Mad Barn is proud to present the next segment of our series, “The People Behind the Horses,” where we spotlight the individuals shaping the future of equine wellness and performance. In this episode, we sit down with Canadian 3-time Olympic Event Rider Mike Winter.

🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Mike’s journey from his early riding years in Canada to becoming a three-time Olympic eventing athlete
• The training philosophies and horsemanship principles that guide his approach to developing top-level horses
• The mindset, discipline, and continuous learning required to sustain excellence at the international level
• How data-driven management, nutrition, and conditioning support sound and confident equine partners
• The importance of mentorship, community, and collaborative leadership within the equestrian industry
• Mike’s perspective on the responsibilities of modern riders, both in the saddle and as ambassadors for the sport
• Insight into the ongoing conversations around the equestrian sport's social license to operate

Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or passionate horse owner, this episode offers a unique look into the people and purpose driving equestrian sport in Canada.

⏱ Podcast Timeline

• 00:00 – Welcome
• 00:22– Introduction to Mike and His Journey to the Elite Level of Equestrian Sport
• 05:58 – How Mike’s Mindset and Preparation for the Major Games Have Evolved
• 06:12 – Mike’s Experience as a Member of Canada’s Eventing High Performance Advisory Board
• 11:27 – How Mike’s Experience in the European Eventing Environment Shaped His Perspective on Canada’s National Program
• 16:51 – Balancing Traditional Vs Innovative Training Methods
• 19:41 – Exploring and Improving Equestrian Sports Social License to Operate
• 28:23 - Looking Towards The Future

📚 Related Resources:

• Mike Winter Athlete Profile
• Eventing Discipline Guide
• Social License to Operate in the Equine Industry

Want to evaluate your horse's diet? Follow this link to get connected with an equine nutritionist or explore our horse nutrition calculator: madbarn.com/analyze-diet

Mad Barn is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers, and practitioners through research, training, and education. Visit us to learn more at madbarn.com.

You can also find Mad Barn at:

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok — @madbarnequine