EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Welcome back to the Eventing Podcast. We have teamed up with the USEA and for this New Year special, we're taking on one of the biggest conversations in equestrian sport: social license. What it is, why it matters, and how every one of us plays a role in the future of eventing. Olympic champion, five-star winner, USEF Chief of Sport, and USEA EA21 Director of Coaching David O'Connor joins the show to unpack trust, education, safety, and responsibility, and how the sport can evolve while keeping its core values at the center.
For the latest in U.S. eventing, competition highlights, rider interviews, expert insights, and more, follow the USEA and subscribe to the USEA podcast channel to stay up to date!
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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Andy Heffernan steps into the stable and we go well beyond course plans and CV lines — from winter escapes and family life to AI fence drawings, Olympic dream seats, and why Bramham still means everything to him. 
HIGHLIGHTS
Why winter never really slows him down
Using AI to turn fences into drawings
The advice from Andrew Nicholson that shaped his career
Why Bramham is still his favourite event
Olympic finals, jump racing, and skiing envy
"More tolerant than I used to be" - summing himself up in a few words
GUEST
Andy Heffernan - international course designer, coach, and rider
To find out more about Strawmax bedding and how it could work in your yard, head to: https://www.strawmax.co.uk 
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Today on When Nicole Met, supported by Bedmax, we meet someone whose life has touched every corner of eventing. From growing up in a family steeped in eventing history to carving out her own path in advertising, creative production and now commentary and podcasting, Annie Bishop talks storytelling, sport, and why fresh voices matter. She also gives an inside look at the US Equestrian Open podcast, working alongside riders across dressage, jumping and eventing, and how the Open format is helping develop combinations and build fans in the lead-up to LA.
Highlights
Parents who rode at Olympic and World Championship level
Advertising, production and crisis comms, and what eventing can learn
Commentary, data and storytelling as gateways to the sport
The rise of the US Equestrian Open and why the series matters
Representation, female voices and growing US commentary talent
Hopes for 2026 and building new fans for equestrian sport
Guest
Annie Bishop – Producer, commentator and host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast. Part of the EquiRatings team, working across eventing, jumping and dressage.
This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

After closing out 2025 as world number seven, Sam Lissington sits down to unpack the season that changed everything and the road ahead. She reflects on the pride of consistency across Luhmühlen, Burghley, Blenheim and Strzegom, the satisfaction of finally showing what long-term horses like Sooty can do, and the analytical approach behind improving weaknesses and speed through the winter.
Sam also tackles the tougher side of the year: Badminton heartbreak, late injuries to key horses and rebuilding horsepower for 2026–27. Plus, an inside look at Lucas Stone's rise and what data, instinct and market context really mean when buying for championships.
Highlights
World number seven and a year built on consistency
Sooty's Luhmühlen podium and Billy Alberto at Burghley
Injuries, resilience and refocusing for 2026
Lucas Stone, New York and future championship horsepower
Guest
Sam Lissington – International event rider for New Zealand and 2025 world number seven.
Team Lissington Open Farm Day 2026
Team Lissington is opening it's doors on the 18th Jan!
Bring a friend and watch some Winter horsey action with mulled wine and nibbles 🍷🐴
They will run through training priorities, plans for the year ahead and a no-strings-attached overview of the various ownership opportunities and models in eventing.

Please RSVP for catering purposes ➡️ link in Sam's bio
Want to find out more about EquiRatings Horse Sales? Visit the website here.

In this Red Mills Feed Room episode, Spike is joined by Louise Jones from Red Mills to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in horse nutrition: protein.
Does protein really make horses hot? Can you underfeed it without realising? Is soya actually a problem, or just another internet myth? From muscle development and rehab to allergies, topline and performance, this is a straight-talking myth-busting conversation that separates fact from long-held stable lore.
Highlights:
Why protein is so often blamed for excitability
What actually happens when horses are under-fed protein
The truth about soya, fertility and inflammation
Protein requirements for young horses and horses in rehab
Why supplements can't replace a balanced diet
Practical, evidence-based and refreshingly clear, this one is for anyone who's ever second-guessed their feeding program.
With thanks to Red Mills for their continued support of the Feed Room series.
📲 Stay Connected This episode is brought to you by Connolly's Red Mills. For expert advice, forage analysis, and feeding support, visit redmills.com or connect with their nutrition team directly. Proud partners of the podcast, Red Mills are here to help you feed your horse with confidence.