William Fox-Pitt MBE, the first British rider to become eventing’s World No 1, is one of Britain’s most successful event riders. The five-time Olympian is the only rider to have won five out of the six CCI-4*s worldwide, and has won the HSBC FEI Classics series four times.  

Recently retired from the sport, William won six Burghley titles, and was one of the first riders to ever win a CCI-I*, CCI-2* and CCI-3* at the same event on the same day. He has also won an unprecedented 14 CCI-4*s and 59 CCI three-day events.  

In an unmissable episode, he spoke with Equestrian Hub Podcast host Charlie Brister about: 

• Where it all began 
• Sponsorship and how it's changed  
• Coaching your kids 
• Winning Burghley and the Leaf Pit 
• Competing with the goal in mind 
• Going quietly 

Equine therapist and founder of The Masterson Method, Jim Masterson for many years worked on top U.S. equine athletes competing in events such as the FEI Grand Prix, Nations Cup, and Pan American and World Cup jumping, as well as with the USEF Singles Driving Team and U.S. Endurance Team.  

His book Beyond Horse Massage has been translated into six languages and has sold over 70,000 copies. He spoke with Equestrian Hub Podcast host Charlie Brister, touching on a range of topics including: 

• Developing a partnership with your horse 
• The Bladder Meridian Technique  
• Yawning means something 
• Mystery hind end issues 
• Slow down and pay attention 
• Horses on military bases in the Philippines 

https://mastersonmethod.com/

New Zealander Jody Hartstone was horse obsessed as a child and nothing has changed. From Pony Club to Grand Prix, she followed her passion to become an accomplished dressage rider whose entire approach was transformed after reading Dr Andrew McLean’s book Equitation Science.  

She now specialises in coaching and lecturing in Equitation Science around the world, and has established Hartstone Equestrian as well as her Lusitano stud Cruzeiro Do Sul Lusitanos (Lusitanos of the Southern Cross).  

Jody’s not to be missed conversation with podcast host Charlie Brister covers:  

• Training the front legs more than the back  
• Social licence  
• The crossover of dressage and jump coaching  
• Nervous system regulation  
• Dressage without a nose band 
• Behaviour modification through Equitation Science  
• A happier horse for better performance  
• Float loading super powers  

At one time listed 3rd in the FEI event rider world rankings (an outstanding achievement for an Australian-based rider), there have been numerous highlights in Megan Jones’ stellar career, not the least of which was collecting team silver at the Beijing Olympics. 

With a wealth of experience to share, Megan joined Equestrian Hub Podcast host Charlie Brister for a talk that ranged across multiple topics including: 

• Keeping an open mind when training horses and riders  
• From pony club to podium  
• The importance of shifting your perspective  
• Trials and tribulations of competing overseas  
• Downsizing and finding balance  
• Pace and line when riding 

Olympian William Matthew began his equestrian career on leased riding school horses at a Perth Pony Club.  Aged 17, he travelled to Europe for an equestrian gap year and 15 years later is based in Germany competing in elite level dressage.

Equestrian Hub podcast host Charlie Brister spoke to Will on a range of topics including:

• The pressure and logistics of an Olympic debut
• The benefits of working for one of the world’s best dressage riders
• Starting young horses using the Jeffrey method
• Keeping an open mind when training horses
• Where to go in Europe when you’re starting out

Image: William Matthew and Mysterious Star competing in Paris (Image courtesy FEI/Benjamin Clark).

International show jumper Oliver Lazarus was all but born in the saddle. From just a few weeks old, his mother carried him on her back as she rode around the family farm in Malkerns, Swaziland. 
Since then he has ridden daily. From a highly successful child rider progressing up the ranks on ponies he trained himself, he now competes all over the world. 
When he’s not riding, he enjoys golf, snowboarding, and traveling. He’s climbed Kilimanjaro, and also plays the violin and guitar.
Podcast host Charlie Brister spoke to Oliver about the value of working and training in Germany with Ludger Beerbaum, the importance of a good work ethic, competing on the Longines Global Champions Tour, hill training, a balanced life, and having an appreciation for a decent bottle of Gin!

Darren Mills of Cadence and Co fame, father to an eventing daughter, is definitely living the dream! 

Professionally riding, training and coaching dressage since 2000, Brett Parbery has an impressive list of achievements behind him, including competing at the World Equestrian Games in 2010. During a stellar European tour, he finished 10th in the World Cup Final, 6th at Aachen CHIO, was placed 3rd at Rotterdam CHIO, and won the Grand Prix Special at Hickstead.

Some of his other achievements include winning over 30 individual Australian Championships across all levels, including four Australian Grand Prix Championships. He has twice represented Australia at the World Games, and earned a spot in the final five for selection for the Beijing and Rio de Janeiro Olympics, misfortune on each occasion denying him the opportunity. And at the London Olympics, Brett was Dressage Coach to the Australian eventing team, helping to position them in 1st place overall following the dressage phase.

Brett now devotes himself to producing young horses, and to The Parbery Program, a six-module education and training system suitable for riders of all ages and stages, followed by a 12-month subscription based support network for those wishing to join the Gold Member group.

Among other topics, Brett spoke to Charlie about making the transition from rodeos to renvers, the journey to Grand Prix, learning by studying others riders, family and flying changes, and the benefits of a logical training system.

Andrew McLean is the CEO of Equitation Science International, an Honorary Fellow and Trustee of the International Society for Equitation Science, Director of the Racing Victoria Equine Welfare Advisory Board, Director of the Human Elephant Learning Programs Foundation, and Patron of Pony Club Australia. In 2020 he helped reshape the Five Domains model, the benchmark for horse welfare (see our October 2023 issue for his excellent article on the topic).

Winner of the Eureka Prize for Science, Australia’s highest science award, Andrew is in demand as a trainer, coach and speaker. In addition to establishing the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre, which was the largest behaviour modification centre in the southern hemisphere, he has written six books, including an international best seller.

An accredited coach for more than 40 years, Andrew’s own riding achievements include winning the advanced section of the famous Gawler 3DE, being short-listed for the World Championships, competing at State and National events in FEI level Dressage and Eventing, and Show Jumping to Grand Prix level. He also held a racehorse owner/trainer licence, and raced bareback in Australia and New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s.

Equestrian Hub podcast host Charlie Brister sat down with Andrew to discuss improving safety and performance by understanding how horses learn; the Jeffrey Training Method; ways in which dressage judging might be enhanced; how to stop horses rushing; how the seat develops when you grow up without owning a saddle; and the similarities between training horses and elephants!

Andrew’s wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom weaves its way right through this fascinating podcast – definitely one not to miss.

Equitation Science International

Twenty Questions with Andrew McLean

Top Australian eventer and three-time Olympic medallist Shane Rose has been hitting the headlines lately.

There was the sensationalist coverage of the Mankini incident, news of his 2024 Paris Olympics qualification with long-time partner Virgil, and most recently, reports of a fall during cross country training that landed him in ICU with a badly broken femur, fractured pelvis, elbow and ribs, plus heavy concussion.

You might think those injuries would put the 51-year-old out of contention for Paris, but don’t bet on it!

Currently making extraordinary progress in his rehabilitation program, Shane is no stranger to set backs. Over the years he has broken wrists, arms, legs and ribs. A kick to the head required facial reconstruction and a week in an induced coma, and in 2001, he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

And there have been other disappointments. Despite selection for the Australian eventing team in the 1996 and 2012 Olympics, he missed both when first lameness and then a minor injury just days before competition ruled his horses out.    

Equestrian Hub podcast host Charlie Brister caught up with Shane, now recovering at Bimbadeen Park, the equestrian training facility he and wife Niki own and operate, for an unmissable and inspiring interview.

https://www.bimbadeenhorses.com.au/