Wow, what a year it’s been. This week we’re breaking down the highs and lows and getting excited for what’s in store in 2025. Sit down, grab a drink and join us. And as always, thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 131:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Naughty But Nice Christmas Cocktail
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Belt It Out Goods, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Are you giddy for the holidays? They’ll be here before you know it! This week, we’re sharing our top gift picks for the equestrian in your life and we’re talking about our favorite end-of-year horse shows, from the Royal Winter Fair to the Maclay Finals. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 130:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Apple Cider Bourbon Punch
• Link: The Royal Horse Show - Indoor Eventing winner. Boyd was second
• Link: Barn doors open or closed during the winter?
• Link: Taylor Cawley, 16 year old from Wellington, wins this year’s ASPCA Maclay Final
• Link: Ecogold: Leaf Pad, fleece exercise boots, new sage green flip half pad color
• Link: All Things Equestrian Sun Shirts - English-style | Western-style
• Link: Pinsnickety charms and pins
• Link: SynNutra Equine SynChill and G-Chill gastric and calming supplements
• Link: Draper Therapies Celliant fiber therapy products for horses, humans and dogs
• Link: Belt it Out Goods: equestrian belts
• Link: Purina MQ Equine Microbiome Kit
• Link: The 2024 Heels Down Holiday Gift GuideTrunk Show
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Belt It Out Goods, Purina, SynNutra Equine, Draper Therapies, Pinsnickety, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

The air is light and crisp and the ponies are fresh. It must be fall! This week, we’re talking about getting those horses fit and why riders in the western world don’t want to wear helmets. Plus we have the perfect razzle dazzle to get your horse in the Halloween mood. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 129:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Marshmallow Web Chocolate Cocktail
• Link: Jon Holling Documentary 
• Link: Maryland 5 Star Results
• Link: New Research Identifying Stress in Horses
• Link: Our Favorite Stories for Our Horse Treats Giveaway from Zero Proof Horse Treats
• Link: Use the code “HEELSDOWN” for free shipping plus a free gift!
• Link: Stencil kits - for Fun or a Little Flair in the Show Ring
• Link: Glitter Hoof Polish
• Link: Shimmer Body Spray
• Link: Mane and Tail Gel
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Zero Proof Horse Treats, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Horses have always been expensive. But lately, it feels like costs are out of control. This week, we’re talking about how we’re making ends meet. We’re also celebrating the Paralympic Games and fighting the good fight against imposter syndrome. 

Guests and Links Episode 128:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Lavender Lemonade
• Link: Para Olympics Round Up 
• Link: Liz Halliday Accident Update
• Link: Burghley and AECs Results?
• Guest: Amelia Newcomb
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Zero Proof Horse Treats, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

The Paris Olympics have come and gone, and gosh, what a whirlwind! We’re hitting all the highlights, which of course include Snoop Dogg in a shadbelly. This week, we’re also digging into how safety standards in equestrian sport continue to evolve. Thanks for tuning in. 

Guests and Links Episode 127:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Boat House Punch
• Link: Barn Dog Bites
• Link: Barn Kat Krunchies (Order using HEELSDOWN to receive free shipping plus a gift!)
• Link: US Equestrian Announces U.S. Olympic Dressage Team for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• Guest: Anna Dunaway
• Link: Ride EquiSafe's Safe in the Saddle Week
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Zero Proof Horse Treats, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s all systems go for the Paris Olympic Games and we just can’t wait. We’re talking to the pros on how to learn from the livestream and what it’s like actually being on an Olympic team. But wait there’s more - we’re busting cooling down horse myths and remember that dude in the mankini? Thanks for tuning in. 

Guests and Links Episode 126:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Erin Gilmore Photography
• Drink Recipe: Red, White & Blue Shooter
• Guest: Amelia Newcomb, Dressage
• Guest: Doug Payne
• Link: Cooling horses myths
• Link: Olympic teams: show jumping and dressage
• Link: US Equestrian Announces U.S. Olympic Dressage Team for Paris 2024 Olympic Games
• Link: Shane Rose headed to Paris despite the mankini episode
• Link: All Things Equestrian Sun Shirts
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: All Things Equestrian, Zero Proof Horse Treats, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

What do we really know about horses’ gut microbiomes? This week, we’re gearing up for the Olympic Games and trying to juggle all the things, like managing horses who live in our back yards. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 125:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Watermelon Mojito
• Guest: Anna Dunaway, Purina
• Link: It’s Hot as Heck. What Are Your Hot Weather Tips?
• Link: Here’s the US Olympic Team
• Link: Indoor Arena Air Quality
• Link: Glittermarx Ponies
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Purina, Kinetic Vet, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Does your vet want your manure sample room temp or cold? You’ll have to listen in to find out! This week, we’re talking to the 2024 winner of the Road To The Horse. And it’s time for Buy A Horse Book Day! Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 124:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Icy Lemon-Ginger Vodka Cocktail
• Guest: Tik Maynard
• Link: Kentucky Derby Recap
• Link: Badminton Preview
• Link: Keep the Poop Cold
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Purina, Zero Proof Horse Treats, LiveEQ, Kinetic Vet, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

We’re so close to the Best Weekend All Year and just can’t wait! This week, we’re talking to a mom who literally can do it all, and sharing tips on how to achieve the holy grail of being able to sit the trot AND boast the most unmoving lower leg. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 122:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Bourbon Tea-Julep
• Guest: Amelia Newcomb, USDF Gold medalist
• Guest: Monica Spencer, NZ Event Rider
• Link: Kentucky 5-Star entry list | Withdrawls
• Link: Kentucky CSI-4* show jumping grand prix entry list
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Purina, Zero Proof Horse Treats, LiveEQ, Kinetic Vet, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

The countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris is on! This week, we’re talking about rider biomechanics and how to have a constructive conversation about horse welfare in this prickly, political day and age. Thanks for tuning in. 

Guests and Links Episode 122:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: KBC Spicy Bloody Mary
• Link: FEI video rights/social media debacle
• Link: Take a look at the construction progress for the Olympic village in Paris
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Purina, Zero Proof Horse Treats & LiveEQ, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!