Practical Horseman Podcast

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Equinavia, is with hunter, equitation and jumper trainer and judge Archie Cox. He spoke with us in late April as he and his students prepare for upcoming shows. They are competing on both the West and East Coasts at The Oaks Capistrano Cup 1 & 2 and the Devon Horse Show.To give you more background on Archie, he grew up competing along the East Coast as a junior rider. He earned numerous equitation ribbons, including at the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and ASPCA Maclay Finals. Archie went on to ride for the equestrian team at Drew University. He collected team and individual Intercollegiate Horse Show Association titles at the regional and national level. After college, Archie moved to California in 1992 to work with top hunter/jumper trainer Karen Healey for several years. In December 2000, Archie opened his own business, Brookway Stables—named after his grandparents' farm in Maine—at Middle Ranch in Lakeview Terrace, California. His students and horses in training have collected numerous champion titles at the country's most prestigious shows.In our discussion, Archie talks about what he enjoys about working with horses, one of his favorite training exercises and what he wants to see in the show ring as a judge.About This Episode's Sponsor, EquinaviaSpring is here—and so is the new collection at Equinavia! From breeches to bridles, we outfit riders from head to toe, and horses from hoof to head, with everything you need to ride in comfort and confidence. Rooted in Scandinavian tradition, our gear blends timeless style with true functionality—so you can focus on what matters most: the ride. The ride begins at Equinavia.com. You can also follow Equinavia on Facebook and Instagram. Mentioned in this episode:Purinahttps://www.purinamills.com/HorsePerformance

Today's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Sentinel Horse Feed, is with Tamie Smith. The five-star eventer always has a lot on her plate, but her current sights are set on the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky, that kicks off later this month on April 24. This year, Tamie will be competing in the CCI4* competition aboard 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood Kynan, following their stellar performance at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials at the end of March.We last talked to Tamie at the Maryland Five Star this past October after she'd announced that she would be retiring her longtime eventing partner, 19-year-old German Sport Horse gelding Mai Baum, from five-star competition.Tamie and Mai Baum, or Lexus as he's known around the barn, first partnered in 2015 and were members of the U.S. Eventing Team that won gold at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. During their CCI5*-L debut at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021, the pair had a top-10 finish and were named as the reserve for the U.S. Eventing Team for the Tokyo Olympics later that year.In 2023, Tamie and Mai Baum went on to a historic win in the Kentucky Three-Day five star competition as the first U.S. combination to win in 15 years and the first woman since 2011. When Tamie isn't competing, you can find her running her training and sale horse program, Next Level Eventing, with her daughter and pro rider, Kaylawna.In today's podcast, we talked to Tamie about her long and storied career with Mai Baum, how she decided it was time for him to step down from five-star competition and what the sassy gelding is up to these days. She also tells us about her current string of horses, including her Kentucky mount this year Kynan, her overall training philosophy and balancing motherhood (and grandmother-hood) with her eventing career. And after breaking gender barriers in the sport, Tamie also talks about the strides she's seen women make in eventing as well as the challenges women still face.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by EQUESTRIAN+, is with Olympian and horse show organizer Ali Nilforushan. He spoke with us in mid-February as he and his team prepare for the 2025 competition season at the Temecula Valley National Horse Shows in Temecula, California, and The Oaks series in San Juan Capistrano, California.To give you a little more background on Ali, he caught the horse bug at an early age. He rode his first horse at age 12 once he and his family immigrated to San Diego, California, from their home country of Iran. Ali was drawn to show jumping and worked his way up the ranks of the sport to achieve top international results. In 2000, he became the first Iranian equestrian to compete at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, qualifying for the individual final with Campione M. In 2006, he competed at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with Cellist 2. Ali retired from competition in 2017 after an illustrious riding career, shifting his focus full-time to producing world-class hunter/jumper horse shows on the West Coast. He created Nilforushan Equisport Events, a horse show management company, with his wife Francie Nilforushan. In December 2024, Equine Network acquired a controlling interest in the successful enterprise. As part of Equine Network's Premier Equisport Group, Ali is at the helm of the Temecula Valley National Horse Shows and The Oaks, a revamped show series at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.In our discussion, Ali talks about how he found his passion in equestrian sport, what he enjoys about being a horse show organizer and what venue upgrades are being made for a top-notch show experience at The Oaks.About This Episode's Sponsor, EQUESTRIAN+From short training tips to how-to videos and insider-access to private clinics and lessons, learn from top experts in the dressage, hunter, show jumping, equitation and eventing disciplines with EQUESTRIAN+. Watch exclusive interviews and lectures, slow-motion demonstrations and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros and explore cross-discipline topics such as groundwork, rider fitness and stable management. Visit equestrianplus.com to sign up for a seven-day free trial with subscription. You can also follow EQUESTRIAN+ on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Today's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by EQUESTRIAN+, is with Cornelia Fletcher. The five-star eventer made a remarkable comeback at TerraNova's The Event this past November. After being out of the competition field for a little over a year to give birth to her daughter, Sparrow, last June, the 26-year-old eventer and her plucky Oldenburg mare Daytona Beach 8 claimed the CCI4*-L win on a final score of 41.4.The pair, who placed 15th out of 17 horse-and-rider combinations during the dressage phase, delivered a powerhouse cross-country ride on Saturday to surge into second place overnight. One of only two pairs to jump double clear in show jumping, their sharp, accurate round cemented their victory in the CCI4*-L.While Cornelia worked hard to maintain her physical and mental fitness for eventing during her pregnancy, she credits her close-knit support team and especially her husband—four-star eventer and grand-prix show jumper Jacob Fletcher—for her success at TerraNova and enabling her to make her post-Sparrow competition debut.In today's podcast, we chatted with Cornelia about her comeback victory at TerraNova, her incredible partnership Daytona Beach 8, her training philosophies and how she balances motherhood with the demanding sport of eventing.About Cornelia FletcherCornelia grew up in a non-equestrian family in Hamilton, Massachusetts, near the former USET headquarters and said she was born with the horse bug. After finally wearing her parents down as a horse-obsessed kid, they agreed to help her half-lease a pony at a local barn with a lot of eventing history. From her early days in the saddle, Cornelia had a hunch that eventing might be her sport as she always preferred to be out in the field instead of the arena.In middle school, she started working with trainer Babette Lenna, who helped Cornelia find her perfect and longtime eventing partner in Sir Patico MH (“Hugo”). She and the loudly colored Zweibrücker gelding went on to train with renowned five-star eventer Sharon White and had a stellar career together (including an individual bronze at the 2017 North American Youth Championships, top finishes at the three- and four-star level and a European debut at Blenheim). They were on the cusp of tackling their first five star at the 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, before it was canceled due to the COVID pandemic.After spending a year training with Australian five-star rider Kevin McNab in Surrey, England, Cornelia and Daytona made their five-star debut at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in in 2022. Despite a 50th-place dressage score, the pair moved up the leaderboard after a clear, fast cross-country round and were one of only six double-clear show jumping rounds to end up finishing in 10th. And they were the top-placed U.S. rider.A few other notable highlights from Cornelia's career include the 2023 Reserve Championship USEF/USEA Developing Horse Championship with DHI Qyaracolle Z, 2022 Houghton Hall CCIO4*-NC-S 2nd place team, more than fifteen top-5 FEI finishes, and she is a Five-time North American Youth Championships medalist. Cornelia and Jacob own and operate a small program in Ocala, Florida, that focuses on producing eventing and show-jumping horses.About This Podcast's Sponsor, EQUESTRIAN+From short training tips to how-to videos and insider-access to private clinics and lessons, learn from top experts in the dressage, hunter, show jumping, equitation and...

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with this week's episode is with hunter/jumper trainer Julia Collins. She spoke with us in mid-November about two months after her facility in Asheville, North Carolina, was affected by Hurricane Helene.To give you a little more background on Julia, she coached her students at A and C circuit shows for several years. Eight years ago, she shifted her focus to predominantly collegiate equestrian shows. Julia coaches Western Carolina University's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) team, growing the program from six to 25 riders. She also heads up the University of North Carolina Asheville IHSA team. At the 2024 IHSA National Championship, Julia served as the volunteer coordinator and received the Hunter Seat Coach Award. She has owned Over the River Farm in Asheville, North Carolina, for over 20 years. She teaches lessons and aspires to give her students great experiences in and out of the show ring.In our discussion, Julia talks about how her farm was affected by Hurricane Helene. She shares how the horse community came together to aid those in need as well as disaster-preparedness tips.About This Episode's Sponsor, PurinaConfidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Cosequin®, is with the Practical Horseman 2024 Trainer of the Year Leigh Berman, owner and head trainer of Two Bit Farm in Boyertown, Pennsylvania.The Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year Program is designed to honor the unsung heroes of our sport—trainers who work tirelessly to improve the education of both their riders and horses. Entrants were nominated for the contest by individuals in the horse community. Out of all the trainers nominated, 10 finalists were selected, with one earning the title of Trainer of the Year.About Leigh BermanLeigh started her career as an Amateur, winning many awards aboard her off-the-track-Thoroughbred Catch 22. As a professional, she spent years showing and training at top-ranked horse shows in both hunters and jumpers. She even ended up on the cover of Practical Horseman magazine in 1995 and was featured in an article about her and Catch22 who should found at the New Holland Horse Auction.As head trainer of Two Bit Farm, Leigh focuses on helping riders of all ages and skill levels develop genuine partnerships with their horses. She's helped her students achieve success in the Junior Hunters and the Amateur Owner divisions—but more importantly she strives to instill confidence in her riders and encourages them to be their best selves in order to communicate with their equine partners.Leigh's talent is also apparent when she's working with young horses or those with training challenges. She often imports unbroken horses from overseas to develop them into well-rounded show horses.In her submission for the Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year, Leigh's students noted her unbridled passion for helping them achieve their riding goals and enhancing the relationships they share with their horses—all while having a blast along the way.Leigh also recognizes how much horses have to offer and pays that forward by supporting her local riding community and the Boyertown community in general. She hosts biannual derbies to provide high-level competition experiences for riders who might not be able to afford rated shows or have the time to travel to them. And she partnered with a local gym to introduce middle-school students to two of her horses to teach them about physical wellness and the beautiful partnerships we can share with these amazing animals.In today's podcast, we talked to Leigh about receiving the 2024 Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year title, how she sets up her students and horses for success and happiness in the saddle and why she feels it's important to share horses with her local community.About This Week's Sponsor, CosequinCOSEQUIN®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, is excited to bring you, COSEQUIN® ASU Balance. This formula supports joint, immune, and digestive health. COSEQUIN® ASU Balance helps moderate the inflammatory responses that can cause immune and GI tract disturbances through the innovative inclusion of postbiotics and beta-glucans. The formula also includes the joint support COSEQUIN® is known for, with ingredients such as ASU, Hyaluronic Acid, and Boswellia serrata Extract. With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products when performance matters. To learn more, speak with your veterinarian or visit Cosequin.com.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with five-star eventer Lillian Heard Wood. She spoke with us in late October following her eighth-place finish at the Maryland 5 Star with her longtime partner LCC Barnaby.To give you a little more background on Lillian, she has 16 CCI5* completions, including top-10 finishes at the Maryland 5 Star and top-20 finishes at the Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky CCI5*s. Originally from Poolesville, Maryland, Lillian developed a passion for eventing while competing in the United States Pony Clubs. She spent 10 years as a working student for Olympian Boyd Martin and five-star competitor Jan Byyny. Also, Lillian worked in Ireland and England in multiple international yards, most notably for Carol Gee of Fernhill Sport Horse Center. She runs her training business out of Lanefield Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, alongside her husband, five-star eventer Ryan Wood.In our discussion, Lillian talks about deciding to retire the 18-year-old LCC Barnaby from the five-star level, handling disappointment in the sport and celebrating personal successes.About This Episode's Sponsor, PurinaConfidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

Welcome to the PHOD pod, the Practical Horseman Podcast's Minisode series where we share audio clips from our subscription video site, Equestrian Plus. At Equestrian Plus, you can enjoy over 5,000 videos and get insider access to exclusive interviews and lectures, slow-motion demonstrations, and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros in the hunter jumper, equitation, eventing, and dressage disciplines.On this week's episode, dressage and event rider Chelsea Canedy leads a short, guided meditation to realign yourself before interacting with your horse. She helps get you to a place where you can find stillness and internal quiet and locate that gratitude for your horse and your time with him.When you tune into the PHOD Pod, listen closely for a promo code for 15% off your Equestrian Plus subscription!To sign up for Equestrian Plus, click here.COSEQUIN®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, is excited to bring you, COSEQUIN® ASU Balance. This formula supports joint, immune, and digestive health. COSEQUIN® ASU Balance helps moderate the inflammatory responses that can cause immune and GI tract disturbances through the innovative inclusion of postbiotics and beta-glucans. The formula also includes the joint support COSEQUIN® is known for, with ingredients such as ASU, Hyaluronic Acid, and Boswellia serrata Extract. With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products when performance matters. To learn more, speak with your veterinarian or visit Cosequin.com.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with professional hunter/jumper rider and trainer TJ O'Mara. He spoke with us in mid-October during the busy indoor season.To give you a little more background on O'Mara, he had a successful junior career, winning three equitation finals in 2016: the Excellence in Equitation Championship, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals - East, and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. In 2018, he turned professional while getting his college degree at the University of Kentucky. Two years later in 2020, O'Mara joined Max Amaya's team at Stonehenge Stables as a professional rider and trainer, with a focus on training the equitation students. Last year, he helped coach student Carlee McCutcheon to wins in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. In the competition ring, O'Mara earned his first FEI win in 2022 and competes at the five-star level. In our discussion, O'Mara talks about the start of his professional career, important lessons he has learned thus far and his training philosophy.About This Episode's Sponsor, PurinaConfidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Horse Week, is with Hannah Sue Hollberg. The five-star eventer has a lot on her radar right now. Earlier this year, she took over the ride on Thoroughbred gelding Business Ben from fellow eventer Allison Springer and has spent the past nine months fostering a new partnership with him. The pair has some big dates on their competition calendar this fall—and hopefully another one in the spring of 2025. Among her other talented horses are Capitol H I M and Harbour Pilot. Hannah Sue retired her longtime partner Harbour Pilot following his last five-star run at the 2022 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fairhill, where the pair finished in 10th. Hannah decided to retire the then 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, after their 12-year partnership to ensure “William” ended his career healthy and happy—and to give him the opportunity to enjoy lower-impact work. Hannah Sue and Capitol H I M—affectionately known as “Cheeto”—made their five-star debut at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and competed in the CCI5* at last year's Maryland Five Star, where they finished fourth and were the highest-placed U.S combination. After serving as a working student with Karen and David O'Connor from 2008 to 2011, Hannah Sue went on to become a team gold and individual silver medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games aboard Harbour Pilot. She also represented the U.S. in a number of European events, gained plenty of five-star experience and most recently placed third at the MARS Bromont CCI4*-L with Capitol H I M last June. In today's podcast, we talked to Hannah Sue about what's new on her horizons, the incredible partnerships she shares with her horses, her training philosophies—and how she finally overcame a lack of confidence through perseverance and her passion for eventing horses. About This Podcast's Sponsors, Horse WeekCelebrate the splendor of horses during Horse Week! Join us for the ultimate equine celebration during the Horse Week Film Festival, brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, October 20-26, 2024. This extraordinary event unites horse enthusiasts from around the globe in a free weeklong online film festival dedicated to the awe-inspiring world of horses. Sign up for our free newsletter to stay in the know and tune in live October 20-26 at horseweek.tv.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is with health and wellness coach Ruben Mahboobi. He spoke with us last spring after the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.In this episode, Rubee talks about what riders need to do to have balance in their lives and how that balance is the foundation of overall health. A healthy person, he says, who is balanced in body, mind, and spirit is a better rider and has more chance of achieving his or her goals. Though Rubee's clients involve those at the tops of their fields, including four-time Olympian Boyd Martin, his advice can help riders of all disciplines and levels. Riders can be so focused on helping their horses be the healthiest and best they can be that many forget about themselves. But their health and well-being is a critical part of their success and overall happiness.Rubee assists clients with maximizing their performance and achieving or surpassing their short and long-term goals. His coaching style is grounded in his training as an executive and dignitary protection specialist and integrates meditation, yoga, mindfulness training, martial arts and a spiritual perspective with conventional wellness modalities. His high-profile clients have included Olympic athletes, A-List celebrities, Grammy-award-winning musicians, corporate CEOs, medical and legal professionals and internationally known artists.Rubee has a long list of educational certifications in yoga, massage, exercise and more, including training at the Bodhidharma Institute in Pushkar, India. In addition to private practice, Rubee served as a holistic therapist for the psychiatric department at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. And he worked with the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at Riker's Island Jail, leading trauma-sensitive yoga and therapy workshops for incarcerated men and adolescents. Finally, Rubee is an amateur dressage rider, who is also involved in music production. You can find more information about him on Instagram at @gurubee. You can also learn more about him at gurubee.org. This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, empowering excellence in every horse. As the global leader in equine health, Boehringer Ingelheim is focused on sharing our passion to improve the life of every horse. We understand that no one cares for a horse alone; it takes a whole network of passionate people to provide the highest level of care. Our team goes beyond our comprehensive product portfolio to support veterinarians, equine care professionals and horse owners alike in raising equine health to an art form. To learn more about our philosophy of care, visit TheArtofHorse.com.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by SmartPak, is with international show jumper Laura Chapot. She spoke with us in mid-September after the Devon Fall Classic, following a busy summer competing along the East Coast.Laura comes from a prolific equestrian family. Her late father Frank Chapot was a six-time Olympian and longtime U.S. Jumping Team chef d'equipe. Her mother Mary Chapot is a two-time Olympian, and her sister Wendy is an active competitor as well. Gem Twist, a successful U.S. show jumping horse in the 1980s and 1990s, was bred and trained by Frank Chapot and ridden by Greg Best and Leslie Howard before being ridden by Laura later in his career. Laura is skilled equestrian in her own right. She was on several U.S. Nations Cup teams and helped earn team bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games with Little Big Man. Over the summer, Laura won the $75,000 Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix with Chandon Blue at the Lake Placid Horse Shows in New York.In this episode, Laura talks about what it was like growing up in her equestrian family, her competition routine and training philosophy.This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by SmartPak. Even the best cared for horse can colic, but you don't have to go through it alone. With ColiCare by SmartPak, your horse gets daily comprehensive hindgut support and you get up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement. Give your horse the best care available and receive your own peace of mind in return. Choose ColiCare and enroll now by calling 1-800-461-8898 or visiting SmartPak.com/ColiCare.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with international show jumper Katie Dinan. She spoke with us in mid-July after she represented the U.S. Jumping Team at CHIO Aachen in Germany. Aachen served as one of Dinan's observation events as a rider named to the U.S. Jumping Team Short List for Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Dinan has collected numerous top placings as well as represented the U.S. on several Nations Cup teams thus far in her career. She made her senior Nations Cup debut in 2013 and helped the U.S. earn a Nations Cup win at CSIO5* Dublin in 2014. Dinan has competed in five Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals. Last fall, she won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W at the Washington International Horse Show with Brego R'N B.In this episode, Dinan talks about what she enjoys about show jumping, how she handles big competitions and shares about her string of horses.This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Purina. Purina Animal Nutrition has three research-backed ration balancers to fill nutritional gaps in your horse's diet. Enrich Plus delivers a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. Enrich Plus Senior features ActivAge Prebiotic Technology and Outlast Supplement for aging easy-keepers. Omega Match is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, great for horses without access to green grass. Find a ration balancer for your horse at purinamills.com/RationBalancers or visit your local feed store.Also, follow Purina on Instagram at purinafeedgreatness and on Facebook at PurinaHorse.

Welcome to the PHOD pod, the Practical Horseman podcast's Minisode series where we share audio clips from our subscription video site, Equestrian Plus. At Equestrian Plus, you can enjoy over 5,000 videos and get insider access to exclusive interviews and lectures, slow-motion demonstrations, and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros in the hunter jumper, equitation, eventing, and dressage disciplines. On this week's episode, hunter jumper trainer Kristy McCormack explains how to build a mental speedometer to control your pace on course to find better distances. She starts at a walk with "1 mph" and shows how to add and subtract pace through the trot and canter as she builds to a canter pace needed to jump a course. When you tune into the PHOD Pod, listen closely for a promo code for 15% off your Equestrian Plus subscription!

In this week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Cosequin, Sentinel and Zoetis, we spoke with Olympic show jumping team silver medalist Karl Cook. He and his Olympic mount Caracole de la Roque traveled to Paris as the alternate combination for Team USA. But after Kent Farrington withdrew his horse due to an allergy issue, the team decided to bring in Cook and Caracole.For his part, Cook and the feisty bay mare had a stellar Olympic debut. He and Caracole were the sole U.S. combination to collect two clear rounds in team competition. This unequivocally helped the team clinch silver.In today's podcast, we talked to Cook about his Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games and his partnership with Caracole, and we discussed his comprehensive horsemanship program that prioritizes his horses' health and well-being above all us.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with international eventer James Alliston.In early July 2024, Alliston and Karma, his and Ric Plummer's U.S.-bred Oldenburg mare, helped the U.S. Eventing Team earn a second-place finish at CHIO Aachen in Germany. Also, they finished as the highest-placed U.S. combination in ninth place. To give you a little more background on Alliston, his journey with horses began as a child riding in England to now representing the U.S. on the world stage. He has tallied numerous top international placings and CCI5* completions as well as represented the U.S. on several Nations Cup teams. He made his senior Nations Cup team debut at the 2022 Boekelo CCIO4*-NC-L in the Netherlands with Nemesis. Alliston returned to Boekelo the following year with Karma, and they finished as the top-U.S. combination in 14th place. Alliston had three CCI4* wins in 2023 and has earned another CCI4* win thus far in 2024.In our discussion, Alliston talks about what he enjoys about eventing, how he handles big competitions and his training philosophy.This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Purina. There's more talk than ever about the importance of probiotics in equine health. But not all probiotics are created equal. New Purina Systemiq Supplement remains live & active after the pelleting process and throughout the digestive system making it all the way to the hind gut. Systemiq was designed to support normal recovery after exercise and occasional gastrointestinal stress. Whether you're using a probiotic now or not, it's time to use a live and active supplement from a name you trust. New Purina Systemiq probiotic. Be sure to visit PurinaMills.com to learn more.

In today's Practical Horseman Podcast, brought to you by Cosequin®, we're speaking with chef d'equipe of the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Bobby Costello. Costello made his first Olympic team at the age of 35 for the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia, where he took eighth place in individual performance aboard his career-making mount Chevalier. The pair also earned top three and four-star placings at Rolex Kentucky, Fair Hill International and the Burghley Horse Trials in the U.K.In 2003, he represented the U.S. again at the Pan American Games, this time winning a team gold on his horse Dalliance. The duo went on to future successes at Fair Hill International and Rolex Kentucky, in addition to being the top American finishers at Burghley.As a former Olympic athlete, Costello knows exactly what it feels like to ride down the centerline at an Olympic venue and has aspired to pass the wisdom he gained from that experience on to his team. Here he talks about the importance of establishing trust, respect and open communication to successfully compete as a team in eventing and also discusses his strategy going into the 2024 Paris Games.This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Cosequin®. When it comes to equine health, COSEQUIN® Joint Health Supplement didn't just enter the arena. They built it! World-renowned riders like Phillip Dutton, Will Coleman and Julie Goodnight trust COSEQUIN® for their horses. The high-quality, scientifically researched ingredients found in COSEQUIN® products range to support joint, digestive, hoof and immune health—the areas most impacted by performance horses. Top riders give their horses the best, and that's why when performance matters, they choose COSEQUIN®. With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products for "When Performance Matters." To learn more, visit Cosequin.com.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Zoetis, is with Olympic jumper Laura Kraut.Kraut was a guest on the Practical Horseman Podcast back in 2020. She has remained at the top of the sport and was named to the U.S. Jumping Team Short List for the 2004 Olympic Games back in April.For some background on Kraut, she represented the U.S. team at the 2000, 2008, and 2020 Olympic Games and was the team alternate at the 1992 and 2016 games. Kraut partnered with Cedric to earn team gold in 2008 and with Baloutinue to earn team silver in 2020. She competed on U.S. teams at three FEI World Equestrian Games, collecting team silver with Miss Independent in 2006 and team gold with Zeremonie in 2018. Kraut has been on numerous Nations Cup teams over the years, and she and Baloutinue helped the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team place third in the Longines League of Nations Ocala back in March.In our discussion, Laura talks about her three top mounts, Baloutinue, Bisquetta and Dorado 212, sharing their personalities and training routines, as well as her thoughts on the sport in general.

In today's Practical Horseman podcast, brought to you by Purina, we're speaking with 24-year-old eventing phenom Mia Farley. At her young age, Farley has already established a name for herself in the eventing sphere's upper echelons for helping develop and produce young eventing horses.Farley grew up in San Clemente, California, and started riding at the age of 3 under the tutelage of her mother, hunter/jumper trainer Rebecca Farley. While eventing wasn't as prevalent in Southern California as it is in areas of the East Coast, Farley got a taste for the sport after tagging along to an event with barn friends. One of her first memorable mounts was a black-and-white pony named Oreo Cookie who she rode for her first recognized event at the age of 8.After falling in love with sport of eventing and with her parents' support, Farley moved to Middleburg, Virginia, in 2018 to train and work with legendary eventers David and Karen O'Connor and their O'Connor Event Team. This momentous decision helped launch the horsewoman's eventing career to the next level.After Farely's success with mare BGS Firecracker, a 2010 Irish Sport Horse, at numerous upper-level events including the 2023 Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a new “project” horse entered her life. Farley, however, never anticipated just how far she and Phelps, a plucky Off-the-Track Thoroughbred, would excel in eventing. The bay gelding was originally purchased off the track by Joanie Morris and was later “sold” to David O'Connor for the grand price of $1 as a sales prospect. For one reason or another, Phelps just didn't sell. So, instead, David put the young Thoroughbred in training with Farley.She started Phelps at the Novice level at Hunt Club Farms in Virginia in the summer of 2018 and brought him out for his first FEI event at the CCI2*-S level at Great Meadow International in Virginia the following summer.In 2022, Farley and Phelps finished on the podium in the CCI 4*-L at Morven Park in Virginia, which put the pair firmly on the radar as potential players to take the next step up. In October of 2023, Farley and Phelps tackled their first five-star event at the Maryland 5 Star, where they finished in fifth-place and took honors as the sole cross-country round to make it clear inside the optimum time.Farley and Phelps' underdog story is one that resonates across disciplines and experience levels. Today we talk to the young eventer about her former racehorse taking on the most difficult challenge eventing has to offer and to learn more about how she trains young horses for intense sport of eventing.This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. There's more talk than ever about the importance of probiotics in equine health. But not all probiotics are created equal. New Purina Systemiq Supplement remains live & active after the pelleting process and throughout the digestive system making it all the way to the hind gut. Systemiq was designed to support normal recovery after exercise and occasional gastrointestinal stress. Whether you're using a probiotic now or not, it's time to use a live and active supplement from a name you trust. New Purina Systemiq probiotic.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with top international eventer Caroline Pamukcu. Caroline was a guest on the Practical Horseman Podcast back in 2021—episode 47 if you want to check it out—but a lot has changed since then. She got married and has experienced change and growth in other areas of her life, too. In 2022, Caroline consolidated her sales business and moved to England to train with Olympian Pippa Funnell. She returned to the states and, in 2023, she represented her home country at the Pan American Games in Quillota, Chile, where she claimed the individual gold medal aboard HSH Blake. Their efforts also helped the U.S. Eventing Team to a team silver medal. Now, Caroline is ranked 20th on the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings list and has her sights are set on a spot on the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition. At Purina Animal Nutrition, we are focused on helping horses live their best lives. For wholesome nutrition that performs, try Purina Omolene horse feed. Formulated with Outlast gastric support supplement to support gastric health and proper pH, it keeps your horse performing with confidence. Put Purina's research to the test. Stop by your local Purina retailer or visit PurinaMills.com to learn more.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with three-time U.S. Olympic eventer Boyd Martin.Boyd moved from Australia to the United States in 2007 in pursuit of his international eventing dreams. Then, in 2009, he became an American citizen. Boyd has since represented the United States at three Olympic Games, three World Championships and two Pan American Games. He's also had competitive success at every five-star across the globe, including two wins—Adelaide in 2003 and Maryland in 2021. In addition, he's been named the United States Eventing Association's Rider of the Year seven times.A thanks to the sponsor of this week's podcast, Purina: Attention horse owners. Are you looking to help your horse recover with ease after a strenuous workout? Would you like to nourish your horse and their digestive system? If so, try the new Purina RepleniMash Product. It's much more than a mash. RepleniMash promotes hydration, replenishes electrolytes and supports gastric comfort. Put Purina's research to the test. Stop into your local Purina retailer and grab a bag of Purina RepleniMash Product.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with longtime Kentucky Three-Day Event announcer, Charlotte Skinner-Robson.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with leading hunter rider and top trainer, Geoffrey Hesslink.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by the Mustang Classic, is with five-star eventer and mustang trainer, Elisa Wallace.

On this week's episode, hunter trainer Louise Serio talks about the importance of using your leg first, as well as using the seat and leg to communicate more so than the hand. She also explains the importance of using the inside leg to outside rein to help the horse balance properly.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Cosequin, is with Practical Horseman's 2023 Trainer of the Year, Liz Reader.

This special episode, sponsored by Cosequin®, features the top three finishers of the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by USRider, hear from top riders at the 2023 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

On this week's episode, the late and great Jim Wofford gives a lecture about horses' vision and balance, including horses' eyes and their line of sight. He goes on to talk about martingales and the concept of being on the bit, and how this can inhibit the jump. Wofford brings this back around to how, in the pursuit of contact or frame, riders can inadvertently disadvantage their horse's natural balance for the job at hand.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with top hunter, jumper and equitation trainer, Berry Porter.

This special episode from the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show features interviews with top finishers including John French and Nick Haness.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is with international eventer Megan Kepferle.

On this week's episode, German riding instructor Ronny Riemer explains rein connection. He clarifies that a loose rein is not a hanging or loopy rein, because that allows the bit to bounce in the horse's mouth, causing irritation. Rather, a loose rein means a soft hand that maintains connection to the horse's mouth.

On this week's episode, natural horsemanship expert Chelsea Canedy demonstrates different ways she introduces a horse to going through water obstacles. She explains how to encourage the horse's curiosity towards an object and positively reinforces the horse any time she makes a move toward or in the water.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is with leading international show jumper, Hunter Holloway.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by USRider, is with 2023 National Show Hunter Hall of Fame inductee Bill Schaub. Because Bill is such an accomplished hunter and equitation trainer, he and host Sandy Oliynyk talk about riding and training both horses and riders. Bill discusses his favorite exercise to help a rider develop feel, treating horses as individuals to bring out their best, a rider's timing and seeing distances to the jumps, competition-ring tips and how to keep competition nerves under control, plus a lot more.Bill has been a professional in the industry for nearly 50 years and trained some of the country's top pony, junior and amateur riders and their horses. His horses and students have earned more than 50 championship and reserve championship titles at prestigious shows such as the Devon Horse Show and the East Coast fall indoor circuit. Top students have included Ashley and Courtney Kennedy, Liza Towell Boyd, Lauren Bass, Evan Coluccio and Taylor St. Jacques. He's based at his Over The Hill Farm in Wellington, Florida, and Lexington, Kentucky.Whether you and your horse are headed across the country or just down the road, the new USRider app helps you be prepared. From free travel planning, checklists, travel document storage, health alerts, emergency vet/farrier referrals and more, you'll find everything you need to stay organized and have a safe trip at your fingertips. Plus, USRider members can easily request roadside assistance within the app! Ready to make traveling with your horses easier? Download the new USRider app from the Apple and Google Play app stores today!

On this week's episode, CCI5* event rider and ICP Level IV Certified Instructor Ashley Johnson helps a young rider moving up to Preliminary Level with the skills necessary to have a successful show jumping round in competition. The emphasis is on exercises to control the bigger stride needed and the more electric atmosphere of the show.

Hi. I'm Stephanie Ruff, content manager for Practical Horseman. Welcome to this special edition of the Practical Horseman podcast sponsored by Cosequin®. Cosequin® ASU Joint & Hoof Pellets contain quality ingredients to support joint and hoof health and leave out the fillers molasses and alfalfa — all while delivering the taste horses love. The colors of our ingredients shine through for a difference you can see. Visit cosequinequine.com to learn more.The Event at Rebecca Farm, held every July in Kalispell, Montana, is arguably held at one of the most scenic places in the United States if not the world. It's extremely inviting with divisions ranging from Beginner Novice through CCI4* long. But what makes this event a must-attend for so many people around the country? Practical Horseman asked four individuals that question.Perhaps the person who summed it up best is the first response here. It comes from Jennifer Saville, winner of the CCI3*L.Next we hear from local Kalispell resident Jen Moody, who competed in the Open Novice and CCI3*S, followed Andrew McConnon, winner of the CCI4*S and James Alliston, winner of the CCI4*L.Thanks to Consequin® for sponsoring Practical Horseman's coverage of The Event at Rebecca Farms.

On this week's episode, hunter trainer Louise Serio coaches riders through a hunter course with a bending line in part two of this two part series. With nervous horses, sometimes repetition helps the horse relax, but it is important that the rider stay relaxed as well. She also stresses the importance of knowing your horse and his stride and how that will affect riding the lines.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, is with is with top West Coast hunter competitor and trainer, Jenny Karazissis.

On this week's episode, sponsored by Spalding Labs, hunter trainer Louise Serio coaches riders through a typical hunter course in part one of this two part series. With a spooky horse, she advises the rider to support the horse but not override the horse. The rider also needs to be confident, positive and accurate so the horses also feel confident. She then talks about what happened on course and ways to improve the rounds.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Sentinel, is with respected hunter and equitation judge, Geoff Teall, who shares his thoughts on what makes a winning round.

On this week's episode of the PHOD Pod, international five-star eventer Sharon White trains a rider through an early spring session with exercises designed to make her horse more rideable and adjustable.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, is with one of the top trainers in the United States and the owner and founder of Stonehenge Stables, Max Amaya. 

On this week's episode of the PHOD Pod, seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton guides several horse and rider pairs through their first spring outing on cross country. With an emphasis on calm rides while keeping the horse responsive to the leg, his instruction works for all levels of riders.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Spalding Labs, is with Olympic eventer and World Championship team silver medalist Will Coleman.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Seen Through Horses, is with top international eventer and 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* winner, Tamie Smith.

On this week's episode of the PHOD Pod, Stacia Madden, owner of Beacon Hill Show Stables and one of the most successful equitation trainers in the United States, shares her highly successful training and competition philosophy.

This special episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by WeatherBeeta, comes to you from the 2023 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. Hear from riders at the press conference after the conclusion of final class.

This special episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Silver Honey, comes to you from the 2023 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. Hear from riders at the press conference after the conclusion of Final II.

This week's episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by ADM Animal Nutrition, comes to you from the 2023 FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final. Hear from riders at the press conference after the conclusion of Final I.