The Equestrian Podcast

[EP 304] Solo Episode- Week Six at Wellington International with Bethany Lee

Welcome to another Solo Episode with Bethany Lee! Today we're talking about our favorite week of the year, Hunter Week! This week kicks off Week Six of Wellington International and we are so excited for the braids, the famous Hunter Spectacular, and everything in between. Join Bethany on the Showgrounds as she unpacks what it takes for riders to make a hunter round look effortless. Be sure to also follow along over at @ushunterjumper for an Instagram Takeover with our host. Listen in!

[EP 303] The WEF Series- Featuring WEF’s 2023 Cover Artist Kate Kosnoff

Kate Kosnoff has worked as a freelance writer and editor for Noëlle Floyd and Horse Nation and later was inspired to carve out her own successful career in the horse world as an equine photographer. Kate began taking photos in 2018 which has now blossomed into a successful photography career known as Kate at The Ingate. In 2021 Kate created In Gate Goods, a sister brand of equestrian-inspired stationery and accessories featuring her photography. Additionally, Kate shares her experiences in the equestrian world through her blog, where she talks about self love and mental health.

Kate's iconic photo of Laskano, owned by Isalou Inc., and ridden by Jimmy Torano, taken during #WEF’s World Championship Hunter Rider Week was chosen by Wellington International as the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival Souvenir Program Cover.

[EP 302] The WEF Series- Sweet Winners of the Great Charity Challenge with Abby Funk, Campbell Brown and Emma Hechtman

Abby Funk, Campbell Brown, and Emma Hechtman join the podcast as our team winners for the recent candy themed Great Charity Challenge. The Great Charity Challenge was created in 2009 to assist non-profit organizations located in and serving Palm Beach County. Through the support of the equestrian and local community, the GSS has distributed almost $18 million to 294 Palm Beach County nonprofits. During week five of WEF, The Great Charity Challenge is hosted with many fun features including creative costumes, fun makeup, and raising money for those in need. This year’s theme of Candy World aims to inspire the community to “Build a Path to a Sweeter Future for our Palm Beach County neighbors in need” – we truly believe that everyone can #BeTheChange. Listen in!

[EP 301] The WEF Series- Sustainable Fashion for Equestrians with Lauren Mahr of FitEq Apparel

You may know her from her previous business The Fit Equestrian, but today Lauren Mahr combines her passion for horses and fashion into FitEq. Since the start of her new business, Lauren has focused on creating equestrian apparel that is equally comfortable, stylish, and sustainably made. Every design goes through a rigorous development process to make sure the fit is perfect and the garment can last for years. FitEq is making waves by being committed to educating customers about ways they can engage in sustainable shopping practices. Listen in!

[EP 300] The WEF Series- A Father-Daughter Showjumping Relationship with Amy and Ian Millar

Welcome to episode 300! Today we are joined by Ian Millar and Amy Millar of Team Millar Brooke to discuss the value of experience in the sport. Ian Millar, known by the nickname "Captain Canada" is an icon in international show jumping. The most decorated equestrian in Canadian history, Ian's record-breaking career has set the bar for its numerous achievements and unparalleled longevity. Ian has appeared in more Olympic games than any other athlete in any sport, with a total of ten Olympic appearances. Winning his first medal in 2008 at age 61, Ian set a record for the oldest show jumper to stand on the podium at the Olympics. In 1996, he was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame with his longtime partner Big Ben, only the second horse to ever receive the honor. Both Ian and Big Ben have since been inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame. Ian has earned nine medals (including two individual Golds) in nine Pan American Games, more than any other show jumper in history.

Ian's daughter Amy Millar made her Olympic debut August of 2016 in Rio and currently holds twenty-five Grand Prix career wins to date. Following her father’s footsteps into the jumper divisions and finding her own niche, Amy Millar was born into the sport, but hard work and raw talent has propelled her to the top level. In 2017, Amy was crowned the Canadian Show Jumping Champion at the Royal Winter Fair and throughout 2018 and 2019 Amy has collected numerous Grand Prix podium finishes and has continued to represent Canada in Nations Cup competition.

[EP 299] The WEF Series- How The Great Charity Challenge Supports Nonprofits with Anne Caroline Valtin

Anne Caroline Valtin is the Executive Director of the Great Charity Challenge. The Great Charity Challenge was created in 2009 to assist non-profit organizations located in and serving Palm Beach County. Through the support of the equestrian and local community, the GSS has distributed almost $18 million to 294 Palm Beach County nonprofits. During week five of WEF, The Great Charity Challenge is hosted with many fun features including creative costumes, fun makeup, and raising money for those in need. This year’s theme of Candy World aims to inspire the community to “Build a Path to a Sweeter Future for our Palm Beach County neighbors in need” – we truly believe that everyone can #BeTheChange. Listen in!

[EP 298] The WEF Series- How Equestrians Can Give Back with JustWorld Internationals’ Bracy Fuentes

JustWorld International is a not-for-profit organization that transforms the lives of children in impoverished communities around the world. In this episode we are joined by the Project Manager for JustWorld, Bracy Fuentes, as she explains JustWorld International's exciting gala being held tomorrow in Wellington, Florida!

For the past 20 years, the annual JustWorld Gala has provided critical funding to support education and nutrition programs for children around the world. These programs, and JustWorld as an organization, continue to receive recognition by third-party validation services for a commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. The Annual JustWorld Gala historically brings together more than 700 guests from the global equestrian community. Together, for one night, guests enjoy gourmet food, an open bar, surprise entertainment and dancing – not to mention the most diverse and exclusive live and silent auction items up for bid. All proceeds go directly to the daily operations to help fracture the cycle of poverty for nearly 10,000 children.

[EP 297] The WEF Series- Experiencing WEF for the First Time with Fashion Student Zara Boyd

Zara Boyd is British rider and fashion student splitting her time between studying in NYC and riding in Wellington this winter. After taking a few years off from riding since recovering from an eating disorder, Zara is back and excited to ride in her first season at WEF with her horse, Oreo. Zara is joined by a supportive group of trainers from Lionshare farm and is excited to see how far she can go in the low amateur division. In her spare time Zara enjoys sharing her riding adventures over on TikTok as @zarazeezee amongst her 54K followers. Listen in!

[EP 296] The WEF Series- Darragh Kenny Discusses His Recent Grand Prix CSI3*

Darragh Kenny is an Irish show jumper with over 200 wins to date. He is ranked eighteenth in the Longines Rankings as well as top sixty-five in the FEI Jumping World Cup standing. Based out of Oakland Stables in Wellington Florida and Meijel, Netherlands, Darragh has represented Team Ireland in both the Olympics and FEI World Equestrian Games with numerous achievements and countless accolades. In a sport where points are most important for overall ranking, Darragh explains his different approach to showing only the essential weekends in order to make sure both him and the horse are getting adequate rest for best performance. Listen in!

[EP 295] The WEF Series- An Inside Look on the New Wellington International with Lenore Brown

We all know the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and here to chat with us today is Lenore Brown, Director of Sponsorships for the recent rebranding of PBIEC, Wellington International. Lenore has worn several hats in the industry including working as a groom for Lionshare Farm, being veterinary assistant, and the President for Phelps Media Group. Since its announcement in March, Wellington International has already dedicated millions towards its improvement and is estimated to be complete in 2026. Listen in as Lenore shares more about some changes we will see in the coming years for Wellington!