This episode of In Stride is sponsored by The Equestrian College Advisor. Navigate the college search with confidence and find the right fit for both academics and riding. Visit equestriancollegeadvisor.com to learn more and book a consultation. 

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by top event rider Alyssa Phillips. 

Alyssa Phillips is an American event rider based in Ocala, Florida, where she owns and operates her training and competition program. A product of the U.S. eventing development pathway and longtime student of Olympic-level rider Jennie Brannigan, Alyssa has produced multiple horses to the top of the sport. She earned a marquee career victory aboard her Holsteiner gelding Oskar at the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky CCI4*-S and was selected to represent the United States in multiple FEI Nations Cup competitions. In 2024, Alyssa was a member of the U.S. Nations Cup teams that earned second-place finishes at both CHIO Aachen and the Millstreet International CCIO4*-S, further establishing herself as one of the country’s most exciting rising stars in international eventing.  

Alyssa reflects on her journey in high-performance eventing and the mindset that keeps her grounded, including: 

• What she learned from stepping into the ride on a horse developed by another rider, and how she built trust, communication, and confidence in that partnership

• The training philosophies and principles passed down from her mentors that shaped her approach to producing top event horses 

• How she balances ambition with joy to keep the sport fun, sustainable, and in harmony with real life 

• The thoughtful conditioning strategies she uses to build fitness and confidence for the toughest cross-country tracks 

Join Alyssa and Sinead for an inspiring conversation with one of the sport’s most exciting young professionals about staying steady under pressure and thriving in the pursuit of excellence.