The Equestrian Podcast

[EP 311] The WEF Series- Keeping Family at the Center of Equestrian Careers with Chloe Reid

Chloe Reid is a young, competitive show jumper who became the youngest international U.S. Team member at the age of fifteen. In 2017, she received the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy from the United States Equestrian Team and has continued a successful career ever since. Additionally, Chloe has spent significant time training with world-renowned Markus and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum in Germany and has been on the U.S. team with the one who first set her on a horse, Lauren Hough. Coming from a family of equestrians, Chloe, alongside her uncle Chester Weber, are co-presidents of Live Oak International- the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the country. Owned by the Weber family, Live Oak International welcomes the leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from Europe and North America. Listen in!

[EP 310] The WEF Series- Producing The WEF Sport Horse Auction with Melanie Peterson-Ramey

Melanie Peterson-Ramey is a successful insurance and equine real estate agent who has been put in charge of curating the iconic WEF Sport Horse Auction. Each year, WEF Hosts the Sport Horse Auction which is a collection featuring horses from the distinguished VDL Stud, the official Number 1 KWPN breeder of Grand Prix horses. The WEF Sport Horse Auction has been the most successful auction in North America since 2013. As auction coordinator, Melanie makes sure everything in the auction goes off without a hitch, working with the VDL team, show staff and media teams. This auction presents a rare opportunity for athletes and investors to view and bid on a world-class selection of show jumping superstars, all in one place. Listen to the breakdown here!

[EP 309] The WEF Series- How Alise Oken Focuses Training at Home in Preparation for Competition

Alise Oken is the owner and operator of Hi Hopes Farm currently located in Wellington, FL for the winter months competing at WEF. Since taking over her family's farm in 2015, Alise spends her time focusing on sourcing quality young horses and developing them for future sales and top sport. She’s had a great start to her WEF Season, recently winning n the CSI2* at WEF 7. Alise has worked with many prominent equestrians including Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton, Peter Lutz, and Norman Dello Joio, learning invaluable lessons of horsemanship inside and outside of the ring. Additionally, Alise has also spent four summers competing in Europe based at Emile and Paul Hendrix’s farm in the Netherlands. Listen in! 

[EP 308] The WEF Series- Training With Confidence Through Positivity and Consistency with Anna Hallene

Anna Hallene is the owner and trainer at Glenwood Farm,  a top-level full service training barn. She specializes in a thoughtful and individualized approach to the training of hunter, jumper, and equitation horses and riders. After a successful junior career in all three rings, Anna began her professional career with her training program that emphasizes proper horsemanship and flatwork, clear communication between horse and rider, and on fostering confidence through positivity and consistency. She continues to focus on creating happy, healthy horses and riders, all while navigating a chronic illness. Listen in!

[EP 307] The WEF Series- Early Stages of WEF and Planning for the Show Season with Spencer Brittan

Spencer Brittan based in Wellington, Florida and spends time catch riding horses at shows and farms in the area. In addition to freelance riding and training, he also keeps horses at Dany and Erika Michan's farm on Jumper Road, directly behind the show. The farm is just a short walk away from the WEF showgrounds, perfect for the busy weeks of the show season. Spencer has worked under top stables such as Beerbaum Stables and has gained experience in the ring up to the CSI5* Grand Prix level. With multiple Grand Prix wins, and a long time in the sport of Show Jumping, Spencer created Royal Oak Equestrian as a stable for clients as well as freelance riding services. 

[EP 306] The WEF Series- Grace Debney Breaks Down the U25 Show Jumping National Championship

Grace Debney is a young, talented show jumper originally from England where she first started her riding career. Grace has already had several notable wins including the 2021 Dover Saddlery USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. In 2022, she won two five-star classes- the first one at WEF and the second at Traverse City Horse Show. Grace’s 2023 season is already off to a great start since she recently jumped to 2nd place in the U25 Grand Prix this past weekend at WEF aboard her horse, Jesprit H.S. Listen in!

[EP 305] The WEF Series- The Ladies Behind Courses and Cocktails with Alice Weeks and Gwen Claus

Courses and Cocktails is a fun, inspirational Instagram account run by two adult amateur riders who "Spend WAY too much money to jump their horses over colorful sticks." With almost 14k followers, the account follows Gwen and Alice as they ride and compete their horses while keeping it real and down to earth. Alice and Gwen enjoy showing both the good and bad of what life with horses is truly like in addition to working normal jobs. Listen in!

[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!