The Equestrian Experience

Travelling the world, starring in movies, and representing your country in show jumping sounds like a dream, for Lilly Aspell, it’s real life. However, it doesn’t come without a lot of hard work, commitment and determination. Lilly lets us in on her world and we can’t wait to share it with you!Famously known for her role as a young Diana (Gal Gadot) in Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984, Lilly has also starred in the Amazon prime series The Pursuit of Love, films such as Extinction and most recently Retribution with Liam Neeson. In addition to her busy acting career, Lilly has also gained many accolades in her other love, show jumping, with her participating in the 2022 Horse of the Year Show and representing Team GB in the Ponies Team at the 2023 FEI Nations Cup in Zuidwolde. Coming off a short stint working at a professional show jumping stable in Florida, Lilly shares her journey to now and what the future holds.IN THIS EPISODE:                                        We talk about how Lilly began riding and her family’s ties to the equestrian world. An accomplished pony rider, Lilly talks about her recent transition from ponies to horses. Have you ever wondered how show jumping stables differ in Florida and the UK? Bex and Lilly take us through their experiences and the thing they miss most whilst riding in Florida.Sometimes things feel like they were meant to happen, Lilly explains how she started her acting career seemingly by chance.Juggling a busy acting career and riding takes some work, we talk about how Lilly balances her two passions. Lilly speaks about her experience representing Great Britain in the FEI Jumping Youth Nations Cup in Zuidwolde and what her beloved Bailey (Legends Rock) is up to now.We talk about Lilly’s plans for the future including the release of her latest movie, Retribution!All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Sam Woods and Bradley Champagne are two very exciting up-and-coming riders who live and breathe eventing, including being the “right-hand-man” to two of the world’s leading event riders, Boyd Martin and Shane Rose! Listen in for an insight into what a day working at the two of world’s top event stables entails and hear some sage words of advice about how to approach your young horse.Specialising in breaking in and starting young horses, Brad and Sam spending most of their day giving race and performance horses the best start to their ridden careers, which sometimes includes acting as the crash-test dummy!IN THIS EPISODE:We start from the beginning, as we delve into how Brad and Sam’s passion for horses started.Have you dreamt of working on a professional eventing yard? We chat about how Brad and Sam landed their respective roles.Hear the inside scoop on working for top event riders like Shane Rose and Boyd Martin.Learn about Sam and Brad’s approach to training young horses as they both empathise the importance of patience and time when working with any horse.Have you wondered what to look for in a young event horse? Brad and Sam chat about what characteristics they look for in a future event star!All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Bex and Amanda come together to catch up on what has been going on in their lives and what they have planned for the coming months.IN THIS EPISODE: A firm believer in trusting the process, Bex explains how she approaches her own injuries and the importance of making the most of a bad situation.Amanda talks about handling young horses and how regardless of experience level, every equestrian should take safety seriously.Have you ever heard of spelling a horse? No, it’s got nothing to do with magic or English. Amanda and Bex talk about managing your young horse, including knowing when and how long to rest them.Always one to do the best for her horses, Bex talks about her recent experience with a horse whisperer! The equestrian lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Bex and Amanda think back on their choices and how although it can be hard, they wouldn’t have it any other way.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.Brought to you by major sponsor Bates Saddles.

Paul Connor is a British Show Jumping Level 5 Course Designer, FEI Level 3 Course Designer and British Horse Society Level 5 coach. Having designed in Hong Kong and Portugal, and for many international UK events including the Nations Cup at Hickstead, HOYS and the Land Rover Horse Trials, Paul shares his wealth of knowledge about course designing for show jumping. A rider himself, Paul takes a practical approach to course designing with the intention to give the horse and rider an opportunity to learn and grow as a partnership. In this episode we delve into the importance of course designing and what goes on behind the scenes to make some of the biggest shows in the world possible.IN THIS EPISODE:Paul takes us through his journey to becoming a course designer. Building a course takes many considerations we go through the key elements that must be considered when deciding what course to build.There are many ways to approach a course walk, Paul explains how to get the most out of your course walk and how to use all the information available to you.Ever wondered how course design changes between pure show jumping courses and the show jumping course within a three-day-event? We get the answer straight from the course designer’s mouth!Have you heard of different show jumping class types and wondered how they differ? Paul takes us through the difference between Table A, B and C classes, how each class has a different intention and how the course design changes because of this. Building courses for some of the biggest shows in the world seems like a daunting task, we discuss whether Paul gets any pre-show jitters.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

This episode’s guest Amelia Antje White takes us through her equestrian journey and how she has learnt to make the most out of every situation! FEI dressage rider, Paralympian and corporate lawyer, Amelia is the epitome of a high achiever and is an inspiration to many. Her mindset and ability to overcome challenges is incredible and her success in and out of the saddle is proof of her perseverance, determination, and grit. IN THIS EPISODE:Amelia takes us through her humble beginnings and how she has been a horse lover from a young age, despite having non-horsey parents.Are you dreaming of moving to Europe to pursue your riding dreams? Having made the move and currently living, training, and working in Germany, Amelia shares her wisdom on the realities of Germany and how to know if it’s right for you.People often think you can either have a riding or corporate career. As a full-time corporate lawyer Amelia is living proof that with hard work, dedication and some very early mornings it is possible to do both.Mindset is extremely important for any athlete, Amelia talks about how even the best laid plans go astray and how you have to be ready to look at different paths to achieve your goals.Amelia explains the process of qualifying for Tokyo 2020 including the effect of COVID-19 on her preparations and her plans for Paris 2024!All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.Stay up to date with Amelia’s equestrian journey @amelia.a.white

Joanna Hockly-Andrews from Horslyx tells us all about Horslyx’s game-changing range of forage balancers which come in the form of a lick!Many horse owners will know the struggle of a fussy horse that manages to filter out supplements or just refuses to eat their food all together, resulting in stress for horse and owner! Horslyx’s range of products provide an alternative solution to traditional powdered or pelleted supplements. Their palatable licks come in a range of flavours for a range of different purposes while also looking after your pocket. Joanna brings with her a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience ensuring the welfare of many beloved horses. IN THIS EPISODE:Knowing what supplements to feed your horse can be a daunting task, Joanna talks us through Horslyx’s range of supplements and their different purposes.Do you normally avoid feeding your horse licks due to concerns about molasses or sugar content? Joanna busts some myths about the sugar content of Horslyxs and explains how they can still be suitable for horses with sugar sensitivities.Wondering why you would choose a lick over a traditional balancer? We discuss who Horslyx suit and what the benefits are including some personal testimony from our very own Bex Mason.Joanna takes us through how to correctly introduce Horslyx and how once introduced correctly, many horses begin to use their licks intuitively.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.To find out more and view Horslyx’s full range, head to https://www.horslyx.com/

Say goodbye to visible panty lines, camel toe, chafing and swamp crotch with Derriere Equestrian's functional range of stylish underwear designed for men and women!  Are you sick of searching for the perfect undergarments that are comfortable, practical, and durable enough to put up with the demands of an Equestrian’s bottom and don’t look like you inherited them from your grandma? Look no further than Derriere Equestrian! We chat with Laura Thyer, Derriere’s CEO and an Equestrian Underwear Expert who takes us through the impact purpose-made underwear can have on your comfort and riding. IN THIS EPISODE: Used and loved by Derriere Equestrian ambassador Bex, find out what you could be missing out on if you’re not riding in a pair of Derrieres.We chat about how Derriere compares to cycling knicks and how they cater to equestrians.Want to try Derriere’s products but unsure what style of underwear is right for you? We discuss how to decide which pair to choose.Laura does some myth-busting on the sometimes-taboo subject of underwear, including how Derriere could save you from the unexpected.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.If you’re looking to update your underwear drawer and experience the comfort of Derriere equestrian’s range, head to https://www.derriereequestrian.com/

Hailing from Donegal in the far North-West of Ireland, Sarah Jane has travelled and worked extensively in the horse industry. From yearling preps in Germany, racehorses in South Africa, equestrian retail and point-to-point racehorses in Ireland, including gaining her amateur jockey licence, there aren't many things Sarah Jane hasn't done!Now heavily involved in the equestrian retail industry, Sarah Jane worked for Horsewear Ireland for several years before moving to Melbourne, Victoria to work for Leader Equine, the official Australian distributor of several of the world's leading equestrian brands, including Horseware Ireland, TRM & PS of Sweden. A true horse lover at heart, you can feel the passion Sarah Jane has for the products Leader Equine stocks as she debunks some myths about rugging and lets us in on the top must-haves for every horse owner.Learn about Sarah Jane's extensive experience in the equestrian world and how this has helped her to choose only the best products for Leader Equine.Your horse's legs are one of the most important things to protect, used (and loved) by Amanda and Sarah Jane, learn about Ice Vibe Boots and how they are more than just ice boots.Goodbye Flys… Hello organic horse care products! More than just fly repellent, find out how Goodbye Flys can help your horse's care regime.Wondering how Tiger's Tongue, Power Shower or Shed Flower have anything to do with horses? Sarah Jane chats through her favourite grooming products.Rugging is a largely debated topic, we bust some myths, give you practical rugging advice, explain the meaning of denier and poly fill and let you in on Sarah Jane's secret to finding the best size rug for your horse.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.If you're looking to make some additions to your tack room or want to know more about the products Leader Equine stock, head to leaderequine.com.au

Dr Lizzie McCready is an equine veterinarian and founder of Empowering Equine Education, an online platform specialising in providing horse owners and equine professionals advice and education on Equine Emergency Response. Through her years of experience working in the UK and Australia in equine practice and as an ambulatory vet, Dr Lizzie has learnt the gold-standard techniques to manage equine emergencies. Having witnessed common and preventable mistakes again and again, Dr Lizzie is now using her knowledge to help empower horse owners to be confident to take the correct steps to prevent further injury and give their horses the best chance of recovery. IN THIS EPISODE Dr Lizzie tells us how an unfortunate injury was a blessing in disguise and a catalyst for the creation of Empowering Equine Education. Emergencies are one of the scariest moments for any horse owner. Dr Lizzie shares her tips and tricks to make emergencies less stressful for both you and your horse.Dr Lizzie shares her three-step ACT framework to help you to decide your plan of action and, in turn, prevent unnecessary costs or callouts. Do you struggle to take your horse’s temperature? We discover the importance of knowing your horses’ vitals and the best methods to get accurate measurements in a safe manner. Knowing what to place in your first aid kit is often difficult but is an important step to ensuring you are prepared for an emergency; Dr Lizzie shares her complete first aid kit checklist and her tips to make sure that your kit is always ready.Have you ever wondered how illnesses differ from Australia to the UK?  We chat about the influence of climates and how there are plenty of similarities in both countries.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Not many can say that they have won at the prestigious Horse of the Year show on a horse that they have bred, trained, and ridden. For almost 30 years the Edwards family have bred and produced high-performance horses from their family farm in Wales. Mark takes us through how his recent success and string of top show jumpers is a result of many years of hard work.In this episode, Mark explains how he got to where he is today and gives you his top tips to develop a young horse and make it to the top of the UK show jumping scene.The equestrian lifestyle isn’t for the faint-hearted and even high-performance riders have moments of doubt. Mark and Bex share advice on how savouring the special moments with your horses can motivate you to get through the hard days.With a string of successful horses, Mark takes us through his methods of starting a young horse and the importance of going at the horse’s pace to ensure long-term success.Young horses can be tricky, even for experienced riders. Find out which of Mark’s horses wasn’t always so manageable. Have you ever wondered how riders seem to cut seconds out in a jump-off while still looking so controlled and composed? Mark lets us in on how he likes to prepare mentally and tells us his dad’s favourite pre-round advice.Self-belief is something extremely important to Mark. He explains how having confidence in your own abilities is key to success. Ensuring the soundness of top performance horses can be a fine balance. Mark talks us through his general training schedule and how his competition horses don’t often jump at home once they know their job.Mark gives some sage words of advice to anyone bringing on young horses and young riders looking to make it to the top, emphasising the value of patience with young horses and encouraging young riders to seek out experience on many different horses.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

After a short hiatus from recording due to a busy few months travelling and competing, the girls catch up to talk all things horses and everything in between! From Amanda’s incredible trip to the FEI World Equestrian Championships to Bex’s exciting new addition to her team, you won’t want to miss this episode! It has been a little while between podcasts but that doesn’t mean the girls haven’t been busy! Amanda and Bex can’t wait to tell all our listeners about what they have been up to behind the scenes of their equestrian lifestyles. Join us to hear all about their past few months and what is planned for the year ahead! In this episode, Amanda takes us behind the scenes of her trip to the 2022 FEI World Equestrian Championships in Herning and how even just watching top riders in the warmup arena can be an opportunity to learn something.We talk through the importance of exposing yourself to as much as possible and surrounding yourself with the best to enable you to grow as an equestrian in and out of the saddle.Have you ever wondered how the thoroughbred industry differs in the UK and Australia? Who better to ask than our very own thoroughbred enthusiast and Racing Victoria Ambassador Amanda!A truck is every equestrian’s dream, Bex has some exciting news of a long-term dream coming true and explains how it really felt like fate! All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

We are joined by successful Western Australian 4* event rider Shenae Lowings, who is hot off her CCI4*-L win at Melbourne International 3DE and with her sights set on an international campaign. Follow the journey of this up-and-coming Australian event rider as she works her way to the top!In this episode of The Equestrian Experience Podcast, we speak to rising-star Shenae Lowings. Shenae takes us through her journey to becoming an Elite level event rider and where she hopes her journey will take her next. We let you in on some tips and give you the inside scoop on what can help you get there.Starting riding at the age of 8, Shenae explains her path to get to where she is now and how eventing was her dream from a young age.Shenae lets us in on her most important tips to travel horses across the vast Australian countryside and why the 40-hour drives across the Nullabor made her decide to relocate to the East Coast of Australia.We talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with the best people and ensuring you are always looking for opportunities to learn and improve your horsemanship.Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when campaigning for team selection? We delve into what it takes to get on the radar of team selectors and how national squads play an essential role.Having been under the guidance of many top Australian riders, Shenae has witnessed one attribute that stands out above all else. Shenae also gives us an insight into learning from the incredible horsewoman that is Bettina Hoy after her recent visit to Australia.Planning your competition schedule is an important part of ensuring the health and performance of your horse; while you can prepare all you like, Shenae explains how you have to be flexible as things can always change and so do your plans!As Shenae begins to make plans for her first international campaign, we talk through travelling and competing overseas, what steps are required to get to your destination and what preparation ensures the best chance of arriving with a happy and healthy horse.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

We speak with Tara Punter, the driving force behind international public relations, marketing and coaching company, Tara Punter Coaching. Tara uses her passion for mindset and marketing to enhance the lives of her clients, regardless of their goals.In this episode, Tara reveals that the secret to changing your life and achieving your dreams is already within you!In this episode of the Equestrian Experience Podcast, Tara reveals how the secret to changing your life and achieving your dreams is already within you! While your mind is your greatest asset, it can also be the most destructive - Tara explains why it doesn’t have to be that way.Learn the secret word you can use to grow a stronger mindset and discover why recognising negative thoughts is one of the best ways to start your mindset journey.Don’t miss Tara’s clever acronym that Bex likes so much; she wants it as a poster on her tack room wall!Stepping out of your comfort zone will always bring up feelings of doubt or uncertainty - discover how to use these feelings to your advantage.Delve into how the opinion of others doesn’t have to affect your performance inside or outside the arena.Tara gives us the inside scoop on her five-step method to set goals and how most people are the closest to achieving their goals right before they want to give up.Plus, how to incorporate your mindset into everyday tasks like brushing your teeth!All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Dublin-born veterinarian, Christine Demery, has called Australia home for the past 11 years. She’s an integral part of the Crown Equine Veterinary Services team, as well as host Amanda Ross’ personal vet! Christine’s special interest in orthopedic surgery has led to her wealth of experience in investigating, and treating, lameness in horses. Christine shares the right time to involve your vet when your horse’s soundness is in doubt and what’s involved with a general lameness exam.Every horse has times when their movement seems stiff or a “little bit off”, but when should you be concerned that your horse is lame? Christine shares the sort of video you should send your vet when you’re trying to pinpoint lameness? Hint: it’s not one filmed from in the saddle!You’ll love the practical suggestions for fast-tracking a lameness diagnosis, including one as simple as scheduling some time to practice trotting your horse in a straight line.Which host is a regular at her local pub on the quest for “firmness”? And what does underwear have to do with an unsound horse? Amanda has a wardrobe malfunction story to share, while Christine offers her tips for dressing appropriately during a trot-up.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Eric Winter is an FEI International Level Course Designer, an A-list British Eventing Accredited Course Designer, an FEI Technical Delegate and a Technical Advisor for British Eventing. He’s the mastermind behind advanced courses in many iconic venues throughout Britain, Western Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. In this episode, Eric shares how he draws from his own showjumping and eventing experience to create courses that unfold like stories. Hear how Eric’s love affair with horses started after his father had a few too many drinks one day. Plus, what does a pen of ponies have to do with an ornamental sword and a horn?Reflect on the irony of how your worst day can be your best day, and how a financial disaster as a young man kickstarted Eric’s eventing career.Did you know that a good course designer is exactly like a good instructor? Eric details how he designs courses with the aim to train both horse and rider.It’s history time, and Eric reminds listeners that a cross country course is all about the terrain. We’re taken back to war-times when soldiers had to jump everything in their way to deliver military communications. Eric shares how much he loved course designing for the Blenheim Palace and Badminton Horse Trials, and elaborates why his all-time favourite course to build was the FEI Eventing European Championship for Ponies.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Elizabeth (Liz) Launder runs her own business, Osteopathy 4 Horse and Rider, and is the consultant osteopath for the Equine Therapy Centre at Hartpury College. In addition to attaining degrees in biological science, osteopathy and a masters in equine science, Liz’s education has come from the patients themselves – she’s assessed over 160,000 horses throughout her career.Warning: you’re likely to find yourself squeezing your shoulders together while listening to this episode!Using manipulation and mobilisation techniques, Liz has successfully treated host Bex AND Bex’s competition horses. Hear how a 16-year-old Bex wasn’t a fan of osteopathy and why she most definitely is now.Find out what it takes to get “posturally fit” and why it’s the rider’s responsibility to become a more comfortable load for your horse.What might it mean if your (or your horse’s) muscle tone feels like “cold potatoes” and why that could be the clue to solving performance struggles.Learn how to execute Liz’s favourite stretch for riders – the “hold that fart!” exercise.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Hairdresser to the stars, Joh Bailey, is internationally renowned for revolutionising the blow dry, but did you know he is also an accomplished equestrian and show horse competitor?  Hooked on horses after being bedazzled by painted black hooves and plaited manes at his first Sydney Royal Easter Show, Joh’s obsession with making things pretty perfectly pairs his professional and personal lives. Join us as Joh shares some ‘hair-larious’ tales of horse shows, style fails and the celebrities that keep it all interesting.     From horse plops to name drops – Joh tells us how he got his start with horses by cleaning stables, and the lengths he went to become a success, both in the show ring and as a sought-after hair stylist for models, royalty and other superstars. Hear how it was a conversation about horses that led to Joh becoming Zara Phillips’ personal hairdresser.Learn the story of Joh’s once-in-a-lifetime horse, Mikimoto, an off-the-track thoroughbred who won 13 Royal Championships and was only ever beaten once. You’ll love Joh’s tips for ensuring your horse has the best turnout in the class, including a grocery store product for enhancing black tails.And be inspired by Joh’s conviction that anyone who has taken a break from horses, can and will come back to them at some point in their lives.   All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

www.theequestrianexperiencepodcast.com questions@theequestrianexperiencepodcast.com Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more! THIS EPISODEIt’s been a big year for hosts Amanda Ross and Bex Mason – from launching The Equestrian Experience podcast to navigating horse events during a pandemic, it’s little wonder they are both looking forward to discovering what their holiday gifts will be! While it will be a "White Christmas" in Bex’s English barn and a sweltering one over at Amanda’s Australian property, there’s one thing they have in common – carrots are the breakfast of choice for all their horses! • Amanda tells us her Instagram versus reality Christmas wishlist, while Bex gives us her best beauty pageant entrant speech.• Looking for a last-minute present for your equestrian bestie? The girls share all their favourite go-to gifts for horse lovers.• There’s no rest for the wicked with both Amanda and Bex needing to keep horses in work over the holidays. They both share a few tidbits of their training and feeding regimes, as well as filling us in on their ambitions for the year ahead.   • Why is Bex organising a photo shoot on Christmas morning? Find out how she keeps the festive cheer alive for the owners of her competition team.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE. Merry Christmas!

Tristan Tucker is an Australian horseman and Grand Prix dressage rider, who is now based in the Netherlands. His popular, step-by-step training program, the TRT Method is studied by 37 000 students across 64 countries.Motivated by the principle that riders must focus on the mental training of horses before other training, Tristan has developed a set of tools to solve any equine behavioural problem.Amanda reminisces about coaching Tristan at Pony Club; now she follows him on social media! Hear why Tristan felt compelled to leave a life in Australia of working horses in the morning and surfing in the afternoons.Tristan explains that all your horse’s experiences are held in their body and elaborates on what this means for their training.   Discover why Amanda lives by the principle, “we chose the horse, the horse didn’t choose you” and how this applies to Tristan’s teaching too.Tristan’s alter-ego is exposed! Find out the story behind Brett Kidding.Why you need to ask yourself the question: If someone was to interview my horse, what would he say about me?All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.

Before 5* eventer Sarah Olivier (nee Stretton) became a mum, she had ridden most of the United Kingdom’s most challenging courses and produced a number of tricky horses. Sarah’s riding aspirations haven’t changed, but now, with her two-year-old daughter in tow, it’s all about finding the perfect eventing equilibrium.In today’s podcast, Sarah shares the gamechanger that helped with the rehabilitation of her horse, Lazy Acres Skip On (Bob), as well as some lightbulb moments on pushing through injuries, self-doubt and life-changing events. Hear how a veterinary physiotherapist plus a saddlery innovation unlocked Bob’s potential to become a 5* eventing horse.Do you remember your first saddle? Both Sarah and host Bex Mason started out in a Bates Caprilli!Find out why a casual conversation with six-time Olympian, Andrew Hoy, has made all the difference to Sarah’s mindset in the start box at events like Badminton and Burghley.Try not to “aww!” aloud, as you’re taken through Sarah’s pre-ride ritual to psyche herself up for cross country.Are you a busy mum too? Sarah’s number one tip on finding her balance between family and horses might just be what you need to hear.All this and so much more in this episode of THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE.