Welcome to Beyond The Stable, the podcast that dives into the lives of athletes who defy limits and carve their own unique paths. Today, we’re joined by an extraordinary guest: James Denny. Originally a competitive diver, James achieved remarkable success, including a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games alongside Tom Daley. In 2017, he took the bold step to transition from diving to equestrian sports, pursuing a passion for trick riding that led him all the way to Germany.

After years honing his skills abroad, James is now back in the UK, performing at prestigious shows like the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and collaborating with renowned horsemen like Ben Atkinson. His exceptional performances and dedication to the craft make him one to watch in the equestrian world, with big plans to build his own team of horses and push the boundaries of trick riding even further.

In this episode, we delve into:

James’s Diving Journey and Achievements: Hear his reflections on his diving career, his Commonwealth Games experience, and the transition to a completely new discipline.

Challenges and Triumphs in Trick Riding: From the techniques that define trick riding to the mental and physical shifts he had to make in leaving diving behind.

Life Back in the UK: What it’s like performing for large audiences at top UK events and working alongside notable figures in equestrian entertainment.
Looking Ahead: With a vision to build his own team of horses, James shares his dreams, his approach to training, and the advice he’d give to aspiring trick riders.

Join us for a fascinating look at James Denny’s journey from the diving board to the stable, where he’s paving a bold new path in equestrian sports. Keep an eye on this rising star—you won’t want to miss what he does next!

Join us in this insightful episode as we welcome Emily Dobson, widely known as EMD Eventing, to share her inspiring journey through the equestrian world. Emily takes us back to her roots, recounting how she first got into horses with her cherished partner, Sprite, and the emotional ups and downs that shaped her path. Together, we delve into the difficult, often heart-wrenching decision of selling a horse, and Emily opens up about her own experience with this process. She shares the journey with her current horse, Addie, discussing the unique rewards and challenges that come with producing and training young horses.

In our exploration of the eventing world, Emily provides valuable advice for anyone aspiring to enter the sport, drawing on her years of experience. She doesn’t shy away from the hard topics, including the struggles with confidence and recounting one of her worst falls. Through her story, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and a strong mindset for those working their way up the eventing ranks, highlighting the mental toughness required to overcome setbacks and push forward.

We also dive deep into the world of social media, where Emily shares her experiences as an equestrian content creator. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work involved in creating engaging content, especially as the industry changes and demands increase. For those considering a similar path, Emily shares practical tips and advice, revealing what it really takes to stand out in a crowded space. Plus, she addresses the question so many have asked: would she ever consider becoming a full-time equestrian influencer?

Finally, Emily gives us a sneak peek into her exciting future plans, including her goals for Vlogmas, BD Team Quest, and her continued ambitions in the eventing world. This episode is packed with valuable insights, personal stories, and inspiration for riders at every level. Don’t miss this incredible conversation with Emily Dobson on Beyond the Stable—it's an episode filled with passion, perseverance, and practical advice from one of the sport’s rising stars!

In this episode of Beyond the Stable, we sit down with the inspiring Elle-Mae to explore the world of equestrian modelling, from gracing editorials to walking the runway. Elle-Mae shares her insider tips on booking gigs, building a standout portfolio, and making waves in the industry.

Beyond modeling, we dive into her entrepreneurial journey with The Equine Enquires, where Elle-Mae supports newcomers to the equestrian world by offering hands-on workshops. She opens up about her beloved pony, his battle with grass sickness, and the unique challenges of training him during the COVID lockdown. We also chat about her showing career and what’s next on the horizon for her and her pony.

To top it off, Elle-Mae shares how she’s using social media to connect with fans, support fellow riders, and expand her influence. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on horses, hard work, and following your passion!

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Stable, we’re honored to have international showjumper and para rider Jennie Sharpe join us for an eye-opening conversation about the realities of the showjumping world. Jennie sheds light on her experiences as a para rider, sharing the personal and professional challenges she’s encountered in an industry that can sometimes be less than welcoming. She speaks openly about the hurtful comments she’s received regarding her weight as she rides, and we discuss why these kinds of judgments underscore the need for the equestrian world to evolve into a more inclusive and supportive environment.

We explore the unique challenges Jennie faces as a para rider and how this has influenced her bond with her horses. She delves into what it was like to start over after significant setbacks and the journey she’s taken to rebuild her confidence. Jennie also speaks candidly about the physical realities of riding with a stoma bag and the mental and emotional resilience required to navigate her day-to-day life, both in and out of the ring.

As an active voice on social media, Jennie shares her thoughts on how platforms can be both a source of connection and a place of intense scrutiny. We discuss the impact that social media and online hate have had on her mental health, and how she navigates the pressure that comes with being in the public eye. Through her openness, Jennie highlights the importance of mental well-being in the equestrian community and the need to create a more compassionate space for riders of all backgrounds.

Beyond her journey as a competitor, Jennie shares her perspective as an instructor and reminds us of the joy and fun that riding should bring, regardless of the level you’re riding at. We also get an inside look at her meticulous pre-show routine and what it’s like for her behind the scenes at events. As she looks to the future, Jennie reveals her ambitions for competing abroad and the adventures she plans to embark on outside the showjumping arena.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and passion that define the equestrian community. Jennie’s story is one of determination, honesty, and a deep love for the sport. Whether you’re a rider or simply a fan of inspiring stories, this episode is not to be missed!

This week on Beyond the Stable, we’re joined by the incredible Lily Chandler, a talented showjumper and content creator. Lily shares her unique journey growing up without horsey parents and how she navigated the equestrian world, from riding quirky ponies to accidentally finding herself in the horse-dealing business. We dive into her experiences bringing on horses, including the story of how she ended up with her beloved horse, Eric.

Lily opens up about her competing adventures, from eventing and team chasing to hunting, and offers invaluable advice on transitioning from unaffiliated to affiliated showjumping.

We also explore her thriving social media presence, with Lily sharing her top tips and tricks for growing an Instagram following. Plus, we get a glimpse into her life outside of the equestrian world, including her unforgettable experiences walking in London Fashion Week and collaborating with Disney.

In this episode of Beyond The Stable, we’re thrilled to welcome the amazing Kate Lewis, famously known as Blob The Cob. Kate has built an incredible reputation in the equestrian community, and today she shares her fascinating journey with us. From her early days learning to ride to the monumental decision of opening her own riding school, Kate walks us through the ups and downs of turning her passion into a career. We delve into the challenges she faced while bringing her dream to life, discussing the hard work, resilience, and determination required to run a successful riding school.

We also explore Kate’s rise to social media fame, where her personality and love for horses connected with thousands. Kate reflects on the origin of her unique username, Blob The Cob, and offers insights into how the social media landscape has changed over the years. She speaks candidly about the shift from creating fun, carefree content to navigating the more competitive, commercialized world of YouTube today. Her honesty about missing the simpler days of edits and light-hearted videos gives listeners a nostalgic look back at how the platform used to be.

In a powerful and heartfelt segment, Kate opens up about her personal journey of self-discovery. She shares her experiences coming to terms with her asexuality, offering a vulnerable and authentic look at what it means to navigate sexuality in today’s world. Her story doesn’t stop there—Kate also bravely talks about her fertility journey, shedding light on the processes she’s gone through, and how this path has shaped her emotionally and physically.

As we wrap up, Kate teases some exciting future plans both for her career and personal life, leaving listeners inspired by her strength and vision. Whether you’re here for the horses, the heartfelt personal stories, or the future projects, this episode is packed with incredible moments and deep conversations. Tune in for an episode that’s as educational as it is empowering!

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Stable, we sit down with Kieran Smith, a passionate equestrian content creator working to drive positive change in the equestrian industry. Kieran shares his personal journey, reflecting on the bullying he faced in his younger years and how it fueled his desire to make the equestrian world a more supportive and inclusive space. His resilience and dedication shine through in this heartfelt conversation.

Kieran also opens up about his rise in social media, offering insights into how he turned his love for horses into a thriving online presence. He discusses the exciting opportunities that have come his way, including delivering a talk at the National Equine Show, and shares valuable advice for those wanting to start their own social media journey.

A key highlight of the episode is Kieran’s deep connection to Shire horses. He talks about his extensive work with the breed, including his experiences driving Shires, and his passion for raising awareness about these majestic horses.

In a particularly emotional segment, Kieran touches on his horse John’s recent injury and the challenges of the rehabilitation process. He candidly discusses the toll it has taken on both him and John, emphasizing the mental health struggles that can come with caring for an injured horse. Kieran shares how he navigates these difficulties and the importance of staying strong through hard times.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mental health, and Kieran’s vision for a more compassionate equestrian community, as well as his exciting plans for the future!

This week on Beyond the Stable, we’re thrilled to welcome Simon Grieve, an accomplished eventer with a wealth of experience and insight. Known for his perseverance and skill, Simon has worked his way up through the levels of eventing, facing the highs and lows of the sport head-on. In this episode, Simon opens up about his journey—discussing everything from overcoming falls and rebuilding confidence to what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of competition.

But there’s more to Simon than just his life in the saddle. We also delve into his experiences with social media, where he shares his thoughts on filming and collaborating with influencers within the equestrian space. Plus, Simon gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his journalism work with Horse & Country TV, offering insights into the media side of the equestrian world.

As always, Simon answers your questions in a candid Q&A, providing valuable advice for riders at all levels. Whether you’re a fan of eventing, curious about the life of an equestrian influencer, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation with one of the sport’s most respected voices!

This week on Beyond the Stable, we’re thrilled to be joined by the multi-talented performer and trainer, Freddy Steele. Freddy is a master of many disciplines, and in this episode, he shares his incredible journey into the world of horses. From his first encounters with horses to learning the art of trick riding in Russia, Freddy takes us through his path to becoming a top competitor, including the tactics that helped him place 9th in the world.

Freddy's travels have taken him across the globe, immersing himself in diverse cultures and exploring how different people work with horses. This passion has inspired him to create unique travel packages for others to experience these horse-centered adventures firsthand.

We also delve into Freddy’s skills in horse archery and working equitation, his rigorous performance preparations, and the stories behind the scenes—including the time a stunt didn’t go as planned, leading to a dramatic fall under a horse.

But it doesn’t stop there—Freddy’s talents extend to TV, movies, and commercials, and he gives us an insider’s look into these exciting experiences. We also discuss his latest venture: a course on how to fall off a horse safely, designed to boost rider confidence.

As we wrap up, Freddy shares his future plans and even drops some exclusive news you won’t want to miss. Tune in for an episode packed with stories, insights, and a wealth of knowledge from one of the most versatile equestrians in the industry!

In this week’s episode of Beyond The Stable, we’re excited to welcome a special guest, Martha Lily from Martha Lily Photography. This episode is a little different, but still deeply rooted in the equestrian world. Martha shares the inspiring story of how she launched her photography business at just 15 years old and discusses her experiences balancing university life with running a growing business.

We dive into marketing strategies, tips, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, while also exploring the highs and lows of being an equestrian photographer. Martha reveals her favorite (and least favorite) aspects of the job, and takes us through a typical week in her busy life. She even shares stories about her favorite shoot to date with none other than Joe Stockdale.

Tune in to learn what keeps Martha so passionate about her work, and hear about her beloved horses and life beyond the stable. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in equine photography, business insights, or just getting to know the woman behind the camera a little better. Don’t miss it!