“Where Eventing Lives”

In this episode of Go Eventing, we’re bringing energy, education, and honest conversation to the forefront. From cultural shifts to core muscular strength, this episode blends insight and inspiration with real-world takeaways. This episode is a must for anyone who’s ever felt like fitness was an afterthought or an overwhelming mountain to climb, with clarity, compassion, and actionable advice to an often-overlooked element of equestrian sport.

Understanding the order of development matters as much as the work itself. Sally and Ifa also discuss the importance of challenging "pain culture", building a sustainable wellness mindset, and how riders can take accountability for their fitness journey with intention, not guilt.

🔎What’s Inside Episode 11?

Host Sally Spickard is joined by Ifa Simmonds — equestrian fitness performance coach and founder of The Equestrian Fitness Academy — for a deep and energizing conversation about what it really means to be fit to ride — and how rethinking fitness can change everything, for both horse and rider.

Fresh off her trip to CHIO Aachen, Sally reflects on the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s premier equestrian events, and how its inclusive, celebratory vibe can serve as a model for the sport’s future.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...

• 05:52 - News & Notes: An EN Passport to CHIO Aachen & Rebecca Farm

Ifa’s million dollar rant might just be the next big thing! He and Sally discuss Aachen, its format and structure of this particular venue, and what we hope to see at the Event at Rebecca Farm.

42:55 - One Big Thing: Why Fitness Isn't JUST About Squats and Crunches

Performance and prevention are interlinked -- we can’t just be focused on performance, but also can’t be solely focused on prevention because we will worry about what might happen. Join Ifa and Sally in an incredibly in-depth conversation about the balance between you, your horse, your fitness, and your lifestyle.

• 01:04:32 - You Ask, We Answer: Low-Budget Fitness, Fleets of Horse-Ducks, & Two Truths and a Lie

Ifa plays Two Truths and a Lie with Sally, but beware of his fleet of tiny horse-ducks...!

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]

01:32:39 - Finish Flags

Next up: the amazing Noor Slauai of Morocco, who we all fell in love with at the Paris 2024 Olympics💪

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Got thoughts, questions, or feedback? Your voice is a part of our story – we want to hear from you! Find us on social media @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's keep building this community together.

#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

“Where Eventing Lives”

Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week, we welcome not just one, but two names from the eventing scene to the podcast! Fresh off the heels of several major events across the globe, this episode highlights performances, preparation, and progression, all while pulling back the curtain on how mental and emotional development are essential tools for both rider and horse.

🔎What’s Inside Episode 9?

Host Sally Spickard sits down with 5* rider Hannah Sue Hollberg and High Performance Coach Natalie Hummel for a wide-ranging discussion that bridges elite competition with emotional intelligence, personal healing, and the evolving role of coaching in equestrian sport. Natalie shares insights from her work in performance coaching, including how athletes can develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and radical responsibility, while Hannah reflects on the lessons learned from competition and how her own evolution has deepened her partnership with horses. This episode is a deep dive into the soul of the sport — a reminder that while the fences may be big, the real breakthroughs often happen in the quiet, unspoken moments of reflection and connection.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...

• 02:00 - News & Notes: Reviewing the MARS Bromont, Defender Bramham, & Melbourne International 4*-Ls

Sally and Hannah review Bromont and its status as a critical benchmark for riders moving up to the 5* level, Bramham's position as a staple to identify rising talent in the UK, and the thrilling finale at the Melbourne International Three-Day Event. They also discuss Lauren Nicholson's recent wins and Team USA's preparation for the high-stakes competitions to come as we finish out the second half of the year.

• 22:14 - One Big Thing: Mental Health & Space and Its Application in our Horse Lives

Natalie Hummel takes us on an educational journey of the power of emotional regulation, healing in and out of the saddle, and why a non-judgmental, curiosity-driven approach helps both riders and horses thrive. As a student of Natalie's, Hannah Sue offers insight as to how this approach has personally helped her move from a state of reaction to a state of balance, and how Natalie's journey has helped athletes of all levels look inward to unlock their performance goals, transform their behavior, and take ownership of their role as a rider.

[How to Heal - Early Bird Pricing (over $700 off!)]

[How to Perform - Early Bird Pricing (over $700 off!)]

• 01:33:30 - You Ask, We Answer: Future Dressage Fashion, Rhinos on Course, and Hannah’s Treat Training

What new rule would you add to eventing if you could choose? Learn what Hannah's would be, and how she taught a particularly spooky horse to become acclimated to unusual cross-country obstacles!

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]

• 01:46:50 - Finish Flags

Next up on Go Eventing, Sally fulfills a long-awaited check on her bucket list as she interviews the one and only Bettina Hoy! Stay tuned as they discuss the world talent that will grace CHIO Aachen in a few short weeks.

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Your voice is a part of our story! Send us your questions, stories, and feedback — we want to hear from you! Find us on Instagram and Facebook @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's make this your favorite barn commute listen.

#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

“Where Eventing Lives”

Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week, we explore what it means to build an eventing career far from the sport’s traditional strongholds. From the challenges of limited resources to the excitement of a home Olympic Games on the horizon, this conversation dives into the heart of what keeps riders pushing forward in a changing sport — and how community, resilience, and long-term thinking continue to shape the landscape.

This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Sentinel Horse Feed.

🔎What’s Inside Episode 8?

Host Sally Spickard is joined by Australian 5* rider Hazel Shannon, now four-time winner of the 2025 Australian International Three-Day Event 5* at Adelaide and a standout presence in her country’s eventing scene. Hazel shares her unique journey, including the evolution of her partnership with her beloved partner WillingaPark Clifford, navigating major changes in her professional life, and the cultural differences that shape eventing across hemispheres. Whether you're riding at home or chasing big dreams across the globe, this episode is a reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear — and that sometimes the most powerful growth comes from the quietest grit.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...

• 04:20 - News & Notes: Bicton Review & Looking Forward to Bramham, Bromont, Melbourne, & Luhmühlen

Sally reviews the recent Nations Cup CCIO4* at Bicton — where Laura Collett and London 52 secured their historic three-peat victory and the US Eventing Team brought home a second-place finish — previews the extensive entry list for the Luhmühlen 5*, and discusses upcoming 4* events Bramham, Bromont, and the Melbourne International Three-Day.

[Watch Luhmühlen with 15% off a Horse & Country membership: "EVENTINGNATION15"]

• 21:45 - One Big Thing: WillingaPark Clifford & the Australian Eventing Scene

Sally and Hazel dive into the unique realities of eventing in Australia — from the sheer logistics of traveling across a continent the size of the US, to the growing importance of community, innovation, and long-term vision as the nation prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. They discuss the role of Thoroughbreds in Aussie eventing, how Hazel navigated a major shift in her career after parting ways with her longtime coach, and why a long-term mindset matters more than ever in modern sport.

• 01:07:55 - You Ask, We Answer: American Food & Outside the Barn

Sally prompts Hazel to further discuss Aussie riders' apparent horrified relationship with American coffee, event venues in America and bucket-list competitions for the 5* champion, as well as the age-old question about life outside the barn — if there is such a thing.

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]

• 01:15:32 - Finish Flags

Join us next time at Go Eventing when we sit down with performance coach Natalie Hummel — it's going to be one you won't want to miss!

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Got thoughts on today’s episode? Send us your questions, stories, and feedback — we want to hear from you! Find us on Instagram and Facebook @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let’s make this your favorite tack-room listen.

#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

“Where Eventing Lives”

Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week, we take a deep dive into one of the sport’s crown jewels — the Badminton Horse Trials — and we do it with someone who is “the voice of the sport” in many ways, narrating competitions like the Olympics as well as 5*s like Kentucky and Badminton (plus plenty of miles commentating for other equestrian sports!).

🔎What’s Inside Episode 7?

Host Sally Spickard is joined by former eventing rider and current broadcast commentator John Kyle, who is based in the UK with his wife, Pippa Roome of Horse & Hound notoriety, but travels the world to bring his voice and knowledge to equestrian sports in virtually every country. This episode is a blend of event recaps and thoughtful conversations on what it takes to tell the story of eventing to the world — and John’s insights remind us that behind every memorable ride, there’s a story waiting to be told.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...

• 03:12 - News & Notes: Event Recaps and Previews for Badminton, Adelaide, Tryon 4*, and Bicton Eventing Nations Cup

Sally and John touch on Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo's record achievement at Badminton, Hazel Shannon & WillingaPark Clifford's historic Adelaide win, Boyd Martin & Cooley Nutcracker's triumph at Tryon, and preview the Bicton FEI Eventing Nations Cup, where we'll see our US European Development Tour riders compete.

[The Flying Corgi at Badminton (please keep your dogs under control!)]

[Watch the FEI Eventing Nations Cup on FEI.tv]

• 54:57 - One Big Thing: Life as a Commentator & Management of Top Events

John gives us his background in eventing and his commentary career, how he prepares for a commentary session, and his advice to those interested in pursuing a similar career path. He and Sally also discuss how to promote events in a better way, prize money and public visibility with the FEI, and the biggest changes and areas for improvement in the sport.

[John Kyle Speaks]

• 02:02:45 - You Ask, We Answer: Feelings in the Booth, Equestrian Marital Conflict, and an Exorbitant Amount of Airline Miles

Listen in to hear the best event John's worked at, his pet peeves and anxiety in the booth, how many airline miles he has, and the conflicts that arise in sport discussions within his marriage to an equestrian editor.

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]

• 02:14:43 - Finish Flags

Next up on Go Eventing: Adelaide winner Hazel Shannon and high-performance equestrian sports psychologist Natalie Hummel!

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Your voice matters! Share your thoughts, questions, and favorite Badminton moments with us — we want to hear from you! Find us on Instagram and Facebook @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's make this your favorite barn commute listen.

#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

“Where Eventing Lives”

Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. In this episode, we’re taking a look behind the curtain of one of the sport’s biggest weeks — with a guest who knows how to navigate the spotlight and the stirrup in equal measure.

This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Kentucky Performance Products Horse Supplements, where The Horse That Matters to You Matters to Us.

🔎What’s Inside Episode 6?

Host Sally Spickard is joined by rider, coach, and new selector Sinead Maynard for a candid and timely conversation that reflects on the highs, lows, and learning moments from the 2025 Kentucky Three-Day Event. From rookie breakthroughs to sanction headlines, no stone is left unturned as the two explore the nuanced realities of modern eventing.

This episode strikes at the heart of what it means to evolve — as a rider, as a sport, and as a community. Through tough conversations (and our EN-trademarked moments of levity), Sally and Sinead remind us that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress, empathy, and shared responsibility.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...

• 02:06 - News & Notes: Kentucky Recap & Badminton Preview

Sally and Sinead dive into a recap of the top rides and stories from the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and preview the entries and ones to watch at the upcoming Badminton Horse Trials.

[Read about Ali Kuhn and her viral Pink Pony Club mount Little Hail]

• 25:11 - One Big Thing: The Role of Commentary, Media, and Social License

Get behind-the-scenes insights from Sinead about the role of the commentator at international events. She and Sally also address a fairly sensitive topic on everyone's mind right now — how should the media treat incidents like the sanctions that were handed down or like the viral videos of Calvin Böckmann’s near-fall, and how do we help our sport obtain its social license without also brushing things that need to be changed under the rug?

[Warwick Schiller's book: The Principles of Training]

• 01:13:30 - You Ask, We Answer: The Role of a USEF Selector, Starbucks, & Unread Messages

Learn all about Sinead's important role as a USEF Team Selector, along with her controversial Starbucks order and how many unread texts and emails she currently has on her phone!

[Sally's article on Sinead and Allison Springer's Olympic/Burghley Adventures]

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here!]

• 01:27:20 - Finish Flags

Upcoming episodes and next co-host: the voice of international eventing himself — John Kyle!

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Your voice matters! Share your thoughts, questions, and Kentucky hot takes with us — we want to hear from you! Find us on Instagram and Facebook @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts!

#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

🎙️ Mini Episode: Feeding the Event Horse with Kristyn Sturken of Sentinel Horse Feeds

In this special mini episode, we're joined by Kristyn Sturken, Equine Product Manager at Sentinel Horse Feeds, for a quick-hit conversation packed with helpful insights for feeding your event horse.

🏇 Whether you’re galloping toward your next event or just trying to make sense of all the feed options on the market, Kristyn breaks it down in an approachable, myth-busting chat.

We cover:

• 🧠 Key considerations when fueling an event horse across all phases of training and competition

• 💥 What actually gives your horse energy (spoiler: it's not always what you think!)

• 🧪 Why testing your hay is way more important than most riders realize

• ❌ Myths about feeding performance horses—and what you should be focusing on

• 🔍 What extruded feed is and why it might be a game-changer for your horse’s digestion and performance

🎧 Short, sweet, and packed with expert advice, this is one you'll want to revisit next time you’re in the feed room.