WEQ Weekly

Educated Rider: Raegan Rast & Madyson Buchanan
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

WEQ Weekly brings you the latest in collegiate equestrian, from meet recaps to recruiting tips and exclusive interviews with coaches and athletes. Tune in every Wednesday for expert insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport!

  1. 16h ago

    From the Coach’s Corner: Recruiting, Rider Development & Hollins’ NCEA Debut with Sherri West | S3 E3

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. This week on WEQ Weekly, Raegan and Maddy break down the biggest results from Week Four of the NCEA season, including Auburn’s statement win over defending national champion South Carolina, Georgia’s season-opening victory over Texas A&M, and TCU’s dominant performance against Fresno State. They also highlight key single-discipline matchups, recognize September’s NCEA Riders of the Month, and celebrate TCU junior Sidney Fager as the Educated Rider Standout Student-Athlete of the Month. Then, in this week’s From the Coach’s Corner, they sit down with Sherri West, Director of Equestrian Programs and Head Riding Coach at Hollins University, to discuss the program’s first season competing in the NCEA. With a longstanding tradition in collegiate equestrian through the IHSA, Hollins is entering an exciting new chapter. West shares what led to the decision to add NCEA competition, how her riders have adapted to a new format, and what she learned from their first meet against defending national champion South Carolina. The conversation also explores the differences between IHSA and NCEA, Hollins’ academic and campus experience, and what coaches look for in prospective student-athletes beyond their riding ability. West offers valuable recruiting advice for riders and parents, emphasizing the importance of coachability, kindness, and finding a college that supports a student’s goals both in and out of the arena. From an eventful week of NCEA competition to an inside look at one of the sport’s newest programs, this episode explores the evolving landscape of collegiate equestrian and the opportunities available to riders pursuing college athletics. We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  2. 6d ago

    Beyond the Roster: Three Meets, Big Matchups & Life as an SMU Mustang with Hampton Baker | S3 E2

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. From South Carolina’s statement wins over SMU and TCU to SMU’s impressive performance during a challenging three-meet weekend, there’s plenty to break down. Maddy and Raegan recap Baylor’s two-win rebound, Delaware State’s victory over UT Martin, and Dartmouth’s upset over reigning single-discipline national champion Lynchburg. Plus, they share their biggest takeaways from the weekend and which teams they’re keeping an eye on as the season unfolds. Then, we’re joined by Hampton Baker, a sophomore jumping seat rider at SMU Equestrian and one of the first Educated Rider graduates! Hampton shares her unique journey from the hunter and jumper rings to collegiate equestrian, what ultimately led her to SMU, and how she navigated the recruiting process without the traditional equitation background. She also gives us an inside look at SMU’s team culture, the impact of new assistant jumping seat coach Maggie Nealin, balancing Division I athletics with Greek life, and what it really takes to thrive as a student-athlete. From early-season upsets and powerhouse matchups to recruiting advice and a behind-the-scenes look at life on a Division I team, this episode has everything you need to stay up to date on college equestrian! We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  3. Oct 1

    WEQ Weekly Is Back! New Coaches, New NCEA Programs & 5-Year Eligibility | S3 Ep 1

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. WEQ Weekly is back for Season Three, brought to you by Educated Rider! Maddy and Raegan are officially back for the 2026–27 NCEA season, and instead of jumping straight into the competition recap, they’re kicking things off by breaking down what changed over the summer and what it could mean for the season ahead. From new coaching faces at TCU, SMU, UT Martin, Baylor, and Sewanee to new NCEA programs at Hollins and Washington and Lee, there’s a lot happening across college equestrian. Maddy and Raegan also break down the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model, explain what recruits and families need to know about the changes, and discuss the Protect College Sports Act and its potential implications for college athletics and equestrian. Then, it’s time to talk horses! The first two weeks of competition brought some big results, including South Dakota State’s upset over Baylor, TCU’s 16–2 season opener, Auburn’s dominant start, and standout individual performances from riders like Taylor Cawley and Hailey Hanson. Plus, with TCU heading to South Carolina and several major matchups on the horizon, Maddy and Raegan look ahead at the early-season meets they’ll be watching closely. New coaches, new programs, NCAA changes, early-season results, and everything we’re watching as the 2026–27 season gets underway—it’s all here on the first episode of Season Three of WEQ Weekly! We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  4. May 12

    2026 NCEA National Championship Recap + South Carolina's Head Coach Carol Gwin | S2 E15

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. South Carolina Equestrian just won the 2026 NCEA National Championship and the story of how they got there is one of the best in collegiate equestrian. This week, Raegan and Maddy sit down with Gamecocks head coach Carol Gwin — one of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. Gwin led SMU to back-to-back NCEA National Championships in 2023 and 2024, then returned to South Carolina in 2024 and immediately got to work.  Last year: an SEC Championship.  This year: a national title, clinched in a dramatic tiebreaker. In this episode: a full recap of the 2026 NCEA National Championship, what it's like to win a title at two different programs, how Gwin rebuilt South Carolina into a contender, and what she's learned about building teams that compete when it matters most.  We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  5. Apr 14

    Nationals Is Here: Predictions, Pressure & Judge Insight with AQHA Professional Holly Hover | S2 E14

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. This week on WEQ Weekly, Raegan and Maddy kick things off by making their predictions for NCEA Nationals—breaking down matchups, seeding, and who they think will come out on top as the postseason begins. Then, in this week’s featured interview, they sit down with Holly Hover, one of the most respected judges and professionals in the horse show industry. With decades of experience judging major events—including multiple appearances at Nationals—Holly brings a unique perspective on what truly separates top riders in the collegiate format. From how judging NCEA Equestrian differs from the traditional show world, to what she looks for in high-pressure, head-to-head competition, Holly shares insight into catch riding, decision-making, and the small details that make a big difference in the arena. From predictions to behind-the-scenes perspective from one of the industry’s most experienced judges, this episode covers everything you need to know heading into Nationals. We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  6. Apr 3

    From the Coach’s Corner: Inside Lynchburg Equestrian with Director of Equestrian Phillip Williamson | S2 E13

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. This week on WEQ Weekly, Raegan and Maddy break down the final rankings and seeding ahead of Nationals, along with a full recap of the Dual Discipline Conference Championships, where top programs made their final statements before postseason competition. Then, in this week’s featured interview, they sit down with Phillip Williamson, Director of Equestrian at the University of Lynchburg, whose program has quickly risen to national prominence. Fresh off Lynchburg’s third consecutive ODAC Championship, Williamson shares insight into building a championship-caliber program, developing team culture, and preparing riders for the intensity of postseason competition. The conversation dives into the differences between IHSA and NCEA formats, how recruiting works at the Division III level, and what truly makes a rider stand out. They also explore the future of collegiate equestrian and what’s next for the sport as it continues to grow across divisions. From postseason breakdowns to behind-the-scenes insight from one of the sport’s top coaches, this episode covers everything you need to know heading into Nationals. We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  7. Mar 28

    Stronger in the Saddle Part II: Sport Psychology Consultant Mario Soto on Mindset for Riders | S2 E12

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. This week on WEQ Weekly, Raegan and Maddy break down the start of postseason action with the ODAC and ECAC Single Discipline Conference Championships, highlighting key results, standout performances, and what it means as teams shift their focus toward Nationals. Then, sport psychology consultant Mario Soto rejoins us for a timely conversation ahead of postseason competition. The discussion dives into the mental side of collegiate equestrian — from handling high-pressure moments and staying present when everything is on the line, to bouncing back from mistakes mid-ride and understanding what true confidence and consistency look like. They also explore the unique challenges of the NCEA format, including competing on unfamiliar horses, balancing individual performance within a team environment, and navigating the mental demands of college riding. Whether you’re currently competing, going through the recruiting process, or preparing for collegiate equestrian, this episode is packed with practical tools and insights to help you perform at your best when it matters most. Listen in for an honest conversation and take away tools you can use for success! We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

  8. Mar 20

    From the Coach’s Corner: Inside Baylor Equestrian & the Growth of the Sport with Head Coach Casie Maxwell | S2 E11

    Got questions? Want to share a story? We’d love to hear from you! Tap below to send us a text. This week on WEQ Weekly, Raegan and Maddy break down the final Dual Discipline rankings as teams officially shift their focus toward conference championships and the postseason. With Week Six marking the final stretch of regular-season competition, they recap key results and what the latest momentum means heading into championship season. Then they sit down with Baylor head coach Casie Maxwell. From her time as a national championship rider at Texas A&M to leading programs at Kansas State and Baylor, Maxwell shares her perspective on the evolution of the NCEA and what sets Baylor apart. The conversation also dives into recruiting at the Division I level, what coaches are really looking for in athletes, and how collegiate equestrian continues to grow. Plus, Maxwell reflects on defining moments in her career and what she’s most excited about for the future of Baylor equestrian and the sport as a whole. We love bringing you WEQ Weekly! If you enjoy the podcast, show your support by following us on social media, subscribing, and leaving a rating. Your support means the world to us! Instagram Facebook Website

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5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

WEQ Weekly brings you the latest in collegiate equestrian, from meet recaps to recruiting tips and exclusive interviews with coaches and athletes. Tune in every Wednesday for expert insights and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport!

Information

  • Creator
    Educated Rider: Raegan Rast & Madyson Buchanan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WEQ Weekly
  • Show Website
    WEQ Weekly

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