Sinead Halpin Maynard hosts intimate conversations with experts in the equestrian community to inspire, motivate, and educate. Sinead is a US 5* event rider with several top 10 finishes at the highest level of the sport including 3rd at KY and 2nd at Burghley.
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This episode of In Stride is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by horsemanship trainer Tristian Tucker.
Tristan Tucker grew up in Australia surrounded by horses, heavily influenced by his mother and grandfather. From a young age, he spent time alongside his mother in racing stables and progressed through pony club in novelty, jumping, and eventing disciplines. He first travelled to Europe in late 1999, where he met his lifelong mentor, Morten Thomsen. In 2011, he began competing internationally with his Grand Prix dressage horse, Grønskovlunds Marquis, and in 2012 relocated permanently to the Netherlands to further his career. In September 2015, he launched the TRT Method online training program with Dutch co-founder Conny Loonstra. The TRT Method is all about helping riders understand their horses rather than control them, trading feelings of expectation for appreciation to create more relaxed, confident partnerships. Today, from his own stable in Langenboom, Noord-Brabant, Tristan trains all levels of horses, teaches international competitors, and gives clinics around the world using his renowned TRT Method.
Tristan shares his journey and the experiences that led to the creation of his unique training approach, including:
• Growing up with horses and the influences that inspired the development of the TRT Method
• What the TRT Method is, how it works, and what makes his approach to training different from others
• How he connects his method to the world of high-performance competition
• His philosophy on teaching and guiding riders toward better communication with their horses
Join Tristan and Sinead for an insightful conversation about the TRT Method and how it helps riders build more relaxed, confident, and understanding partnerships with their horses.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Stephen Bradley.
Stephen Bradley is a highly respected American eventer who, in 1993, won the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, becoming one of only two Americans ever to do so. He also won Canada’s Checkmate International CCI3* three years in a row. He is a two-time Pan American Games team gold medalist and in 1993 was named Equestrian Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Stephen also won the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 1996 with Dr. Dolittle. He was named to the 1992 U.S. Olympic team and has been short-listed for four additional Olympic teams as well as three U.S. World Equestrian Games teams, making him a consistent presence at the top level of the sport for more than three decades.
Stephen shares his perspective on how eventing has evolved and reflects on the highlights of his successful career, including:
• The most significant changes he’s witnessed in the sport over the past decade
• The lessons he learned from competing at the highest level and from his various experiences along the way
• How he managed nerves and pressure in high-level competition
• His thoughts on the public perception of eventing today
Join Stephen and Sinead for an engaging conversation about the sport of eventing and the journey of a world-class competitor.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by para dressage coach and Grand Prix dressage rider Lisa Hellmer. Lisa is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal dressage trainer who runs LCH Equestrian in Ocala, Florida. She is also a Silver USEF Para Dressage Coach and served as the Para Dressage Development Coach for Team USA in 2022 and 2023. In 2010, Lisa graduated summa cum laude from Johnson & Wales University with a bachelor’s degree in Equine Business Management and Riding. After graduation, she worked at The Hanoverian Verband in Germany, where she learned about the breed organization, started and trained young horses, and prepared them for inspections. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for training. Although she now specializes in dressage, Lisa’s foundation includes valuable experience in eventing and show jumping. Lisa shares her journey in the horse world and how it led her to becoming a leader in para dressage, including: • What her role as the Para Dressage Development Coach entailed and how she continues to support the sport today • How her passion for dressage, and specifically para dressage, first began • The variety of jobs she’s held throughout her career and the lessons each one taught her • Why patience is essential and how giving horses time allows them to show what they’re truly capable of Join Lisa and Sinead for an inspiring conversation about her path in the equestrian world and her dedication to the sport of para dressage.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by horsemanship trainer Brendan Wise. Brendan Wise is an American rider and trainer recognized for his work in classical dressage, bridleless riding, and show jumping. He began his career in Natural Horsemanship and Western disciplines, training under John and Josh Lyons, and later founded Brendan Wise Equestrian in Fallston, Maryland, where he offers lessons, clinics, coaching, and performance work. Brendan has competed in show jumping at the National Grand Prix level and is especially known for riding his horse “Lyric” bridleless up to 1.40m in competition, proving that bridleless riding can rival traditional methods. In this episode, Brendan shares his journey in the horse world and how it ultimately led him to bridleless riding, including: • His perspective on classical vs. non-classical riding and how he applies classical principles in his training • Why prioritizing the welfare and happiness of the horse is essential, even while running a business • His path to riding and competing bridleless in the show jumping world • How and why he developed a bridleless system that trains horses to do everything a bridled horse can do Join Brendan and Sinead for an inspiring conversation about the importance of the horse–rider relationship and the ways Brendan’s work honors and strengthens that connection.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international sports photographer Shannon Brinkman. Shannon Brinkman is an internationally recognized equestrian photographer with a career spanning over 30 years. Since beginning professionally in 1991, she has covered six Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, World Cup Finals, and the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Her work, known for capturing the artistry and movement of sport horses, has earned multiple international awards, including the Alltech International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists Media Award for Photography and honors in the FEI Solidarity World Photo Grand Prix. In this episode, Shannon reflects on her career and passion for photographing sport horses, including: • How she first discovered photography and found her way into the equestrian world • The ways she stays inspired and creative behind the camera • What a typical competition week looks like for her and her team • The influence she hopes her images have across different equestrian communities Join Shannon and Sinead for an engaging conversation about her journey, her artistry, and the lasting impact of her work in the world of sport horses.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Canadian Olympic show jumper Michel Vaillancourt. Michel Vaillancourt is a Canadian show jumper, Olympic medalist, coach, and course designer. At just 22 years old, he won the individual silver medal in show jumping at the 1976 Montréal Olympics riding Branch County. After his competitive career, he coached and served as chef d’équipe for the Canadian show jumping team at major championships. Today, he is a respected FEI course designer and has created courses for top competitions, including the Pan American Games and World Cup Finals. In this episode, Michel reflects on his remarkable career as a rider, coach, and course designer, including: • The motivation that has fueled him to stay at the top of the sport • His Olympic journey and the story behind competing at the 1976 Games • The challenges and rewards of course design and his favorite venues • How safety has evolved in the show jumping discipline Join Michel and Sinead for an engaging conversation about his lifelong contributions to the sport and the many roles he has held along the way.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by US 5* event rider and Grand Prix show jumper Sara Kozumplik. Sara Kozumplik is a five-star event rider and Grand Prix show jumper who runs Overlook Farm North in Virginia and Overlook South in Florida. She is a certified U.S. Eventing coach and has coached national teams from Venezuela, Panama, and Barbados at international championships. She is involved in several committees and scholarships within US Eventing and US Equestrian to grow and diversify the sport, including the Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Scholarship. Sara also played a key role in developing TerraNova Equestrian Center and contributes to the strategic planning of major venues such as the Kentucky Horse Park, Morven Park International, Bromont International, and Millbrook Horse Trials. In this episode, Sara shares her perspective on working with venues across the country and her efforts to make eventing more inclusive, including: • A behind-the-scenes look at the US Open at Morven Park in the fall • What she’s observed that makes events and venues successful • Ways people in the sport can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment • Her work with the Strides for Equality Equestrians Ever So Sweet Scholarship and camps Join Sara and Sinead for an insightful discussion on keeping venues thriving and building a more inclusive future for the sport. Click here to learn more about Strides for Equality Equestrians!
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider David O’Connor. David O’Connor is one of the most accomplished event riders in history. He represented the United States at two Olympic Games, earning team silver in 1996 and both individual gold and team bronze in 2000. He claimed individual silver and team gold at the 1999 Pan American Games and team gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games. David served as President of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) from 2004–2012 and was inducted into the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Hall of Fame in 2009, alongside two of his horses. In 2022, he was appointed USEF Chief of Sport, overseeing international and national sport programs, including initiatives in sport integrity, education, and equine and human safety and welfare. In this episode, David shares insights from his role as USEF Chief of Sport and his vision for the future of equestrian competition, including: • How USEF is improving its ability to address and manage horse welfare concerns. • The education programs he’s prioritizing and why they’re essential to the sport’s future. • Updates on preparations for the 2028 LA Olympics and the future of eventing’s place in the Games. • Ways riders, coaches, and supporters can contribute to the growth and evolution of eventing. Join David and Sinead for an insightful conversation about the initiatives, planning, and collaborations shaping the next chapter of the sport.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now!
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider and course designer Clayton Fredericks.
Clayton Fredericks is an Olympic event rider, course designer, and renowned figure in international eventing. His career highlights include winning the FEI World Cup in 2005 and 2008, earning individual silver and team bronze at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, and taking victory at the 2007 Lexington Kentucky CCI4. He won team silver at the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games and also represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics. Beyond competition, he served as International Technical Advisor for the Canadian Eventing Team (2012–2016), was the Rider Representative on the FEI Eventing Committee (2008–2014), and acted as Hong Kong’s Chef d’Equipe at the 2002 Asian Games. As a Level 4 certified course designer, qualified to design at the 5 and championship level, Clayton brings extensive expertise to the sport and the craft of course design.
In this episode, Clayton shares his perspective as both a top event rider and an experienced course designer, including:
• The key characteristics and messages he prioritizes when designing cross-country courses.
• His advice for riders during cross-country training, including the skills they should practice and the priorities they should keep in mind.
• The relationship between the course builder, the course designer, and the technical delegate—and why that collaboration matters.
• How and when communication happens between riders and course designers, and what those conversations typically involve.
Join Clayton and Sinead for an engaging discussion on the creativity, collaboration, and rider perspective that shape today’s cross-country courses.
This episode is a rerelease from April 20th, 2022.
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This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now!
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Tamie Smith about her unconventional path to being a top-level event rider, the role models who have guided her along the way, recent injuries she's learning to ride with, and more.
Tamie is an accomplished 5* event rider with numerous top finishes at some of the world’s biggest events. Tamie:
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This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Grand Prix dressage rider Anna Buffini. Anna Buffini is a highly accomplished American dressage rider. She started with a standout junior career, winning both the team and individual titles at the 2014 U.S. Young Rider National Championship riding Sundayboy, and helping lead Team USA to gold at the FEI North American Youth Championships that same year. In 2016, she claimed the U25 National Championship title at the USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup. As a professional, Buffini has been selected for at least four senior Nations Cup teams, representing the U.S. at top-tier events including Compiègne, Rotterdam, and Aachen. She is also a two-time World Cup finalist, qualifying in 2022 and 2023, where she achieved a sixth-place finish in the freestyle. Based in San Diego, Buffini continues to compete at the Grand Prix level while mentoring young riders, solidifying her reputation as one of the most respected U.S. dressage athletes today. In this episode, Anna Buffini shares her journey in the sport of dressage and the values that continue to guide her career, including: • How her family’s influence and her parents’ guidance helped shape her mindset and work ethic. • Her intentional use of social media to educate, uplift, and bring positivity to the horse world. • How she mentally prepares for competition, including navigating the unpredictability of sport. • Her strategies for maintaining balance, joy, and perspective while pursuing high-level goals. • Her coaching philosophy and the qualities she believes define an effective and supportive trainer. Join Anna and Sinead for an inspiring conversation about the future of equestrian sport and the impact riders can have beyond the arena. Anna’s Book Recommendation: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert.
This episode is also sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now!
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Executive and Personal Coach, Author, and Entrepreneur Kelly Wendorf.
Kelly Wendorf is a lifelong horsewoman, ICF Master Certified Coach, author, and founder of The EQUUS Experience®—an award-winning equine-assisted learning process that helps people tap into deeper awareness and authentic leadership. She began riding as a child and later became a dressage rider and trainer, running a riding school in Santa Fe. Her global journey has included studying with spiritual and Indigenous leaders across India, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia. Kelly also founded Kindred magazine in Australia, where she spent 15 years immersed in neuroscience, social justice, and transformative cultural change. She’s the author of Flying Lead Change and editor of Stories of Belonging, an anthology highlighting diverse and Indigenous voices. Today, Kelly blends her lifelong love of horses with coaching, mentoring, and cultural innovation to help people lead with wisdom, compassion, and presence.
In this episode, Kelly shares the experiences that have shaped her unique approach to working with both horses and people, including:
• How her time with Indigenous communities and spiritual teachers has influenced her work and outlook.
• What inspired her to start EQUUS and how it’s grown into a business focused on connection and transformation.
• The idea that great leaders lead from behind—and how that applies just as much to horses as it does to people.
• Why being present and really listening to your horse’s feedback matters, especially when you're asking something of them.
Join Kelly and Sinead for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation about the human-horse relationship and how deep connection can lead to powerful change.
Listeners of this episode are invited to take the EQUUS course “How to Lead a Transformative Life” at no cost. This powerful 4-hour course (normally $457) takes place over two consecutive Saturdays. Use code EQUUS100KW at checkout — click here to join the course.
This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science.
Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now here: https://purdue.biz/EquitationScience.
In this episode of In Stride, Sinead is joined by 3-day event rider and horsemanship trainer Michael Alway. Michael Alway specializes in starting young horses for all disciplines and equine behavior modification for common issues.
With a strong background in natural horsemanship, Michael began his career in western riding and studied directly under Pat and Linda Parelli.
He competed in two Extreme Mustang Makeovers and served as a freestyle judge at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover from 2019 to 2021.
Michael and his wife, Marion Alway, run Viewpoint Equestrian, a training and coaching business based in Boyce, Virginia. In this episode, Michael shares his journey in the horse world and the core principles behind his training philosophy, including:
•How his early experiences with horses shaped the path to where he is today.
•The key principles he prioritizes when starting young horses.
•His thoughtful approach to pressure and how he teaches that concept to riders.
•The importance of the horse’s confidence in the rider, in the horse’s job, and in the learning process.
Join Michael and Sinead for an insightful conversation about developing a meaningful, trust-based relationship with your horse.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. This episode is also sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now at https://purdue.biz/EquitationScience! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by US Olympic dressage rider Ali Brock. Ali Brock is a U.S. Olympic dressage rider and trainer known for her dedication to the sport and to the horses and riders she supports. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, she left the islands at 17 to pursue a dressage career and went on to work under top professionals, including Olympian Sue Blinks. In 2004, she became head trainer at Deer Meadow Farm with the support of Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, and later spent time training in Europe with Jan Brink, Kyra Kyrklund, and Richard White. Ali earned international recognition riding Rosevelt, a 2002 Hanoverian stallion, as part of the U.S. team that won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics—the first Olympic dressage medal for the U.S. in 12 years. She actively supports youth programs like Dressage4Kids and has served as the Equestrian Representative for the Athletes Advisory Council. Now based in Wellington, Florida, she continues to train horses and riders at the highest levels and to mentor the next generation of Grand Prix trainers. In this episode, Ali shares her philosophy on training and how it supports a strong, lasting partnership between horse and rider, including: •How a horse’s emotional state influences her training approach and why recognizing that is essential. •The importance she places on the rider-horse relationship and the early mentors who shaped that perspective. •What commonly used dressage terms like “thoroughness” and “harmony” really mean in practice. •Why rules and regulations in horse sport should be based on evidence and context—not just snapshots or headlines. Join Ali and Sinead for an honest and thoughtful conversation about the future of the sport and how riders can prioritize partnership in their daily training.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4 event rider Michael Nolan. Michael Nolan is a skilled Irish event rider with a diverse background in fox hunting, racehorses, show jumping, and eventing. He rode for top Irish yards including Cooley Farms, Kedrah House Stud, and Tomgar Sport Horses before moving to the U.S. to further his career. He spent seven years working with 4 rider and ICP instructor Robin Walker, developing horses through the advanced level. Michael’s recent results include top finishes at the 2023 Morven Park and Plantation Field CCI3*-S with Carrabeg Hulla Balou. He now runs Nolan Sporthorses, a training and coaching business, with his wife Mckenna Knott. They are based in Florida during the winter and Michigan in the summer. In this episode, Michael shares an inside look at the realities of the industry, including: •How he got his start with horses in Ireland and eventually found his way to eventing. •His approach to starting young horses and why he believes professionals should develop their own. •The differences in horse culture between the U.S. and Ireland. •The importance of trusting your feel in the saddle and teaching students to do the same. Join Michael and Sinead for an honest and insightful conversation about building a career in eventing, from breaking young horses to trusting your instincts in the saddle.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4 event rider Alex O’Neal. Alex O’Neal is a top-level U.S. event rider and course designer known for his thoughtful approach to developing both horses and riders. Originally from the Chicago area, Alex grew up foxhunting and competing in Pony Club. Now based in Ocala, Florida, he competes successfully through the four-star level and has earned accolades including a win at the Ocala Jockey Club CCI3-L, a top finish at the USEF National 7-Year-Old Championship, and multiple selections to the USEF Development Training List. Alongside his wife, 5* event rider Ellie O’Neal, he runs O’Neal Equestrian, a thriving program focused on training, competition, and breeding. The pair have produced numerous homebred “Redtail” horses, regularly developing young talent through the USEA’s YEH and FEH programs. With a passion for course design and a commitment to horsemanship, Alex continues to be a respected and rising presence in the U.S. eventing community. In this episode, Alex shares insights into his career, business, and life in the sport, including: •What it’s been like competing in Europe as part of the Developing Tour and how the experience is shaping his perspective. •How his business model has evolved over the years and the lessons he’s learned along the way. •The dynamic he and his wife Ellie have as partners in both business and riding, and how they support each other in and out of the saddle. •Why he values starting his horses from the ground up through his breeding program and how that impacts long-term success. Join Alex and Sinead in this engaging conversation about riding at the highest level while building a business and a balanced life around it.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5 event rider Sally Cousins. Sally Cousins is an accomplished FEI 5 international event rider and was the USEA Leading Lady Rider for six consecutive years (2008–2013). She began riding as a young child after her family purchased a farm in Oxford, Pennsylvania, and quickly found her passion through Pony Club and the sport of eventing. By her mid-teens, Sally had completed her first one-star three-day event, and at just 20 years old, she traveled to England to compete at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials. She remained in the UK that year and went on to complete the Burghley Horse Trials later that season. In addition to her riding career, Sally spent 16 years working as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch before deciding to turn professional and commit fully to eventing. Today, she operates Sally Cousins Eventing, training horses and riders out of her bases in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. In this episode, Sally reflects on the choices and philosophies that have shaped her decades-long career in eventing, including: •How being strategic about which events she entered helped her horses stay sound and competitive for longer. •Why she’s never hesitated to withdraw a horse at the last minute if they weren’t ready, prioritizing their well-being over competition goals. •What led her to leave a successful 16-year career as a stockbroker to pursue horses full-time. •The importance of building a trusting relationship with each horse and following her gut when deciding whether to push forward or hold back. Join Sally and Sinead in this thoughtful conversation about longevity, horsemanship, and the mindset behind a sustainable career in the sport.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4 event rider Jenny Caras. Jenny Caras is a top American event rider and international competitor. Originally from Cartersville, Georgia, she got her start foxhunting and training with Cathy Stephenson, later developing under Olympic medalist Julie Richards. She earned team gold and individual bronze at the 2013 NAJYRC, was the top-placed young rider at Fair Hill CCI3 in 2015, and won the CCI3-L at Bromont in 2018. In 2023, she claimed victory in the CCI4-L at TerraNova with Trendy Fernhill. Jenny has been a consistent member of the USEF Eventing Pathway Program, was awarded the Wilton Fair Grant, and has represented the U.S. on European Development Tours. After three years working with Phillip Dutton, she launched Caras Eventing International. She is currently based in England and continues to compete at the highest levels of the sport. In this episode, Jenny shares her story and pivotal moments in her career, including: •How receiving the Wilton Fair Grant was a life-changing opportunity, helping make international travel and competition financially possible. •Her experience working with racehorses, how the approach differs between the U.S. and England, and how it has shaped the way she trains her event horses. •Why she chose not to immediately join a training program upon arriving in England, trusting her instincts and understanding what was best for herself and her horses. •Her decision to work with a sports psychologist, what led her to it, and how it’s positively impacted her performance and mindset. Join Jenny and Sinead in this inspiring conversation about the decisions, risks, and resilience that have shaped her career.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 international event rider Bec Braitling. Bec Braitling is an accomplished international event rider and highly respected coach. Originally from Australia, she represented her country at the Young Rider Trans-Tasman Championships in 1998, 2000, and 2002, and was selected to compete in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Test Event. Since then, she has earned top results at CCI4 and CCI5* events around the world and represented Australia at the 2023 CHIO Aachen and Nations Cup at Haras de Jardy. Bec is a USEA ECP Level V certified instructor and a member of the ECP Faculty. She coached the Area VI Young Riders and NAYC Eventing Team from 2017 to 2019, and currently serves on the USEA ECP Committee, the EA21 Task Force, and as a Regional Coach for the EA21 program. In recognition of her contributions to the sport, Bec was awarded the USEA Foundation's Captain Mendivil-Yucupicio Grant in 2021 and received the Mike Huber Trophy for her dedication to the next generation of riders. She is the head trainer at Arnell Sporthorses and based out of Twin Rivers Ranch. In this episode, Bec shares key insights and experiences from her career, including: •Why she chose to move to the U.S. and how her experiences differed on the East and West Coasts. •Her experience with the Instructor Certification Program and how it shaped her as a coach. •The importance of getting horses in the ring and how access to competition opportunities can vary depending on where you are. •Her partnership with her top horse, Ernie, and the journey they’ve shared. Join Bec and Sinead in this exciting conversation that spans continents, career milestones, and the lessons learned along the way.
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event rider Michael Pollard. Michael Pollard is a former international event rider and Pan American Games gold medalist. He rose quickly through the ranks, earning the Markham Trophy at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at just 18 and being named the U.S. Eventing Association’s Young Rider of the Year in 2001. He went on to represent the United States at top international competitions including Luhmühlen, Burghley, and Rolex Kentucky. Throughout his riding career, Michael also ran a successful business outside of the horse world, which helped support his ambitions in the sport. In 2016, he made the decision to step away from competition to focus on his companies and to spend more time with his family. In recent years, Michael has returned to the sport as both a rider and coach, bringing with him a fresh perspective shaped by his time away and his experience across multiple arenas. In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey in the sport, including: •His decision to step away from eventing despite being at the top of his game. •How he views commitment, sacrifice, and where horses fit into his list of priorities. •The role his business ventures and financial strategy played in supporting his riding career. •What it looks like to balance family life with ambitious career goals. Join Michael and Sinead in this exciting conversation about his unique perspective on life in and out of the saddle. Book recommendations: •5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life By Bill Eddy
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by world-class horsemanship trainer Warwick Schiller. Warwick Schiller is a lifelong horseman, international reiner, and host of The Journey On Podcast. Originally from Australia, he moved to the U.S. to pursue his passion for training horses, eventually becoming an NRHA Reserve World Champion and representing Australia at the 2010 and 2018 World Equestrian Games. Known for his clear and compassionate teaching style, he has coached riders to top titles including NRHA World Champion and Rookie of the Year. Warwick is the author of The Principles of Training and runs Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship in California with his wife Robyn and son Tyler, focusing on relationship-first horsemanship. In this episode, Warwick discusses topics related to his training philosophy, including: •Why putting the relationship with the horse and the horse’s sense of safety should come before all else. •How personal growth and self-awareness can deepen your connection with your horses and improve your effectiveness as a trainer. •The importance of setting horses up for success at every stage, rather than skipping over issues or rushing the process. •Small, intentional changes that can create a big difference in the training space. Join Warwick and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the importance of prioritizing the relationship with the horse. Book recommendations: •Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel by Carl Safina •Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts •Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World―A Memoir of Nature's Healing Power by Craig Foster •The Principles of Training: Understanding The Relationship Between You and Your Horse, and Why Effective Training Works by Warwick Schiller •10% Happier by Dan Harris
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 4 event rider and coach Rebecca Brown. Rebecca Brown is a 4 event rider and 2005 North American Youth Championships gold medalist, where she competed on her horse Twinkle Toes. She has built an impressive upper-level career with standout results aboard her longtime partner Dassett Choice, including a win in the Advanced at Chattahoochee Hills in 2019, fifth in the Advanced at Rocking Horse in 2020, and a win in the Advanced Intermediate at the Virginia Horse Trials. The pair completed their first CCI4*-S at Stable View Oktoberfest in 2020. Rebecca also competes Fernhill Fortitude, an Irish Sport Horse gelding with top ten finishes at Red Hills International and MARS Great Meadow International. Based in Dallas, Texas, she runs Rebecca Brown Riding, a successful training and coaching business that supports riders and horses from the lower levels through the FEI ranks. In this episode, Rebecca discusses topics related to her riding career and training business, including •Balancing the business of training and coaching with the personal passion for producing her own competition horses. •Recognizing when it’s time to transition a horse to a new rider to support the horse’s long-term success. •Navigating the impact of social media on barn culture and fostering a positive, supportive training environment. •A look at the standout horses that helped relaunch her upper-level career and an inside look at her current competition string. Join Rebecca and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the real-life challenges and rewards of being a professional in the horse world. This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5 event rider Buck Davidson. Buck Davidson is a very accomplished and recognizable figure in international eventing. A three-time winner of the Markham Trophy and the 1996 Young Rider of the Year, he has represented the U.S. at the highest levels, including the Pan American Games, World Equestrian Games, and numerous CCI5 events. Davidson claimed team gold and individual bronze at the 2011 Pan Ams with Absolute Liberty and has three USEF CCI5-L National Championships to his name. In recent years, he has continued to produce top results, including second- and third-place finishes at the 2021 Virginia International Horse Trials CCI4-L with Cooley Candyman and Sorocaima, and a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event with Carlevo. He runs BDJ Equestrian with his wife, Andrea, and is the father of two daughters. Most recently, he placed 13th at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event riding Sorocaima. In this episode, Buck discusses topics related to the sport of eventing, including: •His perspective on how competitions could evolve to become more engaging for spectators while also promoting smarter, more selective riding. •The importance of a rider prioritizing their horse’s well-being over competitive ambition. •The commitment, resilience, and mindset required to reach—and remain—at the top of the sport. •Striking a balance between trusting his own experience and staying open to continued learning and growth. Join Buck and Sinead in this exciting conversation on balancing elite performance with responsibility, growth, and the evolving future of the sport.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by podcast host and commentator Annie Bishop. Annie Bishop is a respected voice in eventing, known for her insightful commentary and engaging podcast work. She co-hosts the US Equestrian Open Eventing Review Show alongside Diarm Byrne, providing expert analysis of major competitions across the country. Her deep roots in the sport come from her parents: the late Wash Bishop, a U.S. Olympic eventer and coach, and Juliet Graham, an Olympic rider for Canada. In addition to her work with US Equestrian, Annie has contributed to platforms like the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, where she continues to share her expertise and passion. Through her media presence, Annie remains a prominent figure in the eventing world, helping to deepen appreciation for the sport among fans and participants alike. In this episode, Annie discusses topics related to her journey as a podcast host and commentator, including: •What it was like growing up on a farm with two renowned horse trainers as parents. •How she found her way back into the eventing world after college and launched a production company. •The importance of livestreaming events worldwide to showcase the talent of both horses and riders. •Her approach to commentary—acknowledging when things go wrong without casting them in a negative light. Join Annie and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the importance of giving eventing a voice and bringing its stories to a wider audience.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4 event rider Lucienne Bellissimo. Lucienne Bellissimo is an international CCI4 event rider, ranked 9th in the 2023 US Eventing Rankings and among the top 50 in the World FEI Eventing Athlete Rankings. Born in The New Forest, Hampshire, UK, she grew up riding and competing both racehorses and event horses. Her training has been influenced by top names, including Oliver Townend, Mark Todd CBE, and Erik Duvander. Alongside her riding career, Lucienne holds a BSc in chiropractic and founded the equestrian startup Horse Scout, later securing backing from Google Campus London and Black Box VC USA. Now based in Florida and South Carolina, she continues to compete at the highest levels while blending her passion for sport and technology. In this episode, Lucienne discusses topics related to the business side of eventing, including: •The sales-driven mindset she developed growing up. •Her journey to founding Horse Scout Eventing, a thriving training and sales business. •The internal struggle of keeping top horses to pursue her dreams versus selling them to sustain her business. •How the emphasis on dedication and training in eventing makes the sport more accessible. •Her strategies for maintaining both mental and physical health. Join Lucienne and Sinead in this exciting conversation on balancing equestrian success with business savvy.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international horse dealer Richard Sheane. Richard Sheane is a renowned horse dealer who runs Cooley Farm in Wicklow, Ireland, alongside his wife, Georgina Philips. Cooley Farm is a leading source of top-quality Irish sport horses, recognized globally under the “Cooley” name. Richard started his career working for international showjumpers Jack and Edward Doyle but always aspired to buy and sell horses himself. His expertise and dedication transformed Cooley Farm into a global leader, with several horses achieving 5 success. In 2018, Cooley Master Class became the first Cooley horse to win a 5. The previous year at Blenheim 2017, Cooley Lands won the CIC3 eight- and nine-year-old class, and Cooley Cross Border won the CCI3. In this episode, Richard discusses topics related to producing and selling young horses, including: •His approach to sourcing and producing the top young horses in Ireland. •The characteristics that make a good horseman and young horse trainer. •Where the name “Cooley” came from and what the name says about the standard of the horse. •What buyers should prioritize when looking for the right horse. Join Richard and Sinead in this exciting conversation about sourcing, producing, and selling quality young horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by horsemanship trainers Tik Maynard and Nick Rivera. Tik Maynard, the 2024 and 2025 Road to the Horse Champion, is partnered with fellow horsemanship trainer and Pen Wrangler Nick Rivera. Tik has been both Long-Listed and Short-Listed for the Canadian National Three-Day Event Team, won the Freestyle at the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2015 and 2018, and is the author of In The Middle Are The Horsemen. He teaches clinics nationwide and runs a training business at Copperline Farm with his wife, Sinead Halpin Maynard. Nick, a Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin graduate, has been passionate about horses since childhood and turned professional after college. He co-created the nationwide product “Whinny Water” with Ryan Rose and now contributes to The Horseman’s University, where he hopes to inspire students through education, challenges, and shared adventures with his horse, Jasper. In this episode, Tik and Nick discuss topics related to natural horsemanship and The Road to the Horse, including: •What the Road to the Horse competition is and the important role a Pen Wrangler plays in the event. •How Tik and Nick prepared for the competition by prioritizing the process over the outcome. •The unexpected lessons they discovered along the way. •How natural horsemanship techniques can benefit sport horses by making them happier and better understood. Join Tik, Nick, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about their unforgettable Road to the Horse journey.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event riders Arthur and Logan Duffort. Arthur and Logan Duffort are international event riders and trainers who run their business, Otis Eventing, from a farm in the Loire Valley, France. They began managing a yard together in 2012, shortly after getting married. Between them, they boast an impressive list of accomplishments. Arthur spent four years riding for Andrew Nicholson and has competed up to the 5* level, earning placings at Burghley and completing both Badminton and Pau. He was selected to represent France in the 7-year-old World Championships and has secured multiple wins and placings at national events, ranging from pre-novice to advanced levels. Logan spent two years riding for William Fox-Pitt, one year with Laura Collett, and also rode part-time for Mark Todd. She was selected to represent the USA in the 7-year-old World Championships and at the London Olympic Test Event. In this episode, Arthur and Logan discuss topics related to training and working as a team, including: •Their backgrounds in horses and the story of how they met. •Developing a training system that blends and enhances their individual styles. •Establishing a camp designed to teach young riders how to build a professional career in the industry. •Exploring the cultural differences between France and the US when it comes to horse training and sales. Join Arthur, Logan, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about bridging their backgrounds and creating a successful business.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5 event rider Daniela Moguel. Daniela Moguel is a renowned rider, trainer, and coach, and the first to represent Mexico at the 5 level. Early in her career she rode at El Mirador in Mexico City under former eventer Aurelio Quinzaños and FEI dressage judge Maribel Quinzaños. From 2010 to 2011, she trained regularly with Brian Sabo, Mexico's coach for the 2010 Central American Games. Daniela then worked with Pan American silver medalist show jumper Luis Ximenes Fyve from 2012 to 2014. She also spent years training with Karen and David O’Connor, who helped her prepare for the Pan American Games, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and the World Equestrian Games. Daniela is now embarking on a new chapter, moving to Cambodia to coach the national team and compete globally. In this episode, Daniela discusses topics related to her journey as a Latin American rider who has risen to the top of the sport, including: •The importance of self-belief and surrounding yourself with people who recognize your potential. •Seizing the opportunity to move to America, train with top professionals, and prove she can compete at the highest level. •The cultural contrasts between America and Mexico. •Her upcoming move to Cambodia to coach the national team. Join Daniela and Sinead in this exciting conversation about self-confidence and creating opportunities.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by equestrian journalist Sally Spickard. Sally Spickard is the Managing Editor at Eventing Nation and has contributed to several renowned publications within and beyond the equestrian world. Since joining the Eventing Nation team in 2013, Sally has built an extensive network in the industry. Her career has taken her to the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, and she has also served as the Press Officer for multiple FEI events in the United States. A Korean adoptee, Sally currently resides in San Diego, California. In this episode, Sally discusses topics related to the job of journalist in the equestrian community, including: •The importance of presenting both sides of a story and gathering information from multiple sources. •How she built a successful career combining her love for horses and journalism. •Exploring strategies to invite and engage a broader audience. •Managing the challenges of being both a reporter and an active member of the equestrian community. Join Sally and Sinead in this exciting conversation that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an equestrian journalist.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Mike Winter. Mike Winter is a Canadian event rider who has represented his country in numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games, Pan American Championships, and FEI World Championships. He competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and most recently in the 2024 Paris Olympics with his horse, El Mundo. In 2023, Mike and El Mundo were part of the gold medal-winning Canadian team at the Santiago Pan American Games. Based in the heart of the Cotswolds, Mike runs Wayfarer Eventing alongside his wife and daughter, Emma and Amelia Winter. Together, they source, produce, and compete horses at the prestigious 5* level of eventing. In this episode, Mike discusses topics related to social licensing and horse welfare, including: •The responsibility of riders and trainers to advocate for ethical training methods. •Creating a sustainable sport by improving retirement processes and ensuring accountability in post-career management. •Comparing UK vs. US training cultures and how they approach balancing athleticism with trainability. •Restructuring Canada’s high-performance program to help ensure the sport evolves in the best interest of the horse. Join Mike and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the most pressing topics shaping the world of eventing.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5* event rider Jesse Campbell. Jesse Campbell is a highly accomplished international 5-star event rider. Born and raised in New Zealand, he moved to England to train under renowned eventer Andrew Nicholson. At just 21, he was selected for the New Zealand Eventing High Performance Squad, based in the UK. That same year, he secured his first European CCI 3-star championship title. At 22, Jesse established his own competition yard in the Downs of Marlborough. In 2013, he represented New Zealand at the Eventing Nations Cup Championship, achieving a top-ten result—one of the highest scores for the New Zealand team. Over the course of his career, he has claimed 21 major national and international eventing titles and sports awards. Jesse was married to fellow event rider Georgie Strang, who tragically passed away in 2024 following a riding accident. In this episode, Jesse discusses topics related to his career and life experiences, including: •How he handled losing his wife, Georgie Strand, and what helped him get through it. •The differences in horse training and management in New Zealand and the UK. •How sports psychology has helped him in his high-performance career. •Starting a foundation for his late wife that focuses on young rider grants and cross-country safety. Join Jesse and Sinead in this exciting conversation about finding strength in the horses.
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Boyd Martin about how he has setup his life to help fuel his competitive success.Boyd and Sinead discuss what it's like for Boyd to be named to another championship team for the World Eventing Championships in 2022. Boyd talks about growing up in New Zealand with two Olympic athletes as parents. His mom was a speed skater, and his father was a cross-country ski racer. Boyd had an untraditional upbringing in the sense that sports were a central part of his life. Boyd's parents were super supportive of him moving to America to pursue his riding career. He talks about the culture shock he experienced when he first came to America and having to adjust to the different way the eventing community operates. Boyd talks about the operation and barn culture he has created to support the best competitive success possible.
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to David O'Connor about horsemanship in competition.David is one of the most accomplished event riders in history. David: •Represented the US at two Olympic Games, winning a team silver in 1996 and an individual gold and team bronze in 2000•Won individual silver and team gold at the 1999 Pan Am games•Won team gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games•Was President of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) from 2004-2012•Inducted to the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Hall of Fame in 2009; two of his horses are also in the hall of fame
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Lucinda Green about the fundamental partnership based on trust riders must have with their horses. Lucinda left school at 15-years-old to attend an untraditional “look and learn” school where she was taught about a range of topics including world religion, politics, and the history of art. Lucinda’s mom was involved in fox hunting and her father played international polo. Lucinda and Sinead talk about how the equestrian profession has changed over the decades and importance of horsemanship in being a successful competitor. Lucinda talks about the uniqueness of each rider and each horse and how she always prioritized mutual trust with her horses. Lucinda is a passionate advocate of challenging cross-country courses as a way of being true to the sport of eventing and she discusses how the sport has evolved over time and the risks that come with that type of evolution. Lucinda tells stories from her first-time winning Badminton at 19 years old to her long, successful career after that.
Host Sinead Halpin Maynard interviews her husband Tik Maynard in this inaugural episode of In Stride. Sinead and Tik talk about the love languages of our horses and what motivates them to be our partners.Tik is a sought-after natural horsemanship and eventing trainer. Tik: •Is an "A" pony club graduate•Was inducted to the Canadian Pony Club Hall of Fame•Represented Canada in modern pentathalon in the 2007 Pan Am Games•Has worked with many of the greats in equestrian sports including Ingrid Klimke, the O Connors, Anne Kursinski, and Ian Miller•Is very interested in the relationship between horse and rider, how horses think/feel/play, and what motivates them
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 4 event rider Gabby Dickerson. Gabby grew up in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where she developed a passion for horses at an early age. By 12, she was a working student for Olympian Kim Severson, sparking her love for eventing. After high school, she gained international experience in Europe, working with esteemed riders Nicola Wilson, Ingrid Klimke, and Dirk Schrade. Upon returning to the U.S., Gabby founded Gabby Dickerson Eventing in Charlottesville, VA, where she has trained and competed horses to the 4 level. Her achievements include receiving the prestigious Wilton Fair Grant, enabling further training and competition in Europe. In this episode, Gabby discusses topics related to her career and learning opportunities, including: •Her experience working for Kim Severson at a young age. •How the training mentality is different in Europe vs. the United States. •Being successful by finding the places that offer opportunity. •Working for top riders in Europe and what she was able to learn from each of them. •How she started her business in the United States after returning from Europe. Join Gabby and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the importance of chasing opportunities.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead and Tik Maynard are joined by event riders Erin and Marc Grandia. Erin and Marc Grandia are based out of Washington State, where they operate Full Gallop Eventing, a top equestrian facility focused on training horses and riders to be successful at all levels of eventing. Marc has competed through the CCI4 and advanced levels of eventing and is licensed to design cross-country courses through the intermediate level. Marc specializes in starting young horses under saddle and is an ICP level 3 certified instructor. Erin has ridden through the CCI3 and intermediate levels and is an ICP level 2 certified instructor. Erin enjoys coaching riders up the levels and helping them reach their goals. In this episode, Erin and Marc discuss topics related to running a training business, including: •Figuring out each other's strengths and using that to set up a great business model. •How they were involved in horses growing up and how they met. •Balancing the business’ needs and personal ambitions to compete at a high level. •Working with young horses and figuring out their personality throughout the training process. •Marc’s style and approach when designing a cross-country course. Join Erin, Marc, Tik, and Sinead in the exciting conversation about juggling a business, family, and competitive goals.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4 event rider Mary Bess Davis. Mary Bess Davis is the trainer and owner of the world-class equestrian facility, Triple Creek Eventing, located in Mansfield, Georgia. Mary Bess grew up in an equestrian family and from a young age participated in fox hunting, vaulting, pony club, and hunters. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in biology, all while building her training, selling, and coaching business at Triple Creek Farm. Mary Bess has produced multiple horses through the Advanced level and has had young riders compete at NAYRC winning gold, silver, and bronze team and individual medals for the CCI2 and CCI3 levels. With her horse, Imperio Magic, also known as McColl, Mary Bess finished 19th out of 95 and helped Team USA win silver at the 2024 FEI Eventing Nation’s Cup in Boekelo. Mary Bess has a passion for bringing horses and students up the levels and aims to compete at the 5 level in the coming year. In this episode, Mary Bess discusses topics related to her career as an event rider, including: •What motherhood taught her about horses’ learning styles and competing at a high level. •The major injuries she's had over the years and how she grew from them. •The strengths and weaknesses of thoroughbreds and warmbloods as eventing horses. •Finding a good support system to help get through tough times. •How participating in various disciplines as a child has helped her as a professional event rider. Join Kimberly and Sinead in this exciting conversation about winning with diligence and discipline.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by mindset coach and host of the Equestrian Mastermind Podcast, Natalie Hummel. Natalie went from being a top-level event rider to a life coach who's all about helping athletes conquer the challenges holding them back. Natalie received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisville with a major in Psychology and a minor in Wellness. She was also the head research assistant in the learning and performance lab and went on to obtain her Wellcoaches certification and Mastery Coach certification. Natalie’s work focuses on building capacity in the nervous system to help riders of all levels reach their full potential. Natalie offers a 4-month group program called “How to Heal” where she helps riders transform into the best version of themselves. In this episode, Natalie discusses topics related to nervous system mindset work, including: •What prompted her to start the “How to Heal” program. •Finding a community of people that challenges and supports you. •Not allowing self-doubt to get in the way of reaching full potential. •Learning to turn towards biology and the nervous system when trying to solve problems. Join Natalie and Sinead in this exciting conversation about using community and mindset work to grow.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4 event rider Kimberly Cecere. Kimberly Cecere is an up-and-coming event rider with two FEI wins, one national win, and three top 20 finishes at the 4Long level. Kimberly grew up on her parent's farm in Littleton, Massachusetts, where her mom ran a riding school. Kimberly attended the University of Kentucky, where she got an undergraduate degree in equine science and business. After graduating, she got a job as the assistant coach of the hunt seat team at Bridgewater College while getting her MBA at North Central University. Kimberly then started working for Lauren Nicholson, where she stayed for 7 years and started working with Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Monaco, with whom she competed at the 4* level. Kimberly received the 2020 Wilton Fair Grant, which allowed her to spend 6 months training in England, where she worked with British Olympic Eventing Team coach Chris Bartle and world-ranked eventers Tim and Jonelle Price. Kimberly moved home from England and started building her own training and coaching business in Southern Pines, North Carolina. In this episode, Kimberly discusses topics related to her career as an event rider, including: •Her experience working with event rider Lauren Nicholson and owner Jackie Mars. •How natural horsemanship helped her with starting young horses. •The importance of taking the emotion out of the job and showing up for the horses every day. •The technicalities and philosophies she learned while spending six months training in England. •Working with British Olympic Eventing Team coach Chris Bartle and world-ranked eventers Tim and Jonelle Price. Join Kimberly and Sinead in this exciting conversation about winning with diligence and discipline.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead and Tik Maynard are joined by event riders Lindsay and Xavier Traisnel. Lindsay and Xavier Traisnel are based out of Ontario, Canada, where they own and run Windsor-Essex Equestrian Center, an elite training program that focuses on producing top horses and riders. Lindsay has been named to multiple Canadian High Performance lists and was selected to compete on the Canadian Eventing Team at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where they won gold. Along with team gold, Lindsay was the highest-placed Canadian, earning a bronze medal with her horse "Bacyrouge." Xavier has produced young horses that eventually went on to be very successful at the 5* level or compete at the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics and has sourced horses for upper-level riders such as Will Coleman, Lauren Nicholson, and British rider Kitty King. Xavier also has a university degree from the Cadre Noir De Saumur in Business and Sports Management and has his international instructor level 3 certification. In this episode, Lindsay and Xavier discuss topics related to training horses and riders, including: •The pros and cons of learning from a traditional riding school funded by the government. •Controlling the quality of instructors and coaches by having certifications and proper riding education. •Making the transition from competing in Europe to running a farm in Canada and having a family. •Teaching kids from the beginning and helping them get their first horses. •Putting the horse first in the training and taking pressure off of competition results. Join Lindsay, Xavier, Tik, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about training the next generation of riders.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who wants to feel confident in a clinic setting and find a mental space that allows her to receive all the information. They discuss the importance of creating a system of safety from within in order to avoid defense patterns and stay open to learning. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help heal her younger self from the misunderstanding that she didn’t belong and wasn’t good enough so that she can feel safe and confident to learn in a clinic setting.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 event rider Emily Hamel. Emily Hamel grew up in rural Wisconsin, competing in local 4-H and breed shows. Eventually, Emily moved to Lexington, KY, where she coached the University of Kentucky Dressage Team and taught people through the CCI3 level. In 2015, Emily started working for multiple-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, and in 2020, she started a lesson and training business, Emily Hamel Eventing, out of Phillip's True Prospect Farm. During her time with Phillip, Emily bought her now 5 horse Corvett, also known as Barry. The pair has competed at Badminton and Burghley, finished 10th in the 5 at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event, finished 5th at the 2023 Stable View Okotberfest CCI4-S, and finished 11th at the 2023 Maryland CCI5. Emily was also named to the US Equestrian Eventing Developing Riders List for 2024. In this episode, Emily discusses topics related to her career and relationship with Barry, including: •What got her interested in mindset work, nutrition, and fitness and how it led to her podcast “The Whole Equestrian.” •The lessons she learned in her time working for Phillip Dutton and how she has made her program stand out from the one she came from. •Learning to control nerves so that they help her reach peak performance. •Spending a summer in England to train and compete and how she prepared for that trip. •The importance of trusting her and Barry’s abilities and relationship in order to accomplish big goals. Join Emily and Sinead in this exciting conversation about training and competing.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who wants to be able to consistently regulate her body in the moments of fight or flight and not allow competition results to make or break her confidence. They discuss the importance of finding a coach that provides a safe space to make mistakes and how a person can find wholeness from within and not from external sources. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help heal her younger self so that she can embrace the possibility of embarrassment and know that she is loved and supported regardless of her performance.
In this episode, Natalie celebrates with one of her clients, who placed 4th and won the highest placed thoroughbred in her division at the 2024 American Eventing Championships. They reflect on all that she learned in the “How to Heal” program and discuss how she was able to bring her goals to fruition. Natalie and her client talk through the steps of the program and the importance of learning, receiving feedback, growing the nervous system’s capacity, and making the necessary changes. Through these steps, she was able to achieve her goal and become a more confident rider and horsewoman.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by event and dressage riders Matt Brown and Cecily Clark. Matt and Cecily founded their training and riding business, East West Training Stables, in 2004. The business started out in Petaluma, California, before eventually moving to Cochranville, Pennsylvania, in 2015 so Matt could pursue a spot on the US Eventing Team. After their move to the east coast, Matt completed his first CCI5 at the 2016 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event as the highest-placed rookie and was named as a reserve for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games US Eventing Team. His success continued that year with a spot on the Land Rover US Eventing Team for Aachen CICO4, where he helped the team secure their 6th place finish in July. In 2017, Matt finished 6th at the Rolex Kentucky CCI5* with Super Socks BCF and was the USEA Gold Cup Advanced Champion at the American Eventing Championships with BCF Belicoso. While Matt’s passion is eventing, Cecily has a background in Hunters and Equitation and is currently pursuing goals as a dressage rider. Cecily brought a former eventer, Ringwood Galaxy, through the levels to Intermediare and is currently training the Grand Prix movements with him. Cecily also graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. in History from the Dominican University of California. In this episode, Matt and Cecily discuss topics related to the evolution of horse training, including: •Learning more about horses’ behavior and applying that information to training. •The different set of skills that is required for training horses and teaching people. •Using natural horsemanship to solve problems in a way that is better for the horse. •Teaching riders to have emotional control in a way that helps them have confidence in the saddle. •How a fixed mindset can hinder your progress, and a learning mindset can push you towards your goal. Join Matt, Cecily, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about putting the horse first.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who wants to be able to harness the power of judgement and be content with the process so that she can progress in a way that doesn’t feel frantic. They discuss people’s tendency to rely on judgment to progress when it’s blocking them from feeling completely safe. They also discuss how people can re-program their nervous system to function in a way that allows for full potential. Natalie guides her through an exercise to show her how to work with judgment and use it to bring herself back to a place where she can feel content and truly ok.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 event rider Mia Farley. Mia Farley is a young event rider that has quickly risen to the top of the sport and is currently named to the US Developing Rider list. Mia grew up in San Clemente, California, and started riding at the age of 3 with the help of her mother, hunter/jumper trainer Rebecca Farley. After deciding to pursue eventing, Mia moved to Middleburg, Virginia in 2018 to train and work with event riders David and Karen O’Connor. Mia’s career quickly took off, and she has since been very successful with her off-the-track Thoroughbred Phelps. The pair finished on the podium in the 4 at Morven Park in 2022 and finished fifth place at the Maryland 5 in 2023, where they were the only pair to have a double-clear cross-country round. Most recently, Mia and Phelps finished in the top fifteen at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event 5 and competed at the Defender Burghley 5*. In this episode, Mia discusses topics related to her career as a young event rider, including: •Learning to manage the pressure and emotions that come with high-performance competitions. •Her experience growing up in California and why she decided to move to the East Coast. •Her approach to recovering from a mistake on cross-country. •The challenges of fully committing to the sport at a young age. Join Mia and Sinead in this exciting conversation about competing at the top level.
In this episode, Lucy talks to well-known blogger Raquel Lynn. Raquel is the creative horsewoman behind some of the industry's most beautifully curated blogs, Horses and Heels and Stable Style. Raquel released her first book, Stable Style: Barn Inspiration for All Equestrians, in 2020, after four years of running a blog featuring the world’s most gorgeous barns. She also developed a collection of luxury candles inspired by favorite barn scents and freelanced for publications like Horse Illustrated and American Paint Horse Journal. In October 2023, Raquel had her first child, London. They discuss how Raquel started her blogs and grew them into a career, advice for continuing to run a business after getting pregnant, and learning to adjust day-to-day life after having a baby.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like she loses her sense of connection and safety with her horse when she is in front of an audience. They discuss a competition she had when she was younger where she felt she couldn’t get it right, and in result, created a defense mechanism that blocks her from enjoying every moment with her horse. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her heal her younger self from that experience so that she has the confidence to do things the way she knows works for her and her horse.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like she is all consumed by the sport and her ability to make progress. They discuss the importance of being content regardless of her accomplishments and how unconditional safety in the nervous system can allow her to achieve success easier and more naturally. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her heal her younger self from the insecurities she had about her skills and potential so that she can be present and take the next step.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 event rider and FEI level 3 judge Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride. Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride is top event rider and judge who has competed at the top of the sport and judged at some of the biggest events in the country. With her horse Favian, Valerie placed 1st at the Bromont CCI4-S in 2022 and placed in the top 25 at the Maryland 5 Star CCI5*-L in 2021. Valerie was the President of the Ground Jury at the American Eventing Championships and Judged at the final Fair Hill International in 2019. Valerie trained with some of the top riders in the sport, including Jimmy Wofford, Holly and Marilyn Payne, Linda Zang, and Karen O’Connor. Valerie’s training business, Blue Clover Eventing, is based at Sudley Farm in West River, MD. In this episode, Valerie discusses topics related to her career as an event rider and judge, including: •Her progression from participating in pony club to becoming a professional event rider. •How her experience as a rider helped her become a good judge. •Teaching dressage and jumping in a way that is not contradictory for the rider. •The pros and cons of running a business in a rural area vs. a highly saturated area. •Navigating disagreements between the ground jury and scoring differences between dressage judges. Join Valerie and Sinead in this exciting conversation about combining riding and judging.
In this episode, Lucy talks to the founder of the popular equestrian brand Dapplebay, Leah Kaufmann. Leah grew Dapplebay from one design into many recognizable products that can be seen all across the horse industry, uniting fellow horse lovers everywhere. She also co-hosts the equestrian workshop with Bethany Lee, a workshop where equestrian businesswomen get together to talk about their ideas, marketing strategies, and more. Leah has a seven-month-old daughter named Claire. They discuss how Leah grew her brand from the ground up, her riding career pre-motherhood, how she had to adjust the workload after getting pregnant, and how motherhood has changed her as an equestrian businesswoman.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like she isn’t in control of the narrative or her physical state when she is riding. They discuss the process of tuning into sensation to help create a regulated nervous system so that she can feel safe and in control of her mind and body while riding. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her identify the misunderstandings she created as a young adult and learn to feel safe with those sensations so that she can thrive from a place of mind-body connection.
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In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is overwhelmed in the warmup ring at jumping competitions and wants to learn how to stay present in that environment. They discuss an experience she had as a kid where she was scared after a fall and didn’t receive the support and security she needed to process that fear. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her turn towards fear so that she can heal her younger self and be one step closer to widening her nervous system’s capacity to handle the warmup arena.
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In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Clark Montgomery. Clark Montgomery is an international event rider and show jumper that has successfully trained numerous horses up the levels. With his horse Loughan Glen, Clark competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics, placed 1st in the 2015 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3, placed 6th in the 2015 Luhmuhlen CCI4, and placed 3rd in the 2013 Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials CCI3*. Clark is now based in Ocala, FL, where he plans to start a training and coaching business. In this episode, Clark discusses topics related to his riding career and learning to run a business, including: •The challenges of transitioning from eventing to pure showjumping. •Shifting priorities from high performance achievement to financial security. •Working in the industry because of the love for the horses and appreciation of the sport. •His opinion on horse sports staying in the Olympics. •The expectation of a horse and rider that are preparing to compete in the Olympics. Join Clark and Sinead in this exciting conversation about making it as a professional.
In this episode, Lucy talks to the founder of Urban Cowgirl Ranch, Brianna Noble, also known as the “Urban Cowgirl.” Brianna Noble is an accomplished horsewoman who focuses on expanding the reach and accessibility of riding and horsemanship sports to communities that are generally excluded from the sport, including youth of color and economically disenfranchised populations. Brianna is pioneering sustainability by keeping horses and livestock within inner city spaces. She became well known after a photo of her on her horse in downtown Oakland during a George Floyd protest went viral. In addition to her extensive resume, she is the mother of a seven-year-old daughter. They discuss how Brianna got started in horses at a young age, the passion projects she has pursued in her career, how the healthcare system failed her during her pregnancy, and the challenges of being a woman of color in the equestrian industry.
In this episode, Natalie talks to 5* event rider Hannah Sue Hollberg, who is preparing to compete at the Burghley Horse Trials. Natalie and Hannah want to give people an inside look into mentally preparing for a big event. They discuss practicing presence in a peak performance state so that she can recreate the feeling. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her cope with any stress or worries she has about the upcoming competition so that she can be present and unattached to the results.
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In this episode, Lucy talks to thoroughbred racing trainer Jena Antonucci. Jena Antonucci became the first female trainer in history to win a triple crown race when Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes in 2023. Arcangelo had an incredible season and went on to be awarded champion three-year-old male horse that year. Jena has numerous awards and accolades within her sector of the industry, and she currently runs a thoroughbred racing and training business under her own name alongside Horseology, a minority and women-owned full-cycle thoroughbred training and ownership organization. In addition to her impressive career, Jena is also a stepmother to four children. They discuss the day-to-day life of a racehorse trainer, the challenges of working in an industry dominated by men, and what the future of the racing industry will look like. Jena shares her experience of becoming a stepmother and how it has affected her career.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels like regardless of how much progress she makes, she will never be a good enough rider. They discuss people’s tendency to learn from a shame-based approach and the challenges of learning to ride with a trainer who sold a young and green horse to a beginner rider. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her heal from past experiences and recognize the misunderstanding that excellence is relative when, in reality, it comes within.
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In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by former 4* event rider and sports psychology consultant Abigail Lufkin. Abigail Lufkin is a former US Team Equestrian athlete who transitioned from the role of competitor to the role of sports psychologist for top athletes in the sport. Abigail was fourteen when she competed in her first CCI three-day event and sixteen when she won her first national title. Abigail was short-listed for the US Olympic team in 1992 and 2004, and was selected in 2000, but an injury to her horse kept her from being able to compete. She has competed in the World Championships and won both gold and bronze medals at the Pan American Games. Abigail currently resides in Idaho, where she remotely runs her sports psychology consulting business. In this episode, Abigail discusses topics related to her riding career and work in the sports psychology field, including: •Learning to change her competitive mindset from individual to team oriented. •The untapped resource of sports psychology in a team setting. •How her experience as a top-level competitor has served her in the sports psychology field. •How she approaches helping riders with show nerves or fear of getting injured. •Identifying the patterns and daily practices that help people get closer to their goal. Join Abigail and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the value of sports psychology.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is anticipating bad behavior during her rides and has become afraid over jumps, on the flat, and on hacks. They discuss the horse she had as a kid that frightened her and made her feel like she couldn’t make progress, and the patterns were established from that experience. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help heal her younger self and find safety from within so that she can stay present and give her horse the benefit of the doubt.
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In this episode, Lucy talks to PATH-certified instructor and owner of Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Emily Bushnell. Emily has three children, and in addition to her therapeutic riding business, she is the owner of a thoroughbred named Resilience, who finished 6th in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Lucy and Emily talk about Emily’s involvement in the racing industry, how she got into therapeutic riding, and the programs that are offered through Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship. They discuss major life shifts during their first pregnancies and how to give their children the option of being involved with horses instead of pushing them into it. Lucy and Emily share advice for people with young children who are trying to integrate horses and parenthood.
In this episode, Natalie talks with 5* event rider Hannah Sue Holberg about the nervous system and mindset work she’s done with Natalie and how it’s allowed her to consistently find peak performance in competition. They discuss helping other riders by hosting clinics where they will teach people systems in skill and mindset work that are reliable and repeatable. Hannah and Natalie talk about horse training, seeing the bigger picture when receiving criticism, and the importance of being vulnerable.
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In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Canadian Olympic event rider Jessica Phoenix. Jessica Phoenix is a five-time Pan American Games medalist and one of Canada’s most successful event riders. Jessica has competed in three Olympic games: London in 2012, Rio in 2016, and Paris in 2024. At the Pan American Games, Jessica won team bronze in 2019, individual silver in 2015, and individual gold and team silver in 2011. Jessica also won team silver at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Jessica grew up in Uxbridge, Ontario, and graduated from the Business Administration program at Durham College. Jessica is known for her contagious positivity and love for the sport, which have contributed to her success. In this episode, Jessica discusses topics related to her career and the future of Team Canada, including: •Her experience competing with a team and the importance of strong leadership. •The importance of not allowing competition results to affect one’s self-worth. •The characteristics that make a strong team leader and how that will add to the team’s success. •Staying competitive without losing love for the sport and joy in everyday riding. •Finding a way for non-equestrians to connect to the sport on a personal level. Join Jessica and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the future of eventing in Canada.
In this episode, Lucy talks to Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Betsy Steiner. Betsy is a USDF gold medalist with over three decades of experience as an elite competitor, trainer, and clinician. Betsy has two children, and her daughter, Jessie Steiner, is also a professional dressage rider and trainer. Lucy and Betsy talk about Betsy’s experience as a young mother and up-and-coming professional during a time when it wasn’t as widely accepted. They discuss how pregnancy gives them intuition and body awareness that make them better horse trainers and the importance of finding support and balance in a family. Lucy and Betsy share their experiences of raising children while running a business and being competitive riders.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is worried about what the future holds and just wants to enjoy every day with her horse. They discuss the misunderstandings that were established after her beloved pony was suddenly taken away when she was fifteen and how she worries that the same thing will happen with her current horse. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her heal from the experience she had when she was younger and learn to appreciate the present moment without worry. Sign up for Natalie's workshop here
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In this episode, Lucy talks to the Canadian designer and founder of the Noel Asmar Group, Noel Asmar. Noel has two sons, ages nineteen and seventeen, and a daughter, age twelve. Lucy and Noel talk about the challenges of maternity leave as a self-employed business owner and how women should be more forgiving with themselves in the early stages of motherhood. They discuss changing the business models for equestrian businesses so that they allow for different sources of revenue, alleviating some of the financial stress many business owners face. Lucy and Noel share their experiences of becoming mothers while running their businesses and offer advice for women facing the same challenges.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by top three-day eventer Marcia Kulak. Marcia Kulak is a top three-day event rider and trainer who has successfully competed at some of the world’s largest competitions, including Rolex, Burghley, Blenheim, Boekelo, and Fair Hill. Marcia has been shortlisted for two Olympic Games and has had the opportunity to train with numerous experts, including Jack Le Goff, George Morris, Mark Phillips, Anne Kursinski, and Sue Blinks, as well as natural horsemanship masters John Lyons and Louis Wood. Marcia has been on the USEF Eventing Selection Committee and the Active Athletes Committee to choose the 2012 Olympic coach. Marcia’s business, Kulak Equestrian, currently operates a top multi-discipline stable based in Wellington, FL. In this episode, Marcia discusses topics related to the evolution and future of eventing in the US, including: •How she’s seen the coaching, leadership, and funding for Team USA change over the years. •Her professional riding career and the financial challenges that came with it. •Talent vs. technicality in riders and the influence natural horsemanship had on her training and riding. •The importance of good judgment of a horse’s and rider’s level of ability for the sake of safety. •The dangers of social media and how it affects the public’s opinion of equestrian sports. Join Marcia and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the sport of eventing.
In this episode, Lucy talks to the former host and producer of the award-winning podcast, Equestrian Voices, Caroline Culbertson. Caroline works in the journalism and editorial space within the equestrian sport and has two children the ages of two and four. Lucy and Caroline have both experienced miscarriages, and in this episode, they vulnerably share their story and the hardships they faced. They talk about a mother’s intuition, how this experience differed from previous pregnancies, the lessons they learned about grief and acceptance, and how the horses helped them through this journey.
In this episode, Lucy talks to the founder of the equestrian brand Novella Equestrian and USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist Taryn Young. Like Lucy, Taryn has a toddler and is in the third trimester of her second pregnancy. Taryn discusses her riding life and career before starting a family and how that has shifted after having her son. They talk about the importance of kids seeing their mother fulfilled doing something they love and how the horses kept them happy and healthy. Taryn shares her experience as a mom, amateur rider, and business owner and offers advice for amateurs with a similar story.
In this episode, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who wants to face the challenges in her personal life so she can be emotionally available for her horses at competitions and in everyday training. They discuss the misunderstandings that were established after a traumatic event when she was seventeen and how that has created an avoidance pattern for painful emotions. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her forgive the misunderstandings and learn to turn towards the painful emotions so that she can move past them and be fully present for her horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 4 event rider and US Olympic team selector Jon Elliott. Jon started riding at an early age and went on to develop numerous upper-level event horses and have an influential role in the eventing world. On his horse Aspen, Jon finished 4th at the Rolex Kentucky CCI in 1998. In addition to his long-time partnership with Aspen, Jon completed the Burghley CCI in England and the Rolex Kentucky CCI** on Kilcoltrim. In 2004, Jon and his wife Suzy started Aspen Farm in Yelm, Washington, with the intent of running high level events on the west coast. Jon is a popular clinician, successful Area VII young rider coach, and team selector for the US Olympic Eventing Team. In this episode, Jon discusses topics related to his career and role as a team selector, including: •The early stages of his riding career and his accomplishments as an upper-level event rider. •The evolution of eventing as a sport and social media’s newfound influence on the industry. •His decision to move away from the east coast and build a facility in Washington. •The process and timeline of selecting an eventing team for the US. •The vetting process in the selection trials and the lead up to the Paris Olympics. Join Jon and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the team selection process.
In this episode of Equestrian Mama, Lucy talks about her postpartum experience and how it changed her life as a professional rider and trainer. Lucy discusses the mental and physical challenges she faced after giving birth and the parts of postpartum life she wasn’t expecting. Lucy stresses the importance of focusing on the good things in difficult times and using horses as therapy throughout this process. Lucy shares some of the changes she made to her daily work schedule and a few products that helped her through the first few months of being a new mom.
In this episode, Lucy talks to OBGYN Dr. Kathleen Bertuna about riding while pregnant and postpartum recovery. They discuss the risk vs. reward of riding while pregnant, how a rider can minimize the risk during different stages of their pregnancy, and the importance of being in tune with your body and knowing when to not push the limits. They also discuss the difference between recovering from a c-section and a vaginal birth and how each woman’s timeline for getting back into the saddle varies.
In this episode, Lucy talks about going through her first pregnancy and how she navigated running her dressage training business while simultaneously preparing to be a mother. She discusses struggling with the idea of taking time away from riding and how she had to design a system that allowed her to stay involved in her business throughout the pregnancy. Lucy talks about feeling alone and a lack of control throughout the process, but that it showed her how much she was capable of.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is feeling guilty about the horses in her past that have had soundness or health issues and fears that her current horse will have the same fate. They discuss the misunderstandings that were established in her childhood and how she can heal her younger self in order to find unconditional safety and love from within. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her forgive unfortunate circumstances with past horses and understand that it is not her fault, so that she can show up for her current horse with presence and vulnerability.
This is the fourth and final session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Lauren Sprieser, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Lehua Custer guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on March 18th, 2024. Natalie prompts the group to talk about detaching their identity from the highs and lows of their ego. In the fourth episode, they discuss approaching situations from a place of unconditional belief in themselves and reflect on the improvements they’ve made through this process: •Discussing where each person identifies on a 1-10 scale of how conditional their ego is. •Learning to embrace negative thoughts and emotions so that they can come back to wholeness and complete tasks from an all-in place. •A visualization exercise that helps them approach their goals from a place where they are willing to feel everything and not make projections of the past or future. •Reflecting on everything they learned through this process and each person’s takeaways. Join Natalie, Lauren, Olivia, and Lehua in this exciting conversation on finding strength and wholeness in their vulnerability.
This is the third session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Lauren Sprieser, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Lehua Custer guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on February 19th, 2024. Natalie prompts the group to talk about the avoidant strategies their nervous system uses in moments of high stress. In the third episode, they reflect on the mindset shift from the previous episode and discuss how they can widen their nervous system’s window of capacity to create peak performance: •How they have used the tools they’ve learned in previous sessions in the real world. •Myths about the practices that create peak performance. •A visualization exercise that helps them turn towards the feelings they avoid so that they can create a nervous system that can hold in the reality of competition. •Learning to stay present in a stressful competitive environment. Join Natalie, Lauren, Olivia, and Lehua in this exciting conversation on widening their nervous system’s window of capacity.
This is the second session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Lauren Sprieser, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Lehua Custer guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on January 22nd, 2024. Natalie prompts the group to talk about the visions they have for their career and what might stand in the way of their success. In the second episode, they reflect on mindset shifts from the previous episode and discuss experiences that may be subconsciously keeping them from achieving their goals. They talk through:•Any awareness about their ultimate goals after the first session. •A visualization exercise that helps each person reflect on a misunderstanding about themselves. •Creating safety from within by learning to forgive and undo subconscious misunderstandings. •Understanding the purpose of an ego and learning to see it in a positive light. Join Natalie, Lauren, Olivia, and Lehua in this exciting conversation on acknowledging and forgiving subconscious misunderstandings.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is dealing with show anxiety and burnout from working with horses. They discuss creating safety within the nervous system’s window of capacity so that she doesn’t feel a need to constantly prove herself and put others’ needs before her own. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her face any resistance to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety so that she can improve her performance at shows and prioritize herself in everyday life.
This is the first session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Lauren Sprieser, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Lehua Custer guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on December 4th, 2023. Natalie prompts the group to talk about the visions they have for their career and what might stand in the way of their success. In the first episode, they discuss various topics related to inner and outer goals and the steps they must take to achieve those goals:•What is their ultimate goal? Why is it important to them? Where are they in relation to that goal? •A realistic view of the challenges professionals face in their personal and professional lives. •A visualization exercise that gives clarity to what type of support each person needs. •Figuring out the next steps to get past any roadblocks and closer to a goal. Join Natalie, Lauren, Olivia, and Lehua in this exciting conversation on embracing pressure and tension.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who puts too much pressure on herself in competitive environments and feels like she is likely to fail. They discuss creating safety in the nervous system so that she has the capability to accept imperfect moments and remain present. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help widen her nervous system’s window of capacity so that the pressure and fear doesn't feel debilitating, and she can focus on being committed to horsemanship and not horse show results.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by New Zealand 5 event rider Monica Spencer. Monica started riding at a young age and worked her way up through the Pony Club system. After graduating from Paraparaumu College, Monica started a business selling off-the-track thoroughbreds but eventually left the sales behind to pursue a high-performance career. Monica has since been very successful with her thoroughbred Artist, or Max, having won at the 2019 Puhinui International CCI3-S in Auckland, the 2020 Puhinui International CCI4-L, and the 2021 Matamata CIC4-S. The pair also competed at the 2022 Pratoni World Championships, finishing 21st individually and earning team bronze for New Zealand. In this episode, Monica discusses topics related to her career and riding for Team New Zealand, including: •How she started her sales business and what pushed her to pursue high performance. •The culture surrounding Team New Zealand and how performance-based funding works. •The similarities and differences with eventing in the US vs New Zealand. •Dealing with the pressure of coming to the states to compete in 5 events. •Her plan to compete in the Kentucky 5 and what the next few weeks leading up to it will look like. Join Monica and Sinead in this exciting conversation about competing in high-performance.
In the fourth and final episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie Waygood shares his expertise on show jumping, covering topics such as course preparation, understanding the horse's perspective, and the intricacies of related distances. Dickie emphasizes the importance of planning, visualizing the course from the horse's point of view, and ensuring that equipment is correct and legal. He advises on warm-up routines tailored to the horse's temperament and the necessity of a structured approach with a coach or groom. Dickie also discusses technical riding aspects, underscoring balance, control, and effective communication with the horse for a successful performance.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who feels anxious at shows and has a difficult time enjoying the preparation and act of competing. They discuss the process that her nervous system goes through to avoid feeling the fear of failure and the childhood experiences that taught her the misunderstanding that she can’t make mistakes. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help her be her own unconditional safety in moments of imperfection, allowing her to enjoy the process of competing.
In the third episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie talks about proper cross-country riding. Dickie emphasizes the need for thorough preparation, setting clear objectives, and planning around key events. He shares three fundamental rules for effective riding and offers practical exercises for balance and strength. Dickie also discusses the importance of rider-horse communication, maintaining rhythm, and the correct approach to obstacles. Using analogies and personal experiences, he highlights the necessity of adaptability and strategic thinking on the course. His advice is aimed at helping riders enhance their cross-country performance through better preparation and technique.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie coaches Jordan through her fears and feelings of unworthiness as she advances in her training. The session explores Jordan’s childhood experiences influencing her current mindset, with exercises in self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Natalie encourages Jordan to find safety and connection within herself, rather than external validation. Jordan learns to manage her emotions, particularly fear in show jumping, by being present and embracing her feelings. Natalie’s empathetic guidance helps the client build resilience, emotional regulation, and self-awareness, culminating in a sense of progress and gratitude.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5 event rider Sydney Elliott. Sydney Elliott made her debut at the CCI5-L level in 2016 when she completed the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event with Cisko A. The pair went on to represent the U.S. on the Nations Cup Team at Great Meadow International in 2018 and had top-ten finishes in multiple CCI4’s in the US that same year. With QC Diamantaire, Sydney represented the U.S. Eventing Team at two FEI Nations Cups, the CCIO4-S at CHIO Aachen in 2022 and the CCIO4-L at Boekelo in 2021, where they finished fifth individually and led the U.S. team to a silver medal. Sydney and QC Diamantaire also had multiple top-10 finishes at CCI4’s in 2019, 2020, and 2021 and competed in the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L. Sydney is currently based in Southern Pines, NC, where she is focused on training world-class eventing horses. In this episode, Sydney discusses topics related to the journey of her career, including: •How her business has shifted over the years and what prompted the move to Southern Pines. •Her process for buying horses in Europe and how she is involved in choosing them. •Handling pressure in team situations and the value of team support. •What she thinks will create success for Team USA in the coming years. •Taking time away from the horses so that she can be present and show up with a positive attitude. Join Sydney and Sinead in this exciting conversation about enjoying every moment with the horses.
The Eventing Dialogue podcast with FEI event riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Shannon Lilley, and Lynn Symansky aims to build bridges between knowledge and knee jerk reactions, as well as inspire more transparency in the systems that are meant to be the foundation of this sport. The goal of this podcast is to pull the curtain back enough to have a healthy conversation around some complex issues. In this episode, Sinead, Shannon, and Lynn discuss the controversy surrounding the scheduling of horse trials. They explain how the calendar is decided each year and discuss a few issues with scheduling, location, and the number of events each year. They also discuss outlining a path to championships for the different divisions of horses and riders and creating a level of competition that raises the bar.
In the second episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie Waygood shares his knowledge on achieving success with horses. He discusses the importance of systematic training, seeking professional advice, and understanding when a horse needs rest. Emphasizing the need for a balance of technical skills and character in horses, he also highlights the role of confidence in both riders and horses. Dickie offers practical tips, such as using a colored elastic band to improve rider posture and stresses the value of learning from others. The conversation touches on setting realistic targets, the difference between training to compete and training to win, and the significance of maintaining a positive focus.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie and Courtney engage in a candid discussion about the difficulties of balancing work and personal life, particularly in the context of horse care. They explore the anxiety and lack of control felt when away from the barn and the pressure to be constantly available to handle emergencies. The conversation delves into the internal conflicts and fears of not being good enough, as well as the impact of such stress on their nervous systems. Strategies for creating internal safety, self-forgiveness, and finding a middle ground in commitments are discussed. The episode emphasizes the importance of being present, acknowledging limitations, and making decisions from a place of authenticity and integrity to avoid burnout and maintain well-being.
The Eventing Dialogue podcast with FEI event riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Shannon Lilley, and Lynn Symansky aims to build bridges between knowledge and knee jerk reactions, as well as inspire more transparency in the systems that are meant to be the foundation of this sport. The goal of this podcast is to pull the curtain back enough to have a healthy conversation around some complex issues. In this episode, Sinead, Shannon, and Lynn discuss communication between officials and riders at horse trials. They identify a few issues and discuss implementing a system where riders and officials feel confident in their roles. They also discuss a dressage judge’s approach to scoring, enforcing rule changes, and the officials influence over the timing of the warmup.
In the first episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie Waygood shares his expertise on horse training and preparation for competition. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each horse's unique conformation and movement, particularly how these traits influence performance in different disciplines. Dickie discusses the German scales of training for riders, the significance of a rider's seat and position, and the necessity of early horse education. He advocates for varied training environments, including working on different surfaces to prevent injuries and improve athleticism. Dickie also offers practical exercises for riders and stresses the importance of training outside the arena to keep horses engaged and maintain their physical soundness.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Hannah shares mixed emotions about recent experiences with her horses, including excitement over a new lease-to-own mare and concern for a pony she co-owns who is injured. Natalie offers support and guidance, helping Hannah navigate feelings of responsibility, self-doubt, and the pressure to control outcomes. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, being present, and letting go of the need for external validation. Hannah also mentions a breakthrough in incorporating mindfulness and breathing techniques into her riding practice. The conversation emphasizes emotional integrity, being present with one's emotions, and the journey of building a partnership with horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by world class eventing grooms Erin Jarboe and Hailey Burlock. Erin Jarboe and Hailey Burlock have worked as head grooms for Will Coleman for multiple years and travel across the world caring for top horses like Off the Record and Chin Tonic HS. Erin Jarboe grew up in Athens, Georgia, where she began riding at 8 and started eventing at 15. While in high school, Erin competed on her own horse and worked as the barn manager for Dublin Downs Eventing. Erin graduated from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in animal science, where she was on the UGA Eventing Team for four years and president of the team for two years. Hailey Burlock grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, and was introduced to eventing through Zoe Erichsen-Meesters. Hailey leased Zoe’s former upper-level horse, Fantasia, and competed through Equine Canada’s training level. Hailey graduated from the Maritime College of Forest Technology with a degree in forestry. After graduating, she worked for Canadian Olympic eventer Rob Stevenson for two years before returning to school and eventually accepting a position with Will Coleman Equestrian. In this episode, Erin and Hailey discuss topics related to grooming at the top of the sport, including: •Their approach to efficient communication between grooms and riders. •Their individual roles and how they work together on a day-to-day basis. •Handling pressure at competitions and knowing what their rider needs. •Advice for avoiding burnout and the importance of working for the right program. •The relationship they have with Off the Record and Chin Tonic HS. Join Erin, Hailey, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about working as a high-performance eventing groom.
The Eventing Dialogue podcast with FEI event riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Shannon Lilley, and Lynn Symansky aims to build bridges between knowledge and knee jerk reactions, as well as inspire more transparency in the systems that are meant to be the foundation of this sport. The goal of this podcast is to pull the curtain back enough to have a healthy conversation around some complex issues. In this episode, Sinead, Shannon, and Lynn discuss their ability to create change and build pathways for the future of the sport. They talk about the effects of social licensing, the increasing cost to compete, the future of private ownership in the sport, and getting riders involved in running events. They predict how the sport will change in the next five to 10 years and reflect on how different it was when they were up-and-coming professionals.
The Eventing Dialogue podcast with FEI event riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Shannon Lilley, and Lynn Symansky aims to build bridges between knowledge and knee jerk reactions, as well as inspire more transparency in the systems that are meant to be the foundation of this sport. The goal of this podcast is to pull the curtain back enough to have a healthy conversation around some complex issues.In this episode, Sinead, Shannon, and Lynn discuss the proposal to change the format for eventing for the LA Olympics in 2028. They explain the pros and cons of the potential changes and how they could affect the future of the sport. They also discuss the committees that Shannon and Lilley chair, the difference between associations, affiliations, and federations, and how they all work together.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by hunter/jumper rider and trainer Stacey Reser.
Stacey Reser is based in Ocala, FL, where she runs a hunter/jumper training and sales business, Kanadian Equestrian. Stacey is dedicated to helping horses find their next home with a rider who is a good fit. Stacey grew up in Canada, hustling her way into the equestrian industry at a young age. She’s worked for numerous professionals, including the chef d’equipe of the Canadian Olympic team, Torchy Millar, and a member of the Irish showjumping team, Marion Hughes. After taking a break from working in the industry, Stacey and her family moved to Ocala and started Kanadian Equestrian not long after. In this episode, Stacey discusses topics related to working as a professional in the industry, including: •Approaching every job in a professional manner and networking every chance she got. •Her transition back into the industry after taking a few years off and the valuable skills she learned working in the hospitality industry. •The reality of horse sales and common misconceptions people have about the process. •The importance of getting an idea of the horse’s personality on the ground during a trial. •Proving that a professional career in the industry can have many different paths. Join Stacey and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the reality of sales and working in the industry.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 event rider Cornelia Fletcher (née Dorr). Cornelia Fletcher is on the US developing rider list and a 5-time North American Youth Championship medalist. Cornelia made her 5 debut at Burghley in 2022, finishing 10th on her Oldenburg mare Daytona Beach 8. In 2023, Cornelia and Daytona ran the 5* at Maryland and Kentucky. Cornelia spent six years working for Sharon White before going out on her own and eventually traveling to England to train with Kevin McNab. Originally from Massachusetts, she is now based in Ocala year-round with her husband and fellow event rider, Jacob Fletcher. In this episode, Cornelia discusses topics related to her career and plan to start a family, including: •Deciding to start a family at this point in her career and taking a hiatus from riding and competing. •The lessons she learned during her trip to England to compete and train with Kevin McNab. •Learning to recreate the structured program that she excelled in while training in England. •Her thoughts on the USEF developmental programs and their strengths and weaknesses. •How the mind work she did off the horse influenced what she did on the horse. Join Cornelia and Sinead in this exciting conversation about managing a family and a career.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who recently lost her heart horse and is having a difficult time navigating the grieving process. They discuss how meaningful presence can be and how she regrets the moments when she could have been more present. Natlie guides her through an exercise to help her stay open to all the difficult emotions so that she can heal and move forward.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is reflecting on a 4-S at Morven in preparation for a 4-L at TerraNova. They discuss overcoming the feeling of helplessness in the showjumping ring and remembering to trust the training and control the nervous system. Natalie guides her through an exercise to find positive feedback from the 4*-S and move forward with confidence.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event rider and show jumper Robin Walker. Robin Walker is an event and show jump rider, trainer, breeder, and ICP Level 4 USEA Instructor. Robin has ridden up to the grand prix level in show jumping and the 3* level in eventing. Originally from the United Kingdom, Robin moved to the US in 1996 and opened Maute House Farm in Grass Lake, Michigan, where he continues to run his sport horse breeding and training program. Robin is a faculty member and assessor for the USEA instructor certification program, sits on the Future Event Horse committee, and served as the 2013 Area VIII young rider coach. Robin is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation of riders and bringing talented young horses up the levels. In this episode, Robin discusses various topics related to training horses and riders, including: •Translating his instincts as a rider into something that can be communicated to his students. •Setting his barn and business up in a thoughtful, efficient, and economical way. •The re-organization of the Instructor Certification Program and their goal to establish a standard within the sport. •Moving to the US and the effect leaving his family had on his career. •His experience in breeding and training young horses up the levels of eventing and show jumping. Join Robin and Sinead in this exciting conversation about establishing a standard for riding and teaching.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Ashley opens up about her struggle with anxiety during dressage, particularly when trotting down the center line. She recalls past experiences of feeling judged and embarrassed, and her body's response of bracing and tightening. With Natalie’s help, Ashley explores these emotions, focusing on the physical sensations and learning to sit with the discomfort. Natalie guides her through breathing exercises to create a sense of safety, aiming to build emotional resilience. Despite previous attempts with sports psychologists, Ashley still faces repetitive patterns of anxiety. They discuss the importance of establishing safety to prevent these patterns and are looking forward to seeing the impact of this approach on her performance.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is preparing to travel for the competition season and give a speech on training horses up the levels. They discuss finding safety in her nervous system so that she can accomplish everything in a short amount of time without feeling frantic. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help overcome her fear of public speaking and approach her to-do list in a calm and present way.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international commentator and event rider Spencer Sturmey. Spencer Sturmey is a British commentator that is passionate about sharing the stories of the horses and riders competing at the top levels of eventing. Spencer has commented on and led the production teams at many major 5 events all over the world, including Blenheim, Burghley, and Adelaide. Spencer has ridden up to the CCI4 level in eventing and continues to bring horses up the levels. In addition to his extensive eventing career, Spencer has competed at the FEI levels in dressage and spent 4 years as second rider for Olympian Carl Hester. In this episode, Spencer discusses various topics related to commentating and social media, including: •The responsibility of a commentator to educate themselves on each horse and rider combination and thoughtfully share their story. •Using his knowledge as a rider to commentate and the unique learning opportunity this role offers. •The presence of social media and how it has affected the sport and industry as a whole. •The importance of being thoughtful when posting and commenting on social media. •His eventing and dressage career and how it has led him to his role as a commentator. Join Spencer and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the responsibilities of a commentator.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who has two young children and hopes to one day compete in a 5*. They discuss staying present in the day-to-day so that she can reach small goals that will bring her vision to life. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help turn towards the frustration she feels so she can have the capacity to work towards those goals.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients that is preparing for the American Eventing Championships in Kentucky. They discuss overcoming mental blocks in order to stay present and perform at her best. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help slow her mind down, listen to the horse’s feedback, and ride in the moment.
In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works on embracing the fear of failure with her client. They discuss what keeps her from achieving her goals and what her version of success would feel like. Natalie uses a visualization exercise to help her embrace her emotions and gain clarity.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 event rider and equestrian business owner Frankie Thieriot Stutes. Frankie Thieriot Stutes is an accomplished event rider and owner of Athletux, a consulting agency that helps develop and manage equestrian businesses. After working in the NHL, for NIKE, and as the Director of Communications for a Fitness, Media, Sports Company, and Freelancer for the USEA as an on-camera reporter, Frankie decided to start Athletux in 2011. With her horse Chatwin, Frankie was crowned USEF National 4 Champion at Fair Hill in 2018 and finished fourth at the 2019 Luhmühlen CCI5*-L. Frankie was awarded the 2018 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider’s Grant, allowing her to work with dressage legend Lilo Fore. Frankie is now focusing on developing Athletux, commentating at horse trials, and helping up-and-coming riders navigate sponsorships, find owners, and start syndicates. In this episode, Frankie discusses various topics related to the business side of eventing, including: •Helping businesses work with the rider to navigate advertising and sponsorship. •The difference in prize money and sponsorships for english and western disciplines. •Her role in US Eventing TV and the politics behind livestreaming events. •The importance of having a connection with the horse and being involved in the day-to-day care. •Not letting comparison change the system that works for a specific horse. Join Frankie and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the business side of equestrian sports.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic showjumper Lauren Hough. Lauren Hough is a three-time Pan American medalist and Team USA Olympic show jump rider. Lauren competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics at the age of 23 and has represented the US at seven FEI World Cup finals and over 40 Nations Cups. Lauren won team gold at the 2003 Santo Domingo Pan American Games, team bronze at the 2007 Rio Pan American Games, and team and individual bronze medals at the 2015 Caledon Pan American Games. Lauren’s father, Charles “Champ” Hough, was a team bronze medalist in three-day eventing at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Her mother, Linda Hough, was a top hunter rider and operated a successful hunter/jumper show stable for over 25 years. Lauren is currently based in Wellington, FL, and has taken a step back from high-performance showjumping to focus on sales. In this episode, Lauren discusses various topics related to the politics of high-performance showjumping, including: •Shifting from riding competition horses to having a barn full of sales horses. •What it takes to get a good rider and horse to the Olympics. •The differences and similarities between preparing a showjumping horse and an eventing horse. •Being able to understand a show record and trusting the trainer when shopping for a horse. •Finding a system that works for the horse as an individual and incorporating gymnastic exercises into the training. Join Lauren and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the ins and outs of show jumping at the top level.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5 event rider Ema Klugman. Ema Klugman was the highest-placed youngest rider at the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021 with her self-made horse, Bendigo. Ema won the CCI-L in Lexington on Bronte Beach in 2020 and recorded a top-ten finish on the same horse at Morven Park's CCI**-L in 2021. Ema is on the Australian High Performance NEXT squad, which identifies future riders for the Olympics and World Championships, and she is a 3x "A" Pony Club graduate. Ema is one of only two people in the country who have achieved 3 "A" certifications. Ema graduated from Duke University in 2020 and is in her final year of law school at George Washington University. Ema teaches clinics around the country and runs a sales and training business out of Snowy River Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. In this episode, Ema discusses various topics related to training and overcoming stereotypes in the sport, including: •The differences in the way men and women are perceived in equestrian sports. •Choosing to do high-performance eventing while going to law school. •The misconception that training should be done alone and the value of working with other professionals. •Having a thought process behind every part of the ride and not relying on luck. •The importance of women supporting each other in pursuit of higher education and/or high-performance eventing. Join Ema and Sinead in this exciting conversation about training and stereotypes in eventing.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5* event rider Cathy Wieschhoff.
Cathy Wieschhoff is a well-respected member of the three-day eventing community, having filled the roles of competitor, trainer, course designer, and volunteer. Cathy has ridden at the Kentucky CCI 4 and the Burghley CCI4. She is a FEI level 2 course designer for cross country, a USEF large R eventing show jump course designer, and a level 2 Parelli. Cathy trained with David and Karen O’Connor and teaches as a journeyman clinician for the O’Connor Camps. Cathy has volunteered her time on USEA and USEF committees and has donated her services to the United States Pony Clubs, as well as being a life member and graduate A. Cathy’s home base has been at Carriage Station Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, since 1991, where she currently runs her business.
In this episode, Cathy discusses various topics related to horse training and course design, including:
•Using her experience as a competitor when designing cross-country courses.
•Designing courses that are safe for everyone but are set up for the best combination to win.
•How she uses horsemanship skills in her everyday training.
•The importance of communication with staff, clients, and other professionals in the industry.
•Making a conscious effort to stay present with the horses when working with them.
Join Cathy and Sinead in this exciting conversation about Cathy’s career full of invaluable experiences.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Irish Olympic event rider Austin O’Connor. Austin O’Connor won the 2023 Maryland 5 at Fair Hill on Colorado Blue, making it the first CCI5-L victory by an Irish rider in nearly six decades. Earlier in the 2023 season, Austin finished 3rd at Badminton on Colorado Blue. Austin has represented Ireland at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics, and 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where he placed 13th on Colorado Blue. In 2017, Austin was dubbed ‘cross country ride of the day’ with Kilpatrick Knight at Badminton CCI4, earned a bronze medal in the Irish leg of the FEI Nations Cup at Tattersalls with Balham Houdini, and made an FEI European Championships appearance in Poland with Kilpatrick Knight. In 2020, Austin finished 3rd at the Little Downham CCI4S and had a clear cross-country round at his first CCI5 at Pau. Austin is currently based in England at Alderbrook Stud, where he produces top-quality horses with his wife, Amy O’Connor. In this episode, Austin discusses various topics related to producing top horses for his competitive career, including: •The pressure of competing and learning to refocus when things don’t go as planned. •How he has designed his business to work with his competitive career. •His string of up-and-coming horses and the approach he takes to starting young horses. •His thoughts on frangible technology and designing courses for safety. •Representing Ireland in the Olympics and the management team’s involvement in his career. •What he looks for when it comes to finding horses with the potential to do a 4 or 5*. Join Austin and Sinead in this exciting conversation on producing and competing top horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by horse development specialist Jake Biernbaum. Jake completed a two-year Horse Management Program at Michigan State before working for Parelli Natural Horsemanship on the Ranch Crew and Tour Team. Jake also spent two years as a part of the Parelli Mastery program, graduating as a 3-Star Instructor and Horse Development Specialist. He traveled the country helping horses and humans for 5 years as a Licensed Parelli Instructor. Before his horse career, Jake spent almost 5 years learning at Tom Brown’s Tracker School, where he practiced tracking, wilderness survival, and primitive skills. Jake now teaches clinics across the country and runs a business out of Pear Tree Farm in Citra, Florida, where he builds successful relationships between horses and humans. In this episode, Jake discusses various topics related to horse and human training, including: •Working for Pat and Linda Parelli and the education he gained from that experience. •His approach to teaching pressure, feel, and timing to horses and humans. •How expectation plays a role in a rider's relationship with their horse. •Identifying fear in horses and humans and helping them overcome it. •The difference in the nature of sport horses vs. recreational horses. Join Jake and Sinead in this exciting conversation on developing horses to be productive members of their community.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5 event rider Caroline Pamukcu. Caroline Pamukcu made history by winning individual gold and team bronze medals in her championship debut at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago a week after winning the CCI3-L in Maryland. Caroline competed in the young rider and U25 programs, winning individual and team gold medals at the 2013 FEI North American Youth Championships and placing in the top-10 with two horses in the CCI4-L U25 at Bramham. Caroline made her CCI5 debut with Spring Easy at the 2017 Kentucky Three-Day Event. She then traveled overseas to train and compete in Great Britain, completing the CCIO4-S at Aachen and placing third in the CCI4-L at Millstreet on Islandwood Captain Jack. In the last few years, Caroline’s sales business has grown, selling over 150 horses in partnership with Emil Spadone. In this episode, Caroline discusses various topics related to balancing a business and a competitive career, including: •Maintaining a routine and a healthy lifestyle on the road during the competition season. •How the sales business has helped grow her competitive career. •How growing up in the young rider and U25 programs helped mold her career. •The thought process behind deciding who to work and train with. •Learning to deal with competitive pressure while staying levelheaded. Join Caroline and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the reality of life on the road as a 5* event rider.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Eric Smiley. Eric Smiley represented Ireland at two European Eventing Championships, winning team bronze at both, competed at three World Equestrian Games, and has been on four Olympic teams. Eric is also a British Eventing Master Coach, a Fellow of the British Horse Society, and a coach for the 2012 Belgium Olympic Eventing Team. In addition to being a competitor and coach, Eric was formerly an FEI official and on the ground jury at both Burghley and Badminton Horse Trials. He was also the Director of the Golden Saddle Scheme for 18 years, where he helped identify talented children in all equestrian disciplines and was Chairman of Eventing Ireland for a total of 5 years. Eric competed in his last Badminton at 59 years old and now focuses on educating the next generation of riders. In this episode, Eric discusses various topics related to training and bringing horses up the levels, including: •Making riding instruction and horse knowledge more accessible. •The difference between young horse training and re-training horses with a previous career. •The importance of keeping the training consistent and simple. •The physical and mental maturity of horses at a certain age and how that is reflected in young horse championships. •Training horses to be good decision-makers and not dependent on the rider in cross-country or show jumping. Join Eric and Sinead in this exciting conversation on training horses with simplicity and clarity.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5* event rider Allison Springer. Allison Springer is a well-known three-day eventer that is based in The Plains, Virginia. Allison’s business includes competing at the top level, training client horses, and coaching professionals and amateurs. She has competed at some of the most prestigious events around the world, including Land Rover Kentucky and Land Rover Burghley. Allison has been named to the USEF High Performance Training List multiple times on multiple horses and was an alternate for the 2012 London Olympic Games. In this episode, Allison discusses various topics related to creating longevity in her career and business, including: •The importance of balance and a strong support system. •Recommendations for taking care of one’s mental and physical health. •Creating opportunities to make money within her business and the challenge of making a living as a professional. •Her approach to dealing with fear and nerves. •Knowing when a horse should move up a level or stay home and continue training. Join Allison and Sinead in this exciting conversation on creating longevity within the industry.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by founder of The Enlightened Athlete and host of the Get Uncomfortable podcast Shae McMaster. Shae McMaster completed the exercise program at Hastings College before starting his personal training and nutrition coaching business “Enlightened Athlete”. The business started with a gym in Hastings, Nebraska, and transitioned to one-on-one training after COVID–19. Shae also has a podcast, “Get Uncomfortable,” where he and his guest discuss using obstacles and adversity to their advantage. The podcast also covers different practices to improve one's mental health, physical health, and mindset. In this episode, Shae discusses various topics related to mental and physical health, including: •The purpose of “Enlightened Athlete” and what led him to start the business. •The positive effect of being challenged and why discomfort can be an advantage. •Dealing with stress properly and the 5-step process of releasing stress and anxiety. •Optimizing downtime and staying present throughout the day. •How he integrates breath work into his coaching and daily life. Join Shae and Sinead in this exciting conversation on improving the overall quality of life.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Barend Heilbron. Barend Heilbron graduated from the Dutch Equestrian Center NHC, where he learned about different disciplines, horse care, barn management, psychology, and more. It is one of the world’s most recognized colleges specializing in equestrian education. This school is similar to the Warendorf School in Germany. In 1987, he moved to the U.S. and worked for Marty Simonson before starting a training business in New Hampshire. In 2015, he moved to Ocala, FL, where he currently runs Islands Farms with his wife, Anne-Marie Heilbron. In this episode, Barend discusses various topics related to training and riding, including: •Common misunderstanding of the aids in dressage and eventing. •Teaching in a way that allows the student to recreate the ride on their own. •The difference in equestrian studies in Holland vs. the U.S. •Integrating horse psychology into the world of competitive sport horses. •His explanation and approach to collection, half-halting, and connection. Join Barend and Sinead in this exciting conversation on training dressage horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by her husband Tik Maynard who is an event rider and natural horsemanship trainer.
Tik Maynard has been long-listed and short-listed for the Canadian National Three-Day Event Team, won the freestyle at the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2015 and 2018, and is the author of “In The Middle Are The Horsemen”. Tik teaches clinics across the country and runs a training business out of Copperline Farm with his wife, Sinead Halpin Maynard.
In this episode, Tik and Sinead discuss various topics related to presence and fulfillment, including:
• Getting lost in the daily grind and only focusing on a goal or aspiration. • Changing one’s lifestyle to find time and fulfillment in every day. • Identifying the things that offer a short-term burst of happiness vs. long-term presence and fulfillment. • Identifying different ways to reset and find a better head space.
Join Tik and Sinead in this exciting conversation on living in the moment.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by neurobiologist and horse trainer Janet Jones.
Janet Jones earned a Ph.D. from UCLA in cognitive science. During her time at UCLA, her research on human brain function won UCLA’s Gengerelli Distinguished Dissertation Award in 1989. Janet has written for multiple scientific journals and horse magazines, as well as four books, “Horse Brain, Human Brain” being the most recent. In 2014, she left her position as a tenured professor after 23 years to open a training business that focuses on brain-based horsemanship in both Western and English disciplines. Janet has worked with many green or difficult horses and competed in hunter, jumper, halter, reining, and western pleasure disciplines.
In this episode, Janet discusses various topics related to brain-based horsemanship, including:
• Misconceptions surrounding horse behavior and how a misunderstanding is often seen as a misbehavior. • Which senses a horse relies on the most and how it applies to the training process. • The human tendency to assume horses think the way we do. • The importance of approaching our horses in a responsible, respectful, and empathetic way. • How the knowledge of the horse’s brain has influenced her approach to training and competing.
Join Janet and Sinead in this exciting conversation on blending neurobiology and horse training.
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Content contains mature languageThis is the fourth session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Jon Holling, Tamie Smith, and Will Faudree guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on July 17th, 2023. In the fourth and final episode, Natalie prompts the group to reflect on the last three sessions and analyze the progress they have made. In the fourth episode, they discuss various topics related to their takeaways from this process: •Learning to be vulnerable and uncomfortable in order to make progress. •Learning how to come back to neutral in their nervous system and psychology. •Analyzing everyone’s strengths and the progress they’ve made within themselves. •The value in having each other as a support system. Join Natalie, Jon, Tamie, Will, and Sinead in this exciting conversation on progress.
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Content contains mature language
This is the third session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Jon Holling, Tamie Smith, and Will Faudree guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on May 15th, 2023.
In the third episode, they discuss various topics related to the window of capacity and building a tolerance to nervous system sensation, including:
• How each individual reacts when they get overwhelmed with stress or pressure. • Feeling the sensations that come with emotions and how it affects the nervous system and window of capacity. • A visualization exercise that focuses on finding and expanding the window of capacity. • The importance of approaching stressful situations from within your window of capacity.
Join Natalie, Jon, Tamie, Will, and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the nervous system’s window of capacity.
✨Equestrian Mastermind is brought to you by Ride iQ. Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Every membership includes a 2 week free trial. The next episode of Equestrian Mastermind has already been released in the Ride iQ app. Sign up at account.ride-iq.com and download Ride iQ in the iOS or Android app store. ✨
✨If you love this episode and you're ready for episode 3, it is already available in the Ride iQ app. Start your free trial and listen now.✨
Content contains mature language
This is the second session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Jon Holling, Tamie Smith, and Will Faudree guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel. This episode was recorded on April 3rd, 2023.
In the second episode, they discuss various topics related to their relationship with fear and learning to embrace it including:
• What would they want out of the sport if fear wasn’t a factor? • A realistic view of the challenges professionals face in their personal and professional lives. • A visualization exercise that gives clarity to what type of support each person needs. • Figuring out the next steps to get past any roadblocks and closer to a goal.
Join Natalie, Jon, Tamie, Will, and Sinead in this exciting conversation on embracing fear.
✨Equestrian Mastermind is brought to you by Ride iQ. Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Every membership includes a 2 week free trial. The next episode of Equestrian Mastermind has already been released in the Ride iQ app. Sign up at account.ride-iq.com and download Ride iQ in the iOS or Android app store. ✨
✨If you love this episode, we have good news! The second episode is already availble in the Ride iQ app. Start your free trial and listen now.✨
This is the first session of Equestrian Mastermind with top riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Jon Holling, Tamie Smith, and Will Faudree guided by transformational life coach Natalie Hummel.
Natalie prompts the group to talk about the visions they have for their career and what might stand in the way of their success. In the first episode, they discuss various topics related to inner and outer goals and the steps they must take to achieve those goals:
• What would they want out of the sport if fear wasn’t a factor? • A realistic view of the challenges professionals face in their personal and professional lives. • A visualization exercise that gives clarity to what type of support each person needs. • Figuring out the next steps to get past any roadblocks and closer to a goal.
Join Natalie, Jon, Tamie, Will, and Sinead in this exciting conversation on gaining perspective.
✨Equestrian Mastermind is brought to you by Ride iQ. Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Every membership includes a 2 week free trial. The next episode of Equestrian Mastermind has already been released in the Ride iQ app. Sign up at account.ride-iq.com and download Ride iQ in the iOS or Android app store. ✨
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by animal behavior expert Mary Hunter.
Mary Hunter earned a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas in 2013 and a biology degree from the University of Chicago. During her time at UNT, Mary spent three years studying animal behavior and training with Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz, with whom she published her first book, PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab. Mary serves as president of The Art and Science of Animal Training, a Texas based non-profit organization. Mary currently provides animal training and animal behavior services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in the behavior analysis department at the University of North Texas as an adjunct instructor.
In this episode, Mary discusses various topics related to training and animal behavior, including:
• Using PORTL to teach people how to train behaviors using non-verbal communication. • The dynamic between the teacher and learner and the shift in responsibility duing the training process. • Establishing a pattern of planning and doing and why it should be kept separate. • Problem solving through deconstruction and addressing the missing or incorrect components before putting the pieces back together.
Join Mary and Sinead in this exciting conversation on horse training and behavior analysis.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Becky Holder.
Becky holder is an American event rider that competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was a reserve for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. With her horse Courageous Comet, Becky finished second at the 2008 Rolex Kentucky CCI 5, finished 15th at the 2006 Burghley CCI 5, won the CCI 4* at the Maui Jim Horse Trials and Richland Park in 2007, and finished second at the Southern Pines Horse Trials which earned them the title of 2007 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series Champion. Becky spent years training with the O'Connor's and Captain Mark Philips, and now spends much of her time teaching the next generation of riders.
In this episode, Becky discusses various topics related to her career and passion for teaching, including:
• Growing up in a lesson program and finding her way to the high-performance world. • Creating access to training and a community through lesson programs. • How Courageous Comit came into her life and the things they accomplished. • Choosing to leave a hot spot for eventing in pursuit of more than a successful riding career. • How tunnel vision can result in missing things that should be appreciated along the way.
Join Becky and Sinead in this exciting conversation on finding a unique path to success.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Irish 5* event rider Elizabeth Power.
Elizabeth Power is a 5 event rider and show jumper based in Ireland. Elizabeth started her competitive career in show jumping and represented Ireland at the Pony European Championships at Hartpury, England in 1997. Elizabeth started her eventing career in 1998 and has represented Ireland at the European Championships at the pony, junior, and senior levels. Elizabeth was 11th at her Badminton debut in 2009 on Kilpatrick River, 9th at Burghley in 2018, and won the 4 short at Mallow in 2020 on Soladoun. She also won the show jumping speed class at the 2019 Dublin CSIO5* on Doonaveeragh O One. Elizabeth is the daughter of Con Power, who was a member of the 1970’s Irish show jumping team.
In this episode, Elizabeth discusses various topics related to her career and approach to horse training, including:
• Producing talented horses that go on to be successful with other professional riders. • Growing up in a competitive household of accomplished equestrians. • The risk of competing at a high level and how safety in the sport is changing. • Nurture vs Nature and her philosophy for training horses up the levels. • Creating a system and finding funding for the high-performance program in Ireland.
Join Elizabeth and Sinead in this exciting conversation on sourcing and producing talented horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Australian Olympic event rider Shane Rose.
Shane Rose is a three-time Olympic medalist, 5 event rider, and staple for the Australian eventing team. Shane won team silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on All Luck, team bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics on CP Qualified, and team silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Virgil. In 2003, Shane and his partner Niki started a racehorse breaking, pre training, and performance horse business out of Bimbadeen Park in Werombi Australia. Shane also recently won the Adelaide 5 on his longtime partner Virgil.
In this episode, Shane discusses various topics related to his career and business model, including:
• Starting his business and finding a way to work the racehorses and event horses efficiently. • His strategy for deciding which horses to keep and produce up the levels of eventing. • His decision to stay in Australia instead of traveling to Europe or the states to start a business. • Traveling for multiple Olympic games and the wear it puts on the horse.
Join Shane and Sinead in this exciting conversation on producing top event horses through determination.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by the USEF Director of High-Performance Sport Programs Graeme Thom.
Before stepping down from the position in 2021, Graeme spent 5 years as the New Zealand High Performance Eventing Manager. He led the team to a gold medal finish at the 2018 FEI Eventing Nations Cup CICO4* at Aachen. From 2007-2014, Graeme was the Canadian Eventing High Performance Manager and Chef d’Equipe. Under his leadership, the Canadian team won team silver at the 2010 World Games and Jessica Phoenix won individual gold at the Pan American Games in 2011.
In this episode, Graeme discusses various topics related to his career in high performance management, including:
• How different equestrian federations approach committees and budgeting.
• His riding career and how it set him on the path to success in team management.
• The effect social licensing has on the industry, and how it is viewed by riders and officials.
• His ideal high-performance team and the importance of having the right staff to support the athletes.
• Learning to operate in stressful situations and treat everyone fairly.
Join Graeme and Sinead in this exciting conversation on high-performance management.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Selena O’Hanlon.
Selena O’Hanlon is a Canadian event rider that has represented her country in the Olympics, World Equestrian Games, and the Pan Am Games. With Colombo, Selena competed at the 2008 Bejing Olympics and was a team silver medalist at the Kentucky World Equestrian Games in 2010, which was Canada’s first eventing silver medal in over 30 years. On Foxwood High, Selena helped team Canada win another silver medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara. Selena was also the first Canadian to win the Fair Hill International 3* in 2017 on Woody.
• In this episode, Selena discusses various topics related to her career and horse and rider health, including:
• Making a habit of listening to your body and learning about proper nutrition and fitness.
• Her experience competing in Olympics and winning team silver at the 2010 WEG.
• How she handles fear and pressure, and how she approaches nerves cross country day.
• The role Selena’s mother played in her riding career and the evolution of their shared business.
• The importance of having access to hills for fitness work and tack that fits the horse and rider.
Join Selena and Sinead in this exciting conversation on taking care of yourself and your horse.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Grand Prix dressage rider JJ Tate.
Jessica Jo “JJ” Tate is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist that has trained over 29 horses to the FEI levels, 8 of those being Grand Prix horses. JJ has been long listed for the World Equestrian Games and represented the United States in the 2007 FEI World Breeding Championships for Young Dressage Horses in Verden, Germany. JJ more recently won the Dressage at Devon World Cup Grand Prix in 2018 and the Global Dressage Festival CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle in 2020 on her longtime partner Faberge. JJ is also the founder of Team Tate Academy, an online training platform for dressage riders.
In this episode, JJ discusses various topics related to mindfulness, including:
•Being diagnosed with breast cancer and how that changed her perspective of the world.
•The role meditation has played in helping her become the best version of herself.
•Having integrity and content in the riding so that we are serving the horse and not our ego.
•The connection between natural horsemanship, classical dressage, and eventing.
•How Team Tate Academy has allowed her to give back to the sport by sharing the great education she received.
Join JJ and Sinead in this exciting conversation on connecting with ourselves and our horses.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider and Ride iQ coach and co-founder Kyle Carter.
Kyle Carter is a Canadian 5 event rider that won a team silver medal at the 2010 Kentucky World Equestrian Games, team silver at the 2007 Rio Pan Am Games, and competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, all on his horse Madison Park. Kyle also placed second in 1999 Rolex Kentucky CCI4-L. Kyle served as the coach for the Guatemalan and Venezuelan eventing teams and holds the record for coaching the most gold medalist at the FEI North American Youth Championships.
In this episode, Kyle discusses various topics related to the factors that make a successful rider, including:
•Taking over the late Jimmy Wofford's role of writing predictions for the Chronicle of the Horse.
•The challenge riders face when it comes to finding owners that will support their dream of winning medals and finishing top 10 in 5*’s.
•Comparing different rider's performances at Kentucky vs Badminton and the role that horsemanship plays in winning.
•Dealing with difficult horses and creating a working relationship that allows the rider to understand the horse.
•The factors that make a truly great cross-country horse.
Join Kyle and Sinead in this exciting conversation on staying true to yourself and the horse.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Julia Krajewski.
Julia Krajewski is a German event rider who won the individual gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games on Amande De B’neville, making her the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in eventing. Julia won her first championship at 12 years old at the Pony Europeans in 2001, and she went on to be competitive at the junior and young rider level. Julia won team silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and finished first at the 2017 Luhmuhlen CCI 4* on Samourai du Thot. She also won individual silver and team gold at the 2022 Pratoni world championships on Amande De B’neville. She was selected to coach the Junior team in 2016 and has been based at the German national centre at Warendorf since 2007. Julia spent three years in the German army sport corps, has a master's degree in riding, and currently splits her time between riding and coaching.
In this episode, Julia Krajewski discusses various topics related to her career as a top event rider, including:
•How her life has changed after winning individual gold at the Olympics.
•The programs that helped her transition from a junior to a professional rider and coach.
•Her experience in the army sport corps and what a day to day looks like at Warendorf.
•Learning to deal with the pressure of being on a team and the media’s influence.
•Preparing for the Tokyo games after they were postponed and the training that took place in the 4 or 5 years between games.
•Her approach to fitness work.
Join Julia and Sinead in this exciting conversation on becoming a top rider through patience and a plan.
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Allie Knowles about finding a balance between work and life and the psychology behind it.
Allie Knowles is a 5-star event rider that has been successful competing in 4 and 5 stars across the country. Allie has been successful bringing many horses up the levels of eventing. Allie and Sinead discuss how becoming a mother has made them better horse trainers and learning when to prioritize family over the horses. Allie talks about fitness and the role it played in recovering from her accident at Red Hills in 2017. Allie also discusses the fear that comes with riding at a high level and finding comfort in connection with her horse. Allie and Sinead talk about facing challenges and learning to adapt instead of trying to change the situation.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Bettina Hoy.
Bettina Hoy is a 5* event rider that competed for Germany in multiple Olympics games, World Championships, and European Championships. She was the first German woman to make it to a championship, eventually riding in the 2004 Athens Olympics, 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics where she won a team bronze medal at 21 years old. Bettina has been incredibly successful on multiple horses, one of them being Ringwood Cockatoo. This pair won team bronze at the Blenheim European Championships in 2005, team gold at the Aachen World Equestrian Games in 2006, and individual bronze at the 2007 European Championships. Bettina was the coach for the Dutch eventing team for three years and stepped down in 2019. She also coached the Mars Bromont Rising U25 Grant Program in 2022.
In this episode, Bettina Hoy discusses various topics related to her career as a rider and coach, including:
•Her father’s influence on her riding career from a young age.
•Being naïve about pressure early in her career and eventually realizing that she needed to work harder.
•Her approach to teaching feel and the value in having a trainer occasionally ride your horse.
•Knowing that the sport was not about physical strength but understanding your horse and being able to adjust to the situation.
•Dealing with different personalities as a coach and realizing that not everyone is as determined or willing to learn as they could be.
•Using rider fitness to minimize miscommunication between you and your horse, establish a correct position, and teach your brain to talk to certain parts of your body.
Join Bettina and Sinead in this exciting conversation on becoming a top rider through hard work and determination.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider Mike Huber.
Mike Huber is a 5* event rider that has been at the top of the sport from a young age. He finished 13th at the 1978 World Championships at only 18 years old, making him one of the youngest riders ever named to an international team. Mike competed at the 1980 Olympic games on his horse Gold Chip and won an individual gold medal at the 1987 Pan American Games on Quartermaster. Mike served as President of the USEA from 1993 to 1995, was a chairman of the USEF Eventing Performance Committee from 2001 to 2008 and served as an Olympic selector from 1996 to 2000. Mike also found success coaching the Area V Young Rider Team for 20 years and was inducted into the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame in 2015.
In this episode, Mike Huber discusses various topics related to his career and the evolution of high-performance eventing, including:
•How fitness work has evolved to keep the horses sounder for longer while still optimizing their fitness.
•Trying different disciplines as a kid created a great foundation and taught him a variety of techniques.
•The lessons Mike learned in his residency program with Jack Le Groff.
•Allowing riders to choose their individual coach vs having a team coach that works with everyone.
•The evolution of the thoroughbred horse in eventing.
Join Mike and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the evolution of eventing.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Hannah Klep, 4* event rider, EA NCAS coach, and Ride IQ coach.
Hannah Klep is a successful Australian event rider that has competed up to the 4* level on her OTT thoroughbred Reprieve. This team also represented Australia at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand in 2019. Hannah is on the National Eventing Youth Recognition Squad and has a string of horses that she is bringing up the levels. Hannah started her own training and coaching business in 2019 and is an EA NCAS (Eventing Australia National Coaching Accreditation Scheme) coach.
In this episode, Hannah Klep discusses various topics related to coaching and her journey to being a FEI event rider, including:
•The racehorse industry in Australia and her experience riding racehorses.
•The coaching certification process in Australia and the benefit of having that qualification.
•How she started eventing and quickly moved up the levels.
•Hannah’s experience competing in her first 4* and learning how to cope with the pressure.
•Common themes in coaching and the lessons she has learned as a coach.
•Her future goals for riding and coaching.
Join Hannah and Sinead in this exciting conversation on coaching and riding.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Dickie Waygood, Performance Manager for the British eventing team, 4* event rider, and one of Britain's most successful military event riders.
Dickie Waygood was appointed the Performance manager for the British eventing team in 2016 and the Technical Director in 2022. Dickie also filled the role of Performance Manager for the British dressage team in 2010, and between the two teams helped win over 23 championship medals. Dickie had a successful military career having been appointed the Riding Master of the Household Calvary Mounted Regiment. Dickie is considered one of Britain’s most successful military event riders, having competed in Badminton and Burghley.
In this episode, Dickie Waygood discusses various topics related to his time in the military and as a team manager, including:
•The lessons he learned in the military and how it set him up for the rest of his life.
•The goal and purpose of the Mounted Regiment and his experience as the Riding Master.
•Using what he learned in the military to help with his eventing, coaching, and team management.
•Allowing athletes to take ownership and having the confidence to lead from the back.
•Filling the role of Performance Manager for the dressage team and getting to work with Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin.
•Common characteristics he saw in riders and understanding the athletes in order to create programs that help them.
Join Dickie and Sinead in this exciting conversation on team management.
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Prue Barrett, Australian Eventer, Ride IQ coach, and Equestrian Australia’s National Performance Director for eventing since 2011.
Prue Barrett has competed at the highest level of eventing and represented Australia in two World Equestrian Games, as well as being shortlisted for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Prue led the Australian Eventing Team to a win at the 2016 Aachen CHIO Nations Cup and a Team Bronze Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She also graduated from Sydney University with a master's in education majoring in Sports Coaching.
In this episode, Prue Barrett discusses various topics related to coaching and team management, including:
•The challenges of being a team coach
•Her managing style and approach to managing a team
•Having the funding and management to improve performance
•The pressure of being a coach compared to a rider
•Her perspective on why there are more men than women in coaching
•Her experience collecting data to help select a team
•How she has created a team that allows the individual to shine
Join Prue and Sinead in this exciting conversation on coaching and team management.
✨psssst! There's a special offer at the beginning of this episode!✨
In this episode of In Stride, Sinead and Tik Maynard are joined by Dan James, a highly accomplished horse trainer with expertise in multiple disciplines, but is best known for his exceptional work in liberty training.
Dan James is a world-renowned trainer who won the Road to the Horse International Colt Starting World Championship in 2012 and the “Way of the Horse” at Equitana Asia Pacific in 2008. He is also a finalist of Mustang Makeover and has won numerous Freestyle Reining Championships. Additionally, Dan's horses have been featured in many TV shows, films, and photography projects, making him a well-respected figure in the equine industry.
In this episode, Dan James discusses various topics related to horse training, including:
Join Dan, Tik, and Sinead in this exciting conversation on horse training and liberty work.
✨Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Every sign up includes a 14-day no-risk free trial. Get your personalized lesson recommendations at Ride-iQ.com/Quiz. ✨
On this episode of "In Stride," Sinead sits down with Lauren Sprieser, a renowned international grand prix dressage rider and trainer. With her experience producing numerous FEI horses and riders, as well as being a blogger for the Chronicle of the Horse, Lauren is a true authority in the equestrian world. In this conversation, Lauren shares insights on building a successful business model, including discussions on syndicates and normalizing money conversations in dressage. She also delves into the dynamics of employer-employee relationships in the industry, offering advice on how to strategically apply pressure to avoid burnout. Lauren opens up about handling situations that don't go according to plan, and the importance of having a supportive community. Finally, she discusses the realities of working with horses and the importance of defining one's own version of success. Join Sinead and Lauren as they explore the bigger picture of success in the equestrian world.
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Get your personalized lesson recommendations at Ride-iQ.com/Quiz.✨
On this episode of In Stride, Sinead is joined by Yogi Breisner, an esteemed high-performance coach who has had a remarkable career in the world of eventing. Yogi began his professional journey as a member of the Swedish eventing team in 1976 and went on to compete for over a decade, earning a team gold medal at the 1983 European Championships.
Following his successful career as a rider, Yogi shifted his focus to coaching and became the performance manager for the British eventing team in 1999. Over the next two decades, he led the team to four Olympic team medals and five European team titles, cementing his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in the sport.
During this episode, Yogi shares his insights on what it takes to create a winning environment and produce the best results. He talks about his experience managing different personalities, emphasizing the importance of communication and team spirit. Yogi also shares his strategies for handling pressure in high-stakes situations and the importance of having a release mechanism.
Join us for this fascinating conversation with Yogi Breisner and learn from one of the most successful high-performance coaches in the world.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Every sign up includes a 14-day no-risk free trial. Get your personalized lesson recommendations at Ride-iQ.com/Quiz. ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Get your personalized lesson recommendations at Ride-iQ.com/Quiz.✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Laura Collett about how she’s making her Olympic dreams come true and the pressure that comes with that kind of opportunity.
Laura Collett is a five-star event rider - she brought home the team gold medal for Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Laura's other major wins include Badminton in 2022 and Pau in 2020.
Today, Laura talks about starting in show ponies and working hunter ponies before switching to eventing and finding success in the junior rider division. She talks about navigating the jump to senior teams and realizing what it takes to be competitive at that level. Laura also recounts the accident in 2013 that left her in a coma for 6 days and caused her to lose sight in one eye. After that, Laura had to learn how to jump and see distances all over again. Sinead and Laura cover all of this and a lot more - enjoy!
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Every sign up includes a 14-day no-risk free trial. Get your personalized lesson recommendations at Ride-iQ.com/Quiz. ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Piggy March how she shares her experience and knowledge.
Piggy is an incredibly accomplished 5-star event rider with wins at both Badminton and Burghley. Piggy has competed for Great Britain in multiple World Equestrian Games and European Championships, winning team and individual medals. Piggy is also the founder of “Piggy TV”, a platform where she shares training videos, horse care videos, and a behind the scenes look into her program.
Piggy and Sinead discuss the importance of being authentic when it comes to social media and bringing that mindset into Piggy TV. Piggy talks about starting Piggy TV and what she hopes to accomplish with it. She also talks about her two Olympic horses getting injured in 2012, and the effect that had on her drive and sense of achievement.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Try Ride iQ free for 2 weeks by downloading the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Randy Ward about growing up with horses and learning through the bumps in the road.
Randy Ward is a successful upper-level event rider that has brought many horses up the levels. Randy began his career at his family’s riding academy in Boston, MA. He has trained with riders like Bruce Davidson and Michael Plumb who have helped become a great rider and trainer. Randy and Sinead discuss the value of comradery and support in the eventing community and Ocala’s role as a hot spot for the sport. They talk about learning life skills at a young age by working in a barn and how the decline in riding academies across the country make horses less accessible to kids. Randy and Sinead also discuss the relationship between trainer and owner and having reasonable expectations of a horse’s accomplishments. Randy shares his mindset and attitude towards horses and life in general.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Lainey Ashker about the adversity she has overcome and how it has affected her mental health and confidence, making her the rider and trainer she is today.
Lainey Ashker is a five star event rider who has competed in several FEI competitions, including the Burghley CCI5 and Blenheim CCI4. In addition to being a top event rider, Lainey went pro in dressage in 2019 and has ridden to the Grand Prix level.
Lainey talks about adjusting to east coast life at a young age and taking access to professionals and events for granted. She also discusses her social media presence and how she gained a following by being transparent and relatable. Lainey and Sinead cover other great topics like the value of secondary education and balancing eventing and dressage.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Sam Watson about how he has used analytics to improve his riding and how that led to him co-founding the sports data company EquiRatings.
Sam Watson is a successful Irish event rider that has competed in three World Equestrian Games, earning a team silver medal at Tryon in 2018. Sam is a co-founder of the sports data and analytics company EquiRatings, which launched in 2015. Sam and Sinead discuss using data as an objective way of looking at progress and how that information can be used to inform smarter training. The margin of error in show jumping and cross-country was one example of how Sam was able to use numbers to improve his performances. Sam talks about how much information is out there and how having a growth mindset helped him become successful in his business and his riding.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
Join us for our first annual holiday special! In this episode of In Stride, we turned the tables on Sinead and Tik interviewed her about her upbringing, her perspective on the horses she has had, and her aspirations for the future. Sinead and Tik discuss how they plan to approach riding with their children and how they think about everyone’s unique path. Enjoy!
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to William Fox-Pitt about how his perspective on the sport has evolved and how he’s adjusted his priorities accordingly.
William Fox-Pitt is an internationally celebrated 5* event rider. William has won three Olympic medals and several championship medals for Great Britain. William and Sinead talk about how the sport has evolved and how the type of horse it takes to win has changed drastically over the years. William discusses how he developed a new perspective as a rider following a bad accident. William emphasizes the importance of focusing on your strengths as a rider and bringing out the best in your horses rather than harping on flaws.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Ian Stark about his non-traditional start to an astonishingly successful eventing career and the lessons his horses and support team taught him along the way.
Ian Stark is a Scottish event rider who has competed in five Olympic games in addition to several World Championships, and European Championships. He collected many medals, both team and individual, during his career, including four Olympic silver medals. In addition to being a top competitor, Ian has served as a coach, selector, and course designer at the highest level of the sport.
Ian tells the story of how he got into riding and competing in his first event at 18 years old. Ian and Sinead discuss people’s temperament and the connection to their success. They talk about the importance of being able to work well with others and how that has been a reoccurring lesson in Ian’s career. He details how he selects the right horses, which involves having self awareness and discipline around keeping his ambitions separate from his assessment of a horse's abilities. Ian also discusses the change in the relationship between riders and officials, and what the future may hold for eventing.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Dan Kreitl about his rise to amateur stardom in the U.S. eventing community following his recent top finishes at the 4* level and the path he took to get to where he is today.
Dan Kreitl is an amateur rider that has had a meteoric rise in 2022 with several competitive finishes at the 4* level in eventing. He’s a “hometown hero” for amateur riders around the U.S. as he manages to compete at the upper levels while also working a fulltime job and being a parent.
Growing up, Dan was the 9th of 10 kids in his family, and he was the only one interested in horses. Dan talks about how his entrepreneurial spirit started when he was in middle school and resulted in him starting several companies over the years. Dan has faced immense adversity in the last year as his wife received a scary diagnosis while pregnant. This experience has taught Dan a lot about training his mind and controlling his emotions. Dan talks about the decision to not pursue riding professionally and ride as an amateur while working outside of horses instead.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to world renowned dressage judge Marilyn Payne about a judge's perspective about scoring individual movements, learning to disregard the rider’s reputation, and other behind-the-scenes insights.
In addition to her judging credibility, Marilyn is also a horse breeder and coach. Marilyn and Sinead discuss how scoring in dressage has evolved over the years, how to get the best score on specific movements, and how she thinks about making corrections in the dressage arena. Marilyn was on the Ground Jury at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and she was President of the Ground Jury at the 2016 Rio Olympics and at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010 - she talks about what it means to hold those positions and what the experience is like. During their conversation, Marilyn uncovers loads of valuable insights about the sport, judging, and how to best perform as a rider.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Dr. Elizabeth Callahan aka Didi Callahan about breeding sport horses in the U.S. and bridging the gap between riders and breeders.
Didi and her husband run Cool Na Grena in Oxford, MD, which has become a super successful sport breeding program. They have been developing the business since Didi finished equine veterinary school in 1985. Sinead and Didi discuss what Didi looks for in the mares and stallions she uses in her program and how accessibility to stallions has evolved over the decades. Didi details the differences between breeding in the U.S. versus in Europe and the things that prevent the U.S. from producing as many high quality horses. She also talks about how horses are judged at YEH events and her thoughts on the screening criteria. Didi started a U.S. event horse futurity to try to connect breeders, riders, and owners. You can learn more at useventhorsefurturity.com.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Mellisa Warden about her story of overcoming a catastrophic injury and learning to cope with unavoidable outcomes.
Mellisa had a tragic cycling accident while traveling in Berlin that changed her life forever. Mellisa details the days, weeks, and months of medical care she received after her injury, which ultimately resulted in her making the decision to amputate her leg. After her surgery, Mellisa pursued a degree in orthotics and prosthetics and she talks about her decision to move her family across the country for school. She details getting back into hiking, cycling, and riding with her prosthetic leg. Sinead and Mellisa talk about para opportunities in equestrian sports and how that continues to evolve.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Danny Warrington about rider responsibility around safety.
Danny’s background as a leading steeplechase jockey and an advanced eventer inspired him to found LandSafe Equestrian to educate riders about how to stay safe.
Danny talks to Sinead about the difference between meeting the qualifications to move up a level and being qualified to move up. They discuss who holds responsibility for safety in the sport and how to empower riders to be safe.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Elisa Wallace about her recent win at the Maryland 3* National Championship and her upbringing in a professional equestrian family.
Elisa grew up with a professional event rider and coach as a father, so she has been around horses her whole life. Elisa talks about making the decision to pursue riding professionally for herself and the adversity she faced early on in her career. Elisa is an upper-level eventer and she trains and shows mustangs and OTTBs in the horsemanship world. Elisa trained her first 2-year-old when she was 8 years old using what she learned from watching her parents.
Check out Elisa's YouTube channel
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Alex von Beverfoerde about her horse sales operation in Germany and how she works to source the perfect horse for each client.
Alex started her sales horse business Pegazon in Germany 2 years ago and has quickly grown to be a major operation for Americans looking to import from Germany. Alex originally started her career in fashion and marketing. Alex spent many years working for Ralph Lauren in London, and she talks about how that experience primed her to start and run her horse sales business. Alex and Sinead discuss Alex’s devotion to finding her client’s dream horses and how she thinks about pre-purchase exams.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Membership also includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Karen O’Connor about the language of the horse and her emphasis on natural horsemanship in developing a successful horse and rider.
Karen is one of the most decorated event riders in the world having ridden in numerous Olympic games and World Championships. Karen grew up riding in Massachusetts and she talks about her group of riding friends learning to ride together after school. Karen had a Connemara pony that she took up through the levels and to her first 4*. Karen talks about the importance of learning the language of the horse to build a foundation as a successful rider. She discusses the strategy behind building the O’Connor Event Team alongside her husband David O’Connor. Karen and Sinead talk about the American team success at the 2022 World Eventing Championships and how the sport has evolved over time.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with an equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ The In Stride podcast is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
This is a full length episode of the Major League Eventing podcast. In this episode, the MLE hosts Karen and Rob interview Sinead about the In Stride podcast and the training program she runs with her husband Tik Maynard.
If you like this episode, search "Major League Eventing" on your favorite podcast platform to listen to more episodes!
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Heather Gillette about her recent shift from upper-level rider to being a dressage judge and TD.
Heather is a 5* event rider based out of New Jersey. Her father was an avid rider and he got Heather her first pony when she was only 2 years old. She grew up eventing with her two sisters.
Heather got a degree from Rutgers University and then started a corporate job, which she quickly realized was not her path. That's when Heather found her to-be upper-level partner, Pickle Road. Heather ultimately sold Pickle Road when she received an offer she couldn’t refuse, and she talks about grappling with regret and appreciation for that decision.
Heather talks about deciding to be a TD and a dressage judge in an effort to stay involved at the upper levels. They discuss what Heather has learned with her judge certification and how that experience has changed her perspective as a rider. Heather talks about creating Strides for Equality, an equestrian non-profit focused on promoting diversity in equestrian sports.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Jacqueline Brooks about her drive to the Olympics and her dedication to continuing to learn as a coach and rider.
Jacquie is a Canadian Olympic dressage rider. She grew up playing several sports but didn’t start riding until she was 17 years old. Jacquie’s introduction into the competitive world was through a grooming position at the Pan American Games. Jacquie talks about how she brought herself from that introduction to horses as a teenager to her first Olympic games at 40 years old. She also discusses how she separates her profession as a coach and her riding pursuits on her personal horses. Throughout, Jacquie discusses her commitment to continuing to learn and adapt as a rider and a coach to be the best she can possibly be.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of "n Stride, Sinead talks to Holly Jacks-Smither about her perspective representing Canada on numerous senior teams and learning to take her time and stick to her plan.
Holly is a Canadian event rider with competitive results through the 5* level. Holly splits her year between Ocala and Ontario. She has been on the Canadian team for numerous Nation Cups and was recently named to the 2022 World Championships team in Italy. Holly loves spending her time bringing young horses up and has produced her upper-level horses herself. Holly talks about the coaches and mentors she has had guiding her through her riding career
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Ariel Grald about being named to the U.S. team for the upcoming World Championships of Eventing in Italy and the path she took to get to where she is today.
The World Championships of Eventing will be Ariel's first time on a senior team at a team championship, and she and Sinead talk about what the experience has been like for her so far. Ariel discusses the vet evaluations and how she and her team handled the day of the announcement. Ariel also talks about her experience on the U.S. team at Aachen in 2021 and how the team dynamic set everyone up for success.
Ariel grew up riding in Vermont and got a degree in Microbiology from the University of Vermont. She talks about how a series of fortunate events landed her working for her now-owner Annie Eldridge. Annie gave Ariel the opportunity to import a horse from Ireland, which is how she ended up with her Championship partner Leamore Master Plan.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Lesley Grant Law about how her unbeatable work ethic and constant focus on prioritizing horses got her to the top of the sport.
Lesley talks about growing up in Canada with a family that didn’t have a background in horses. She ended up at a schooling barn with an eventing instructor, which progressed into her being a working student for an Olympic event rider at 16 years old.
Lesley pursued a Masters degree while also competing two horses at the Advanced level, and she discusses how she prioritized things in her life to make that possible. Lesley and Sinead talk about the cultural differences between Canada, America, and Europe and how that influences a rider’s career. They also discuss what it’s like for Lesley to run a professional operation alongside her husband Leslie Law.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Boyd Martin about how he has setup his life to help fuel his competitive success.
Boyd and Sinead discuss what it’s like for Boyd to be named to another championship team for the World Eventing Championships in 2022.
Boyd talks about growing up in New Zealand with two Olympic athletes as parents. His mom was a speed skater, and his father was a cross-country ski racer. Boyd had an untraditional upbringing in the sense that sports were a central part of his life.
Boyd’s parents were super supportive of him moving to America to pursue his riding career. He talks about the culture shock he experienced when he first came to America and having to adjust to the different way the eventing community operates. Boyd talks about the operation and barn culture he has created to support the best competitive success possible.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ. With Ride iQ, you can take a lesson with a top coach anytime you want through access to hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons! Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android, or visit Ride-iQ.com for more information. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Lucinda Green about the fundamental partnership based on trust that riders must have with their horses.
Lucinda left school at 15-years-old to attend an untraditional “look and learn” school where she was taught about a range of topics including world religion, politics, and the history of art. Lucinda’s mom was involved in fox hunting and her father played international polo.
Lucinda and Sinead talk about how the equestrian profession has changed over the decades and importance of horsemanship in being a successful competitor. Lucinda talks about the uniqueness of each rider and each horse and how she always prioritized mutual trust with her horses. Lucinda is a passionate advocate of challenging cross-country courses as a way of being true to the sport of eventing - she discusses how the sport has evolved over time and the risks that come with that evolution. Lucinda tells stories from her first time winning Badminton at 19 years old to her long, successful career after that.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Natalie Hummel about doing the work on yourself to benefit your riding, your horses, and your life. The conversation covers a lot of bases including what it means to gaslight your horse, how to know what's "right," achieving love and gratitude, and differentiating between truth versus evidence. Enjoy!
About Natalie:
Natalie is a transformational life coach with a strong background in equestrian sports. Her coaching practice focuses on helping her clients do the deep work required to reach top levels of success. She does this through somatic work, emotional mastery, and nervous system regulation.
Natalie graduated from the University of Louisville with a major in psychology and a minor in wellness. Since then, she's spent time living, teaching and coaching all around the world.
Natalie's 'How to Heal framework' helps clients regulate their nervous systems by releasing the patterns that are blocking them from living your most authentic life.
The next 3-month program starts in October and opens for registration soon. You can join the waitlist here. If you're interested in working with Natalie or learning more, visit her website at NatalieHummelWellness.com.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Will Coleman about how he has evolved throughout his time in the sport. Will began riding at a young age with his family and became an incredibly successful rider at the top levels of eventing by his late teens and early twenties. Today, Will maintains his position as a top rider (in fact, he was just named to the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championships in Rome), but his approach to the sport has changed. He still has his eyes on the prize, but the prize is no longer just the wins.
Will grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia and is one of three brothers. His dad had a knack for riding and was a talented amateur dressage rider and show jumper.
Will went to college at University of Virginia before pursuing riding professionally. He competed at his first 5 at 19 years old and in many of the world’s 5s by the time he was 20. Will and Sinead talk about what it was like for Will to become a professional and build a business after so much success at a young age. Over the years, Will realized his perfectionist tendencies weren't serving him and he talks about what he's doing differently in response to that realization. Will has been super successful in his riding pursuits in recent years, and he attributes a lot of that to becoming more invested in his relationships with his horses and enjoying the journey rather than just riding for the gold.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to international 5* event rider Jon Holling about coping with hardships in life and in sport.
There's a lot to know about Jon. Here are some highlights:
He's ridden at world famous events such as the KY 3-Day Event, Burghley Horse Trials and the World Cup Eventing Finals in Sweden
He is a USEA Level IV ICP Certified Instructor
He was the coach of the Area IV Young Rider team at three championships and brought home the team gold at two of them 🥇🥇
He has served on the USEA Board of Governors, the Nominating Committee, and the Executive Committee
Our favorite: he was one of the very first Ride iQ coaches and his lessons are regularly atop the Ride iQ charts!
He is currently:
Co-Chairman of the USEA XC Safety Sub-Committee
The USEF National Safety Officer for eventing to the FEI
A member of the Risk Management Steering Group for the FEI
A member of the USEF Safety Committee
Chairman of the USEF Eventing Sport Committee
A member of the International Disciplines Council for the USEF
And from his bio for USEA: "With all of his other responsibilities, Jon still prioritizes time with his son, Caiden. He is a veteran of marriage to Jennifer. Jon is a huge Green Bay Packers fan, a lover of teenage girl dance music, and a glutton for punishment at his CrossFit classes 🏋️."
Phew! We're so glad he added "Ride iQ Coach" to his resume last year! We wouldn't want him to get bored.
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by some of the world‘s best coaches. Plus membership includes weekly invitations to Office Hours (Q&A with a equestrian expert), access to exclusive podcasts, dressage test playbooks, and more. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone or Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iOS and Android or learn more at Ride-iQ.com✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Hannah Sue Burnett about her journey finding her sense of self through sports psychology and faith.
Hannah is an international CCI5* event rider. She has been competing at the top level of the sport since 2007 when she was 20 years old and she has always appeared to be at the top of her game. In recent years, Hannah was forced to take a step back and take care of her mental health in order to to continue her athletic pursuits.
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iOS and Android or learn more at Ride-iQ.com✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Sharon White about mindfulness, utilizing breath, and being present.
Sharon is an international CCI5* event rider, trainer, and USEA ICP Level IV Certified Instructor based at Last Frontier Farm in Summit Point, West Virginia. Sharon has worked with several renowned equestrians including Linda Zang, Torrance Watkins, and Bruce Davidson Sr. Her longtime mentor and friend Jimmy Wofford has also had a major influence on her career.
In addition to competing at some of the biggest events in the world, Sharon has represented the US at FEI Eventing Nations Cup competitions and she was named as a reserve rider for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. That same year, she had a top-10 finish at the Kentucky 3-Day Event with Cooley On Show.
Sharon has produced several horses to the highest levels of the sport, and she has a reputation for developing happy and successful horses and riders.
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ (Ride-iQ.com), the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Rebecca Howard about how far hard work can take you in equestrian sports and what else it takes to be competitive at the upper levels.
Rebecca is a Canadian Olympic event rider and has been a member of the Canadian High Performance Program for over a decade. She placed 10th individually at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 with Riddle Master (aka Rupert). Rebecca has competed at Luhmuhlen, Badminton, Burghley, and Kentucky in addition to competing at two Olympic Games, the Pan American Games, and the World Equestrian Games. She was named the Equine Canada Equestrian of the Year in 2013.
Rebecca has been based un the UK since 2012 and is currently based out of Woodlands Farm in England.
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ In Stride is brought to you by Ride iQ (Ride-iQ.com), the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Jennie Brannigan about developing resilience and overcoming self-doubt.
Jennie Brannigan is one of the United States’ top event riders and has garnered multiple awards and accolades.
Jennie grew up in Illinois and got into eventing at an early age. At only 13 years old, Jennie was already a working student for Allison Springer, the first of many top riders and coaches Jennie learned from including Phillip Dutton, Mike Winter, Karen & David O'Connor, and show jumper Susie Hutchinson.
By the time she was in her early 20s, Jennie and her horse Cooper had earned national attention. Jennie started Cooper as a 4 year old, and during the 2007/2008 season they won 9 out of 10 events at intermediate level, which placed them at the top of the 2008 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Leaderboard. Also in 2008, Jennie and Cooper won the individual and team gold medals at NAJYRC at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado.
Since then, Jennie's accomplishments have only continued. Jennie and her partner Cambalda aka Ping have won multiple 3*s including winning the Nation’s Cup at Great Meadow both individually and with the US team. Jennie and Ping were the traveling reserves for the 2015 Pan Am Games and Jennie has been a top 15 ranked rider multiple times.
Jennie's business, Brannigan Eventing, is based in Pennsylvania where she coaches, trains, and rides.
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to entrepreneurer and horsewoman Linda Parelli.
Linda was born in Singapore to a Scottish Father and a Swiss mother. She moved to Sydney, Australia with her family when she was 12 years old and got her first horse the following year. Linda's first job as a young adult was as Education Director for Ella Bache, a French skin care and beauty device brand. Linda has called herself a 'learnaholic,' and during the 12 years she held the position of Education Director, she was also studying accelerated learning methods and personal development programs.
Linda's return to horses came in 1989. She was in her early 30s and had a hot thoroughbred named Regalo who led her to sign up for a clinic with American cowboy Pat Parelli. In 1993, Linda moved from Australia to the US, and in 1995 she and Pat got married. They traveled throughout the US and Canada giving clinics, and ultimately created Parelli Natural Horsemanship and the Parelli method. Parelli Natural Horsemanship became a worldwide brand and phenomenon that paved the way for the natural horsemanship industry.
A few years ago, Linda and Pat went their separate ways. Linda has since co-founded the Happy Horse Happy Life training program and the Pegasus Personal Growth program.
Sinead and Linda are talking about what we owe our horses.
The episode also includes:
We hope you enjoy this episode!
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to 5* event rider Lillian Heard.
Lillian grew up in a small town in Maryland and was introduced to eventing through Seneca Valley Pony Club. After High School, she went on to work for 5 event rider Jan Bynny while she attended the University of Virginia. Her plan to go to law school after getting her undergraduate degree changed when she bought a very special horse named Share Option or "Whitey." Whitey took her on a different path. Together, Lillian and Whitey went up the levels and ultimately went around their first CCI5-L together. Whitey is the first of multiple horses Lillian has brought up the levels of eventing. Today, she rents a barn from her longtime coach and mentor Boyd Martin at Windurra in Pennsylvania.
On this episode, Sinead and Lillian are talking about facing fear after injury.
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Elsa Sinclair about freedom based training, a method she's developed through extensive work with wild mustangs.
Elsa spent a year with a wild mustang with the goal of being able to ride it without using any training tools besides her body language and her voice. Elsa set out to answer the questions: What if horses were given the choice? Would they let us ride them? She documented the whole process in her first documentary film, Taming Wild: A Girl and A Mustang.
Years later, Elsa made her second film, Taming Wild: Pura Vida, that tracks her journey across Costa Rica with two wild mustangs. Her third film has been in-process for 5 years and will document her experiences with two very different mustang stallions. To follow along, join the Taming Wild Community on Patreon.
Trailers for Elsa’s two films:
Taming Wild: A Girl and A Mustang
Taming Wild: Pura Vida
More about Elsa: tamingwild.com
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Joe Meyer about having longevity in equestrian sports and the grit and perseverance necessary to be competitive on the world stage.
Joe is a Kiwi 5* event rider and has had an exceptionally successful career at the top levels of eventing across New Zealand, the UK, and the US.
Joe:
✨ In addition to weekly invitations to Office Hours, Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. All for only $29.99/month. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95. ✨
In this conversation, Sinead and Jenn sit down to discuss how to build your riding community in an intentional way that contributes to your happiness and success. Your community includes your coach, farrier, vet, other riders in your barn. They talk about the importance of moving on from relationships that aren’t working and being honest when you have to make a change to re-calibrate your community to be what you need. This is a super interesting and useful conversation for anyone in the horse world!
Join the conversation! "Ask Me Anythings" are happening with In Stride guests in the In Stride Podcast Community on Facebook!
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
In Stride and Ride iQ are excited to introduce you to In Stride Ask Me Anythings ("AMAs"), an extension of In Stride conversations and an opportunity for In Stride listeners and guests to connect directly with one another (!!). From on-topic questions to off-topic questions to kudos and hellos, it's all fair game in this new forum.
We're big believers in the power of community and the potential of passionate people, and In Stride AMAs will leverage both.
All you need to do to participate is join the In Stride Podcast Communityon Facebook - that's where you'll find out about upcoming AMAs and that's where the AMAs will take place. We hope to see you there!
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Sara Kozumplik Murphy about a topic that's easy to shy away from: the financial side of making it in this sport, both as individuals and teams. They talk about the current state of affairs in the United States and efforts they think would have a positive impact (plus, efforts that are not productive).
Sara:
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95 ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Tamie Smith about her unconventional path to being a top-level event rider, the role models who have guided her along the way, recent injuries she's learning to ride with, and more.
Tamie is an accomplished 5* event rider with numerous top finishes at some of the world’s biggest events. Tamie:
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your 2-week free trial in the Ride iQ mobile app for iPhone and Android: http://onelink.to/8mhb95. Visit Ride-iQ.com for more info! ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of In Stride, Sinead talks to Will Faudree about perception versus reality. From the outside, it's natural to perceive Will's story as a series of successes and a source of inspiration. It's certainly the latter, but not just because of the wins—the cycle is hard work, struggle, win, repeat. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Will:
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Robert Costello (aka Bobby) about the evolution of high-performance athletes and professionals over the last few decades.
Bobby:
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Liz Halliday-Sharp about navigating highs and lows in equestrian sports.
Liz is an accomplished 5* event rider
Liz:
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Lauren Nicholson (née Kieffer) about celebrating each horse’s unique aptitude.
Lauren is a hugely accomplished event rider with a particular talent for training young horses to the top level.
Lauren:
• Was a member of the 2016 US Olympic event team with her mare Veronica
• Was a member of the US team at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games
• Was a team gold medalist at the 2015 Pan American Games
• Placed 2nd and was the top placed US rider at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event in 2014 and 2016
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Dr. Jenny Susser about gender biases in equestrian sports.
Dr. Susser has a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology, specializing in Sports Psychology. Dr. Susser:
• Was a 4-time All American swimmer and competed at the 1988 Olympic trials
• Has helped athletes in nearly every summer Olympic Games since 2004
• Was the Team Sports Psychologist for the 2012 US Olympic Dressage Team in London
• In addition to helping athletes, helps corporate leaders perform in high pressure and high stakes environments
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
CW: Please note this episode contains mentions of sexual abuse.
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Shawna Karrash about Positive Reinforcement Training.
Shawna is an internationally recognized Equine Behaviorist and trainer credited for pioneering positive reinforcement training with horses.
Shawna:
• Began her career training large marine mammals such as dolphins, sea lions, and orcas
• Has traveled the world training concepts of bridge conditioning and positive reinforcement for horses
• Helped Beezie Madden’s famous mount Judgement ISF overcome his fear of water and go on to win the $1M CN International at Spruce Meadows
• Is recognized as one of the finest positive-reinforcement trainers in North America
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Kathy Baar about how to be a strong leader and partner for your horse.
Kathy is best known for her Natural Horsemanship expertise, and she is also a very accomplished rider.
Kathy:
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On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Kim Severson about owning your path and the importance of conviction and self-confidence.
Kim is one of the world’s most celebrated event riders. Kim:
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Max Corcoran about effective problem solving, a skill that has brought Max to the top level of everything she does.
Max is an anomaly because she intimately knows every aspect of eventing. Her experience as a top groom is second-to-none (actually).
Max:
✨Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Meg about the power of positivity.
Meg is an accomplished upper-level event rider and spent many years as a professional 5* groom.
Meg:
• groomed for Sinead for years at some of the world’s biggest five stars
• competed at the four star level with her longtime partner Anakin
• is well-known throughout the eventing community as the most fun and positive person to be around
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Shannon Lilley about coming back to a career as an upper level professional following many years out of the saddle. In Shannon's case, a spinal injury made her future in riding uncertain. Shannon Lilley tells the story of how she defied all odds to get back to where she is today.
Aside from being a medical marvel, Shannon is a super accomplished upper level eventer.
Shannon is:
• A member of the Gold Medal U.S. team at the 2011 Pan American Games
• President of the Eventing Riders Association North America
• Long-time Chef D'Equip and Coach for the Area VI Young Rider team
• Athlete Representative for the USEF Eventing Sport Committee
• ICP Level III Certified Instructor
✨Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
Host Sinead Halpin Maynard talks to Justine Dutton about switching disciplines. Justine is a former upper level event rider and is now a grand prix show jumper. Considering switching disciplines within equestrian sports can be daunting, and Justine talks about her experience making the decision and transition from professional event rider to professional show jumper.
Justine:
• is a British professional rider based out of Reddick, FL
• Currently competes at the grand prix level in show jumping
• Competed through the 4* level in eventing with top placings at many events in the US
• Is an avid Connemara trainer and dealer
✨ Ride iQ gives you unlimited access to listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world‘s best coaches. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to David O'Connor about horsemanship in competition.
David is one of the most accomplished event riders in history.
David:
Brought to you by Ride iQ. Ride iQ is a membership that includes access to a private mobile app with hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world's best equestrian coaches. Doug Payne (top placed US event rider at Tokyo 2020) said, "Ride iQ is the most productive and efficient learning tool I've seen yet."
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✨ Brought to you by Ride iQ, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com ✨
Host Sinead Halpin Maynard interviews her husband Tik Maynard in this inaugural episode of In Stride. Sinead and Tik talk about the love languages of our horses and what motivates them to be our partners.
Tik is a sought after natural horsemanship and eventing trainer.
Tik:
Brought to you by Ride iQ. Ride iQ is a membership that includes access to a private mobile app with hundreds of listen-while-you-ride audio lessons taught by the world's best equestrian coaches. Doug Payne (top placed US event rider at Tokyo 2020) said, "Ride iQ is the most productive and efficient learning tool I've seen yet."
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