Seamus Hughes Kennedy: The Rhythm of Patience, the Eye of a Horseman, the Future of Team Ireland

Over the past few weeks, one young rider has been turning heads in the world of showjumping. He’s Irish, incredibly talented, and right now he’s shining bright on the 5* stage. We’re talking about none other than Seamus Hughes Kennedy.Since we recorded this episode back in Geneva, Seamus has made his Nations Cup debut at the 5* level — and within just a few weeks, he jumped double clear in the Grand Prix of Rome, double clear in the Nations Cup of La Baule, and followed it up with brilliant rounds in Rotterdam.Thanks to this streak of top performances, he’s officially been selected to represent Ireland at the Senior European Championships. It’s a massive milestone, and such a well-deserved one.In this episode, Seamus takes us back to where it all began — The Irish countryside on his sister’s wild pony — and how that start led to the world’s biggest showjumping arenas. He also shares what’s clearly a huge part of his success: his family and loved ones. If you’ve been to a show, you’ve definitely seen them — warm, passionate, and always by his side.With all the great work Seamus has done recently, we couldn’t resist asking Irish Chef d’Équipe Michael Blake what he thought. As he puts it, “Seamus is intelligent and talented, and Rocky is a freak.” So buckle up — this is just the beginning for this incredible duo.And as we always say on this podcast, our goal is to get to know the person behind the rider. Despite all the recent success, Seamus remains so humble, grounded, and kind. down-to-earth.

We recorded this episode in Geneva with someone we’re really excited about: Jules Orsolini. He’s our first French guest recorded in English, and he just happens to be the reigning European Young Rider Vice-Champion.He’s one of those young riders who are equally driven in and out of the ring. He’s as passionate about basketball as he is about showjumping, he studies business at university alongside his riding, and he’s thinking beyond the arena. In this episode, Jules opens up about what it means to represent France, to join the Young Riders Academy, and to balance sport with studies and other passions. We say this often, but it’s true: we want to meet the person behind the rider. And today, you’ll get to know Jules. He is ambitious, sharp, and not afraid to carve out his own path.Today, we’re kicking off something special. This is the very first episode of our Young Riders Academy series. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that many of our past guests have come through this prestigious program, supported by Rolex. It’s more than an academy—it’s a launchpad for future champions. So, we thought it was time to turn the spotlight on the newest members of the 2025–2026 class.

This episode marks the first of our special Geneva specials, and who better to kick things off than the future of Swiss show jumping herself? Yes, you heard that right. At just 20 years old, she made her 5* Nations Cup debut in Calgary, arguably the toughest show on the calendar. Today, we're joined by Géraldine Straumann.In this episode, you’ll get to know Géraldine: her incredible journey so far, how she met her dream horse, the iconic Long John Silver, she also shares the important role her family plays in her career, the decision to leave Switzerland and join the Schou Stables, and, of course, a series of memorable anecdotes that have shaped her path.As always, what matters most to us is getting to know the person behind the rider. And Géraldine? She’s truly one of the kindest, most thoughtful people we’ve had the pleasure of speaking with: curious, open-minded, and always eager to learn.We had such a great time recording this episode with her, and we’re sure you’re going to enjoy it just as much.

We’re bringing you this episode from sunny Spain, recorded during the Sunshine Tour—and on Valentine’s Day, no less!This one’s extra special because we were joined by our very first German guest: the fun, refreshingly real, and seriously talented Leonie Böckmann.Leonie made her 5* Nations Cup debut just last year, and trust us—the red jacket suits her very well, and we have a feeling she’ll be wearing it a lot more in the future!From the moment we sat down with her, it just clicked. She’s so down-to-earth and genuine. We talked about everything from her family’s deep roots in the sport to how she approaches life both in and out of the saddle!Beyond being an incredible rider, Leonie brings such an inspiring energy and stays true to herself in a world that can sometimes feel intense and fast-paced. Sharing this moment with her was a lot of fun but also inspiring! 

In this episode of Beyond The Stables, we sit down with Kim Emmen, one of the Netherlands’ top riders, who delivered a double clear at the Paris Olympics just months before we met her at the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona. Kim is one of only two female rider to compete in the Olympic individual final at Paris 2024.We talked about her Olympic experience, her partnership with Imagine, and what it takes to perform at the highest level. Kim has a calm, focused approach to the sport, and it’s easy to see why she’s been so successful. She also brought her two dogs along, who might just be our most memorable podcast guests yet.A great conversation with an athlete who lets her riding speak for itself.

We're bringing something special to this episode of Beyond The Stables—not just one guest, but two. Recorded at the Sunshine Tour, we sit down with Jodie & Ellie Hall McAteer, two sisters who have each carved out their own place in the equestrian world.Jodie is competing at the top level for Team Great Britain, while Ellie is running Hyde Park Stables, balancing business and sport. They share stories from their childhood in the pony circuit, the different paths they’ve taken, and what it really means to be a Hall McAteer. Expect plenty of laughs, honest reflections, and a behind-the-scenes look at life in and out of the ring. If you’re in need of a little pick-me-up, this one's for you, you’ll definitely leave with a smile!

In this episode of Beyond The Stables, we sit down with Carlos Hank Guerreiro, Mexico’s top-ranked showjumper and a rising star in the equestrian world. Carlos made his Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games as one of the youngest riders in the competition. He shares his experience at the Olympics, the unique atmosphere of Team Mexico, and the role his family plays in his career. What stands out most about Carlos is his unwavering positivity and perspective. Through every challenge, he maintains a calm, focused attitude that has shaped both his career and life. Join us for an insightful conversation with an athlete who truly embodies resilience and determination.

We sat down with Dani Waldman—feathers, flair, and fearlessness included. From dominating the showjumping ring to creating Horse Bytes, Dani is making five-star showjumping sharper, smarter, and more accessible than ever. In this episode, she talks about stepping away from competition, breaking the mold, and bringing fans an insider’s unfiltered take on the sport. She’s bringing us showjumping like never before: raw, real, and packed with everything you didn’t know you needed to know—all in just 10 minutes

Kevin Jochems is a talented and accomplished young Dutch rider who has represented his country on countless occasions. Recorded at the Longines League of Nations Final in Barcelona, this episode takes an in-depth look at Kevin’s journey - from his early beginnings to his incredible 5-star Grand Prix victory at just 23, and his continued success on the global stage. More than just a rider, Kevin shares insights into his life, his family’s influence, the challenges and joys of running his own business, and what it means to be part of Team Netherlands. He also shares the story of The Young Champions Auction, a project he co-found with friends. Through it all, his warmth, humility, and infectious enthusiasm shine through.

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.