Get The Most Out Of Your Rides This Summer

Raise your hand if you’ve gone home wearing the medication that you were supposed to dispense into your horse’s mouth more than once? Twice? Three times? OK, we’ve got some tricks for you. On this episode, we’re talking to a woman who has made it her mission to educate horse owners on being better horse owners. Also: pet peeves in the barn… you guys shared a lot of ‘em. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 149: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: credit Payne EquestrianDrink Recipe: Death in the AfternoonLink: Just 3 minutes with a mini horse or donkey improves a teen’s mood, according to a new study Link: 60 Minutes tackles the story of Shergar, the mystery of the missing racehorse from Ireland Link: Blenheim results Product Reviews: Majesty’s PillEase Wafer Pill Pockets, Pill Mill pill crusher/grinderSubscribe: 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, HITS Horse Shows, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s been a minute, but we’re back! After a short break this summer we’re here with a jam-packed episode and full of excitement after watching the 2026 World Championships in Aachen. We’re also talking about respiratory issues in horses and sharing our favorite hacks for the horse trailer in hot weather. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 149:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekDrink Recipe: Swimming Pool CocktailFeatured Image: Courtesy MM PhotographyLink: Do color perceptions affect jumping performance? Link: USEF issues new guidance for high heat, poor air quality during horse showsLink: Aachen recapLink: More girth fitting tipsSubscribe: 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, HITS Horse Shows, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s the end of an era: we’re mourning the death of our favorite riding goods catalog. But there’s good news too: new research in EHV-1 detection could help minimize horse show outbreaks. We’re also talking about how to maximize your rides in hot hot summer and discussing solutions to our sport’s ever evolving affordability crisis. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 148:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekDrink Recipe: Limoncello CocktailFeatured Image: Heels DownLink: Dover Saddlery going out of business Link: Horse welfare through perception of sport in photos studyLink: EHV-1 airborne testing coming to horse shows?Product Review: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control by Farnam | 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: Farnam and Ecogold, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s like Christmas in … April for anyone who loves the sport of three-day eventing. We’re gearing up for the Best Weekend All Year with a heartwarming story about three Kentucky eventing veterans that will make you smile. Also this month, we’re putting some of the best tech for equestrians to the test. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 147:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekDrink Recipe: Classic Brown Derby CocktailGuest: Doug PayneGuest: Courtney CarsonFeatured Image: Heels DownLinks: CCI4*-S Entries & Ride Times | CCI5* Entries & Ride TimesLink: Amateur Overcoming Heartbreak to Make His Five-Star DebutLink: Alex Conrad With a Special OTTBLink: What’s Coming Out of Split Rock - Who Is Doug Bringing? Other Riders You Anticipate Coming This Year? Any Changes to the Format, Etc.Tech Worth the Investment - Doug's Recommendations: farm camera list | trailer system | insta360 and drone | polo clip | jump day clipJustine's Tech Recommendation: Garmin Blaze Wellness SystemProduct 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: Farnam and Ecogold, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

What happens when some serious horse people get together to try to better the sport? We’re about to find out. On this episode, we’re talking about what’s next for the Thoroughbred aftercare industry and do weight-loss drugs exist for horses? Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 146:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekDrink Recipe: Negroni BlancoGuest: Daniel Geitner, Grand Prix Show jumper and owner DFG Stables in Aiken & Ocala with his wife, CathyGuest: Kirsten Green, Retired Racehorse ProjectFeatured Image: Heels DownLink: Germany wins at Longines at WECLink: Tamie Smith wins three divisions at CarolinaLink: GLP-1s for horses?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: HITS, Ecogold, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Ever wanted to go to Florida for the winter but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. This month, we’re talking about what Justine learned from attending an equine dissection and… haven’t you always wanted to try combined driving? One of the world’s leading athletes tells us all about it. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 145:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekDrink Recipe: Bloody MariaGuest: Doug PayneGuest: Chester WeberGuest: Gabby Hale, Victory Equine ServicesFeatured Image: Erin Gilmore PhotographyLink: Mimi Gochman Clinches World Cup Final Spot With Ocala WinLink: USEF Drops Talent Search Finals Horse Swap To Reflect Direction Of Modern JumpingLink: National Horse Show Plans Move To TryonProduct 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: Live Oak International, HITS, Ecogold, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Happy 2026 y’all, the Year of the Fire Horse. We promise we lunged it before we all got on. This month, we’re kicking off the year with some of our favorite horse shows and settling in for the tougher topics of horse ownership. Thanks for tuning in.Guests and Links Episode 144: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: Erin Gilmore PhotographyDrink Recipe: Dirty Coconut Coke Mocktail for Dry JanuaryGuest: Laura Reiman, MS, NPCP-CPT, is the owner of The Pilates Powerhaus in Alexandria, Virginia, and author of ‘Pilates for Horses’. Follow for more tips on Instagram at @Pilatesforhorses or online at Pilates4horses.comGuest: Chloe Reid, Live Oak InternationalLink: Is It Kissing Spine, Or Are You Just a Bad Rider?Link: Updates out of WellingtonLink: Boyd Martin named international equestrian of the year but USEF, Greya is Horse of the YearLink: EHV UpdateProduct 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 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 goLink: 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 result. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.