EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Grassroots Show: Training to Competition with Kirsty Chabert

Everyone talks about training. Almost nobody talks about why it doesn't show up on the day. Kirsty Chabert has just won the Nations Cup at Bicton on Classic VI, and she's admitting something most riders won't: she's terrified of heights, still can't walk to the edge of a drop fence, and has spent years working through it. If a five-star rider with that record still fights her own nerves, what does that mean for the rest of us walking into the startbox? This episode of the Grassroots Show goes straight at that gap between the arena at home and the ring at a show. Kirsty breaks down what she actually leans on when the pressure's on, why competing above your level in schooling matters more in jumping than dressage, and why she disappears the week before a big event instead of riding. Highlights Managing nerves at every level Training above the level you compete Building pressure into schooling at home Reading your own competition honestly The trot-to-walk transition that matters most A cross-country warm-up challenge to try Guests Kirsty Chabert, five-star event rider and coach, Nations Cup winner at Bicton on Classic VI. Presented by Foran Equine, part of the Connolly's RED MILLS family. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

A Cup of Tea with Sam Lissington

This week's Cup of Tea is with Sam Lissington, and she's arrived with news that's still sinking in: her first senior call-up, earned inside a fortnight that could easily have gone the other way. Second at Bramham with Sooty, then the setback nobody saw coming when he came home from the vet with an injury that ended his season. So how do you show up for the next horse when everything feels uncertain? Sam talks us through the whiplash of that stretch, a horse bought on a hunch in a Finnish indoor, the mistake she owns at Bilton without excuse, and the phone call that made all of it worth it. Highlights Bramham high, then a career low Performing on Lucas Stone under pressure Buying a horse in a Finnish indoor Owning the mistake at Bilton A stressful vet check day What success at Aachen looks like Guests Sam Lissington – New Zealand event rider, newly selected for her first senior World Championships This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/ EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

USEA Special: Careers in the Sport

For many horse lovers, becoming a professional rider is the dream, but it's far from the only way to build a fulfilling career in eventing. In this episode of the USEA Official Podcast, host Nicole Brown is joined by organizer and licensed official Emily Holmes, championship groom, organizer, and former USEA President Max Corcoran, and Eventing Nation co-publisher Sally Spickard to discuss the many careers that help keep the sport running. Together, they share the winding paths that led them to where they are today, the lessons they've learned along the way, and the advice they would give to anyone hoping to turn their passion for horses into a profession. From media and event management to officiating and grooming, this episode is a reminder that there's more than one way to make your mark in the sport of eventing. Subscribe to the USEA Official Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PodBean, or Stitcher EquiRatings Eventing PodcastDon't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Who Heads to Aachen? The Team Picks!

Forget the selectors. We've picked the teams. Nicole is joined by Sam Watson, Annie Bishop and Spike the Vet to take on one of the toughest jobs in eventing, selecting the combinations they'd send to Aachen. There are easy picks. Then there are the horses keeping everyone awake at night. Who has done enough this season? Does five-star form still carry the most weight? Which riders are impossible to leave at home? And which nation has the strongest hand heading into the World Championships? Expect plenty of debate, a few disagreements and some very difficult decisions as the panel works through the leading contenders from Great Britain, Ireland, the USA, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. Then, with the teams almost settled, everyone puts their reputation on the line with their first World Championship medal predictions. Highlights: Our World Championship teams The biggest selection dilemmas Five-star form versus four-star results Who's in, who's out and who's on the bubble Which nation has the strongest squad Early medal predictions Guests: Sam Watson – EquiRatings Co-Founder Annie Bishop – Co-host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast Spike the Vet – Equine veterinarian and regular Eventing Podcast panellist

Red Mills Special: Andrew Williams & John Tilley on producing tomorrow's stars

From sourcing young horses to producing future five-star talent, Andrew Williams and John Tilley have helped shape the careers of some of the sport's biggest names, including Tim Price's Jarillo, Georgie Goss' Kojak, Ballycoog Breaker Boy and more. In this Red Mills Special, Nicole sits down with the pair to discuss what they look for in a young horse, how they produce horses for the top of the sport, balancing a successful sales business with competition ambitions and why patience is at the heart of every good production system. They also share the story behind their move to Ireland, John's rapid rise through the levels and the young horse they're most excited about for the future. Highlights • How they identify future five-star horses • Producing young horses for long-term success • Building one of Ireland's leading production yards • Balancing horse sales with competition goals • John's journey from amateur rider to four-star event rider • The six-year-old they believe could be their next star Guests Andrew Williams – One of Ireland's leading young horse producers, renowned for sourcing and developing future international event horses. John Tilley – Four-star event rider and young horse producer, bringing through the next generation of event horses from their base in Ireland. Sponsors: Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here. Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs. If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.