Strawmax Stable Chat: Andy Heffernan

Andy Heffernan steps into the stable and we go well beyond course plans and CV lines — from winter escapes and family life to AI fence drawings, Olympic dream seats, and why Bramham still means everything to him.  HIGHLIGHTS Why winter never really slows him down Using AI to turn fences into drawings The advice from Andrew Nicholson that shaped his career Why Bramham is still his favourite event Olympic finals, jump racing, and skiing envy "More tolerant than I used to be" - summing himself up in a few words GUEST Andy Heffernan - international course designer, coach, and rider To find out more about Strawmax bedding and how it could work in your yard, head to: https://www.strawmax.co.uk  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.

Today on When Nicole Met, supported by Bedmax, we meet someone whose life has touched every corner of eventing. From growing up in a family steeped in eventing history to carving out her own path in advertising, creative production and now commentary and podcasting, Annie Bishop talks storytelling, sport, and why fresh voices matter. She also gives an inside look at the US Equestrian Open podcast, working alongside riders across dressage, jumping and eventing, and how the Open format is helping develop combinations and build fans in the lead-up to LA. Highlights Parents who rode at Olympic and World Championship level Advertising, production and crisis comms, and what eventing can learn Commentary, data and storytelling as gateways to the sport The rise of the US Equestrian Open and why the series matters Representation, female voices and growing US commentary talent Hopes for 2026 and building new fans for equestrian sport Guest Annie Bishop – Producer, commentator and host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast. Part of the EquiRatings team, working across eventing, jumping and dressage. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

After closing out 2025 as world number seven, Sam Lissington sits down to unpack the season that changed everything and the road ahead. She reflects on the pride of consistency across Luhmühlen, Burghley, Blenheim and Strzegom, the satisfaction of finally showing what long-term horses like Sooty can do, and the analytical approach behind improving weaknesses and speed through the winter. Sam also tackles the tougher side of the year: Badminton heartbreak, late injuries to key horses and rebuilding horsepower for 2026–27. Plus, an inside look at Lucas Stone's rise and what data, instinct and market context really mean when buying for championships. Highlights World number seven and a year built on consistency Sooty's Luhmühlen podium and Billy Alberto at Burghley Injuries, resilience and refocusing for 2026 Lucas Stone, New York and future championship horsepower Guest Sam Lissington – International event rider for New Zealand and 2025 world number seven. Team Lissington Open Farm Day 2026 Team Lissington is opening it's doors on the 18th Jan! Bring a friend and watch some Winter horsey action with mulled wine and nibbles 🍷🐴 They will run through training priorities, plans for the year ahead and a no-strings-attached overview of the various ownership opportunities and models in eventing. Please RSVP for catering purposes ➡️ link in Sam's bio Want to find out more about EquiRatings Horse Sales? Visit the website here.

In this Red Mills Feed Room episode, Spike is joined by Louise Jones from Red Mills to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in horse nutrition: protein. Does protein really make horses hot? Can you underfeed it without realising? Is soya actually a problem, or just another internet myth? From muscle development and rehab to allergies, topline and performance, this is a straight-talking myth-busting conversation that separates fact from long-held stable lore. Highlights: Why protein is so often blamed for excitability What actually happens when horses are under-fed protein The truth about soya, fertility and inflammation Protein requirements for young horses and horses in rehab Why supplements can't replace a balanced diet Practical, evidence-based and refreshingly clear, this one is for anyone who's ever second-guessed their feeding program. With thanks to Red Mills for their continued support of the Feed Room series. 📲 Stay Connected This episode is brought to you by Connolly's Red Mills. For expert advice, forage analysis, and feeding support, visit redmills.com or connect with their nutrition team directly. Proud partners of the podcast, Red Mills are here to help you feed your horse with confidence.

On today's When Nicole Met show, supported by Bedmax, we are joined by someone who has become one of eventing's most recognisable personalities and a firm favourite with so many. Adam Short takes us from the heart of Newcastle, where ten riding lessons at Stepney Bank Stables changed the course of his life, right through to grooming at Olympic level. He reflects on the years learning under the incomparable Jackie Potts, the leap to Tom McEwen's team and the reality of managing horses and riders through the pressure of major championships. Adam also shares the emotion behind Dublin's journey to Paris, the power of riding schools to transform young lives and why the eventing community means so much to him.  Highlights How Stepney Bank Stables shaped Adam's childhood and future Lessons from Fox-Pitt Eventing and working closely with Jackie Potts Moving to Tom McEwen's yard and settling into championship life The pride and emotion behind Dublin's performance in Paris Why community, opportunity and access matter Guests Adam Short - Head groom to Olympic medallist Tom McEwen. Adam has groomed at the world's biggest stages and is a passionate advocate for Stepney Bank Stables. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

As 2026 gets underway, Nicole Brown is joined by performance coach Aoife Leggett of 360 Coaching to explore how riders, professionals and passionate amateurs alike can make the most of the Year of the Horse. Drawing on her experience in elite yards, corporate environments and performance psychology, Aoife shares practical tools to help listeners build clarity, protect their energy and lead themselves with intention in a demanding sport. This episode is all about aligning ambition with sustainability and learning how to illuminate and inspire, rather than running on empty. In this episode, we cover: The Year of the Horse: what it means for equestrians Aoife explains why 2026 is known as the Year of the Fire Horse and what that represents in terms of momentum, courage and opportunity. The conversation explores the fine line between powerful forward energy and burnout, and how riders can channel this year in a way that supports long-term success. Pillar one: clarity Nicole and Aoife discuss why so many riders lose sight of why they started and how comparison, pressure and social media can cloud decision-making. Aoife shares how reconnecting with your own values, mindset and definition of success can bring focus back to both riding and life more broadly. Pillar two: energy The equestrian world is notorious for long hours and relentless schedules. Aoife breaks down why fatigue is so common and how small, realistic changes can make a big difference. From sleep and recovery to identifying what genuinely gives you energy, this section focuses on sustainability without drastic life changes. Pillar three: leadership Leadership isn't just about running a yard or managing a team. Aoife explains why it starts with how you lead yourself, the habits you keep and the standards you hold in private. Creating positive culture, whether at home, in a professional setup or with a small support team, plays a huge role in performance and wellbeing. Goals, habits and identity Big goals can be motivating, but only if they're backed up by meaningful processes. Aoife talks about the importance of milestones, identity-based habits and narrowing your focus so progress feels achievable and rewarding rather than overwhelming. Breathwork for riders Aoife introduces breathwork as a practical tool for calming nerves, improving focus and managing pressure. She shares a simple breathing exercise that listeners can use anywhere, and explains why breathwork has become a staple for elite athletes across many sports. Resources and links mentioned in the show Aoife Leggett / 360 Coaching website Downloadable reflection guide and breathwork resource Follow Aoife on Instagram About the guest: Aoife Leggett Aoife Leggett is an internationally accredited Coach specialising in Mindset and Performance Coaching for riders, athletes and high-performing professionals. With qualifications in Breathwork, Sport & Performance Psychology, Coaching and Performance Nutrition, she helps equestrians build confidence, manage nerves, achieve their goals and perform at their best - both in and out of the saddle. Through her practice, Three Sixty Coaching, Aoife works with clients worldwide and takes a holistic, rider-centred approach that supports clients in developing clarity and resilience, enabling them to fulfil their full potential in a grounded and sustainable way. Subscribe and follow Make sure you're subscribed to the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

In this episode of When Nicole Met, Nicole catches up with Cameron Beer for a conversation that starts with ponies, cowboys and a lot of fun, and grows into coaching, curiosity and five star ambition. Cameron talks about growing up around horses, learning through play, riding unfamiliar horses through GB Student Riders and why being inquisitive has shaped everything he does. They chat about coaching as a craft, why adaptability matters more than perfection, producing Gatsby, and how curiosity, not pressure, sits at the heart of good horsemanship. The episode also marks an exciting moment, with Cameron announced as the new host of the Foran Equine Grassroots Show for 2026. Highlights: Growing up with ponies and learning by having fun From cowboy days to international eventing ambitions University, GB Student Riders and riding unfamiliar horses Coaching philosophy built on curiosity and play Producing Gatsby and plans for the step up in 2026 Why grassroots riders deserve better support and visibility What's coming next for the Grassroots Show Guests: Cameron Beer, international event rider, Level 3 coach, presenter and incoming host of the Foran Equine Grassroots Show. This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

It's the final sign-off for the EquiRatings team in 2025… sort of. Because while most of the crew are mentally halfway to mince pies and mulled wine, the jumping world is still rolling on and some of us are very much still on duty. So what do we do with the whole team on one call at Christmas? Naturally: a very serious quiz (with questionable rules, minus points for guessing, and absolutely zero respect for staying on topic).

Between Christmas and New Year is always a strange pause. The horses still need doing, the calendar for next season is already filling up, and yet it's the one moment in the year where everyone takes a breath and looks around. In this Christmas special, Nicole brings together an all-star panel to reflect on 2025, from personal milestones and big championship moments to confidence wobbles, comeback stories and the quieter wins that matter just as much. It's an honest conversation about perspective, community, and why eventing is as much about the people as it is the results, before attention inevitably turns to championship season and what's coming next. Highlights Personal and professional highlights from 2025, including championship highs and lessons learned along the way How family, perspective and confidence shape performance at the top level British Eventing's year in numbers, participation growth and behind-the-scenes progress Why community matters, from grassroots riders to five-star finish lines Looking ahead to 2026, with world championships, goals, and renewed motivation A festive Q&A covering training basics, accessibility, mindset and enjoying the sport Guests Lucinda Green – Six-time Badminton winner and legendary voice of experience Tom McEwen – Two-time Olympic gold medallist Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing Simon Grieve – Five-star rider and fan Follow @britisheventing on Instagram to stay up to date with all the action.  Inspired to get more involved? Find out how you can support training, education and the eventing community: 👉 British Eventing Training Foundation 👉 Volunteer with British Eventing

As the countdown begins to one of the moments that really signals the start of the season, this episode turns its focus to the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field and the wider impact it continues to have on the sport. Central to that is the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, created in Annie's memory to support developing professionals across all disciplines as they take meaningful steps forward in their careers. Nicole Brown is joined by Annie's father, Putter Goodwin, and this year's grant recipient, Elle Choate, to talk about what the grant was built to do and why it matters. Ellie shares where she's at right now, coming back from a serious injury, getting horses back into work, and trying to build something sustainable in a sport that isn't easy to break into. Putter reflects on Annie's connection to Aiken, the kind of people the grant is meant to support, and how the idea has grown into something that's already making a difference. Highlights Why the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant was created and what it's meant to support Annie's connection to Aiken and the community that shaped her career Elle on recovering from injury and getting back in the saddle The realities of turning riding into a sustainable profession Guests Putter Goodwin - Annie Goodwin's father and a driving force behind the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, created to honour Annie's legacy and support developing professionals across disciplines. Elle Choate - 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant recipient, developing professional based in Aiken. Find out more about the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant and the $100,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. 👉 Learn more about the grant, the event, and how to get involved. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.