Heels Down Happy Hour

How much therapy is too much? This week, we’re talking about the million and one ways you can pamper your equine athlete. We’ll break down what we’ve tried and what actually works. The USEF is taking a stand on cannabis in horses, and have you ever met a girl who can run... like a horse? Listen in...

Would you take a virtual riding lesson? We’re talking to a top dressage trainer who is expanding her training business, thanks to technology and the internet. This week, we’ll dissect the biggest WTF moment at the Kentucky Derby, give Piggy the praise she deserves, and do riders actually get to keep the prize money they win?

It’s the Best Weekend All Year! We’re coming to you live from the trade floor at the Kentucky Horse Park at the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event. We’ve got a great group of five-star riders on the show tonight: Hawley Bennett-Awad, Hannah Sue Burnett, Caroline Martin and Bec Braitling. Thanks for tuning in...

Are we beating up our horses? This week, we’re talking to the USEA’s president elect on why American eventing horses have such a short shelf life. Olympian Kyle Carter joins us, too, and has some tricks on what to look for when watching the pros whip around cross-country. And, did you know Jon Snow from Game Of Thrones can really ride? We didn’t either! Thanks for tuning in...

We’ve got a brand new guest for you to meet! This week, we’re discussing our favorite tricks and tips to be show-ready. We’ll discuss why we love Ice Horse boots for cold therapy, and is it bad if cats pee in your hay? Thanks for tuning in...

The struggle is real, apparently, for male riders looking for quality men’s riding clothes. This week, we brought in an expert to dissect the issue properly. Also, we’ll discuss why barn work doesn’t count as exercise, and why the heck everyone we know has a "side hustle." Thanks for tuning in...

Every equestrian has too much stuff. There’s no denying it. But what happens when it all sparks joy? We’ll discuss when is it time to purge and what you should keep. This week, we’ll get a update on all things Wellington, as the winter show season is in full swing, and we’ll talk about something kind of taboo: talking to your horse in the show ring. Thanks for tuning in...

Are you a hunter poofie? That’s what the German Riding Instructor says I am. This week, we’re talking to the Facebook-famous horse trainer himself. Also, McLain Ward is the best in the saddle (but, also as a human); we have a new favorite subscription box; and, we forever rejoice in being “weird horse girls.” Thanks for tuning in...

We’ve all been there--even Olympians: Those jittery nerves that turn all thoughts into bad ones, right before it’s time to enter the ring. This week, we’ll discuss how to handle hardcore anxiety. Also, equestrians have a bad habit of going against medical advice. Why do we do that, and what are the repercussions? Thanks for tuning in...

Sometimes "bling" can get a little out of control. When does it cross the line of classy to tacky? We’ll discuss. Also this week, we have a pro super groom on the show, and she’ll share all her secrets. Thanks for tuning in...

It’s 2019, and you know what that means - New Year's resolutions. Two special guests will share their tricks and tips on how they stay on track with their goals. A new year also means new rules, and you’ll never guess who beat Mclain and Beezie in one year-end contest. Thanks for tuning in...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and a special guest will share everything you need to know about the most "Christmas" horse show there is: Olympia, in London. This week, we talk about natural horsemanship in English disciplines and recap our own highs and lows of the year. Thanks for tuning in...

Everybody has bad days. But, how do you overcome the nagging feeling of being a total loser? This week, we’re talking about setting realistic goals, women power in the horse industry, and a gutsy 8-year-old whose fearlessness landed him a spot in an Olympian’s barn. Thanks for tuning in...

The holiday season is upon us, if you can believe it. This week, we’ll share our favorite gift recommendations for all the horsey friends and family in your life. And we’ll sprinkle in some fun holiday cheer, too. Thanks for tuning in...

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? It’s 2018, so that is the question. This week, we’ve got a special guest on the the show who wants to help out all those helpless parents with pony-crazy kids and have no idea where to start. Plus winter is coming, and we’ve got some tips on how to stay warm. Thanks for tuning in...

We all love our dogs, but should they really be allowed at horse shows? This week, Jess is in Europe where there are DJs on the cross-country course, apparently. We’ll share our tips on how to stay fit when you can’t ride, and you’ll never guess which Hollywood actors bonded with their horse co-stars on set. Listen in...

When is it appropriate to speak out on social media? We’ll discuss the pros & potential pitfalls this week. Also, cannabis is medicine for humans now, and also for horses. Go figure. Ever wonder what it’s like to show in the hustle & bustle of a downtown city? Us, too. Listen in...

From the endurance fiasco to heart-bursting wins in dressage (not to mention a looming hurricane), the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games has been an emotional roller coaster. This week, we’re discussing all things WEG with a special guest and offering our tips on how to re-train OTTBs. Listen in...

If you had two minutes to explain horse sports to a stranger, would you use cartoons? The FEI did. This eventer got a well-deserved shout out from the actor, Chris Pratt, and we can’t believe it! Also WEG is almost here, so this week we’re getting pumped up for all the things Tryon, N.C. Listen in...

If you’re a woman, then you’ve likely had to tackle tight white breeches & a tampon at the same time. We feel you, girl. This week, we have a special guest who is using dressage techniques to better her show jumping. And breaking news: We’ve got merch! Listen in...

Breyers are the horse gateway drug, am I right? This week, we’re talking about how the barn brings us all together, no matter our age. Also why figure 8 bridles are cool and our favorite tricks for confirmationally-challenged horses. Listen in...

Clydesdales can event? You betta believe it! This week, we’re talking about our favorite riding clothes that actually fit like they’re supposed to, that time Jess broke her collarbone nine weeks before Rolex and why is it so frickin’ hard to livestream events? Thanks for tuning in...

We’re in awe over our special guest this week, who has overcome some exceptional challenges. This week, we’re discussing the most fabulous horsey wedding ever, our favorite summer barn hacks and celebrating a very special anniversary. Thanks for tuning in...

This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, we’re talking to an equestrian internet celebrity that could very well be the next “Hot Horseman” of the year. Some riders are using resistance bands while in the saddle for training. And we’ll discuss when you see someone doing something sketchy, at what point is it appropriate to say something about it? Thanks for tuning in...

The #MeToo movement has officially hit the horse world, but what does it mean for the sport and our young athletes? This week, we discuss our favorite products to beat the heat in summer. We’ll share memories of our favorite mentors over the years, and discuss why building each other up is important. Listen in...

This week, we’re excited to welcome British equestrian journalist, Victoria Goff, as a special guest. We’ll chat about all things horses in the UK (hint: it rains, A LOT), and we dish on one of our favorite new books. Listen in...

We talk a lot about the physical strength of riders when it comes to “making it” in horse sports. But what about mental strength? We discuss how to handle “all the things”, from the desire to win & compete, to the pressures of social media. Jess shares her journey of going from a junior to riding in college to turning pro and we tried out a new skin care line just for equestrians. Listen in...

Live from the Kentucky Horse Park at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! We’re talking to Waylon Roberts, Lainey Ashker, Megan Kepferle, Tik Maynard and Sinead Halpin from the floor of the trade fair, fresh after day two of dressage. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 22: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Host: Sally Spickard, an event rider Title Sponsor: Photo Credit: Heels Down Media Drink Recipe: Guest: Megan Kepferle from Guest: Tik Maynard and Guest: Guest: Join our Facebook Group: Search for “” Presenting Sponsor:

We’re just a week away from a face-to-face reunion in Lexington, and it’s going to be epic. This week, we have three special guests on the show to help us ramp up for the excitement of show jumping and eventing in Kentucky. One lucky guest will get to play Rose and Thorn with us, too. Listen in...

We can only hope to be 60 one day and still riding, let alone winning like badass Margie Engle. This week, we share our tips on how to be competitive when you don’t have deep pockets, and Jess shares her fitness tips on how to come back strong after a long break. Thanks for tuning in...

Does it really need to be said that horses and nightclubs do not mix? This week, a new host compares eventing to her boyfriend’s sport of choice: motocross. Is it safe to ride while wearing headphones? And we offer some creative tips on how to hold the attention span of a spazzy green horse. Thanks for tuning in...

One blow to the head could last a lifetime. This week, we discuss just how serious a concussion can be. What happens when you and your horse just aren’t meshing? Breaking News: Alfalfa DOESN’T make your horse hot. And have you ever tried to ride your horse through the Starbucks drive-thru? Thanks for tuning in...

Breaking up with your trainer ain’t always easy. We share our tips on how NOT to be a drama llama and get out of there with some semblance of a reputation. You’re either a polo wraps person or a boots person, but you can’t be both. Fake news has spread into the horse world and FINALLY some riders are demanding better bras. Thanks for tuning in...

To live stream or not to live stream? The keyboard warriors are at it again, this time an amateur rider is at the center of it. We discuss our unpopular opinions on when to use draw reins and is the guy who imported cocaine to fund his daughter’s show jumping career the dad of the year or a downright scoundrel? Thanks for tuning in…

Which is better--thongs or Spanx? We discuss our favorite underwear to ride in on Episode 15. Also, Michael Jung is making headlines again, only this time as a… show jumper? Justine paid an animal communicator to talk to her horse, and a new special guest shares her insider tips on what’s going on at WEF. Thanks for tuning in….

We’re kicking off 2018 with controversy, from rollkur to toilets in Tokyo. In our first episode of the new year, we celebrate the arrival of Payne baby Hudson, revisit our worst horse show nightmares and discuss when is it too cold to ride your horse? Thanks for tuning in…

Welcome to a special holiday edition of Heels Down Happy Hour. This week, we have three special guests - Terence Prunty, Jacqueline Brooks and Leslie Wylie - on the show with us. We’ll share our favorite and most annoying holiday traditions and rehash some of the best equestrian Internet cat fights from 2017. Grab some eggnog and tune in…

Caroline just returned from the Longines Masters in Paris, which was as much party as it was horse show. We review Revitavet Therapeutic Systems, talk about two famous show jumpers who plan to tie the knot, and why ambassadorships can be tricky whether you’re an ammy or a pro. Listen in...

Two girls turned their horse trailer into a bar and we think they’re our spirit animals. Don’t miss this special drink recipe all the way from the Royal Horse Show. We talk about what it’s like to get back in the saddle after an injury. Caroline and Justine talk about their experience with cryotherapy and yes, it’s frickin’ cold. Thanks for tuning in….

Safety in eventing was thrust into the spotlight again this week, so listen in to hear why and what’s being done about it. Also, of course, Wonder Woman is a real equestrian! We also share some tips on bringing along green horses and how you can get a DUI on a horse. Thanks for tuning in…

Can you learn to fall off...better? Jess thinks so. Also, have you ever second guessed your weight or the way you look on a horse? And finally, thoughts on riding with a baby on board. Thanks for tuning in…

One host has a gallant past. And who is messing with your horses when you're not looking? This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, what happens when a horse agent is accused of fraud, how to ensure your horses are safe at the show grounds and cool products from RevitaVet.

This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, we’re horse show hungover after Central Park, Blenheim and Kentucky. A special guest shares his road warrior tips for trucks and trailering, and would you pick up horse poop if you thought you’d get a ticket? Guests and Links Episode 6: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Host: Pic Credit: Kasey Mueller Link: Link: Title Sponsor: Presenting Sponsors:

The responses to Katie Prudent's interview about the current state of show jumping keep rolling in. We discuss. Also, you could live next to a hot pirate, how to keep your feet from becoming cold little raisins in the wet and cooler weather, an update on a possible ulcer cure, and more. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 6: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Caroline Culbertson, Editorial Director of Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Link: Link: Responses from: , , , , Sollem Link: Equine Nutrition via Title Sponsor: Presenting Sponsors: Sponsor:

Have you ever wanted to tell someone how much you didn't like them? One man on the internet is making it possible to show it rather than say it, and horses are involved. This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, hosts Justine Griffin and Caroline Culbertson welcome special (and awesome) guest Eiren Crawford to the show, and we break down what 'Classical Dressage' really means and why it's controversial. We also talk about which bits we love, bring you an irresistible cocktail recipe, and chat about how to stay fit out of the saddle. Download now!

Some people pray for rain, other people pray for sweat. Hosts Caroline Culbertson, Justine Griffin and Jessica Payne talk about their favorite (and embarrassing) Walmart finds and why a simple mistake at the drugstore can turn into a major ordeal. Also, an Irish rider is crowd funding to keep his horse and have you seen Soledad O’Brien’s Twitter lately? Listen in…

Another week, another controversy. Is patting your horse during competition grounds for elimination? Also – good news for grays, how to improve your eye for a distance with a tree branch, and the stresses of moving with four-legged children. Listen in…

Hosts Caroline Culbertson, Justine Griffin and Jessica Payne talk about the upcoming showdown between Isabell Werth and Laura Graves in Aachen, identifying what coaching style you have and need (BFF or dictator?), the Rolls Royce of grooming tools, and how the USA laid a smack-down performance in the only eventing FEI Nations' Cup in America. Listen in...

In the very first episode of Happy Hour, we talk about the controversy surrounding Depo, how two four-star eventers met and fell in love, what's in store for equestrian sports in the Olympics, and a big surprise announcement. Listen in...