The Go Eventing Podcast

E07: Go Eventing with John Kyle

“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 take a deep dive into one of the sport’s crown jewels — the Badminton Horse Trials — and we do it with someone who is “the voice of the sport” in many ways, narrating competitions like the Olympics as well as 5*s like Kentucky and Badminton (plus plenty of miles commentating for other equestrian sports!).
🔎What’s Inside Episode 7?
Host Sally Spickard is joined by former eventing rider and current broadcast commentator John Kyle, who is based in the UK with his wife, Pippa Roome of Horse & Hound notoriety, but travels the world to bring his voice and knowledge to equestrian sports in virtually every country. This episode is a blend of event recaps and thoughtful conversations on what it takes to tell the story of eventing to the world — and John’s insights remind us that behind every memorable ride, there’s a story waiting to be told.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
03:12 - News & Notes: Event Recaps and Previews for Badminton, Adelaide, Tryon 4*, and Bicton Eventing Nations Cup
Sally and John touch on Ros Canter & Lordships Graffalo's record achievement at Badminton, Hazel Shannon & WillingaPark Clifford's historic Adelaide win, Boyd Martin & Cooley Nutcracker's triumph at Tryon, and preview the Bicton FEI Eventing Nations Cup, where we'll see our US European Development Tour riders compete.
[The Flying Corgi at Badminton (please keep your dogs under control!)]
[Watch the FEI Eventing Nations Cup on FEI.tv]
54:57 - One Big Thing: Life as a Commentator & Management of Top Events
John gives us his background in eventing and his commentary career, how he prepares for a commentary session, and his advice to those interested in pursuing a similar career path. He and Sally also discuss how to promote events in a better way, prize money and public visibility with the FEI, and the biggest changes and areas for improvement in the sport.
[John Kyle Speaks]
02:02:45 - You Ask, We Answer: Feelings in the Booth, Equestrian Marital Conflict, and an Exorbitant Amount of Airline Miles
Listen in to hear the best event John's worked at, his pet peeves and anxiety in the booth, how many airline miles he has, and the conflicts that arise in sport discussions within his marriage to an equestrian editor.
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
02:14:43 - Finish Flags
Next up on Go Eventing: Adelaide winner Hazel Shannon and high-performance equestrian sports psychologist Natalie Hummel!
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Your voice matters! Share your thoughts, questions, and favorite Badminton moments with us — 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
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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

E06: Go Eventing with Sinead Maynard, presented by Kentucky Performance Products

“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 episode, we’re taking a look behind the curtain of one of the sport’s biggest weeks — with a guest who knows how to navigate the spotlight and the stirrup in equal measure.
This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Kentucky Performance Products Horse Supplements, where The Horse That Matters to You Matters to Us.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 6?
Host Sally Spickard is joined by rider, coach, and new selector Sinead Maynard for a candid and timely conversation that reflects on the highs, lows, and learning moments from the 2025 Kentucky Three-Day Event. From rookie breakthroughs to sanction headlines, no stone is left unturned as the two explore the nuanced realities of modern eventing.
This episode strikes at the heart of what it means to evolve — as a rider, as a sport, and as a community. Through tough conversations (and our EN-trademarked moments of levity), Sally and Sinead remind us that the goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress, empathy, and shared responsibility.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
02:06 - News & Notes: Kentucky Recap & Badminton Preview
Sally and Sinead dive into a recap of the top rides and stories from the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and preview the entries and ones to watch at the upcoming Badminton Horse Trials.
[Read about Ali Kuhn and her viral Pink Pony Club mount Little Hail]
25:11 - One Big Thing: The Role of Commentary, Media, and Social License 
Get behind-the-scenes insights from Sinead about the role of the commentator at international events. She and Sally also address a fairly sensitive topic on everyone's mind right now — how should the media treat incidents like the sanctions that were handed down or like the viral videos of Calvin Böckmann’s near-fall, and how do we help our sport obtain its social license without also brushing things that need to be changed under the rug?
[Warwick Schiller's book: The Principles of Training]
01:13:30 - You Ask, We Answer: The Role of a USEF Selector, Starbucks, & Unread Messages
Learn all about Sinead's important role as a USEF Team Selector, along with her controversial Starbucks order and how many unread texts and emails she currently has on her phone!
[Sally's article on Sinead and Allison Springer's Olympic/Burghley Adventures]
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here!]
01:27:20 - Finish Flags
Upcoming episodes and next co-host: the voice of international eventing himself — John Kyle!
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Your voice matters! Share your thoughts, questions, and Kentucky hot takes with us — 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!
#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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

Mini E02 - Meet Kristyn Sturken of Sentinel Horse Feed

🎙️ Mini Episode: Feeding the Event Horse with Kristyn Sturken of Sentinel Horse Feeds
In this special mini episode, we're joined by Kristyn Sturken, Equine Product Manager at Sentinel Horse Feeds, for a quick-hit conversation packed with helpful insights for feeding your event horse.
🏇 Whether you’re galloping toward your next event or just trying to make sense of all the feed options on the market, Kristyn breaks it down in an approachable, myth-busting chat.
We cover:
🧠 Key considerations when fueling an event horse across all phases of training and competition
💥 What actually gives your horse energy (spoiler: it's not always what you think!)
🧪 Why testing your hay is way more important than most riders realize
❌ Myths about feeding performance horses—and what you should be focusing on
🔍 What extruded feed is and why it might be a game-changer for your horse’s digestion and performance
🎧 Short, sweet, and packed with expert advice, this is one you'll want to revisit next time you’re in the feed room.
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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

E05 : Go Eventing with Sharon White, presented by Sentinel Horse Feeds

“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to The Go Eventing Podcast, the official podcast of Eventing Nation! This is where eventing’s biggest stories, challenges, and triumphs come to life — mixed with a healthy dose of humor, storytelling, and a little behind-the-scenes magic that helps bridge the gap between the everyday eventer and our industry's biggest names. This week, we’re leaning into the electric energy of Kentucky week with one of the sport’s most thoughtful and inspiring voices.
This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Sentinel Horse Feed.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 5?
Host Sally Spickard is joined by 5* rider, coach, and all-around eventing icon Sharon White for a deep and engaging conversation on what it really means to prepare — for Kentucky, for the Olympics, and for life. This one’s part pep talk, part masterclass, and 100% from the heart.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
03:09 - News & Notes: LA2028 Eventing Venue Change & the Kentucky Three-Day Event Preview
We discuss the sudden and shocking change of venue for the equestrian events at the LA2028 Olympics from Galway Downs to Santa Anita Park, and go over the draw order for the Kentucky Three-Day Event 5*, some top competitors in the field, and Sharon's preparation methods for the event.
Disclaimer: We record The Go Eventing Podcast early to allow time for editing, so we've added information about the venue allocation moving to Santa Anita above. 
42:55 - EN Happenings at Kentucky
Come find us at Kentucky! Join EN, Jon Holling, and Kyle Carter for our annual RideIQ Course Walk on Friday, April 25th at 4:30pm after the conclusion of dressage; take photos with the cardboard cutout of Allie Knowles at the World Equestrian Brands booth in the trade fair; snack on some Sentinel-provided charcuterie after cross-country concludes on Saturday, April 26th; and most importantly — Chase the Chinch!!
44:19 - Level Up, sponsored by Sentinel Horse Feed: Preview Mini E02 with Kristyn Sturken
Get a sneak peek at our upcoming Mini Episode #02, coming out this Wednesday, April 23. Sally joins Kristyn Sturken, Equine Product Manager of the Sentinel Nutrition Team, who brings some incredible advice on how nutritionists assess horses for their dietary needs, what myriad of factors are considered, the difference in nutritional needs for Thoroughbreds vs. Warmbloods in eventing, how to properly weigh and measure feed, and so much more. If you have any nutritional questions about your horse or program, you will not want to miss this.
52:54 - One Big Thing: Self-Improvement as an Event Rider
Sally asks Sharon to compare herself now to when she did her first 5*/Kentucky — what was her biggest struggle and how did she overcome it? Sharon shares her wisdom on how mental preparation is crucial for success in high-pressure environments, and discusses how self-improvement is a continuous journey for both riders and their horses.
01:22:49 - You Ask, We Answer: Stubbornness in Horses, Sharon's Tack Trunk Horde, Unread Emails, & Snacks
After some wise advise on stubbornness and new 5* rides, Sally digs deep and uncovers some messy truths about Sharon and her "hoarding" habits, to include gifts, emails, facial products, and snacks. Did you know you can take avocados through airport security??
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:43:37 - Finish Flags
Upcoming episodes and next co-host: co-commentator, USEF Selector, and 5* rider, Sinead Maynard!
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Got thoughts on today’s episode? 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 tack-room listen.
#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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

E04: Go Eventing with Joanie Morris, presented by Kentucky Performance Products

“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This is more than a sport — we're a community, and this week’s episode is a moving reminder of the resilience and unity that define it . 
This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Kentucky Performance Products Horse Supplements, where The Horse That Matters to You Matters to Us.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 4?
Host Sally Spickard sits down with longtime eventing leader and passionate advocate Joanie Morris for a powerful conversation that touches on the past, present, and future of the sport. From discussing upcoming competitions to personal reflections on loss and healing, this honest and heartfelt journey through the many layers that make up our sport exemplifies the strength of the eventing community. 
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
03:53 - News & Notes: Upcoming 5* Entries, Recent 4* Events, and LA2028 & Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Discussing Kentucky and Badminton entries; a recap on TerraNova, Galway, and Thoresby 4*s; a discussion on Thoresby's new frangible technology; Galway Downs nearly confirmed as LA2028 equestrian host site; and Toowoomba announced as Brisbane 2032 host site.
59:09 - One Big Thing: Navigating Grief and Loss
A powerful and emotional discussion on loss, grief, and honoring the legacies of those we've lost; the power of community support; and why open communication, shared experiences, and allowing space for grief matter more than ever.Legacy Grants/Memorial Grants:
USEA Foundation
Annie Goodwin Rising Star
01:46:01 - You Ask, We Answer: Life as an Event Organizer, What Drives You Crazy, and Unread Texts
Listener questions on Joanie's role as an event organizer, her biggest pet peeves, what she does to unplug, and how many unread texts she currently has on her phone.
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
02:12:49 - Finish Flags
Upcoming episodes and next co-host: Sharon White! 
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Got thoughts on today’s episode? 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!
#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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

E03: Go Eventing with Ema Klugman, presented by Sentinel Horse Feed

“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to The Go Eventing Podcast, the official podcast of Eventing Nation! This is where eventing’s biggest stories, challenges, and triumphs come to life — mixed with humor, storytelling, and conversations that help bridge the gap between the everyday eventer and our industry's biggest names.
This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Sentinel Horse Feed.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 3?
Host and Managing Editor Sally Spickard is joined by the ever-engaging Ema Klugman to break down recent competitions, the evolution of eventing, and what it takes to build a sustainable future for North American riders. From course design to horse ownership, this episode covers it all!
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
02:02 - News & Notes: Carolina International Review & Upcoming International Event Previews
Recap on the Carolina International; update on the US Equestrian Open leaderboard; quick previews for the upcoming Galway Downs, Thoresby, and TerraNova 4* events; reviewing the Montelibretti 4*-L in Italy
[Carolina International 4*-S Fence 9]
44:53 - One Big Thing: 5* Horse Numbers & Obtaining and Retaining Owners and Syndicates
Sally and Ema discuss Ema's recent published article on eventing in North America facing challenges in producing 5* horses.
The role of owners in supporting riders, a focus on long-term development, the importance of honesty and communication in horse syndication and ownership, and building trust with owners for long-term relationships.
40:12 - Level Up, sponsored by Sentinel Horse Feed: Nutrition for the Event Horse, Outside Careers, and Balance 
The importance of nutrition for both horse and rider, balancing a professional riding career with a professional "real job", the difficulties with both, and what small things someone in similar circumstances can do to maintain the balance.
01:20:34 - You Ask, We Answer: Horse & Rider Fitness
What does a typical day look like for Ema as she balances her full-time job as a law clerk?
What animal would Ema take cross country if not a horse?
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:34:18 - Finish Flags
Upcoming episodes and next co-host: Joanie Morris 
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Got thoughts on today’s episode? 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!
#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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

Mini E01 - Meet Kareem Rosser

Welcome to the first “mini” episode of The Go Eventing Podcast!
Throughout the season, we’ll be bringing you a few of these more traditional interview-style episodes to catch up with the fascinating and inspiring people with whom we cross paths. Stay tuned for more of these shorter interviews coming your way this year.
In this interview, which we’ve left unedited, you’ll meet Kareem Rosser, the author of “Crossing the Line” and “When You’re Ready”, two deeply personal memoirs that touch on Kareem’s background, his life with horses and involvement with the Work to Ride organization in Philadelphia, and his love for Lee Lee Jones. Lee Lee, step-daughter to U.S. eventer Phillip Dutton, is a former eventer who sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2016. Her injury and subsequent recovery is told from the perspective of Kareem, who was in a relationship with Lee Lee at the time of her accident.
Get out the tissues and get ready to be inspired listening to Kareem talk with such strength and vulnerability.
Learn more about Kareem and order your copies of his books at kareemrosser.com.
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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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

E02: Go Eventing with Bec Braitling, presented by Kentucky Performance Products

“Where Eventing Lives”
Welcome back to The Go Eventing Podcast, the official podcast of Eventing Nation! This is where eventing’s biggest stories, challenges, and triumphs come to life — mixed with humor, storytelling, and conversations that help bridge the gap between the everyday eventer and our industry's biggest names.
This episode is brought to you with support from our title sponsor, Kentucky Performance Products Horse Supplements, where The Horse That Matters to You Matters to Us
🔎What’s Inside Episode 2?
Host and Managing Editor Sally Spickard teams up with eventing powerhouse Rebecca Braitling to dive into the latest happenings in the eventing world. From competition highlights to the future of eventing programs, this episode is packed with insights, advocacy, and a few fun surprises.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
02:09 - News & Notes: Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase Recap, USEF Leadership, & Carolina International Preview
Breaking down recent and upcoming events, standout performances, what leadership changes are on the horizon, and how they could impact riders at all levels.
40:12 - One Big Thing: Developing Riders and Coaches
Why youth programs are essential and how they’re shaping the future of the sport; how structured leadership and coaching development shape the experience for all riders; exploring pathways for adult riders to stay involved and continue progressing in the sport; and unique challenges and opportunities for West Coast riders and why advocacy is crucial.
01:12:40 - You Ask, We Answer: Australia, Adult Riders, and Advice
Listener questions on eventing in Australia and all their scary creatures, advice for adult riders, stories from Bec's past, and Bec and Sally's favorite top horses.
"The 10X Rule" book
[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
01:31:24 - Finish Flags
Upcoming mini-episodes and next co-hosts.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman
🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!
Got thoughts on today’s episode? 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!
#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 bring you closer to the horses, riders, and stories that make our sport unforgettable. 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