The Equestrian Podcast

[EP 374] What to Look For in a Trainer with Cassie Sanger

Cassie Sanger is a young eventer originally from Connecticut whose dedication to the sport has won her the top Young Rider Award. Cassie finished third overall in the CCI3*-L USEF National Championship at the Maryland 5-Star, riding Fernhill Zoro, a 14-year-old Anglo-European gelding (Verdi x Oronia 2/Voltaire) which she started leasing from Alice Roosevelt in 2021 and purchased in 2022. In addition to her most recent accomplishments, Cassie is a U.S U25 Emerging Athlete, participates on the 2023 U.S European Development Tour, was second at the ‘23 FEI Strzegom Nations Cup Team, and was third for the ’22 Young Rider of the Year. Listen in!

[EP 373] How Caroline Signorino Rounds Out her Successful Junior Career with an Incredible String of Horses

Caroline Signorino is a top Junior Hunter rider with some big finishes already in this Indoors Season. She was champion in the Large Junior Hunters at Capital Challenge and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, as well as Grand Large Junior Hunter. Caroline also won the High Point Large Junior Hunter at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. She has an incredible string of horses, but especially a very special hunter named Drumroll, who is really the hunter to be watched this year. Listen in!

[EP 372] How Geoffrey Hesslink Became Our Leading Hunter Rider

Geoffrey Hesslink joins the podcast once again as The 2023 Pennsylvania National Horse Show Leading Hunter Rider! Thanks to his amazing horses including Drumroll, Westport, and Monarchy, it's no surprise Geoffrey has accomplished numerous wins in the hunter world with his dedication to the sport. Along with Drumroll as Champion Green Hunter 3'9", Grand Green Hunter Champion, Grand Champion Hunter, and winning the EMO High Five Award with a score of 93, Geoffrey has continued to make a name for himself all throughout indoors. Listen in as we discuss the remainder of goals set for the 2023 Indoors Season! 

[EP 371] How Dressage Influences All Riding with Sarah Tubman

Sarah Tubman (previously known as Sarah Lockman) first appeared on the Equestrian Podcast for episode 113 in the winter of 2020. Much has changed since then, including a new name as she married FEI 4* Judge, Lee Tubman, in 2021. Since we last spoke to Sarah she has continued to make a name for herself in Dressage. With top finishes at international venues, including Aachen World Equestrian Festival. Sarah has made appearances on the FEI Nations Cup United States Dressage team and joins us today to talk about how she maintains her competitive edge both personally and with her horses. Listen in as we discuss whether or not balance actually exists within the equestrian industry. 

[EP 370] How Jena Antonucci Became the First Female Trainer to Win a Triple Crown Race

Jena Antonucci is a lifelong equestrian who began her riding career in the hunter/jumper world, eventually landing in Thoroughbred training. Jena studied as a veterinary assistant for four years, and got her start in Thoroughbred racing by training horses under legendary Hall of Fame trainer, D. Wayne Lukas at Padua Stables. On June 10, 2023 at the Belmont Stakes, Jena became the first female trainer to win the race in its 155 year history after her 3-year-old colt, owned by Blue Rose Farm, crossed the finish line. Listen in!

[EP 369] How Mari Llewellyn Became a Horse Girl between Running Bloom Nutrition and the Pursuit Of Wellness Podcast

Mari Llewellyn is the founder of Bloom Supplements and host of the Pursuit of Wellness podcast where she shares and inspires for a healthier wellness lifestyle. Mari along her husband Greg operate Bloom together and this year became Forbes 30 under 30 honorees. Mari is incredibly passionate about caring for physical and mental health all while making time for her horse, Beaux. Since she started riding as an adult, Mari has been sharing her horse journey on Instagram and is learning the gratification of building a relationship with horses. Listen in!

Cover Photo By: @carmelsamiri

[EP 368] Discussing Equine Soundness and Preventative Sports Medicine with Dr. Paige Billek

Dr. Paige Billek DVM, CERP, CERPV, CBA, CVMM, is an accomplished veterinarian and practice owner who has a focus in preventative and sports medicine, rehabilitation, as well as chiropractic care and Chinese medicine. In 2018, Paige graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and has quickly become a wealth of knowledge when it comes to keeping the modern equine athlete feeling and performing its best. Paige has been an integral part of many top rider and trainers’ programs and received her certification in Equine Rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee. Listen in!

[EP 367] From Beach to Barn in Wellington, Florida with Jenna Steffens

Jenna Steffens is an equestrian and Real Estate Specialist located in Palm Beach, FL, downtown West Palm Beach, and equestrian facilities in Wellington, FL. A dressage rider from the age of 10, Jenna first started traveling to South Florida to compete. After falling in love with the area, Jenna has remained there ever since. Passionate about the sport, the community and bringing the two together, Jenna shares her expertise to help her clients find the best properties from beach to barn. Listen in!

[EP 366] How Keely McIntosh Transitioned Her Horse from the Jumpers to Hunters

Keely McIntosh is an amateur rider competing in both the jumpers and hunters, and has overcome some very challenging issues including several injuries and setbacks with her heart horse, Hilton. After a 2022 accident that left Keely severely injured and partly paralyzed, she had to readjust her plans and work incredibly hard to get back into the show ring. Keely is here to inspire others with her story, remain competitive, and have fun along the way. Listen in!

[EP 365] How Gonzalo Busca Keeps His Horses Motivated

Gonzalo Busca is a top show jumper who has been competing internationally for many years now. With wins in Wellington, WEC, Tryon and more, Gonzalo has had incredible success with his first show season in the US aboard his string of great horses. Gonzalo truly puts so much time and energy in making sure his horses stay happy, healthy and well rounded within his program. Listen in!