A Life Without USEF?

It’s our last episode of the year and wow, what a year it’s been. Thanks for everybody for listening. And we’ve got a great show for you tonight, with fun guests who will make you laugh, hopefully teach you something, and inspire you to keep kicking on into 2026. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 143:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of Heels DownDrink Recipe: The Classic Eggnog Guest: Dr. Holly HelbigGuest: Sydney Stevenson aka Bookipsies (Find her on Instagram: @bookipsies_)Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at [email protected]: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Zoetis, Horse Spot, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s here! All the goodies on our holiday wish list for 2025. This month, we’re also talking to the founder of a brand new jumping and dressage circuit that wants to be the opposite of USEF. And ever wonder what goes into breed inspections for stallions and foals? You’re about to find out. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 142:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of Heels DownDrink Recipe: Werther’s Hot ToddyLink: JJ Torano squeaks out the win in the Maclay Final Link: Mud, Moisture, and Scratches: Fall Skin Challenges You Shouldn’t IgnoreLink: HDHH is in the Washington Post!Guest: Doug Payne of Payne EquestrianGuest: David Reichert of UDJCProduct Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at [email protected]: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Ecogold (Introducing The Vertical, the latest innovative saddle pad from Ecogold) and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Spooky season is here! This month, we’re talking about horse health tips you don’t want to skip on during fall, and preparing for the most festive time of the year.Guests and Links Episode 141:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of ZoetisDrink Recipe: Pumpkin Spice White RussiansLink: Laura Kraut first female to break the top 10 rankings in yearsLink: One rail keeps Coleman from the win, but Boyd is a class act at Morven Park US Equestrian Open FinalLink: The internet just won’t let horse girl fashion goGuest: Dr. Abby Sage, Equine Technical Services Veterinarian at ZoetisLink: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at [email protected] Review: "Buy Less Dewormer Campaign" by ZoetisSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Zoetis and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONDo not use Quest Gel or Quest Plus Gel in foals less than 6 months of age or in sick, debilitated and underweight horses. Do not use these products in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may...

Do you ever feel like you love horses but sometimes you feel lost? Or like you’re not good enough? We’ve all been there. This month, we’re talking about how to get yourself in the right headspace on those tough days. Plus, we have the best horse show hacks to share. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 140:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of Farah ButtDrink Recipe: Apple Cider SpritzLink: The benefits of standing “square”Link: Kent Farrington is unbeatable in the world cup qualifier in Traverse CityLink: USEF Releases Guidelines To Outline Equine Welfare Best PracticesLink: USEF Approves First General Blood RuleLink: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at [email protected] Review: Amend GI All-Natural Stomach Health SupportSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: HorseSpot and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

We’re doing our best to stay caffeinated thanks to a fun new horse brand of coffee. Also this month, we’re talking about our mental prep for the sport, and how do we make the buying and selling process of horses more transparent and accessible for everyone? Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 139:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of David Power and Monarch CreativeDrink Recipe: AffogatoGuest: Adam Enger, Founder of Show Jumping WorldGuest: David Power, Show Jumping CoachLink: It was an exciting finish in Arville between Germany and Team USALink: Victoria Colvin shatters records after winning at Derby Finals for the fourth timeLink: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at [email protected] Review: Happy Horse CoffeeSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Ecogold and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Did anyone else watch Mai Baum make his final run at Rebecca Farm and ball their eyes out? Just me? OK. This week, we’re talking about the hunters taking over Europe and sharing out best tips on how to keep thise arenas dragged, pristine and perfect for our horses. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 138:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of Yanmar Tractors AmericaDrink Recipe: Hugo Spritz | Full RecipeLink: Mai Baum officially retires from top level eventingLink: The science behind the new USEF hair testing ruleLink: The Baran Classic is such a cool concept, inviting top American hunter pros to Europe and European show jumpers trying their hand at the North American sport of huntersProduct Review: Benefab Therapeutic Pastern Wraps | Benefab Smart Therapeutic Poll PadSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods (Coupon code: “heelsdown20” for $20 off), and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Ellie is fresh off a trip from New Mexico where she learned more about the world of positive reinforcement training about horses. We dive right in to learn more. And we caught up for the Kentucky 3-Day Event 4* winner ahead of his overseas trip to CHIO Aachen. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 137:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekGuest: Will ColemanFeatured Image: Courtesy of Ellie WoznicaDrink Recipe: Sante Fe SunsetLink: The FEI is doubling down on double bridlesLink: Study: Bias Against Thoroughbreds In Upper Level Eventing Is UnfoundedLink: Wild pony born without a hoof gets a prostheticProduct Review: Favorite fly remedies for summer time? | Kinetic Vet roll-on fly spray + dema clothsSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods (Coupon code: “heelsdown20” for $20 off), Horse Spot, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s Spring! And we have the latest fashion trends for your riding outfits (hint: there’s no florals). This week, we’re talking about how the Payne’s designed and built their dream barn, and a special friend of the show stops by. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 136:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekGuests: Michael and Lindsay Lenard of The Horse SpotGuest: Sally Spickard of the Go Eventing PodcastFeatured Image: Courtesy of Payne EquestrianDrink Recipe: Michigan Mule Link: Three U.S. Riders, Three Different Paths To World No. 1Link: Aachen entry listProduct Review: Belt It Out Goods - New Spring Colors | Lilac, Spring Green, Willow Blue, Poppy PinkSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods (Coupon code: “heelsdown20” dor $20 off through May), SynNutra Equine (SynChill PURE), Traverse City Horse Shows, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

The countdown is on my friends. It’s going to be an action-packed Best Weekend All Year in 2025, thanks to very big five-stars: the Kentucky Three Day Event and the Kentucky Invitational. We’re talking to the riders hoping to conquer some of the biggest eventing and show jumping tracks in America this month. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 135:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekGuest: Will ColemanGuest: Alex GranatoGuest: Mary Bess Davis Featured Image: Traverse City Horse ShowsDrink Recipe: Velvet and Vice from Cast & CrewLink: Kentucky 5* entry list Link: Kentucky Invitational 5* entry list Link: Favorite things to do in LexingtonProduct Review: SynChill PureSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: SynNutra (Livello® Sleep), Traverse City Horse Shows, The Vertical from Ecogold (Coupon code: “happyhour” 15% off through April 25) and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

What makes some ingredients illegal when it comes to supplements and medications and horse showing? This week, we’re talking to a veterinarian on what goes into that process. Spring is here, which means you’re likely inundated with mud, like the rest of us. But don’t fret, we’ve got some tips. Thanks for tuning in...Guests and Links Episode 134:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekGuest: Dr. Edwin “Ted” Simpson, Founder and CEO of SynNutra EquineGuest: Charlotte Jacobs, show jumperFeatured Image: Traverse City Horse ShowsDrink Recipe: St. Patrick's Mint Martini (Thanks to Marlene in our Facebook group and Total Wine) Link: An update on the new FEI noseband testing protocolLink: Game on: USA wins big in the Longines League of Nations OcalaLink: Spring is mud season. Here are some tips to manage itProduct Review: Ecogold + Armatec collab | Coupon code: “happyhour” 15% off through April 25Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Traverse City Horse Shows and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!