Horses to Watch 2025, presented by Equilume

It’s time to talk riders. With the 2025 season just getting underway, we’re looking beyond the headlines to spotlight the riders set to shape the year ahead. Nicole Brown, Diarm Byrne, and Spike Milligan return to throw down their predictions—from established stars chasing gold to breakout talents building momentum. Who’s peaking at the right time? Who’s flying under the radar? And who could top the world rankings by season’s end? Highlights: Championship Calls – Can Laura Collett finally land individual gold? Could Ros Canter or Yasmin Ingham take the European title on home soil? World Number One Debate – The case for Tim Price, Harry Meade, and a wildcard pick from across the pond (Boyd Martin, anyone?). Depth vs. Brilliance – What really counts when it comes to FEI points, and who’s built the horsepower to stay at the top? Next Gen Watchlist – Introducing the young guns you’ll be hearing a lot more about: Oscar Fitzgerald, Tom Nestor, Izzy Cook, and more. Guests: Nicole Brown – Ready to rein in the chaos and name names. Diarm Byrne – Letting the data do the talking (mostly). Peter "Spike the Vet" Milligan – Weighing in between vet calls and nappy changes. Three categories. Endless opinions. Some risky predictions. This is your front-row seat to the names you’ll be seeing all season long. Presented by Equilume – supporting equine health and performance through innovative light technology. Learn more at equilume.com. EquiRatings Eventing PodcastFollow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook.

It’s that time again — the road to Kentucky is officially underway. With entries for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event now confirmed, we’ve gathered an all-star panel for a special reaction episode. From Olympic champions to home team hopefuls, we break down the biggest names, the fan favourites, and the breakout combinations that could define this year’s five-star. With fischerChipmunk FRH and Michael Jung returning to U.S. soil, the question is simple: can anyone stop them? Respect for Chipmunk’s record is unanimous, but not every panellist is fully won over. From JL Dublin and Commando 3 to a standout four-star field featuring Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, there’s no shortage of storylines—and a few surprises—in the mix. Highlights: The Chipmunk Effect – Will Michael Jung’s return to Kentucky end in another win—or is the fairy tale fading? Dublin’s Redemption Arc – Tom McEwen’s powerhouse looks ready to turn two second-place finishes into a five-star title. U.S. Stars to Watch – Boyd Martin’s Commando 3 could deliver a home win, while a deep U.S. field brings exciting new names. Four-Star Short Forecast – Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake top the Prediction Center, with Hallie Coon, Alyssa Phillips, and others ready to challenge. The Heart vs. the Numbers – What makes a Kentucky favourite? The horses, the stats—or the stories behind them? Guests: Annie Bishop – Host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast Sally Spickard – Managing Editor at Eventing Nation Kimberly Loushin – Senior Reporter at The Chronicle of the Horse Piper Klemm – Owner and Publisher of The Plaid Horse Gemma Redrup – Digital Features Editor at Horse & Hound Diarm Byrne – Co-founder of EquiRatings EquiRatings Eventing PodcastFollow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Which horses are about to have their breakout season? Nicole, Diarm, and Georgia are back with their boldest predictions yet—from five-star winners to rising stars you haven’t heard of (yet). Expect strong opinions, sharp stats, and a few curveballs as they debate the horses set to define 2025. Highlights: • Who’s winning a five-star this year? Predictions include London 52, JL Dublin, and Annaghmore Valoner • Ones to watch: exciting young talent (8 and under) like Mr. Cookie Time and Avatar 42 • Flying under the radar? Not for long—Rocket Man, Jaguar Duende, and more potential breakout stars • Big calls, strong stats, and a few friendly debates Guests: • Nicole Brown – Host and eventing expert who’s not afraid to back a big call • Diarm Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder with a wildcard or two up his sleeve • Georgia Patrick – EquiRatings data analyst bringing the stats and strategy Presented by Equilume – supporting equine health and performance through innovative light technology. Learn more at equilume.com. EquiRatings Eventing PodcastFollow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2025 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Welcome to the first ever Strawmax Stable Chats In this new monthly series, we’ve teamed up with Strawmax to bring you behind-the-scenes conversations with some of the biggest names in the equestrian world—riders, grooms, owners, and trainers. These are the kinds of chats you might have in the tack room or out on a hack—easy, honest, and full of insight. To kick things off, Sam Watson joins Nicole to answer four key questions covering horses, life, and everything in between. From running a tidy yard to sharing port on the sofa with his family, Sam offers a glimpse into what makes him tick. Highlights: • The most valuable lesson Sam’s learned from working with horses • His best advice for keeping a yard running like clockwork • The dream dinner party guest list (with a few surprises) • What he'd do with an extra hour in the day Guest: Sam Watson – Irish Olympian, EquiRatings co-founder, and a thoughtful horseman with a sharp sense of humour and plenty of stories to tell. Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more Strawmax Stable Chats, with new guests joining us each month. EquiRatings Eventing PodcastDon't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Want comfier beds, happier horses, and a yard that runs like a dream? Strawmax has you covered. Check them out at strawmax.com and follow @strawmax_bedding for tips, behind-the-scenes content, and yard inspo straight from the source.

The British Eventing season is officially underway, and there’s plenty to talk about. From fresh training opportunities to a brand-new cross-country format and an exclusive update from Laura Collett, this show covers everything you need to know to start the season right. Highlights: What’s New This Season – Updates on the 2025 calendar, member benefits, and initiatives shaping the sport. Cross Country Plus Explained – Rosie Williams, CEO of British Eventing, outlines how this format aims to grow participation while prioritising safety. Training & Coaching Developments – Darrell Scaife discusses the revamped BE training structure and how non-members can now get involved. Laura Collett’s Season Plans – The double Olympic gold medallist shares her 2025 goals and why London 52 is skipping Badminton. Listener Q&A – Fixture planning, funding, and what it takes to keep events running in the current landscape. Guests: Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing Darrell Scaife – Head of Training and Coaching at BE Laura Collett – Olympic gold medallist and five-star winner Plenty of insight and useful takeaways as the 2025 season gets started—don’t miss it.         🎧 Subscribe, Rate & Review! If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and share it with your eventing friends! Follow us on Instagram & Facebook to stay up to date.

The 2025 international eventing season is officially in full swing, and what a way to kick things off at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International! Nicole is joined by Holly Hudspeth, who had a front-row seat to all the action over the weekend. Together, they recap an exciting competition filled with standout performances, tough cross-country challenges, and major leaderboard shake-ups. 🏆 Key Highlights from the Show: 🔹 Jennie Brannigan & FE Lifestyle – Securing a long-awaited international victory after years of top-level performances. 🔹 Monica Spencer & Artist – Leading after dressage but dropping down the order after an early cross-country pin. 🔹 Waylon Roberts & OKE Ruby R – Fast and fearless, climbing from 14th to finish second. 🔹 Allison Springer & No May Moon – A strong podium finish and potential 5* debut at Kentucky? 🔹 Ema Klugman’s impressive top-10 double with Bronte Beach and Chiraz. 🔹 Boyd Martin's return with Fedarman B and Commando 3 making waves in the 3*. 🔹 Derek di Grazia’s first Carolina course – A fresh design with challenging questions, new features, and an exciting future. 🔥 Inside the Episode: 📌 The impact of Derek di Grazia’s new cross-country course design. 📌 Why no one made the time on cross-country this year. 📌 Behind-the-scenes footing management – heating blankets for turf?! 📌 The significance of Carolina International in the US eventing calendar. 📌 Top performances in the 3 division*, including Sarah Kozumplik & Rock Phantom’s win. 📌 A tribute to Will Faudree & Pfun after their final Carolina run. Listen for free across all podcast platforms!  

📅 Eventing fans, the wait is over—Carolina International presented by Setters Run Farm is here! In this episode, we bring you the full preview of one of the biggest events on the U.S. eventing calendar. Nicole is joined by Caroline Pamukcu, fresh off an international win just months after becoming a new mum, to talk about her season goals, her top horses, and how she’s balancing it all. Holly Hudspeth also joins the show to give her expert analysis on what to expect from the field, the impact of Derek di Grazia’s new cross-country course, and the key names to watch in the Sandy River Equestrian Center Four-Star. 🎯 What’s Inside: 🏇 A look back at past winners and record-breaking performances 🔎 Top contenders in the US Equestrian Open series 📊 Predictions for the Four-Star & Three-Star divisions 🌿 What to expect from Derek di Grazia’s first Carolina course 📺 Watch Live on Horse & Country TV 👀 Follow us for more updates! #CarolinaInternational #EventingPodcast

What makes a single eventing performance truly exceptional? In this episode, we break down EquiRating's High Performance Ratings (HPRs)—how they measure the best of the best and what we can learn from the greatest performances in eventing history. Nicole Brown and Sam Watson dig into the numbers, comparing legendary performances from Lordships Graffalo, Fischer Chipmunk, London 52, and more to uncover what makes a performance historic. Plus, we look ahead to 2025—who will top the HPR charts this season? Highlights: The Science Behind HPR – How it ranks performances beyond just finishing score and podium position. The Greatest Ever? – Who holds the highest five-star HPRs of all time? Where Will 2025’s Best Performance Happen? – Will it be Badminton, Burghley, Aachen, or somewhere unexpected? Ones to Watch – Could horses like Chin Tonic, Cooley Rosalent, or Izilot DHI produce this year’s standout moment? Guests: Sam Watson – EquiRatings co-founder, bringing the stats and deep analysis. Nicole Brown – Eventing podcast host, guiding the discussion and making the big calls. With 2025 shaping up to be a thriller, we’re setting the stage for the season’s biggest moments. 🎧 Tune in now! EquiRatings Eventing PodcastDon't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

The first big event of the U.S. eventing season did not disappoint! The Stirling Venture Capital $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, brought high stakes, fast-paced competition, and record-breaking performances to kick off the year in style. Nicole Brown and Diarmuid Byrne break down all the action from Aiken in this Review, where Will Coleman and Chin Tonic delivered a history-making performance. But that wasn’t all—Boyd Martin, Philip Dutton, and a stacked international field made this a must-watch competition. Highlights: Chin Tonic’s Dominance – A 17.3 dressage score, a record-breaking finish, and a statement win. Is he the U.S.’s championship horse of the future? Off The Record: The Ultimate Teammate – While Chin Tonic stole the headlines, Will Coleman’s veteran superstar quietly delivered yet another flawless performance. Commando 3’s Big Moment – Boyd Martin’s rising star is proving he’s ready for the next step. What’s next for him? The Fastest Horses in the Game – Who mastered the tight, technical cross-country track? And what does this mean for the season ahead? Guests: Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder, bringing the stats, predictions, and storylines to watch. Nicole Brown – Eventing podcast host and commentator, guiding the discussion and making the big calls.  We’re here to break it all down and look ahead to what’s next in the 2025 eventing season. Tune in now! Missed the action? Catch the replay on Horse & Country TV! EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

What happens when some of the biggest names in U.S. eventing go head-to-head in a fast, pressure-packed showdown? We’re breaking down all the action from the Sterling Venture Capital $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, where top horses and riders kick off their season with big goals—and big prize money on the line. This isn’t your standard FEI event—it’s an all-out sprint. Dressage sets the tone, show jumping raises the stakes, and cross-country delivers the excitement in a high-energy, condensed format. With past champions, exciting new faces, and a course designed to challenge and entertain, we’re unpacking who’s ready to make a statement, what to watch for this season, and why this event has become a must-see on the U.S. eventing calendar. If you love top-tier competition, sharp analysis, and a little bit of friendly debate, this one’s for you. Highlights: Chin Tonic is Back – Will Coleman’s superstar returns after an interrupted 2024 season. Can he pick up right where he left off? Boyd’s New Ride – Cooley Nutcracker now has Boyd Martin in the irons. What can this new partnership do? A Stacked Field – From past winners like Will and Boyd to rising stars like Hallie Coon and Austin O’Connor, this lineup is seriously competitive. Guests: Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder, bringing the stats, predictions, and storylines to watch. predictions. Nicole Brown – Eventing podcast host and commentator, guiding the discussion and making the big calls. This episode is packed with insight, hot takes, and a whole lot of excitement as we set the stage for one of the most entertaining weekends in U.S. eventing. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.