EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

From a $50 pony in Australia to the heart of Badminton coverage, Amy Parks has taken anything but a conventional route into the sport.
In this episode of When Nicole Met, brought to you by Bedmax, Nicole Brown sits down with Amy for a conversation that goes well beyond television. From growing up in Melbourne with big dreams of performing, to building a career in journalism, breakfast TV, and entertainment, to interviewing everyone from Tom Cruise to Daniel Craig, Amy shares the unexpected path that eventually led her to equestrian sport, and why she believes horse sport can dream much bigger.
They talk Badminton, ClipMyHorse, the In-Out Studio, inclusivity in equestrian sport, and why making people feel part of the story matters just as much as the sport itself. Plus, Amy reveals who she would love to see win Badminton this year.
Highlights
Growing up in Australia, ponies, Pony Club, and performance dreams
The career pivot that led from acting ambitions to journalism
Covering global entertainment and interviewing some of Hollywood's biggest names
The move to the UK, and finding a new home in equestrian sport
Behind the scenes of Badminton TV and ClipMyHorse
Why inclusivity and storytelling could change horse sport
Amy's pick for Badminton 2026
Guests
Amy Parks — Presenter, producer, and one of the leading broadcast voices in equestrian sport
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.

Badminton is around the corner, and for Joseph Murphy, it feels personal.
Nicole Brown sits down with one of Ireland's most experienced championship riders to talk about Belline Fighting Spirit, going back to Badminton with unfinished business, and the mindset shifts that have shaped the last few years of his career. From rider mistakes and hard lessons, to equalling his best ever five-star dressage score at Burghley, Joseph opens up about what it really takes to keep evolving at the top of the sport.
The conversation goes far beyond one horse or one event. Joseph reflects on missing championships, losing confidence, rebuilding his system, and why sometimes the next day really can change everything. From hunting fields and point-to-points, to building businesses outside the sport, this is an honest conversation about longevity, resilience, and staying hungry at the top level.
Highlights
Going back to Badminton with Belline Fighting Spirit and unfinished business
The rider mistake that still stays with him from last year
How small changes led to a Burghley dressage breakthrough
Missing championships, losing confidence, and finding a way through
Why hunting and racing still shape his cross-country riding
Building a business, a team, and a life beyond the sport
Guest
Joseph Murphy — Irish Olympian, championship rider, and one of Ireland's most experienced five-star competitors
Sponsors:
Connolly's Red Mills are offering 15% off Foran Equine products to Eventing Podcast listeners! Use the code EquiRatingsPodcast15 to receive your discount. View the full collection here.
Note this does not apply to the already discounted Pre-Fuel & Refuel combo packs.
If you have any other questions regarding feeding click here to ask the Connolly's RED MILLS experts.
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The Inside Burghley series returns for 2026, and this first episode goes behind the scenes at one of the sport's most iconic events.
Nicole Brown heads to Burghley HQ in Stamford to sit down with Event Director Martyn Johnson and get a look at what it really takes to build a five-star. From the day after one event finishes to planning years ahead, this is a full-time operation, shaped by feedback, detail, and constant evolution.
They talk through what's been happening over the winter, how the team balances tradition with change, and what's new for 2026, including a significant shift to the showground layout designed to bring the event closer together while protecting the parkland that makes Burghley so special.
There's also a look at how the event continues to evolve for fans, from the on-site experience and Burghley TV, to masterclasses, hospitality, and ways to make more of the week.
Highlights
Inside Burghley HQ and what happens year-round behind the scenes
Customer experience, feedback, and how the event continues to evolve
Major 2026 site changes and what they mean for the showground
Balancing tradition with future-proofing the event
Masterclasses, fan experience, and new ideas in the works
What the next few months look like in the build-up to September
Guests
Martyn Johnson — Event Director, Defender Burghley Horse Trials
🎥 Watch every moment on Burghley TV: exclusive live coverage, replays, and behind-the-scenes access all week.
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There is nothing quite like the Monday morning after a five-star, and this one had plenty to talk about.
Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne and Annie Bishop, fresh from Kentucky, to bring the raw reaction to a weekend that felt special from start to finish. From a dressage leaderboard packed tighter than usual, to a cross-country day that looked one way early and then quickly showed its teeth, this was a five-star that kept unfolding.
At the centre of it all, Will Coleman and Diabolo. A first five-star win, delivered across all three phases, and a performance that answered the biggest question mark coming into the week. Around them, the story kept shifting, big names in the mix, time penalties creeping in, and opportunities taken and missed.
They break down how it played out, the moments that mattered, and why this Kentucky felt like more than just another result.
Highlights
Will Coleman and Diabolo deliver a first five-star win
A dressage phase that kept the field tightly packed
Cross-country day, how it unfolded and where it changed
Harry Meade and the reminder of how tough five-star time really is
Standout performances from Galileo Nieuwmoed, HSH Blake, and more
The atmosphere, emotion, and energy across the week
Guests
Diarmuid Byrne — EquiRatings Founder and Executive Director
Annie Bishop — US eventing analyst and regular contributor
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Diarmuid Byrne, Annie Bishop, and Spike the Vet live on Friday night, as dressage wraps up and the leaderboard looks wide open going into cross-country day. With no dominant force in the field, up to 12 combinations could still win - from the leading Kiwis to Tom McEwen and the strength in depth just behind.
They break down a more intense cross-country track, a tighter time, and why the winning score could land around 30 - setting up a Sunday where everything could change.

Check out the Defender Kentucky Fan Guide: https://equiratings.info/kentucky5l2026
Highlights
Friday Night Lights: live from Kentucky
Why this is one of the most open five-stars in years
Up to 12 contenders heading into cross-country
The Kiwi leaders — and the pressure to finish
Cross-country demands and time pressure
Why Sunday could see a major shake-up
Guests Diarmuid Byrne, Annie Bishop, Spike the Vet
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.