The Equestrian Podcast

I have a million nieces and nephews so I thought I would start a fun series highlighting equestrian children's books and read them to my family... and see what funny things happen...Enjoy!!

Mark your calendar for July 11-13! If you are a hunter rider, trainer, and fan, get ready for the hunter event of the year taking place this summer in Valkenswaard, Netherlands. "The Baran" is the first of its kind Global Hunter Classic with big aspirations to grow the hunter sport. Bethany sits down with co-founder Andrew Lustig to hear all about the inaugural event. 

My mom, Kay Cassel comes to the studio for Mother's Day, but instead of the normal format, the roles are reversed and she interviews me! We chat about my childhood, riding, memories growing up, changing my major in college, working through the grief of losing my dad, and how I made my love for riding into a multi-faceted career. Lot's of tears, but it's a good one! 

Welcome back to a BRAND NEW SEASON of the Equestrian Podcast! Bethany catches you up after taking a break during the winter show season at WEF... including why she ended up taking a long break than normal and what she learned. Hear about what's new for this season like more video, podcast vlogs, and cohosts.

After a slammed couple of weeks, Bethany is back! Join us this week as we get to hear all about her iconic annual Lookbook for the 2024 season. We even get some early Black Friday deals! Tune in to the episode and make sure to check out this year's Holiday LookBook. 

Tune in this week for another solo episode from our host! After two recent hurricanes Bethany Lee has hurricane preparation for her horses down. Hear how she prepares and keeps her horses safe and and sound through bad weather. 

What is equestrian chic? Join us this week with Bethany Lee as she does another solo episode! Get ready with Bethany and talk about how she achieves the equestrian chic look and what has been going on at Capital Challenge!

Join us this week as we hear how Jacque Arnold, founder of Wit Equestrian, deals with riding comparison as an adult amateur. We also take a deep dive into her childhood surrounded by Tennessee Walking horses. She gives us an in depth explanation to what really goes on with the Big Lick and how we can help put an end to it. 

Welcome back to a new season of The Equestrian Podcast! While we were reruning some of our favorite past episodes this summer, host Bethany Lee had quite the packed schedule! Get the full recap as she goes through her summer by scrolling her camera roll. NEW THIS SEASON- You can now watch the full episode on YouTube via our website! 

Peder Fredricson, the Swedish Olympic Show Jumper, recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With numerous wins under his belt, Peder joins the Equestrian Podcast to share his experiences as a fifth-generation rider, discuss his team of horses, and dive into his background in riding. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!

In this week's episode of the series highlights, we look back at Karl Cook's insights on the equestrian industry. Raised in a family of riders, he developed a lifelong passion for the sport, which he now channels into his work at Pomponio Ranch Stallions. Karl shares his expert knowledge through the Noëlle Floyd Equestrian Masterclass and his insightful IGTV videos on Instagram. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the industry!

Join us as high-performance coach Natalie Hummel shares her journey from athlete to expert in nervous system regulation and emotional mastery. She explains how understanding nervous system states can boost learning and performance and provides strategies for managing stress. We also address equestrian challenges such as perfectionism and imposter syndrome, offering practical tips for managing emotions and enhancing performance.

In this episode of Series Highlight, meet Ashlee Bond, an American-Israeli show jumper renowned for her speed in the ring. Discover Ashlee's techniques for developing young horses and learn about her journey of hard work and passion.

In this episode of our series highlight, we feature Boyd Martin once again. He shares his inspiring journey to becoming a top eventer, delving into his story and discussing the challenges he faced and the perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of his sport.

Back by popular demand, we are sharing the legendary Laura Kraut episode. Laura is a member of the U.S. show jumping team, an accomplished international competitor, and an Olympic champion. Her extensive and successful career in international show jumping has endowed her with a vast wealth of knowledge. This expertise enables her to coach juniors and amateurs to achieve the highest levels in global competition. Laura's hands-on experience allows her to effectively identify and develop prospective show jumpers to their full potential. Credit: laurakraut.com

Mari Llewellyn is the founder of Bloom Supplements and host of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast where she shares and inspires for a healthier wellness lifestyle. Mari along her husband Greg operate Bloom together and this year became Forbes 30 under 30 honorees. Mari is incredibly passionate about caring for physical and mental health all while making time for her horse, Beaux. Since she started riding as an adult, Mari has been sharing her horse journey on Instagram and is learning the gratification of building a relationship with horses. Listen in! 

Jennifer Gates Nassar, daughter of Bill Gates, is a successful show jumper who recently graduated from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Both Jennifer and her husband Nayel Nassar work out of her International Show Jumping Stable, Evergate Stables. Jennifer began working with horses at the age of 6 in the hunter/jumper world and she now competes on the global circuit at the top of the sport. In addition to riding, Jennifer is a MD, MPH. resident physician, avid book reader, mother, and more. In this episode we asked Jennifer to answer listener submitted questions about all things lifestyle as well as her personal horses, and she delivered! This episode originally aired July 30, 2020 as episode 71. Listen in!

Scott Keach is a two-time Olympian with a remarkable 28-year gap between his Olympic appearances. Sharing his incredible journey and insights, Scott's unique path from competing in eventing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics to show jumping at the 2016 Rio Olympics offers a fascinating look at dedication and perseverance in the sport. Scott reveals his essential practices for maintaining peak horse performance including training routines, care strategies, and the importance of understanding each horse's temperament. Listen in to hear Scott's thoughts on the vital role of mentors in his career, his approach to guiding young riders today, and his advice for those aspiring to reach the top.

Sarah Louise Lilley is here to introduce us to EFT, an evidence based stress reduction technique which combines modern western psychology and the ancient eastern art of acupressure. It's a tool that not only can be used to move past trauma, but also calm your nervous system and help get you into your body before working with horses. The best thing is, once you've learned the modality, it's a free and easy tool you can use to release stress, limiting beliefs, and unwanted habits in all areas of your life. EFT as an emotional regulation tool, so you can choose how they show up as opposed to coming from a triggered, habitual or reactive place. Listen in!

More on the topic of all things fashion, Bethany Lee starts a conversation about what's in and what's out for summer fashion in 2024. Strictly from observing trends, Bethany shares her observations on everything from helmets to belt bags and sunscreen to hairnets. What would you add to this list? Listen in!

Jay Buxton the founder of Strides Equestrian and has built a reputation for sourcing, training, and leasing top-class showjumping horses, making high-level competition more accessible. Jay's wife, Paige, has joined, transitioning from a successful career at Deloitte to co-managing Strides Equestrian, bringing her business acumen and love for horses together. Her journey from a childhood hobbyist to a key player in the equestrian industry showcases her dedication to the sport and her innovative approach to managing their thriving equestrian center. Today, we'll explore how the two have come together to run a  premier equestrian center in Croft known for its innovative approach to showjumping. Join us to hear insights on the future of showjumping, efforts to make the sport more inclusive, and the legacy Strides Equestrian hopes to leave in the equestrian world.

Resharing this super helpful packing for a horse show solo episode where our host, Bethany Lee, shares her recent endeavors on traveling for a horse show. Having to play the role of groom, barn manager, and trainer can be a lot, sharing from personal experience, Bethany literally unpacks all of her tips and tricks of important necessities to have in your car before the horses arrive at the show grounds. Being prepared is everything!! Listen in.

Callie Schott is an international U.S. show jumping athlete who grew up in Versailles, KY. Both of Callie's parents come from a background with horses, and Callie's mother, Elaine Schott, currently runs River Mountain Farm in Versailles, KY. After she graduated college, Callie was able to work under the leadership of John and Beezie Madden, producing young horses and competing at the national and international levels. Callie also has a background working in the horse racing industry, but quickly realized her love to continuing growing in show jumping. After recently being named on the U.S. Jumping Team Olympic Short List for Paris 2024, Callie has moved up in the rankings and made quite a name for herself. Listen in! Featured Photo By: US Equestrian

Katie Dinan is an American Show Jumper with a long history of success in the sport. After she started riding at the age of 4, Katie quickly rose to the top in her junior career as she represented Zone 2 in gold medal-winning teams at the USEF Junior Jumper National Championships at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in both 2010 and 2011. Katie has participated in multiple World Cup Finals, Nations Cups, and earned accolades such as the USET Foundation Maxine Beard Show Jumping Rider Award and the USET Foundation Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy. After being named on the US Equestrian Short List for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Katie's focus has shifted to the preparation for those games and shares with us a behind the scenes look at how to make it to the top of the sport. Listen in!

Lauren Klehm is the Director of Education at the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), and has held the position since summer 2019. She grew up in the Chicagoland area, where she left after receiving her Masters degree. Lauren caught the ‘horse bug' early and never grew out of it. To this day, Lauren is an active rider and competitor in the Hunters at National and Premier shows, mostly showing at the Kentucky Horse Park. Additionally, Lauren has her ‘r' Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation judges cards. She now resides full-time in Lexington, Kentucky with her husband, four dogs, and boards her mare nearby. When not riding or working, Lauren enjoys travel, cycling, and gardening in her spare time. Listen in!

Chris Burton is a seasoned elite rider known for his exceptional skills in Eventing and Show Jumping. From his early childhood experiences with horses spent on a farm near Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia, Chris's ignited passion for Eventing set him on the path to becoming a top-level rider. Chris has competed on the Australian, British and European Eventing and Showjumping circuits, and is currently based in Dorset, UK. He finished the 2019 season ranked as World Number 3 and in this episode, we reflect on Chris's career, including his memorable rides on Spice and Just Joshin, as well as representing Australia at prestigious events like the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics. Listen in!

Alexandra Frazer is an Equine Scientist and Nutritionist with a profound passion for equine gut health and overall horse well-being. As a long time equestrian, Alex took her passion to understanding how equine nutrition plays a role in performance while building her own brand EquiNutritive, and partnering with some of the top supplement companies in the world like Banana Feeds and their B-Complete product. In this episode we'll dive into the world of equine nutrition as Alex shares her insights, debunking myths, discussing supplements, and offering valuable advice for horse owners. Listen in!

Richard Howley is an accomplished Irish showjumper, known for his remarkable success in the competitive arena. He has won two consecutive World Cup qualifiers, a feat that highlights his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Richard's journey in the equestrian industry has been shaped by pivotal moments, including overcoming a significant injury at a young age. His emphasis on horsemanship, training methods, and understanding of horses has not only led to his success but also positioned him as an excellent candidate to represent Ireland in the upcoming 2024 Olympics. In this episode, we delve deep into Richard's journey, exploring his approach to training, horsemanship, and the road to the Olympics. Listen in!

Let's talk about bananas! Join us for an eye-opening conversation with John MacArthur, the visionary founder behind Banana Feeds and the groundbreaking B-COMPLETE™ supplement. John's journey started from a passion for horses to pioneering natural solutions for gut health and performance as he became inspired to uncover the untold stories and essential truths in the equine supplementation industry. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative potential of B-COMPLETE™, its impact on the well-being of horses worldwide, and gain exclusive insights into the differences between the Australian and American equestrian worlds with the challenges of developing show-safe supplements. Listen in!

In this solo episode host, Bethany Lee, compares and contrasts all the riding looks and fashion from East Coast to West Coast during her travels on the show circuit. From Kashmir vests in Wellington, to sunglasses in California, Bethany shares all the best tips and tricks for functional riding outfits across the states. Listen in!

Charlotte Jacobs is a professional show jumper with deep roots in riding. She joins us today to share her journey since our last podcast conversation in 2022. Charlotte comes from a family steeped in equestrian tradition, and her path in the sport has been influenced by her upbringing and her family's support. As an integral part of North Star Sport Horses, Charlotte expresses her passion for producing young show jumpers and the fulfillment it brings to her career. Additionally, Charlotte emphasizes the significance of the rider-horse relationship in show jumping, highlighting her role in her horses' development, and the importance of establishing strong bonds. Listen in!

Mark Bluman is an accomplished rider with a lifelong passion for the sport. From taking his first riding lesson at the age of 3 to becoming the World Children's Jumper Champion and Colombian National Champion, Mark's journey in horse riding has been nothing short of remarkable. With extensive international experience competing in Nations Cup competitions and FEI-rated classes, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table. Join us as we explore Mark's career highlights, his role within the family-owned Bluman Equestrian, and the tools and strategies he employs to achieve success in the highly competitive world of show jumping.

Ansgar Holtgers Jr. is a young show jumper originally from Germany, who recently clinched his first international Grand Prix victory at the $140,000 KASK CSI3* during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Today he joins the podcast coming from a unique story with his horse, Chanyon; a partnership that has evolved to achieve remarkable success. In this episode Ansgar shares about how he first entered the equestrian industry, what fueled his passion for riding from an early age, and the mental preparation he employed to tackle challenging courses while navigating high-pressure situations in the show ring. Listen in! 

Darragh Kenny is an Irish equestrian sensation who has consistently ranked among the world's top riders in show jumping. He joins the podcast for the third time since we've started with a history of growing up around horses, showing talent from an early age and competing in his first Grand Prix at just 14 years old. Darragh's journey to success led him to the Dublin Horse Show, and got the opportunity with trainers like Missy Clark and John Brennan at North Run Stables in Vermont. In 2012, Darragh founded Oakland Stables, a venture that allowed him to both ride and train clients, marking a significant milestone in his career. Darragh's expertise extends beyond the arena, as he shares valuable insights into, training philosophies, and the mindset required for success in the highly competitive world of show jumping. Listen in!

Mimi Gochman is a young show jumper making waves at this year's Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Fresh off her incredible second place in the $215,000 Mars Equestrian Grand Prix, Mimi joins us to share the inside scoop on her journey from the arena to the winner's circle. Mimi's story is nothing short of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence as she learns to balance school with riding and drawing inspiration from the world's top riders. With a foundation rooted in equitation and a strong performance in the jumper ring, Mimi is redefining what it means to be a young powerhouse in the equestrian world. In this episode we dive deep into Mimi's riding philosophy, her secret to success, and the unforgettable moments that have shaped her into the rider she is today. Listen in! 

Lauren Crooks-Brennan is an international show jumper and Head Rider & Trainer at Crooks Show Jumping, LLC. Lauren competes across the country advocating for young horse development at the top venues in the US, alongside her husband, James. With a career spanning her whole life, Lauren is dedicated to competing at the highest level and nurturing the next generation of equestrian talent. In this episode Lauren not only shares about her training methods, but also her talent for rider-horse matchmaking, as well as the essential balance between physical fitness and mental well-being for horses. Join us for a look at Lauren's methods, how she overcomes the many setbacks of preparing young horses for long careers, and her strategies for long-term success. Listen in!

Grace Debney joins the podcast once again (almost a year later since her first episode aired) to talk about her recent week at WEF 2024. Grace is a young, talented show jumper originally from England where she first started her riding career, and is quickly becoming one of the top young riders in the sport today. For her stand out season so far this year, Grace has already won the CSI2* Grand Prix. Some of her other notable wins include two five-star classes- the first one at WEF and the second at Traverse City Horse Show back in 2022, as well as 2nd place in the U25 Grand Prix at WEF in 2023. We're excited to see where her career continues. Listen in!

From Saturday Night Lights, to shopping vender row, Bethany Lee takes us through a day in the life at Wellington International for Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) 2024. This season has been a fun one, but it wouldn't be what it is without the camaraderie of the equestrian community within WEF's state-of-the-art facility. Listen in as Bethany answers some listener submitted questions about the Showgrounds, shopping spots, and everything in between.

Jorge Vargas is the founder of Equitrials, a pioneering company specializing in test-riding horses on behalf of clients interested in purchasing horses overseas. With over ten years of experience in the sales department as a horse agent, scout, and trials rider for some of Europe's best stables, Jorge brings a wealth of expertise to his services. Equitrials provides clients with unbiased evaluations of horses through recorded trials, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the purchasing process. Jorge's commitment to client satisfaction is evident, boasting a 100% rate of happy clients and having tried over 100 horses across 10 countries. Beyond test-riding services, Jorge has expanded his offerings to include training programs for horses purchased overseas, ensuring they arrive in the US ready for their new owners. Listen in!

Kaitlin Christopherson is the CEO at Grand Slam Social, soon to be renamed to GSS The Agency, a social digital media consulting agency working with clients to build comprehensive and actionable social media plans. Kaitlin is also a co-host for Amplify Horse Racing podcast and has much knowledge for the horse racing industry. Back in 2014, Kaitlin joined WinStar Farm to spearhead marketing efforts and execute social media campaigns for the farm and its world-class stallions.  Since then, she has worked for Executive Jet Management before eventually coming back to horses and becoming Head of Operations at GSS. Listen as we discuss careers, her horse, Charles, and more! 

Sisters Horsing Around was founded by sisters Emily and Sarah in 2018 as a movement aiming to bring diversity, understanding, and shared love for horses to equestrians and non-equestrians alike. As first-generation horsewomen, the sisters recognized a gap between those within the horse world and those outside of it. Their mission is to bridge that gap by sharing their experiences, wisdom, and the sheer joy of being part of the vast equestrian community. Listen in as we dive into their journey from making beginner mistakes to becoming multi-discipline riders, trainers, judges, and advocates for unity in the equestrian world.

Laura Goodall is a UK-based showjumper who was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 2015. Laura faced a daunting crossroads that threatened her passion for competitive riding and was initially sidelined by symptoms that disrupted her vision, muscle strength, and balance, but she refused to let MS dictate her future. Laura navigated the challenges of MS with innovation and adaptability, devising unique strategies to manage symptoms while making a return to the show jumping arena. Her comeback marked by impressive wins and achievements competing both against para-riders and able-bodied competitors, is a testament to her unwavering spirit. Listen in!

Micha Knol is a USDF Gold Medalist and a multifaceted personality in the equestrian world. Born and raised in the Netherlands, Micah's passion for horses ignited at a young age, leading him through an illustrious journey encompassing show jumping, a corporate stint in banking, and ultimately a full-time commitment to dressage. With a background competing internationally in show jumping and transitioning seamlessly into the world of dressage, Micha's career is a testament to adaptability and pursuing one's true calling. Micah is now located in Wellington, where he's flourished as a trainer, competitor, and entrepreneur, co-founding MRK Dressage—a thriving venture specializing in sourcing and selling high-quality dressage horses. Listen in!

Cosby Green is an eventer with an intrinsic passion for horses who traces her fascination back to early childhood. Raised on the eventing-centric Champagne Run in Lexington, Kentucky, Cosby's exposure to events like the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event fueled her love for the sport. As student at the University of Kentucky and a pivotal member of the UK Eventing Team, Cosby excels both academically and in the eventing world, showcasing her dedication to education and sport. Her achievements include individual accolades like an NAYC bronze medal in 2019 with Takine de la Barbais and being the CCI3*L National Young Rider Reserve Champion in 2021. She has also been named to the USEF U25 Emerging Athlete List for 2022, 2023, and 2024. After transitioning to the UK and basing herself with Tim and Jonelle Price at Chedington Equestrian Centre, Cosby has marked a significant milestone in her career, culminating in a top 20 finish in her first 5* at Pau, riding Copper Beach, fondly known as "Sean." Cosby's continuous progression, including her recent advancements to the CCI4*S level with horses like Copper Beach and Highly Suspicious, underscores her readiness for higher levels of competition and her pursuit of excellence in the sport. Listen in!

Angie Natale is a children's book author who joins the podcast to talk about the magical realm of Sky View Farm Adventures. After deciding to take a break from her job as a financial controller, Angie began writing creative stories about the horse world with a cast of characters based on her real-life animals. Her books are not only inspired by love for horses, but also from chaotic life on a farm and shared experiences with her daughters. With a taste for adventure and creativity, this sweet series will delight and inspire young readers who love horses and animals as much as Angie does. Listen in!

Brianne Link is the Founder and CEO of Equisite Elements of Style, an equestrian apparel and accessories brand born from her passion for horses and elegant clothing. Graduating with a B.A. in Equestrian Studies and a Minor in Business Entrepreneurship from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Brianne focused on blending art, design, and her love for horses. With over 20 years of experience in competitive show jumping up to 1.45m and U25 Grand Prix levels, Brianne has observed and contributed to the evolution of equestrian fashion and functionality. Brianne serves as the Chair of the inaugural Young Professionals group at JustWorld International, where she aims to unite and engage young professionals passionate about the equestrian community to support the organization's initiatives impacting thousands of children globally. Listen in!

Katie Wood is known as The Equestrian Physio where she blends an understanding of equine science, horses, riding, and expertise in physiotherapy to help riders become the best partners to their horses. With degrees in Animal Bioscience and Equine Science from the University of Guelph, Katie's journey evolved from years as an equine veterinary assistant to a pivot towards physiotherapy driven by a passion for enhancing the relationship between riders and their horses. Katie's multifaceted experience has spanned various riding disciplines like eventing, fox hunting, and gaited horse training coupled with her dedication to equestrian sports' modern athletic development is what truly sets her apart from the crowd. Katie's mission is not only about rehabilitating injuries but also empowering riders of all levels and disciplines to elevate their performance by focusing on strength, mobility, and control both in and out of the saddle. Listen in!

Steffie Hornig is a true horse girl from Bielefeld, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. Born with an innate love for horses, Steffie's journey led her from studying fine art in Prague to immersing herself in the equestrian world. Her captivating artworks are a true testament to her deep connection with horses, each painting reflecting a blend of artistic precision and a heartfelt understanding of their unique personalities. Through her art and equestrian endeavors, Steffie invites everyone to appreciate the beauty of details and emotions often overlooked in our fast-paced world. Get ready to be inspired by Steffie's journey of combining art and equine passion on today's episode. Listen in!

From her sparkly Western beginnings to her soaring successes in eventing, Alyssa Phillips' story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection with her horses. At just six years old, Alyssa traded her Western attire for eventing, embarking on a path that led her to the adrenaline rush of cross-country. Her journey hasn't been without challenges—learning to embrace dressage, navigating the loss of her father, and the profound impact of teamwork on her career. Alyssa's pivotal moments, like winning gold in honor of her late father and her transition to the East Coast under the guidance of Jennie Brannigan, shaped her into the accomplished rider she is today. Now, Alyssa's focus is on honing her skills with her three remarkable horses: Cornelius Bo, Carrigshawn, and her top horse, Oskar. Their partnerships represent dedication, trust, and the fulfillment of Alyssa's dreams. Listen in!

Helen Abrams is an equestrian lifestyle blogger who has turned her passion for riding, fashion, and all things horses into a multi faceted online platform called Life Equestrian. As a soon-to-be mother, competitive rider, and business woman, Helen remains focused on health and well-being of equestrians by promoting safety products that help her, and all riders, stay at the top of their game. Helen returns to the podcast to talk about all her new endeavors since being one of our very first guests back in 2019 for episode six. Listen in!

Emma Marlowe started out as an equitation rider in California. Unlike other Grand Prix riders, Emma didn't follow the traditional path of North American Youth Championships or junior jumper teams. In fact, she didn't even ride her first jumper class until she was 18, but what sets her apart is her unyielding belief in herself and her unrelenting determination to succeed. Emma's journey took a pivotal turn when she took a chance by stepping onto a plane to Wellington, Florida. She landed a working student position with American Olympian Lauren Hough, which was a move that eventually led her to the CSI5* Major League Show Jumping team. Listen in!