This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! 

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic event rider and course designer Clayton Fredericks. 

Clayton Fredericks is an Olympic event rider, course designer, and renowned figure in international eventing. His career highlights include winning the FEI World Cup in 2005 and 2008, earning individual silver and team bronze at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, and taking victory at the 2007 Lexington Kentucky CCI4*. He won team silver at the 2008 Hong Kong Olympic Games and also represented Australia at the 2012 Olympics. Beyond competition, he served as International Technical Advisor for the Canadian Eventing Team (2012–2016), was the Rider Representative on the FEI Eventing Committee (2008–2014), and acted as Hong Kong’s Chef d’Equipe at the 2002 Asian Games. As a Level 4 certified course designer, qualified to design at the 5* and championship level, Clayton brings extensive expertise to the sport and the craft of course design.

In this episode, Clayton shares his perspective as both a top event rider and an experienced course designer, including: 

• The key characteristics and messages he prioritizes when designing cross-country courses. 

• His advice for riders during cross-country training, including the skills they should practice and the priorities they should keep in mind. 

• The relationship between the course builder, the course designer, and the technical delegate—and why that collaboration matters. 

• How and when communication happens between riders and course designers, and what those conversations typically involve. 

Join Clayton and Sinead for an engaging discussion on the creativity, collaboration, and rider perspective that shape today’s cross-country courses.  

This episode is a rerelease from April 20th, 2022.

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This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. ⁠Register now!⁠ 

On today's episode of "In Stride," Sinead talks to Tamie Smith about her unconventional path to being a top-level event rider, the role models who have guided her along the way, recent injuries she's learning to ride with, and more.

Tamie is an accomplished 5* event rider with numerous top finishes at some of the world’s biggest events. Tamie: 

• Is based out of Temecula, California (one of few top-level event riders on the west coast)
• Won team gold at the Pan American Games in 2019 with team USA
• Was the Traveling Reserve for the US eventing team at the Tokyo Olympics
• Has won 10 international events with Mai Baum, and placed in the top 10 at his first CCI5*-L at Land Rover Kentucky in 2021
• Finished 2nd in the CCI4*-S at Land Rover in 2021 with En Vogue

Brought to you by ⁠Ride iQ⁠, the most innovative and productive equestrian coaching tool in the world. Start your free trial at Ride-iQ.com

This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Grand Prix dressage rider Anna Buffini. Anna Buffini is a highly accomplished American dressage rider. She started with a standout junior career, winning both the team and individual titles at the 2014 U.S. Young Rider National Championship riding Sundayboy, and helping lead Team USA to gold at the FEI North American Youth Championships that same year. In 2016, she claimed the U25 National Championship title at the USEF Young Adult Brentina Cup. As a professional, Buffini has been selected for at least four senior Nations Cup teams, representing the U.S. at top-tier events including Compiègne, Rotterdam, and Aachen. She is also a two-time World Cup finalist, qualifying in 2022 and 2023, where she achieved a sixth-place finish in the freestyle. Based in San Diego, Buffini continues to compete at the Grand Prix level while mentoring young riders, solidifying her reputation as one of the most respected U.S. dressage athletes today. In this episode, Anna Buffini shares her journey in the sport of dressage and the values that continue to guide her career, including: • How her family’s influence and her parents’ guidance helped shape her mindset and work ethic. • Her intentional use of social media to educate, uplift, and bring positivity to the horse world. • How she mentally prepares for competition, including navigating the unpredictability of sport. • Her strategies for maintaining balance, joy, and perspective while pursuing high-level goals. • Her coaching philosophy and the qualities she believes define an effective and supportive trainer.  Join Anna and Sinead for an inspiring conversation about the future of equestrian sport and the impact riders can have beyond the arena. Anna’s Book Recommendation: The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 

This episode of In Stride is presented by The Eventing Series by Natalie Keller Reinert and Flatiron Books. You can find The Eventing Series books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook wherever books are sold. Follow Natalie Keller Reinert on Instagram at @NatalieKReinert.

This episode is also sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now!

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Executive and Personal Coach, Author, and Entrepreneur Kelly Wendorf.

Kelly Wendorf is a lifelong horsewoman, ICF Master Certified Coach, author, and founder of The EQUUS Experience®—an award-winning equine-assisted learning process that helps people tap into deeper awareness and authentic leadership. She began riding as a child and later became a dressage rider and trainer, running a riding school in Santa Fe. Her global journey has included studying with spiritual and Indigenous leaders across India, Africa, Indonesia, and Australia. Kelly also founded Kindred magazine in Australia, where she spent 15 years immersed in neuroscience, social justice, and transformative cultural change. She’s the author of Flying Lead Change and editor of Stories of Belonging, an anthology highlighting diverse and Indigenous voices. Today, Kelly blends her lifelong love of horses with coaching, mentoring, and cultural innovation to help people lead with wisdom, compassion, and presence.

In this episode, Kelly shares the experiences that have shaped her unique approach to working with both horses and people, including:

• How her time with Indigenous communities and spiritual teachers has influenced her work and outlook.

• What inspired her to start EQUUS and how it’s grown into a business focused on connection and transformation.

• The idea that great leaders lead from behind—and how that applies just as much to horses as it does to people.

• Why being present and really listening to your horse’s feedback matters, especially when you're asking something of them.

Join Kelly and Sinead for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation about the human-horse relationship and how deep connection can lead to powerful change.

Listeners of this episode are invited to take the EQUUS course “How to Lead a Transformative Life” at no cost. This powerful 4-hour course (normally $457) takes place over two consecutive Saturdays. Use code EQUUS100KW at checkout — click here to join the course.

This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science.

Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now here: https://purdue.biz/EquitationScience.

In this episode of In Stride, Sinead is joined by 3-day event rider and horsemanship trainer Michael Alway. Michael Alway specializes in starting young horses for all disciplines and equine behavior modification for common issues.

With a strong background in natural horsemanship, Michael began his career in western riding and studied directly under Pat and Linda Parelli.

He competed in two Extreme Mustang Makeovers and served as a freestyle judge at the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover from 2019 to 2021.

Michael and his wife, Marion Alway, run Viewpoint Equestrian, a training and coaching business based in Boyce, Virginia. In this episode, Michael shares his journey in the horse world and the core principles behind his training philosophy, including:

• How his early experiences with horses shaped the path to where he is today.

• The key principles he prioritizes when starting young horses.

• His thoughtful approach to pressure and how he teaches that concept to riders.

• The importance of the horse’s confidence in the rider, in the horse’s job, and in the learning process.

Join Michael and Sinead for an insightful conversation about developing a meaningful, trust-based relationship with your horse.