The countdown is on my friends. It’s going to be an action-packed Best Weekend All Year in 2025, thanks to very big five-stars: the Kentucky Three Day Event and the Kentucky Invitational. We’re talking to the riders hoping to conquer some of the biggest eventing and show jumping tracks in America this month. Thanks for tuning in. 

Guests and Links Episode 135:

• 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
• Guest: Will Coleman
• Guest: Alex Granato
• Guest: Mary Bess Davis
• Featured Image: Traverse City Horse Shows
• Drink Recipe: Velvet and Vice from Cast & Crew
• Link: Kentucky 5* entry list 
• Link: Kentucky Invitational 5* entry list 
• Link: Favorite things to do in Lexington
• Product Review: SynChill Pure
• 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: SynNutra (Livello® Sleep), Traverse City Horse Shows, The Vertical from Ecogold (Coupon code: “happyhour” 15% off through April 25) and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

What makes some ingredients illegal when it comes to supplements and medications and horse showing? This week, we’re talking to a veterinarian on what goes into that process. Spring is here, which means you’re likely inundated with mud, like the rest of us. But don’t fret, we’ve got some tips. Thanks for tuning in...

Guests and Links Episode 134:

• 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
• Guest: Dr. Edwin “Ted” Simpson, Founder and CEO of SynNutra Equine
• Guest: Charlotte Jacobs, show jumper
• Featured Image: Traverse City Horse Shows
• Drink Recipe: St. Patrick's Mint Martini (Thanks to Marlene in our Facebook group and Total Wine)
• Link: An update on the new FEI noseband testing protocol
• Link: Game on: USA wins big in the Longines League of Nations Ocala
• Link: Spring is mud season. Here are some tips to manage it
• Product Review: Ecogold + Armatec collab | Coupon code: “happyhour” 15% off through April 25
• 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: Traverse City Horse Shows and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Dreaming of the spring horse show season? Us too. This week, we’re sharing our favorite DIY tips to make training tools you can easily use in your home arena. Thanks for tuning in. 

Guests and Links Episode 133:

• 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
• Guest: Derek Braun, Split Rock Horse Shows
• Guest: Danielle Burgess, Founder of Instagrooms
• Featured Image: Traverse City Horse Shows
• Drink Recipe: Le French
• Link: Pony conformation class drama
• Link: Laura Kraut in the show jumping hall of fame
• Product Review: DIY Training Tools for Your Arena
• 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: Traverse City Horse Shows and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s January, and horse sport is in full swing. Whether or not you’re in sunny Florida or just dreaming about it, we’ve got all the updates. As as you gear up for your own riding season, we’ve got somebody who can help visualize your goals. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 132:

• 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
• Guest: Dr. Sam Fielding
• Featured Image: Heels Down Magazine
• Drink Recipe: Lychee Mai Tai
• Link: Nosebands Now Option in Danish Dressage
• Link: Updates from WEF: Richard Vogel, Henrick von Eckermann, Nayel Nassar among the first CSI3* wins of the season so far | Down the road at Adequan Global Dressage Festival, American Olympian Adrienne Lyle is off to a good start
• Link: How to help equestrians affected by the LA wildfires
• Product Review: Thia Cal from Finish Line Horse Products 
• 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: Ecogold, All Things Equestrian, Belt It Out Goods, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

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!