Sally Cousins: Building a Lasting Career in Eventing

This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5* event rider Sally Cousins. Sally Cousins is an accomplished FEI 5* international event rider and was the USEA Leading Lady Rider for six consecutive years (2008–2013). She began riding as a young child after her family purchased a farm in Oxford, Pennsylvania, and quickly found her passion through Pony Club and the sport of eventing. By her mid-teens, Sally had completed her first one-star three-day event, and at just 20 years old, she traveled to England to compete at the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials. She remained in the UK that year and went on to complete the Burghley Horse Trials later that season. In addition to her riding career, Sally spent 16 years working as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch before deciding to turn professional and commit fully to eventing. Today, she operates Sally Cousins Eventing, training horses and riders out of her bases in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. In this episode, Sally reflects on the choices and philosophies that have shaped her decades-long career in eventing, including: • How being strategic about which events she entered helped her horses stay sound and competitive for longer. • Why she’s never hesitated to withdraw a horse at the last minute if they weren’t ready, prioritizing their well-being over competition goals. • What led her to leave a successful 16-year career as a stockbroker to pursue horses full-time. • The importance of building a trusting relationship with each horse and following her gut when deciding whether to push forward or hold back. Join Sally and Sinead in this thoughtful conversation about longevity, horsemanship, and the mindset behind a sustainable career in the sport.

This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event rider Michael Pollard. Michael Pollard is a former international event rider and Pan American Games gold medalist. He rose quickly through the ranks, earning the Markham Trophy at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at just 18 and being named the U.S. Eventing Association’s Young Rider of the Year in 2001. He went on to represent the United States at top international competitions including Luhmühlen, Burghley, and Rolex Kentucky. Throughout his riding career, Michael also ran a successful business outside of the horse world, which helped support his ambitions in the sport. In 2016, he made the decision to step away from competition to focus on his companies and to spend more time with his family. In recent years, Michael has returned to the sport as both a rider and coach, bringing with him a fresh perspective shaped by his time away and his experience across multiple arenas. In this episode, Michael shares insights from his journey in the sport, including: • His decision to step away from eventing despite being at the top of his game. • How he views commitment, sacrifice, and where horses fit into his list of priorities. • The role his business ventures and financial strategy played in supporting his riding career. • What it looks like to balance family life with ambitious career goals. Join Michael and Sinead in this exciting conversation about his unique perspective on life in and out of the saddle. Book recommendations: • 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life By Bill Eddy

This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert. In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by world-class horsemanship trainer Warwick Schiller. Warwick Schiller is a lifelong horseman, international reiner, and host of The Journey On Podcast. Originally from Australia, he moved to the U.S. to pursue his passion for training horses, eventually becoming an NRHA Reserve World Champion and representing Australia at the 2010 and 2018 World Equestrian Games. Known for his clear and compassionate teaching style, he has coached riders to top titles including NRHA World Champion and Rookie of the Year. Warwick is the author of The Principles of Training and runs Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship in California with his wife Robyn and son Tyler, focusing on relationship-first horsemanship. In this episode, Warwick discusses topics related to his training philosophy, including: • Why putting the relationship with the horse and the horse’s sense of safety should come before all else. • How personal growth and self-awareness can deepen your connection with your horses and improve your effectiveness as a trainer. • The importance of setting horses up for success at every stage, rather than skipping over issues or rushing the process. • Small, intentional changes that can create a big difference in the training space. Join Warwick and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the importance of prioritizing the relationship with the horse. Book recommendations: • Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel by Carl Safina • Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts • Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World―A Memoir of Nature's Healing Power by Craig Foster • The Principles of Training: Understanding The Relationship Between You and Your Horse, and Why Effective Training Works by Warwick Schiller • 10% Happier by Dan Harris

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 4* event rider and coach Rebecca Brown. Rebecca Brown is a 4* event rider and 2005 North American Youth Championships gold medalist, where she competed on her horse Twinkle Toes. She has built an impressive upper-level career with standout results aboard her longtime partner Dassett Choice, including a win in the Advanced at Chattahoochee Hills in 2019, fifth in the Advanced at Rocking Horse in 2020, and a win in the Advanced Intermediate at the Virginia Horse Trials. The pair completed their first CCI4*-S at Stable View Oktoberfest in 2020. Rebecca also competes Fernhill Fortitude, an Irish Sport Horse gelding with top ten finishes at Red Hills International and MARS Great Meadow International. Based in Dallas, Texas, she runs Rebecca Brown Riding, a successful training and coaching business that supports riders and horses from the lower levels through the FEI ranks. In this episode, Rebecca discusses topics related to her riding career and training business, including • Balancing the business of training and coaching with the personal passion for producing her own competition horses. • Recognizing when it’s time to transition a horse to a new rider to support the horse’s long-term success. • Navigating the impact of social media on barn culture and fostering a positive, supportive training environment. • A look at the standout horses that helped relaunch her upper-level career and an inside look at her current competition string. Join Rebecca and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the real-life challenges and rewards of being a professional in the horse world. This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 5* event rider Buck Davidson. Buck Davidson is a very accomplished and recognizable figure in international eventing. A three-time winner of the Markham Trophy and the 1996 Young Rider of the Year, he has represented the U.S. at the highest levels, including the Pan American Games, World Equestrian Games, and numerous CCI5* events. Davidson claimed team gold and individual bronze at the 2011 Pan Ams with Absolute Liberty and has three USEF CCI5*-L National Championships to his name. In recent years, he has continued to produce top results, including second- and third-place finishes at the 2021 Virginia International Horse Trials CCI4*-L with Cooley Candyman and Sorocaima, and a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event with Carlevo. He runs BDJ Equestrian with his wife, Andrea, and is the father of two daughters. Most recently, he placed 13th at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event riding Sorocaima. In this episode, Buck discusses topics related to the sport of eventing, including: • His perspective on how competitions could evolve to become more engaging for spectators while also promoting smarter, more selective riding. • The importance of a rider prioritizing their horse’s well-being over competitive ambition. • The commitment, resilience, and mindset required to reach—and remain—at the top of the sport. • Striking a balance between trusting his own experience and staying open to continued learning and growth. Join Buck and Sinead in this exciting conversation on balancing elite performance with responsibility, growth, and the evolving future of the sport.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by podcast host and commentator Annie Bishop. Annie Bishop is a respected voice in eventing, known for her insightful commentary and engaging podcast work. She co-hosts the US Equestrian Open Eventing Review Show alongside Diarm Byrne, providing expert analysis of major competitions across the country. Her deep roots in the sport come from her parents: the late Wash Bishop, a U.S. Olympic eventer and coach, and Juliet Graham, an Olympic rider for Canada. In addition to her work with US Equestrian, Annie has contributed to platforms like the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, where she continues to share her expertise and passion. Through her media presence, Annie remains a prominent figure in the eventing world, helping to deepen appreciation for the sport among fans and participants alike. In this episode, Annie discusses topics related to her journey as a podcast host and commentator, including: • What it was like growing up on a farm with two renowned horse trainers as parents. • How she found her way back into the eventing world after college and launched a production company. • The importance of livestreaming events worldwide to showcase the talent of both horses and riders. • Her approach to commentary—acknowledging when things go wrong without casting them in a negative light. Join Annie and Sinead in this exciting conversation on the importance of giving eventing a voice and bringing its stories to a wider audience.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international 4* event rider Lucienne Bellissimo. Lucienne Bellissimo is an international CCI4* event rider, ranked 9th in the 2023 US Eventing Rankings and among the top 50 in the World FEI Eventing Athlete Rankings. Born in The New Forest, Hampshire, UK, she grew up riding and competing both racehorses and event horses. Her training has been influenced by top names, including Oliver Townend, Mark Todd CBE, and Erik Duvander. Alongside her riding career, Lucienne holds a BSc in chiropractic and founded the equestrian startup Horse Scout, later securing backing from Google Campus London and Black Box VC USA. Now based in Florida and South Carolina, she continues to compete at the highest levels while blending her passion for sport and technology. In this episode, Lucienne discusses topics related to the business side of eventing, including: • The sales-driven mindset she developed growing up. • Her journey to founding Horse Scout Eventing, a thriving training and sales business. • The internal struggle of keeping top horses to pursue her dreams versus selling them to sustain her business. • How the emphasis on dedication and training in eventing makes the sport more accessible. • Her strategies for maintaining both mental and physical health. Join Lucienne and Sinead in this exciting conversation on balancing equestrian success with business savvy.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international horse dealer Richard Sheane. Richard Sheane is a renowned horse dealer who runs Cooley Farm in Wicklow, Ireland, alongside his wife, Georgina Philips. Cooley Farm is a leading source of top-quality Irish sport horses, recognized globally under the “Cooley” name. Richard started his career working for international showjumpers Jack and Edward Doyle but always aspired to buy and sell horses himself. His expertise and dedication transformed Cooley Farm into a global leader, with several horses achieving 5* success. In 2018, Cooley Master Class became the first Cooley horse to win a 5*. The previous year at Blenheim 2017, Cooley Lands won the CIC3* eight- and nine-year-old class, and Cooley Cross Border won the CCI3*. In this episode, Richard discusses topics related to producing and selling young horses, including: • His approach to sourcing and producing the top young horses in Ireland. • The characteristics that make a good horseman and young horse trainer. • Where the name “Cooley” came from and what the name says about the standard of the horse. • What buyers should prioritize when looking for the right horse. Join Richard and Sinead in this exciting conversation about sourcing, producing, and selling quality young horses.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by horsemanship trainers Tik Maynard and Nick Rivera. Tik Maynard, the 2024 and 2025 Road to the Horse Champion, is partnered with fellow horsemanship trainer and Pen Wrangler Nick Rivera. Tik has been both Long-Listed and Short-Listed for the Canadian National Three-Day Event Team, won the Freestyle at the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2015 and 2018, and is the author of In The Middle Are The Horsemen. He teaches clinics nationwide and runs a training business at Copperline Farm with his wife, Sinead Halpin Maynard. Nick, a Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin graduate, has been passionate about horses since childhood and turned professional after college. He co-created the nationwide product “Whinny Water” with Ryan Rose and now contributes to The Horseman’s University, where he hopes to inspire students through education, challenges, and shared adventures with his horse, Jasper. In this episode, Tik and Nick discuss topics related to natural horsemanship and The Road to the Horse, including: • What the Road to the Horse competition is and the important role a Pen Wrangler plays in the event. • How Tik and Nick prepared for the competition by prioritizing the process over the outcome. • The unexpected lessons they discovered along the way. • How natural horsemanship techniques can benefit sport horses by making them happier and better understood. Join Tik, Nick, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about their unforgettable Road to the Horse journey.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event riders Arthur and Logan Duffort. Arthur and Logan Duffort are international event riders and trainers who run their business, Otis Eventing, from a farm in the Loire Valley, France. They began managing a yard together in 2012, shortly after getting married. Between them, they boast an impressive list of accomplishments. Arthur spent four years riding for Andrew Nicholson and has competed up to the 5* level, earning placings at Burghley and completing both Badminton and Pau. He was selected to represent France in the 7-year-old World Championships and has secured multiple wins and placings at national events, ranging from pre-novice to advanced levels. Logan spent two years riding for William Fox-Pitt, one year with Laura Collett, and also rode part-time for Mark Todd. She was selected to represent the USA in the 7-year-old World Championships and at the London Olympic Test Event. In this episode, Arthur and Logan discuss topics related to training and working as a team, including: • Their backgrounds in horses and the story of how they met. • Developing a training system that blends and enhances their individual styles. • Establishing a camp designed to teach young riders how to build a professional career in the industry. • Exploring the cultural differences between France and the US when it comes to horse training and sales. Join Arthur, Logan, and Sinead in this exciting conversation about bridging their backgrounds and creating a successful business.