Sean Vard: Unmatched Work Ethic and Success Story of the Leading Show Groom

This week, we’re excited to share an inspiring conversation with Niamh McEvoy, one of the brightest rising stars in Irish showjumping. Recorded at the Sunshine Tour, this episode takes a closer look at Niamh’s incredible year, which includes winning team gold at the Young Rider Championships and individual gold at the Five-Year-Old World Championships. Niamh opens up about her journey, sharing how training at Ballypatrick Stables in Ireland has shaped her career and philosophy. She also gives us an exclusive preview of Ballypatrick’s highly anticipated online auction on December 28th, where one of the highlights is Orange De Baugy, Niamh’s Lanaken World Champion. This rare opportunity offers a glimpse into the future stars of the sport. Beyond the accolades, Niamh’s story is defined by her kindness—both in her approach to the horses she rides and her ability to handle the pressures of competitive showjumping. Her insights and experiences are sure to resonate with riders, enthusiasts, and fans of the sport. Tune in now to hear Niamh McEvoy’s inspiring journey and get an inside look at one of the most exciting young talents in showjumping today.

Aujourd'hui, dans le troisième épisode de notre série Suisse, on vous emmène à Zurich, chez un jeune cavalier qui, à seulement 25 ans, a déjà tout accompli : des Championnats d'Europe seniors, des Championnats du monde, et cet été, il a eu l'honneur de participer aux Jeux Olympiques. Nous sommes chez Edouard Schmitz ! Ce qui nous touche particulièrement chez Edouard, c’est sa capacité à atteindre l'excellence dans son sport tout en maintenant une vie équilibrée. Contrairement à beaucoup d'autres cavaliers qui vivent dans une bulle cheval, Edouard cultive d’autres centres d'intérêts. Derrière lui, on trouve des biographies, des livres de mathématiques, et même des skis ! Mais ce qui nous intéresse avant tout, c'est de vous faire découvrir la personne derrière l'athlète, au-delà des titres et des médailles. Dans cet épisode, vous découvrirez un Edouard chaleureux, drôle et spontané. On espère que cet échange vous apportera un peu de cette chaleur ! Il nous raconte aussi son expérience avec la famille Fuchs, comment il a lancé sa carrière en indépendant, ses études, sa famille, ses moments de gloire, et ses moments plus difficiles. Un épisode riche et humain, à ne pas manquer.

In our second episode of our Swiss Special Series , we sit down with Peter Van Der Waaij, the youngest chef d’équipe leading one of the most successful showjumping teams in the world—the Swiss Elite Jumping Team. Recorded during the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, we dive deep into Peter’s fascinating journey, from equestrian journalist and auction organizer to dynamic leader of a powerhouse team. Peter shares how he manages to lead a team of top riders, many of whom are older than him, while navigating cultural and linguistic differences. He reveals what's behind the Swiss team's incredible success, from their unparalleled bond to the horsemanship that sets them apart. But how does he manage all of that? For us it all comes down to his leadership style, energy, and charisma. Peter knows how to unite a team, and isn’t afraid to admit when he’s wrong. He has an incredible ability to inspire people and bring out their best. For us what really matters isn’t the medals or the titles, it’s the person in front of us and getting to know Peter was inspiring and fun and we’re sure you’ll feel the same!

Bienvenue dans notre Série Spéciale Suisse! Pendant trois épisodes consécutifs, on part à la rencontre des talents suisses en prélude au mythique CHI de Genève, l’un des moments forts de la saison équestre. Pour ce premier épisode, nous avons posé nos micros dans les écuries familiales de Bryan Balsiger, à Neuchâtel. À seulement 27 ans, Bryan a déjà une carrière impressionnante : il représente la Suisse aux Jeux Olympiques de Tokyo, il est victorieux en Grands Prix 5* et brille régulièrement sur les plus belles pistes du monde. Mais aujourd’hui, on vous propose de découvrir le Bryan au-delà de ses performances, en tant que personne. Dans cet épisode, on découvre une personne profondément humaine. Bryan nous parle de sa famille, du rôle central qu’elle joue dans sa vie et dans sa carrière, de sa capacité à rebondir face aux défis, et de ce qu’il a appris au fil des années, le tout avec beaucoup d’humour et d’authenticité. C’est une conversation chaleureuse, inspirante et pleine de rires, qui nous rappelle que derrière les performances se cache une vraie personne, ancrée dans ses valeurs.  Écoutez l’épisode maintenant et laissez-vous inspirer par l’histoire de Bryan Balsiger, une étoile suisse portée par la famille, l’humilité et la passion!

Nous voilà de retour au Sunshine Tour, pour la deuxième fois cette saison, pour enregistrer sous le soleil et les palmiers. Et aujourd’hui, on a une invitée qu’on attend depuis longtemps, une jeune cavalière française dont vous avez surement beaucoup entendu parler ces derniers temps et qui n’est autre qu’ Inès Joly! Inès a récemment marqué l’histoire en remportant le prestigieux Grand Prix 5 étoiles de Monaco. Une victoire qui a fait beaucoup de bruit, mais Inès était déjà dans nos radars bien avant. Nous savions que derrière son beau sourire se cachait bien plus et on avait entièrement raison. Avant de plonger à 100 % dans le monde des chevaux, elle a exploré d’autres horizons, elle était infirmière. Cette expérience rend Inès encore plus inspirante et la distingue de nos autres invités. Au-delà des résultats, ce qui nous a marqué chez elle, c’est sa bienveillance, son authenticité et cette manière unique de répandre autour d’elle une énergie positive et chaleureuse. Dans cet épisode, elle se livre avec sincérité sur les réalités parfois dures du haut niveau, mais aussi sur l’amour et le soutien qu’elle a reçus après son triomphe à Monaco. C’est un échange vrai et inspirant, et on espère que vous aussi découvrirez une nouvelle facette de Ines!

This week, we’re coming to you from the iconic Dublin Horse Show, where we had the chance to sit down with Irish rider Sean Monaghan. Now, if you’ve never been to the Dublin Horse Show, let us tell you—it’s so much more than just a show. The atmosphere is vibrant, the arenas are world-class, and the mix of ponies, elite riders, and rising stars makes it truly one-of-a-kind. Families, fans, and even those who aren’t deeply involved in the sport gather to experience the magic. Sean described it as ‘absolutely phenomenal,’ and after experiencing it firsthand, we can fully understand why it holds such a special place in the hearts of so many. The energy is unmatched, and if you haven’t attended yet, it’s an event you simply have to see for yourself. In today’s episode, we’re diving into Sean’s incredible journey—from growing up in a racehorse family to building his own show jumping business and mentoring & coaching Ireland’s future talent. At just 24, he’s already made impressive strides. He’s also a graduate of the Young Riders Academy, a program we’ve touched on before with some of our other inspiring guests. Sean shares his thoughts on starting his own venture, his dedication to horsemanship, and the importance of patience in achieving success.

Today, we’re excited to bring you an episode recorded at the iconic Stephex Stables, where we got to sit down with the incredible Emilie Conter.  Coming from a true horse dynasty, Emilie plays a key part in the Stephex empire. But beyond the titles and responsibilities, what really stands out is her bright, bubbly personality. Emilie brings warmth, humor, and a spark of fun around. Emilie competes at the highest levels, produces exceptional horses, and runs a successful horse sales business. She thrives in this world, balancing both her riding career and her role in the business. In this interview, you’ll discover the heart of who Emilie is - her thoughtful approach to the sport and her deep connection with her horses. Her love for what she does shines through in every word. So tune in, and get ready to meet the one and only Emilie Conter!

Today’s episode was recorded in the iconic setting of Dinard, where everything is pink! From the flowers to the jumps, it truly feels like La Vie en Rose. In this vibrant atmosphere, we sat down with our very first American guest, Mimi Gochman. At just 20 years old, she’s already ranked seventh in the Under-25 World Rankings and won the 2023 FEI rising star award. There is no doubt, she is one of the top young talents out there. Mimi shares an insider’s view on the American showjumping system, giving us a clearer picture of how things work on the other side of the Atlantic. We’re thrilled to have her break it down for us—and for you. She dives into the main contrasts between the U.S. and European systems, sharing her experiences from both worlds. Incredibly talented and hardworking, Mimi surrounds herself with top mentors, like Darragh Kenny, who play a key role in her journey. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the U.S. show jumping scene. We hope you enjoy this exclusive look at the American system and what makes it tick through the eyes of one of its brightest young stars.

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Jenny Krogsater, the only female rider on the Philippaerts team. At just 23, Jenny has already competed in some of the sport’s most prestigious arenas, including Aachen, and is making waves as a talented producer of young horses. As part of the Young Riders Academy, her journey as a Norwegian showjumper in the Philippaerts family brings unique insights, which she shares with humor, warmth, and authenticity. We’re excited to partner with ECTE Sport for this episode, a brand that reflects the same authenticity and connection Jenny embodies. ECTE goes beyond equestrian wear, creating pieces inspired by Scandinavian nature that connect deeply with the equestrian lifestyle. To celebrate, use code BEYONDJENNY for 20% off their products and experience the timeless style that ECTE offers. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that highlights Jenny’s passion, resilience and warmth.

Today’s episode is a special one, recorded at the iconic Brussels Stephex Masters. Thank you to Stephex HorseTrucks for providing such an incredible space, perfectly fitting for this episode. In this episode, we're taking a little departure from our usual rider-focused content. We’re joined by Charlotte Smet from EquiRatings Showjumping. For those of you who aren’t familiar, EquiRatings produces horse performance statistics to help us all understand the sport better. Alysee and I have always been intrigued by the numbers behind the sport, so we couldn’t wait to sit down with Charlotte. She's young, vibrant, and truly passionate about her work and the sport.  Charlotte’s job is all about analyzing the data and crafting the stories that unfold from those stats. It’s not something you hear about every day in the world of showjumping, which is exactly why we wanted to share her perspective with you.  You’ll hear her excitement and dedication in every word, and that’s what we love. Just like us, she’s contributing to the sport in her own unique way. So, let’s dive into the episode. You’re going to love hearing from Charlotte Smet!