In Stride Ride iQ

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5* event rider Sydney Elliott.

Sydney Elliott made her debut at the CCI5*-L level in 2016 when she completed the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event with Cisko A. The pair went on to represent the U.S. on the Nations Cup Team at Great Meadow International in 2018 and had top-ten finishes in multiple CCI4*’s in the US that same year. With QC Diamantaire, Sydney represented the U.S. Eventing Team at two FEI Nations Cups, the CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen in 2022 and the CCIO4*-L at Boekelo in 2021, where they finished fifth individually and led the U.S. team to a silver medal. Sydney and QC Diamantaire also had multiple top-10 finishes at CCI4*’s in 2019, 2020, and 2021 and competed in the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L. Sydney is currently based in Southern Pines, NC, where she is focused on training world-class eventing horses.

In this episode, Sydney discusses topics related to the journey of her career, including:

• How her business has shifted over the years and what prompted the move to Southern Pines.
• Her process for buying horses in Europe and how she is involved in choosing them.
• Handling pressure in team situations and the value of team support.
• What she thinks will create success for Team USA in the coming years.
• Taking time away from the horses so that she can be present and show up with a positive attitude.

Join Sydney and Sinead in this exciting conversation about enjoying every moment with the horses.

The Eventing Dialogue podcast with FEI event riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Shannon Lilley, and Lynn Symansky aims to build bridges between knowledge and knee jerk reactions, as well as inspire more transparency in the systems that are meant to be the foundation of this sport. The goal of this podcast is to pull the curtain back enough to have a healthy conversation around some complex issues.

In this episode, Sinead, Shannon, and Lynn discuss the controversy surrounding the scheduling of horse trials. They explain how the calendar is decided each year and discuss a few issues with scheduling, location, and the number of events each year. They also discuss outlining a path to championships for the different divisions of horses and riders and creating a level of competition that raises the bar.

In the second episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie Waygood shares his knowledge on achieving success with horses. He discusses the importance of systematic training, seeking professional advice, and understanding when a horse needs rest. Emphasizing the need for a balance of technical skills and character in horses, he also highlights the role of confidence in both riders and horses. Dickie offers practical tips, such as using a colored elastic band to improve rider posture and stresses the value of learning from others. The conversation touches on setting realistic targets, the difference between training to compete and training to win, and the significance of maintaining a positive focus.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie and Courtney engage in a candid discussion about the difficulties of balancing work and personal life, particularly in the context of horse care. They explore the anxiety and lack of control felt when away from the barn and the pressure to be constantly available to handle emergencies. The conversation delves into the internal conflicts and fears of not being good enough, as well as the impact of such stress on their nervous systems. Strategies for creating internal safety, self-forgiveness, and finding a middle ground in commitments are discussed. The episode emphasizes the importance of being present, acknowledging limitations, and making decisions from a place of authenticity and integrity to avoid burnout and maintain well-being.

The Eventing Dialogue podcast with FEI event riders Sinead Halpin Maynard, Shannon Lilley, and Lynn Symansky aims to build bridges between knowledge and knee jerk reactions, as well as inspire more transparency in the systems that are meant to be the foundation of this sport. The goal of this podcast is to pull the curtain back enough to have a healthy conversation around some complex issues.

In this episode, Sinead, Shannon, and Lynn discuss communication between officials and riders at horse trials. They identify a few issues and discuss implementing a system where riders and officials feel confident in their roles. They also discuss a dressage judge’s approach to scoring, enforcing rule changes, and the officials influence over the timing of the warmup.

In the first episode of The Waygood Way, Dickie Waygood shares his expertise on horse training and preparation for competition. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each horse's unique conformation and movement, particularly how these traits influence performance in different disciplines. Dickie discusses the German scales of training for riders, the significance of a rider's seat and position, and the necessity of early horse education. He advocates for varied training environments, including working on different surfaces to prevent injuries and improve athleticism. Dickie also offers practical exercises for riders and stresses the importance of training outside the arena to keep horses engaged and maintain their physical soundness.