How much therapy is too much? This week, we’re talking about the million and one ways you can pamper your equine athlete. We’ll break down what we’ve tried and what actually works. The USEF is taking a stand on cannabis in horses, and have you ever met a girl who can run... like a horse? Listen in...
Would you take a virtual riding lesson? We’re talking to a top dressage trainer who is expanding her training business, thanks to technology and the internet. This week, we’ll dissect the biggest WTF moment at the Kentucky Derby, give Piggy the praise she deserves, and do riders actually get to keep the prize money they win?
It’s the Best Weekend All Year! We’re coming to you live from the trade floor at the Kentucky Horse Park at the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event. We’ve got a great group of five-star riders on the show tonight: Hawley Bennett-Awad, Hannah Sue Burnett, Caroline Martin and Bec Braitling. Thanks for tuning in...
Are we beating up our horses? This week, we’re talking to the USEA’s president elect on why American eventing horses have such a short shelf life. Olympian Kyle Carter joins us, too, and has some tricks on what to look for when watching the pros whip around cross-country. And, did you know Jon Snow from Game Of Thrones can really ride? We didn’t either! Thanks for tuning in...
We’ve got a brand new guest for you to meet! This week, we’re discussing our favorite tricks and tips to be show-ready. We’ll discuss why we love Ice Horse boots for cold therapy, and is it bad if cats pee in your hay? Thanks for tuning in...
The struggle is real, apparently, for male riders looking for quality men’s riding clothes. This week, we brought in an expert to dissect the issue properly. Also, we’ll discuss why barn work doesn’t count as exercise, and why the heck everyone we know has a "side hustle." Thanks for tuning in...
Every equestrian has too much stuff. There’s no denying it. But what happens when it all sparks joy? We’ll discuss when is it time to purge and what you should keep. This week, we’ll get a update on all things Wellington, as the winter show season is in full swing, and we’ll talk about something kind of taboo: talking to your horse in the show ring. Thanks for tuning in...
Are you a hunter poofie? That’s what the German Riding Instructor says I am. This week, we’re talking to the Facebook-famous horse trainer himself. Also, McLain Ward is the best in the saddle (but, also as a human); we have a new favorite subscription box; and, we forever rejoice in being “weird horse girls.” Thanks for tuning in...
We’ve all been there--even Olympians: Those jittery nerves that turn all thoughts into bad ones, right before it’s time to enter the ring. This week, we’ll discuss how to handle hardcore anxiety. Also, equestrians have a bad habit of going against medical advice. Why do we do that, and what are the repercussions? Thanks for tuning in...
Sometimes "bling" can get a little out of control. When does it cross the line of classy to tacky? We’ll discuss. Also this week, we have a pro super groom on the show, and she’ll share all her secrets. Thanks for tuning in...
It’s 2019, and you know what that means - New Year's resolutions. Two special guests will share their tricks and tips on how they stay on track with their goals. A new year also means new rules, and you’ll never guess who beat Mclain and Beezie in one year-end contest. Thanks for tuning in...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and a special guest will share everything you need to know about the most "Christmas" horse show there is: Olympia, in London. This week, we talk about natural horsemanship in English disciplines and recap our own highs and lows of the year. Thanks for tuning in...
Everybody has bad days. But, how do you overcome the nagging feeling of being a total loser? This week, we’re talking about setting realistic goals, women power in the horse industry, and a gutsy 8-year-old whose fearlessness landed him a spot in an Olympian’s barn. Thanks for tuning in...
The holiday season is upon us, if you can believe it. This week, we’ll share our favorite gift recommendations for all the horsey friends and family in your life. And we’ll sprinkle in some fun holiday cheer, too. Thanks for tuning in...
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? It’s 2018, so that is the question. This week, we’ve got a special guest on the the show who wants to help out all those helpless parents with pony-crazy kids and have no idea where to start. Plus winter is coming, and we’ve got some tips on how to stay warm. Thanks for tuning in...
We all love our dogs, but should they really be allowed at horse shows? This week, Jess is in Europe where there are DJs on the cross-country course, apparently. We’ll share our tips on how to stay fit when you can’t ride, and you’ll never guess which Hollywood actors bonded with their horse co-stars on set. Listen in...
When is it appropriate to speak out on social media? We’ll discuss the pros & potential pitfalls this week. Also, cannabis is medicine for humans now, and also for horses. Go figure. Ever wonder what it’s like to show in the hustle & bustle of a downtown city? Us, too. Listen in...
From the endurance fiasco to heart-bursting wins in dressage (not to mention a looming hurricane), the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games has been an emotional roller coaster. This week, we’re discussing all things WEG with a special guest and offering our tips on how to re-train OTTBs. Listen in...
If you had two minutes to explain horse sports to a stranger, would you use cartoons? The FEI did. This eventer got a well-deserved shout out from the actor, Chris Pratt, and we can’t believe it! Also WEG is almost here, so this week we’re getting pumped up for all the things Tryon, N.C. Listen in...
If you’re a woman, then you’ve likely had to tackle tight white breeches & a tampon at the same time. We feel you, girl. This week, we have a special guest who is using dressage techniques to better her show jumping. And breaking news: We’ve got merch! Listen in...
Breyers are the horse gateway drug, am I right? This week, we’re talking about how the barn brings us all together, no matter our age. Also why figure 8 bridles are cool and our favorite tricks for confirmationally-challenged horses. Listen in...
Clydesdales can event? You betta believe it! This week, we’re talking about our favorite riding clothes that actually fit like they’re supposed to, that time Jess broke her collarbone nine weeks before Rolex and why is it so frickin’ hard to livestream events? Thanks for tuning in...
We’re in awe over our special guest this week, who has overcome some exceptional challenges. This week, we’re discussing the most fabulous horsey wedding ever, our favorite summer barn hacks and celebrating a very special anniversary. Thanks for tuning in...
This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, we’re talking to an equestrian internet celebrity that could very well be the next “Hot Horseman” of the year. Some riders are using resistance bands while in the saddle for training. And we’ll discuss when you see someone doing something sketchy, at what point is it appropriate to say something about it? Thanks for tuning in...
The #MeToo movement has officially hit the horse world, but what does it mean for the sport and our young athletes? This week, we discuss our favorite products to beat the heat in summer. We’ll share memories of our favorite mentors over the years, and discuss why building each other up is important. Listen in...
This week, we’re excited to welcome British equestrian journalist, Victoria Goff, as a special guest. We’ll chat about all things horses in the UK (hint: it rains, A LOT), and we dish on one of our favorite new books. Listen in...
We talk a lot about the physical strength of riders when it comes to “making it” in horse sports. But what about mental strength? We discuss how to handle “all the things”, from the desire to win & compete, to the pressures of social media. Jess shares her journey of going from a junior to riding in college to turning pro and we tried out a new skin care line just for equestrians. Listen in...
Live from the Kentucky Horse Park at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! We’re talking to Waylon Roberts, Lainey Ashker, Megan Kepferle, Tik Maynard and Sinead Halpin from the floor of the trade fair, fresh after day two of dressage. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 22: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Host: Sally Spickard, an event rider Title Sponsor: Photo Credit: Heels Down...
We’re just a week away from a face-to-face reunion in Lexington, and it’s going to be epic. This week, we have three special guests on the show to help us ramp up for the excitement of show jumping and eventing in Kentucky. One lucky guest will get to play Rose and Thorn with us, too. Listen in...
We can only hope to be 60 one day and still riding, let alone winning like badass Margie Engle. This week, we share our tips on how to be competitive when you don’t have deep pockets, and Jess shares her fitness tips on how to come back strong after a long break. Thanks for tuning in...
