Send us a textWhen Pieter deBrabandere moved to the US to ride for Maarten Huygens in July 2024 his goal was simple- back to basics and focus on his riding.He never expected to look back on the year and see all the firsts he accomplished - first time riding for Belgium on a Nations Cup Team, first time winning a $75,000 Grand Prix in Saugerties and finishing in the top 12 at his first 5* Grand Prix. He expresses authentic surprise at his own success.Those in his camp however are not surprised as he has a natural calm and confidence in his ride ( a gift he thought he might have lost over the years) and is exceptionally accurate in his eye.I was struck most by his humility and hesitancy to state his goals (lest they might not be realized) and touched by how he shared his doubts and fears .He ultimately is hopeful he will achieve his dreams but is not married to a timeline. It was refreshing to speak with someone coming up through the ranks who is committed to developing and learning to be the best rider he can to bring out the best in his mounts.
Send us a textMcLain Ward has had the pressure of trying to be “the best” on his shoulders since he first had success in the equitation ring winning both the USEF and USET Medal Finals at the age of 14 .36 years and 5 Olympic medals in show jumping later, he is very forthcoming about the pressure he still feels and the anxiety that goes along with it-especially on those days when he is the anchor rider for the team. However, he is quick to admit that grit, determination and hard work have always been on his side and ultimately his competitive nature will win over his nerves. He is “in it to win it”. 2 Pan American Individual Gold Medals and 17 World Cup Finals have not lessened his desire to be the best.He is also the first to acknowledge that he wouldn’t have any of his success without the support of his team at the farm (especially Lee and Erica McKeever) and his own family. His daughter Lilly in particular keeps him humble.McLain share his approach to training and where he thinks the sport is heading.He even tells me what he is thinking about when he is on the podium - it’s not what you might think.At the end of the conversation it is very clear that McLain’s success hasn’t happened by chance!Shout out to my listeners in Virginia and Florida-appreciated the fan mail!😊🐎
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Episode 33- Bruce Goodin- Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Send us a textWhen Bruce Goodin secured an invitation to the Master’s at Spruce Meadows in 1991 he had no idea how he was going to pay his entries.However, where there’s a will, there’s a way… Bruce entered a speed class that he thought he had a shot of placing in and ended up winning it , ensuring that he had enough to pay his way for the week. He went on to place second in the CP Rail $1,000000 Class proving to any doubters that there was a reason he been invited.Bruce Goodin is a 5 time Olympian and has aspirations of making it 6 in Los Angeles.He has spent many years fine tuning his communication skills with his mounts and genuinely loves his craft.He was very thoughtful in his responses to my questions. I hope you enjoy his conversation with me as much as I did.Special shout out to my listeners in Arcadia, FL, and Norfolk , VA .I received your fan mail and truly appreciate the positive feedback ! 🩷
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Episode 32- Kyle King- 50 is the new 40. Kyle proves there is no age limit when it comes to realizing your dreams!
Send us a textKyle King is no stranger to winning. He has amassed many Grand Prix victories over the years. But ongoing success at the 5* Level is something new to him. He is learning a whole new skill set to navigate and facing it head on as evidenced by his 2nd place finishing in the CPKC Rail Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in September.I was struck by Kyle’s vulnerability and courage in navigating the new “business” of showjumping at this point in his career.He was also quick to point out that he has a team of people supporting him along this journey and what a gift it is to find a horse that is happy and able to go along for the ride .I was also interested to hear that while he is proud of his American background he is pursuing Canadian citizenship in the hopes of representing the country he has embraced as his new home.
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Episode 31- Schuyler Riley- For the love of the Horse
Send us a textSchuyler Riley has been in the sport for more than 40 years and she has never lost sight of the reason she does it - for the connection with the horse.Whether she is picking a horse for herself or for one of her clients, she will always put character first .That has led her to great success as she never rushes the relationship. She believes that the bond between rider and horse is what ultimately determines how far a pair will go.Schuyler shares her early experiences as an eventer, equitation rider and ultimately jumper rider representing the United States Equestrian Team on numerous occasions.She gives us a glimpse of some of the techniques she has learned along the way and her hopes for the future.
An equestrian podcast for amateur riders, about amateur riders and professional riders and everything in between. Catherine Shearon dives into conversations with equestrians from all angles of the horse world, to speak about topics that have never been discussed in equestrian interviews. Hear not just about how riders get started in their career, but about mental health struggles, overcoming confidence issues, the ins and outs of running a business, and more! Come on this ride with us!
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