Welcome back to Go Eventing, the podcast where the heart, soul, and stories of the eventing world come to life. This week's discussion blends behind-the-scenes stories and lighthearted celebrity comparisons with deep reflections on resilience, trust, and the emotional milestones that define a rider’s career. From training a challenging horse to navigating team dynamics and overcoming missed opportunities, listen in to hear stories on perseverance, evolving perspectives on horse care, and the joys of celebrating a horse’s life beyond the competition arena.
🔎What’s Inside Episode 13?
First and foremost: we wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to Sarah Yorke, a rider in England who tragically passed away after an incident on cross country while competing at Aston-le-Walls. Her horse was not hurt. You can visit the British Eventing Support Trust here.
In this heartfelt episode, host Sally Spickard welcomes Tamie Smith and Alex Ahearn to reflect on the incredible career and lasting legacy of Mai Baum — affectionately known as Lexus — as he heads into retirement.
Tamie and Alex open up about the journey they’ve shared with this extraordinary horse, from Alex’s first rides as a junior to Tamie’s years of championship competition. Along the way, they discuss the pivotal role of financial support in equestrian sport, the transformative power of mentorship, and the importance of keeping the horse's welfare at the center of the conversation.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...
01:34 - News & Notes: Rider Grants, Road to the Horse, & European ChampionshipsSally relays the application openings for the 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Award and the awarding of support funds from the newly-founded Georgie Campbell Foundation. She, Tamie, and Alex also discuss the 2026 running of Road to the Horse, in which 5* eventer Elisa Wallace will be competing. Additionally, keep an eye out this week for the release of each country's nominated entries for the FEI Eventing European Championships at Blenheim!
08:26 - Go Eventing Shout-outsAlex shouts out her bosses, Tamie thanks those who attended her clinic at Rebecca Farm, and Sally draws attention to Mary Sawyer, the first eventer to receive the USEA Century Award in 2022 who just won another Century Award for the second time.
[Read more about Mary Sawyer here]
Submit your own Go Eventing Shout-outs at [email protected]!
13:56 - One Big Thing: Mai Baum — The Horse of a LifetimeTamie opens up about the perseverance required to ride and train a horse with such talent and complexity, while Alex reflects on their partnership from the early days at novice to the heights of upper-level eventing. The conversation explores the importance of financial support in equestrian sports, the role of community recognition, and the life-changing impact of opportunities like the Rebecca Broussard International Development Grant. They discuss partnership dynamics, horse welfare, fitness and veterinary care, and how perspectives on horse care evolve over time.
1:23:24 - You Ask, We Answer: Sharing Lexus, Students of the Sport, and Tamie’s Stripper Bod...?Serious questions are asked and answers shared on the dynamic between owner and rider, lessons Tamie and Alex have learned along their journey, and what it takes to keep a champion's mindset amidst the various trials and challenges they both have faced. Tamie and Alex also share a lighthearted debate on which human celebrity Lexus would be, his infamous quirks and demands, and things they've laughed at over the years. Tamie also recalls the humorous lines she's had to draw in regard to her body and physical shape.
Thank you to the following Instagram accounts for submitting your questions for Tamie and Alex!
@payton_white_eventing, @ponyboy_eventing, @woodgefulton, @aubeys_eq_ponies, @geedubleyoo, @k_huppe, and (previous Go Eventing Guest!) @nataliehummelcoaching[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]
1:35:53 - Finish FlagsAt least seven eventers are currently competing in the Mongol Derby, including Michael Pollard who has WON the Derby at the time of publishing! Follow along with the rest of the race [here] or @mongolderby on Instagram.
Next time we talk to you, we'll be on the ground for the American Eventing Championships at Galway Downs!
🎧 Want to know more about Tamie, Alex, and Mai Baum?
We at EN have been Lexus fans from the start of his career, and have covered his and Tamie's rise to the top along the way! Find event coverage, articles and more at @goeventing or email us at [email protected].
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts! Let's keep building this community together.
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