USEA Podcast

USEA Podcast #394: Looking Ahead to the AEC at Galway Downs

In this episode of the USEA Official Podcast, Nicole Brown is joined by USEA CEO Rob Burk and President Lou Leslie for a catch-up on everything happening behind the scenes — from membership updates and budgeting challenges to the excitement of high-performance results on the international stage.

With the American Eventing Championships at Galway Downs just days away, the team dives into what makes this year’s event so special. From competition under the lights and adult rider team camaraderie to the $60,000 Adequan® Advanced Final, hear how the AEC promises to deliver a true festival of eventing on the West Coast.

Plus, Rob and Lou share their personal highlights from 2025 so far, what they’re most looking forward to in the months ahead, and a sneak peek at the upcoming USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in New Orleans.

USEA Podcast #393: Building Better Horsemanship with Tik Maynard

What does horsemanship really mean and how do we get better at it?

In this episode of the USEA Podcast, Nicole Brown sits down with horseman and author Tik Maynard for an honest and engaging conversation about the heart of good horsemanship. Drawing on his own journey across disciplines and continents, Tik shares insights into how riders at every level can deepen their connection with horses—whether they’re on the ground, in the saddle, or simply observing from the barn aisle.

From building trust and understanding your horse’s psychology to embracing play, curiosity, and vulnerability, this episode is packed with takeaways for anyone wanting to become a better rider, trainer, or partner. Tik also reflects on the lessons he learned in the lead-up to Road to the Horse and how those experiences shaped his philosophy on teaching and learning.

USEA Podcast #392: Team Talk — Inside the U.S. High Performance Program with Leslie Law

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of Team USA?

In this Team Talk episode of the USEA Podcast, Nicole Brown is joined by U.S. Eventing High Performance Manager Leslie Law for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 season so far. From Kentucky to Aachen, Leslie shares how the U.S. team is preparing for next year’s World Championships — and what it takes to turn depth and potential into results.

Whether it’s Boyd Martin’s triple top-ten at Kentucky, Off the Record’s standout cross-country, or the rise of new names through the development tours, this episode is packed with insight into how riders are selected, teams are built, and pressure is managed at the elite level. With 2026 fast approaching, Leslie also discusses team strategy, qualification goals, and why competitions like Arville and Morven still matter as the season rolls on.

USEA Podcast #391: All about the USEA Youth Mentorship Program

This episode of the USEA Official Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the USEA Youth Mentorship Program — a unique opportunity for young riders to explore the sport from an entirely different perspective.

Nicole Brown is joined by long-time program coordinator Vicki Howard-Fine, who shares the story of how the initiative has grown since its launch in 2008 to include young riders and intercollegiate athletes across the country. From shadowing top officials to understanding cross-country design and dressage judging, the program helps youth athletes build knowledge, confidence, and networks that can shape their careers — whether in or out of the saddle.

Plus, we hear firsthand from Ellie Moran and Lucy Leff, two recent participants who open up about what they learned, the people they met, and how the experience is already influencing their riding and professional ambitions.

Learn more and apply for the Youth Mentorship Program here.

USEA Podcast #390: Finding the Perfect Fit with Bates Saddles

Struggling with saddle fit and wondering what truly matters for your horse? This episode of the USEA Official Podcast is full of practical advice to help you nail the basics and keep your horse comfortable in their tack.

Nicole Brown is joined by Emily Bates — Head of Product Innovation at Bates Saddles — who breaks down everything you need to know, from subtle signs your horse might be telling you they’re uncomfortable to key tips on fit, balance, and ongoing maintenance.

If you want to make sure your horse is moving and feeling their best — this one’s for you.

Check out Bates Saddles here.

USEA Podcast #389: How to Buy the Right Horse for You

Buying your next horse? Whether you're looking to move up a level or find your perfect match for the lower levels, this episode of the USEA Podcast is full of practical advice to help you make smart decisions from the start.

 

USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown is joined by experienced coach and advisor Ruthie Meyer for a thoughtful and honest look at the horse-buying process. From finding the right match and navigating online ads to setting realistic goals and managing red flags, Ruthie shares her best guidance on how to approach the search with clarity and confidence.

 

If you're in the market - or plan to be soon - this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

 

If you want to listen to the pre-purchase exam episode click here.

USEA Podcast #388: How to Ride Your Best Dressage Test Yet

Looking to level up your first-phase performance? This episode of the USEA Official Podcast is packed with expert insight to help you boost your dressage marks and ride your best test yet. Nicole Brown is joined by five-star rider and S-level judge Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride, who shares practical, ringside advice straight from the judge’s box — from warm-up strategy and presentation tips to scoring insight and how to bounce back when things don’t go to plan.
If you want to head down the centerline feeling confident, calm, and competition-ready — this one’s for you.

USEA Podcast #387: Flashbacks to the USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Eventing Championships

Were you one of the competitors at this year's USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Eventing Championships? Or do you dream of the day that you can participate yourself? Are you just a huge eventing superfan and love seeing young riders of all ages enjoying the sport? No matter where you fall, you will love this week's episode of the USEA Podcast where we chat with a member of the Champion USEA IEL team and the president of this year's Intercollegiate Spirit Award Team, the University of Georgia. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it feels like to participate in one of these championships from Olive Dumais and Katlyn Parker.

USEA Podcast #386: All About Pre-Purchase Exams

A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is big part of investing in a new eventing partner, but there are so many options and add-ons that can be done in a PPE that the process can feel a bit daunting. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sat down with equine veterinarian and USEA Board of Governors member Dr. Angie Yates, DVM, to discuss all things related to the PPE, different perspectives to keep in mind, and more in this week's episode of the USEA Podcast. This episode is a great one if you anticipate you will be on the market for a new horse soon! 

USEA Podcast #385: Kicking Off Kentucky Week

Have your travels to Kentucky for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begun yet? We've got the perfect podcast episode to help you make the time on the plane or in the car pass by as you prepare for all of the excitement of the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L that will take place this week. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sits down with Will Coleman to talk all about this iconic week in U.S. eventing, his plans for the four-star this year (including an adorable homage to long-term partner Off the Record), his first ever time competing at Kentucky, and so much more!