EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Jess Rimmer didn't always want to be an event rider. In fact, as a child, she'd have chosen her Barbie Dream House over a muddy yard any day.
Fast forward to Blenheim, and Jess has just jumped double clear with The Spice Merchant as part of the Rising Lions. Nicole catches up with her while the smile is still firmly on her face to talk about the journey from reluctant pony rider to one of Britain's rising eventing talents.
From studying biochemistry while competing a string of horses to finding her place at William Fox-Pitt's yard, Jess shares the people, horses and opportunities that have shaped her career so far. There's plenty about Basil, the horse who keeps saying yes, and the ambitions Jess is working towards.
Highlights
The pony that changed Jess's mind about riding.
Growing up with a five-star event rider for a mum and the support that came without pressure.
Balancing a biochemistry degree with competing seven or eight horses.
Learning from William Fox-Pitt and Jackie Potts.
Why you don't have to follow the traditional youth team pathway to succeed.
The £1 pony who helped Jess reach the Young Rider Championships.
How The Spice Merchant, better known as Basil, became her four-star partner.
What representing Great Britain and riding for the Rising Lions means to Jess.
Her ambitions for five-star success and the two horses she thinks could help her get there.
Guest
Jess Rimmer – British event rider and Rising Lions team member, joining Nicole fresh from a double clear at Blenheim with The Spice Merchant.
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Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more from across the sport.

Two four-star titles, one rider and a pair of horses with exciting futures ahead. Blenheim belonged to Tom McEwen.
Nicole Brown and Catherine Austen are back to review the action from Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, where Tom McEwen completed a remarkable double with The Fieldmaster in the CCI4*-L and Brookfield Danny De Muze in the CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds.
From The Fieldmaster's hunting background and rapid rise through the levels to Brookfield Danny De Muze adding another major young horse title to his record, there is plenty to discuss about two very different horses and what might come next.
Highlights
Tom McEwen's Blenheim double and the strength of his team across both divisions.
The Fieldmaster's journey from the hunting field to a CCI4*-L victory.
Brookfield Danny De Muze's remarkable record and his progression from Le Lion d'Angers to Blenheim.
Sam Ecroyd's standout weekend with Jackpot and Bloomfield Manuscript.
Oliver Townend's cross-country performance.
Katie Magee, Bubby Upton and the young horses making their mark in the eight- and nine-year-old class.
Why Blenheim's young horse results are worth revisiting when looking for future five-star stars.
Plus, Nicole and Catherine share their personal connections to Blenheim, reflect on the atmosphere at this year's event and look ahead to Boekelo.
Guest
Catherine Austen – Equestrian journalist and former Blenheim press officer, joining Nicole to review the weekend's sport and the stories behind the results.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Connolly's RED MILLS, proud supporters of our Blenheim preview and review shows. Discover their range of equine feeds and nutrition solutions at redmillshorse.com .
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast  for more previews, reviews and analysis from across the sport.

Fresh from a CCI4*-L win at Scone Palace, Piggy March joins Nicole Brown to reflect on a season of ups and downs, a special victory with Truly Anything, and a big new chapter on the horizon for Team March.
Piggy shares the story of bringing Truly Anything back into her string after his time with Harry Meade, the emotions behind their Scone win, and why sometimes getting the job done means adapting your riding to the horse in front of you.
With a yard move on the horizon and a coaching trip with Team Hong Kong ahead, there's plenty to catch up on!
Highlights
The story behind Piggy and Truly Anything's CCI4*-L victory at Scone.
Why not every horse needs to fit the textbook picture.
The emotions, pressure and people behind a special win.
A new yard, new opportunities and what could be next for Team March.
Why good stable management starts with understanding your horse's environment.
Guest
Piggy March is one of Britain's leading event riders, a Badminton and Burghley winner, and a Bedmax Education Ambassador.
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Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the Eventing Podcast for more conversations from across the sport.

The first-ever Blenheim Challenge is in the books, and the Stars & Stripes have plenty to celebrate!
Nicole, Diarmuid and Annie are back to unpack a weekend that saw the Stars & Stripes defeat the Rising Lions 12.5–4, with head-to-head battles, Joker tactics and £50,000 in prize money bringing a whole new dimension to Blenheim.
From Oliver Barrett's brilliant week with Sandhills Briar to the pressure of jumping for £5,000 on the final day, the team reflects on the performances, personalities and moments that made the inaugural Challenge such a success.
Highlights
How the Stars & Stripes secured their Blenheim Challenge victory.
Oliver Barrett's career-best dressage and top-10 finish.
The £5,000 show jumping head-to-heads and the pressure of delivering a clear.
The young horses and riders who caught the team's attention.
Jess Rimmer's Team Spirit Award and what the Challenge meant beyond the scoreboard.
Why the team format, prize money and involvement of the grooms made this weekend feel different.
Plus, Nicole shares a few stories from behind the scenes, including Philip Dutton's Joker discussions, Tom McEwen's involvement with the Rising Lions and the live draws that kept everyone guessing.
Was this the start of something special for eventing?
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more from across the sport.

The Blenheim Challenge is well and truly underway, and after dressage, the Stars & Stripes have the early advantage.
Nicole and Annie break down a brilliant first phase, with 21-year-old Oliver Barrett producing a career-best test to lead both the Stars & Stripes and the entire CCI4*-L aboard Sandhills Briar.
With £50,000 on the line, attention now turns to cross country and four head-to-head matchups that could completely change the scoreboard.
Highlights
Oliver Barrett's career-best dressage test puts him at the top of Blenheim.
The Stars & Stripes lead the Rising Lions 5–2 after the opening phase.
The cross-country head-to-heads and where the key points could be won.
Why the Rising Lions have played their final Joker on Izzy Cook.
The numbers behind the combinations who could make the difference on Saturday.
Plus, we hear from Oliver Barrett and Barnie Brotherton ahead of cross country as both teams prepare for the next round of the Blenheim Challenge.
Can the Rising Lions fight their way back, or will the Stars & Stripes extend their lead? Game on at Blenheim