Join us for an inspiring conversation with Diane, the Vice Chairman of the UK Pony Club, as she shares her remarkable journey from coaching to becoming a leader in the largest equestrian youth organization in the world!

We delve into Diane's multi-faceted role within the UK Pony Club, exploring her extensive experience and dedication to equestrian education and youth development. Diane's involvement began with coaching, eventually becoming Vice Chairman, allowing her to understand every aspect of the organisation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• With 9 different sports including dressage, show jumping, eventing, and more, the UK Pony Club provides diverse competitions and educational opportunities.
• Diane emphasises the importance of creating well-rounded horsemen and women through the Pony Club's comprehensive test structure, ranging from basic riding skills to the internationally recognized A test.
• The focus on horse welfare and understanding how horses learn is integral to the Pony Club’s training approach, ensuring safety and proper horsemanship.
• Diane addresses misconceptions about the UK Pony Club, highlighting the inclusive Centre Membership Scheme for children without their own ponies and non-riding memberships.
• The Pony Club offers numerous dismounted activities, providing valuable life skills and team-building experiences.
• Discover Diane’s most memorable moments, from driving her daughter to her first championship to organizing events.
• Learn about the incredible achievements and heartwarming stories of UK Pony Club members.

All this and more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Before founding An Eventful Life, Debbie Higgs had Already spent years immersed in the equestrian world, capturing the sport's most exhilarating moments and covering prestigious events worldwide. Now with a wealth of experience behind the lens and the mic, she continues to bring the action to life for eventing fans across the globe.

With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for cross-country courses, Debbie has built a career showcasing the sports most thrilling moments while navigating the ever-evolving world of Equestrian media. Capturing the heart-stopping action of eventing from behind the lens, covering everything from grassroots competitions to the Olympic Games, Debbie has seen it all!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• If you could film at one event every day for the rest of your life, which would it be? Debbie shares her top picks - from the stunning Scottish Highlands at Blair Castle to the legacy of the Sydney Olympic venue.
• What happens when a journalist sings to Michael Jung? Debbie spills the details on one of the funniest behind-the-scenes moments in eventing media!
• From security mishaps at Paris 2024 to a bullet landing in the press tent at Rio, Debbie recounts the craziest moments she's witnessed whilst covering major events.
• What's it like being part of the 'travelling circus' of equestrian media? Debbie gives us an inside look at the fast-paced, globe-trotting life of covering major competitions.
• How do you get the perfect cross-country shot? Debbie shares what it takes to capture the action and emotion of eventing on camera.
• What's next for An Eventful Life? Debbie gives us an inside look at the future of eventing media and what's on the horizon.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Join us for an exciting episode where our hosts, Bex Mason and Hayley Morris, catch up on their equestrian journeys and share their unique experiences from different parts of the world. Both accomplished show jumpers, Bex and Hayley, provide insights into their lives, challenges, and future plans.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• We get an inside look at the world of international show jumping through the eyes of our hosts, who bring their perspectives from the UK and Australia.
• Bex and Hayley share their stable routines, managing horses in various weather conditions, and the challenges of maintaining their training schedules.
• Hayley talks about her breeding journey, including handling young horses and raising large foals.
• Hayley explains the excitement of the Magic Millions event, including junior competitions, off-the-track classes, and the celebrity polo match that draws crowds and creates a lively atmosphere.
• Bex and Hayley delve into the challenges of cross-border travel with horses, including paperwork and regulations for the UK and Australia.
• Bex and Hayley compare their horse trucks, revealing the logistical challenges and excitement of traveling with large teams of horses!

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Join us for an exciting conversation with side-saddle rider Emily Saunders, a beloved figure in the equestrian community. Discover her passion for side-saddle riding and how she's bringing this elegant discipline to life!

We explore the world of side-saddle riding with Emily Saunders, delving into her journey and future aspirations. Emily shares her experiences, from her first side-saddle ride to her dreams for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Growing up with a love for horses, Emily shares how she discovered side-saddle riding and how it became her passion. Her journey from beginner to enthusiast showcases the charm and unique challenges of this discipline.
• Emily takes us through her competitive career, sharing stories of her thrilling adventures and experiences in hunt races and scurries. She also provides valuable tips on transporting horses and preparing them for side-saddle events.
• We explore what makes a great side-saddle horse, from temperament to training. Emily shares stories about her favourite horses and their special qualities.
• Learn about the history, elegance, and camaraderie among side-saddle riders. Emily highlights how this discipline fosters a strong community spirit and encourages riders to explore new possibilities.
• For those interested in trying side-saddle riding, Emily emphasises that any horse can be trained for it, and this discipline enhances riding skills and builds confidence.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

From Texas to World Stage: Rachel Duhig's Polocrosse Journey.

Join us for an exciting conversation with international polocrosse champion Rachel Duhig, who has represented both the USA and UK at the highest levels of the sport. Learn about this fast-paced, dynamic equestrian discipline and how it's bringing people together across continents!

In this episode of The Equestrian Experience Podcast, we delve into the world of polocrosse with Rachel Duhig, exploring her remarkable journey from Texas to becoming an international champion and coach. Rachel shares insights into this unique sport that combines elements of polo, lacrosse, and netball.

• Growing up in a horse-loving family in Texas, Rachel shares how her father discovered polocrosse by chance and how it became their family passion. Her journey from junior competitions to international success showcases the inclusive nature of the sport.
• Rachel takes us through her impressive competitive career, including competing in the 2011 World Cup for Team USA while 12 weeks pregnant, helping secure their highest-ever 4th place finish. She later transitioned to representing the UK, bringing her expertise to a new team.
• We explore what makes the perfect polocrosse horse, from ex-racehorses finding new purpose to purpose-bred champions. Rachel shares stories about her legendary mare Lola and her exciting young prospects, Spitfire and Tesla.
• The unique format of international competition is revealed, where teams travel across the world and compete on borrowed horses - getting just four days to prepare with their assigned mounts before competition begins.
• Rachel discusses her transition into coaching, recently leading the UK Under-21 team to victory in Zimbabwe, and shares her perspective on developing young talent in the sport.
• The global polocrosse community spans across eight major competing nations, with growing participation across Europe and South America. Rachel highlights how the sport's accessibility and strong community spirit make it special.
• For those interested in trying polocrosse, Rachel emphasises that any willing horse can start at the lower levels, and the sport actually helps develop better riding skills as players focus on the game rather than overthinking their riding.

All this and more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Travelling the world, starring in movies, and representing your country in show jumping sounds like a dream, for Lilly Aspell, it’s real life. However, it doesn’t come without a lot of hard work, commitment and determination. Lilly lets us in on her world and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Famously known for her role as a young Diana (Gal Gadot) in Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984, Lilly has also starred in the Amazon prime series The Pursuit of Love, films such as Extinction and most recently Retribution with Liam Neeson. In addition to her busy acting career, Lilly has also gained many accolades in her other love, show jumping, with her participating in the 2022 Horse of the Year Show and representing Team GB in the Ponies Team at the 2023 FEI Nations Cup in Zuidwolde. Coming off a short stint working at a professional show jumping stable in Florida, Lilly shares her journey to now and what the future holds.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• We talk about how Lilly began riding and her family’s ties to the equestrian world.
• An accomplished pony rider, Lilly talks about her recent transition from ponies to horses.
• Have you ever wondered how show jumping stables differ in Florida and the UK? Bex and Lilly take us through their experiences and the thing they miss most whilst riding in Florida.
• Sometimes things feel like they were meant to happen, Lilly explains how she started her acting career seemingly by chance.
• Juggling a busy acting career and riding takes some work, we talk about how Lilly balances her two passions.
• Lilly speaks about her experience representing Great Britain in the FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup in Zuidwolde and what her beloved Bailey (Legends Rock) is up to now.
• We talk about Lilly’s plans for the future including the release of her latest movie, Retribution!

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Sam Woods and Bradley Champagne are two very exciting up-and-coming riders who live and breathe eventing, including being the “right-hand-man” to two of the world’s leading event riders, Boyd Martin and Shane Rose! Listen in for an insight into what a day working at the two of world’s top event stables entails and hear some sage words of advice about how to approach your young horse.

Specialising in breaking in and starting young horses, Brad and Sam spending most of their day giving race and performance horses the best start to their ridden careers, which sometimes includes acting as the crash-test dummy!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• We start from the beginning, as we delve into how Brad and Sam’s passion for horses started.
• Have you dreamt of working on a professional eventing yard? We chat about how Brad and Sam landed their respective roles.
• Hear the inside scoop on working for top event riders like Shane Rose and Boyd Martin.
• Learn about Sam and Brad’s approach to training young horses as they both empathise the importance of patience and time when working with any horse.
• Have you wondered what to look for in a young event horse? Brad and Sam chat about what characteristics they look for in a future event star!

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Bex and Amanda come together to catch up on what has been going on in their lives and what they have planned for the coming months.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• A firm believer in trusting the process, Bex explains how she approaches her own injuries and the importance of making the most of a bad situation.
• Amanda talks about handling young horses and how regardless of experience level, every equestrian should take safety seriously.
• Have you ever heard of spelling a horse? No, it’s got nothing to do with magic or English. Amanda and Bex talk about managing your young horse, including knowing when and how long to rest them.
• Always one to do the best for her horses, Bex talks about her recent experience with a horse whisperer!
• The equestrian lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Bex and Amanda think back on their choices and how although it can be hard, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Brought to you by major sponsor Bates Saddles.