EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

Andy Heffernan didn't grow up in horses, and he didn't have an obvious path into the sport. What started with a riding school in England quickly turned into something more, and from there he built a career the hard way, riding whatever horses he could, learning on the job, and figuring out how to make it work.
That journey has taken him to the Olympics, into coaching the Dutch team, and now into course design at some of the biggest events in the world.
In this episode, he reflects on building a business, balancing multiple roles at the top of the sport, and what it takes to keep progressing in an ever-changing landscape.
Highlights
A non-horsey start and the path into eventing
Building a career through producing and selling horses
Coaching the Dutch team and preparing for championships
The realities of course design and managing pressure
The future of five-star and the pathway through the sport
Guests
Andy Heffernan - Dutch team coach, Olympic event rider, and international cross-country course designer.
This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

The overview show is back, and this time it's all about the big picture.
Which nation is actually in the strongest position heading towards Aachen 2026? We talk about it all the time, but this is putting numbers behind it. Strength, depth, and what the data is really saying at the top of the sport. 
While there's a lot of movement across the board, one thing is clear. Great Britain isn't going anywhere. The depth is still there, the results are still coming, and they remain the toughest team to beat. New Zealand bouncing back, Japan showing what's possible, and a number of nations who will feel like there's an opportunity if they can get three good performances on the board when it counts.
Highlights
Breaking down HPR and what it actually tells us about squad depth
Why Great Britain still dominates, and just how far ahead they are
Which nations are trending up, and which ones have work to do
Why championship eventing feels more open than ever
The bigger picture, participation, five-star numbers, and what comes next
Guests
Sam Watson - Irish five-star rider and EquiRatings co-founder bringing a data-led view of performance at the top of the sport
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Thoresby is done and dusted, and it delivered.
A big win, a few messy moments, and a proper reminder that even the best riders have to fight for it. Gemma Stevens did exactly that, bouncing back from a tough start to take the Grantham Cup with Cooley Park Muse.
Elsewhere, the form is starting to show. Tom Jackson looks full of confidence, and Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo had the kind of run that just ticks the box.
It wasn't straightforward. The cross country asked questions, there were a few issues, and plenty to take away heading into the next few weeks.
Highlights
Gemma Stevens regroups and delivers to win with Cooley Park Muse
Tom Jackson on form with a strong weekend, including a win with United 36
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo back out and looking right on track
Cross country proves influential across the divisions
Early Badminton form lines starting to take shape
Guests
Nicole Brown
Catherine Austen
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
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Lucienne Bellissimo begins the 2026 season with a new flag beside her name, now officially representing the United States.
It is a change that reflects where life and sport have taken her. From riding ponies in the New Forest to building businesses, surviving serious injuries, and returning to the top level of eventing, Lucienne's journey has been anything but straightforward.
In this episode she reflects on the resilience behind that journey, the decision to build her life in the US, and the horses she believes could carry her towards five-star success.
Highlights
Lucienne Bellissimo's move to represent the United States in 2026
Growing up in the New Forest and finding her path into eventing
Launching the Horse Scout platform and balancing business with riding
Recovering from multiple serious injuries and returning to competition
The US eventing landscape and the impact of the US Equestrian Open
Five-star ambitions and the horses leading her 2026 season
Guest
Lucienne Bellissimo – International event rider now competing for the United States.
This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park brings together one of the strongest early-season fields, with Badminton entries, returning champions, and a mix of horses at very different stages of their spring campaigns.
This episode previews the Grantham Cup and the wider four-star divisions, looking at who could win, who's likely using it as a prep run, and which combinations are starting to show form ahead of the five-stars. From established names to rising talent, it's a first proper look at how the season is shaping up.
Highlights
Grantham Cup contenders and podium predictions
Who's running to win vs. who's prepping for five-star
Key horses to watch ahead of Badminton and Kentucky
Standout names across both four-star divisions
Guests
Nicole Brown – Host and analyst
Spike Milligan – FEI team vet with decades of championship experience
Catherine Austen – Eventing journalist
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:
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