USEA Podcast

U.S. Eventing Association
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  • Updated Biweekly

The Official USEA Podcast. United States Eventing Association.

  1. 2d ago

    USEA Podcast #423: There’s a Place for Everyone in Eventing

    Eventing isn't only about moving up the levels. It's about finding the place in the sport that brings you and your horse joy. This week on the USEA Official Podcast, USEA Board of Governors members Erin Thompson and Allison Bailey join the show to celebrate grassroots and amateur eventing and discuss the addition of the new USEA Intro level, designed to provide an approachable entry point into recognized competition. Thompson and Bailey share what the new recognized Intro level looks, from 18-inch fences and walk-trot dressage to the opportunity for coaching during competition, and why providing a welcoming first experience can make such a difference for riders who are new to eventing or simply looking for a level where they feel comfortable. They also share stories that showcase the heart of the sport including a young rider completing his first recognized event to longtime volunteer Sarah Airhart making the leap from volunteering to competing herself. Plus, Thompson and Bailey offer advice for anyone considering their first recognized event, including finding a coach or support system, asking questions, and getting familiar with the USEA rulebook before competition day. Whether your goal is to tackle your first Intro cross-country course, volunteer at an event, or simply find a new way to be involved, this episode is a reminder that there is a place for everyone in eventing and every finish line is worth celebrating.

  2. Sep 21

    USEA Podcast #422: Your Questions Answered with Ariel Grald

    You asked, and five-star eventer Ariel Grald answered! This week on the USEA Official Podcast, Grald sits down to tackle listener questions about the horses, experiences, and lessons that have shaped her career. Fresh off a win in the USEA Open Intermediate Championship at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds with the exciting 8-year-old Obalix, Grald shares what makes the young horse so special and why his trip to the Kentucky Horse Park was carefully planned with an eye toward his future. The conversation also takes a more personal turn as Grald reflects on the accident she suffered at Bromont in 2025 and the physical and mental challenges of returning to the saddle. She shares advice for young riders hoping to make a career in the sport, including why they should ride every horse they can and resist comparing their journey to someone else's, and offers insight into her individualized approach to producing horses and preparing them for competition. Plus, Grald looks back on one of the proudest moments of her career at the 2022 World Championships with Leamore Master Plan and shares how the horse who took her around the globe is enjoying his well-earned retirement. From championship wins and career-defining horses to lucky habits, listener questions, and lessons learned along the way, get to know Ariel Grald beyond the results in this week's episode of the USEA Official Podcast.

  3. Sep 11

    USEA Podcast #421: An #AEC2026 Journey Worth More Than the Win with Amanda Gantz

    Every year, the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds produces stories that remind us why eventing is about so much more than the final leaderboard. This week on the USEA Podcast, AEC Starter Amateur Champion Amanda Gantz joins us to share the remarkable journey that brought her and her Connemara, Meg O'Pint, to the top of the podium at the Kentucky Horse Park. Amanda shares how her late mother helped her find Pint, why she knew almost immediately that the confident little gelding was something special, and how she produced him herself from a young horse into an AEC champion. Their championship, however, is only one chapter of Amanda’s story. A breast cancer survivor, Amanda opens up about the role horses and eventing played during some of the most difficult moments of her treatment and how Pint has helped her rediscover confidence in and out of the saddle. She also reflects on the signs that made her feel her mother was with them throughout their AEC weekend and the meaning behind the words she carries with her every time she rides: “the journey is the reward.” Stick around after Amanda’s story for a special segment with Marshall+Sterling’s VP of Equine Operations, Amy Dawm. She breaks down the ins and outs of equine insurance, discusses the coverage considerations that are especially important for event horse owners, and shares her top three tips for making informed decisions about protecting your equine partner.

  4. Aug 24

    USEA Podcast #420: Everything You Need to Know about #AEC2026

    The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is finally upon us! The USEA Official Podcast heads behind the scenes of the 2026 AEC at the Kentucky Horse Park with co-organizer Mary Fike, course builder Mick Costello, and EEI's Competition Director Louise Gilliam. From more than 200 cross-country fences to hundreds of volunteers, the trio shares what it takes to bring one of the biggest weeks on the U.S. eventing calendar to life. They also share their best advice for competitors arriving in Kentucky, what makes the AEC experience special at every level, and a few stories from behind the scenes. Whether you're competing, volunteering, spectating, or following along from home, get ready for a week that celebrates the horses, people, and journeys that make eventing so special.

  5. Aug 10

    USEA Podcast #419: Two Duttons, Two World Championships

    It’s a family affair on the USEA Podcast as Olivia and Phillip Dutton join the show to talk World Championships. Fresh off an individual bronze medal at the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championships U25 at Millstreet, Olivia reflects on her championship experience with Jewelent, the pressure of competing on a team, and the clear show jumping round that ultimately landed her on the podium. Then, Phillip takes us inside his preparations for the FEI Eventing World Championships at Aachen, from the late change that put Denim into his team spot to what it means to return to the iconic venue 20 years after competing there at the 2006 World Championships. Plus, the Duttons look ahead to what could be next—including Olivia’s five-star ambitions and Phillip’s goal of making one final Olympic push toward Los Angeles 2028.

  6. Jul 27

    USEA Podcast #418: An Eventer’s OTTB Playbook

    In this special Q&A episode of the USEA Podcast, five-star eventer Meghan O'Donoghue and upper-level rider Kelty O'Donoghue answer USEA member questions about all things off-the-track Thoroughbreds. From what they look for in an OTTB prospect to conformation, retraining, soundness, hoof care, and everything in between, the sisters share the knowledge they've gained producing Thoroughbreds to the highest levels of the sport—including Meghan's five-star partners Pirate and Palm Crescent. Whether you're shopping for your first OTTB or hoping to develop your next upper-level partner, this episode is packed with practical advice and firsthand experience. Meghan and Kelty discuss the qualities they value most in an event horse, how they approach transitioning Thoroughbreds into new careers, and the management practices that help these incredible athletes thrive long after they leave the racetrack.

  7. Jul 13

    USEA Podcast #417: AEC Bound Against All Odds

    The road to the USEA American Eventing Championships looks different for every rider, and this episode celebrates two unforgettable journeys. Nicole Brown sits down with AEC competitors Sarah Bryan and Lisa Cook to talk about rebuilding confidence, balancing careers and family life, overcoming setbacks, and the horses that helped them rediscover their love of eventing. From an Amish buggy horse turned championship contender to the unforgettable "Flying Potato," these stories prove that there is no single path to Kentucky—only the determination to keep moving forward. Whether you're preparing for the AEC or simply need a reminder of why you fell in love with horses, this episode is full of heart, humor, and inspiration.

  8. Jun 29

    USEA Podcast #416: From Passion to Profession: Careers in Eventing

    For many horse lovers, becoming a professional rider is the dream—but it's far from the only way to build a fulfilling career in eventing. In this episode of the USEA Official Podcast, host Nicole Brown is joined by organizer and licensed official Emily Holmes, championship groom, organizer, and former USEA President Max Corcoran, and Eventing Nation co-publisher Sally Spickard to discuss the many careers that help keep the sport running. Together, they share the winding paths that led them to where they are today, the lessons they've learned along the way, and the advice they would give to anyone hoping to turn their passion for horses into a profession. From media and event management to officiating and grooming, this episode is a reminder that there's more than one way to make your mark in the sport of eventing.

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About

The Official USEA Podcast. United States Eventing Association.

Information

  • Creator
    U.S. Eventing Association
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 USEA. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    USEA Podcast

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