Horse Tales with Cat

Catherine Shearon
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An equestrian podcast for amateur riders, about amateur riders and professional riders and everything in between. Catherine Shearon dives into conversations with equestrians from all angles of the horse world, to speak about topics that have never been discussed in equestrian interviews. Hear not just about how riders get started in their career, but about mental health struggles, overcoming confidence issues, the ins and outs of running a business, and more! Come on this ride with us! 

  1. Aug 14

    Episode 49 - Lauren Hough- Once is not enough.

    Send us Fan Mail From as far back as she can remember, Lauren Hough always wanted to go to the Olympics. She knew that her father had gone and so she was determined to do the same ,albeit in a different discipline. She set her sights on the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and managed to convince a group of clients (with the assistance of her mother Linda )that she had found the horse to do it.  She still marvels today that she had such confidence in herself and her horse Clasiko , that she was able get a syndicate together.   Even more remarkable was that she qualified to be a member of the show jumping team by winning enough of the  trials . All this at the age of 23 and as a member of an all women US team who were all first time Olympians.  Although the team did not win a medal - they finished 6th- Lauren would go on to medal 4 times at the Pan American games . She would also go on to be a member of 40 Nations Cup Teams. Always on the path of learning, Lauren has worn different hats within the sport- rider, trainer, horse developer, commentator  and judge . However, she is now circling back to pursue her earliest passion which is the riding.  Here’s hoping that we get the opportunity to see her represent her country internationally once again on the Olympic stage proving that “once is not enough “. This episode is brought to you in part by Horseflight, an equine transport company established in 2007, known for excellence in international shipping. When you fly with Horseflight, you fly first class. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  2. Jul 31

    Episode 48 - Janou Hendrix Markets the Magic at Stal Hendrix

    Send us Fan Mail Stal Hendrix has been an institution in Europe for almost 50 years. Their breeding, training, selling and auction business was built on commitment to quality , relationships , respect and word of mouth. If you meet, Janou Hendrix , the head of marketing behind the brand , you understand why they are so successful . She is humble, authentic, passionate and smart. There is a quiet strength and grace about her and a positive energy you want to share. Janou and the rest of the family have a clear vision of how they wish to maintain their business and adapt it for the next generation.  Janou shares their story and how they have adapted to meet the changing needs of the world around them. She talks about how they are constantly striving to improve. Most importantly they have made their love of the horse centre stage. I walked away from our conversation inspired and convinced that they will be around for another 50 years. This episode is brought to you in part by Horseflight, an equine transport company established in 2007, known for excellence in international shipping. When you fly with Horseflight, you fly first class. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  3. Jul 17

    Episode 47- Rowan Willis- Life After Blue Movie

    Send us Fan Mail They say that there is a heart horse for everyone and for Rowan Willis , that may have been Blue Movie. Rowan met Carrots ( her barn name ) when she was a foal and spent everyday with her for 19 years.  She was a complicated mare and it took a non traditional approach to train her, but in the end she gave everything and their partnership took them to the top of the sport. Rowan retired Carrots from jumping in 2024 and she is now enjoying her life in England.  Today he has a string of new horses he is campaigning and hopes to represent Australia at The World Equestrian Games , The Pan Americans and ultimately at the Los Angeles Olympics. I was struck by the fact that he is both thoughtful and emotional in his approach to the horses- I loved his descriptions of the characters of his mounts and how that dictates how he trains them. We got down to details as far as what bits he uses and why and I appreciated what I found to be a sophisticated choice. While it is going to be hard to duplicate the partnership Rowan had with Carrots, he has several potential mounts that are her babies and siblings . Fingers crossed that one of them gives Rowan Willis the fairy tale ending he deserves . This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  4. Jul 3

    Episode 46- Michel Vaillancourt Makes Magic in Montreal

    Send us Fan Mail It has been 50 years since Michel Vaillancourt won an individual silver medal in showjumping at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal but it feels like only yesterday when you hear his story.  At 22 years of age with a young horse who had no international experience , he was a longshot just to qualify for the team.  Couple that with an incredibly difficult course , a jump-off following a deluge of rain and an unexpected delay after warm-up and you recognize how extraordinary his accomplishment was. Michel remains the youngest equestrian to have ever won an individual medal at the Olympics. He has gone on to have a successful career as a coach and course designer and has no regrets about any of his choices. I would say that is about as good as it gets in the horse world. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  5. Jun 5

    Episode 45 - Luis Sabino Goncalves- An Unexpected Arrival

    Send us Fan Mail Luis Sabino Goncalves started his riding career in Santarim , Portugal as a bullfight rider. However,it did not take long after his exposure to showjumping in Lisbon that he decided he had found his real calling. After spending years in Europe pursuing his dream he found himself unexpectedly in America during the pandemic and decided to make Ocala, Florida his home . There he has established a solid business in sales, training and riding by being very focussed on keeping a smaller number of horses and clients under his watchful eye. Like many of the riders and trainers I have spoken with over the last couple of months, Luis does not believe in a “one size fits all “ approach but rather changes his training plan to suit each horse depending on what they did on any given day. English is not Luis’ first language but his passion for the horses and training does not need translating. The excitement comes through in his voice when he talks about the riders he helps and the horses he works with. He has represented the  national team for Portugal at many championships but is finally in the enviable position of having a mount that could make his dream of going to the Olympics a possibility. I for one am jumping on the support team that hopes to see him in Los Angeles. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  6. May 22

    Episode 44- Shane Sweetnam -Purposefully Patient

    Send us Fan Mail There are two things you need to immediately know about showjumping legend  Shane Sweetnam. The first is that he is from Castlemagner not Dunmanway. The second is that his partnerships with his horses are always evolving. What immediately struck me in my conversation with Shane was that he is very much in tune with his horses and he is of the mind that there is not one mold that fits all. He says that it is important that each horse is in the right place at the right time and with the right state of mind. He also is the first rider to talk about ring IQ and how the best horses all have the ability to figure things out when they are competing. In fact, they may learn more in the ring on competition day than when they are practicing. Shane also has a good system and good control over his nerves and like many good riders gives credit to his support  team especially his wife. I walked away feeling that I had met someone who has truly mastered the art of show jumping and totally respects the art. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  7. May 8

    Episode 43- Eric Lamaze Part 2 - Controversial? You Decide.

    Send us Fan Mail In part 2 of the series, showjumping legend Eric Lamaze sits down with me to share his side of the lawsuits that have impacted him and where they sit right now.  He does not pull any punches as far as the details are concerned. Be that as it may, he also gives his insight on what role horsemanship plays in finding a new mount for an amateur and how important it is that the horse and rider be actual partners. He laments that many riders are in a rush to get in the ring and neglect this aspect of the sport. He cautions both riders and trainers to take their time. Finally , he reveals that his Olympic and Pan American medals are not in his possession and appeals to those who have them to return them to him. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

  8. Apr 24

    Episode 42-Sean Jobin - Returns to his Roots

    Send us Fan Mail It is not often a Canadian rider at World Equestrian Centre (Ocala) gets to hear the Canadian anthem play in the hotel ring. However, Sean Jobin managed to experience it twice this past winter at the 3* level. Add to this a win in the International ring at Spruce Meadows on his first time there in 2024, several podiums in 2025 and it gives one reason to pause . After spending several years in the US, Sean is returning to Canada to where he first started and hoping to create a thriving business at Antrim Equestrian.  Low key by nature, Sean shows some excitement when he talks about his hopes for the future. He is off to a good start with the home team he has created and a young horse that seems to be taking on new challenges in stride. I expect we will see Sean representing the team and continuing to impress us for many years to come with his slow, steady and horse-centric approach. I believe he is a rider to keep in your sights. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

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About

An equestrian podcast for amateur riders, about amateur riders and professional riders and everything in between. Catherine Shearon dives into conversations with equestrians from all angles of the horse world, to speak about topics that have never been discussed in equestrian interviews. Hear not just about how riders get started in their career, but about mental health struggles, overcoming confidence issues, the ins and outs of running a business, and more! Come on this ride with us! 

Information

  • Creator
    Catherine Shearon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Horse Tales with Cat
  • Show Website
    Horse Tales with Cat

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