From Texas to World Stage: Rachel Duhig's Polocrosse Journey. 

Join us for an exciting conversation with international polocrosse champion Rachel Duhig, who has represented both the USA and UK at the highest levels of the sport. Learn about this fast-paced, dynamic equestrian discipline and how it's bringing people together across continents!

In this episode of The Equestrian Experience Podcast, we delve into the world of polocrosse with Rachel Duhig, exploring her remarkable journey from Texas to becoming an international champion and coach. Rachel shares insights into this unique sport that combines elements of polo, lacrosse, and netball.

• Growing up in a horse-loving family in Texas, Rachel shares how her father discovered polocrosse by chance and how it became their family passion. Her journey from junior competitions to international success showcases the inclusive nature of the sport.
• Rachel takes us through her impressive competitive career, including competing in the 2011 World Cup for Team USA while 12 weeks pregnant, helping secure their highest-ever 4th place finish. She later transitioned to representing the UK, bringing her expertise to a new team.
• We explore what makes the perfect polocrosse horse, from ex-racehorses finding new purpose to purpose-bred champions. Rachel shares stories about her legendary mare Lola and her exciting young prospects, Spitfire and Tesla.
• The unique format of international competition is revealed, where teams travel across the world and compete on borrowed horses - getting just four days to prepare with their assigned mounts before competition begins.
• Rachel discusses her transition into coaching, recently leading the UK Under-21 team to victory in Zimbabwe, and shares her perspective on developing young talent in the sport.
• The global polocrosse community spans across eight major competing nations, with growing participation across Europe and South America. Rachel highlights how the sport's accessibility and strong community spirit make it special.
• For those interested in trying polocrosse, Rachel emphasises that any willing horse can start at the lower levels, and the sport actually helps develop better riding skills as players focus on the game rather than overthinking their riding.

All this and more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Travelling the world, starring in movies, and representing your country in show jumping sounds like a dream, for Lilly Aspell, it’s real life. However, it doesn’t come without a lot of hard work, commitment and determination. Lilly lets us in on her world and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Famously known for her role as a young Diana (Gal Gadot) in Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984, Lilly has also starred in the Amazon prime series The Pursuit of Love, films such as Extinction and most recently Retribution with Liam Neeson. In addition to her busy acting career, Lilly has also gained many accolades in her other love, show jumping, with her participating in the 2022 Horse of the Year Show and representing Team GB in the Ponies Team at the 2023 FEI Nations Cup in Zuidwolde. Coming off a short stint working at a professional show jumping stable in Florida, Lilly shares her journey to now and what the future holds.

IN THIS EPISODE:                                        

• We talk about how Lilly began riding and her family’s ties to the equestrian world. 
• An accomplished pony rider, Lilly talks about her recent transition from ponies to horses. 
• Have you ever wondered how show jumping stables differ in Florida and the UK? Bex and Lilly take us through their experiences and the thing they miss most whilst riding in Florida.
• Sometimes things feel like they were meant to happen, Lilly explains how she started her acting career seemingly by chance.
• Juggling a busy acting career and riding takes some work, we talk about how Lilly balances her two passions. 
• Lilly speaks about her experience representing Great Britain in the FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup in Zuidwolde and what her beloved Bailey (Legends Rock) is up to now.
• We talk about Lilly’s plans for the future including the release of her latest movie, Retribution!

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Sam Woods and Bradley Champagne are two very exciting up-and-coming riders who live and breathe eventing, including being the “right-hand-man” to two of the world’s leading event riders, Boyd Martin and Shane Rose! Listen in for an insight into what a day working at the two of world’s top event stables entails and hear some sage words of advice about how to approach your young horse.

Specialising in breaking in and starting young horses, Brad and Sam spending most of their day giving race and performance horses the best start to their ridden careers, which sometimes includes acting as the crash-test dummy!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• We start from the beginning, as we delve into how Brad and Sam’s passion for horses started.
• Have you dreamt of working on a professional eventing yard? We chat about how Brad and Sam landed their respective roles.
• Hear the inside scoop on working for top event riders like Shane Rose and Boyd Martin.
• Learn about Sam and Brad’s approach to training young horses as they both empathise the importance of patience and time when working with any horse.
• Have you wondered what to look for in a young event horse? Brad and Sam chat about what characteristics they look for in a future event star!

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Bex and Amanda come together to catch up on what has been going on in their lives and what they have planned for the coming months.

IN THIS EPISODE:

•  A firm believer in trusting the process, Bex explains how she approaches her own injuries and the importance of making the most of a bad situation.
• Amanda talks about handling young horses and how regardless of experience level, every equestrian should take safety seriously.
• Have you ever heard of spelling a horse? No, it’s got nothing to do with magic or English. Amanda and Bex talk about managing your young horse, including knowing when and how long to rest them.
• Always one to do the best for her horses, Bex talks about her recent experience with a horse whisperer! 
• The equestrian lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Bex and Amanda think back on their choices and how although it can be hard, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Brought to you by major sponsor Bates Saddles.

Paul Connor is a British Show Jumping Level 5 Course Designer, FEI Level 3 Course Designer and British Horse Society Level 5 coach. Having designed in Hong Kong and Portugal, and for many international UK events including the Nations Cup at Hickstead, HOYS and the Land Rover Horse Trials, Paul shares his wealth of knowledge about course designing for show jumping. 

A rider himself, Paul takes a practical approach to course designing with the intention to give the horse and rider an opportunity to learn and grow as a partnership. In this episode we delve into the importance of course designing and what goes on behind the scenes to make some of the biggest shows in the world possible.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Paul takes us through his journey to becoming a course designer.
•  Building a course takes many considerations we go through the key elements that must be considered when deciding what course to build.
• There are many ways to approach a course walk, Paul explains how to get the most out of your course walk and how to use all the information available to you.
• Ever wondered how course design changes between pure show jumping courses and the show jumping course within a three-day-event? We get the answer straight from the course designer’s mouth!
• Have you heard of different show jumping class types and wondered how they differ? Paul takes us through the difference between Table A, B and C classes, how each class has a different intention and how the course design changes because of this. 
• Building courses for some of the biggest shows in the world seems like a daunting task, we discuss whether Paul gets any pre-show jitters.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

This episode’s guest Amelia Antje White takes us through her equestrian journey and how she has learnt to make the most out of every situation! 

FEI dressage rider, Paralympian and corporate lawyer, Amelia is the epitome of a high achiever and is an inspiration to many. Her mindset and ability to overcome challenges is incredible and her success in and out of the saddle is proof of her perseverance, determination, and grit. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Amelia takes us through her humble beginnings and how she has been a horse lover from a young age, despite having non-horsey parents.
• Are you dreaming of moving to Europe to pursue your riding dreams? Having made the move and currently living, training, and working in Germany, Amelia shares her wisdom on the realities of Germany and how to know if it’s right for you.
• People often think you can either have a riding or corporate career. As a full-time corporate lawyer Amelia is living proof that with hard work, dedication and some very early mornings it is possible to do both.
• Mindset is extremely important for any athlete, Amelia talks about how even the best laid plans go astray and how you have to be ready to look at different paths to achieve your goals.
• Amelia explains the process of qualifying for Tokyo 2020 including the effect of COVID-19 on her preparations and her plans for Paris 2024!

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Stay up to date with Amelia’s equestrian journey @amelia.a.white

Joanna Hockly-Andrews from Horslyx tells us all about Horslyx’s game-changing range of forage balancers which come in the form of a lick!

Many horse owners will know the struggle of a fussy horse that manages to filter out supplements or just refuses to eat their food all together, resulting in stress for horse and owner! Horslyx’s range of products provide an alternative solution to traditional powdered or pelleted supplements. Their palatable licks come in a range of flavours for a range of different purposes while also looking after your pocket. Joanna brings with her a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience ensuring the welfare of many beloved horses. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Knowing what supplements to feed your horse can be a daunting task, Joanna talks us through Horslyx’s range of supplements and their different purposes.
• Do you normally avoid feeding your horse licks due to concerns about molasses or sugar content? Joanna busts some myths about the sugar content of Horslyxs and explains how they can still be suitable for horses with sugar sensitivities.
• Wondering why you would choose a lick over a traditional balancer? We discuss who Horslyx suit and what the benefits are including some personal testimony from our very own Bex Mason.
• Joanna takes us through how to correctly introduce Horslyx and how once introduced correctly, many horses begin to use their licks intuitively.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

To find out more and view Horslyx’s full range, head to https://www.horslyx.com/

Say goodbye to visible panty lines, camel toe, chafing and swamp crotch with Derriere Equestrian's functional range of stylish underwear designed for men and women! 

Are you sick of searching for the perfect undergarments that are comfortable, practical, and durable enough to put up with the demands of an Equestrian’s bottom and don’t look like you inherited them from your grandma? Look no further than Derriere Equestrian! We chat with Laura Thyer, Derriere’s CEO and an Equestrian Underwear Expert who takes us through the impact purpose-made underwear can have on your comfort and riding. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• Used and loved by Derriere Equestrian ambassador Bex, find out what you could be missing out on if you’re not riding in a pair of Derrieres.
• We chat about how Derriere compares to cycling knicks and how they cater to equestrians.
• Want to try Derriere’s products but unsure what style of underwear is right for you? We discuss how to decide which pair to choose.
• Laura does some myth-busting on the sometimes-taboo subject of underwear, including how Derriere could save you from the unexpected.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

If you’re looking to update your underwear drawer and experience the comfort of Derriere equestrian’s range, head to https://www.derriereequestrian.com/ 

Hailing from Donegal in the far North-West of Ireland, Sarah Jane has travelled and worked extensively in the horse industry. From yearling preps in Germany, racehorses in South Africa, equestrian retail and point-to-point racehorses in Ireland, including gaining her amateur jockey licence, there aren't many things Sarah Jane hasn't done!

Now heavily involved in the equestrian retail industry, Sarah Jane worked for Horsewear Ireland for several years before moving to Melbourne, Victoria to work for Leader Equine, the official Australian distributor of several of the world's leading equestrian brands, including Horseware Ireland, TRM & PS of Sweden. A true horse lover at heart, you can feel the passion Sarah Jane has for the products Leader Equine stocks as she debunks some myths about rugging and lets us in on the top must-haves for every horse owner.

• Learn about Sarah Jane's extensive experience in the equestrian world and how this has helped her to choose only the best products for Leader Equine.
• Your horse's legs are one of the most important things to protect, used (and loved) by Amanda and Sarah Jane, learn about Ice Vibe Boots and how they are more than just ice boots.
• Goodbye Flys… Hello organic horse care products! More than just fly repellent, find out how Goodbye Flys can help your horse's care regime.
• Wondering how Tiger's Tongue, Power Shower or Shed Flower have anything to do with horses? Sarah Jane chats through her favourite grooming products.
• Rugging is a largely debated topic, we bust some myths, give you practical rugging advice, explain the meaning of denier and poly fill and let you in on Sarah Jane's secret to finding the best size rug for your horse.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

If you're looking to make some additions to your tack room or want to know more about the products Leader Equine stock, head to leaderequine.com.au 

Dr Lizzie McCready is an equine veterinarian and founder of Empowering Equine Education, an online platform specialising in providing horse owners and equine professionals advice and education on Equine Emergency Response.

Through her years of experience working in the UK and Australia in equine practice and as an ambulatory vet, Dr Lizzie has learnt the gold-standard techniques to manage equine emergencies. Having witnessed common and preventable mistakes again and again, Dr Lizzie is now using her knowledge to help empower horse owners to be confident to take the correct steps to prevent further injury and give their horses the best chance of recovery.

IN THIS EPISODE 

• Dr Lizzie tells us how an unfortunate injury was a blessing in disguise and a catalyst for the creation of Empowering Equine Education. 
• Emergencies are one of the scariest moments for any horse owner. Dr Lizzie shares her tips and tricks to make emergencies less stressful for both you and your horse.
• Dr Lizzie shares her three-step ACT framework to help you to decide your plan of action and, in turn, prevent unnecessary costs or callouts. 
• Do you struggle to take your horse’s temperature? We discover the importance of knowing your horses’ vitals and the best methods to get accurate measurements in a safe manner. 
• Knowing what to place in your first aid kit is often difficult but is an important step to ensuring you are prepared for an emergency; Dr Lizzie shares her complete first aid kit checklist and her tips to make sure that your kit is always ready.
• Have you ever wondered how illnesses differ from Australia to the UK?  We chat about the influence of climates and how there are plenty of similarities in both countries.

All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.