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Talk Horse

Talk horse

Saddle up for tales of triumph, drama, and equestrian life as we gallop through the highs and lows of the horse world. Hosted by Olympic eventer and equestrian enthusiast Pippa Funnell, alongside

Made in Chelsea

's Tristan Phipps, a newcomer to the horse world. They’ll be joined by trailblazers and icons of the equestrian scene—from dressage to dead heats, ponies to polo, and everything in between.

  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Friday

Episodes20

  • Friday · 23 min

    Introducing... Free Rein Fridays! Your bonus dose of Pippa and Tristan. ❤️

    Your new Friday tradition starts now! What better way to get you in the mood for a weekend of galloping, trotting and mucking out than Free Rein Fridays? Join Pippa and Tristan as they chew the fat, discuss the latest gossip and dole out their advice. It’s your chance to hear Pippa’s wisdom, Tristan’s jokes and get your burning questions answered. Email us on info@talk-horse.com or drop us a line on social media. The Talk Horse Podcast just got a weekend upgrade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • Wednesday · 56 min

    Olympic Physio Ash Wallace on How Everyone Can Ride Better and Feel Stronger | Podcast FULL EP

    This week we welcome the multitalented Ashleigh, or Ash, Wallace to the podcast. Her career spans over 20 years in elite sport, supporting athletes across seven Olympic cycles, and boy does she have some fabulous wisdom to impart. Whether you're an elite rider, a weekend trotter or anyone wanting to improve your health this is the episode for you! From representing South Africa in hockey to becoming an internationally renowned physiotherapist and, crucially for Talk Horse, former Head of Human Sports Science and Medicine at British Equestrian. She shares her unique perspective on why managing health is a complex problem that requires "collective wisdom" and interdependent teams. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join our Talk Horse community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 15 · 49 min

    The Rise of UAE Showjumping with Olympians Omar Al Marzouqi & Abdulla Al-Marri

    How do you build an Olympic showjumping team from the ground up? In this episode of Talk Horse, Pippa Funnell is joined by UAE Olympians Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzouqi and Abdulla Mohd Al-Marri to discuss the incredible rise of showjumping in the United Arab Emirates. They reflect on their journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, training under William Funnell, the horses that helped them reach the sport's biggest stage, and the ambition driving UAE equestrian sport forward. The conversation also explores the importance of strong foundations, developing young riders, balancing elite competition with family life, and why representing your country is about far more than results. It's an inspiring insight into one of the fastest-growing nations in international showjumping - and the people leading the charge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 8 · 42 min

    Yoshiaki Oiwa: The 92-Year Wait, Olympic History and Pippa’s Burghley Winner

    In this Talk Horse mini episode recorded at Pippa's home and training facility in Surrey, Yoshiaki Oiwa (Yoshi) joins us to tell the story behind one of the most historic moments in Japanese horse sport. At Paris 2024, Yoshi helped Japan claim team eventing bronze, the country’s first Olympic equestrian medal in 92 years, while also finishing seventh individually. And he did it riding a horse Pippa knows better than most: MGH Grafton Street, her 2019 Burghley winner. Yoshi opens up about the road to Paris, the pressure of riding for Japan, taking on a proven five-star star, and what that medal meant back home. Plus, Pippa and Yoshi reflect on their shared connection to “Squirrel”, the highs and setbacks of a career at the top of eventing, and the extraordinary journey that took horse and rider to the podium at Versailles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 1 · 49 min

    Sir Mark Todd Part Two - Eight Years Out, Straight Back To The Olympics

    If you've not listened to Part one of our extraordinary conversation between Mark Todd, Pippa and Tristan - go back and listen now. Today we dive deeper into the extraordinary career and legacy of one of eventing’s greatest ever riders. After stepping away from elite competition for eight years, Sir Mark returned to the sport and somehow found himself straight back on the Olympic stage - a remarkable comeback that perfectly captures the determination and resilience that defined his career. Mark reflects on how eventing has evolved, what separates great riders from the very best, and the incredible partnerships that make success possible at the highest level. The episode also explores the emotional side of equestrian sport - from the heartbreak of losing beloved horses to the responsibility riders carry in always putting horse welfare first. Drop us a line on info@talk-horse.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 24 · 53 min

    Mark Todd from New Zealand Dairy Farm to Equestrian Icon PART ONE

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest event riders of all time, Sir Mark Todd’s career is the stuff of legend. In part one of this deep dive, we explore the journey of a man who crossed generations, broke records, and redefined the sport of eventing. From his harrowing first international experience at the 1978 World Championships in Kentucky, to his Badminton breakthrough. How a "shaggy little pony" he almost didn't ride became his greatest partner, leading to back-to-back individual Olympic Gold medals and his uncanny ability to hop on a strange horse and win at the highest level just days later. There was so much to cover, part two will follow next week! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join our Talk Horse community! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 17 · 1 hr 3 min

    Jim Crowley's Life at Full Gallop. Royal Ascot Special.

    It's Royal Ascot week! So who else to guide Pippa and Tristan through the glory and glamour of the occasion that ones of the most successful jockeys of his generation, Jim Crowley. Born in the shadow of Ascot racecourse, Jim shares his remarkable journey from pony racing, to massive success jump racing to making the bold and ultimately triumphant switch to the flat. Jim opens up about the relentless drive required to become Champion Jockey in 2016 and the intricate tactics and "racecraft" behind flat racing. His recovery from a life-threatening fall at York and his determination to get back in the saddle and the pressure of riding for racing’s biggest stars, including the legendary Baaeed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 10 · 37 min

    Jodie Hall McAteer: The New Face of British Showjumping

    Jodie Hall McAteer has horses in her blood. Growing up in one of Britain's best-known showjumping families, she has gone from Pony European gold medallist to representing Great Britain on the world stage, becoming one of the country's most exciting young riders. Now a regular competitor on the Global Champions Tour and Nations Cup teams, Jodie has represented Great Britain at some of the biggest shows in the world and ridden alongside many of the sport's biggest names. In this episode, she joins Pippa and Tristan to discuss growing up in a horsey family, the reality of making a career in showjumping, and the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level. She also reflects on the horses that have shaped her career and the pressure of wearing the Team GB jacket. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 3 · 15 min

    Olympic Champion Carl Hester: "I Didn't Win Anything Until I Was 40"

    The only way we could get an interview with Carl Hester was by chasing him down in a miniature Land Rover. As podcast booking strategies go, it's surprisingly effective 😂 Olympic Champion Carl Hester joins Talk Horse for a special episode recorded at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Widely regarded as one of the greatest dressage riders of all time, Carl reflects on his extraordinary career, the setbacks he faced along the way, and why success doesn't always arrive on your own timeline. From winning his first major medal in his 40s to becoming one of Britain's most celebrated equestrians, Carl shares the mindset that helped him stay motivated through decades of competition. Along the way, he offers honest advice on patience, resilience, dealing with pressure and what it really takes to achieve long-term success. Recorded at Royal Windsor, this is a fascinating conversation with one of the sport's true greats. We can't wait to welcome Carl back to the Talk Horse studio for a full-length episode soon. Follow Talk Horse for new episodes every Wednesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 27 · 24 min

    How LeMieux Became a Global Equestrian Brand | Talk Horse Live from Royal Windsor

    We’re back with another episode from Royal Windsor🐎🎙️ We’re joined by Robert LeMieux, equestrian innovator and founder of the hugely successful LeMieux brand. Robert shares his journey into the horse world, from his early experiences in Kentucky to a baptism of fire working as a de facto groom for the Irish team at the World Championships. We also get into the story behind building one of equestrian sport’s most recognisable brands and products. Don’t miss this special episode of Talk Horse, live from Royal Windsor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 20 · 43 min

    Live from Windsor with Showing Royalty Jayne Ross | Talk Horse

    This week, Talk Horse comes live from the iconic Royal Windsor Horse Show for the first of two special on-location episode, and we’re joined straight from the showing ring by one of the sport’s true greats, Jayne Ross. A legend of the showing world, Jayne has spent decades at the very top of the sport. She first found success at Horse of the Year Show back in 1966, winning the Pony of the Year title with Cusop Pirouette, and has since gone on to become one of the most successful producers in British showing history. A true equestrian, alongside her incredible showing career, she has also evented to Advanced level, represented Great Britain in combined training and trained point-to-point winners. Pippa and Tristan chat to Jayne about the pressure of competing at Royal Windsor (her local show), what it takes to consistently produce championship horses, and the tiny details judges look for in the ring. They also discuss some of the unforgettable horses she’s ridden over the years, and how the sport of showing has changed during her remarkable career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 13 · 1 hr 14 min

    Sam Dracott on Horses, Hooves & Going Viral

    He turned horseshoeing into one of the biggest TikTok sensations in the UK. This week on Talk Horse, Pippa Funnell and Tristan Phipps are joined by professional farrier and social media phenomenon Sam Dracott. From shoeing horses full-time to building an audience of more than 7 million followers online, Sam reveals how one hoof-cleaning video exploded into the most viewed TikTok in the UK. Sam explains the reality of being a farrier, why horses really need shoes, the biggest misconceptions people have about hoof care, and how social media helped shine a spotlight on an industry most people knew nothing about. The conversation dives into the craftsmanship behind farriery, balancing life as both a full-time farrier and online creator, viral pink horseshoes, educating millions through TikTok, and why “no foot, no horse” is one of the most important sayings in the equestrian world. Plus, Pippa and Tristan look back on an unforgettable Badminton Horse Trials week, including Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo’s historic third consecutive Badminton victory. Do get in touch — the email is info@talk-horse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 6 · 1 hr

    Lucinda Green On The Secret To Her Six Badminton Wins 

    Olympian, Badminton winner and one of the greatest riders the sport of eventing has ever seen. We were so keen to get her on that we had to whisk her into the studio, even though Tristan wasn’t around, so this week Pippa is flying solo in this incredible Badminton special. Lucinda Green joins Talk Horse to share the stories, lessons and mindset behind an extraordinary career. She reflects on her early years in the saddle, the horses that shaped her, and how she built a reputation as the ultimate cross-country rider. Lucinda opens up about risk, instinct, and what it really takes to succeed at the top level, and how she’s now passing that knowledge on to the next generation of riders with the Lucinda Green Academy.Plus, she and Pippa discuss the runners and riders at this year’s Badminton Horse Trials. Can Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo do it again? Do get in touch. The email is info@talk-horse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 29 · 1 hr 3 min

    Life on the Left Rein with Grassroots Eventer Tina Wallace

    Best known as the creator behind Life on the Left Rein social channels, Tina has built a loyal following by sharing the real, unfiltered side of grassroots eventing, the highs, the setbacks, and everything in between. Tina opens up about getting her first horse until her mid-20s, and the financial and emotional reality of competing as an amateur. She reflects on her partnership with Banksy, the horse who changed everything, from breakthrough wins to building the kind of trust that gets you back in the saddle when confidence takes a hit. From appearing on Horse & Country TV’s All Star Academy, which sparked the growth of her YouTube channel and turned a hobby into a full-time career. With Badminton Grassroots 2026 on the horizon Tina shares the tougher side too. From a serious fall that knocked her confidence, to navigating self-doubt, switching between horses, and the pressure of documenting it all online. She also speaks candidly about her breast reduction surgery, how it impacted both her daily life and riding, and the long road back into the saddle. Plus - do come and join us for live Talk Horse at Royal Windsor Horse Show. We'd love to meet you all! Code TALKHORSE for money off tickets on the Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 22 · 1 hr 4 min

    This Esme: From Pony Club Kid to Global Horse Influencer

    This week on Talk Horse, Pippa Funnell and Tristan Phipps are joined by one of the most recognisable faces in modern equestrian media, Esme Higgs, better known online as This Esme. Starting out as a young rider sharing her horsey life on YouTube, Esme has grown her channel into one of the biggest equestrian platforms in the world, reaching millions of viewers across more than 170 countries. But behind the glossy videos is a serious horsewoman with a deep passion for horse welfare, training, and bringing new audiences into the sport. Esme joins Pippa and Tristan to talk about growing up in an “unhorsey” family, how a simple YouTube channel turned into a global career and the realities of balancing content creation with riding. Plus a couple of big announcements for the upcoming Royal Windsor Horse show. Use the code TALKHORSE for 20% off tickets for the Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Let us know where you listen! info@talk-horse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 15 · 1 hr 7 min

    Dressage Champion: Sadie Smith’s Journey from Riding School to Grand Prix

    Dressage rider Sadie Smith joins Pippa Funnell and Tristan Phipps on this week’s Talk Horse to talk about life inside one of equestrian sport’s most precise and demanding disciplines. Sadie became British Dressage National Champion at Grand Prix level in 2025, made her World Cup debut at the London International Horse Show, and was shortlisted for the FEI European Dressage Championships. Known for her sympathetic training style and ability to produce horses through the levels, she’s quickly established herself among the UK’s top riders. Sadie talks about her incredible partnership with Swanmore Dantina, the horse that helped take her to the top, as well as her journey producing horses from young prospects to Grand Prix performers. She also reflects on her time working with Carl Hester, gaining experience around legendary horses like Valegro, and riding professionally in the Netherlands. Do share your horsey stories with us info@talk-horse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 8 · 1 hr 8 min

    S3 Ep6: Khadijah Mellah: The Teen Who Rode Into Racing History

    From Peckham to Goodwood… this is a story that changed British racing. Pippa Funnell and Tristan Phipps sit down with Khadijah Mellah, the trailblazing jockey who stunned the racing world when she won the Magnolia Cup at Goodwood in 2019. The first hijab-wearing jockey to ride in a competitive horse race in Britain, let alone win. Growing up in Peckham with no racing background, Khadijah’s journey into the saddle took off at the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton and quickly became one of the most inspiring stories in British sport. She talks about learning to ride as a teenager, the whirlwind of going from riding school to one of racing’s most famous tracks, and the pressure of competing in front of a global audience. Khadijah also reflects on what that historic win meant for diversity in racing and how horses changed the direction of her life. Plus, it’s that time of year again… Pippa and Tristan gear up for the biggest race in the calendar - the Grand National! We love hearing from you, so drop us a line on info@talk-horse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 1 · 1 hr 11 min

    S3 Ep5: The Man Behind the Medals | Yogi Breisner

    What does it take to build an Olympic medal-winning eventing team and keep horses performing at the very highest level? This week on Talk Horse, we’re joined by one of the most respected figures in the equine world - Yogi Breisner. From competing at the Olympics himself to leading the British Eventing Team through four consecutive Games as Team Performance Manager, Yogi has shaped some of the biggest moments in modern equestrian history. Over 17 years he helped deliver four Olympic team medals, multiple European titles, and a World Championship win transforming Britain into a dominant force on the global stage. But it all could have been so different were it not for a postal strike… Listen now to hear the full incredible story. Plus, Pippa turns her attention to Thoresby Park, a crucial qualifier for Badminton and Tristan reveals a rather shocking truth for a horse podcast presenter. We love hearing from you, so drop us a line on info@talk-horse.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices