Eventing Podcast

The wait is over — the Inside Kentucky Preview Show is here. Nicole Brown and Sam Watson set the scene for one of the most competitive Defender Kentuckys we’ve seen in years. The field is stacked, the conditions could shake things up, and the storylines are electric. Can Boyd Martin finally win on home soil with one of the strongest strings he’s ever brought? Will Michael Jung and Chipmunk bounce back in style? And Tim Price and Tom McEwen are quietly turning up the heat in the world number one race. Over in the Cosequin® 4*-S, Olympic veterans and rising stars like HSH Blake and Off The Record headline a field stacked with serious contenders. This episode is everything you need to sound clever in the group chat all week long— top picks, and the numbers that matter and why this year’s Defender Kentucky is a must-follow. Highlights: Boyd’s all-in: why this is more than just another five-star for Team Martin Chipmunk and Michi — the comeback everyone’s watching World number one? Tim and Tom are both makin

Nicole Brown catches up with Alex Bragg in this Connolly’s Red Mills special as he prepares to head to Kelsal Hill. With the lorry being loaded and just enough time for a cup of tea, Alex reflects on a standout 2024 season—third at Badminton, finishing on his dressage score at Burghley, and managing a yard full of rising talent. He opens up about his relationship with the extraordinary mare Quindiva, handling pressure on the biggest stages, and what it means to involve the entire family and team in his success. They also discuss the quirky character of Ardeo Premier ahead of his first Badminton, and the importance of smart, balanced feeding when managing sensitive top-level horses.   Episode Highlights The chaos and reward of managing a yard mid-season How Quindiva climbed from 51st to the podium at Badminton Why finishing on your dressage score at Burghley puts you in the 1% club A deeper look into Alex’s mindset when the pressure hits The role of family, staff, and support teams behind the scenes Wha

He’s got 65 international wins, three powerhouse horses, and unfinished business at Defender Kentucky. In this episode of Inside Kentucky, Boyd Martin joins the show to talk about his road to the 2025 five-star — from early wins Down Under to the lessons of a career comeback after hip surgery. With Commando 3, Fedarman B, and Luke 140 all peaking at the right time, Boyd shares what it’s like chasing the dream, building the horsepower, and why Kentucky still feels like home. Plus, hear his unfiltered take on what makes the American eventing crowds the best in the world.  Highlights: 65 wins and counting: Boyd’s road from Werribee to the world stage Inside the stable: How Commando 3, Fedarman B, and Luke 140 are shaping up for Kentucky Why five-star wins mean more than ever in today’s sport Honest talk: injuries, setbacks, and chasing world number one What makes Defender Kentucky so special — and how US fans steal the show Guests: Boyd Martin – US Olympic rider and 65-time international winner H

What’s it really like to own a horse at the Olympic Games—or to get a call out of the blue asking if you’d like to co-own a future five-star winner? In the first episode of Through the Owners' Eyes, we sit down with Paula and David Evans, the brilliant duo behind some of eventing’s most exciting horses. From Vassily de Lassos’ medal-winning journey with Andrew Hoy to their newest star, Valmy Biats with Emily King, Paula and David share the stories, surprises, and big emotions behind the scenes.   Highlights: The unexpected fall that started it all (thanks to the Wobbleberry Challenge!) Buying Vassily de Lassos… then watching him fly around Tryon and Tokyo Valmy Biats and the voicemail that led to a top-class new partnership What it’s like emotionally when your horse is on the world stage Badminton 2025 and why they’re more excited than ever Guests: Paula Evans – Passionate eventing owner and storyteller, co-owner of Vassily de Lassos, Creevagh Cooly & Valmy Biats David Evans – Lifelong eve

Two horses, one massive goal, and zero interest in playing it safe. Tom Rowland is back on the podcast in this Red Mills Special, with his foot firmly on the gas as he gets ready to head down the road to Badminton—literally (he lives 30 minutes away). With Dreamliner looking to go even better than last year’s top-10 and Quintilius stepping up for his five-star debut, Tom talks fitness, form, and why this year, he’s not crossing the finish line wondering “could I have gone faster?” Highlights: Tuning up two very different horses for five-star Why "safe" isn’t on the game plan this year Mindset, motivation, and the beauty of just showing up Balancing a busy competition yard with big five-star goals Wild hacks, pre-fuel pastes, and a mare with serious opinions Guests: Tom Rowland, Connolly’s Red Mills rider and five-star eventer Hosted by Nicole Brown Sponsors: Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your disc

In this episode of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, we're talking all things horse sales and how data is making the process easier, smarter, and more transparent for riders, owners, and agents. From finding performance potential to understanding what makes a horse a good fit, the EquiRatings Horse Sales Team shares their tips and insights on making the best decisions when it comes to buying your next equine partner. Highlights Include: Maximizing Success & Minimizing Regret – How data-driven decision-making helps riders find the right horse without second-guessing their choice. Performance, Potential & Price – The three key pillars of evaluating a horse, from proven competition records to untapped talent and fair market value. Bringing Clarity to the Process – The difference between EquiRatings’ Complete Search service and their Horse Search Light model, and how each suits different buyers. Real-World Success – Sam Lissington shares her own experience using data to find her latest competition horse,

Big goals, big dreams… and a sport that doesn’t make it easy. In this Grassroots Show episode, presented by Foran Equine, we’re talking all things eventing season planning—from setting the right goals to choosing events that suit you and your horse. Nicole Brown is joined by British Eventing Central Region Lead Coach Tim Rogers, who shares practical, down-to-earth advice for building a season that’s flexible, focused, and fun. Whether you’re aiming for your first international or just want to enjoy the ride, this one’s full of the good stuff. Highlights: Start Smart – Why your first event of the year should be about confidence, not collecting ribbons. Work Back from the Big One – Setting your end goal and building the stepping stones to get there. Train Like You Compete – Bring structure to your schooling, and prep with purpose. Step Down to Step Up – Why moving down a level can be your secret weapon. Know What Works – The power of reviewing past results and making informed decisions. Event Choice Matters – F

It’s time to talk riders. With the 2025 season just getting underway, we’re looking beyond the headlines to spotlight the riders set to shape the year ahead. Nicole Brown, Diarm Byrne, and Spike Milligan return to throw down their predictions—from established stars chasing gold to breakout talents building momentum. Who’s peaking at the right time? Who’s flying under the radar? And who could top the world rankings by season’s end? Highlights: Championship Calls – Can Laura Collett finally land individual gold? Could Ros Canter or Yasmin Ingham take the European title on home soil? World Number One Debate – The case for Tim Price, Harry Meade, and a wildcard pick from across the pond (Boyd Martin, anyone?). Depth vs. Brilliance – What really counts when it comes to FEI points, and who’s built the horsepower to stay at the top? Next Gen Watchlist – Introducing the young guns you’ll be hearing a lot more about: Oscar Fitzgerald, Tom Nestor, Izzy Cook, and more. Guests: Nicole Brown – Ready to rein in the chaos

It’s that time again — the road to Kentucky is officially underway. With entries for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event now confirmed, we’ve gathered an all-star panel for a special reaction episode. From Olympic champions to home team hopefuls, we break down the biggest names, the fan favourites, and the breakout combinations that could define this year’s five-star. With fischerChipmunk FRH and Michael Jung returning to U.S. soil, the question is simple: can anyone stop them? Respect for Chipmunk’s record is unanimous, but not every panellist is fully won over. From JL Dublin and Commando 3 to a standout four-star field featuring Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, there’s no shortage of storylines—and a few surprises—in the mix. Highlights: The Chipmunk Effect – Will Michael Jung’s return to Kentucky end in another win—or is the fairy tale fading? Dublin’s Redemption Arc – Tom McEwen’s powerhouse looks ready to turn two second-place finishes into a five-star title. U.S. Stars to Watch – Boyd Martin’s C

Which horses are about to have their breakout season? Nicole, Diarm, and Georgia are back with their boldest predictions yet—from five-star winners to rising stars you haven’t heard of (yet). Expect strong opinions, sharp stats, and a few curveballs as they debate the horses set to define 2025. Highlights: • Who’s winning a five-star this year? Predictions include London 52, JL Dublin, and Annaghmore Valoner • Ones to watch: exciting young talent (8 and under) like Mr. Cookie Time and Avatar 42 • Flying under the radar? Not for long—Rocket Man, Jaguar Duende, and more potential breakout stars • Big calls, strong stats, and a few friendly debates Guests: • Nicole Brown – Host and eventing expert who’s not afraid to back a big call • Diarm Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder with a wildcard or two up his sleeve • Georgia Patrick – EquiRatings data analyst bringing the stats and strategy Presented by Equilume – supporting equine health and performance through innovative light technology. Learn more at equilume.com. E

Welcome to the first ever Strawmax Stable Chats In this new monthly series, we’ve teamed up with Strawmax to bring you behind-the-scenes conversations with some of the biggest names in the equestrian world—riders, grooms, owners, and trainers. These are the kinds of chats you might have in the tack room or out on a hack—easy, honest, and full of insight. To kick things off, Sam Watson joins Nicole to answer four key questions covering horses, life, and everything in between. From running a tidy yard to sharing port on the sofa with his family, Sam offers a glimpse into what makes him tick. Highlights: • The most valuable lesson Sam’s learned from working with horses • His best advice for keeping a yard running like clockwork • The dream dinner party guest list (with a few surprises) • What he'd do with an extra hour in the day Guest: Sam Watson – Irish Olympian, EquiRatings co-founder, and a thoughtful horseman with a sharp sense of humour and plenty of stories to tell. Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

British Eventing Show: Season Kickoff, Training Initiatives & Exclusive Insights with Laura Collett Welcome to the first British Eventing Show of 2025 on the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast! As the new season begins, we’re diving into everything you need to know about British Eventing this year. In This Episode:

The 2025 international eventing season is officially in full swing, and what a way to kick things off at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International! Nicole is joined by Holly Hudspeth, who had a front-row seat to all the action over the weekend. Together, they recap an exciting competition filled with standout performances, tough cross-country challenges, and major leaderboard shake-ups.

What makes a single eventing performance truly exceptional? In this episode, we break down EquiRating's High Performance Ratings (HPRs)—how they measure the best of the best and what we can learn from the greatest performances in eventing history. Nicole Brown and Sam Watson dig into the numbers, comparing legendary performances from Lordships Graffalo, Fischer Chipmunk, London 52, and more to uncover what makes a performance historic. Plus, we look ahead to 2025—who will top the HPR charts this season? Highlights: The Science Behind HPR – How it ranks performances beyond just finishing score and podium position. The Greatest Ever? – Who holds the highest five-star HPRs of all time? Where Will 2025’s Best Performance Happen? – Will it be Badminton, Burghley, Aachen, or somewhere unexpected? Ones to Watch – Could horses like Chin Tonic, Cooley Rosalent, or Izilot DHI produce this year’s standout moment? Guests: Sam Watson – EquiRatings co-founder, bringing the stats and deep analysis. Nicole Brown – Eve

The first big event of the U.S. eventing season did not disappoint! The Stirling Venture Capital $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, brought high stakes, fast-paced competition, and record-breaking performances to kick off the year in style. Nicole Brown and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the action from Aiken in this Review, where Will Coleman and Chin Tonic delivered a history-making performance. But that wasn’t all—Boyd Martin, Philip Dutton, and a stacked international field made this a must-watch competition. Highlights: Chin Tonic’s Dominance – A 17.3 dressage score, a record-breaking finish, and a statement win. Is he the U.S.’s championship horse of the future? Off The Record: The Ultimate Teammate – While Chin Tonic stole the headlines, Will Coleman’s veteran superstar quietly delivered yet another flawless performance. Commando 3’s Big Moment – Boyd Martin’s rising star is proving he’s ready for the next step. What’s next for him? Th

What happens when some of the biggest names in U.S. eventing go head-to-head in a fast, pressure-packed showdown? We’re breaking down all the action from the Sterling Venture Capital $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, where top horses and riders kick off their season with big goals—and big prize money on the line. This isn’t your standard FEI event—it’s an all-out sprint. Dressage sets the tone, show jumping raises the stakes, and cross-country delivers the excitement in a high-energy, condensed format. With past champions, exciting new faces, and a course designed to challenge and entertain, we’re unpacking who’s ready to make a statement, what to watch for this season, and why this event has become a must-see on the U.S. eventing calendar. If you love top-tier competition, sharp analysis, and a little bit of friendly debate, this one’s for you. Highlights: Chin Tonic is Back – Will Coleman’s superstar returns after an interrupted 2024 seaso

What does it take to be one of the most consistent riders in eventing? Will Coleman joins us for a fascinating conversation about the details that make the difference at the highest level. From refining his winter training program to balancing eventing and show jumping, he shares his approach to producing top horses, staying competitive, and continuously improving his program. Highlights Include: Winter Reset & Strategy – How Will structures the off-season to fine-tune his program and set his horses up for success. Jumping for an Edge – Why high-level show jumping has become a key part of his training and how it translates to eventing. Lessons from 2024 – The challenges of an Olympic year, what he took away from the experience, and how it’s shaping his future plans. Big Goals, Big Horses, Big Moves – Five-star plans, new talent in the barn, and the road to LA 2028. Guest: Will Coleman – Olympic eventer, five-star rider, and the definition of cool under pressure. This episode is stacked with insight, real

Today, we're throwing it back to a standout conversation with one of the sport’s greatest legends—Ian Stark. In this USEA Podcast episode, Ian takes us through his extraordinary journey, from Olympic medals and five-star victories to shaping eventing through course design. Now "retired" (in the loosest sense of the word), he shares his perspective on how the sport has evolved, the challenges of designing at the highest level, and why slowing down has never really been part of his plan. Highlights Include: From Rider to Designer – How Ian transitioned from top-level competition to shaping the sport as a course designer The Evolution of Eventing – The biggest changes he’s seen over 40 years, from format shifts to safety innovations Building for the Best – What makes a great cross-country course and the fine balance between challenging riders and keeping horses confident Life After "Retirement" – How cycling 1,100 km and skiing off-piste have kept him as busy as ever Guests: Ian Stark – Eventing legend, Olymp

Some of the biggest names in eventing history were already making waves at 10 years old. Now, as the 2025 season gets underway, we dive into the next generation of potential superstars—horses that have built an impressive foundation and are ready to take on the best in the world. Who has what it takes to break into the top ranks this year? Highlights Include: HSH Blake – Caroline Pamukcu’s top-rated 10-year-old has already proven himself on championship stages. Could he be the next U.S. superstar? SBH Big Wall – Izzy Taylor’s striking grey is consistently posting top dressage scores and has a big season ahead. Brookfield Future News – Piggy March’s rising star was on the podium at Blenheim as an 8-year-old and is looking to build on that success. Keep It Cooley – Wills Oakden’s exciting young horse has dominated Blair Castle, winning at every level from 2* to 4*. Plus, we explore how the landscape of eventing is shifting, and which surprise names could emerge this season. Guests: Diarm Byrne – EquiRatings