In Stride
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In StrideMay 03, 2024
The Waygood Way: Mastering Cross-Country Riding
Riders Unscripted: Mentally Preparing to Move Up a Level
Sydney Elliott: Enjoying the Ride
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.
Eventing Dialogue: The Competition Calendar
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.
The Waygood Way: Training to Win
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.
Riders Unscripted: Living in Fear of the Next Horse Emergency
Eventing Dialogue: The Relationship Between Officials and Riders
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.
The Waygood Way: A Horse’s Pathway to Success
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.
Riders Unscripted: Finding Balance in the Highs and Lows
Erin Jarboe & Hailey Burlock: Life as a 5* Eventing Groom
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.
Eventing Dialogue: Taking Agency in the Future of the Sport
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.
Eventing Dialogue: Format Change for the LA Olympics
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.
Stacey Reser: Equestrian Matchmaker
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.
Cornelia Fletcher: Career Planning & Starting a Family
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.
Riders Unscripted: Working Through Grief After Losing a Horse
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.
Riders Unscripted: Finding the Positive & Mastering Confidence
Robin Walker: Translating Instincts to Instruction
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.
Riders Unscripted: Navigating Dressage Anxiety
Riders Unscripted: Overcoming Nerves & Harnessing Calm
Spencer Sturmey: Voice of the Sport
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.
Rides Unscripted: An Adult Ammy with 5-Star Ambitions
Riders Unscripted: Embracing Failure
Riders Unscripted: Overcoming Anxiety Before the AECs
Frankie Thieriot Stutes: Finish Lines to Front Lines
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.
Lauren Hough: Getting to the Top
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.
Ema Klugman: Aiming for Greatness In & Out of the Arena
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.
Cathy Wieschhoff: A Life of Sport
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.
Austin O’Connor: Eyes on the Prize
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 CCI4*S 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.
Jake Biernbaum: Developing the Horse and Rider Relationship
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.
Caroline Pamukcu: Doing the Most
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.
Eric Smiley: Communicating with Horses & Riders
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.
Allison Springer: Aiming for Longevity
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.
Shae McMaster: Finding Happiness Through Physical and Mental Health
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.
Barend Heilbron: Developing the Horse and Rider as a Pair
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.
Deep Thoughts with Sinead & Tik: Staying Present in the Daily Grind
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.
Janet Jones: Blending Science & Horsemanship
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.
Equestrian Mastermind: Episode 4: Mastermind Finale
✨If you're ready for episode 4, it is already available in the Ride iQ app. Start your free trial and listen now.✨
**Content contains mature language** This 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.
✨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. ✨
Equestrian Mastermind: Episode 3, Window of Capacity
✨If you're ready for episode 4, it is already available in the Ride iQ app. Start your free trial and listen now.✨
**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. ✨
Equestrian Mastermind: Episode 2, Relationship with Fear
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**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. ✨
Equestrian Mastermind: Episode 1, Visualizing Greatness
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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. ✨
Mary Hunter: The Science of Animal Training
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.
Becky Holder: Forging a Path to High Performance
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.
Elizabeth ('Esib') Power: Setting her Horses up for Success
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.
Shane Rose: Determined to Succeed
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.
Graeme Thom: The Politics of High-Performance Management
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.
Selena O’Hanlon: Self-Care for Rider Health & Balance
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.
JJ Tate: Mindfulness in Life and Riding
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.
Kyle Carter: Partnership with His 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.
Julia Krajewski: Life After a Gold Medal
✨In Stride 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. 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 today's episode of In Stride, Sinead is joined by Olympic gold medalist event rider Julia Krajewski.
Julia is a German event rider who won the individual gold medal at the 2020 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 levels. 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. Julia has been based at the German national centre at Warendorf since 2007. She 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 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.
✨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. Visit Ride-iQ.com to get started.✨
Allie Knowles: Balancing Work and Life
✨In Stride 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. 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 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 who has been successful in bringing many horses up the levels of eventing.
Allie and Sinead discuss:
- How becoming a mother has made them better horse trainers
- Learning when to prioritize family over the horses
- Fitness and the role it played in Allie's recovery after a bad accident at Red Hills in 2017
- The fear that comes with riding at a high level
- Finding comfort in connection with her horse
- Facing challenges and learning to adapt
We hope you enjoy this episode! ✨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. Visit Ride-iQ.com to get started.✨