British Equestrian Podcast

With the great and the good of British eventing heading to the CCI5* at Pau, Rachel reflects back to when she sat down with Gemma Tattersall earlier in the year. They chat about Gemma's season, her up-and-coming stars – two of whom are at Pau this year – and dream holiday locations. Plus, there's a round-up of essential horsey viewing for this weekend and the low-down on the equestrian awards season. 

Volunteering is a vital part of the equestrian industry – without it, we simply couldn't function. In this episode, Rachel heads to Pony Club HQ to talk to CEO Marcus Capel and Development Officer Zoe Pulling to find out about the Young Equestrian Leaders Award, which is a scheme designed to encourage young people to get involved with volunteering. Then, she catches up with Sophie, who's recently earned her YELA Gold certificate, to find out what she's gained from this habit of a lifetime. 

Following the formation of the BEF's Equality Engagement Group (EEG), Matt and Rachel discuss the topic of diversity in equestrian sport. The BEF's Head of Participation, Anna Hall, explains why the EEG was set up and what they hope to achieve, then Rachel speaks to group members representing Ebony Horse Club and The Urban Equestrian Academy – two equestrian projects already working closely with diverse communities and seeing the benefits. 

Matt and Rachel are back! This week, they're reflecting on their trip to beautiful Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, where Rachel caught up with Downton Abbey star and event horse owner Michael Fox. Plus, super-groom Jackie Potts reveals what it's like to be a groom working at the event. 

It's Burghley weekend! Rachel is riding solo for this one because Matt has abandoned her in favour of a few (well-deserved) days off, so prepare for self-conscious rambling while sitting on a cross-country fence. She catches up with Oliver Townend, Piggy French and winner Pippa Funnell, then talks to World Champion Ros Canter, who was a surprise face at Burghley on Thursday. Plus, fourth-placed Sarah Bullimore extols the virtues of working with Tamsin Thurlow, who received the groom's prize at the final horse inspection.  

And just like that, it was all over. Finally back in the UK, Matt and Rachel reflect on the final day in Luhmühlen that led to Great Britain winning a team silver medal and Kitty King finishing as the highest placed British rider. Plus, Tina Cook shares her thoughts after her clear showjumping round. 

The adrenaline has been running high all day as the Team GBR riders tackle Luhmühlen's tough cross-country track. There's been elation and heartbreak, so Matt takes over the microphone to catch up with Pippa Funnell, Kitty King and Oliver Townend after their stellar rounds. 

Dressage day two? Smashed it! With four British riders in the top ten and the team currently in silver medal position, Matt and Rachel recap what's happened on Friday in Luhmühlen, including the tests from Tina Cook, Kitty King and Oliver Townend. 

The Union Jack is at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday evening, following a fantastic performance from Laura Collett and London 52 – who happens to be one of Rachel's biggest pony-crushes. Hear what Laura, and fellow squad members Pippa Funnell and Piggy French, had to say to the media following their tests. Matt and Rachel also reflect on what's coming up in the second day of dressage. 

The cross-country course has been revealed! Rachel catches up with Piggy French after the first team course-walk to get her take on what the squad will face on Saturday. Plus, Matt and Rachel reveal which riders will be competing for a team medal and who will be running as individuals, and also the dressage times for Thursday and Friday.