In Stride

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is reflecting on a 4*-S at Morven in preparation for a 4*-L at TerraNova. They discuss overcoming the feeling of helplessness in the showjumping ring and remembering to trust the training and control the nervous system. Natalie guides her through an exercise to find positive feedback from the 4*-S and move forward with confidence.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international event rider and show jumper Robin Walker.

Robin Walker is an event and show jump rider, trainer, breeder, and ICP Level 4 USEA Instructor. Robin has ridden up to the grand prix level in show jumping and the 3* level in eventing. Originally from the United Kingdom, Robin moved to the US in 1996 and opened Maute House Farm in Grass Lake, Michigan, where he continues to run his sport horse breeding and training program. Robin is a faculty member and assessor for the USEA instructor certification program, sits on the Future Event Horse committee, and served as the 2013 Area VIII young rider coach. Robin is passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation of riders and bringing talented young horses up the levels.

In this episode, Robin discusses various topics related to training horses and riders, including:

• Translating his instincts as a rider into something that can be communicated to his students.

• Setting his barn and business up in a thoughtful, efficient, and economical way.

• The re-organization of the Instructor Certification Program and their goal to establish a standard within the sport.

• Moving to the US and the effect leaving his family had on his career.

• His experience in breeding and training young horses up the levels of eventing and show jumping.

Join Robin and Sinead in this exciting conversation about establishing a standard for riding and teaching.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Ashley opens up about her struggle with anxiety during dressage, particularly when trotting down the center line. She recalls past experiences of feeling judged and embarrassed, and her body's response of bracing and tightening. With Natalie’s help, Ashley explores these emotions, focusing on the physical sensations and learning to sit with the discomfort. Natalie guides her through breathing exercises to create a sense of safety, aiming to build emotional resilience. Despite previous attempts with sports psychologists, Ashley still faces repetitive patterns of anxiety. They discuss the importance of establishing safety to prevent these patterns and are looking forward to seeing the impact of this approach on her performance.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who is preparing to travel for the competition season and give a speech on training horses up the levels. They discuss finding safety in her nervous system so that she can accomplish everything in a short amount of time without feeling frantic. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help overcome her fear of public speaking and approach her to-do list in a calm and present way.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by international commentator and event rider Spencer Sturmey.

Spencer Sturmey is a British commentator that is passionate about sharing the stories of the horses and riders competing at the top levels of eventing. Spencer has commented on and led the production teams at many major 5* events all over the world, including Blenheim, Burghley, and Adelaide. Spencer has ridden up to the CCI4* level in eventing and continues to bring horses up the levels. In addition to his extensive eventing career, Spencer has competed at the FEI levels in dressage and spent 4 years as second rider for Olympian Carl Hester.

In this episode, Spencer discusses various topics related to commentating and social media, including:

• The responsibility of a commentator to educate themselves on each horse and rider combination and thoughtfully share their story.

• Using his knowledge as a rider to commentate and the unique learning opportunity this role offers.

• The presence of social media and how it has affected the sport and industry as a whole.

• The importance of being thoughtful when posting and commenting on social media.

• His eventing and dressage career and how it has led him to his role as a commentator.

Join Spencer and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the responsibilities of a commentator.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients, who has two young children and hopes to one day compete in a 5*. They discuss staying present in the day-to-day so that she can reach small goals that will bring her vision to life. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help turn towards the frustration she feels so she can have the capacity to work towards those goals.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works on embracing the fear of failure with her client. They discuss what keeps her from achieving her goals and what her version of success would feel like. Natalie uses a visualization exercise to help her embrace her emotions and gain clarity.

In this episode of Riders Unscripted, Natalie works through visualization exercises with one of her clients that is preparing for the American Eventing Championships in Kentucky. They discuss overcoming mental blocks in order to stay present and perform at her best. Natalie guides her through an exercise to help slow her mind down, listen to the horse’s feedback, and ride in the moment.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by 5* event rider and equestrian business owner Frankie Thieriot Stutes.

Frankie Thieriot Stutes is an accomplished event rider and owner of Athletux, a consulting agency that helps develop and manage equestrian businesses. After working in the NHL, for NIKE, and as the Director of Communications for a Fitness, Media, Sports Company, and Freelancer for the USEA as an on-camera reporter, Frankie decided to start Athletux in 2011. With her horse Chatwin, Frankie was crowned USEF National 4* Champion at Fair Hill in 2018 and finished fourth at the 2019 Luhmühlen CCI5*-L. Frankie was awarded the 2018 Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider’s Grant, allowing her to work with dressage legend Lilo Fore. Frankie is now focusing on developing Athletux, commentating at horse trials, and helping up-and-coming riders navigate sponsorships, find owners, and start syndicates.

In this episode, Frankie discusses various topics related to the business side of eventing, including:

• Helping businesses work with the rider to navigate advertising and sponsorship.

• The difference in prize money and sponsorships for english and western disciplines.

• Her role in US Eventing TV and the politics behind livestreaming events.

• The importance of having a connection with the horse and being involved in the day-to-day care.

• Not letting comparison change the system that works for a specific horse.

Join Frankie and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the business side of equestrian sports.

In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Olympic showjumper Lauren Hough.

Lauren Hough is a three-time Pan American medalist and Team USA Olympic show jump rider. Lauren competed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics at the age of 23 and has represented the US at seven FEI World Cup finals and over 40 Nations Cups. Lauren won team gold at the 2003 Santo Domingo Pan American Games, team bronze at the 2007 Rio Pan American Games, and team and individual bronze medals at the 2015 Caledon Pan American Games. Lauren’s father, Charles “Champ” Hough, was a team bronze medalist in three-day eventing at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Her mother, Linda Hough, was a top hunter rider and operated a successful hunter/jumper show stable for over 25 years. Lauren is currently based in Wellington, FL, and has taken a step back from high-performance showjumping to focus on sales.

In this episode, Lauren discusses various topics related to the politics of high-performance showjumping, including:

• Shifting from riding competition horses to having a barn full of sales horses.

• What it takes to get a good rider and horse to the Olympics.

• The differences and similarities between preparing a showjumping horse and an eventing horse.

• Being able to understand a show record and trusting the trainer when shopping for a horse.

• Finding a system that works for the horse as an individual and incorporating gymnastic exercises into the training.

Join Lauren and Sinead in this exciting conversation about the ins and outs of show jumping at the top level.