In this episode of Show Jumping 101, hosts Joanne Sloane Allen and Sameh El Dahan engage with Marcus Swail, a leading veterinarian in the equine industry, to demystify the complexities surrounding pre-purchase vettings. The conversation covers the nature of vettings as risk assessments rather than pass/fail evaluations, the importance of interpreting clinical findings and imaging, and the evolving trends in equine health assessments. The discussion emphasizes the need for buyers and sellers to manage their expectations and understand the context of veterinary findings, particularly in relation to a horse's competition history and suitability for intended use.

Nutrition is one of the most important—and most confusing—parts of horse care. Today, we’re cutting through the noise with expert insight from Laura Gosden, Nutrition Advisor at Spillers, to help you understand what your horse really needs, when, and why.”

“Whether you’re managing one pony or a full team of performance horses, feeding right makes all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Spillers’ Laura Gosden to explore everything from balancers and forage to hydration, travel feeding, and seasonal changes.”

“From fizzy ponies to tired top-level jumpers, nutrition plays a role in behaviour, condition, and performance. This week on Show Jumping 101, we get into the practical side of equine feeding with Laura Gosden from Spillers—no fads, just facts.

In this episode of Show Jumping 101, hosts Sameh El Dahan and Joanne Sloan Allen sit down with Sandra Hughes from SUCCEED, the equine digestive health specialists trusted by riders worldwide.

They explore why gut health is the foundation of performance, behaviour, and overall well-being—and how digestive discomfort can quietly undermine even the best training programmes.

From breeding and foal development to managing ulcers, preventing bad habits, and supporting horses through travel and competition, this is a deep dive into what’s really going on inside your horse—and how to support it.

Whether you’re managing elite sport horses or weekend warriors, this episode is full of practical advice you can apply immediately.

Today’s episode takes a different kind of deep dive – we’re talking about something every horse rider needs, but not everyone gets right: nutrition.

We’re welcoming back Aamir Fit, who you may remember from our episode on rider fitness – this time, we’re tackling rider fuel, from what you eat before a competition, to how nutrition impacts energy, focus, and performance in and out of the ring.

And we’re also joined by Joanne’s daughter, Tabitha Allen – not only a showjumping rider herself, but also a biochemistry student, bringing a great perspective on how what we eat truly affects how we feel and perform.

Together, we discuss everything from meal planning on the road, coping with food intolerances, and avoiding energy crashes, to why riders so often prioritise their horses’ nutrition over their own – and how that needs to change.

It’s a seriously practical, honest, and eye-opening conversation – so whether you’re riding at the top level or just trying to eat better around a hectic yard schedule, this one’s for you.

Summary

This conversation delves into the intricate logistics of traveling with competition horses, exploring the challenges and solutions faced by international showjumpers Joanne Sloan Allen and Sameh El Dahan. From the complexities of ferry and flight arrangements to the nuances of horse care in different climates, the discussion highlights the importance of preparation, nutrition, and adaptability in ensuring the well-being of these elite equine athletes. They also touch on the evolving practices in hoof care, including the growing trend of barefoot horses, and the significance of local knowledge in managing horse health and performance on the road.