The Go Eventing Podcast
The Go Eventing Podcast powered by Eventing Nation is your front-row seat to the heartbeat of eventing. From exclusive athlete interviews to behind-the-scenes insights, we dive into the heart of the sport with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights from the top riders, coaches, and industry professionals.
Our vision: Celebrate the stories of eventing while connecting fans, riders, and supporters worldwide.
What makes us different:
🎤Rider-first conversations
💬 Honest, unfiltered stories
🧑🤝🧑 A community-driven approach
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a passionate fan, or just getting into the eventing scene, we’ve got something for you. From thrilling competition recaps to training tips, lifestyle stories, and a bit of humor along the way, join us as we celebrate the highs, lows, and everything in between of the world’s most exciting equestrian discipline. Let’s Go Eventing!
New episodes every other Tuesday. More content on EventingNation.com.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives
The Go Eventing Podcast powered by Eventing Nation is your front-row seat to the heartbeat of eventing. From exclusive athlete interviews to behind-the-scenes insights, we dive into the heart of the sport with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and expert insights from the top riders, coaches, and industry professionals.
Our vision: Celebrate the stories of eventing while connecting fans, riders, and supporters worldwide.
What makes us different:
🎤Rider-first conversations
💬 Honest, unfiltered stories
🧑🤝🧑 A community-driven approach
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a passionate fan, or just getting into the eventing scene, we’ve got something for you. From thrilling competition recaps to training tips, lifestyle stories, and a bit of humor along the way, join us as we celebrate the highs, lows, and everything in between of the world’s most exciting equestrian discipline. Let’s Go Eventing!
New episodes every other Tuesday. More content on EventingNation.com.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives
Episodes

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. The spotlight this week is on the Defender Burghley Horse Trials — one of the most iconic stops on both the British and global eventing calendar — and our hosts this week join you from a very... unique studio! The conversation highlights the significance of horse welfare and the role of the ground jury in protecting both horses and riders, while also celebrating young talents who are quickly climbing the ranks. With team shoutouts, personal anecdotes, plenty of humor, and a touch of exasperation woven in, this recap captures the passion and spirit of eventing at its best.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 15?
Host Sally Spickard is joined by Eventing Nation editor and British correspondent Tilly Berendt for a lively recap of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. From Ros Canter’s historic victory aboard Walter, to the electric atmosphere of Burghley’s knowledgeable crowds, this episode dives into the biggest moments, rising stars, and upcoming competitions that are shaping the fall season.
It’s not just about who won — it’s about what the event means for the sport, the riders, the horses, and the fans who follow. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful analysis, EN's token deprecating humor, behind-the-scenes moments, or simply want to stay connected to the global eventing conversation, this episode captures the heart of why we all love eventing.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
1:35 - News & Notes: Morven and Maryland Upcoming, 5* Travel Grants, & New Garmin Tech
Sally and Tilly discuss the next big upcoming events, including the $200,000 US Equestrian Open Final at Morven Park and the Maryland 5 Star. Plus, Sally announces the launch of an exciting new equine wearable coming to the market soon after a recently-attended press event — the Garmin Blaze. Keep an eye out for a product review coming soon!
[Save 5% on MD 5* General Admission tickets with code EVENTINGNATION]
8:01 - Go Eventing Shout-Outs
Sally and Tilly recognize EN journalist Chegg Darlington, and Tilly sets aside special shout-outs for the Burghley event team and the 5* grooms, with a special one reserved for Francesca Denning, groom for Austin O'Connor and his fan-favorite mount, Colorado Blue.
Submit your own Go Eventing Shout-outs at podcast@eventingnation.com!
17:30 - One Big Thing: Burghley in the Rearview
Expect insights into how young riders are stepping up on the international stage, why Ros Canter’s win is already being called historic, and how the ground jury plays a vital role in maintaining both transparency and horse welfare. You’ll also hear about the atmosphere that makes Burghley one of the most unique and spectator-friendly events in the world, from the buzz of the crowds to the unforgettable moments that only happen here.
[Amanda Chance's FB post on Burghley Breeding Lines]
1:18:53 - You Ask, We Answer: Tiny Horse Army & XC Mounts
Get ready for exasperation, humor, and Sally and Tilly's somewhat delirious vibes... because post-event EN team members are all of the above and more.
[Submit your questions for our co-hosts here]
1:20:38 - Finish Flags
Keep an eye out for our exciting final few (secret) co-hosts before our first season comes to an end!
🎧 Want to keep following along with eventing at its best?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the Go Eventing Podcast to help grow our community! Connect with us @goeventing, or you can reach us anytime at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's make this your favorite tack room listen.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
E14: Go Eventing with Michael Pollard, presented by HorsePal
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. If you’ve ever dreamed of testing your limits, wanted an inside look at the Mongol Derby, or just need a dose of inspiration, this episode brings a rare perspective on what it means to truly partner with a horse — and with yourself — in the ultimate test of endurance. This conversation blends inspiration, humor, and heart, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves stories of resilience and camaraderie in the equestrian world.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 14?
In this episode of the Go Eventing Podcast, host Sally Spickard is joined by Michael Pollard, who shares his incredible adventure competing in the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest (and most grueling) horse race. From the logistical hurdles of traveling to Mongolia to the unique challenges of riding semi-wild horses across hundreds of miles, Michael reflects on the endurance, horsemanship, and grit required to take on such a test.
Michael also dives into the themes of teamwork, integrity, and faith — values that shaped both his experience in the Derby and his wider career in equestrian sports. He opens up about personal growth, balancing passion with profession, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the gratitude he feels for the unwavering support of his wife, Amber, and the wider equestrian community.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
6:04 - News & Notes: Overseas at Arville Nations Cup, Selector’s Role, and Upcoming at Morven & Maryland
Sally and Michael discuss Team USA's recent success at the Nations Cup at Arville, with Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z taking the individual gold. Michael lends his unique perspective as a team selector to the topic of team competition and the high level of talent being displayed on the European stage, and don't miss the end-of-season finales at both the Maryland 5 Star and Morven Park's US Equestrian Open Finale this October.
Use ticket code "EVENTINGNATION" for 5% off all GA or reserved seats at the Maryland 5 Star, October 16-19.
12:52 - Go Eventing Shout-Outs
Sally recognizes the course builders and designers at events, and Michael gives a heartwarming thank you to his wife, Amber, for her frankly intimidating level of efficiency while he was gone in Mongolia.
Listener Courtney M. also shouts out Bec Braitling, Caroline & Luigi of Inavale Farm, Rosey Paulson, and Debbie Herron.
[Check out Jay Hambly and Derek Di Grazia's course team at work (and the 10/10 effort over that ditch jump)]
Submit your own Go Eventing Shout-outs at podcast@eventingnation.com!
20:07 - One Big Thing: Michael Pollard in Mongolia
Dive in to to Michael's captivating adventure across the Mongolian steppes and learn all about his prep, strategies, and how this experience changed him as a man, rider, and professional. He and Sally recap his most memorable moments, his newly-gained insights on the horses, culture, and environment, and the deep and personal relationships he quickly made among the other competitors. Michael notes that his eventing background gave him a much different advantage than many of his endurance-savvy co-racers, and further details the parallels he found to eventing along his journey.
[Chronicle of the Horse Article]
[Michael on the Jon & Rick Show]
[Michael on Noelle Floyd: Equestrian Voices]
1:39:54 - You Ask, We Answer: Bucket List, Whole Foods Cake, and Michael’s Terrible No Good Very Bad Selections Day
Now that this bucket list item has been checked off for Michael, what's next? Before any of that, of course, he sings an ode to Whole Foods cake — truly the pinnacle of American luxury dessert. He and Sally play a rather amusing game of Two Truths and a Lie that honestly leaves us with more questions than answers...
Thank you to the following Instagram accounts for submitting your questions for Michael!
@s.mcintosh07 and @s_byars_eventing
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
1:56:33 - Finish Flags
Next up: Sally will be running around at AEC this week — and stay tuned for our next episode live from Burghley!
🎧 Want to keep following along with eventing at its best?
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the Go Eventing Podcast to help grow our community! Connect with us @goeventing, or you can reach us anytime at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts!
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Mini E03 - Meet Catherine Winter of Ride EquiSafe
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
🎙️ Mini Episode: Safe in the Saddle with Catherine Winter of Ride EquiSafe
In this special mini episode, we're joined by Catherine Winter, Founder and CEO of Ride EquiSafe, for a focused conversation on the evolving landscape of safety in equestrian sports. From helmet fitting and body protectors to stirrup design and air vests, Catherine shares why safety is a deeply personal decision that requires informed, proactive choices.
The discussion highlights how research and innovation are driving improvements in rider safety, why inclusivity in equipment design matters, and the role high-profile riders play in setting a positive example for the community.
Don't forget to sign up for our Ride EquiSafe x Eventing Nation Safe in the Saddle giveaway![Click here to enter to win a $250 gift certificate to Ride EquiSafe]
We cover:
🪖 How to find a helmet that actually fits (and why price ≠ protection)
🦺 Body protectors vs. air vests — what’s the difference, and do you need both?
🔬 How research (like Virginia Tech’s helmet ratings) is shaping smarter safety choices
💇♀️ Why hair type and style really matter when fitting helmets
🌍 The push for more inclusive, innovative safety gear for every rider
Episode links:
Protective Hairstyle Helmet Fitting Guide by Tipperary
Catherine's Waterproof Weather or Not Equestrian Breeches
🎧 Short, sweet, and packed with expert advice, this is one you'll want to revisit — especially if it's time for you to reevaluate your safety gear.
Contact Catherine at info@rideequisafe.com, or stop by her booth at the following events!
American Eventing Championships (August 25-31)Tryon International storefront (Vendor Cabins 5 & 6)World Equestrian Festival (Exhibitor's Village)

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week's discussion blends behind-the-scenes stories and lighthearted celebrity comparisons with deep reflections on resilience, trust, and the emotional milestones that define a rider’s career. From training a challenging horse to navigating team dynamics and overcoming missed opportunities, listen in to hear stories on perseverance, evolving perspectives on horse care, and the joys of celebrating a horse’s life beyond the competition arena.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 13?
First and foremost: we wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Sarah Yorke, a rider in England who tragically passed away after an incident on cross country while competing at Aston-le-Walls. Her horse was not hurt. You can visit the British Eventing Support Trust here.
In this heartfelt episode, host Sally Spickard welcomes Tamie Smith and Alex Ahearn to reflect on the incredible career and lasting legacy of Mai Baum — affectionately known as Lexus — as he heads into retirement.
Tamie and Alex open up about the journey they’ve shared with this extraordinary horse, from Alex’s first rides as a junior to Tamie’s years of championship competition. Along the way, they discuss the pivotal role of financial support in equestrian sport, the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of keeping the horse's welfare at the center of the conversation.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
01:34 - News & Notes: Rider Grants, Road to the Horse, & European Championships
Sally relays the application openings for the 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Award and the awarding of support funds from the newly-founded Georgie Campbell Foundation. She, Tamie, and Alex also discuss the 2026 running of Road to the Horse, in which 5* eventer Elisa Wallace will be competing. Additionally, keep an eye out this week for the release of each country's nominated entries for the FEI Eventing European Championships at Blenheim!
08:26 - Go Eventing Shout-outs
Alex shouts out her bosses, Tamie thanks those who attended her clinic at Rebecca Farm, and Sally draws attention to Mary Sawyer, the first eventer to receive the USEA Century Award in 2022 who just won another Century Award for the second time.
[Read more about Mary Sawyer here]
Submit your own Go Eventing Shout-outs at podcast@eventingnation.com!
13:56 - One Big Thing: Mai Baum — The Horse of a Lifetime
Tamie opens up about the perseverance required to ride and train a horse with such talent and complexity, while Alex reflects on their partnership from the early days at novice to the heights of upper-level eventing. The conversation explores the importance of financial support in equestrian sports, the role of community recognition, and the life-changing impact of opportunities like the Rebecca Broussard International Development Grant. They discuss partnership dynamics, horse welfare, fitness and veterinary care, and how perspectives on horse care evolve over time.
1:23:24 - You Ask, We Answer: Sharing Lexus, Students of the Sport, and Tamie’s Stripper Bod...?
Serious questions are asked and answers shared on the dynamic between owner and rider, lessons Tamie and Alex have learned along their journey, and what it takes to keep a champion's mindset amidst the various trials and challenges they both have faced. Tamie and Alex also share a lighthearted debate on which human celebrity Lexus would be, his infamous quirks and demands, and things they've laughed at over the years. Tamie also recalls the humorous lines she's had to draw in regard to her body and physical shape.
Thank you to the following Instagram accounts for submitting your questions for Tamie and Alex!
@payton_white_eventing, @ponyboy_eventing, @woodgefulton, @aubeys_eq_ponies, @geedubleyoo, @k_huppe, and (previous Go Eventing Guest!) @nataliehummelcoaching
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
1:35:53 - Finish Flags
At least seven eventers are currently competing in the Mongol Derby, including Michael Pollard who has WON the Derby at the time of publishing! Follow along with the rest of the race [here] or @mongolderby on Instagram.
Next time we talk to you, we'll be on the ground for the American Eventing Championships at Galway Downs!
🎧 Want to know more about Tamie, Alex, and Mai Baum?
We at EN have been Lexus fans from the start of his career, and have covered his and Tamie's rise to the top along the way! Find event coverage, articles and more at @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's keep building this community together.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
E12: Go Eventing with Noor Slaoui
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. In this week's powerful and inspiring episode, we invite you to look with us beyond the competition results, and focus more on how eventing can evolve to become more inclusive, more global, and more sustainable. Whether you’re an athlete, fan, coach, or advocate, this episode is a reminder that eventing’s future is global — and that there’s more than one way to reach the top.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 12?
Host Sally Spickard sits down with Noor Slaoui, the first woman from the Arab States region to compete in Olympic Eventing. From riding mules in the Moroccan mountains to training in France to England where she now runs a successful competition and training program, Noor’s journey is one of bold ambition, cultural pride, and a deep belief in what’s possible. She speaks candidly about the highs and lows of being a trailblazer, from the financial hurdles of high-performance sport to the cultural richness of Morocco’s equestrian heritage.
Also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Noor opens up about the challenges of entering the sport later than most, her emotional debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and how she’s creating meaningful change in the Moroccan and global equestrian communities.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
02:29 - News & Notes: Mai Baum's Retirement, Fall 5*s, and Rethinking Productivity
There wasn't a dry eye in the house during Mai Baum's retirement ceremony at the Event at Rebecca Farm, so Sally and Noor take us back down memory road with some of his and Tamie's most notable accomplishments. They also cover the upcoming 5*s to be tackled in Defender Burghley and the MARS Maryland 5 Star, as well as several exciting changes coming to Maryland with their new course designer, Paris Olympic designer Pierre Le Goupil.
Sally and Noor dive into a deeper discussion from a recent COTH article by Matt Brown, titled "Working Ourselves Into The Ground: Rethinking Productivity In The Equestrian World". Noor draws several parallels to the article from her own journey, and she and Sally discuss how sustainability in this sport requires a true step back to confront and address.
"What if we saw a professional who takes a rest day as someone who’s responsible, not lazy? What if we admired a trainer who works fewer horses but develops them slowly, thoughtfully, and with joy? What if we celebrated business models that prioritize sustainability over volume?" - Matt Brown
Congratulations to the winners of our Go Eventing Podcast 10th Episode Giveaway!
Andrea M., Minnesota
Melanie N., North Carolina
Aubrey B., Nevada
Brittany C., New Hampshire
23:54 - One Big Thing: Inclusivity and Worldwide Eventing
Noor's journey is quite the unique one, and as she and Sally discuss everything from growing eventing in smaller countries to the French education and horse production system, they shed some light on inclusivity, elitism, and longevity in the sport. Noor discusses her upbringing in Morocco riding mules in the mountains and desert, and how she often felt (and still feels) that she is playing a constant game of catch-up while giving her all to be an ambassador for her country. She pushes for advocacy, representation, and education globally, all while keeping both her past and future in mind.
Also, check out Cash In Hand's custom plastic shoes that he wore for the Paris 2024 Olympics!
01:11:40 - You Ask, We Answer: Mules, Bucket Lists, & Forgetting Literally Everything
Noor's organized and logical answer to our horse-sized ducks/duck-sized horses question gets a real laugh out of Sally, and she discusses various travel items on her horsey bucket list. In the game of Two Truths and a Lie, what do you think Noor forgot at home when she traveled to compete at Luhmühlen?? (spoiler alert: it's literally everything)
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:20:00 - Finish Flags
Upcoming guest co-hosts include Windurra #Supergroom Steph Simpson, Olympic Show Jumping Gold Medalist and US Eventing Team coach Peter Wylde, and a super-secret guest we hope to reveal soon!
🎧 Inspired by Noor’s journey?
Connect with us @goeventing and let us know how Go Eventing is sparking your own passion or purpose. You can also reach us anytime at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's make this your favorite barn commute listen.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
E11: Go Eventing with Ifa Simmonds, presented by Horsepal
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
In this episode of Go Eventing, we’re bringing energy, education, and honest conversation to the forefront. From cultural shifts to core muscular strength, this episode blends insight and inspiration with real-world takeaways. This episode is a must for anyone who’s ever felt like fitness was an afterthought or an overwhelming mountain to climb, with clarity, compassion, and actionable advice to an often-overlooked element of equestrian sport.
Understanding the order of development matters as much as the work itself. We discuss the importance of challenging "pain culture", building a sustainable wellness mindset, and how riders can take accountability for their fitness journey with intention, not guilt.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 11?
Host Sally Spickard is joined by Ifa Simmonds — equestrian fitness performance coach and founder of The Equestrian Fitness Academy — for a deep and energizing conversation about what it really means to be fit to ride — and how rethinking fitness can change everything, for both horse and rider.
Fresh off her trip to CHIO Aachen, Sally reflects on the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s premier equestrian events, and how its inclusive, celebratory vibe can serve as a model for the sport’s future.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
05:52 - News & Notes: An EN Passport to CHIO Aachen & Rebecca Farm
Ifa’s million dollar rant might just be the next big thing! He and Sally discuss Aachen, its format and structure of this particular venue, and what we hope to see at the Event at Rebecca Farm.
42:55 - One Big Thing: Why Fitness Isn't JUST About Squats and Crunches
Performance and prevention are interlinked -- we can’t just be focused on performance, but also can’t be solely focused on prevention because we will worry about what might happen. Join Ifa and Sally in an incredibly in-depth conversation about the balance between you, your horse, your fitness, and your lifestyle.
01:04:32 - You Ask, We Answer: Low-Budget Fitness, Fleets of Horse-Ducks, & Two Truths and a Lie
Ifa plays Two Truths and a Lie with Sally, but beware of his fleet of tiny horse-ducks...!
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:32:39 - Finish Flags
Next up: the amazing Noor Slauai of Morocco, who we all fell in love with at the Paris 2024 Olympics💪
🎧 Ready to Rethink Rider Fitness?We’d love to hear how you’re applying the Four Pillars in your own journey! Connect with us @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's keep building this community together.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
E10: Go Eventing with Bettina Hoy, presented by Kentucky Performance Products
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
It’s a milestone episode! 🎉 Welcome to Episode 10 of Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week, we are joined by an Olympic rider, coach, and all-around icon to recap the latest 5* action and explore the deeper elements that keep eventing evolving. This episode is a masterclass wrapped in a celebration — a thoughtful, honest conversation with one of eventing’s most trusted cornerstones. Whether you're a rider, a fellow Team Germany fan, or just someone who loves to dig deep into the sport at its core, this one is packed with insight, experienced advice, and trademark humor.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 10?
Host Sally Spickard is joined by one of her (and let's face it, everyone's) idols: The Bettina Hoy, fresh off the heels of the Luhmühlen 5* in her home country of Germany. Bettina and Sally unpack standout performances, including Ros Canter’s continued dominance and Malin Hansen-Hotopp’s inspiring rise. They dive deeper into the principles that underpin our sport: fitness, preparation, education, and emotional connection, and Bettina shares her expert insights on judging, coaching, and the future of eventing, including what riders and officials alike must do to ensure the sport grows in the right direction. There are also giveaways, laughter, and listener questions, because what’s a celebration without a little party?
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
03:12 - News & Notes: 10th Episode Giveaway, Ros Canter at Luhmühlen, LA28 Course Design, & Aachen Preview
This is our 10th episode, so we're celebrating with prizes!! Leave us a rating/review and send a screenshot to podcast@eventingnation.com to enter, or post the screenshot to your IG story and tag @goeventing. Sign up for our Between the Flags email newsletter for a bonus entry!
Sally and Bettina listen to a short interview from Tilly with Ros Canter and the changes she made from last year's run at Luhmühlen – because yes, even the best of the best can be caught off-guard! They also touch on Malin Hansen-Hotopp's perseverance and passion, LA28's difficult cross-country design challenges to be faced, and the upcoming CHIO Aachen 4*.
[Click to enter the Go Eventing Podcast 10th Episode Giveaway!]
[Watch Aachen on ClipMyHorse.tv]
38:39 - One Big Thing: High Performance Habits
Bettina is one of the most trusted voices in eventing for a reason, so she and Sally take a deep dive into her coaching philosophy, a real talk on judging, and break down the need for emotional intelligence in riding. You'll want to put your comfort zone aside as they discuss how growth often starts with discomfort, how that applies in the saddle, and the importance of improved and continual education for judges and riders alike. Bettina's unmatched experience as a rider, coach, champion, and the most shrewd of judges brings an incredible wealth of knowledge to many unanswered questions – so turn up the volume and learn just why she coaches the very best.
01:18:37 - You Ask, We Answer: Listener Questions, Duck-Sized Horses, & Dream Eventing Rules
Do you remember Sally saying in our first episode that she'd never want to battle Bettina Hoy: Intimidating CrossFit Warrior? Well it turns out that Bettina would join a fight – but is it against 100 duck-sized horses, or one eventing-fit horse-sized duck? 👀 You'll have to listen to find out, along with her cheat meal, the best horse she ever rode, and what her first executive order would be on day one as Eventing World President.
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:32:39 - Finish Flags
Tune in to our next episode of Go Eventing to hear all the best tips from fitness guru Ifa Simmonds! Be sure to keep an eye out next month for our first #Supergroom feature, the one and only Stephanie Simpson: Boyd Martin Wrangler and Windurra Head Boss.
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Got thoughts, questions, or feedback? Your voice is a part of our story – we want to hear from you! Find us on social media @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's keep building this community together.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
E09: Go Eventing with Natalie Hummel & Hannah Sue Hollberg
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week, we welcome not just one, but two names from the eventing scene to the podcast! Fresh off the heels of several major events across the globe, this episode highlights performances, preparation, and progression, all while pulling back the curtain on how mental and emotional development are essential tools for both rider and horse.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 9?
Host Sally Spickard sits down with 5* rider Hannah Sue Hollberg and High Performance Coach Natalie Hummel for a wide-ranging discussion that bridges elite competition with emotional intelligence, personal healing, and the evolving role of coaching in equestrian sport. Natalie shares insights from her work in performance coaching, including how athletes can develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and radical responsibility, while Hannah reflects on the lessons learned from competition and how her own evolution has deepened her partnership with horses. This episode is a deep dive into the soul of the sport — a reminder that while the fences may be big, the real breakthroughs often happen in the quiet, unspoken moments of reflection and connection.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
02:00 - News & Notes: Reviewing the MARS Bromont, Defender Bramham, & Melbourne International 4*-Ls
Sally and Hannah review Bromont and its status as a critical benchmark for riders moving up to the 5* level, Bramham's position as a staple to identify rising talent in the UK, and the thrilling finale at the Melbourne International Three-Day Event. They also discuss Lauren Nicholson's recent wins and Team USA's preparation for the high-stakes competitions to come as we finish out the second half of the year.
22:14 - One Big Thing: Mental Health & Space and Its Application in our Horse Lives
Natalie Hummel takes us on an educational journey of the power of emotional regulation, healing in and out of the saddle, and why a non-judgmental, curiosity-driven approach helps both riders and horses thrive. As a student of Natalie's, Hannah Sue offers insight as to how this approach has personally helped her move from a state of reaction to a state of balance, and how Natalie's journey has helped athletes of all levels look inward to unlock their performance goals, transform their behavior, and take ownership of their role as a rider.
[How to Heal - Early Bird Pricing (over $700 off!)]
[How to Perform - Early Bird Pricing (over $700 off!)]
01:33:30 - You Ask, We Answer: Future Dressage Fashion, Rhinos on Course, and Hannah’s Treat Training
What new rule would you add to eventing if you could choose? Learn what Hannah's would be, and how she taught a particularly spooky horse to become acclimated to unusual cross-country obstacles!
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:46:50 - Finish Flags
Next up on Go Eventing, Sally fulfills a long-awaited check on her bucket list as she interviews the one and only Bettina Hoy! Stay tuned as they discuss the world talent that will grace CHIO Aachen in a few short weeks.
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Your voice is a part of our story! Send us your questions, stories, and feedback — we want to hear from you! Find us on Instagram and Facebook @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's make this your favorite barn commute listen.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives






