The countdown is on my friends. It’s going to be an action-packed Best Weekend All Year in 2025, thanks to very big five-stars: the Kentucky Three Day Event and the Kentucky Invitational. We’re talking to the riders hoping to conquer some of the biggest eventing and show jumping tracks in America this month. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 135:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Guest: Will Coleman
• Guest: Alex Granato
• Guest: Mary Bess Davis
• Featured Image: Traverse City Horse Shows
• Drink Recipe: Velvet and Vice from Cast & Crew
• Link: Kentucky 5* entry list
• Link: Kentucky Invitational 5* entry list
• Link: Favorite things to do in Lexington
• Product Review: SynChill Pure
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: SynNutra (Livello® Sleep), Traverse City Horse Shows, The Vertical from Ecogold (Coupon code: “happyhour” 15% off through April 25) and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

What makes some ingredients illegal when it comes to supplements and medications and horse showing? This week, we’re talking to a veterinarian on what goes into that process. Spring is here, which means you’re likely inundated with mud, like the rest of us. But don’t fret, we’ve got some tips. Thanks for tuning in...

Guests and Links Episode 134:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Guest: Dr. Edwin “Ted” Simpson, Founder and CEO of SynNutra Equine
• Guest: Charlotte Jacobs, show jumper
• Featured Image: Traverse City Horse Shows
• Drink Recipe: St. Patrick's Mint Martini (Thanks to Marlene in our Facebook group and Total Wine)
• Link: An update on the new FEI noseband testing protocol
• Link: Game on: USA wins big in the Longines League of Nations Ocala
• Link: Spring is mud season. Here are some tips to manage it
• Product Review: Ecogold + Armatec collab | Coupon code: “happyhour” 15% off through April 25
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Traverse City Horse Shows and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Dreaming of the spring horse show season? Us too. This week, we’re sharing our favorite DIY tips to make training tools you can easily use in your home arena. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 133:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Guest: Derek Braun, Split Rock Horse Shows
• Guest: Danielle Burgess, Founder of Instagrooms
• Featured Image: Traverse City Horse Shows
• Drink Recipe: Le French
• Link: Pony conformation class drama
• Link: Laura Kraut in the show jumping hall of fame
• Product Review: DIY Training Tools for Your Arena
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Traverse City Horse Shows and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s January, and horse sport is in full swing. Whether or not you’re in sunny Florida or just dreaming about it, we’ve got all the updates. As as you gear up for your own riding season, we’ve got somebody who can help visualize your goals. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 132:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Guest: Dr. Sam Fielding
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Lychee Mai Tai
• Link: Nosebands Now Option in Danish Dressage
• Link: Updates from WEF: Richard Vogel, Henrick von Eckermann, Nayel Nassar among the first CSI3* wins of the season so far | Down the road at Adequan Global Dressage Festival, American Olympian Adrienne Lyle is off to a good start
• Link: How to help equestrians affected by the LA wildfires
• Product Review: Thia Cal from Finish Line Horse Products
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Ecogold, All Things Equestrian, Belt It Out Goods, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Wow, what a year it’s been. This week we’re breaking down the highs and lows and getting excited for what’s in store in 2025. Sit down, grab a drink and join us. And as always, thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 131:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Naughty But Nice Christmas Cocktail
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Belt It Out Goods, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Horses have always been expensive. But lately, it feels like costs are out of control. This week, we’re talking about how we’re making ends meet. We’re also celebrating the Paralympic Games and fighting the good fight against imposter syndrome.

Guests and Links Episode 128:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Lavender Lemonade
• Link: Para Olympics Round Up
• Link: Liz Halliday Accident Update
• Link: Burghley and AECs Results?
• Guest: Amelia Newcomb
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Zero Proof Horse Treats, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!