USEA Podcast

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is finally upon us! The USEA Official Podcast heads behind the scenes of the 2026 AEC at the Kentucky Horse Park with co-organizer Mary Fike, course builder Mick Costello, and EEI's Competition Director Louise Gilliam. From more than 200 cross-country fences to hundreds of volunteers, the trio shares what it takes to bring one of the biggest weeks on the U.S. eventing calendar to life.

They also share their best advice for competitors arriving in Kentucky, what makes the AEC experience special at every level, and a few stories from behind the scenes. Whether you're competing, volunteering, spectating, or following along from home, get ready for a week that celebrates the horses, people, and journeys that make eventing so special.

It’s a family affair on the USEA Podcast as Olivia and Phillip Dutton join the show to talk World Championships. Fresh off an individual bronze medal at the inaugural FEI Eventing World Championships U25 at Millstreet, Olivia reflects on her championship experience with Jewelent, the pressure of competing on a team, and the clear show jumping round that ultimately landed her on the podium.

Then, Phillip takes us inside his preparations for the FEI Eventing World Championships at Aachen, from the late change that put Denim into his team spot to what it means to return to the iconic venue 20 years after competing there at the 2006 World Championships. Plus, the Duttons look ahead to what could be next—including Olivia’s five-star ambitions and Phillip’s goal of making one final Olympic push toward Los Angeles 2028.

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!