Explore every episode of the podcast EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

The final five-star of 2026 certainly gave us plenty to talk about, and what a way for Tim Price to finish the season.

Nicole is joined by newly crowned Eventing Manager champion Sharon Ridgway to look back at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau, where Tim Price and Jarillo made history with back-to-back victories. And it wasn't just Tim having a good weekend, with Jonelle putting three horses in the top nine.

There's a brilliant result for Bubby Upton and It's Cooley Time after a difficult 2025, plenty of excitement around Tom McEwen's Quintus and a few moments from cross-country day that nobody saw coming.

Plus, Nicole and Diarm's Willa Newton versus Lizzie Baugh showdown gets settled, Sharon shares her horses to watch for 2027 and there's a rather exciting new addition to Michael Jung's string.

• The Price is right: A historic win for Tim and an impressive six horses in the top 16 for the Price household.

• Bubby bounces back: Why It's Cooley Time's Pau performance could be a turning point.

• One for the future: Is Quintus already looking like a serious LA 2028 prospect?

• Pau's talking points: The tricky fences, unexpected falls and some desperately unlucky combinations.

• Looking to 2027: Michael Jung's new ride and the horses Sharon has her eye on.

Sharon Ridgway: Our 2026 Eventing Manager champion joins Nicole to share her take on Pau and how she managed to come out on top after a full season of five-star predictions.

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The final five-star of 2026 is here, and the whole team is back together for one last big preview of the season.

Nicole is joined by Diarm, Sam and Spike to look ahead to Les 5 Étoiles de Pau, where defending champion Tim Price returns with Jarillo, Bubby Upton heads the EquiRatings Prediction Centre with Cola, and a strong field of established stars and exciting newcomers prepares for the final five-star title of the year.

Can Tim Price make it back-to-back victories? Could Bubby Upton finally land that elusive five-star win? Or will one of the younger horses upset the established contenders?

From the riders with something to prove to the combinations who could thrive if the ground turns soft, the team digs into the form, the numbers and their own predictions for the weekend.

Highlights:

• Defending Champion: Tim Price and Jarillo return to Pau looking for a second consecutive victory.
• The Favourites: Bubby Upton and Cola lead the Prediction Centre, but does their five-star form tell a different story?
• Rising Stars: Tom McEwen and Quintus, Yasmin Ingham and Gypsy du Loir, and the young horses stepping up to five-star level.
• Contenders to Watch: Melody Johner and Erin, Felix Vogg and Cartania, and the combinations who could challenge the favourites.
• The Pau Factor: How the course, conditions and cross-country time could influence the final result.
• Final Predictions: The team's picks for the title, plus their last Eventing Manager selections of 2026.

Guests:

• Diarmuid Byrne: EquiRatings co-founder and analyst.
• Sam Watson: Olympic event rider and EquiRatings co-founder.
• Spike Milligan: Equine veterinarian and regular Eventing Podcast contributor.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

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What's life like behind the scenes at one of eventing's busiest yards?

Travelling Head Girl for Tom Jackson, Chloe Whitelam, joins us in the Strawmax Stable to talk about life on the road, the horses behind a brilliant season and her journey from a non-horsey childhood to working at the top of the sport.

With Pau just around the corner, Chloe shares her hopes for Plot Twist B, reflects on some standout results and gives us an insight into the personalities that make Tom's string so special.

Highlights:

• Chloe's journey from racing to becoming Travelling Head Girl for Tom Jackson.
• Reflecting on Hawkeye's fourth place at Burghley and a successful season across the yard.
• The preparation for Pau and hopes of going one better with Plot Twist B.
• Managing a busy string of horses and building relationships with each of them.
• Chloe's Olympic ambitions and her advice for anyone hoping to build a career with horses.
• Life outside the yard, dream sporting events and the lucky blue nails making a return for Pau.

A great chance to get to know one of the people working behind the scenes to help make top-level eventing happen.

Guest: Chloe Whitelam

This episode is kindly supported by Strawmax, the natural straw pellet bedding designed with horses and busy yards in mind. Made from 100% British straw, Strawmax is dust-extracted, highly absorbent and easy to maintain, helping keep horses comfortable while making stable management simpler.

Discover the benefits of Strawmax at www.strawmax.co.uk.

Want your horse looking its best at your next event? We've got you covered!

Cameron Beer is joined by experienced five-star freelance groom Kirsten Poulsom for a grooming and turnout masterclass packed with practical tips to help you prepare for competition, whether you're heading to your first event or a major championship.

From getting those perfect plaits and quarter marks to managing studs, packing your competition essentials and looking after your horse following cross country, Kirsten shares the tricks of the trade she's picked up working at the top of the sport.

Plus, Kirsten sets listeners a challenge to put their quarter-marking skills to the test!

Highlights:

• The daily grooming habits that make competition preparation easier.
• Tips for bathing, clipping, trimming and keeping grey horses clean.
• How to perfect your plaits and quarter marks.
• Making studs less stressful and what to pack in your grooming kit.
• Cooling down and caring for your horse after cross country.
• Why having a freelance groom can make such a difference at a big event.

Guest: Kirsten Poulsom, five-star freelance eventing groom

The Grassroots Show is proudly supported by Foran Equine, providing scientifically formulated supplements and nutritional solutions to support your horse's health, wellbeing and performance.

Discover the Foran Equine range at www.foranequine.com.

A record-breaking British win at Boekelo, young horses making their mark at Cornbury and a look at what's next for British Eventing.

Nicole is joined by British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams to reflect on another Nations Cup success and look ahead to the 2027 fixtures calendar. Mollie Summerland and Lizzie Baugh also join the show to talk young horse championships, the pathways helping develop the next generation and the horses they're excited about for the future.

Highlights

• Team GB's record-breaking Nations Cup Final win at Boekelo
• What's behind Britain's strength and depth
• The 2027 British Eventing fixtures calendar
• Why championships like Cornbury matter for young horses, riders and owners
• Mollie Summerland on Don Alfredo and developing her next generation
• Lizzie Baugh on her Cornbury success, Nations Cup debut and stepping up to five-star

Guests

• Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing
• Mollie Summerland – Five-star winner and British Eventing National Young Horse Champion
• Lizzie Baugh – British event rider and Howden Way Young Horse Academy rider

This episode is brought to you by Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Sprenger and Veredus, and title partner of the British Eventing Podcast for 2026. Find out more at: zebraproducts.co.uk

The grass has gone brown, but has the vitamin E gone with it? 

Spike is back with Louise Jones for a bite-sized Feed Room, answering a great listener question prompted by the hot weather: when fresh green pasture turns dry and scorched, do we need to start supplementing vitamin E?

Louise explains what happens to vitamin E as grass dries out, whether a normal balanced diet is enough to cover the difference, and which horses might actually benefit from additional supplementation.

Highlights

• Why fresh grass is such a good source of vitamin E
• What happens when pasture becomes dry and scorched
• Whether most horses need extra vitamin E
• When supplementation may be worthwhile
• Vitamin E for horses prone to tying up
• Why feeding additional oil can change requirements

Guest
Louise Jones – Equine nutritionist with Connolly's RED MILLS, answering your real-world feeding questions with Spike.

🎧 A quick one, but a very useful one. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is supported by Connolly's RED MILLS. For more expert nutrition advice and to explore their range of equine feeds and supplements, visit RED MILLS.

The US Equestrian Open Final is here, and we've got a special bonus from the US Equestrian Open Podcast to get you ready for Morven Park.

Annie Bishop, Diarmuid Byrne and Ali Barrett look at the storylines heading into the Final, with Will Coleman and Off The Record returning after coming agonisingly close 12 months ago. Can they go one better this time?

This is just the first 10 minutes of the conversation. For the full Morven Park Preview Show, including the team's predictions, contenders and everything to watch this week, head over to the US Equestrian Open Podcast.

Boekelo delivered.

Nicole and Catherine debrief a brilliant Nations Cup final, where Great Britain and Germany went head-to-head right to the final phase, while Ireland and the USA battled for the podium.

They celebrate Julia Krajewski and Ero de Cantraie's wire-to-wire win, another huge result for Katie Magee and the young horses that made a serious impression with 2027 and LA on the horizon.

Highlights

• Great Britain take the Nations Cup final
• Julia Krajewski leads from start to finish
• Another second place for Katie Magee
• The young horses to remember for 2027
• Ireland win the battle for the Nations Cup podium
• Nicole's under-the-radar horse to watch

All that, plus plenty more from a seriously competitive week at Boekelo.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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Over 100 horses, the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final and one of the most competitive four-star longs of the year. It's Boekelo time.

Nicole is joined by Catherine Austen and Ali Barrett to look through a huge field, pick out the combinations that could make their mark and, of course, build their Eventing Manager teams.

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze head up the conversation after a brilliant season, while Zara Tindall, Katie Magee, Tom McEwen, Kitty King and plenty more give the British challenge serious depth. There are exciting young horses from across Europe, a strong US contingent and a few combinations flying firmly under the radar.

Plus, could Tom McEwen make a little bit of history? And who are Nicole, Catherine and Ali backing for the podium?

Highlights

• The leading contenders in a field of more than 100 combinations
• Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze's chances at Boekelo
• Tom McEwen's opportunity to add another major win to an extraordinary season
• The Nations Cup Final and the teams to watch
• Exciting combinations from Britain, Ireland, France, Germany and the USA
• Eventing Manager picks, bargains and dark horses
• Nicole, Catherine and Ali make their podium predictions

Get your Eventing Manager team locked in at manager.equiratings.com and play along throughout Boekelo.

Eventing Manager is powered by EquiRatings Horse Sourcing.

Jess Rimmer didn't always want to be an event rider. In fact, as a child, she'd have chosen her Barbie Dream House over a muddy yard any day.

Fast forward to Blenheim, and Jess has just jumped double clear with The Spice Merchant as part of the Rising Lions. Nicole catches up with her while the smile is still firmly on her face to talk about the journey from reluctant pony rider to one of Britain's rising eventing talents.

From studying biochemistry while competing a string of horses to finding her place at William Fox-Pitt's yard, Jess shares the people, horses and opportunities that have shaped her career so far. There's plenty about Basil, the horse who keeps saying yes, and the ambitions Jess is working towards.

Highlights

• The pony that changed Jess's mind about riding.
• Growing up with a five-star event rider for a mum and the support that came without pressure.
• Balancing a biochemistry degree with competing seven or eight horses.
• Learning from William Fox-Pitt and Jackie Potts.
• Why you don't have to follow the traditional youth team pathway to succeed.
• The £1 pony who helped Jess reach the Young Rider Championships.
• How The Spice Merchant, better known as Basil, became her four-star partner.
• What representing Great Britain and riding for the Rising Lions means to Jess.
• Her ambitions for five-star success and the two horses she thinks could help her get there.

Guest

Jess Rimmer – British event rider and Rising Lions team member, joining Nicole fresh from a double clear at Blenheim with The Spice Merchant.

This episode is brought to you by Littlemax, part of the Bedmax family. Their dust-extracted pine shavings are designed to provide a clean, comfortable bed for horses and ponies.

Discover more and find your nearest stockist at bedmaxshavings.com/littlemax.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more from across the sport.

Two four-star titles, one rider and a pair of horses with exciting futures ahead. Blenheim belonged to Tom McEwen.

Nicole Brown and Catherine Austen are back to review the action from Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, where Tom McEwen completed a remarkable double with The Fieldmaster in the CCI4*-L and Brookfield Danny De Muze in the CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds.

From The Fieldmaster's hunting background and rapid rise through the levels to Brookfield Danny De Muze adding another major young horse title to his record, there is plenty to discuss about two very different horses and what might come next.

Highlights

• Tom McEwen's Blenheim double and the strength of his team across both divisions.
• The Fieldmaster's journey from the hunting field to a CCI4*-L victory.
• Brookfield Danny De Muze's remarkable record and his progression from Le Lion d'Angers to Blenheim.
• Sam Ecroyd's standout weekend with Jackpot and Bloomfield Manuscript.
• Oliver Townend's cross-country performance.
• Katie Magee, Bubby Upton and the young horses making their mark in the eight- and nine-year-old class.
• Why Blenheim's young horse results are worth revisiting when looking for future five-star stars.

Plus, Nicole and Catherine share their personal connections to Blenheim, reflect on the atmosphere at this year's event and look ahead to Boekelo.

Guest

Catherine Austen – Equestrian journalist and former Blenheim press officer, joining Nicole to review the weekend's sport and the stories behind the results.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Connolly's RED MILLS, proud supporters of our Blenheim preview and review shows. Discover their range of equine feeds and nutrition solutions at redmillshorse.com .

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast  for more previews, reviews and analysis from across the sport.

Fresh from a CCI4*-L win at Scone Palace, Piggy March joins Nicole Brown to reflect on a season of ups and downs, a special victory with Truly Anything, and a big new chapter on the horizon for Team March.

Piggy shares the story of bringing Truly Anything back into her string after his time with Harry Meade, the emotions behind their Scone win, and why sometimes getting the job done means adapting your riding to the horse in front of you.

With a yard move on the horizon and a coaching trip with Team Hong Kong ahead, there's plenty to catch up on!

Highlights

• The story behind Piggy and Truly Anything's CCI4*-L victory at Scone.
• Why not every horse needs to fit the textbook picture.
• The emotions, pressure and people behind a special win.
• A new yard, new opportunities and what could be next for Team March.
• Why good stable management starts with understanding your horse's environment.

Guest

Piggy March is one of Britain's leading event riders, a Badminton and Burghley winner, and a Bedmax Education Ambassador.

Back to School with Bedmax

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Bedmax, who are inviting horse owners to brush up on their stable management knowledge with their Back to School with Bedmax campaign.

From ventilation and air quality to bedding choices and stable hygiene, small changes can make a big difference to your horse's comfort and wellbeing.

Read their educational article and take the short 10-question quiz to receive a free gift and be entered into a prize draw, where four lucky winners will each receive 10 bales of their preferred Bedmax bedding.

• Back to School with Bedmax: Horse Health and Hygiene in the Stable Environment
• Take the Back to School with Bedmax Quiz

Free gifts available while stocks last. Prize draw terms and conditions apply.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the Eventing Podcast for more conversations from across the sport.

The first-ever Blenheim Challenge is in the books, and the Stars & Stripes have plenty to celebrate!

Nicole, Diarmuid and Annie are back to unpack a weekend that saw the Stars & Stripes defeat the Rising Lions 12.5–4, with head-to-head battles, Joker tactics and £50,000 in prize money bringing a whole new dimension to Blenheim.

From Oliver Barrett's brilliant week with Sandhills Briar to the pressure of jumping for £5,000 on the final day, the team reflects on the performances, personalities and moments that made the inaugural Challenge such a success.

Highlights

• How the Stars & Stripes secured their Blenheim Challenge victory.
• Oliver Barrett's career-best dressage and top-10 finish.
• The £5,000 show jumping head-to-heads and the pressure of delivering a clear.
• The young horses and riders who caught the team's attention.
• Jess Rimmer's Team Spirit Award and what the Challenge meant beyond the scoreboard.
• Why the team format, prize money and involvement of the grooms made this weekend feel different.

Plus, Nicole shares a few stories from behind the scenes, including Philip Dutton's Joker discussions, Tom McEwen's involvement with the Rising Lions and the live draws that kept everyone guessing.

Was this the start of something special for eventing?

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more from across the sport.

The Blenheim Challenge is well and truly underway, and after dressage, the Stars & Stripes have the early advantage.

Nicole and Annie break down a brilliant first phase, with 21-year-old Oliver Barrett producing a career-best test to lead both the Stars & Stripes and the entire CCI4*-L aboard Sandhills Briar.

With £50,000 on the line, attention now turns to cross country and four head-to-head matchups that could completely change the scoreboard.

Highlights

• Oliver Barrett's career-best dressage test puts him at the top of Blenheim.
• The Stars & Stripes lead the Rising Lions 5–2 after the opening phase.
• The cross-country head-to-heads and where the key points could be won.
• Why the Rising Lions have played their final Joker on Izzy Cook.
• The numbers behind the combinations who could make the difference on Saturday.

Plus, we hear from Oliver Barrett and Barnie Brotherton ahead of cross country as both teams prepare for the next round of the Blenheim Challenge.

Can the Rising Lions fight their way back, or will the Stars & Stripes extend their lead? Game on at Blenheim

Two four-star classes, some serious names and plenty of decisions to make as we head to Blenheim.

Nicole, Diarm and Sam preview both the CCI4*-L and the eight and nine-year-old CCI4*-S, digging into the favourites, the form and the combinations they think could make their mark this week.

Brookfield Quality heads the Prediction Centre in the four-star long, but with Jesse Campbell, Oliver Barrett, Gemma Stevens and plenty more in the mix, there is a lot to consider. Then it's onto the future stars of the eight and nine-year-old class, a division with a pretty impressive record of producing horses we hear a lot more from. And, of course, they're building their Eventing Manager teams along the way.

Highlights

• Why Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality set such a high standard in the CCI4*-L
• The riders and horses who could challenge at the top
• Where the Eventing Manager value might be hiding
• Gemma Stevens looking to continue a brilliant run of form
• Oliver Townend and an intriguing catch ride
• The young horses to know in the eight and nine-year-old class
• Who makes the team when £10 million suddenly doesn't feel like very much
• A few under-the-radar combinations worth keeping an eye on

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Connolly's RED MILLS. If you're heading to Blenheim this week, make sure you stop by the RED MILLS trade stand and chat to their team. Whether you have a feeding question, want to learn more about their range or just want some expert advice, they'll be there to help throughout the event.

Find out more about Connolly's RED MILLS and their equine nutrition range at redmillshorse.com.

Rising Lions vs Stars and Stripes. The first ever Blenheim Challenge is here, and things are already getting competitive.

Nicole is firmly flying the flag for Britain, while Diarm and Annie are backing the US team, with a very handy Australian thrown into the mix. With head-to-head matchups in every phase, joker cards to play and £50,000 in prize money on the line, there is plenty to get stuck into.

Who has the strongest team on paper? Where could the points be won and lost? And, most importantly, who are we backing to come out on top?

Highlights

• How the new Blenheim Challenge actually works
• Rising Lions vs Stars and Stripes across all three phases
• Why Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar could be the pair to beat
• The joker cards we would play and when
• Why Saturday could be the Rising Lions' chance to take control
• The serious show jumping strength on the Stars and Stripes side
• Our picks to win the first ever Blenheim Challenge

Guests

Nicole Brown
Nicole takes up the Rising Lions cause and makes the case for why a big Saturday could put the British team in the driving seat.

Diarmuid Byrne
Diarm is very firmly Team Stars and Stripes and is already putting himself forward for the team manager job.

Annie Bishop
Annie brings the US perspective, digging into the form of the Stars and Stripes combinations and where they could have the edge.

The Blenheim Challenge gets underway this week. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Nicole is joined by Catherine Austen from Cornbury House International for a look at a week that feels like an important one for the event's future.

The brand-new Advanced Under 25 class brings together an international field as Cornbury starts learning, testing and preparing ahead of hosting the FEI Eventing World Championships for Under 25s in 2027. And they'll face a new challenge, with the courses reversed for the first time and a brand-new Advanced track ready to be tested.

There's plenty happening beyond the U25s too. The British Eventing Young Horse Championships bring some of the country's best five, six and seven-year-olds together, the £45,000 Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup returns, and there are seriously good horses and riders to follow right across the sections.

Highlights

• Cornbury's first step towards the 2027 U25 World Championships
• The international names to watch in the Advanced U25
• A brand-new Advanced cross-country track
• Five, six and seven-year-olds chasing national titles
• £45,000 on the line for the Thoroughbreds
• The combinations to follow across a packed week

Guest
Catherine Austen – on site at Cornbury with the inside track on the competition, the horses and what's ahead.

Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight are your 2026 Defender Burghley champions, and they did it in some style.

Nicole, Diarm and Ali are back to debrief a brilliant weekend of sport, from Gemma's record-breaking performance and Katie Magee's superb second place to the stories, surprises and standout performances across the leaderboard.

Plus, the HPRs land mid-recording, giving us the first chance to put some numbers around what we just watched.

Highlights

• Gemma and Chilli Knight finishing on their dressage score and joining Burghley's 1% Club
• Putting that huge winning margin into context
• How Katie Magee and Treworra climbed from 19th after dressage to second
• The HPRs are in, and we find out how Gemma's performance stacks up against the other big five-star performances of 2026
• Global Quest, Hawk Eye and the combinations who exceeded expectations
• The moments that completely changed the shape of the competition
• A very deserved Nicola Wilson appreciation moment

Guests

Nicole Brown
Nicole looks back at the performances, people and stories that made Burghley 2026 one to remember.

Diarm Byrne
Diarm gets into the numbers and what they tell us about how this year's Burghley was won and lost.

Ali Barrett
Ali brings the freshly landed HPRs, her standout performances and plenty from a busy week on the ground at Burghley.

Katie Magee show: https://open.spotify.com/episode/03oBSF12G8beXOa1ow1DJr

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. 

Saturday at Burghley was everything we thought it might be, and then some. 🎙️

Nicole, D and Ali settle in with a Pimms and an incredible Burghley sunset to unpack a rollercoaster of a cross-country day. Gemma Stevens and Chilli Knight are out in front with a rail in hand, Tim Price and Global Quest deliver a hugely emotional round, and Holly Richardson rockets from 28th to third after one of the performances of the day.

There's plenty more to unpack, from Caroline Pamukcu proving the Blake doubters wrong to the heartbreak of Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, plus Andrew Hoy and Derek di Grazia get unexpectedly pulled into the debrief along the way.

Highlights

• Gemma and Chilli Knight take control
• The incredible Global Quest story
• Holly Richardson's 25-place climb
• HSH Blake proves he's a Burghley horse
• Heartbreak for Sarah and Corimiro
• Derek's verdict on his cross-country day
• Who wins Burghley tomorrow?

🎧 Defender Burghley Diaries: Saturday is out now.

We're live from the Media Centre at Defender Burghley! Diarmuid Byrne is joined by Catherine Austen and Ali Barrett to preview the wide open field. From Holly Richardson's speed, to crushes on Will Coleman, and naming Lucy Latta the Pirate Queen, this episode has it all.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

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Friday at Burghley and the dressage is done.

Nicole is live from the Insights Stage with Sam Watson, Diarm Byrne and EquiRatings analyst Ali Barrett to unpack two days of dressage that didn't quite play out as anyone expected. Nadja Minder and 19-year-old Toblerone are still out in front, the judging has everyone talking and there is everything still to play for.

Then the leaders join us. Nadja Minder, Gemma Stevens and Tim Price take their places on the sofa to talk about their horses, their tests and what it feels like to head out of the dressage phase sitting first, second and third at Burghley. There's plenty of cross-country chat too, as they give us the rider's view of Derek di Grazia's track.

And to finish, we go straight to the man who built it. Derek di Grazia gives us his take on the course, the ground, that 11 minute 20 second optimum time and just how many combinations he'd like to see beat the clock. Spoiler: he isn't giving much away.

Highlights

• Nadja Minder makes Burghley history
• The dressage judging debate
• Sam, D and Ali break down the leaderboard
• Nadja, Gemma and Tim join us live
• The riders give their verdict on the cross-country
• Derek di Grazia has the final word

Guests

Nadja Minder
Burghley dressage leader with Toblerone.

Gemma Stevens
Sitting second with Chilli Knight after dressage.

Tim Price
Former Burghley winner and third with Falco.

Derek di Grazia
Defender Burghley cross-country course designer.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
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Thursday at Burghley and the competition is officially underway. 🎙️

The first day of dressage has given us plenty to talk about. The judging is tough, the good scores are being seriously earned and Nadja Minder has thrown down the early marker with her five-star PB. But at Burghley, we all know Thursday is only the beginning of the story.

Sam Watson joins us to talk Saturday, why this year's track could flow better and just how many combinations might actually beat that famous Burghley clock. Plus, with Eventing Manager officially locked in, we find out who everyone is backing.

We head around the showground too, catching up with Marcus Fairfax Fountaine at Fairfax & Favor before finding Tom McEwen at Equine America, fresh from World Championship gold and with 19-year-old Toledo de Kerser back at Burghley.

And we finish with Lucy Jackson, a glass of rosé and a proper Thursday debrief. Who impressed, who could shake things up on Friday and who does Lucy think will be leading heading into Saturday?

Highlights

• Nadja Minder sets the early Burghley standard
• Sam Watson makes his Saturday time prediction
• The biggest Eventing Manager picks
• A trip to Fairfax & Favor
• Tom McEwen and the return of Toledo de Kerser
• Lucy Jackson's Thursday dressage debrief
• Who leads heading into cross country?

Guests

Sam Watson
EquiRatings co-founder, stats man and Burghley competitor.

Marcus Fairfax Fountaine
Co-founder of Fairfax & Favor.

Tom McEwen
World Champion and Olympic medallist.

Lucy Jackson
Five-star rider, commentator and Burghley Insights Stage host.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The Burghley Diaries are officially OPEN. 🎙️

It's Wednesday, it's absolutely chucking it down and Nicole is in the middle of it all as Burghley week gets underway.

Tilly Berendt joins us fresh from a very soggy course walk to talk through a brilliantly wide-open field, why she's firmly Team Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro, and whether this could be the year the usual Burghley trends get ripped up.

Then, THEY MADE IT. 600km from Scone to Burghley, three and a half days on bikes and nearly £18,000 raised. Andrew Ransford and Henry Kinchin join us to talk through the challenge and the slightly alarming suggestion that £35k might get them back on the bikes to Cornbury.

There's a quick visit from Lily Meade before Wednesday delivers its first proper bit of Burghley drama: David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed are OUT. Nicole and Annie jump straight back on to work out what that means for the competition and a LOT of Eventing Manager teams.

Highlights

• A soaking wet Tilly reports back from the course
• Why Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro have Tilly's heart
• Dark horses and Burghley first-timers
• 600km DONE for the Scone to Burghley team
• A glimpse inside Team Meade with Lily
• David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed withdraw
• Time to rethink those Burghley predictions and Eventing Manager teams

Guests

Tilly Berendt
Eventing Nation journalist, Burghley expert and, today, very soggy course-walker.

Andrew Ransford & Henry Kinchin
Fresh from cycling 600km from Scone to Burghley for Riders Minds and the British Eventing Support Trust.

Lily Meade
Giving us a quick peek inside Team Meade ahead of a huge week for Harry.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Support the Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge:
https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/17381/scone-to-burghley/

Burghley week is here, and this one feels genuinely wide open.

Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro head to Stamford as the Prediction Centre favourites, but there are questions to answer and a long list of combinations ready to challenge them. Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal know exactly how to deliver at Burghley, David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed bring one of the strongest cross-country records in the field, while Tom Jackson and United 36, Tim Price and Falco and plenty more come into the week with a very real chance.

Nicole, Diarm, Spike and Annie dig into the numbers and the form, make the case for the combinations they think could win and look at where this year's competition could be decided. With the Burghley terrain, an incredibly tough cross-country time and no obvious standout at the top of the market, there is a lot to unpack before the first horse enters the arena.

Highlights

• Why this could be one of the most open Burghleys in years
• The questions facing favourite Sarah Bullimore and Corimiro
• Why Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal could have a huge opportunity
• The case for David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed
• Why Tom Jackson and United 36 are serious contenders
• The speed and stamina needed to make the Burghley time
• Could a horse starting in the 30s finally win?
• Podium predictions and dark horses from the team

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

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We're going behind the scenes at Burghley Media Day with two riders who could have a very big week ahead of them.

Sarah Bullimore and Tom Jackson sit down to talk all things Burghley, from what makes a true Burghley horse and tackling that famous cross-country test, to the final few weeks of preparation before five-star. Plus, Sarah talks about the very special Corimiro, while Tom looks ahead with two exciting chances in United 36 and Hawk Eye.

And we catch up with Andrew Ransford, Henry Kinchin, Thomas March and Alastair Wilson midway through their 600km Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge, raising money for the British Eventing Support Trust and Riders Minds.

Highlights

• What actually makes a great Burghley horse
• Why heart, stamina and a horse that truly wants the job matter so much
• Sarah's journey with homebred Corimiro and why he means so much to her
• The pressure of heading to Burghley as a Prediction Centre favourite
• Tom's expectations for exciting ten-year-old United 36
• Why there could still be a big five-star result to come from Hawk Eye
• How experience changes the way riders tackle Burghley's terrain
• What the final weeks of five-star preparation look like
• An update from the Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge as the team passes the halfway point

Guests

Sarah Bullimore – British five-star event rider and European individual bronze medallist, heading to Burghley with exciting homebred Corimiro.

Tom Jackson – British five-star event rider and former Burghley runner-up, returning this year with United 36 and Hawk Eye.

Go behind the scenes as Burghley week gets underway and hear from some of the people making their way to one of the biggest weeks of the year.

Support the Scone to Burghley Cycle Challenge:
https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/17381/scone-to-burghley/

A rare occurrence on the Eventing Podcast... Diarm gets to open the show!

With Nicole handing over the reins, Diarm is joined by Catherine Austen to look back on a brilliant weekend at Scone Palace International. From the atmosphere and old-fashioned eventing feel to some seriously exciting performances across the levels, there's plenty to unpack.

Gemma Stevens delivered under pressure with Cooley Park Muze, Piggy March and Cooley Anything You Like made a big statement in the four-star long, and some of the sport's biggest names filled the leaderboards.

Highlights

• Why Scone already feels like such a special event
• What changed from year one to year two
• Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze delivering under pressure
• Why Cooley Park Muze looks like a very exciting horse for the future
• Piggy March's impressive win with Cooley Anything You Like
• Why Piggy is so good at getting the best out of a horse
• The huge depth of talent across the levels
• Why the riders coming back to Scone says so much about the event

Guests

Diarm Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder and Eventing Podcast host, bringing the numbers, analysis and plenty of opinions on the sport.

Catherine Austen – Eventing journalist and commentator, bringing her expert eye and all the stories from behind the scenes at Scone.

It's been a busy few weeks for British Eventing, and Rosie Williams joins Nicole to look back at the World Championships in Aachen, the first U25 World Championships and the British Championships at Hartpury.

We also hear from Dickie Waygood on what was, in his words, one of the toughest championships he has ever done, and Laura Collett reflects on team gold, individual bronze and a build-up to Aachen that wasn't quite as straightforward as the result might suggest.

Plus, with Olympic qualification secured, what does that change for the British team between now and LA 2028?

Highlights

• Why Aachen was one of the toughest championships Dickie Waygood has experienced
• The team decisions behind a seriously technical cross-country day
• Laura Collett on a difficult run into Aachen and getting herself back on track
• What makes London 52 different when he knows it's a big occasion
• Rosie's take on Britain's World Championship performance
• What the first U25 World Championships can do for the next generation
• How Olympic qualification changes the next two years for the British team
• Rosie answers your questions on the event calendar, Burghley and more

Guests

Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing

Dickie Waygood – British Eventing Performance Manager

Laura Collett – Olympic and World Championship gold medallist

Heading to Burghley?

The British Equestrian Team Foundation is bringing together two of eventing's biggest names for a special breakfast conversation with Lucinda Green. Come join for stories, insight and plenty of conversation from two generations of top-level eventing, all while supporting the work of the BETF.

Places are limited, so book your ticket and join them at Burghley: BETF Breakfast with Eventing Legend Lucinda Green

This episode is brought to you by Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Sprenger and Veredus, and title partner of the British Eventing Podcast for 2026. Find out more at: zebraproducts.co.uk

It's Scone week!

Nicole and Diarm are looking ahead to a brilliant few days in Scotland, with huge fields, exciting young horses and some seriously good combinations lining up across the CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L.

Can Cooley Park Muze get the better of the hugely experienced Valmy Biats? Could this be Piggy March's week with Cooley Anything You Like? Or can Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall make their return to the top a winning one?

Plus, there are future superstars to keep an eye on, plenty of names flying under the radar and, of course, Nicole and Diarm put their necks on the line with their podium predictions.

Highlights:

• The big names in the CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L
• Cooley Park Muze, Valmy Biats and a fascinating four-star short
• The young horses who could have LA 2028 in their future
• Piggy March and Izzy Taylor head up the four-star long
• Ones to watch throughout the weekend
• Nicole and Diarm's podium picks

Guests:

Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne to preview all the action from Scone.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials runs 27–30 August, so make sure you're following the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast to keep up with all the action.

And if you haven't already, catch up on our Inside Scone episodes with Lucinda Russell and Event Director Alec Lochore before the competition gets underway.

Two-time Grand National-winning trainer Lucinda Russell joins Nicole ahead of Scone to talk about the two equestrian worlds closest to her heart: racing and eventing.

From her own eventing days to building a hugely successful career in racing, Lucinda shares what the two sports can learn from each other, why fitness and ground conditions matter so much, and what makes the Thoroughbred such an extraordinary athlete.

Plus, there's advice for anyone retraining an ex-racehorse, memories of the glory days of eventing, and even the possibility of a Lucinda Russell comeback at Scone.

Highlights

• Lucinda's journey from eventing into racing
• What eventing can learn from the racing world
• Why fitness, ground and riding forward matter
• The intelligence and bravery of the Thoroughbred
• Lucinda's advice for retraining racehorses
• Why Scone could bring racing and eventing audiences together
• Could we see Lucinda back eventing?

Guest

Lucinda Russell is a two-time Grand National-winning trainer whose roots are firmly in eventing. She joins Nicole to share lessons from a life spent producing equine athletes and why eventing remains so close to her heart.

Aachen is behind us and attention turns to Burghley, with a seriously exciting five-star field ready to take on one of the biggest tests in the sport.

Nicole and Sam take their first look at the entries, from proven five-star stars to a new generation of horses and riders who look ready to put their names in the history books. With 19 Olympians, two former Burghley winners and much of the Badminton top ten heading to Stamford, there is plenty to unpack.

They dive into the Prediction Centre, the remarkable Burghley 1% Club, the combinations catching their eye and just what makes Derek di Grazia's cross-country track such a unique challenge.

Plus, Sam is heading there himself with Ballyneety Rocketman. He takes us inside his final preparations, how he gets a horse ready for Burghley's terrain and why this event still feels like the absolute pinnacle.

Highlights

• First reactions to the 2026 Burghley field
• Who could become the next first-time five-star winner?
• The Burghley 1% Club
• Sam's insight into tackling the terrain and making the time
• The combinations flying under the radar
• Sam and Ballyneety Rocketman's final preparations
• Nicole and Sam make their early winner picks

Guests

Nicole Brown is joined by Sam Watson, who brings both the EquiRatings numbers and a rider's perspective as he prepares to head to Burghley himself.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

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Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are World Champions, completing an extraordinary week in Aachen on a record finishing score of 23.0. At 18 years old, Chipmunk adds World Championship gold to his Olympic title, delivering when the pressure was at its highest.

Great Britain take team gold with another formidable championship performance, while the USA secure bronze, Ireland book their ticket to LA and Belgium grab a crucial Olympic qualification spot.

Diarmuid, Nicole and Spike break down the performances that decided the medals, the combinations whose stock has risen and the moments that made Aachen 2026 a World Championships to remember.

• Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH make history
• Great Britain take team gold
• The fight for the individual medals
• USA secure bronze
• Ireland and Belgium book their tickets to LA
• The standout combinations and biggest stories from Aachen
• Nicole takes us behind the scenes of an unforgettable week

Diarmuid Byrne, Nicole Brown and Peter "Spike" Milligan bring the final verdict on Aachen 2026.

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Support the brands supporting the show and relive the Aachen Diaries for all the stories and insight from the 2026 World Championships.

It's done. The medals have been decided and Aachen has its World Champions.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH delivered when the pressure was at its highest, jumping clear in front of an enormous home crowd to seal an unforgettable individual title. And alongside that German fairytale came British gold, as Team GB handled the weight of expectation to leave Aachen on top of the world.

Nicole catches up with Pete Cattell in the stables as the celebrations are still unfolding, reflecting on Ireland's fourth-place finish, the hugely important Olympic qualification secured for LA and a brilliant first World Championships for MGH Zabaione.

Then we leave the final word to the World Champions themselves, with Dickie Waygood on the team behind Britain's gold and Michael Jung on the heart-stopping moments of the round that made him World Champion.

• Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH seal the World title
• Team GB celebrate World Championship gold
• Reaction from the stables as Aachen comes to a close
• Pete Cattell on Ireland's week and MGH Zabaione
• Olympic qualification secured for Ireland
• Dickie Waygood on the team behind British gold
• Michael Jung relives his championship-winning round

Pete Cattell joins Nicole from the Aachen stables, with Dickie Waygood and Michael Jung bringing us reaction straight from the post-medal press conference.

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Support the brands supporting the show and catch up on the Aachen Diaries for all the stories, reaction and insight from an unforgettable World Championships.

What a day of cross country in Aachen.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH produced one of the rounds of the championship to take the individual lead, finding another gear when it mattered and coming home inside the time. Just behind, Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo made another championship track look effortless, with Laura Collett and Tom McEwen keeping three British combinations firmly in the individual medal hunt.

Nicole, Annie and Ali Barrett unpack a cross country day that delivered everything you could want from a World Championship, from the standout rounds and biggest movers to the moments that changed the team competition. They also look ahead to a final day where Jung has no fence in hand and the individual medals are incredibly close.

Plus, we head into Riders' Corner with Austin O'Connor and the Irish camp after all five Irish combinations jumped clear, leaving Ireland fourth and within touching distance of a team medal.

And Annie brings us reaction straight from the mixed zone, including Ros Canter, Michael Jung, Will Coleman and Ian Cassells after tackling an Aachen track that proved fast, intense and hugely influential.

Highlights
• Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH take the lead
• Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo make it look easy
• Britain delivers under pressure
• Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 produce a standout round
• Will Coleman and Diabolo impress for the USA
• Ireland goes five from five clear across country
• Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos deliver again
• The biggest movers and moments from cross country
• Everything to play for on the final day

The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

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Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland.
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Carr & Day & Martin
Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care.
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Connolly's RED MILLS
More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the highest levels of performance.
Explore RED MILLS

Horseware Ireland
Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years.
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Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

Dressage is done in Aachen, and after 87 combinations, the World Championship could hardly be better poised heading into cross country.

Nicole, Annie and Brayden look back on a brilliant two days of sport, with Julia Krajewski and Uelzener's Nickel taking everyone by surprise to lead on 22.0 ahead of Laura Collett and London 52. There are standout performances from Austin O'Connor and Colorado Blue, Tamie Smith and Lillet 3, and Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos, while the team competition could not be tighter. Great Britain lead Germany by just 0.8 penalties, with France and New Zealand separated by only 0.3 behind them.

Then it's all eyes on Saturday.

Course designer Giuseppe della Chiesa joins Nicole to take us inside a championship track with almost 80 fences on the ground, multiple routes and very different ways of getting home. He explains where the intensity builds, why riders will need to know every option and why he thinks only around five combinations could make the optimum time.

Plus, Annie brings us reaction straight from the mixed zone as the riders reflect on their tests and turn their attention to a course being described as big, technical and seriously influential.

Highlights
• Julia Krajewski and Uelzener's Nickel take the lead on 22.0
• Laura Collett and London 52 deliver under pressure
• Austin O'Connor and Colorado Blue produce their best championship test
• Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 impress on their championship debut
• Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos put themselves right in contention
• Less than a second separates Great Britain and Germany
• Giuseppe della Chiesa takes us inside his Aachen cross country course
• Why Saturday could turn the leaderboard upside down
• Rider reaction ahead of cross country

The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

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Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland.
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Carr & Day & Martin
Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care.
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Connolly's RED MILLS
More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the highest levels of performance.
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Horseware Ireland
Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years.
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Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

The first day of eventing dressage is in the books at Aachen and we have our first World Championship scores on the board.

Nicole catches up with European Champion and Olympic medallist Tina Cook after a full day watching from the stands. They break down the tests that caught their eye, a strong start for the Kiwis and what we might see when some of the biggest names in the field head down the centre line on Friday.

We also hear the story behind Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley from his owner Pru Dawes. Twenty years after watching the 2006 Aachen World Championships on repeat as an 11-year-old, Pru is back with her own horse representing Great Britain. She talks about the journey that brought them here, her friendship with Gemma and what it means to see a horse she has loved since he was four on this stage.

Plus, Annie heads into the mix zone for immediate post-test reaction from riders including Sophia Hill, Phillip Dutton, Sam Lissington, Ian Cassells and Jessica Phoenix, before joining Nicole to look ahead to a huge Friday of dressage.

With JL Dublin setting the early standard and fischerChipmunk, London 52 and Lordships Graffalo still to come, just how low could those scores go?

Highlights
• Tina Cook's take on day one of dressage
• A strong opening day for New Zealand
• The tests and horses that caught the eye
• Pru Dawes on the story behind Flash Cooley
• Rider reaction straight from the mix zone
• The new championship dressage test and the challenges it created
• How low could the scores go on Friday?
• fischerChipmunk, London 52 and Lordships Graffalo still to come

The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips
Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise.
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Foran Equine
Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland.
Explore Foran Equine

Carr & Day & Martin
Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care.
Explore Carr & Day & Martin

Connolly's RED MILLS
More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance.
Explore RED MILLS

Horseware Ireland
Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years.
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Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

The horses are here, the course has been walked and the World Championships are underway in Aachen.

Nicole is joined by owner Pete Cattell from the heart of the action to talk about what it means to have a horse representing Ireland at a championship like this, the strength of the teams lining up and a cross country course that could have a huge say in who leaves Aachen with a medal.

We also get a first look at some of the biggest names of the week, with fischerChipmunk, London 52, Lordships Graffalo and JL Dublin all catching the eye. Nicole catches up with Tilly Hughes and Adam Short, the grooms behind two of the championship favourites, to hear how London 52 and JL Dublin have settled in and what life inside the British camp looks like ahead of the competition.

Plus, Brayden Lissington takes us inside the New Zealand camp as Sam Lissington prepares to compete as an individual with Lord Seekonig, Eventing Manager teams are being locked in and there are plenty of podium predictions flying around.

Highlights
• First impressions of the Aachen cross country course
• Why time could be so influential on Saturday
• The championship favourites looking ready to go
• Inside the British camp with Tilly Hughes and Adam Short
• Pete Cattell on having MGH Zabaione at a World Championship
• Brayden Lissington on Sam and the New Zealand camp
• Team and individual podium predictions
• The race to become Eventing Manager World Champion

Guests

Pete Cattell is a longtime event horse owner whose horses have competed at the highest level of the sport. He is at Aachen with MGH Zabaione, ridden by Pádraig McCarthy for Ireland.

Tilly Hughes is the groom of Laura Collett's London 52.

Adam Short is the groom of Tom McEwen's JL Dublin.

Brayden Lissington joins us from inside the New Zealand camp, where Sam Lissington is competing as an individual with Lord Seekonig.

The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

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Foran Equine
Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland.
Explore Foran Equine

Carr & Day & Martin
Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care.
Explore Carr & Day & Martin

Connolly's RED MILLS
More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance.
Explore RED MILLS

Horseware Ireland
Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years.
Explore Horseware Ireland

Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

We are live from Aachen and World Championship week has officially begun.

Nicole and Annie are sitting ringside at the first horse inspection, taking in everything that makes Aachen so special. The crowds, the atmosphere, the scale of the venue and a championship field that looks every bit as good in person as it did on paper.

They talk through the team draw and what Great Britain's late position could mean, who might take the individual spots for the major nations and why Tammy Smith and Lilette could be an exciting call for the USA. Plus, first impressions from the trot-up, plans to get out on the cross country course and a little bit of champagne and chocolate along the way.

A quick diary from the heart of Aachen as one seriously exciting week gets underway.

Highlights
• First impressions from Aachen
• Why this championship already feels so special
• The team draw and a late spot for Great Britain
• Who could take the individual spots
• Tammy Smith and Lilette's medal potential
• Live reactions from the first horse inspection
• What Nicole and Annie are looking forward to this week

Guests

Annie Bishop is EquiRatings' US-based eventing analyst and a regular voice on the Eventing Podcast.

The Aachen Diaries are powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips
Developed by veterinarians and backed by research, FLAIR Strips support the nasal passages to help horses breathe easier during exercise.
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Foran Equine
Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland.
Explore Foran Equine

Carr & Day & Martin
Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care.
Explore Carr & Day & Martin

Connolly's RED MILLS
More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance.
Explore RED MILLS

Horseware Ireland
Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward for more than 40 years.
Explore Horseware Ireland

Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Aachen Diaries all week for stories, insight and everything happening from the heart of the World Championships.

World Championship week is here and we are officially ready for Aachen!

Nicole is joined by Sam Watson, Diarm Byrne, Annie Bishop and Spike Milligan to take a proper look at the field and try to work out just how this championship might unfold.

Can Laura Collett and London 52 add a World title to their European crown? Is this the final head-to-head between two championship greats in London 52 and fischerChipmunk? And with Lordships Graffalo, JL Dublin, Diabolo, Falco and plenty more waiting in the wings, who actually comes out on top?

The team also looks at the nations fighting for the medals, what we can expect from Giuseppe Della Chiesa's cross country track and, of course, puts their reputations on the line with their team and individual podium predictions.

Highlights
• The London 52 vs fischerChipmunk rivalry and one final championship showdown
• Who can challenge for individual gold
• How strong are Great Britain and Germany?
• The USA, New Zealand and Ireland's medal chances
• What to expect from the Aachen cross country
• The combinations flying under the radar
• Team and individual podium predictions

Guests

Sam Watson is an Olympian, World Championship team silver medallist and EquiRatings co-founder.

• Diarm Byrne - co-founder and CEO of EquiRatings.
• Annie Bishop - EquiRatings' US-based eventing analyst and podcast regular.
• Spike Milligan - top equine vetrinarian and one of the Eventing Podcast's regular voices.

Our World Championship coverage 

The Championships Diaries is powered by brands that know what it takes to keep horses feeling, looking and performing at their best.

FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips
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Discover FLAIR

Foran Equine
Scientifically formulated supplements designed to support equine health, performance and recovery, produced to pharmaceutical-grade standards in Ireland.
Explore Foran Equine

Carr & Day & Martin
Caring for horses since 1765, Carr & Day & Martin combines centuries of experience with trusted products across coat, hoof, leather and horse care.
Explore Carr & Day & Martin

Connolly's RED MILLS
More than 100 years of equine nutrition expertise, with scientifically formulated feeds developed to support horses from everyday riding to the very highest levels of performance.
Explore RED MILLS

Horseware Ireland
Born in Ireland and built around making life better for horses and riders, Horseware has been pushing equestrian innovation forward since the creation of the iconic Rambo Original.
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Support the brands supporting the show and follow the Championships Diaries for stories, insight and everything you need from the heart of championship eventing.

Twenty years ago, Zara Tindall and Toytown became World Champions at Aachen. Now, Zara joins Nicole to look back on the week that cemented one of eventing's great partnerships.

From arriving as reigning European Champions to cross country around a very different Aachen and a final show jumping round that didn't exactly go to plan, Zara takes us inside the moments she remembers from 2006 and the horse who always seemed to rise to the biggest occasions.

She also reflects on what Toytown meant to her career, winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year later that year, the riders and athletes who inspired her, and why she thinks Laura Collett and London 52 have every chance of following the same European to World Championship path this year.

Highlights
• Zara and Toytown's road to World Championship gold
• What Aachen was really like back in 2006
• Cross country with a horse who would always find a way through the flags
• The dramatic final show jumping round and missing the bell
• Why Toytown was the horse of a lifetime
• Winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year
• Why Zara thinks Laura Collett can do the double

Guest

Zara Tindall is a World and European Champion event rider and Olympic silver medallist. She won both individual titles with the legendary Toy Town and has represented Great Britain at the highest level of the sport.

The summer heat brings plenty of challenges for horse owners, and keeping horses healthy goes far beyond topping up the water bucket.

Spike is joined by Red Mills nutritionist Louise Jones to discuss how hot weather changes your horse's nutritional needs, why hydration deserves more attention than many of us give it, and the practical management changes that can make a real difference. They also cover summer weight gain, electrolytes versus salt, supporting hoof health in dry conditions, and the small changes that can help horses stay comfortable through the hottest part of the season.

Highlights

• How hot weather changes your horse's nutritional needs
• Hydration, soaked feeds and encouraging horses to drink
• Salt vs. electrolytes: which does your horse need?
• Managing weight gain during the summer months
• Supporting hoof health in dry conditions
• Practical management tips for travelling and competing in the heat

Guests

• Spike – Equine veterinarian and host of the Red Mills Feed Room
• Louise Jones – Equine nutritionist at Red Mills

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.

The World Championships market is open, which means one thing: it's time to build your team.

Sam Watson is joined by Annie Bishop and Brayden Lissington for their first reaction to the 2026 Eventing Manager market. From Laura Collett and London 52 topping the prices to the value picks further down the list, they explain how they're approaching team selection, debate the biggest decisions, and reveal the five combinations making their first draft teams.

Along the way, they dive into championship strategy, why cross-country reliability matters more than ever, whether it's worth backing your favourites or picking with your head instead of your heart, and share plenty of tips to help you build your team before the market closes.

Highlights

• First reactions to the 2026 World Championships market
• Laura Collett & London 52 vs. Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo
• Sam, Annie and Brayden reveal their first draft teams
• Championship strategy and finding value in the market
• Tips for building your Eventing Manager team before Aachen

Guests

• Sam Watson – EquiRatings Co-Founder and creator of Eventing Manager
• Annie Bishop – EquiRatings analyst and Eventing Manager expert
• Brayden Lissington – Co-host of Eventing Weekly and Eventing Manager enthusiast

Your team doesn't stop with this episode.

Follow @eventing_manager for daily picks, strategy, leaderboard updates and everything you need ahead of the World Championships.

Seven months after having her daughter, Lucy Robinson was back in the start box with Ember.

In this Red Mills Special, Lucy catches up with Nicole to talk about life since becoming a mum, getting back in the saddle after an emergency C-section, and why she was in no rush to put pressure on herself or Ember. They also discuss returning at the Retraining of Racehorses Championships at Osberton, why dedicated classes for former racehorses matter, and how success can look a little different after a break from competition.

Highlights

Returning to riding after becoming a mum
Ember's comeback at the Retraining of Racehorses Championships at Osberton
Why dedicated classes for former racehorses matter
Redefining success after a break from competition

Lucy Robinson – British event rider, YouTuber, and the rider behind Footluce Eventing

Sponsors:

Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here.

Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs.

If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:

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The countdown is on to Scone Palace International Horse Trials, and year two is shaping up to be even bigger.

Nicole is joined by Event Director and LA 2028 Olympic course designer Alec Lochore to go behind the scenes of one of the sport's newest international events. From designing a world-class cross-country course to balancing the needs of riders, spectators and owners, Alec explains what has changed since the inaugural event, how the course has evolved, and why Scone is quickly becoming one of the standout fixtures on the calendar.

They also discuss the realities of running a modern horse trials, the challenge of course design following a difficult few weeks for the sport, and how lessons from events like Scone could shape the road to the Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Highlights

• What makes Scone unique in year two
• How the cross-country course has evolved
• Creating an event for riders and spectators
• Behind the scenes with Event Director Alec Lochore
• Lessons from course design on the road to LA 2028
• Why Scone is more than just a horse trials

Guests

• Alec Lochore – Event Director, Scone Palace International Horse Trials & Course Designer for the LA 2028 Olympic Games

The future of British Eventing takes centre stage in this special youth-focused episode.

Nicole Brown is joined by British Eventing Youth Coach Nicola Wilson to discuss what really prepares young riders for championship success, from building confidence under pressure to the importance of teamwork, resilience and learning from those around you.

The team also heads to Bishop Burton ahead of the Festival of Youth, where British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams, organiser Dusty Baker and Assistant Principal Ann Paling share how the event has become more than just a championship. It's a celebration of young riders, new friendships and the pathway through the sport.

Plus, Central Region Youth Coach Tim Rogers and Festival of Youth competitor Freddie Spicer offer a rider's perspective on preparing for one of the biggest weeks of the season. You won't want to miss this one!

Highlights

• Nicola Wilson on coaching future championship riders
• Why the Festival of Youth is about more than competition
• Behind the scenes at Bishop Burton
• Tim Rogers' top tips for Festival of Youth success
• Rosie Williams answers your questions on BE Lite, Millstreet, Aachen and the future of British Eventing

Guests

• Nicola Wilson – British Eventing Youth Coach and former European Champion
• Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing
• Dusty Baker – Head of Equine and Festival of Youth organiser, Bishop Burton College
• Ann Paling – Assistant Principal, Bishop Burton College
• Tim Rogers – Central Region Youth Coach
• Freddie Spicer – Festival of Youth competitor

This episode is brought to you by Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Sprenger and Veredus, and title partner of the British Eventing Podcast for 2026. Find out more at: zebraproducts.co.uk

The first-ever FEI Eventing Under 25 World Championship is in the books… but did it live up to the hype?

Nicole and Annie Bishop look back on a championship that delivered influential jumping phases, dramatic leaderboard changes, and a worthy first-ever World Champion in Calvin Böckmann, who led after dressage, slipped to third after picking up time penalties across country, and came back to win it on the final day. They also discuss the performances that stood out, from Cerys Macaulay's climb from seventh to individual silver on Kananaskis, to Olivia Dutton and Jewelent's run to individual bronze, to Great Britain edging out the host nation for team gold on Irish soil.

Highlights

• Did the first Under 25 World Championship deliver?
• Calvin Böckmann claims the inaugural world title
• Cerys Macaulay's climb to individual silver
• Olivia Dutton and Jewelent's run to individual bronze
• Team GB strike gold, and what comes next for the competition

Guests

• Nicole Brown and Annie Bishop

This episode is supported by Connolly's Red Mills, a family-owned Irish feed and nutrition company producing premium horse, pet, and agri products since 1908, and proud presenting sponsor of the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships. Learn more at: redmills.com

Eight-year-old Oliver Barrett watched Chris Burton win at Aachen and fell in love with the sport. Fourteen years later, he's heading back to the iconic venue himself, with a horse his family bred, started under saddle and produced every step of the way.

In this episode of the Future Star series, Nicole catches up with Oliver ahead of his first senior World Championships. Sandhills Briar was backed at home in New South Wales, carried Oliver to a CCI5* victory at Adelaide earlier this year, and now the pair are bound for Germany as one of Australia's most exciting combinations.

They talk about growing up on a breeding property, what it's like having two Olympic event riders as parents, and why they've chosen to stay based in Australia rather than following the more traditional path to Europe.

Oh, and Oliver's dad built him a mini Aachen in the back paddock using a tractor. You'll definitely want to hear that story in full.

Highlights

• Sandhills Briar's journey from foal to five-star winner
• Growing up with Olympic event riders for parents
• Preparing for Aachen from Australia
• The pressure riders put on themselves
• A home Olympics on the horizon in 2032

Guest

Oliver Barrett – Australian event rider heading to his first senior World Championships with Sandhills Briar.

This series is brought to you by Littlemax, part of the Bedmax family. Their dust-extracted pine shavings are designed to give horses a cleaner, more comfortable bed. Find out more at bedmaxshavings.com/littlemax.

Topspin used to spook at dandelions. Alice Casburn spent more time catching him in the collecting ring than riding him. Now, at 18, he's heading to the first-ever FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships as the favourite.

Nicole sits down with Alice to look back on the remarkable partnership that's taken them from a quirky homebred nobody else wanted to ride, to five-star success and a Bramham title that secured their place on the British team. They also talk about the pressure of arriving as the favourite, why she'd happily take a big, tough track at Millstreet, and the exciting reserve mare waiting in the wings.

Oh... and there's a tiny dog looking for a boyfriend. You'll have to listen for that one.

Highlights

• Topspin's journey from spooky youngster to championship favourite
• Learning to handle the pressure of expectation
• Bramham, British titles and celebrating the big moments
• LSS Ile De Re and the future beyond Topspin
• The "rivalry" with Germany's Calvin Böckmann

Guest

Alice Casburn – five-star event rider and British team member for the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships.

Supported by Carr & Day & Martin, trusted equine care since 1765 and part of the Connolly's Red Mills group.

The first ever FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships are here.

Nicole is joined by Diarmuid Byrne, Spike Milligan and Annie Bishop to look ahead to Millstreet, where a world title is on the line.

Topspin against Altair de la Cense. Alice Casburn against Calvin Böckmann. They've already gone head-to-head twice before, and now they meet again with the biggest prize yet. The Prediction Centre has them well clear of the rest of the field, but is it really that straightforward?

The team also looks at the strength of the American and Irish squads, which horses could shake up the podium, and where the championship might be won and lost.

Highlights

• Topspin vs Altair de la Cense
• Team medal predictions
• The jump from three-star to four-star
• Reading the Prediction Centre
• Dark horses to watch

Guests

• Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder and data analyst
• Spike Milligan – FEI team vet with decades of championship experience
• Annie Bishop – US eventing broadcaster and co-host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast

Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here.

Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs.

If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Is a horse's route to a championship as important as its destination? As we build towards Aachen, Sam Watson joins Nicole for one of these deep-dive overview shows, and this one gets right to the heart of how the modern event horse is made and managed.

The days of one road to a championship are gone. Now riders are picking their own paths, saving legs, choosing four-star over five-star, and building form lines that don't always line up neatly against each other. Sam has the EquiRatings numbers to prove it, and they tell a story that goes well beyond selection headaches.

Because underneath the championship talk sits a bigger question. Has the type of horse we're producing actually changed? And if it has, what does that mean for the long format, for injury risk, and for the future shape of the sport?

Highlights

• Five-star starts on the decline
• Rethinking the championship form line
• The 33% drop in long-format numbers
• What a "Horse of the Year" ranking could look like
• Cost, ownership and the lorry park economy
• Should young horses get their own showcase at the biggest venues?

Guests

• Sam Watson – EquiRatings co-founder and 5-Star eventer, bringing the data behind the sport's biggest trends

This episode is supported by FLAIR Strips, the vet-developed, drug-free nasal strips proven to help horses breathe more easily and recover faster, worn by riders across disciplines.

 Find out more at flairstrips.com.

Sixty-five years in, and Burghley still gives its own team goosebumps.

In this episode of Inside Burghley 2026, Nicole heads to Burghley HQ to sit down with Miranda Rock, Executive Chair of the Burghley House Preservation Trust, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to preserve one of the world's most iconic five-stars.

From protecting Capability Brown's historic parkland and centuries-old trees to redesigning the shopping village, improving visitor flow and planning for the future, Miranda explains the work that goes on long before the first horse arrives.

Along the way, she shares stories from Burghley's remarkable history, her family's connection to the estate, the Olympic legacy that still lives inside the house, and why Ros Canter's unforgettable walk down Winners' Avenue with baby Seneh is one of her favourite Burghley memories.

Highlights

• Burghley's Cecil family history
• The retail and wayfinding changes for 2026
• Protecting Capability Brown's historic parkland
• Ros Canter's memorable Burghley victory
• What the next chapter looks like for Burghley

Guest

Miranda Rock – Executive Chair of the Burghley House Preservation Trust and 16th-generation descendant of William Cecil.

🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
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