The Equestrian Podcast

[EP 191] Solo Episode- The 5th Annual Holiday Lookbook with Bethany Lee

The 5th Annual Holiday Lookbook is live! Diving into another solo episode, host Bethany Lee reveals some of her hidden secrets and editing tips on how she created her iconic Lookbook. This year we visited the beautiful World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida for all of the holiday lookbook photos, and in the episode we discuss some of the coolest spots to check out at the venue. Featuring brands such as Aztec Diamond Equestrian, The Modern Horse, Redingote, JIV Athletics, and more! You might just have to check out the lookbook yourself. Listen in!

[EP 190] Setting Record Highs with Margie Engle

Margie Engle is an American Show Jumper with numerous achievements including being awarded the American Grand Prix Association Rider of the Year for over ten times. Margie has been setting records since the beginning of her career, including when she jumped a world-record-high jump over seven feet in 1987. After being a part of the U.S. Olympic Team, Pan American Games, and the World Equestrian Games, Margie earned the privilege of being inducted into the U.S. Show Jumping Hall of Fame earlier this year. With so much experience under her belt, it's no wonder that Margie has become a standing pillar in the history of show jumping. Listen in!

[EP 189] Solo Episode- Spurs! What Are They & Why We Use Them with Bethany Lee

Welcome back to another solo episode where we will discuss the different types and uses of one of the oldest tools worn by equestrians, spurs! How do you know which spurs are right for you? Do different horses need different spurs? What are the dos and don'ts? These are all great questions that we will be answering right here in the episode! I will also be mentioning some of my favorite products to help with spur rubs, as well as some of the rules and regulations enforced by U.S. Equestrian. Let's dive in!

[EP 188] The Gates to Brilliance with Robert Dover

Robert Dover has earned more honors than any other U.S. Dressage rider as he has competed in over six Olympic Games earning four medal wins in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004. Robert has also been in seven World Equestrian Games, and served as a technical advisor for the U.S. Dressage Team from 2013 to 2018. Under his leadership, the U.S. Dressage team was able to return to the podium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where the team won a bronze medal. Then again in 2015, Robert coached the dressage team to a gold medal at the Pan American Games. Robert has no doubt made a name for himself in the dressage ring and recently he has published his book, The Gates To Brilliance. Listen in!

[EP 187] Indoors 101 with Geoffrey Hesslink

As we are currently in the middle of Indoor season for Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation riders, we thought it would be fitting to talk about a little Indoors 101 and answer listener submitted questions! Who better to help us cover this topic than the tricolor winner himself, Geoffrey Hesslink! Listen in and hear Geoffrey and Bethany discuss what it takes to qualify for indoors, all of the different events at each location, and how to thrive at Indoors. Also be sure to go back and listen to episode 25 to hear from Geoffrey when he first joined the Equestrian Podcast!

[EP 186] Classic Hunter Equitation with John French

John French has consistently been one of the top hunter riders in the country, and has earned some of the most prestigious awards in the hunter ring. In 2012, John was awarded the WCHR Lifetime Achievement Award and has held the title of World Champion Hunter Rider over four times. Additionally, John has been awarded the title of west region USHJA Hunter Derby Rider of the Year annually since 2016, and in 2020 he was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Recently John has joined forces with Olympic Show Jumper, Kent Farrington, and together they have been making waves in the equine industry. Listen in!

[EP 185] Equivont with Jessica DiCostanzo

Jessica DiCostanzo is a rider and Co-founder of the online platform, Equivont. As an active member of the California horse show circuit, Jessica combines her love for both dressage and jumping as an Eventer with both a USDF Bronze and Silver Medal. In addition to eventing, Jessica was able to use her background in marketing to create Equivont, a one stop shop that includes everything an equestrian could need from upcoming horse events to products you can buy and even horses for sale. Listen in!

[EP 184] Inclusive Sport for All with Lauren Reischer

Lauren Reischer is not only an equestrian, but such a positive leader and influencer who is paving the way to create equestrian sport inclusive for all riders. After being born with cerebral palsy, Lauren was introduced to therapeutic riding at a very young age and has stuck with it ever since. As she continued her riding career, Lauren was able to join the equestrian team at Brown University and later on even became captain of the team. Lauren now works for the Special Olympics New York where she is working on a few different projects and advocating for special olympic athletes within the equestrian world. Listen in!

[EP 183] A Life for Horses with Melanie Smith Taylor

Melanie Smith Taylor is a rider, author, and clinician who became one of only two riders to ever win the Triple Crown of Show Jumping (the American Invitational, the International Jumping Derby, and the American Gold Cup). It's no secret that Melanie is a true icon at best as she is also the only rider to ever win the entire Triple Crown on the same horse. While she has so many achievements and interests within the equestrian world, Melanie as a rider and trainer is also interested in veterinary medicine and course design. As if she hasn't done enough already, Melanie has also attended eight Olympic Games as an analyst with NBC Sports. Listen in and hear this incredible story.

 

cover photo by: Lawrence Nagy

[EP 182] We Ride Together with Carrie Kehring

*Warning* The topics discussed in this episode may be sensitive for some listeners as it pertains to sexual abuse and misconduct in equestrian sport. Here at the Equestrian Podcast we believe every equestrian should have the opportunity to share their story and discuss topics that aren't brought to light as often as they should in the equestrian industry. We believe that while some topics may be harder to talk about, it is important that we bring education and awareness to the fact that sexual abuse is not something to be taken lightly.

Carrie Kehring recently started the #WeRideTogether Champaign which highlights the much needed awareness and education champaign about sexual abuse and misconduct in equestrian sport based on her family's own experience. We Ride Together partners with the Horse Network and has been sweeping the nation, raising awareness, and coming out with a series of PSAs of in-depth stories of different individuals within the equestrian industry who have experienced sexual abuse. Listen in.