EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

The first real marker of the 2026 season has been laid down.
The Setters' Run Farm Carolina International always brings a good field, but this year it was stacked. Margins tight from the first phase, no one making the time, and a track that kept shifting the leaderboard right to the end.
Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 didn't lead it from the front, but when it mattered, they were the ones who delivered. Fastest cross-country round of the day, the only sub-30 finish, and suddenly a horse a lot of people hadn't seen much of is right in the conversation.
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake put down a serious marker. Jennie Brannigan's FE Lifestyle does what he always does at Carolina. And further down, horses like Diabolo and Miks Master C ran exactly the rounds they needed to, with bigger plans clearly in mind.
Highlights
Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 take the four-star win with the fastest cross-country round
Margins tight after dressage, the top five separated by less than a penalty
No one makes the time, across both jumping phases
Caroline Pamukcu moves to the top of the US Open standings
FE Lifestyle delivers again at Carolina
Big names execute controlled runs with Kentucky in mind
Guests
Holly Hudspeth
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "f033a4e2-3162-4cb2-b983-9bb44ee648b4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-11" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:19cfadc8-2210-4d7e-8286-92fc5a2d99f2-120" data-testid= "conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Yorkshire tea in hand, Nicola Wilson sits down for a conversation that reflects exactly where she is now. A winter focused on getting stronger, small milestones that matter, and a return to the sport that looks different, but still feels the same at its core.
Since 2022, her role has evolved, with coaching now at the centre. Working with riders like Katie McGee and Gabby Dickerson, and as part of the British youth teams, she talks about seeing horses and riders through a wider lens, then narrowing in on the details that make the difference.
What comes through is the clarity. Focus on what you can do. Keep moving forward. And take the progress, step by step.
Highlights
A winter focused on strength and steady progress
How her coaching perspective has evolved
The importance of small, consistent improvements
Supporting riders on their path to five-star
Guest
Nicola Wilson - British Olympic medallist and former top-level event rider, now a leading coach working with elite riders and the next generation.






This series is supported by Carr & Day & Martin, globally trusted equine care products since 1765 and now proudly part of the Connolly's Red Mills Group. Learn more about their full range at: https://www.carrdaymartin.com/
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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Carolina International is here, and with it one of the strongest four-star fields we've seen so far this season.
Nicole Brown is joined by Holly Hudspeth to preview the Setters' Run Farm Carolina International, a key leg of the US Equestrian Open and an important early-season test for horses targeting Kentucky, Badminton and the World Championships at Aachen.
From past winners returning with new riders to major contenders like Diabolo, Miks Master C, HSH Blake and Denim, the field is packed with experience, form and a few combinations ready to take a big step forward.
With cross-country time always influential and a course designed by Derek di Grazia, this weekend will start to shape how the spring unfolds.
Deep dive article on Carolina: https://news.equiratings.com/stories/you-need-to-watch-carolina-this-weekend-heres-why
Highlights
Key contenders and returning winners
What it takes to win at Carolina
World Championship and spring targets
Podium picks and dark horses
Guests
Holly Hudspeth – Horse & Country commentator
EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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The Australian season is up and running, and Wandin is where things start to take shape.
This week's Preview Show looks at a four-star field that may be small, but has plenty to like. Some arrive in form, others are building, and for a few, this is an important step on the road to Adelaide.
Sophia Hill brings Tulara Baltango off a strong run, Sam Jeffree has two contenders after an impressive start to the season, and there is plenty of experience alongside combinations looking to step forward. Add in the demands of Wandin, the terrain, the time, and it starts to ask the right questions.
Highlights
Wandin as a stepping stone to Adelaide
Sophia Hill and Tulara Baltango's form
Sam Jeffree's strong start to the season
Experienced campaigners and emerging combinations
The challenge of Wandin's cross-country
Guest
Sharon Ridgway, Australian eventing expert and analyst

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
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Budgeting for eventing might not be the most glamorous topic, but it is one every grassroots rider faces.
In this episode of the Grassroots Show, Cameron Beer is joined by five-star rider and accountant, Lauren Innes, to talk about the realities of financing an eventing season. From building a practical budget and planning your competition calendar to finding smart ways to train without spending a fortune, this episode is packed with practical advice for riders trying to make the sport work.
As always, Cameron wraps up the episode with the #GrassrootsChallenge - listen to the end, try it, post it, and tag your efforts using #GrassrootsChallenge.
Highlights
How to build a realistic budget for an eventing season
Cost-saving ways to train and prepare your horse
Where it is worth investing your money, and where it is not
Understanding British Eventing membership options
Managing finances without losing the fun in the sport
Guest
Lauren Innes – Five-star event rider, chartered accountant and member of the British Eventing Finance Committee
Presented by Foran Equine, part of the Connolly's RED MILLS family.
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