Cost, ownership and the lorry park economy Should young horses get their own showcase at the biggest venues? Guests Sam Watson – EquiRatings co-founder and 5-Star eventer, bringing the data behind the sport's biggest trends This episode is supported by FLAIR Strips, the vet-developed, drug-free nasal strips proven to help horses breathe more easily and recover faster, worn by riders across disciplines. Find out more at flairstrips.com.
July 15 · 34 min
Inside Defender Burghley 2026: A Conversation with Miranda Rock
Sixty-five years in, and Burghley still gives its own team goosebumps. In this episode of Inside Burghley 2026, Nicole heads to Burghley HQ to sit down with Miranda Rock, Executive Chair of the Burghley House Preservation Trust, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to preserve one of the world's most iconic five-stars. From protecting Capability Brown's historic parkland and centuries-old trees to redesigning the shopping village, improving visitor flow and planning for the future, Miranda explains the work that goes on long before the first horse arrives. Along the way, she shares stories from Burghley's remarkable history, her family's connection to the estate, the Olympic legacy that still lives inside the house, and why Ros Canter's unforgettable walk down Winners' Avenue with baby Seneh is one of her favourite Burghley memories. Highlights Burghley's Cecil family history The retail and wayfinding changes for 2026 Protecting Capability Brown's historic parkland Ros Canter's memorable Burghley victory What the next chapter looks like for Burghley Guest Miranda Rock – Executive Chair of the Burghley House Preservation Trust and 16th-generation descendant of William Cecil. 🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
July 13 · 41 min
Grassroots Show: Training to Competition with Kirsty Chabert
Everyone talks about training. Almost nobody talks about why it doesn't show up on the day. Kirsty Chabert has just won the Nations Cup at Bicton on Classic VI, and she's admitting something most riders won't: she's terrified of heights, still can't walk to the edge of a drop fence, and has spent years working through it. If a five-star rider with that record still fights her own nerves, what does that mean for the rest of us walking into the startbox? This episode of the Grassroots Show goes straight at that gap between the arena at home and the ring at a show. Kirsty breaks down what she actually leans on when the pressure's on, why competing above your level in schooling matters more in jumping than dressage, and why she disappears the week before a big event instead of riding. Highlights Managing nerves at every level Training above the level you compete Building pressure into schooling at home Reading your own competition honestly The trot-to-walk transition that matters most A cross-country warm-up challenge to try Guests Kirsty Chabert, five-star event rider and coach, Nations Cup winner at Bicton on Classic VI. 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 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.
July 8 · 22 min
A Cup of Tea with Sam Lissington
This week's Cup of Tea is with Sam Lissington, and she's arrived with news that's still sinking in: her first senior call-up, earned inside a fortnight that could easily have gone the other way. Second at Bramham with Sooty, then the setback nobody saw coming when he came home from the vet with an injury that ended his season. So how do you show up for the next horse when everything feels uncertain? Sam talks us through the whiplash of that stretch, a horse bought on a hunch in a Finnish indoor, the mistake she owns at Bilton without excuse, and the phone call that made all of it worth it. Highlights Bramham high, then a career low Performing on Lucas Stone under pressure Buying a horse in a Finnish indoor Owning the mistake at Bilton A stressful vet check day What success at Aachen looks like Guests Sam Lissington – New Zealand event rider, newly selected for her first senior World Championships This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/ EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
July 1 · 1 hr 5 min
USEA Special: Careers in the Sport
For many horse lovers, becoming a professional rider is the dream, but it's far from the only way to build a fulfilling career in eventing. In this episode of the USEA Official Podcast, host Nicole Brown is joined by organizer and licensed official Emily Holmes, championship groom, organizer, and former USEA President Max Corcoran, and Eventing Nation co-publisher Sally Spickard to discuss the many careers that help keep the sport running. Together, they share the winding paths that led them to where they are today, the lessons they've learned along the way, and the advice they would give to anyone hoping to turn their passion for horses into a profession. From media and event management to officiating and grooming, this episode is a reminder that there's more than one way to make your mark in the sport of eventing. Subscribe to the USEA Official Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodBean, or Stitcher EquiRatings Eventing PodcastDon't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
June 30 · 1 hr 27 min
Who Heads to Aachen? The Team Picks!
Forget the selectors. We've picked the teams. Nicole is joined by Sam Watson, Annie Bishop and Spike the Vet to take on one of the toughest jobs in eventing, selecting the combinations they'd send to Aachen. There are easy picks. Then there are the horses keeping everyone awake at night. Who has done enough this season? Does five-star form still carry the most weight? Which riders are impossible to leave at home? And which nation has the strongest hand heading into the World Championships? Expect plenty of debate, a few disagreements and some very difficult decisions as the panel works through the leading contenders from Great Britain, Ireland, the USA, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Then, with the teams almost settled, everyone puts their reputation on the line with their first World Championship medal predictions. Highlights: Our World Championship teams The biggest selection dilemmas Five-star form versus four-star results Who's in, who's out and who's on the bubble Which nation has the strongest squad Early medal predictions Guests: Sam Watson – EquiRatings Co-Founder Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast Spike the Vet – Equine veterinarian and regular Eventing Podcast panellist
June 26 · 1 hr
Red Mills Special: Andrew Williams & John Tilley on producing tomorrow's stars
From sourcing young horses to producing future five-star talent, Andrew Williams and John Tilley have helped shape the careers of some of the sport's biggest names, including Tim Price's Jarillo, Georgie Goss' Kojak, Ballycoog Breaker Boy and more. In this Red Mills Special, Nicole sits down with the pair to discuss what they look for in a young horse, how they produce horses for the top of the sport, balancing a successful sales business with competition ambitions and why patience is at the heart of every good production system. They also share the story behind their move to Ireland, John's rapid rise through the levels and the young horse they're most excited about for the future. Highlights • How they identify future five-star horses • Producing young horses for long-term success • Building one of Ireland's leading production yards • Balancing horse sales with competition goals • John's journey from amateur rider to four-star event rider • The six-year-old they believe could be their next star Guests Andrew Williams – One of Ireland's leading young horse producers, renowned for sourcing and developing future international event horses. John Tilley – Four-star event rider and young horse producer, bringing through the next generation of event horses from their base in Ireland. Sponsors: Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here. Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs. If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
June 24 · 24 min
2026 Luhmühlen Review Show
Luhmühlen delivered one of the biggest results of the season so far and with championship selection getting closer, Nicole and Ali have plenty to unpack. This week they look back on Caroline Harris and D. Day becoming two-time five-star winners, why that performance could matter far beyond one result and which combinations helped themselves as team announcements edge closer. There's also discussion around Emily King's strong weekend, Boyd Martin continuing to collect results, standout performances from Hallie Coon and Julia Krajewski and a look at who might just be peaking at the right time. Plus, Ali's Eventing Manager predictions finally come good and she's taking her moment. Highlights: • Caroline Harris and D. Day win Luhmühlen five-star • What the result means for championship selection • Boyd Martin's podium finish and ranking implications • Hallie Coon's impressive performance • Julia Krajewski and Nickel take the four-star short • Early Aachen team conversations Guests: Ali Barrett – EquiRatings AI & Sports Media Analyst, working across automation, performance analysis and storytelling to turn equestrian data into insights for fans and the sport. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing
June 20 · 16 min
Willberry Special
There are some stories that stay with the sport forever. This week, Nicole shines a light on Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony charity as it celebrates 10 years of making an extraordinary impact. At Badminton, Nicole catches up with Hannah's mum Rachel Francis and trustee Miles Toulson-Clarke to reflect on Hannah's story, the community that rallied around her and the legacy that continues to grow today. Following Hannah's osteosarcoma diagnosis at just 17, Willberry became far more than a mascot. What began as one young rider sharing her journey has gone on to fund vital research, grant life-changing wishes and support families facing impossible circumstances. This is a conversation about horses, determination, community and the difference one person can make. Highlights • The story behind Hannah's Willberry Wonder Pony • How one rider inspired a global community • 10 years of wishes, fundraising and impact • Progress in osteosarcoma research • The eventing community's role in Hannah's legacy • Why Willberry continues to mean so much • What it means to "Be More Hannah" Guests Rachel Francis Miles Toulson-Clarke EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing
June 17 · 38 min
2026 Luhmühlen Preview Show
One withdrawal and suddenly the whole conversation looks different. This week Nicole, Annie and Ali preview Luhmühlen, build their Eventing Manager teams and try to work out where the value now sits in a five-star that suddenly feels much more open. There's debate over strategy, discussion around combinations arriving with form at the right time, and plenty of disagreement over where to spend the budget. Plus, attention turns to a seriously competitive German National Championship class, Aachen implications start creeping into the conversation, and there are a few predictions that may age brilliantly… or not at all. Highlights • Eventing Manager strategy at Luhmühlen • Who benefits from Izilot DHI's withdrawal • Caroline Harris and D.Day's case • Five-star podium predictions • German National Championship contenders • Four-star combinations to watch • Eyes turning towards Aachen Guests Annie Bishop Ali Barrett EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing
June 16 · 38 min
Defender Bramham Review Show 2026
Bramham feels like one of those moments in the season where things stop being hypothetical. Nicole and Spike look back on a weekend that answered some questions, created a few more, and left plenty of combinations heading into the second half of the year with momentum. There's reaction to Bubby Upton and It's Cooley Time defending their title after a difficult few months, a brilliant result for Selina Milnes, and discussion around the horses that left Yorkshire feeling like they belong in bigger conversations. Plus, Tom McEwen and JL Dublin edge the four-star short, the under-25 picture starts to take shape, and there's plenty of reflection on why Bramham still holds such an important place in the calendar. Highlights Bubby Upton and It's Cooley Time bounce back Selina Milnes' big result Four-star short reaction Under-25 combinations impress Which horses changed the conversation Why Bramham still matters Eyes already turning towards Luhmühlen Guests Nicole Brown Spike Milligan 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.
June 10 · 39 min
Littlemax Future Stars: Josh Levett
He's had the highs. He's had the heartbreak. Now comes the next chapter. Josh Levett joins Nicole to reflect on a season of near-misses, breakthrough moments, and why sometimes the weeks that almost happen stay with you longest. From a first top-level campaign, to Young Rider highs and lows, to preparing to step out on his own and build a business, Josh shares what life looks like behind the results sheet. There's talk of family, pressure, owners, sponsors, and the reality of growing up in one of eventing's most established households while finding your own way. Plus, the lessons picked up from time with Piggy March, Clayton Fredericks, and why stepping away from home for a few months changed his perspective on the sport entirely. With Bramham ahead, one final Young Rider season, and bigger ambitions beginning to take shape, this feels like a rider right at the start of something. Highlights Why the "almost" results can stay with you more than the disasters Growing up in a horse family, and why eventing wasn't always the plan Young Rider highs, setbacks, and unfinished business Building a business, moving out, and setting up independently Lessons learned from Piggy March and Clayton Fredericks Four-star reality checks and stepping up the levels GB or Australia? Josh talks future team ambitions The surprising thing he does before leaving the start box Guest Josh Levett This episode is also brought to you by Littlemax Bedding. Purpose-made for horses, Littlemax combines ultra-low dust pine shavings with a finer, lighter flake designed to make stable management quicker and easier, while still supporting comfort, hygiene and respiratory health. Whether you're managing a competition horse or everyday yard life, it's bedding built with horse health in mind. Find out more and locate your nearest stockist: bedmaxshavings.com/littlemax
June 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Defender Bramham Preview Show 2026
A course that riders dream about. A poem nobody saw coming. And one of the strongest Bramham fields in years. Nicole, Sam and Spike are back to preview a huge week at Defender Bramham, from championship ambitions and under-25 selection pressure to the horses and riders they think could shape the weekend. There's a deep dive into the four-star long and short fields, Eventing Manager team selections, and plenty of debate over who has the edge in Yorkshire. Expect discussion around returning winners, rising stars, championship pathways, and which combinations look ready to make the leap. Plus, thoughts on Bramham's evolving role in the calendar, what makes this venue such a special test, and why the under-25 competition deserves the spotlight. Highlights Why this could be Bramham's strongest field of the decade Eventing Manager picks and dark horses for the weekend Under-25 selection battles and future championship contenders Championship prep versus five-star preparation: where Bramham fits Four-star long and four-star short podium predictions Course changes and what to expect from this year's track The combinations flying under the radar Sam's unforgettable cross-country love poem Guests Nicole Brown Sam Watson Spike Milligan 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.
June 5 · 30 min
A Cup of Tea with Tamie Smith
A horse coming into her own. A summer that wasn't really the plan. And a trip to Europe that suddenly feels like it could mean much more. Nicole Brown sits down for a cup of tea with Tamie Smith after a flying start to 2026 and ahead of a big summer campaign in the UK. With Lillet 3 arriving in England off the back of major wins and World Championship conversations becoming harder to ignore, Tamie reflects on the partnership that took time to build and why this season feels different. They talk Bramham, supporting Team USA at Bicton, bringing riders and horses across the Atlantic, and what happens when the thing you hoped might happen starts becoming real. Plus, an update on retired king Mai Baum and why there may already be another black horse waiting in the wings. Highlights: Why Europe felt like the right next step The partnership that changed with Lillet 3 World Championships and knowing when a horse is ready Watching Team USA from the sidelines at Bicton Molly Duda's summer campaign Life after Mai Baum Guests: Tamie Smith: US Olympian, five-star winner, and one of the leading event riders in American eventing This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/ EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.