British Equestrian Podcast: Recent Episodes
British Equestrian Podcast
The official podcast from the British Equestrian Federation, presented by Rachel Dyke and Matt Williams.
Millions of people take part in our great sport many of them every day. We're here to celebrate them and tell their stories. From our gold medallists to the riders who are just in it for the love, we'll be talking to them all.
It's the final episode in our series for Equine Health Week 2026, in partnership with Agria. We’ve covered various specific health conditions over the course of this week, but today we’re going to focus on something a bit different – but no less important in terms of safeguarding the wellbeing of our horses.
As horse owners and carers, it’s our duty to ensure that our horses have the best possible lives, with their essential needs at the forefront of decision-making. Getting this right can provide a stable foundation for everything we do with them, whether you have an unridden companion, go hacking a few times a week or compete to higher levels.
Our understanding of what our horses need has changed over time and a number of phrases are becoming more widely used. One of these is ‘the other 23 hours’ and, in this episode, we’re going to find out a bit more about what that means, with help from Roly Owers and Janet Douglas from World Horse Welfare.
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is believed to affect as many as one in three horses in the UK. This painful condition can be caused by multiple factors and will impact performance, temperament and welfare.
Leading consultant and researched Ben Sykes shares how, as our understanding of the condition and how it affects our horses improves, so too does how effectively we’re able to treat and manage it.
We're spoiling you with not one, but two episodes today for Equine Health Week 2026, in partnership with Agria!
Ensuring your horse has a healthy digestive system and a diet that meets their needs is just one step in reducing the risk of numerous gastrointestinal problems, including colic and equine gastric ulcer syndrome. We’ve reunited our equine nutritionist dream team of Dr Marga Mas from Dodson & Horrell and Kate Hore from NAF to look at some of the feeding fundamentals needed in order to promote wellbeing in our horses.
Colic is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of everyone who owns or cares for horses, with good reason – it’s one of the most common veterinary emergencies and causes of equine death worldwide.
While the severity and causes of colic will vary, knowing how to spot signs so you can respond quickly is vital in giving your horse the best chance of a good outcome. Professor Sarah Freeman from the University of Nottingham shares what to look for, plus how you can manage the risk factors associated with colic to reduce the likelihood of it happening in the first place.
While not a disease itself, lameness is a symptom of an underlying problem and a sign that your horse is in pain. Sometimes that pain is minor and can be resolved quickly and easily, but at other times it can be more serious and not immediately obvious what's caused it.
In our next episode for Equine Health Week 2026, in partnership with Agria, vet Rob Oulton from the World Class Programme and Scott Dunn's Equine Clinic explains the process and tests a vet will go through to reach a diagnosis.
In the next episode of our series for Equine Health Week 2026, in partnership with Agria, vets Hattie Bell and Tegan McGilvray from Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance join us to discuss the important role that vaccines play in protecting our horses.
For many of us, vaccinating our horses is just something we tick off once or twice a year when we get a reminder through from the vet practice, without thinking too much about what it actually means. However, this seemingly small action – when done right – can not only save our horses from serious and potentially even life-threatening diseases, but also safeguard the wellbeing of the national herd.
Equine Health Week, in partnership with Agria, is back for 2026! This year, we're focusing on some equine health essentials.
In today’s episode, Sam Cutts from Hook Norton Equine Vets shares some of the basic first aid knowledge that all horse owners and carers should have in their arsenal, what items to keep in your first aid kit and, perhaps most importantly, how to tell when it’s time to call the vet.
In our final episode for Worming Week, in partnership with Agria, the focus turns to the environmental impact of the drugs used to treat our horses for parasites.
Rachel is joined by Claire Shand from Westgate Labs, who sits on the core steering group of cross-industry organisation CANTER, and Ruth Dancer from White Griffin to find out the effects that these drugs can have, not only on a local level but also on the wider ecosystem. Plus, Ruth shares insight into the importance of caring for our soil and Claire amazes everyone with some hard-hitting statistics.
In the second of our Worming Week episodes, in partnership with Agria, Rachel chats with Nicola Housby Skeggs, Veterinary Director at The Horse Trust, and Dr. Tamzin Furtado from the University of Liverpool.
They take a closer look at what factors need to be taken into consideration when deciding whether to test or treat our horses for common parasites, and why overuse of anthelmintics poses such a risk to our national herd.
It's the first episode in our special series of podcast episodes for Worming Week, in partnership with Agria.
Having the right parasite testing and treatment programme in place is an important part of keeping our horses healthy and also helps to protect the national herd. Rachel chats with vet Tim Mair to explore the different parasite tests and what factors need to be considered when putting together a programme to suit the needs of our individual horses.
Find the CANTER guidelines and matrix here: https://canterforhorses.org.uk/
In this special episode for Clean Sport Week 2025, Rachel is joined by Dr. Marga Mas from Dodson & Horrell and Kate Hore from NAF to explore the topic of naturally occurring prohibited substances – also known as NOPS – and how they relate to clean sport. Our experts will also share some simple steps you can implement at your own yard to reduce the risk of contamination and protect your horse’s welfare and wellbeing.
In the final episode of Equine Health Week 2025, we're focusing on a topic that nobody involved with horses likes to think about, but one that many of will have to go through at some point – end of life.
It’s a sad fact that very few horses will pass away naturally so, whether as a result of accident, injury, illness or old age, euthanasia is something that many owners will be faced with. Vet Alistair Crozier from Parkside Veterinary Group and Dr. Amelia Cameron from the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine join Rachel to discuss how creating an end of life plan can help to reduce delay and distress when the time comes.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
In the penultimate episode of our Equine Health Week 2025 series, we turn our attention to our 'golden oldies' and how we can support them as they age.
Nicola Housby Skeggs, Veterinary Director at The Horse Trust, shares what she's learned from caring for the around 140 elderly horses who live on-site at the charity. She and Rachel discuss all aspects of veteran care, including easing into retirement, enrichment ideas, managing health challenges and creating a suitable environment.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
For the next episode in our series of episodes for Equine Health Week 2025, we’re focusing on how you can build a partnership with your horse in the saddle and support him to perform at his best.
Coach and former FEI Eventing European Champion Nicola Wilson returns to the podcast to share her top tips for a successful ridden partnership, including how to instill confidence in your horse, planning your competition season and the importance of appreciating him as an individual.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
Our horses' nutritional needs will change throughout their lives. In this special episode for Equine Health Week 2025, Rachel is joined by NAF's Head Nutritionist Kate Hore and Dodson & Horrell's Veterinary and Nutrition Advisor Dr. Marga Mas for discussion on all things equine nutrition. Covering everything from different nutritional needs at different life stages to how to choose the most suitable feed and supplements for your individual horse – via nutrition-related health problems, the importance of choosing a BETA NOPS-accredited brand and just what your horse's poo can tell you about his wellbeing – this episode is a must-listen if you want to ensure that your horse is getting the best possible outcome from his diet.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
In today's episode of our Equine Health Week 2025 series, it's all about giving our horses a good life. Groom and yard manager Steph Sharples shares how she cares for the horses at Hughes Dressage in a way that means they're able to perform at their best with Gareth between the white boards. She and Rachel discuss the importance of having a routine, learning your horse's personality and why all of their horses have daily turnout.
In the second of today's two episodes on training young horses, eventing legend Nicola Wilson shares her experiences, both as a rider and a coach, in producing young horses with a way that encourages a ‘happy athlete’ who enjoys his work. She and Rachel discuss how to build confidence and trust, allowing your horse to progress at his own pace and the importance of giving him time to 'be a horse'.
In the third episode of our Equine Health Week 2025 series, in partnership with Agria, attention turns to young horses who are starting their ridden education. In the first of two episodes on this important topic, Rachel speaks to Dr. Russell Mackechnie-Guire of Centaur Biomechanics – a key member of British Equestrian's World Class Programme team of sport science practitioners – about how you can tailor your training to hopefully set up your young horse for long-lasting soundness and success under saddle.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
In the second episode of our series for Equine Health Week 2025, delivered in partnership with Agria, our focus turns to the years from weaning to the start of your young horse's education.
Associate Professor Brad Hill from The University of Nottingham's School of Veterianary Medicine joins Rachel to discuss how to get the weaning process right, how to provide the best environment for your young horse to grow up in and how equine learning theory will give him the best start to his education.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
Equine Health Week 2025 is back, in partnership with Agria!
In the first episode of the series, Dr. Jan Birch and Edward Matson of the British Horse Foundation and vet Rebecca Keating from Twemlows Stud Farm join Rachel for an in-depth discussion on everything there is to think about if you're considering breeding your mare. Plus, they explore how to care for her during pregnancy, what the foaling process looks like and how you can give your new foal the best start in life.
Keep up to date with everything that's happening during Equine Health Week 2025 via https://bit.ly/EHW25Hub.
With April being Stress Awareness Month, Rachel sits down with sports psychologist Leonie Lightfoot from British Equestrian's World Class Programme to find out more about what stress is, how it can affect us and some top tips for what you can do if you find yourself struggling with a stressful situation. Plus, they discuss the beneficial impact of horses in managing stress.
In the second episode of our two-part concussion series, Rachel and Ash are joined by a very special guest – Olympic and European eventing team gold medallist, Laura Collett. Laura shares her experiences with this type of injury, how it affected her and what she learned from the experience. Plus, Ash imparts more top tips for anyone going through the concussion recovery process, particularly around nutrition, hydration and sleep.
When you spend time around horses, falls, knocks and jolts are inevitable – no matter how careful you are. Most of us will admit to having had concussion at least once in our ridden career and – while it’s true that concussion might be more commonly associated with contact sports such as rugby – equestrian sport does come with an increased risk, regardless of the level you participate at.
In the first of two episodes on this important topic, Rachel is joined by Ash Wallace from the World Class Programme to find out exactly what concussion is, how to spot the signs and symptoms, and the steps you should go through to give yourself the optimal recovery.
Pelvic health is one of those topics that many of us feel uncomfortable discussing, but it's important to know a bit about what's going on down there so you can be confident and comfortable in daily life. In this episode of our Female Health February podcast series, Rachel catches up with Ros Cooke from the World Class Programme to find out more about pelvic health and pelvic floor function, including the steps you can take to ensure this important muscle network is able to function at its best. Conversation then turns to pregnancy, the impact this can have on your time in the saddle and the process of returning to riding once you're ready.
One of our final topics for Female Health February is nutrition and body image. Rachel is joined by Dr George Wilson, Leonie Lightfoot and Dr Anna-Louise Mackinnon from the World Class Programme to find out more about what makes a healthy diet and the best snacks to fuel your day at the yard. Plus, conversation turns to the thorny issue of eating disorders and how we perceive our bodies.
Our big topic for our next Female Health February episode is breast health and what you can do to ensure you’re giving your breasts the best support possible. Rachel is joined by Dr Anna-Louise Mackinnon from the World Class Programme to talk about how you can check your breasts for signs of ill-health and the lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk of a problem. Spoiler alert... riding and being around horses is one of them!
Next up in our series of episodes for Female Health February, we're talking about the menopause and perimenopause. Following up on the outcry for more information on our social media channels, Rachel brings together Ash Wallace from British Equestrian's World Class Programme and coach Mia Palles-Clark for a deep dive into what this period of life means, plus some of the game-changing lifestyle strategies you can adopt to support your body and maintain your enjoyment of equestrian sport.
For the first of our full-length podcast episodes for Female Health February, the focus is very much on the turbulent changes that take place in the early years of a young girl’s life. Rachel is joined by three experts from the World Class Programme – sports psychologist Dr Jo Butt, strength and conditioning coach Neil Lewis and eventing coach Christie Wright – to find out more about how the mental and physical transition from child to teenager can lay the foundations for future enjoyment and success in equestrian sport.
We are back with a new series of episodes for our Female Health February campaign. With female health topics becoming increasingly talked about, both in sport and society in general, Rachel is joined by Ash Wallace, Ros Cooke and Anna-Louise Mackinnon from the World Class Programme to find out why it's so important for equestrians to be part of the conversation. Plus, there's a taste of what you can look forward to over the rest of the month.
For our final podcast episode for Equine Health Week 2024 series – and the second part of our Welfare Weekend – Rachel is joined by Roly Owers and Janet Douglas from World Horse Welfare for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about how we can make the lives of our horses as happy and fulfilling as possible. Plus, we lift the lid on social licence and why it's a topic that all equestrians need to take to heart.
This weekend, our Equine Health Week 2024 podcast series turns its attention to the big – and very important – topic of equine welfare. First up, Jane Nixon and Kezia Allen from the British Horse Foundation join Rachel to discuss the importance of the first few years of a horse's life and how actions taken during this crucial time can set him up for the future.
For today's episode of our Equine Health Week 2024 series, we're looking at disease prevention and protection. Rachel is joined by vet Celia Marr from Rossdales Equine Hospital and Richard Newton from Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, both of whom sit on British Equestrian's Equine Infectious Disease Advisory Group, to find out more. The discussion covers important topics such as common infectious diseases, signs and symptoms to look out for, the importance of vaccination and the threat of exotic diseases for our UK horse population.
Today's episode of our Equine Health Week 2024 series lifts the lid on soundness. Rachel speaks to World Class Programme team vets Liz Brown and Rob Oulton about what we mean when we talk about soundness, some of the common causes of soundness problems, and how to tailor our management and training regimes to promote and preserve soundness.
In today's episode of the Equine Health Week 2024 podcast series, Rachel is joined by Westgate Director and SQP Claire Shand, and Veterinary Director at The Horse Trust, Nicola Housby Skeggs, to talk about worming and parasite prevention. From how to reduce the risk to your horse to testing programmes and the potential environmental impact of using wormers, this is a fascinating insight into the invisible threat posed by parasites.
Documents referenced in this episode, including the CANTER risk profile table, are available via the British Equestrian website.
Today is a double-whammy on equine weight! In the second of today's Equine Health Week episodes, Rachel speaks to Jan Rogers from The Horse Trust and Tamzin Furtado from the University of Liverpool about how you can tailor your horse's management and exercise regime to help promote weight loss – and make it an enjoyable experience for you both, too.
Today's Equine Health Week 2024 topic is all about helping your horse achieve a healthy weight. In the first of two episodes covering this important subject, Rachel is joined by Ruth Bishop, the World Class Programme's equine nutritionist and Director of Equine at feed manufacturer HJ Lea Oakes. Together, they discuss the health implications of carrying too much weight, techniques for monitoring your horse's weight and condition, and how you can tailor your feed, forage and turnout for a weight loss diet.
The British Equestrian podcast is back! For this first episode in our Equine Health Week 2024 series, Rachel is joined by farrier Ben Benson and saddler Mark Fisher from our World Class Programme to discuss equine wellness and the importance of a holistic approach. Plus, there's lots of key information and fun facts about your horse's feet and saddle fit.
Ever wanted to know more about the equestrian sport of endurance? In the first episode of 2020, Rachel meets Pony Club Endurance Chairman Robert Blane to find out how the sport works, the type of horse you need to get involved and the valuable skills you can learn as you progress.
Riding on the roads is unavoidable for the majority of equestrians in the UK, but incidents with cars and other vehicles are widely reported. To support Road Safety Week, Rachel sits down with Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at the British Horse Society, to find out what riders can do to make sure they and their horses are as safe as possible when riding on the roads. They also discuss what the British Horse Society is doing to improve education and understanding around riding and road safety to help ensure that fewer incidents are seen in the future.
Rachel is given a crash course in the fast-paced sport of mounted games when she goes to watch the Pony Club's Prince Philip Cup at the Horse of the Year Show. Pony Club Chairman – and mounted games super-fan – Marcus Capel explains what the sport is all about, then members from each of the competing Pony Clubs share why they love mounted games so much. You'll be signing up to have a go in no time!
With the great and the good of British eventing heading to the CCI5* at Pau, Rachel reflects back to when she sat down with Gemma Tattersall earlier in the year. They chat about Gemma's season, her up-and-coming stars – two of whom are at Pau this year – and dream holiday locations. Plus, there's a round-up of essential horsey viewing for this weekend and the low-down on the equestrian awards season.
Volunteering is a vital part of the equestrian industry – without it, we simply couldn't function. In this episode, Rachel heads to Pony Club HQ to talk to CEO Marcus Capel and Development Officer Zoe Pulling to find out about the Young Equestrian Leaders Award, which is a scheme designed to encourage young people to get involved with volunteering. Then, she catches up with Sophie, who's recently earned her YELA Gold certificate, to find out what she's gained from this habit of a lifetime.
Following the formation of the BEF's Equality Engagement Group (EEG), Matt and Rachel discuss the topic of diversity in equestrian sport. The BEF's Head of Participation, Anna Hall, explains why the EEG was set up and what they hope to achieve, then Rachel speaks to group members representing Ebony Horse Club and The Urban Equestrian Academy – two equestrian projects already working closely with diverse communities and seeing the benefits.
Matt and Rachel are back! This week, they're reflecting on their trip to beautiful Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, where Rachel caught up with Downton Abbey star and event horse owner Michael Fox. Plus, super-groom Jackie Potts reveals what it's like to be a groom working at the event.
It's Burghley weekend! Rachel is riding solo for this one because Matt has abandoned her in favour of a few (well-deserved) days off, so prepare for self-conscious rambling while sitting on a cross-country fence. She catches up with Oliver Townend, Piggy French and winner Pippa Funnell, then talks to World Champion Ros Canter, who was a surprise face at Burghley on Thursday. Plus, fourth-placed Sarah Bullimore extols the virtues of working with Tamsin Thurlow, who received the groom's prize at the final horse inspection.
And just like that, it was all over. Finally back in the UK, Matt and Rachel reflect on the final day in Luhmühlen that led to Great Britain winning a team silver medal and Kitty King finishing as the highest placed British rider. Plus, Tina Cook shares her thoughts after her clear showjumping round.
The adrenaline has been running high all day as the Team GBR riders tackle Luhmühlen's tough cross-country track. There's been elation and heartbreak, so Matt takes over the microphone to catch up with Pippa Funnell, Kitty King and Oliver Townend after their stellar rounds.
Dressage day two? Smashed it! With four British riders in the top ten and the team currently in silver medal position, Matt and Rachel recap what's happened on Friday in Luhmühlen, including the tests from Tina Cook, Kitty King and Oliver Townend.
The Union Jack is at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday evening, following a fantastic performance from Laura Collett and London 52 – who happens to be one of Rachel's biggest pony-crushes. Hear what Laura, and fellow squad members Pippa Funnell and Piggy French, had to say to the media following their tests. Matt and Rachel also reflect on what's coming up in the second day of dressage.
The cross-country course has been revealed! Rachel catches up with Piggy French after the first team course-walk to get her take on what the squad will face on Saturday. Plus, Matt and Rachel reveal which riders will be competing for a team medal and who will be running as individuals, and also the dressage times for Thursday and Friday.
Team GBR have landed in Luhmühlen for the FEI Eventing European Championships! As the weather oscillates from scorching sunshine to tempestuous thunderstorms, Matt and Rachel reflect on what's coming up this week and the key role that grooms play in a championships team. Rachel speaks to Chloe Fry, who's here as groom for Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, about her first championship experience and how she keeps her charge's grey coat looking its best for the first horse inspection.
Rotterdam, you've been amazing! As the final day in the first leg of the tour comes to an end, Matt and Rachel sit in the empty stands – with the stadium being taken down around them – and reflect on their personal highlights of the week. Plus, Rachel catches up with Chef de Mission Vikki Underwood for her take on proceedings, and Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson after their successes in the para-equestrian dressage Freestyle.
It's a team silver medal for Team GBR's para-equestrian dressage athletes! Rachel catches up with Chef d'Equip Georgina Sharples after the medal ceremony to get her take on how her team have performed this week. Matt and Rachel also recount the rest of the action from the day.
Team GBR's showjumpers are going to Tokyo! In the latest Tour Diary episode, Matt and Rachel are celebrating Scott Brash, Amanda Derbyshire, Ben Maher and Holly Smith's team bronze medal and securing of one of the coveted Olympic Games qualification slots. Rachel catches up with Ben and Chef d'Equipe Di Lampard after the medal ceremony to talk about what this result means. Plus, YouTuber This Esme chats about being in Rotterdam with the FEI.
After a 16-hour day in Rotterdam with three disciplines competing, Matt and Rachel are running on adrenaline (and quite a lot of caffeine and sugar!). In the latest tour diary episode, an elated Gareth Hughes recounts his performance in the Grand Prix Special, Nicky Greenhill explains how she navigates the arena as a visually-impaired para-equestrian dressage rider, and Scott Brash sums up Britain's performance after the first round of the team jumping competition. Plus, Sophie Wells reflects on her silver medal-winning performance in the Grade V para-equestrian dressage.
Episode two of the Europeans Tour Diary is here, and it's all about what's happened on the fourth day of competition. Wednesday has been a great day all-round for Team GBR in Rotterdam. Ben Maher came third in the jumping speed class, while Georgia Wilson and Mari Durward-Akhurst put in very strong performances in the para-equestrian dressage. Rachel catches up with all of them, plus Georgia's coach Sophie Wells, to chat about their performances.
The FEI European Championships are finally underway! Tuesday has been a day of highs and lows for the Brits, with some amazing Grand Prix dressage performances followed by the shock elimination of Charlotte Dujardin. Matt and Rachel reflect on what's happened, and also catch up with dressage riders Gareth Hughes and Lottie Fry. Plus, Gareth's daughter, Ruby, chats about her involvement with vaulting.
With the European Championships fast approaching and some fantastic results from British riders to celebrate, Matt and Rachel can barely contain their excitement. After hearing some updates from the team at the Ready Steady Tokyo test event in Japan, including para-equestrian dressage rider Natasha Baker, they catch up with leading equestrian photographer Jon Stroud, who'll be joining them out in Rotterdam and Luhmühlen, to hear about his career and what it's like to work at a major championships.
There's less than a year to go until the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games! The Ready Steady Tokyo test event for the equestrian disciplines takes place next week, and Team GBR has sent two athletes to compete. Rachel chats to Vikki Underwood, Performance Director for Team GBR's World Class Programme, to find out what the team are hoping to gain from their visit to Tokyo. Alex van Tuyll, who's travelled out to Tokyo with the test event horses, also reveals what goes into travelling horses long-distance. Plus, Matt and Rachel reflect on the upcoming FEI European Championships.
The squad for the FEI Para-equestrian Dressage European Championships has been announced! Two of the riders on the squad, Sophie Wells and Mari Durward-Akhurst, chatted to Rachel at the Hartpury Festival of Dressage ahead of selection about how they got involved in the sport, a bit about their top horses and how they prepare for competition.
Park Palace Ponies is a starter riding school in the Toxteth area of Liverpool. It works with local schools and organisations to allow inner-city children, many of them from disadvantaged backgrounds, to access the benefits of being around horses. Matt and Rachel take a trip to Liverpool to meet the different groups of people behind the project.
In the first full-length episode, Rachel catches up with eventer Piggy French at a Team GBR training session to talk about her Badminton victory, the horses she has long-listed for the upcoming European Championships and how she managed to surprise us all with her secret wedding a few weeks ago. Like the sound of it? Then don't forget to rate, review and subscribe!
In this teaser launch episode, Matt and Rachel share some of what you can expect from the British Equestrian Federation's new podcast, including their visit to Park Palace Ponies in Liverpool and interviews with some of your favourite Team GBR riders. Plus, Matt pitches a exciting summer road trip and Rachel reveals her questionable music taste. Subscribe if you want to hear more.