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-6a96fae8-b08c-83ea-9227-dc7347e4f65c-25" data-turn-id-container= "request-6a96fae8-b08c-83ea-9227-dc7347e4f65c-25" data-testid= "conversation-turn-62" data-turn="assistant"> What do you feed when hay and haylage are suddenly hard to find? 🎙️
With forage in short supply in some areas and prices likely to rise, Spike is back in the Feed Room with RED MILLS nutritionist Louise Jones to talk through what horse owners can actually do when their usual forage isn't available.
From using straw and blended chaffs to grass nuts, sugar beet and commercial haylage, Louise explains the alternatives, how to choose the right option for your horse and how to make the forage you do have last longer.
Highlights
What can replace hay or haylage?
When straw can be a useful alternative
Using chaff, grass nuts and sugar beet as fibre sources
What else may need adjusting when forage changes
Making limited forage last longer
Why the right solution depends on the individual horse
Guest Louise Jones: Equine nutritionist with Connolly's RED MILLS, back in the Feed Room to answer your feeding questions.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode is supported by Connolly's RED MILLS. If you're struggling with forage availability or want help balancing your horse's diet, explore their equine nutrition range and expert advice at RED MILLS.

The final five-star of 2026 certainly gave us plenty to talk about, and what a way for Tim Price to finish the season.
Nicole is joined by newly crowned Eventing Manager champion Sharon Ridgway to look back at Les 5 Étoiles de Pau, where Tim Price and Jarillo made history with back-to-back victories. And it wasn't just Tim having a good weekend, with Jonelle putting three horses in the top nine.
There's a brilliant result for Bubby Upton and It's Cooley Time after a difficult 2025, plenty of excitement around Tom McEwen's Quintus and a few moments from cross-country day that nobody saw coming.
Plus, Nicole and Diarm's Willa Newton versus Lizzie Baugh showdown gets settled, Sharon shares her horses to watch for 2027 and there's a rather exciting new addition to Michael Jung's string.
Highlights
The Price is right: A historic win for Tim and an impressive six horses in the top 16 for the Price household.

Bubby bounces back: Why It's Cooley Time's Pau performance could be a turning point.

One for the future: Is Quintus already looking like a serious LA 2028 prospect?

Pau's talking points: The tricky fences, unexpected falls and some desperately unlucky combinations.

Looking to 2027: Michael Jung's new ride and the horses Sharon has her eye on.

Guest
Sharon Ridgway: Our 2026 Eventing Manager champion joins Nicole to share her take on Pau and how she managed to come out on top after a full season of five-star predictions.
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The final five-star of 2026 is here, and the whole team is back together for one last big preview of the season.
Nicole is joined by Diarm, Sam and Spike to look ahead to Les 5 Étoiles de Pau, where defending champion Tim Price returns with Jarillo, Bubby Upton heads the EquiRatings Prediction Centre with Cola, and a strong field of established stars and exciting newcomers prepares for the final five-star title of the year.
Can Tim Price make it back-to-back victories? Could Bubby Upton finally land that elusive five-star win? Or will one of the younger horses upset the established contenders?
From the riders with something to prove to the combinations who could thrive if the ground turns soft, the team digs into the form, the numbers and their own predictions for the weekend.
Highlights:
Defending Champion: Tim Price and Jarillo return to Pau looking for a second consecutive victory.
The Favourites: Bubby Upton and Cola lead the Prediction Centre, but does their five-star form tell a different story?
Rising Stars: Tom McEwen and Quintus, Yasmin Ingham and Gypsy du Loir, and the young horses stepping up to five-star level.
Contenders to Watch: Melody Johner and Erin, Felix Vogg and Cartania, and the combinations who could challenge the favourites.
The Pau Factor: How the course, conditions and cross-country time could influence the final result.
Final Predictions: The team's picks for the title, plus their last Eventing Manager selections of 2026.
Guests:
Diarmuid Byrne: EquiRatings co-founder and analyst.
Sam Watson: Olympic event rider and EquiRatings co-founder.
Spike Milligan: Equine veterinarian and regular Eventing Podcast contributor.
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
Listen to the full preview and follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more previews, reviews and analysis from across the sport.
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What's life like behind the scenes at one of eventing's busiest yards?
Travelling Head Girl for Tom Jackson, Chloe Whitelam, joins us in the Strawmax Stable to talk about life on the road, the horses behind a brilliant season and her journey from a non-horsey childhood to working at the top of the sport.
With Pau just around the corner, Chloe shares her hopes for Plot Twist B, reflects on some standout results and gives us an insight into the personalities that make Tom's string so special.
Highlights:
Chloe's journey from racing to becoming Travelling Head Girl for Tom Jackson.
Reflecting on Hawkeye's fourth place at Burghley and a successful season across the yard.
The preparation for Pau and hopes of going one better with Plot Twist B.
Managing a busy string of horses and building relationships with each of them.
Chloe's Olympic ambitions and her advice for anyone hoping to build a career with horses.
Life outside the yard, dream sporting events and the lucky blue nails making a return for Pau.
A great chance to get to know one of the people working behind the scenes to help make top-level eventing happen.
Guest: Chloe Whitelam
This episode is kindly supported by Strawmax, the natural straw pellet bedding designed with horses and busy yards in mind. Made from 100% British straw, Strawmax is dust-extracted, highly absorbent and easy to maintain, helping keep horses comfortable while making stable management simpler.
Discover the benefits of Strawmax at www.strawmax.co.uk.

Want your horse looking its best at your next event? We've got you covered!
Cameron Beer is joined by experienced five-star freelance groom Kirsten Poulsom for a grooming and turnout masterclass packed with practical tips to help you prepare for competition, whether you're heading to your first event or a major championship.
From getting those perfect plaits and quarter marks to managing studs, packing your competition essentials and looking after your horse following cross country, Kirsten shares the tricks of the trade she's picked up working at the top of the sport.
Plus, Kirsten sets listeners a challenge to put their quarter-marking skills to the test!
Highlights:
The daily grooming habits that make competition preparation easier.
Tips for bathing, clipping, trimming and keeping grey horses clean.
How to perfect your plaits and quarter marks.
Making studs less stressful and what to pack in your grooming kit.
Cooling down and caring for your horse after cross country.
Why having a freelance groom can make such a difference at a big event.
Guest: Kirsten Poulsom, five-star freelance eventing groom
The Grassroots Show is proudly supported by Foran Equine, providing scientifically formulated supplements and nutritional solutions to support your horse's health, wellbeing and performance.
Discover the Foran Equine range at www.foranequine.com.