Eventing Podcast

Five years in, MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory has gone from ambitious newcomer to a cornerstone on the international calendar. With a new Olympic course designer, world-class fields from both sides of the Atlantic, and a unique mix of sport and spectacle, Maryland 2025 (October 16–19) promises to be its biggest year yet. Nicole is joined by Event CEO Jeff Newman and Competition Director Joanie Morris to take us behind the scenes of one of the sport’s youngest but most important five-star fixtures. Highlights Maryland’s journey from idea to established five-star in just five years What to expect from new course designer Pierre Le Goupil, fresh from designing at the Paris Olympics How the event showcases the pipeline of US event horses, from Young Event Horse Championships to the top level Local color: from Cecil County’s equestrian roots to cider donuts, corgi races, and even betting on eventing A first look at this year’s international entries, with top US names joined by big E

On this special episode, we've teamed up with the US Equestian Open Podcast to bring you an inside look leading up to Morven Park. As one of the most respected course designers in eventing, Derek di Grazia has shaped some of the sport’s most memorable tracks from Fair Hill to Burghley, Kentucky, and now Morven Park. With the US Equestrian Open Final just around the corner, Annie and Diarm sit down with Derek to explore his journey from rider to designer and the philosophy behind the courses that challenge and educate horses while inspiring confidence in riders. Derek reflects on his early days at Pebble Beach, his competition career on both coasts, and the transition into course building that has defined the past two decades of his life. He also shares what makes Morven Park such a special venue, why terrain and footing matter as much as fences, and how he balances risk and reward when setting the questions at the highest level. Episode Highlights How Derek’s background as a rider influences his approach to

Finding the right coach, making lessons count, and carrying those tools back into everyday training. Five star rider and top coach Justine Ward joins the Grassroots Show to share practical advice for riders at every level. Justine shares how honesty about nerves, asking the right questions, and planning simple exercises can turn both lessons and at home schooling into real progress. Episode Highlights How to find the right fit in a coach for you and your horse Preparing for lessons so you get the maximum value Why honesty with yourself and your trainer matters Simple ways to structure your training at home Setting realistic expectations and learning from not so perfect days Guests Justine Ward, five star event rider and highly regarded coach who combines her own competition experience with a passion for helping riders get the best out of their training   Presented by Foran Equine, part of the Connolly’s RED MILLS family. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led

Charlotte Opperman’s story begins like many others, as a pony mad child who returned to riding later in life through what she laughingly calls “hacks for housewives.” A small advert in Horse & Hound soon changed everything. It was there she found Wild Lone, the horse who carried her into the world of five stars and onto the Badminton podium. From that fairy tale moment, Charlotte’s journey as an owner gathered momentum. Away Cruising became a Trojan at the level, lining up at ten five stars and always delivering. Then Cavalier Crystal, better known at home as Nell, arrived on the scene. Bold across country and fast when it matters, she has given Charlotte three consecutive podium finishes at Burghley. Join us for Charlotte’s candid take on the journey of an owner, from muddy fields to five star podiums. Episode Highlights From pony mad teenager to Wild Lone and the Badminton podium Away Cruising’s Trojan like consistency across ten five stars Cavalier Crystal, Nell at home, and her Burghley podium streak

We’ve just wrapped up a European Championships week at Blenheim that will be remembered for a long time. Laura Collett and London 52 are the new European Champions, Michi Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH added another silver to their record, and Tom McEwen with JL Dublin delivered for Britain with individual bronze. Germany took team gold on British soil, Ireland claimed their first European team medal in 30 years, and Switzerland, Austria, and others proved they belong right in the fight. Nicole is joined by Diarm and Catherine to unpack it all: the highs, the heartbreaks, the moments that swung the championships, and why this year felt like a changing of the guard. Episode Highlights Laura Collett’s long road to the European title and what it means for London 52’s legacy. fischerChipmunk’s consistency and Michi Jung’s unmatched championship record. Tom McEwen and JL Dublin cementing their partnership with another major medal. Germany’s young squad stepping up to take gold from Britain on home turf. Ireland’s f

We’ve just walked off cross country at the European Championships and it was a day. A strong championship track, a clock that bit hard and nobody to make the time. Nicole grabs Sam and Diarm for a quick debrief: why the course rode fair but tight, how a 50%+ clear rate squares with so many storylines, and what Laura Collett vs Michi Jung means going into the final day. We touch on Tom McEwen’s cool round keeping GB in the individual hunt, the rise of Europe’s younger combinations, Switzerland’s early sparks, and why Ireland’s team effort deserves real attention. Episode Highlights Cross country picture: strong questions, tight wheeling, and no one inside the time. Britain’s mixed day, but London 52 and JL Dublin right in the medals conversation. The head-to-head: London 52 vs fischerChipmunk FRH, what today told us. Young guns stepping up for the big European teams. Early clears that set the tone (and why first out matters). Team fight: Switzerland’s surge, France lurking, Ireland right there. What to

Live from Blenheim Palace at the European Eventing Championships, Catherine Austen and Georgie Wood set the scene on cross-country morning with buzzing crowds, standout dressage performances, and anticipation for Mark Phillips’ first Blenheim track. EquiRatings Eventing PodcastFollow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook. A big thank you to Connolly’s Red Mills, Carr & Day & Martin and Foran Equine for supporting our European Championships coverage. From fueling top-level horses to backing the sport, they’re a huge part of the eventing community.

From the Fox Pit Stop at the Europeans, Nicole is joined by Andy Heffernan, this time wearing his Dutch Chef d’Equipe hat rather than his rider or course designer one. With years of experience on both sides of the ropes, Andy gives his take on Mark Phillips’ championship track, why it feels like a true test without being unfair, and the questions that could shape the weekend. Episode Highlights Course insight: what makes Mark Phillips’ design a proper championship test. The key fences likely to influence results. Why the time will be so tough to make. Reflections on Mark Phillips’ legacy if this is his final top-level track. How the Dutch riders will approach the week and what experience they’ll gain. Guests Andy Heffernan – Dutch Chef d’Equipe, rider, and course designer EquiRatings Eventing PodcastFollow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook. A big thank you to Connolly’s Red Mills,

As the European Championships at Blenheim get underway, Nicole sits down with Irish team rider Aoife Clark. Fresh from a top result at Cornbury with an exciting six-year-old, Aoife reflects on her journey back to championship level, the quirks and quality of her new ride Full Monty de Lacense, and what it means to be back in Irish colours. From her Olympic debut at London 2012 to the resilience it takes to stay at the top, Aoife shares her path to Blenheim and her hopes for the week ahead. Episode Highlights: Cornbury reflections: Aoife’s young horse success Meet Full Monty de Lacense: quirks, and how a one-on-one approach unlocked his potential Building towards Blenheim: key runs at Belsay, Millstreet, and Hartpury The Irish team: fast horses, medal hopes, and why mud might be an advantage Resilience and perspective: Aoife’s journey from Olympic debut to her road back to the Europeans Guests: Aoife Clark - Irish team rider for the 2025 European Championships Hosted by Nicole Brown EquiRatings Eventing Po

From cross-country schooling at 5 a.m. to Olympic golds and five-star titles, Laura Collett’s work ethic has never wavered. Diarm catches up with her ahead of the European Championships to talk London 52, the long-running battle with Michael Jung and fisherChipmunk, and what it takes to deliver those rare tests where everything feels in sync. Laura reflects on Paris, the lessons of Tokyo, and why learning to trust the process has been the biggest shift in her career. They cover speed across country, team dynamics with Piggy, Tom, and Yasmin, and how London is feeling in the final build-up. And for Eventing Manager players — the question everyone is asking — is London 52 worth splashing the cash? Episode Highlights Laura on hard work, from early mornings to Olympic gold. The London 52 vs. fisherChipmunk rivalry heading into the Europeans. Paris memories and the ride of a lifetime down the centre line. Learning from Tokyo: trusting the process at championships. Cross-country speed, shoes lost, and how Dan beca

Blenheim’s GFS Saddles 8/9yo Class is the bit of the season where you can spot tomorrow’s five-star horses in real time. The brief is simple: start in the low-20s, keep the rails up in an early Saturday show-jumping, then hang on when cross-country time gets pricey. Expect a few classy nines to look polished and one or two bold eights to make a name for themselves. This episode looks at the form that usually wins here, the contenders most likely to land it, and the quieter names on our radar. Highlights Conditions: Likely good-to-soft → closer dressage, expensive XC time. What wins: Start in the 20s, finish sub-30; true FODs here are rare. Show jumping: Early Saturday,

Welcome to the Europeans Preview Show, presented by Connoly's Red Mills. Blenheim Palace takes centre stage, the ground could be influential, and all eyes are on London 52 vs. fisherChipmunk. JL Dublin is right there too, with Germany lining up Michael Jung alongside some newer championship names. Add in team tactics, pathfinder debates, and a bit of Eventing Manager strategy, and the stage is set for a proper championship. Highlights Conditions first: Likely good-to-soft. Softer ground = closer dressage scores, cross-country time expensive. The big three: London 52, fisherChipmunk, JL Dublin. Different routes here, same pressure to deliver on Saturday. Team chess: Brits still the benchmark. Germany strong behind Jung, bronze very much alive for Ireland, France, Switzerland. Profiles that travel: Susie Berry/Clever Trick and Pádraig McCarthy/Pomp and Circumstance both suited to a grafty Blenheim track. One to watch: Bubby Upton with It’s Cooley Time—reliable jumper, efficient pace, podium potential if condit

Burghley is in the books, Cornbury has wrapped, and the Agria European Championships at Blenheim Palace are around the corner. Perfect timing to lift the lid on a big push behind the scenes. Nicole sits down with BETF chair Sian Rodway and British Eventing’s Rosie Williams to unpack the British Eventing Training Foundation’s new officials campaign, why it matters for safety and fairness, and how anyone from fence judges to future course designers can climb a clear pathway. Nicole gives us a Stats Centre update, and we finish with a masterclass segment from Philip Surl and Alec Lochore on the TA and course designer partnership, control tents, and what “gold standard” really looks like on the ground. Episode Highlights Why a dedicated training foundation safeguards education when budgets get tight What the new officials pathway actually is and how you get on it The roles explained in plain English: stewards, TAs, scorers, controllers, fence judges Training the trainers and testing under pressure so stan

There’s no better way to wrap up Inside Defender Burghley 2025 than with the champion herself. Ros Canter joins Nicole Brown to look back on a history-making week with Lordships Graffalo, who now sits in the record books as the only horse to win both Badminton and Burghley twice. Ros talks through her build-up to the event, balancing pregnancy and preparation, and what helped her to deliver one of the best performances of her career. From handling Walter’s freshness in the dressage to the cross-country round that not only made the time but earned the Avebury Trophy for best judged ride, she shares exactly what it felt like from the saddle. They chat about Walter’s fitness programme, how Ros has built a system that works, and why his consistency makes him so hard to beat. There’s also insight into her first time combining riding with coaching at five-star, the mental focus needed to deliver under pressure, and what comes next as she looks ahead to 2026 while preparing for baby number two. A truly inspiring epi

Today, it’s all about forage. With grass disappearing fast and hay supplies under pressure, Spike and Louise talk about why forage is the foundation of every horse’s diet, how to work out what your horse is really getting, and what to do if shortages bite this winter. They also dive into one of the most common yard debates: balancers vs. complete feeds, and why a handful of chaff and a balancer might not be enough for horses in proper work. Episode Highlights Forage under pressure: why shortages are a real concern this winter. Spotting what’s missing: practical ways to assess intake and condition. Planning ahead: tips to stretch supplies, reduce waste, and use safe alternatives. Balancers vs. complete feeds: what each really provides and when they work. Feeding myths debunked: from “protein panic” to the fear of feeding too much. Guests Spike the Vet Louise Jones, Connolly’s Red Mills

Cornbury week is here, and the excitement rolls straight on from Defender Burghley. Nicole Brown is joined by Lucy Jackson, fresh from the Insight Stage at Burghley and heading into the commentary box at Cornbury, to preview one of the standout fixtures of the autumn calendar.  We cover everything from the star-studded entry lists to the Racehorse-to-Eventer Challenge Cup, plus the brilliant work of the Howden Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme. Expect plenty of names you’ll know, future stars you’ll want to watch, and a real sense of why Cornbury has become unmissable. Highlights include: Cornbury form guide: who’s primed to shine and what makes the week special Racehorse-to-Eventer Challenge Cup: prize fund, ex-racers to follow, and why it matters The Howden Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme: how riders can sign up and benefit Ones to watch: Clark Johnstone (Sparky Lad), Piggy March (Our Old Fella), Oliver Townend’s sharp new TB, plus Tom McEwen, Laura Collett, Bubby Upton, and more Young talent spotlight: ri

History was made on the final day at Defender Burghley as Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo defended their title, becoming the first pair ever to complete the “double double” — two Badminton wins and two Burghley wins. With a near 10-penalty margin, Walter showed why he belongs among the sport’s all-time greats. Nicole and Annie take you behind the scenes from a buzzing Burghley media centre, reflecting on Ros’s brilliance, the crowd’s reaction, and the stories that shaped an unforgettable week. From Ziggy running into her mum’s arms to Austin O’Connor’s podium for Ireland and Harry Meade’s incredible trio inside the top 10, this is Burghley magic at its best. Highlights include: Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo — the historic “double double” Austin O’Connor ends Ireland’s 60-year Burghley podium wait Harry Meade’s rollercoaster week with three horses in the top 10 Sam Watson’s clear on Ballyneety Rocketman and the EquiRatings grind behind the scenes Sam Lissington shines with first-timer Billy Alberto Th

Cross-country day at Defender Burghley… what a rollercoaster. Horses were flying, riders were hanging on, and the crowd got the kind of day they came for. The EquiRatings team break down the numbers and what they mean going into the final day. Big climbs, tired legs, and plenty of stories — this was Defender Burghley at its best. Want to watch every moment? Subscribe to Burghley TV for exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access throughout the week. And for the latest updates, follow the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Instagram at @burghleyhorsetrials. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Instagram and Facebook. throughout the week for daily Burghley Diaries, behind-the-scenes access, and all the stories as they unfold at one of eventing’s greatest stages.  

This bonus episode takes you inside the Eventing Podcast Live from the Insights Stage on Saturday, where Diarm, Annie, Lucy, and Sam broke it all down in front of the Defender Burghley crowd. From the stats to the storylines, it’s the full download on one of the toughest cross-country days we’ve seen in years. Highlights include: Why Ros and Graffalo’s round may go down as one of the greatest ever Clear rate stats that show just how tough Derek di Grazia’s track really was Harry Meade’s three rides and what they tell us about grit at the top level The heartbreak moments for Oliver Townend, David Doel, and Lucy Latta Irish and New Zealand standouts: Austin O’Connor and Tim Price proving class What history says about overnight leaders heading into the final day Guests in this episode: Diarm Byrne — EquiRatings co-founder Annie Bishop — Journalist & US Equestrian Open podcast host Lucy Jackson — Insight Stage host and five-star rider Sam Watson — Five-star rider and EquiRatings co-founder Want to watch e

It’s cross-country morning at Defender Burghley and anticipation is sky-high. Annie, Ali, and Diarm break down the biggest storylines: the challenge of running the track in reverse, which speed horses could beat the time, and how experience may separate the contenders from the rest. With half the field typically falling short of a clear, today is set to be decisive in shaping the winner of Burghley 2025. Episode Chapters: Setting the scene: why Saturday decides Burghley Speed vs. stamina: which type of horse thrives here The “reverse” track and how riders are adapting Course designer Derek di Grazia’s influence on clear rates First horses out - Harry Meade, Austin O’Connor, and early indicators Big names to watch: Tim Price, Cassie Sanger, Lucy Latta, and more Want to watch every moment? Subscribe to Burghley TV for exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access throughout the week. And for the latest updates, follow the Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Instagram at @burghleyhorsetrials. E