Strawmax Stable Chat: Piggy March

The CHIO Aachen Review Show is here — and this one has everything: a Tim Price win, a Kiwi team triumph, big questions for the US, and the wonderful Pete Cattell as he returns to the show to talk about his experience as an owner on the ground. Nicole, Diarmuid, and Pete break down all the drama, storylines, surprises, and standout performances from one of the biggest weekends in the sport. Episode Highlights Tim Price and Vitali finally deliver their big win, silencing doubts and sealing an emotional moment for rider and owners. New Zealand claims the team title with Monica Spencer's lightning-fast round and strong performances from Clark Johnstone and Tim Price. Boyd Martin and Commando 3 impress for the US with a top-5 finish — one to watch for the future Pete shares what it’s really like on the ground at Aachen — the noise, the tension, and the chaos of cross-country day. A deep dive into the dressage judging controversy: scoring swings, inconsistencies, and what needs to change. MGH Zabaione makes his Aachen debut — Pete reflects on the highs, the learning curve, and why experience matters. Fletcha van’t Verahof’s age-defying double clear at 20 years old Guests Pete Cattell Diarmuid Byrne Nicole Brown Listen to our 'Through the Owner's Eyes' Podcast with Pete Cattell here. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

It is Aachen week which is the perfect rehearsal before the World Championships there next year. With many big nations sending their 'B team', the door is wide open for new frontrunners to emerge. Could this be USA’s moment? In this episode, Nicole Brown and Diarmuid Byrne break down the key contenders, big storylines, and Prediction Centre insights ahead of one of the most intense team tests of the summer. Highlights: US on the Rise – Can Commando 3 or Off The Record deliver under pressure and put the USA back on top? Prediction Centre – Dacapo is at the top but it's wide open from there Kiwi Form – Vitali and Lord Seekonig could both challenge for the podium Belgian Streak  – Lara de Liedekerke-Meier arrives off a hot run of form Worlds Warm-Up – Aachen course gets a shake-up ahead of 2026 World Championships What Makes Aachen, Aachen – Format pressure, atmosphere, and the ‘one shot’ nature of the class Guests: Nicole Brown – Host of The Eventing Podcast Diarmuid Byrne – Co-founder of EquiRatings EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Today, we are going back in time to join Nicole and Equilume’s marketing manager, Alyssa O'Neill, as they shed light on the innovative Equilume technology and how it can enhance your horse’s health and performance.  In This Episode: What is Equilume? Discover the groundbreaking technology of blue light for horses with an easy-to-understand breakdown. Beyond Breeding: Learn how Equilume benefits not just mares but all horses, enhancing mood, muscle development, and coat condition. Real-World Benefits: Hear first hand from Alyssa O’Neill about her personal experiences with Equilume products and the noticeable improvements in her horses. Sponsors: This show is kindly supported by Equilume, who are world leaders in the development of performance lighting for horses. Their products maximise fertility, performance and well-being, helping horses become healthier from the inside out.  To find out more, visit their website at www.equilume.com. Listen for free across all podcast platforms. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

This British Eventing show hits at the halfway point of the 2025 season with plenty to talk about. From a new collaboration with The Pony Club to mid-season grassroots standouts and insights on the BE stat centre, this episode explores how the sport is evolving and celebrates the riders making it happen. Episode Highlights Pony Club and British Eventing team up to make the sport more accessible for young riders. Shared calendars and local opportunities aim to reduce travel and encourage grassroots participation. Rosie looks back at Badminton and Chillington grassroots championships, celebrating comeback stories like Jane Rogers.. Riders are supported with advice on fitness, safety, and making smart decisions for their horses. Flexibility and adaptability help riders and organisers navigate a busy, weather-affected season. British Eventing is working on new technology to simplify the entry process and improve the rider experience. Diarmuid Byrne explores the BE Stat Centre to celebrate standout achievements and tracks progress across all levels of the sport. Guests Rosie Williams — CEO of British Eventing Marcus Capel — CEO of The Pony Club Diarmuid Byrne — EquiRatings Co-Founder Nicole Brown - Host of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Leave feedback for British Eventing here with their 'Here to Help' campaign. Check out the BE Stats Centre here. Follow @britisheventing on Instagram to stay up to date with all the action. 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.  

Episode three of Strawmax Stable Chat is here and this time Piggy March is in the hot seat. Join Nicole as she dives into the personal side of one of eventing’s most successful riders. Episode Highlights The best advice Piggy’s ever received and how 10-minutes can clear your head. Dinner party dream guests including a peak into Piggy’s kitchen — from steak and salad to the all-important wine. Who Piggy looks up to outside of eventing Piggy’s most-used emojis Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more Strawmax Stable Chats, with new guests joining us each month. Guest: Piggy March Host: Nicole Brown This show is kindly supported by Strawmax a healthy, ultra-absorbent and economical bedding option for your horse. Check them out at www.bedmaxshavings.com/strawmax/ EquiRatings Eventing PodcastDon't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.  

In this special episode of When Nicole Met, supported by Littlemax (the sister brand to Bedmax), Nicole sits down with one of eventing’s brightest young stars — Tom Woodward. From a freak leg injury to a breakout Badminton debut and a fairytale win at Bramham, Tom opens up about the ups, downs, and driving ambition behind his rising career. Episode Highlights Tom reflects on how he went from flying under the radar to becoming the under-25 national champion and one of the breakout stars of Badminton 2025. He shares the remarkable story of Low Moor Lucky, the quirky, late-starting horse who helped launch his eventing career. We explore Tom’s deep family roots in the equestrian world, from National Hunt racing to a great-uncle who reportedly brought 10,000 horses out of Ireland. He opens up about the freak accident that left him with a compound leg fracture — and the determined comeback that led to an international win at Cornbury. Tom explains what it’s really like to set up a business as a young rider, including riding for owners, managing entries, and doing all the admin himself. He talks about the bigger goals ahead, the drive that gets him out of bed, and what’s next as he aims for five-star success and future team appearances. Guest: Tom Woodward Host: Nicole Brown Presented by: Littlemax — the lighter, finer alternative from the makers of Bedmax. Naturally antibacterial, low in dust, easy to manage, and designed to support your horse’s health and comfort in the stable. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

How does a holiday in Sligo turn into a horse ownership journey that leads all the way to Burghley, Rio, and—hopefully—LA 2028? In this episode of Through the Owner’s Eyes, Nicole Brown sits down with longtime owner Peter Cattell to explore the highs, the heartbreaks, and the heart behind nearly two decades in top-level eventing. From watching Mark Todd ride Leonidas II at the Rio Olympics to nurturing one of the sport’s most exciting young horses, MGH Zabaione, this is a story of passion, partnership, and purpose. Whether you’re an aspiring owner, a lifelong fan, or just curious what it really takes behind the scenes, this episode is full of honesty, insight, and joy. Episode Highlights Peter and Di’s journey into horse ownership began by accident—during a holiday in Sligo filled with golf and beer. A surprise call about Major Milestone led to a Burghley breakthrough and a partnership with Mark Todd. The Rio Olympics brought an emotional rollercoaster, from cross-country highs to final-day heartbreak. Leonidas was a standout horse whose legacy lives on—now retired in the paddock at home. MGH Zabaione is rising fast with Pádraig McCarthy, and Peter has no plans to sell their championship hopeful. For Peter and Di, it’s the people, places, and partnerships that give horse ownership its real meaning Guest Peter Cattell is the owner behind top-level horses that have appeared at Burghley, Rio, and now aim for LA 2028. Host Nicole Brown is the host of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast Sponsors This episode is powered by EquiRatings Horse Sales — the data-driven way to find your next superstar. From performance metrics to potential and price, EquiRatings helps take the guesswork out of buying and selling horses. Find out more here. EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

We’re on the other side of another five-star and what a weekend it was at Luhmühlen 2025. Diarm and Nicole break down all the headlines in this episode supported by FLAIR Strips. From Izilot's win and Laura Collett’s missed milestone, to Cosby Green’s breakthrough and what Sam Lissington’s result means for New Zealand. They tackle the bigger questions - judging ranges, high-performance trends, and whether Australia’s seat at the 'Big Six' table is in danger. Episode Highlights Izilot vs. Graffalo – A win for Ros, but is it enough for European selection?  Dressage Drama – Was Luhmühlen over-marked? Diarm breaks down the numbers behind the scores. That Arena Fence – 30% of the field faulted at 8B/C. Who rode it best, and was it fair Breakout Riders – Huge weekends for Sam Lissington (NZL) and Cosby Green (USA), both landing top finishes. Australia’s Big Question – Are they slipping out of the Big Six? Elo data says the pressure’s on. Hosts Nicole Brown – Host of The Eventing Podcast Diarmuid Byrne – Co-founder of EquiRatings Sponsors: FLAIR Strips are very kindly supporting our European 5* shows this year. FLAIR Strips are veterinarian-developed, drug-free nasal strips that help your horse breathe easier during exercise by supporting the soft tissues over their nasal passages. With proven benefits like reduced fatigue, faster recovery, and energy conservation, FLAIR Strips give equine athletes the respiratory support they need to perform at their best. FLAIR Strips proudly support many elite equestrian athletes including Alex Bragg, Buck Davidson, Bubby Upton, Yasmin Ingham, and Phillip Dutton. These are just some examples of top-level athletes that trust and rely on FLAIR Strips for their performance edge. Read more on Team FLAIR riders here. Check out the FLAIR Strips website and follow them on Instagram to see more! EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing for all things eventing.  

We’re halfway through the 2025 eventing season, and it’s time to take stock. In this jam-packed episode, Nicole is joined by Sam, Spike, and Diarmuid for a full mid-season review. They look back on the standout five-star performances at Kentucky and Badminton, debate the dominance of Graffalo, Chipmunk, and London 52, and get stuck into some of the sport’s biggest questions—from judging controversies to phase influence to what makes a true five-star horse. Expect heated debate, expert insight, and plenty of name drops as the team maps out what’s happened so far—and what’s still to come. 🔍 Episode Breakdown 1. Graffalo vs. Chipmunk: The Rivalry Defining the Season A deep dive into the big wins at Kentucky and Badminton, comparing their HPRs, pressure performances, and championship potential. What separates these two legends—and where does London 52 fit in? 2. The Big Picture: Are We in a Golden Era? Sam makes the case for calling 2025 one of the greatest seasons of modern eventing, with generational talent peaking at once. Could we be witnessing a once-in-a-decade moment? 3. The Great Scoring Debate: Dressage, Cross Country & What Really Matters Does dressage have too much influence? Is the sport evolving in the wrong direction? Sam and Spike go head-to-head on phase weighting, training priorities, and whether we’re seeing the right kind of horses at the top. 4. European Championship Forecasts & Blenheim Speculation Who’s in the running for Team GB? The crew discusses likely selections, breakout performers like It's Cooley Time and Nickel 21, and how the second half of the season could shape team dynamics for the Europeans and Burghley. 5. American Power Plays: Reactions to the US Aachen Squad Nicole and Diarmuid unpack the US team announcement for Aachen, looking at the returning stars, the rising talent, and what it all suggests for Aachen World Championships in 2026. Bonus: why Jess Phoenix is one to watch. 👥 Featured Guests Nicole Brown – Host, commentator, and the podcast’s midfield general. Sam Watson – Elite eventer and numbers guru, calling for phase reform and deep appreciation for greatness. Spike Milligan – Eventing vet and voice of reason (sometimes), sparring with Sam over training philosophies. Diarmuid Byrne – Stat-backed sage with sharp takes on selections, trends, and what’s coming next. 📣 Call to Action Think Graffalo’s the GOAT? Backing Chipmunk to finish strong? Loving the rise of Nickel or It's Cooley Time? We want to hear from you! Drop us your thoughts on Instagram and make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast so you don’t miss what’s next.

We're straight back into five-star fever with a Luhmühlen Preview Show supported by FLAIR Strips. It is shaping up as a British battle, with London 52 leading the charge for a fourth five-star victory. But can anyone stop Laura Collett's phenomenon? From dressage records to European team implications, this weekend could reshape the summer's storylines. In this episode, Nicole Brown and Diarmuid Byrne break down the favourites and the form heading into one of the most compelling Luhmühlen fields in recent history. Highlights: London 52's Dominance – Three of the top four five-star finishing scores in 17 years and sub-21 finishes becoming the norm The British Superpower – Top six on prediction center all British ladies and a 95% win probability Ros Canter's Challenge – Can Izilot DHI upset the order? Kitty King's Quest – Vendredi Biats searching for that elusive five-star win European Implications – Could Luhmühlen results shake up Blenheim team selections? Dark Horse Picks – Wills Oakden with Keep It Cooley and Allison Springer's No May Moon Guests: Nicole Brown – Host of The Eventing Podcast Diarmuid Byrne – Co-founder of EquiRatings Sponsors: FLAIR Strips are very kindly supporting our European 5* shows this year. FLAIR Strips are veterinarian-developed, drug-free nasal strips that help your horse breathe easier during exercise by supporting the soft tissues over their nasal passages. With proven benefits like reduced fatigue, faster recovery, and energy conservation, FLAIR Strips give equine athletes the respiratory support they need to perform at their best. Check out the FLAIR Strips website and follow them on Instagram to see more! EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing for all things eventing.