The Equestrian Podcast

[EP 358] From Riding Adventures to Business Ventures with Kastel Denmark’s Charlotte Jorst

Charlotte Jorst is an avid horse lover who “rode Fjord horses bareback” in her youth, but never received any formal instruction. As an adult, she shifted her focus into building a successful career as an entrepreneur and business owner, creating and growing watch brand Skagen into a distinguished company that was later acquired by Fossil. Her most recent venture is the internationally adored sun-safe athletic wear brand, Kastel Denmark. Surprisingly, Charlotte only began training and riding with the focus of competition at age 35, which is certainly the exception for a rider of her level. Her joyful dedication to her horses, natural understanding of them as individuals, and drive to improve herself and her equine partners led her to nearly immediate success. Listen in!

[EP 357] How Clare Staples Provides a Safe Haven for Wild Horses and Burros

Skydog Ranch is a forever home for wild mustangs and burros who have ended up in horrible and dangerous situations - at kill pens, auctions, or in unloving homes where they have often been starved and neglected. Skydog’s mission is to provide a safe landing for horses coming from horrible situations, stop horse consumption in other countries and encourage people to better understand what is happening with the Bureau of Land Management’s round up of Wild Mustangs. Their biggest, most important part of Skydog Sanctuary  is to shine a spotlight on ALL these issues and make mustangs and burros a talking point across the US. Listen in!

[EP 356] Live From AETA International Trade Show at Dallas Market with Bethany Lee

Where western meets english- Join us for our very first Live Podcast Episode at the AETA International Trade Show! Follow along as Bethany interviews many different guests to chat all things brands, marketing, lifestyle, and more right from the event. Featuring Amy Harper & Bailey Watson of @dallasmarket Cindy Lay of @exceptionalequestrianCatherine Winter of @rideequisafe Shaley Ham of @westdesperado Madelyn Houser of @theblondeandthebay_ Kristy Lake of @dreamersnschemerssocks Jill Tweedy of @tuckertweed Jamey Griffin of @ariatequestrian and Matilde Urdinola of @yagyariders!

[EP 355] From Working with Young Horses to Two Surprise Foals with Cara Klothe

Cara Klothe is a Grand Prix dressage rider and USDF gold, silver, and bronze medalist. Based in Lehigh Valley, PA, Cara has ridden many horses across various levels, consistently delivering top results and training with some of the best in the industry. When not riding and competing herself, Cara is usually found teaching - she feels that it’s her job to teach her students how to think through problems so they can confidently ride their own horses and achieve their goals. On June 14th of this year, Cara received quite the surprise when her mare, Lhegally Blonde, delivered not one, but twin foals. Despite excellent veterinary care, which included multiple ultrasounds, these two were completely unexpected. Cara shares the story of how Elle and Emmett (keeping in the theme of Legally Blonde) came to be and what their future holds. Listen in!

[EP 354] How Allie Heninger Adapted to Riding with an Autoimmune Disorder

Allie Heninger is an equestrian and writer who currently lives in Utah with her husband, horses, and their four cats! Not only is Allie passionate about equine health and rehabilitation, but she's also interested in human health and disability, being a rider with an autoimmune disorder. Allie has adjusted her goals, advocating for other autoimmune equestrians in this space. Her story is intended to motivate, educate and inspire. You can follow Allie's journey by reading her blog at autoimmuneequestrian.com

[EP 353] How Ava Stearns Found The Perfect Student Working Position

Today’s interview is presented by LiveEQ, an app created to give equestrians of all backgrounds an easier way to find opportunities that fit their unique riding journey. In an industry that can sometimes feel hard to break into, LiveEq creates a platform where users can find their next barn, horse, or job… including working student positions. Working students have long been a staple in the equestrian world and is where many top equestrians have gained the experience to make them great riders and horse people. 

Today we’re talking with Ava Stearns, a rider with an impressive career who also happened to be a working student while competing in the top events of our sport. She shares with us the benefits of being a working student and how important it can be to finding your place in the equestrian world. Listen in!

[EP 352] FEI Dressage World Cup Finals with Anna Buffini

Anna Buffini is a professional dressage rider, longtime friend, and returning podcast guest! She has continued to be a rising star in the Dressage world, winning in both team and individual tests on young rider teams. With her continued success, Anna has several notable performances including a first and second in the 2016 USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup Dressage National Championship, a 2019 FEI Grand Prix Freestyle win, and most recently an 6th place performance in the 2023 Freestyle at the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Omaha. There's no stopping her. Listen in!

[EP 351] How Weather Or Not Equestrian Came To Be with Rachel Barker

Rachel Barker is the founder of Weather or Not Equestrian, a brand dedicated to helping riders stay clean and dry in all conditions. As a lifelong equestrian, Rachel is turning her riding experience into a business and stating "I want to give back to the equestrian community that has given me so much over the years. We don’t always love riding in the rain but we need the rain for the flowers to grow. I hope Weather Or Not Equestrian can help people on those rainy days and to be able to see the beauty that comes from them." Listen in!

[EP 350] Between Eventing and Show Jumping with Charlotte Babbitt

Charlotte Babbitt is a professional Grand Prix show jumper and advanced level eventer. After beginning her career in eventing, a new job working for a professional Grand Prix show jumper helped Charlotte develop skills in both disciplines. Charlotte now competes in both with a passion for developing horses and building her career as a professional. Listen in!

[EP 349] How Aisling Byrne Overcame a Serious Injury and Started Riding Again

Aisling Byrne is an Irish international showjumper, business owner, and model whose hobby and passion is horses. She successfully competes across the UK and Europe with a string of competitive rides. Having gone through a serious riding accident in recent years and recovering from injury, Aisling's goal is to share a message of hope and positivity to others in a similar position, both inside and outside of the equestrian world. Listen in!