Today's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by EQUESTRIAN+, is with Cornelia Fletcher. The five-star eventer made a remarkable comeback at TerraNova’s The Event this past November. After being out of the competition field for a little over a year to give birth to her daughter, Sparrow, last June, the 26-year-old eventer and her plucky Oldenburg mare Daytona Beach 8 claimed the CCI4*-L win on a final score of 41.4.

The pair, who placed 15th out of 17 horse-and-rider combinations during the dressage phase, delivered a powerhouse cross-country ride on Saturday to surge into second place overnight. One of only two pairs to jump double clear in show jumping, their sharp, accurate round cemented their victory in the CCI4*-L.

While Cornelia worked hard to maintain her physical and mental fitness for eventing during her pregnancy, she credits her close-knit support team and especially her husband—four-star eventer and grand-prix show jumper Jacob Fletcher—for her success at TerraNova and enabling her to make her post-Sparrow competition debut.

In today’s podcast, we chatted with Cornelia about her comeback victory at TerraNova, her incredible partnership Daytona Beach 8, her training philosophies and how she balances motherhood with the demanding sport of eventing.

Cornelia grew up in a non-equestrian family in Hamilton, Massachusetts, near the former USET headquarters and said she was born with the horse bug. After finally wearing her parents down as a horse-obsessed kid, they agreed to help her half-lease a pony at a local barn with a lot of eventing history. From her early days in the saddle, Cornelia had a hunch that eventing might be her sport as she always preferred to be out in the field instead of the arena.

In middle school, she started working with trainer Babette Lenna, who helped Cornelia find her perfect and longtime eventing partner in Sir Patico MH (“Hugo”). She and the loudly colored Zweibrücker gelding went on to train with renowned five-star eventer Sharon White and had a stellar career together (including an individual bronze at the 2017 North American Youth Championships, top finishes at the three- and four-star level and a European debut at Blenheim). They were on the cusp of tackling their first five star at the 2020 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, before it was canceled due to the COVID pandemic.

After spending a year training with Australian five-star rider Kevin McNab in Surrey, England, Cornelia and Daytona made their five-star debut at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in in 2022. Despite a 50th-place dressage score, the pair moved up the leaderboard after a clear, fast cross-country round and were one of only six double-clear show jumping rounds to end up finishing in 10th. And they were the top-placed U.S. rider.

A few other notable highlights from Cornelia’s career include the 2023 Reserve Championship USEF/USEA Developing Horse Championship with DHI Qyaracolle Z, 2022 Houghton Hall CCIO4*-NC-S 2nd place team, more than fifteen top-5 FEI finishes,  and she is  a Five-time North American Youth Championships medalist. 

Cornelia and Jacob own and operate a small program in Ocala, Florida, that focuses on producing eventing and show-jumping horses.

From short training tips to how-to videos and insider-access to private clinics and lessons, learn from top experts in the dressage, hunter, show jumping, equitation and eventing disciplines with EQUESTRIAN+. Watch exclusive interviews and lectures, slow motion demonstrations and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros and explore cross-discipline topics such as groundwork, rider fitness and stable management. Visit equestrianplus.com to sign up for a 7-day free trial with subscription.  

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with this week’s episode is with hunter/jumper trainer Julia Collins. She spoke with us in mid-November about two months after her facility in Asheville, North Carolina, was affected by Hurricane Helene.

To give you a little more background on Julia, she coached her students at A and C circuit shows for several years. Eight years ago, she shifted her focus to predominantly collegiate equestrian shows. Julia coaches Western Carolina University's Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) team, growing the program from six to 25 riders. She also heads up the University of North Carolina Asheville IHSA team. At the 2024 IHSA National Championship, Julia served as the volunteer coordinator and received the Hunter Seat Coach Award. She has owned Over the River Farm in Asheville, North Carolina, for over 20 years. She teaches lessons and aspires to give her students great experiences in and out of the show ring.

In our discussion, Julia talks about how her farm was affected by Hurricane Helene. She shares how the horse community came together to aid those in need as well as disaster-preparedness tips.

Confidently address your horse’s unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Cosequin®, is with the Practical Horseman 2024 Trainer of the Year Leigh Berman, owner and head trainer of Two Bit Farm in Boyertown, Pennsylvania.

The Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year Program is designed to honor the unsung heroes of our sport—trainers who work tirelessly to improve the education of both their riders and horses. Entrants were nominated for the contest by individuals in the horse community. Out of all the trainers nominated, 10 finalists were selected, with one earning the title of Trainer of the Year.

Leigh started her career as an Amateur, winning many awards aboard her off-the-track-Thoroughbred Catch 22. As a professional, she spent years showing and training at top-ranked horse shows in both hunters and jumpers. She even ended up on the cover of Practical Horseman magazine in 1995 and was featured in an article about her and Catch22 who should found at the New Holland Horse Auction.

As head trainer of Two Bit Farm, Leigh focuses on helping riders of all ages and skill levels develop genuine partnerships with their horses. She’s helped her students achieve success in the Junior Hunters and the Amateur Owner divisions—but more importantly she strives to instill confidence in her riders and encourages them to be their best selves in order to communicate with their equine partners.Leigh’s talent is also apparent when she’s working with young horses or those with training challenges. She often imports unbroken horses from overseas to develop them into well-rounded show horses.

In her submission for the Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year, Leigh’s students noted her unbridled passion for helping them achieve their riding goals and enhancing the relationships they share with their horses—all while having a blast along the way.

Leigh also recognizes how much horses have to offer and pays that forward by supporting her local riding community and the Boyertown community in general. She hosts biannual derbies to provide high-level competition experiences for riders who might not be able to afford rated shows or have the time to travel to them. And she partnered with a local gym to introduce middle-school students to two of her horses to teach them about physical wellness and the beautiful partnerships we can share with these amazing animals.

In today’s podcast, we talked to Leigh about receiving the 2024 Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year title, how she sets up her students and horses for success and happiness in the saddle and why she feels it’s important to share horses with her local community.

COSEQUIN®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, is excited to bring you, COSEQUIN® ASU Balance. This formula supports joint, immune, and digestive health. COSEQUIN® ASU Balance helps moderate the inflammatory responses that can cause immune and GI tract disturbances through the innovative inclusion of postbiotics and beta-glucans. The formula also includes the joint support COSEQUIN® is known for, with ingredients such as ASU, Hyaluronic Acid, and Boswellia serrata Extract. 

With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products when performance matters. To learn more, speak with your veterinarian or visit Cosequin.com.

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with five-star eventer Lillian Heard Wood. She spoke with us in late October following her eighth-place finish at the Maryland 5 Star with her longtime partner LCC Barnaby.

To give you a little more background on Lillian, she has 16 CCI5* completions, including top-10 finishes at the Maryland 5 Star and top-20 finishes at the Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky CCI5*s. Originally from Poolesville, Maryland, Lillian developed a passion for eventing while competing in the United States Pony Clubs. She spent 10 years as a working student for Olympian Boyd Martin and five-star competitor Jan Byyny. Also, Lillian worked in Ireland and England in multiple international yards, most notably for Carol Gee of Fernhill Sport Horse Center. She runs her training business out of Lanefield Farm in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, alongside her husband, five-star eventer Ryan Wood.

In our discussion, Lillian talks about deciding to retire the 18-year-old LCC Barnaby from the five-star level, handling disappointment in the sport and celebrating personal successes.

Confidently address your horse’s unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook.

Welcome to the PHOD pod, the Practical Horseman Podcast's Minisode series where we share audio clips from our subscription video site, Equestrian Plus. At Equestrian Plus, you can enjoy over 5,000 videos and get insider access to exclusive interviews and lectures, slow-motion demonstrations, and step-by-step tutorials taught by top-level pros in the hunter jumper, equitation, eventing, and dressage disciplines.

On this week's episode, dressage and event rider Chelsea Canedy leads a short, guided meditation to realign yourself before interacting with your horse. She helps get you to a place where you can find stillness and internal quiet and locate that gratitude for your horse and your time with him.

When you tune into the PHOD Pod, listen closely for a promo code for 15% off your Equestrian Plus subscription!

To sign up for Equestrian Plus, click here.

COSEQUIN®, the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand, is excited to bring you, COSEQUIN® ASU Balance. This formula supports joint, immune, and digestive health. COSEQUIN® ASU Balance helps moderate the inflammatory responses that can cause immune and GI tract disturbances through the innovative inclusion of postbiotics and beta-glucans. The formula also includes the joint support COSEQUIN® is known for, with ingredients such as ASU, Hyaluronic Acid, and Boswellia serrata Extract. 

With over 30 years behind the COSEQUIN® name, you can rely on COSEQUIN® products when performance matters. To learn more, speak with your veterinarian or visit Cosequin.com. 

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with professional hunter/jumper rider and trainer TJ O’Mara. He spoke with us in mid-October during the busy indoor season.

To give you a little more background on O'Mara, he had a successful junior career, winning three equitation finals in 2016: the Excellence in Equitation Championship, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals - East, and the Pessoa/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. In 2018, he turned professional while getting his college degree at the University of Kentucky. Two years later in 2020, O'Mara joined Max Amaya's team at Stonehenge Stables as a professional rider and trainer, with a focus on training the equitation students. Last year, he helped coach student Carlee McCutcheon to wins in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship. In the competition ring, O'Mara earned his first FEI win in 2022 and competes at the five-star level.  

In our discussion, O'Mara talks about the start of his professional career, important lessons he has learned thus far and his training philosophy.

Confidently address your horse's unique weight needs and help optimize their overall wellbeing with research-proven Purina Animal Nutrition feeds—designed by passionate equine nutritionists. Partner with Purina to nourish your horse to their optimal body condition. Explore weight management resources for your horse today at purinamills.com/feed-finder.

You can also follow @purinafeedgreatness on Instagram and @PurinaHorse on Facebook. 

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Horse Week, is with Hannah Sue Hollberg. The five-star eventer has a lot on her radar right now. Earlier this year, she took over the ride on Thoroughbred gelding Business Ben from fellow eventer Allison Springer and has spent the past nine months fostering a new partnership with him. The pair has some big dates on their competition calendar this fall—and hopefully another one in the spring of 2025. 

Among her other talented horses are Capitol H I M and Harbour Pilot. Hannah Sue retired her longtime partner Harbour Pilot following his last five-star run at the 2022 MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fairhill, where the pair finished in 10th. Hannah decided to retire the then 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, after their 12-year partnership to ensure “William” ended his career healthy and happy—and to give him the opportunity to enjoy lower-impact work. 

Hannah Sue and Capitol H I M—affectionately known as “Cheeto”—made their five-star debut at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and competed in the CCI5* at last year’s Maryland Five Star, where they finished fourth and were the highest-placed U.S combination.  

After serving as a working student with Karen and David O’Connor from 2008 to 2011, Hannah Sue went on to become a team gold and individual silver medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games aboard Harbour Pilot. She also represented the U.S. in a number of European events, gained plenty of five-star experience and most recently placed third at the MARS Bromont CCI4*-L with Capitol H I M last June. 

In today’s podcast, we talked to Hannah Sue about what’s new on her horizons, the incredible partnerships she shares with her horses, her training philosophies—and how she finally overcame a lack of confidence through perseverance and her passion for eventing horses. 

Celebrate the splendor of horses during Horse Week! Join us for the ultimate equine celebration during the Horse Week Film Festival, brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim, October 20-26, 2024. This extraordinary event unites horse enthusiasts from around the globe in a free weeklong online film festival dedicated to the awe-inspiring world of horses. Sign up for our free newsletter to stay in the know and tune in live October 20-26 at horseweek.tv.

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, is with health and wellness coach Ruben Mahboobi. He spoke with us last spring after the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.

In this episode, Rubee talks about what riders need to do to have balance in their lives and how that balance is the foundation of overall health. A healthy person, he says, who is balanced in body, mind, and spirit is a better rider and has more chance of achieving his or her goals. Though Rubee’s clients involve those at the tops of their fields, including four-time Olympian Boyd Martin, his advice can help riders of all disciplines and levels. Riders can be so focused on helping their horses be the healthiest and best they can be that many forget about themselves. But their health and well-being is a critical part of their success and overall happiness.

Rubee assists clients with maximizing their performance and achieving or surpassing their short and long-term goals. His coaching style is grounded in his training as an executive and dignitary protection specialist and integrates meditation, yoga, mindfulness training, martial arts and a spiritual perspective with conventional wellness modalities. His high-profile clients have included Olympic athletes, A-List celebrities, Grammy-award-winning musicians, corporate CEOs, medical and legal professionals and internationally known artists.

Rubee has a long list of educational certifications in yoga, massage, exercise and more, including training at the Bodhidharma Institute in Pushkar, India. In addition to private practice, Rubee served as a holistic therapist for the psychiatric department at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. And he worked with the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at Riker’s Island Jail, leading trauma-sensitive yoga and therapy workshops for incarcerated men and adolescents.

 Finally, Rubee is an amateur dressage rider, who is also involved in music production. You can find more information about him on Instagram at @gurubee. You can also learn more about him at gurubee.org.

 This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, empowering excellence in every horse. As the global leader in equine health, Boehringer Ingelheim is focused on sharing our passion to improve the life of every horse. We understand that no one cares for a horse alone; it takes a whole network of passionate people to provide the highest level of care. Our team goes beyond our comprehensive product portfolio to support veterinarians, equine care professionals and horse owners alike in raising equine health to an art form. To learn more about our philosophy of care, visit TheArtofHorse.com.

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by SmartPak, is with international show jumper Laura Chapot. She spoke with us in mid-September after the Devon Fall Classic, following a busy summer competing along the East Coast.

Laura comes from a prolific equestrian family. Her late father Frank Chapot was a six-time Olympian and longtime U.S. Jumping Team chef d’equipe. Her mother Mary Chapot is a two-time Olympian, and her sister Wendy is an active competitor as well. Gem Twist, a successful U.S. show jumping horse in the 1980s and 1990s, was bred and trained by Frank Chapot and ridden by Greg Best and Leslie Howard before being ridden by Laura later in his career.

Laura is skilled equestrian in her own right. She was on several U.S. Nations Cup teams and helped earn team bronze at the 2007 Pan American Games with Little Big Man. Over the summer, Laura won the $75,000 Richard M. Feldman Grand Prix with Chandon Blue at the Lake Placid Horse Shows in New York.

In this episode, Laura talks about what it was like growing up in her equestrian family, her competition routine and training philosophy.

This week's Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by SmartPak. Even the best cared for horse can colic, but you don't have to go through it alone. With ColiCare by SmartPak, your horse gets daily comprehensive hindgut support and you get up to $15,000 in colic surgery reimbursement. Give your horse the best care available and receive your own peace of mind in return. Choose ColiCare and enroll now by calling 1-800-461-8898 or visiting SmartPak.com/ColiCare. 

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast, sponsored by Purina, is with international show jumper Katie Dinan. She spoke with us in mid-July after she represented the U.S. Jumping Team at CHIO Aachen in Germany. Aachen served as one of Dinan's observation events as a rider named to the U.S. Jumping Team Short List for Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Dinan has collected numerous top placings as well as represented the U.S. on several Nations Cup teams thus far in her career. She made her senior Nations Cup debut in 2013 and helped the U.S. earn a Nations Cup win at CSIO5* Dublin in 2014. Dinan has competed in five Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Finals. Last fall, she won the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ CSI5*-W at the Washington International Horse Show with Brego R’N B.

In this episode, Dinan talks about what she enjoys about show jumping, how she handles big competitions and shares about her string of horses.

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast is sponsored by Purina. Purina Animal Nutrition has three research-backed ration balancers to fill nutritional gaps in your horse's diet. Enrich Plus delivers a concentrated source of protein, vitamins and minerals without unnecessary calories. Enrich Plus Senior features ActivAge Prebiotic Technology and Outlast Supplement for aging easy-keepers. Omega Match is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E, great for horses without access to green grass. Find a ration balancer for your horse at purinamills.com/RationBalancers or visit your local feed store.

Also, follow Purina on Instagram at purinafeedgreatness and on Facebook at PurinaHorse.