Michael Pollard: The Rider Who Stepped Back to Move Forward
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event rider Michael Pollard. Michael Pollard is a former international event rider and Pan American Games gold medalist. He rose quickly through the ranks, earning the Markham Trophy at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at just 18 and being named the U.S. Eventing Association’s Young Rider of the Year in 2001. He went on to represent the United States at top international competitions including Luhmühlen, Burghley, and Rolex Kentucky. Throughout his riding career, Michael also ran a successful business outside of the horse world, which helped support his ambitions in the sport. In 2016, he made the decision to step away from competition to focus on his companies and to spend more time with his family. In recent years, Michael has returned to the sport as both a rider and coach, bringing with him a fresh perspective shaped by his time away and his experience across multiple arenas. In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey in the sport, including: • His decision to step away from eventing despite being at the top of his game. • How he views commitment, sacrifice, and where horses fit into his list of priorities. • The role his business ventures and financial strategy played in supporting his riding career. • What it looks like to balance family life with ambitious career goals. Join Michael and Sinead in this exciting conversation about his unique perspective on life in and out of the saddle. Book recommendations: • 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life By Bill Eddy
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1:36:09
Warwick Schiller: Putting the Relationship Before the Training
This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by world-class horsemanship trainer Warwick Schiller. Warwick Schiller is a lifelong horseman, international reiner, and host of The Journey On Podcast. Originally from Australia, he moved to the U.S. to pursue his passion for training horses, eventually becoming an NRHA Reserve World Champion and representing Australia at the 2010 and 2018 World Equestrian Games. Known for his clear and compassionate teaching style, he has coached riders to top titles including NRHA World Champion and Rookie of the Year. Warwick is the author of The Principles of Training and runs Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship in California with his wife Robyn and son Tyler, focusing on relationship-first horsemanship. In this episode, Warwick discusses topics related to his training philosophy, including: • Why putting the relationship with the horse and the horse’s sense of safety should come before all else. • How personal growth and self-awareness can deepen your connection with your horses and improve your effectiveness as a trainer. • The importance of setting horses up for success at every stage, rather than skipping over issues or rushing the process. • Small, intentional changes that can create a big difference in the training space. Join Warwick and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the importance of prioritizing the relationship with the horse. Book recommendations: • Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel by Carl Safina • Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts • Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World―A Memoir of Nature's Healing Power by Craig Foster • The Principles of Training: Understanding The Relationship Between You and Your Horse, and Why Effective Training Works by Warwick Schiller • 10% Happier by Dan Harris
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1:48:30
Rebecca Brown: Building a Program that Lasts
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 4* event rider and coach Rebecca Brown. Rebecca Brown is a 4* event rider and 2005 North American Youth Championships gold medalist, where she competed on her horse Twinkle Toes. She has built an impressive upper-level career with standout results aboard her longtime partner Dassett Choice, including a win in the Advanced at Chattahoochee Hills in 2019, fifth in the Advanced at Rocking Horse in 2020, and a win in the Advanced Intermediate at the Virginia Horse Trials. The pair completed their first CCI4*-S at Stable View Oktoberfest in 2020. Rebecca also competes Fernhill Fortitude, an Irish Sport Horse gelding with top ten finishes at Red Hills International and MARS Great Meadow International. Based in Dallas, Texas, she runs Rebecca Brown Riding, a successful training and coaching business that supports riders and horses from the lower levels through the FEI ranks. In this episode, Rebecca discusses topics related to her riding career and training business, including • Balancing the business of training and coaching with the personal passion for producing her own competition horses. • Recognizing when it’s time to transition a horse to a new rider to support the horse’s long-term success. • Navigating the impact of social media on barn culture and fostering a positive, supportive training environment. • A look at the standout horses that helped relaunch her upper-level career and an inside look at her current competition string. Join Rebecca and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the real-life challenges and rewards of being a professional in the horse world. This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert.
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1:21:06
Buck Davidson: The Mindset Behind a Lasting Career in Eventing
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5* event rider Buck Davidson. Buck Davidson is a very accomplished and recognizable figure in international eventing. A three-time winner of the Markham Trophy and the 1996 Young Rider of the Year, he has represented the U.S. at the highest levels, including the Pan American Games, World Equestrian Games, and numerous CCI5* events. Davidson claimed team gold and individual bronze at the 2011 Pan Ams with Absolute Liberty and has three USEF CCI5*-L National Championships to his name. In recent years, he has continued to produce top results, including second- and third-place finishes at the 2021 Virginia International Horse Trials CCI4*-L with Cooley Candyman and Sorocaima, and a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event with Carlevo. He runs BDJ Equestrian with his wife, Andrea, and is the father of two daughters. Most recently, he placed 13th at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event riding Sorocaima. In this episode, Buck discusses topics related to the sport of eventing, including: • His perspective on how competitions could evolve to become more engaging for spectators while also promoting smarter, more selective riding. • The importance of a rider prioritizing their horse’s well-being over competitive ambition. • The commitment, resilience, and mindset required to reach—and remain—at the top of the sport. • Striking a balance between trusting his own experience and staying open to continued learning and growth. Join Buck and Sinead in this exciting conversation on balancing elite performance with responsibility, growth, and the evolving future of the sport.
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1:14:18
Annie Bishop: Telling the Stories of Eventing
In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by podcast host and commentator Annie Bishop. Annie Bishop is a respected voice in eventing, known for her insightful commentary and engaging podcast work. She co-hosts the US Equestrian Open Eventing Review Show alongside Diarm Byrne, providing expert analysis of major competitions across the country. Her deep roots in the sport come from her parents: the late Wash Bishop, a U.S. Olympic eventer and coach, and Juliet Graham, an Olympic rider for Canada. In addition to her work with US Equestrian, Annie has contributed to platforms like the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, where she continues to share her expertise and passion. Through her media presence, Annie remains a prominent figure in the eventing world, helping to deepen appreciation for the sport among fans and participants alike. In this episode, Annie discusses topics related to her journey as a podcast host and commentator, including: • What it was like growing up on a farm with two renowned horse trainers as parents. • How she found her way back into the eventing world after college and launched a production company. • The importance of livestreaming events worldwide to showcase the talent of both horses and riders. • Her approach to commentary—acknowledging when things go wrong without casting them in a negative light. Join Annie and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the importance of giving eventing a voice and bringing its stories to a wider audience.
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