Mathilde Labat: Turning Pony Videos Into a Digital Empire

What started with a pony, an iPod Touch and a few homemade videos has grown into a career that has taken Mathilde Labat far beyond the stables.For this episode of Beyond the Stables, we sit down with Mathilde Labat, better known to many as Mathilde & Sligo, in Paris to talk about her journey from sharing videos of her pony online to building a career in the equestrian world.Mathilde got Sligo when she was ten years old and started filming their adventures a few years later, uploading her first YouTube video at just 13. What began as a hobby gradually grew into a large online community of horse lovers and opened the door to books, television, international equestrian events, collaborations and, more recently, her own marketing agency.In this conversation, Mathilde takes us back to those early days of equestrian content creation and talks about how she turned her passion for horses and storytelling into a career. We discuss growing an audience on social media, creating content around horses, working with brands, and what it takes to turn an online following into a real and sustainable business.We also talk about the less visible side of being a horse influencer and public figure: reading comments, dealing with criticism, navigating social media, deciding what parts of your life to share, and finding a balance between being authentic online and protecting your private life.Mathilde also shares her approach to entrepreneurship, creating opportunities, manifesting, making your own luck and enjoying the process while you're still building the dream. From television and publishing to equestrian events and marketing, we talk about how she has continued to evolve her career while keeping horses at the centre of it.And, as always on Beyond the Stables, this conversation goes beyond the platform to get to know the person behind it. Mathilde talks about her horses, the people and experiences that have shaped her, and what life is really like behind the camera. Funny, honest, ambitious and down-to-earth, she is very much the same person in real life as the one you see online.So, matcha in hand, join us as we go Beyond the Stables with Mathilde Labat, talking horses, Sligo, social media, business, creativity and everything in between. We hope you enjoy getting to know Mathilde as much as we enjoyed this conversation. With love,Alysée & Olivia

At 24 years old, Swiss showjumper Léon Pieyre has already found himself involved in the sport in more ways than one. And what better place to sit down with him than the CHI de Genève?A Genevois at heart, Léon grew up coming to this show with friends from his pony club, watching from the stands and dreaming of one day riding in the arena himself. Today, he competes in the U25 classes, while also helping shape the show through his role on the Sport and Entertainment Commission and Centenary Committee.In this episode, Léon talks about growing up in a horse family, what first drew him to competition, and his journey in international showjumping. He shares the influence of his mentor Jean-Maurice Bonneau, whose voice and lessons still stay with him when he rides, and the values he took away from their time together.We also talk about the Swiss Equestrian “Relève” programme and the importance of learning about the different sides of the sport beyond riding from horse management to the financial and business side of a career in high-level showjumping. Léon also tells us how he balances his life as a rider with his International Relations studies at the University of Geneva.For Léon, the horses remain at the centre of it all. His approach to their wellbeing, his competitive nature, and the people around him all play a part in the way he approaches the sport.And, as always on Beyond the Stables, this conversation goes beyond the results and the competition arena to get to know the person behind the rider: his family, his ambitions, the lessons he's taken with him, and what keeps him motivated.From childhood memories of the CHI de Genève to competing there today and playing a role in the future of the show, this is Léon Pieyre: a family story, a Geneva dream, and the making of a horseman.We hope you enjoy getting to know Léon as much as we enjoyed this conversation. Let’s go Beyond the Stables with Léon Pieyre !

Welcome back to Beyond the Stables, the podcast shining a light on the next generation of top-level showjumpers, hosted by Alysée and Olivia.In this episode, recorded in Geneva, we step beyond our usual showjumping world and into the fascinating world of eventing with German eventing rider Calvin Böckmann.At just 25 years old, Calvin has already competed at the Olympic Games, reached 24th in the world rankings, and was recently crowned Under-25 Eventing World Champion alongside his horse Altair.So, what does it really take to compete in eventing at the highest level while still under 25?In this episode, Calvin takes us behind the scenes of his life as a professional eventing rider. He talks about competing at the Olympics while writing his bachelor's thesis, his training programme, his horses, competition pressure, and the unique lifestyle that comes with competing at the highest level of equestrian sport.We also discover the person behind the athlete. Calvin is thoughtful, incredibly driven and, in his own words, a bit of a “nerd” although we would probably describe him as impressively meticulous and deeply passionate about everything he does.Whether you already follow eventing, are passionate about showjumping and horses, or are discovering the discipline for the first time, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what it takes to reach the very top of international equestrian sport.So, let’s take you back to Geneva and introduce you to Calvin Böckmann.Before we get into today's conversation, we want to introduce you to EQUUSIR, our partner for this episode.Calvin and Altair have just become the first Under-25 Eventing World Champions, and an achievement like that is about so much more than performance alone. It is also about understanding how your horse is feeling, how they recover, and what they need to keep showing up happy, confident and ready to do their best.That is why Calvin has chosen EQUUSIR, and why we are so excited to be working with them on this episode.What we really like about their approach is that it is centred around listening more closely to the horse and supporting them as a whole: their body, their mind and their nervous system. And, as you will hear throughout this episode, this is something Calvin really cares about.Because for us, and for Calvin, the most special thing is not simply having a high-performance horse. It is having a happy, healthy horse who genuinely wants to do it with you.If you would like to better understand and support your horse, make sure to take a look at EQUUSIR.Episode Partner: EQUUSIR

This week on Beyond the Stables, we sit down with Robin Muhr during the FEI Jumping World Cup™ at Equita Lyon.Robin talks us through his journey in the sport, from growing up in a horse family in the south of France to competing at some of the biggest championships. We look back at his Olympic Games with Galaxy, the moments that have shaped his career so far, and what he's learned along the way.We also chat about life outside the ring, the people who have influenced him, and the routines that help him perform at the top level. As always, Beyond the Stables is about getting to know the person behind the rider. Robin's laid-back sense of humour made this one a lot of fun to record, with plenty of laughs alongside an honest conversation about life in elite showjumping.If you enjoy showjumping, equestrian sport, and hearing from riders competing at the highest level, we hope you enjoy this episode !Bisous, O & A

This week on Beyond the Stables, we're joined by  Íñigo López de la Osa Franco, Monaco's rising showjumper. We caught up with Íñigo at the Longines Global Champions Tour of Madrid to talk about his journey through the sport. Born to a Spanish and Italian family before choosing to represent Monaco, he's already competed under three flags and is now competing at the highest level of international showjumping.In this episode, we chat about his first years in the sport, making the step up to five-star competition, training in the Netherlands, and his move to France to ride with the Delestre family. We also get into his training routine, fitness, recovery, and what life looks like outside the ring.As always, Beyond the Stables is about getting to know the person behind the rider, and Inigo's sense of humour definitely comes through in this one.If you enjoy showjumping, equestrian sport, the Longines Global Champions Tour, and hearing honest conversations with the next generation of top riders, we hope you enjoy this episode.

In this episode of Beyond the Stables, we sat down with one of the most exciting young riders in the sport today: Sophie Hinners.From representing Germany on the world's biggest stages and competing at the top of the sport, Sophie's rise has been one of the most remarkable in recent time. But as always on Beyond the Stables, this episode is not just about results. It's about getting to know the person behind the rider.Sophie takes us through her entire journey, from growing up in Germany and dreaming of a career with horses, to taking the leap to the Netherlands, where a six-month plan turned into a life-changing decision. She shares the story of Vittorio, the horse that transformed her career, the lessons she learned working at Stal Hendrix and the experiences that shaped her into the rider she is today. We also talk about Team Germany, the Iron Dames project, life and work alongside Richard Vogel and David Will, and the evolution of her riding. What stands out immediately when talking to Sophie is her humility, kindness and genuine love for her horses. Throughout our conversation, she constantly speaks about learning, gratitude, teamwork and the people who helped her along the way. Despite competing at the very highest level, she remains incredibly grounded and refreshingly authentic.Beyond her achievements, Sophie might just be one of the warmest and most genuine people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting!

⚠️ Important ⚠️This episode has been translated into English using AI for our international audience. Please note that all voices heard in this translated version are AI-generated and not the real voices of Antoine, Olivia, or Alysée.In this new episode of Beyond The Stables, we welcome one of the brightest rising stars of French show jumping: Antoine Ermann.Recorded at Equita Lyon, just before a weekend that would see him finish on the podium of the World Cup Grand Prix, this conversation offers a deep dive into the journey of a rider as talented as he is authentic.At just 24 years old, Antoine delivered the best French performance at the 2025 Senior European Championships in A Coruña. In this episode, he opens up about his family, his journey in the sport, daily life at Écurie Chevel, his first steps at the highest level, and the vision he has for his career.But as always on Beyond The Stables, what matters most to us is discovering the person behind the rider; and in Antoine we meet someone humble, grounded, sincere, and deeply devoted to his horses.A genuine, inspiring and unfiltered conversation with one of the names to watch in international show jumping.

Dans ce nouvel épisode de Beyond The Stables, nous recevons l’un des plus grands espoirs du saut d’obstacles français : Antoine Ermann.Enregistré à Equita Lyon, juste avant un week-end qui le verra monter sur le podium du Grand Prix Coupe du Monde, cet échange nous plonge dans le parcours d’un cavalier aussi talentueux qu’authentique.À seulement 24 ans, Antoine a signé la meilleure performance française aux Championnats d’Europe Seniors 2025 à A Coruña. Dans cet épisode, il revient sur son histoire, sa famille, son quotidien aux Écuries Cheval, ses débuts au plus haut niveau et la vision qu’il porte sur son sport.Mais surtout, derrière le cavalier de haut niveau, on découvre une personnalité humble, sincère et profondément passionnée par ses chevaux.Un épisode vrai, inspirant et sans filtre avec l’un des noms à suivre de près dans le jumping français.Bonne écoute!

In this episode of Beyond the Stables, we sit down with former Irish Chef d’Équipe Michael Blake, the man who helped shape one of the most dominant Nations Cup teams in modern showjumping.This episode is a little different from our usual ones. It’s the kind of story we don’t hear enough anymore.From earning his very first pony by milking a cow every day for a year, to breaking the world record in bareback high jump, to winning almost every Nations Cup there is, Michael’s journey through the sport is anything but ordinary. He takes us inside what it really means to build a winning team, how you develop riders, create depth, manage pressure, and ultimately bring a nation to the very top of the sport.We dive into the mindset behind Irish showjumping and the system that has shaped an entire generation of riders.This is a conversation full of insight, honesty, and experience from someone who has truly seen it all.A very, very special episode, and one you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Beyond the Stables, we sat down with one of the best riders in the world: Nina Mallevaey.At only 26 years old, Nina is already World No. 7 and the highest-ranked woman in the sport. Just 24 hours after recording this conversation, she went on to win her first 5⭐ Grand Prix in Brussels.But as always on Beyond the Stables, this episode is not just about results. It’s about getting to know the person behind the rider.Nina takes us through her entire journey in the sport, her family, from her early years to competing in her first senior European championship, and the experiences that shaped her along the way. She speaks about the importance of the people around her -especially the Rein family, whose support has been instrumental in her career, and her trainer Helena Stormanns, who has played a massive role in her development both as a rider and as a person.What stands out immediately when talking to Nina is her incredible humility and gratitude. She is constantly acknowledging the people who have helped her along the way and the team behind her success. But listening to her story, it becomes clear that while she is surrounded by an amazing support system, her success is also something she has built herself through hard work, determination, and the courage to embrace opportunities.Beyond her achievements, Nina might just be one of the kindest, warmest and most genuine people we have ever met. In a world that often moves too fast, she reminds us that kindness, humility and authenticity are not weaknesses,  they are strengths.This is a conversation about journey, gratitude, ambition, and staying true to who you are.