EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69fcd7cd-4418-83ea-ad65-6e329d41cb93-5" data-turn-id-container= "request-69fcd7cd-4418-83ea-ad65-6e329d41cb93-5" data-testid= "conversation-turn-236" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> There are now only six horses in history to have recorded an EquiRatings Elo above 900.
The latest to join the club? London 52.
On this episode, Nicole Brown and Sam Watson break down what the 900 Club actually means, why London 52's consistency is almost unmatched in modern eventing, and how his recent performances compare to some of the greatest horses the sport has ever seen.
From Le Lion d'Angers to Blenheim, Bicton, Badminton, and Belsay, the pair look back on the performances that built London 52's remarkable Elo, and why Sam believes he could already be even higher on the all-time list.
Plus, where do horses like JL Dublin, Lordships Graffalo, and fischerChipmunk FRH fit into the picture, and could we one day see the sport's first ever 1000-rated horse?
Highlights
What the EquiRatings Elo actually measures
Why only six horses have ever crossed 900
London 52's extraordinary run of triple-figure HPRs
The greatest event horses of the modern era
Why Sam thinks London 52 could already rank even higher
Could a horse ever break the 1000 barrier?
Guests
Nicole Brown
Sam Watson




 




EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Millstreet week is here, and with it comes one of the biggest fixtures in Irish eventing.
On this special Connolly's Red Mills preview show, Sam Watson joins Nicole Brown to look ahead to the four-star at Millstreet International Horse Trials, where championship contenders, rising stars, and experienced campaigners all collide.
From Jonelle Price and Senor Crocodillo, to Joseph Murphy's Aachen hopefuls, Cosby Green's Highly Suspicious challenge, and Sam's own exciting young horse Goldman stepping up to four-star, there's plenty to unpack ahead of cross-country day at Green Glens.
The pair also discuss the unique challenge of showjumping after cross-country, why Millstreet matters so much to Irish eventing, and what the new FEI Under 25 World Championships could mean for the future of the sport.
Highlights
Millstreet's role in Irish eventing
The FEI Under 25 World Championships at Green Glens
Jonelle Price's strong hand in the four-star
Aachen hopes for Ireland, New Zealand, and the U.S.
Sam Watson's four-star debutant Goldman
Why showjumping after cross-country changes everything
Guests
Nicole Brown
Sam Watson
Massive thank you to Connolly's RED MILLS for their support of this episode and of eventing at every level, from grassroots right through to championship sport.
You can learn more about their feed, supplements, and nutrition programmes at redmills.com.

On this week's U.S. Equestrian Open Podcast, Annie Bishop and Diarmuid Byrne look ahead to a huge week at CHIO Aachen, as the U.S. jumping squad heads to one of the sport's biggest stages and the road to championship season starts to take shape.
There's also reaction to the newly announced U.S. dressage long list, before Annie catches up with one of the most talked-about young riders in U.S. eventing, Isabelle Bosley.
Fresh off an impressive Kentucky performance with Conner, Isabelle reflects on producing him from an unstarted five-year-old to four-star level, learning to trust the process, and why the bigger the atmosphere gets, the better he becomes.
Highlights
CHIO Aachen storylines across jumping and dressage
The U.S. squad heading to Aachen
Isabelle Bosley on Conner's rise to four-star
Riding at Kentucky for the first time
Producing horses slowly and patiently

Cross-country speed. Everyone wants it. Very few riders really understand how to build it.
On this episode of the Grassroots Podcast, Cameron Beer sits down with Sam Watson to unpack what actually makes riders fast across country, and why speed has far less to do with bravery than most people think.
From cruising speed and balance, to transitions, footwork, stamina, and course walking, Sam breaks down the systems, habits, and mindset that helped him become one of the sport's best against the clock. There are stories from Burghley, Badminton, the World Championships, plenty of honest mistakes, and practical takeaways every grassroots rider can use this season.
Because getting the time isn't about chasing. It's about understanding.
Highlights
Sam's five pillars of cross-country speed
Why "practice until you don't get it wrong" shaped his riding
The biggest mistakes riders make when chasing the clock
How to train speed at home, safely and progressively
Course walking tricks that save seconds without taking risks
Why smooth rounds are often the fastest rounds
This week's Grassroots Challenge, Sam's Gear Challenge
Guest
Sam Watson, Irish Olympian, World medalist, and EquiRatings analyst
Presented by Foran Equine, part of the Connolly's RED MILLS family.
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

What a week at Mars Badminton Horse Trials.
As the dust settles on another extraordinary Badminton, Nicole Brown is joined by Catherine Austen, with Spike Milligan dropping in, to reflect on the performances, the pressure, and the moments that defined the week.
From Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo delivering one of the great five-star performances, to standout weekends for Tim Price, Harry Meade, Tom Jackson, Sarah Bullimore, and more, this is the final look back on a week that had everything.
Highlights
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo's third Badminton title
Tim Price, Harry Meade, and Tom Jackson on huge form
Sarah Bullimore, Katie Magee, and the rising stars of the week
The emotional moments, the near misses, and what comes next
Guests
Nicole Brown
Catherine Austen
Spike Milligan