USEA Podcast

In this special Q&A episode of the USEA Podcast, five-star eventer Meghan O'Donoghue and upper-level rider Kelty O'Donoghue answer USEA member questions about all things off-the-track Thoroughbreds. From what they look for in an OTTB prospect to conformation, retraining, soundness, hoof care, and everything in between, the sisters share the knowledge they've gained producing Thoroughbreds to the highest levels of the sport—including Meghan's five-star partners Pirate and Palm Crescent.

Whether you're shopping for your first OTTB or hoping to develop your next upper-level partner, this episode is packed with practical advice and firsthand experience. Meghan and Kelty discuss the qualities they value most in an event horse, how they approach transitioning Thoroughbreds into new careers, and the management practices that help these incredible athletes thrive long after they leave the racetrack.

The road to the USEA American Eventing Championships looks different for every rider, and this episode celebrates two unforgettable journeys.

Nicole Brown sits down with AEC competitors Sarah Bryan and Lisa Cook to talk about rebuilding confidence, balancing careers and family life, overcoming setbacks, and the horses that helped them rediscover their love of eventing. From an Amish buggy horse turned championship contender to the unforgettable "Flying Potato," these stories prove that there is no single path to Kentucky—only the determination to keep moving forward.

Whether you're preparing for the AEC or simply need a reminder of why you fell in love with horses, this episode is full of heart, humor, and inspiration.

For many horse lovers, becoming a professional rider is the dream—but it's far from the only way to build a fulfilling career in eventing. In this episode of the USEA Official Podcast, host Nicole Brown is joined by organizer and licensed official Emily Holmes, championship groom, organizer, and former USEA President Max Corcoran, and Eventing Nation co-publisher Sally Spickard to discuss the many careers that help keep the sport running.

Together, they share the winding paths that led them to where they are today, the lessons they've learned along the way, and the advice they would give to anyone hoping to turn their passion for horses into a profession. From media and event management to officiating and grooming, this episode is a reminder that there's more than one way to make your mark in the sport of eventing.

In this episode of the USEA Official Podcast, host Nicole Brown sits down with The Event at Archer organizer Allison Bailey to explore the USEA Classic Series and the unique opportunities it offers riders to experience the traditional long-format eventing experience. Fresh off Archer’s inaugural Classic Three-Day Event in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Bailey shares what it took to bring roads and tracks, steeplechase, horse inspections, and endurance day back to Area IX competitors, as well as the overwhelming community support that made the event a success.

From horsemanship and fitness management to education and camaraderie, this conversation highlights why the USEA Classic Series continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences in eventing. Whether you're considering your first Classic Three-Day or simply want to learn more about the roots of the sport, this episode offers an inside look at an event designed to challenge, educate, and inspire riders of all ages and experience levels.

The USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships are always a favorite on the USEA calendar and this year's event did not disappoint. With records broken and smiles all around, the first ever standalone Championship event at Stable View was a massive success. USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown caught up with Stephanie Counts, longtime coach to several members of the Auburn University eventing team, who, for the first time ever, also brought an Interscholastic team in the Silver Linings Equestrian Center crew.

Also joining Brown to recap the fun of the weekend is Devon Tresan, USEA EA21 athlete and member of the University of Georgia winning team.

From preparation to teamwork to the coveted Spirit Award, they cover it all in this week's episode of the USEA Podcast! 

This USEA Podcast episode celebrates sport horse breeding in the U.S. USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown sits down with U.S. breeder DiDi Callahan to talk about everything from selecting a sire, perfecting upon your mare, developing young horses, and more. If you have ever thought about giving sport horse breeding a try, you won't want to miss this episode! 

Fresh off of the heels of a U.S. win at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, the crew sits down to recap the weekend in the bluegrass and all the pairs that impressed during the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L competitions. From well-deserved wins, to horses who won our hearts, to a moment that USEA CEO Rob Burk said will live in his heart forever, this episode recaps every moment from last week's top-class competition.

Happy Kentucky week eventing fans! It's going to be a fun-filled week in the Bluegrass, but before the competition kicks off USEA CEO Rob Burk and Equiratings' Diarmuid Byrne sit down with USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown to talk about stats, personal favorites in the field, and so much more. Tune in during your travels to the Kentucky Horse Park this week to help you decide who you are rooting for! 

In this episode of the USEA Podcast, we kick things off with a quick but insightful conversation with Amy Dorm of Marshall & Sterling Equine Insurance, who shares a few key tips on navigating coverage and making sure you’re set up with the right policy for your horse.

From there, we dive into the fascinating world of cross-country course design with Adri Doyle and Beth Perkins—two of the leading female designers in the U.S. They take listeners behind the scenes of what it really takes to build a course, from balancing challenge and safety to understanding how horses read questions on course. The conversation explores everything from terrain to the impact of decoration, frangible technology, and how thoughtful design can shape the entire rider experience.

Adri and Beth also share their personal journeys into course design and offer valuable advice for anyone interested in getting involved—especially women looking to make their mark in this space. It’s an engaging and eye-opening look at the creativity, strategy, and dedication that go into designing the courses we ride every weekend.

In this episode of the USEA Podcast, veterinarian and FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strip founder Jim Chiapetta joins the conversation to discuss the importance of equine respiratory health in performance horses. He shares the story behind the development of the nasal strips and explains the science of how they help support the horse’s upper airway, allowing for more efficient breathing during exercise.

Chiapetta also highlights research-backed benefits, including reduced fatigue and quicker recovery after work, while offering practical insights for riders and owners looking to optimize their horse’s respiratory function and overall performance.