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. MAR 27

    Episode 40 -Leopoldo Palacios- The Maestro

    Send us Fan Mail There have been many times in the last year that I have been struck by what a gift it is to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with the best that the sport of show jumping has to offer .  None no more than this last episode. Hot on the heels of my conversation with Norman Dello Joio , I had the opportunity to sit down with Leopoldo Palacios. What made it even more special is that we were sitting in the stands of the Stadium ring at WEC in Ocala , watching competitors jump one of his courses. Leopoldo  knows this sport so intimately- it has been his life’s work and he has studied well beyond his craft. His enthusiasm is infectious and his attention to detail unparalleled. His primary goal is to protect the horses and challenge the riders. He likens what he does as a designer to making a soup - all the ingredients come together to make the finished product. I thought about calling this episode - The Chef but I didn’t think that quite captured everything Leopoldo does out in rings where he designs. He jokes that his mentor Pam Caruthers told him not to worry too much about the distances. She told him that  “the riders will always find a way to make it more difficult.” I learned so much about Leopoldo, his designs, the sport and life from my time with him. I hope that you do too. 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.

    46 min

  2. MAR 13

    Episode 39- Norman Dello Joio - A Lesson in Patience

    Send us Fan Mail I have spoken to a number of legends in the sport of show jumping this past year. But I don’t think any have been as thoughtful in their answers as Norman Dello Joio.  He is quiet in his demeanour but strong in his character and opinions and is very engaging. He remembers many details of his days of competition and is happy to share the memories but is equally enthusiastic about his transition to the role of trainer . I think I loved most that he really tailors his approach to each horse as each is an individual. He also taught me that the most important skill you can learn with a horse is patience . Norman clearly values his family and loves running Wembley Farm with his wife Jeannie and son Nick .He is quick to point out that one of his favourite roles is grandfather to his daughter’s two children. I walked away feeling like I had been imparted some wisdom without even having had to ask. 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.

    35 min

  3. FEB 27

    Episode 38- Eric Lamaze - Brighter Horizons Ahead

    Send us Fan Mail If ever there was a rider to beat the odds, Eric  Lamaze is it.  He has had more comebacks then you can imagine.  A lifetime ban , a brain tumor  , numerous lawsuits.  Arguably the best rider and chef d’equipe the Canadian Show Jumping Team has ever had, Eric’s success has often been clouded by complications. Because of this , you are always routing for him. Sitting down with Eric was such a pleasure . He was raw, authentic, honest, funny and vulnerable .  Despite his success as a rider, he feels his biggest strength is in teaching . I personally think he does both exceptionally well. Don’t be too disappointed that he doesn’t share more in this episode . This is just Chapter 1. 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.

    49 min

  4. FEB 13

    Episode 37-Cullen Drescher- Performance in Parallel

    Send us Fan Mail Every amateur rider will relate to Cullen Drescher’s story.  The pursuit of a dream to ride in the bigger classes while trying to fund it with another full time career. Throw a child and partner into the mix and it really gets interesting. Cullen’s secret superpower is her ability to focus in on the task at hand to the exclusion of everything else around her. Her other gift is that she truly loves her horses and people and if you are in her inner circle , you are family . She was raised with a deep respect for hard work  and genuine care for those in her community. I believe those characteristics have contributed to her success in both her law practice and as a competitor in the ring. She is quick to acknowledge that she doesn’t have it all figured out and that there are many days when she is humbled but she is also driven by a belief that she can achieve the goals she has set for herself. She is also the first to admit that she couldn’t do any of this if she she didn’t have a trainer who is as committed to her goals as she is. I hope that you will be as inspired as I was to continue to chase your dreams no matter how old you are. 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.

    49 min

  5. JAN 30

    Episode 36-Jenna Friedman-Lopez- Powered by Passion

    Send us Fan Mail Jenna Friedman-Lopez. If you haven’t heard of her, you will. If you have ever seen her in the ring, you will remember her. She exudes such love for her horses and passion for the sport that you know she is destined for greatness. Jenna is frank, authentic and genuine. She is candid about sharing how she keeps her head in the game. She is vulnerable when she shares how it felt to represent Israel in a Nations Cup in Europe when tensions were high in the Middle East. I walked away from my conversation with Jenna wanting more time. 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.

    56 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Episode 35- Pieter deBrabandere - Honest, humble , hungry and hopeful

    Send us Fan Mail When Pieter deBrabandere moved to the US to ride for Maarten Huygens in July 2024 his goal was simple- back to basics and focus on his riding. He never expected to look back on the year and see all the firsts he accomplished - first time riding for Belgium on a Nations Cup Team, first time winning a $75,000 Grand Prix in Saugerties and finishing in the top 12 at his first 5* Grand Prix. He expresses authentic surprise at his own success. Those in his camp however are not surprised as he has a natural calm and confidence in his ride ( a gift he thought he might have lost over the years) and is exceptionally accurate in his eye. I was struck most by his humility and hesitancy to state his goals (lest they might not be realized) and touched by how he shared his doubts and fears . He ultimately is hopeful he will achieve his dreams but is not married to a timeline. It was refreshing to speak with someone coming up through the ranks who is committed to developing and learning to be the best rider he can to bring out the best in his mounts.  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.

    41 min

  7. 11/14/2025

    Episode 34 - McLain Ward - Unapologetically Competitive

    Send us Fan Mail McLain Ward has had the pressure of trying to be “the best” on his shoulders since he first had success in the equitation ring winning both the USEF and USET Medal Finals at the age of 14 . 36 years and 5 Olympic medals in show jumping later, he is very forthcoming about the pressure he still feels and the anxiety that goes  along with it-especially on those days when he is the anchor rider for the team.  However, he is quick to admit that grit, determination and hard work have always been on his side and ultimately his competitive nature will win over his nerves. He is “in it to win it”. 2 Pan American Individual Gold Medals and 17 World Cup Finals have not lessened his desire to be the best. He is also the first to acknowledge that he wouldn’t have any of his success without the support of his team at the farm (especially Lee and Erica McKeever) and his own family. His daughter Lilly in particular keeps him humble. McLain share his approach to training and where he thinks the sport is heading. He even tells me what he is thinking about when he is on the podium - it’s not what you might think. At the end of the conversation it is very clear that McLain’s success hasn’t happened by chance! Shout out to my listeners in Virginia and Florida-appreciated the fan mail!😊🐎 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.

    45 min

  8. 10/31/2025

    Episode 33- Bruce Goodin- Where there’s a will, there’s a way

    Send us Fan Mail When Bruce Goodin secured an invitation to the Master’s at Spruce Meadows in 1991 he had no idea how he was going to pay his entries. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way…  Bruce entered a speed class that he thought he had a shot of placing in and ended up winning it , ensuring that he had enough to pay his way for the week. He went on to place second in the CP Rail $1,000000 Class proving to any doubters that there was a reason he been invited. Bruce Goodin is a 5 time Olympian and has aspirations of making it 6 in Los Angeles. He has spent many years fine tuning his communication skills with his mounts and genuinely loves his craft. He was very thoughtful in his responses to my questions. I hope you enjoy his conversation with me as much as I did. Special shout out to my listeners in Arcadia, FL, and Norfolk , VA . I received your fan mail and truly appreciate the positive feedback ! 🩷 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.

    45 min
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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
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Horse Tales with Cat
  • Show Website
    Horse Tales with Cat

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