He’s a six-time Olympian, a multi-medalist for Team USA, and the rider who turned millions of new fans onto dressage with the viral “Rave Horse.” In this episode, Annie is joined by Steffen Peters to revisit the story of Mopsy’s freestyle, how a near mix-up in Tokyo almost kept it from happening, and why that performance still resonates today.

Steffen talks through building a freestyle that feels like a party, the atmosphere American crowds bring to big occasions, and the lessons he’s learned about balancing pressure with empathy for the horse. From career-defining moments to advice for riders fine-tuning their own freestyles, this is a candid conversation with one of the sport’s most admired figures.

Episode Highlights

• The Tokyo freestyle that almost didn’t happen
• Mopsy’s rise as the “Rave Horse” and what it meant for the sport
• How atmosphere and audience can lift a performance
• Emotional intelligence in training and competition prep
• Reflections on gratitude, teamwork, and what horses give back

Guests

• Steffen Peters — Six-time Olympian, US dressage legend, and rider of “Rave Horse” Mopsy
• Annie Bishop — Host, US Equestrian Open Podcast

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