EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

The countdown is on to Scone Palace International Horse Trials, and year two is shaping up to be even bigger.
Nicole is joined by Event Director and LA 2028 Olympic course designer Alec Lochore to go behind the scenes of one of the sport's newest international events. From designing a world-class cross-country course to balancing the needs of riders, spectators and owners, Alec explains what has changed since the inaugural event, how the course has evolved, and why Scone is quickly becoming one of the standout fixtures on the calendar.
They also discuss the realities of running a modern horse trials, the challenge of course design following a difficult few weeks for the sport, and how lessons from events like Scone could shape the road to the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Highlights
What makes Scone unique in year two
How the cross-country course has evolved
Creating an event for riders and spectators
Behind the scenes with Event Director Alec Lochore
Lessons from course design on the road to LA 2028
Why Scone is more than just a horse trials
Guests
Alec Lochore – Event Director, Scone Palace International Horse Trials & Course Designer for the LA 2028 Olympic Games

Episode Description
The future of British Eventing takes centre stage in this special youth-focused episode.
Nicole Brown is joined by British Eventing Youth Coach Nicola Wilson to discuss what really prepares young riders for championship success, from building confidence under pressure to the importance of teamwork, resilience and learning from those around you.
The team also heads to Bishop Burton ahead of the Festival of Youth, where British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams, organiser Dusty Baker and Assistant Principal Ann Paling share how the event has become more than just a championship. It's a celebration of young riders, new friendships and the pathway through the sport.
Plus, Central Region Youth Coach Tim Rogers and Festival of Youth competitor Freddie Spicer offer a rider's perspective on preparing for one of the biggest weeks of the season. You won't want to miss this one!
Highlights
Nicola Wilson on coaching future championship riders
Why the Festival of Youth is about more than competition
Behind the scenes at Bishop Burton
Tim Rogers' top tips for Festival of Youth success
Rosie Williams answers your questions on BE Lite, Millstreet, Aachen and the future of British Eventing
Guests
Nicola Wilson – British Eventing Youth Coach and former European Champion
Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing
Dusty Baker – Head of Equine and Festival of Youth organiser, Bishop Burton College
Ann Paling – Assistant Principal, Bishop Burton College
Tim Rogers – Central Region Youth Coach
Freddie Spicer – Festival of Youth competitor
This episode is brought to you by Zebra Products, the UK and Ireland's leading distributor of premium equestrian brands including Sprenger and Veredus, and title partner of the British Eventing Podcast for 2026. Find out more at: zebraproducts.co.uk

The first-ever FEI Eventing Under 25 World Championship is in the books… but did it live up to the hype?
Nicole and Annie Bishop look back on a championship that delivered influential jumping phases, dramatic leaderboard changes, and a worthy first-ever World Champion in Calvin Böckmann, who led after dressage, slipped to third after picking up time penalties across country, and came back to win it on the final day. They also discuss the performances that stood out, from Cerys Macaulay's climb from seventh to individual silver on Kananaskis, to Olivia Dutton and Jewelent's run to individual bronze, to Great Britain edging out the host nation for team gold on Irish soil.
Highlights
Did the first Under 25 World Championship deliver?
Calvin Böckmann claims the inaugural world title
Cerys Macaulay's climb to individual silver
Olivia Dutton and Jewelent's run to individual bronze
Team GB strike gold, and what comes next for the competition
Guests
Nicole Brown and Annie Bishop
This episode is supported by Connolly's Red Mills, a family-owned Irish feed and nutrition company producing premium horse, pet, and agri products since 1908, and proud presenting sponsor of the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships. Learn more at: redmills.com

Eight-year-old Oliver Barrett watched Chris Burton win at Aachen and fell in love with the sport. Fourteen years later, he's heading back to the iconic venue himself, with a horse his family bred, started under saddle and produced every step of the way.
In this episode of the Future Star series, Nicole catches up with Oliver ahead of his first senior World Championships. Sandhills Briar was backed at home in New South Wales, carried Oliver to a CCI5* victory at Adelaide earlier this year, and now the pair are bound for Germany as one of Australia's most exciting combinations.
They talk about growing up on a breeding property, what it's like having two Olympic event riders as parents, and why they've chosen to stay based in Australia rather than following the more traditional path to Europe.
Oh, and Oliver's dad built him a mini Aachen in the back paddock using a tractor. You'll definitely want to hear that story in full.
Highlights
Sandhills Briar's journey from foal to five-star winner
Growing up with Olympic event riders for parents
Preparing for Aachen from Australia
The pressure riders put on themselves
A home Olympics on the horizon in 2032
Guest
Oliver Barrett – Australian event rider heading to his first senior World Championships with Sandhills Briar.
This series is brought to you by Littlemax, part of the Bedmax family. Their dust-extracted pine shavings are designed to give horses a cleaner, more comfortable bed. Find out more at bedmaxshavings.com/littlemax.

Topspin used to spook at dandelions. Alice Casburn spent more time catching him in the collecting ring than riding him. Now, at 18, he's heading to the first-ever FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships as the favourite.
Nicole sits down with Alice to look back on the remarkable partnership that's taken them from a quirky homebred nobody else wanted to ride, to five-star success and a Bramham title that secured their place on the British team. They also talk about the pressure of arriving as the favourite, why she'd happily take a big, tough track at Millstreet, and the exciting reserve mare waiting in the wings.
Oh... and there's a tiny dog looking for a boyfriend. You'll have to listen for that one.
Highlights
Topspin's journey from spooky youngster to championship favourite
Learning to handle the pressure of expectation
Bramham, British titles and celebrating the big moments
LSS Ile De Re and the future beyond Topspin
The "rivalry" with Germany's Calvin Böckmann
Guest
Alice Casburn – five-star event rider and British team member for the FEI Under 25 Eventing World Championships.
Supported by Carr & Day & Martin, trusted equine care since 1765 and part of the Connolly's Red Mills group.