The Grassroots Show: Smart Spending for Grassroots Eventers

The 2026 Defender Kentucky entries are out… and suddenly, everything feels very real. There's something about seeing the list in black and white. The names, the horses, the matchups. The ones who have come close before, the ones building toward something bigger, and the ones who might just change the story this year. At the top, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality arrive as the standout favourite. The American challenge is strong, with Will Coleman and Boyd Martin both bringing serious contenders, while Harry Meade is once again searching for that elusive five-star win. Beyond the favourites, it's a seriously deep field. Horses that have been there and done it, horses stepping up, and plenty that feel like they're right on the edge of something big. And behind it all, Kentucky itself is already taking shape. The build-up, the pressure, and the feeling that when the week arrives, it will move fast. Highlights First reaction to the 2026 Kentucky entry list Why Tom McEwen leads the field, and what could stop him The strength of the US challenge on home soil Key storylines across the five-star contenders A look inside the Kentucky build-up and what's new for this year Guests Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder  Annie – EquiRatings podcast host and client liason Lillian Dobat – Sponsorship Manager, Kentucky Three-Day Event Cavan Allen – Event Secretary, Kentucky Three-Day Event EquiRatings Eventing PodcastFollow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

EquiRatings Horse Sourcing tackles one of the hardest parts of the sport, finding and buying the right horse. This episode explains how the service works in practice, from defining what you're looking for, to building a shortlist, understanding price and availability, and making a decision with real clarity. There's also a first look at the new EquiRatings Horse Sourcing portal, where clients can see the horses being considered, review data and video, and follow each step as it develops. Highlights How the horse sourcing process works The role of data alongside rider insight Understanding the market and availability Inside the new portal How to get involved as a buyer or seller Guests Sam Watson – EquiRatings co-founder and data analyst Samantha Lissington – EquiRatings Horse Sourcing Analyst, evaluating talent and potential using data and experience Rozzie Bainbridge – EquiRatings Horse Sourcing Client Communications, supporting clients throughout the process Links & Contact To find out more about how Horse Sourcing works and explore the new portal: https://www.equiratings.com/horse-sourcing To view the Horse Sourcing product guide: https://equiratings.info/horsesourcing To contact Sam Lissington directly: [email protected] To contact Rozzie Bainbridge directly: [email protected]

The first real marker of the 2026 season has been laid down. The Setters' Run Farm Carolina International always brings a good field, but this year it was stacked. Margins tight from the first phase, no one making the time, and a track that kept shifting the leaderboard right to the end. Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 didn't lead it from the front, but when it mattered, they were the ones who delivered. Fastest cross-country round of the day, the only sub-30 finish, and suddenly a horse a lot of people hadn't seen much of is right in the conversation. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake put down a serious marker. Jennie Brannigan's FE Lifestyle does what he always does at Carolina. And further down, horses like Diabolo and Miks Master C ran exactly the rounds they needed to, with bigger plans clearly in mind. Highlights Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 take the four-star win with the fastest cross-country round Margins tight after dressage, the top five separated by less than a penalty No one makes the time, across both jumping phases Caroline Pamukcu moves to the top of the US Open standings FE Lifestyle delivers again at Carolina Big names execute controlled runs with Kentucky in mind Guests Holly Hudspeth EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "f033a4e2-3162-4cb2-b983-9bb44ee648b4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-11" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:19cfadc8-2210-4d7e-8286-92fc5a2d99f2-120" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Yorkshire tea in hand, Nicola Wilson sits down for a conversation that reflects exactly where she is now. A winter focused on getting stronger, small milestones that matter, and a return to the sport that looks different, but still feels the same at its core. Since 2022, her role has evolved, with coaching now at the centre. Working with riders like Katie McGee and Gabby Dickerson, and as part of the British youth teams, she talks about seeing horses and riders through a wider lens, then narrowing in on the details that make the difference. What comes through is the clarity. Focus on what you can do. Keep moving forward. And take the progress, step by step. Highlights A winter focused on strength and steady progress How her coaching perspective has evolved The importance of small, consistent improvements Supporting riders on their path to five-star Guest Nicola Wilson - British Olympic medallist and former top-level event rider, now a leading coach working with elite riders and the next generation. This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/ EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Carolina International is here, and with it one of the strongest four-star fields we've seen so far this season. Nicole Brown is joined by Holly Hudspeth to preview the Setters' Run Farm Carolina International, a key leg of the US Equestrian Open and an important early-season test for horses targeting Kentucky, Badminton and the World Championships at Aachen. From past winners returning with new riders to major contenders like Diabolo, Miks Master C, HSH Blake and Denim, the field is packed with experience, form and a few combinations ready to take a big step forward. With cross-country time always influential and a course designed by Derek di Grazia, this weekend will start to shape how the spring unfolds. Deep dive article on Carolina: https://news.equiratings.com/stories/you-need-to-watch-carolina-this-weekend-heres-why Highlights Key contenders and returning winners What it takes to win at Carolina World Championship and spring targets Podium picks and dark horses Guests Holly Hudspeth – Horse & Country commentator EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The Australian season is up and running, and Wandin is where things start to take shape. This week's Preview Show looks at a four-star field that may be small, but has plenty to like. Some arrive in form, others are building, and for a few, this is an important step on the road to Adelaide. Sophia Hill brings Tulara Baltango off a strong run, Sam Jeffree has two contenders after an impressive start to the season, and there is plenty of experience alongside combinations looking to step forward. Add in the demands of Wandin, the terrain, the time, and it starts to ask the right questions. Highlights Wandin as a stepping stone to Adelaide Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango's form Sam Jeffree's strong start to the season Experienced campaigners and emerging combinations The challenge of Wandin's cross-country Guest Sharon Ridgway, Australian eventing expert and analyst EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Budgeting for eventing might not be the most glamorous topic, but it is one every grassroots rider faces. In this episode of the Grassroots Show, Cameron Beer is joined by five-star rider and accountant, Lauren Innes, to talk about the realities of financing an eventing season. From building a practical budget and planning your competition calendar to finding smart ways to train without spending a fortune, this episode is packed with practical advice for riders trying to make the sport work. As always, Cameron wraps up the episode with the #GrassrootsChallenge - listen to the end, try it, post it, and tag your efforts using #GrassrootsChallenge. Highlights How to build a realistic budget for an eventing season Cost-saving ways to train and prepare your horse Where it is worth investing your money, and where it is not Understanding British Eventing membership options Managing finances without losing the fun in the sport Guest Lauren Innes – Five-star event rider, chartered accountant and member of the British Eventing Finance Committee Presented by Foran Equine, part of the Connolly's RED MILLS family. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

The Cup of Tea series returns for 2026, powered by Carr & Day & Martin, proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills family. Nicole catches up with Irish event rider Esib Power to talk winter training, producing the next generation of horses, and plans for the season ahead. Based at her family yard in County Meath, Esib has an exciting group of horses ready to step up this year, with her nine and ten-year-olds targeting four-star level and long-term aims later in the season. She reflects on a disrupted 2025 season after breaking her collarbone early in the spring, why patience is often the key when producing young horses, and why trips to England for events like Barbury and Thoresby are such a valuable way to start the year. Highlights Life and training at Esib's family yard in County Meath Producing the next generation of event horses Plans to start the season at Barbury and Thoresby Building horses towards four-star level Targets for her top horses later this year Guest Esib Power – Irish international event rider This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/ EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The Cup of Tea series returns for 2026, powered by Carr & Day & Martin, proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills family. Nicole catches up with Irish event rider Esib Power to talk winter training, producing the next generation of horses, and plans for the season ahead. Based at her family yard in County Meath, Esib has an exciting group of horses ready to step up this year, with her nine and ten-year-olds targeting four-star level and long-term aims later in the season. She reflects on a disrupted 2025 season after breaking her collarbone early in the spring, why patience is often the key when producing young horses, and why trips to England for events like Barbury and Thoresby are such a valuable way to start the year. Highlights Life and training at Esib's family yard in County Meath Producing the next generation of event horses Plans to start the season at Barbury and Thoresby Building horses towards four-star level Targets for her top horses later this year Guest Esib Power – Irish international event rider This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/ EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The new season is coming into view, which means one thing. It is time for the horses to watch in 2026. Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne and Catherine Austen to pick the horses they think could define the season ahead. From potential five-star winners to the young horses you might not know yet but will soon. Could Cooley Rosalent add another five-star? Will Lordships Graffalo, London 52 and fischerChipmunk FRH battle it out again at the World Championships in Aachen? And is Annaghmore Valoner the horse to finally give Harry Meade that long-awaited five-star victory? Plus the team share their dark horses for a five-star podium and the young names to keep firmly on your radar this year. If you want a few storylines to follow as the 2026 season begins, this is the place to start. Highlights Five-star winners to watch in 2026 The World Championships showdown at Aachen Dark horses for a five-star podium The young horses who could break through this season Guests Diarmuid Byrne, EquiRatings co-founder Catherine Austen, equestrian journalist and broadcaster EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.