It’s a family affair for the thoroughbred-loving Richardsons of Vantage Hill in Scone, Australia! Nikki (Olympic eventer), Blair (5* eventer) and son Charlie (junior eventer and show jumper) pre-train up to 250 potential racehorses each year.

Huge advocates of life after racing, the Richardson family are experts in turning off-the-track thoroughbreds into elite sport horses and compete four of their own in their six-horse eventing team. Join them as they share their recipe for equestrian success, which includes a little family rivalry and a honed eye for picking racehorses with performance potential. 

• Host Amanda Ross spills the beans on how she was rooming with Nikki at a Pony Club competition when Blair and Nikki met for the very first time. While the ensuing love story is history, how do two very accomplished eventers feel now that their offspring is poaching Dad’s horses…and beating him? 
• Hear Blair’s advice for the best age to start training a thoroughbred for eventing and his formula for taking them to 4* level and beyond.
• What’s the Richardson’s litmus test for choosing a horse off the track? Find out what you should be looking for on your trial ride and the key to finding a thoroughbred with the potential to make the transition to a high-performance or pony club home.
• The youngest Richardson shares a cautionary tale for those first few rides on your new ex-racehorse, while everyone weighs in with tips for bitting, gear and the dos and don’ts of mounting. 
• Blair tells us the story of how he was working pre-trainers with Olympian, Shane Rose, the day Shane received a near fatal kick to the head that put him in a coma. While it’s a grave story, you’ll be captivated by the comedy of errors to rush Shane to hospital, as you uncover exactly what Brad Pitt has to do with it all! 
• Plus, great tales from a George Morris clinic, some Aussie versus New Zealand fact finding and the question we all want to know: can eventers ever pick a race winner?

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

Dr Luke Wells-Smith from Motion Equine Centre is an equine veterinarian who specialises in hooves. Even as a 15-year-old shoeing horses in his Grandad’s trail riding business, Luke understood that keeping horses sound revolved around correct foot care. 

Driven by a self-confessed addiction to making horses feel more comfortable, Luke consults to veterinary hospitals, industry stakeholders and insurance companies in Australia and overseas. His expertise also helped to keep Amanda Ross’ event horse, Dicavalli Diesel, performing at 4* level, despite the warmblood’s less-than-perfect foot conformation. 

• In this bumper episode, listen as Luke shares why there’s nothing more satisfying than being able to influence an almost-instantaneous improvement in equine movement.
• Luke weighs in on what it takes to create an environment where performance horses can compete barefoot, as well as when and how to use studs on your eventer.
• Uncover the truth about hoof supplements and dressings plus get Luke’s advice on what really works to harden hooves.
• Hear why Luke doesn’t mind if your horse is naughty when he’s visiting, but how to avoid getting ghosted by your farrier.
• Find out the reason Luke believes there’s no such thing as a “perfect hoof” and the best way to identify the perfect management plan for your own horse’s feet.
• Why do his staff call Luke the “Stable Nazi”? Hint – it’s got to do with creating the perfect bedding for when your horse is on box rest.
• Commiserate over why holding a shoeing nail or plaiting needle between your teeth is a trap for young players!

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

Exploring the highs and lows of life, Shaun Dillon opens up about his most raw and deeply personal experiences and how they've shaped his Equestrian Experience.

Obsessed with horses from a young age, but with no family experience and interest in the sport, Shaun is a self-made rider and adored coach who has competed up to 4* and found himself now balancing eventing with a law degree! 

• Working with the elite of Australian eventers from a young age, including Shane Rose, Stuart Tinney, and Megan Jones, Shaun tells us what he learned from each and why he thinks they have been at the top of their game for decades. 
• Mental health and welfare have been top of mind in Shaun's life, from close family depression and suicide to his own undiagnosed ADHD, and is proof that our horses are the therapy that we all love to pull us through our ups and downs. 
• Hear from Shaun how he managed to fight his way into the sport, including sending his Aunty (a Nun) out to seek a sponsorship - with the sponsor admitting he "couldn't say no to a Nun"!
• A passionate advocate for all things LGBTQIA+, Shaun tells us the story of his coming out, the response from the equestrian community, and how he helped to run the Hot to Trot equestrian float at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

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

If you or someone you know needs any support, please reach out to your local support organisation such as Riders Minds. 

A showjumper and versatile equine photographer who not only works at events but specialises in portrait and commercial photography, Jasmine of Jasmine Punter Photography shares her tricks of the trade. 

Jasmine has long been a regular in the British equestrian scene having come from a showjumping background, and is no stranger to wanting to capture that soft eye, relaxed body, true moment of happiness between horse and rider. She also works closely with co-host Bex Mason, and refers to some of these stunning photos within the show. 

• Aspiring equestrian photographer? Jasmine talks about how she turned her passion into a business, and how her professionalism has catapulted her business into a busting multi-photographer local enterprise. 
• Want the perfect shot at an event, or want to make sure a photographer isn't at lunch when you're on? Find out what the photographers are looking at, which jumps they'll prioritise and she avoids getting run-over in the ring!
• Why are there different costs for photographer images? How much editing goes into it and is it required?
• Desperate for that heart-horse photoshoot but not sure where to start, or perhaps feel a little awkward? Jasmine puts you at ease and shares her tips on everything down to wardrobe. 
• Simply need to take some nice photos for yourself, or possibly to sell items? Find out how Jasmine herself uses her mobile phone camera when she's out and about. 

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

Shane Rose, International Eventer and three-time Olympic medallist (2008, 2016 and 2020) talks to Amanda and Bex from his quarantine hotel room in Sydney after landing back in Australia. 

Since riding a pony called Mickey Mouse at age five, Shane has maintained a love of horses among numerous other outdoor sports. Despite Shane’s extensive experience at every level of eventing, his first love remains his wife Niki and four children Olivia, Harry and twins Zara and Lachlan – in fact, he might have a whole rugby team if it was only up to him! 

• Notorious for enjoying time outside, playing with his kids and loving anything sporting, find out how Shane is coping in hotel quarantine. 
• Tokyo was more hot and humid than other games, hear Shane compare these games to the previous events he and the other experienced team members have competed at. 
• The Australian High Performance management team have worked hard behind the scenes in a COVID-19 year to virtually prepare athletes from around the world. Shane talks in detail about the preparation that the team had done for the last year or two, in as much detail as preparation for an “apocalypse or alien invasion”! 
• Heartbreaking scenes out of the Australian team had his fellow eventer Stuart Tinney withdraw at the last minute. Shane talks through not only the exceptional culture of the team but when the team made the call, how Stuart conducted himself and how and when he professionally handed the reins over to Kevin McNab. 
• Shane was the first rider out at Tokyo 2020 due to the experience level with his horse Virgil, hear what sort of information the rest of the team were members looking to him for after his first rides. Shane talks us through the information that he handed down the line, and especially how he felt on cross country being one of few riders to make it in double-clear. 
• When choosing a horse, what is it that Shane looks for and what are his non-negotiables?

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

Rachel Watts is the head groom for Shane Rose Eventing and has travelled horses to and from multiple Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games – even once alongside Amanda Ross and her horse Koko Popping Candy (Zarzy).

From an early age, Rachel knew she wanted to spend time with horses but not necessarily as a rider. Studying at Australia's only independent agricultural and equine business management college, Marcus Oldham Rachel came to the industry with a firm background in animal management. Now having worked with multiple international eventers both in England and Australia, regularly taking 20+ horses to an event, and managing high-performance eventers it’s no surprise that Rachel has been awarded Equestrian Australia’s prestigious Groom of the Year award. 

• Hear what happens in the equine transport planes, where she sits, how she can look after her horse/s mid-flight and what the preparation and recovery is like. 
• Listen to unique insights into how she knows when a horse is fit and ready to fly, and the logistics and horse health procedures that can start as far as a year prior to travel. 
• Find out how the 2020 Olympic Games differed to other world games that she has travelled to in terms of competition and added COVID-19 restrictions. 
• Tokyo was humid! Rachel shares the insights into how the riders and grooms chose to manage the day for the horses to ensure they were maintained in peak condition. 
• What’s it like to travel with Shane Rose and the Australian silver-medallist eventing team, and how did Rachel prepare her horse Virgil for trot up and each phase?
• Rachel spills the tea on how her stunning quarter marks and impressive tail braiding is achieved (including her tools of the trade), and some of the horse personalities at Shane Rose Eventing.  
• For budding grooms, what are Rachel’s top tips on finding your place in the equestrian world?

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

Victoria Kahn (APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist) was the Medical Manager and Physiotherapist for the Australian Equestrian Team at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2010 and 2014 World Equestrian Games, where her relationship with Amanda Ross began. 

With over 20 years experience in physiotherapy, Vic Kahn has developed special interest in treating hip/groin pain, equestrian athletes and athletes with disabilities, taking her on a journey of gaining additional qualifications in Clinical Pilates and Strength and Conditioning

• In addition to working with Equestrian Australia, Vic has worked in the Australian Football League (AFL), cricket, and with the Australian Wheelchair Rugby Team and provides insights on how athletes and their rehabilitation differ across sports.
• Find out how Vic helped Amanda with her self-described "ridiculous hip" after hobbling into Vic's office. Sadly, there are no magic wands, Amanda had to really put in the work and do all of her prescribed exercises and got gold stars from Vic for her efforts!
• Nod your head with Vic's ongoing surprise that we treat our horses injuries much more seriously than our own! "I was so struck by the meticulous equine injury management... but there was not a second, third, fourth or even fifth thought for the athlete's own injury!"
• Listen to them discuss what riders can do to look after and improve their position, as well as key areas equestrians can benefit from such as spinal mobility, overall symmetry and alignment, core strength and stability, and, ankle range and stability. 
• Hear both Amanda Ross and Bex Mason talk about their injuries and how they work with their own movement specialists to maintain their bodies to perform at the top of their sport.

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

In their inaugural episode, Aussie Amanda (Eventer, Olympian) and British Bex (International Grand Prix Showjumper) talk about the differences between owning and competing horses in each country. 

With Bex's sister living down-under in Sydney, Australia, and Amanda having competed and purchased horses in England, the two have real-life horsey experiences in each other's countries which cause much debate. 

• Which horses and riders are tougher? Join the debate - as British horses can handle wet, muddy conditions with ease, the Aussies can handle being outdoor 24/7 come shine, shine or shine!
• How do Amanda's horses from Ireland go in Australia, and which habits have they kept which make them stand out from the Aussie crowd?
• Horses are keen athletes - how do their showjumping and eventing horses differ, what do they look for in horses, and how do they develop their horses for maximum power and soundness?
• Which country has the best leisure riding/hacking out spaces and gallops?
• How do Amanda and Bex plan out their week for horse and rider fitness and competitions? Do they stick to a regular schedule?

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