Beyond The Stables

Alysée Espitalier Noel and Olivia Arias Voss

Welcome to Beyond The Stables! The multilingual podcast that bridges the gap to Showjumping's NextGen. We are Olivia and Alysée, a dynamic duo hailing from diverse corners of the globe – Cuba, Germany, Spain and Mauritius. Embark on a journey with us as we delve into the extraordinary lives of young riders with big dreams. Our exclusive insights, captivating interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories will transport you into the heart of the equestrian world. Where we bring you the thrilling highs, the challenging lows, and the unwavering passion that define our sport.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Nina Mallevaey: The Road to World #7 at 26

    In this episode of Beyond the Stables, we sat down with one of the best riders in the world: Nina Mallevaey. At only 26 years old, Nina is already World No. 7 and the highest-ranked woman in the sport. Just 24 hours after recording this conversation, she went on to win her first 5⭐ Grand Prix in Brussels. But as always on Beyond the Stables, this episode is not just about results. It’s about getting to know the person behind the rider. Nina takes us through her entire journey in the sport, her family, from her early years to competing in her first senior European championship, and the experiences that shaped her along the way. She speaks about the importance of the people around her -especially the Rein family, whose support has been instrumental in her career, and her trainer Helena Stormanns, who has played a massive role in her development both as a rider and as a person. What stands out immediately when talking to Nina is her incredible humility and gratitude. She is constantly acknowledging the people who have helped her along the way and the team behind her success. But listening to her story, it becomes clear that while she is surrounded by an amazing support system, her success is also something she has built herself through hard work, determination, and the courage to embrace opportunities. Beyond her achievements, Nina might just be one of the kindest, warmest and most genuine people we have ever met. In a world that often moves too fast, she reminds us that kindness, humility and authenticity are not weaknesses,  they are strengths. This is a conversation about journey, gratitude, ambition, and staying true to who you are.

    34 min
  2. 26/11/2025

    Alessandra Volpi: Inside the Rise of Team USA’s Next Generation

    Today’s episode comes to you from Rotterdam, during the third leg of the Longines League of Nations™, where we had the chance to sit down with someone whose name has been echoing louder and louder across this circuit. If you watched the World Cup Finals in Basel this year, or have been following Team USA’s journey across Europe, you already know who we’re talking about: the incredibly talented and wonderfully down-to-earth—Alessandra Volpi. From discovering horses in the English countryside as a child, to navigating the California and East Coast circuits, to studying at Stanford all while still chasing the big dream in the jumper ring—her journey has always been driven by heart. What sets Alessandra apart is not just her talent in the ring, but her mindset. She has this remarkable ability to stay grounded, to find confidence, to embrace the learning process (even when it’s a bit messy) and to put her horses first, always. Combine that with a sharp, analytical mind and you see someone who approaches the sport with thoughtfulness, strategy, and insight ! It’s this quiet strength, intelligence, and authenticity that have made her standout !  In this conversation, you’ll hear about the teachers (two-legged and four-legged) who helped her reach the top level. You’ll hear how she navigated setbacks, her story with her incredible mare Gipsy, and manages pressure in a sport where expectations can feel overwhelming. Alessandra also gives us a glimpse into the American showjumping world, a perspective Europeans are always curious about. She is thoughtful, warm, incredibly candid, and so inspiring. We loved getting to know the person behind the red Team USA coat, and we’re sure you will too. So settle in and enjoy meeting Alessandra Volpi.

    33 min
  3. 16/07/2025

    Seamus Hughes Kennedy: The Rhythm of Patience, the Eye of a Horseman, the Future of Team Ireland

    Over the past few weeks, one young rider has been turning heads in the world of showjumping. He’s Irish, incredibly talented, and right now he’s shining bright on the 5* stage. We’re talking about none other than Seamus Hughes Kennedy. Since we recorded this episode back in Geneva, Seamus has made his Nations Cup debut at the 5* level — and within just a few weeks, he jumped double clear in the Grand Prix of Rome, double clear in the Nations Cup of La Baule, and followed it up with brilliant rounds in Rotterdam. Thanks to this streak of top performances, he’s officially been selected to represent Ireland at the Senior European Championships. It’s a massive milestone, and such a well-deserved one. In this episode, Seamus takes us back to where it all began — The Irish countryside on his sister’s wild pony — and how that start led to the world’s biggest showjumping arenas. He also shares what’s clearly a huge part of his success: his family and loved ones. If you’ve been to a show, you’ve definitely seen them — warm, passionate, and always by his side. With all the great work Seamus has done recently, we couldn’t resist asking Irish Chef d’Équipe Michael Blake what he thought. As he puts it, “Seamus is intelligent and talented, and Rocky is a freak.” So buckle up — this is just the beginning for this incredible duo. And as we always say on this podcast, our goal is to get to know the person behind the rider. Despite all the recent success, Seamus remains so humble, grounded, and kind. down-to-earth.

    34 min

About

Welcome to Beyond The Stables! The multilingual podcast that bridges the gap to Showjumping's NextGen. We are Olivia and Alysée, a dynamic duo hailing from diverse corners of the globe – Cuba, Germany, Spain and Mauritius. Embark on a journey with us as we delve into the extraordinary lives of young riders with big dreams. Our exclusive insights, captivating interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories will transport you into the heart of the equestrian world. Where we bring you the thrilling highs, the challenging lows, and the unwavering passion that define our sport.

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