The Equestrian Podcast

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 McArthur, 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 Valiente 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!