Episodes

  • Courtenay Tuxhorn: Making the Leap from Triathlete to Eventer

    Courtenay Tuxhorn: Making the Leap from Triathlete to Eventer
    Jan 31 2022
    Join Chris Stafford on The Horse Show podcast for an inspiring conversation with Courtenay Tuxhorn, an elite athlete who transitioned from competing in triathlons to pursuing her passion in eventing. Courtenay shares her journey of embracing a new equestrian discipline, overcoming the challenges of switching sports, and discovering the mental and physical skills that carried over from endurance racing to the world of horses. In this episode, you’ll hear about Courtenay’s experiences training for top-level competition, finding balance between her athletic and personal life, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re an eventing enthusiast, a multi-sport athlete, or simply inspired by stories of determination and growth, this conversation is packed with insights on athletic mindset, horse training, and performance tips. Tune in for a motivational discussion that highlights the power of persistence, adaptability, and following your passion, proving it’s never too late to take the leap into a new sport.

    Keywords: Courtenay Tuxhorn, eventing, equestrian sports, triathlon to eventing, horse riding, athletic transition, mental toughness, training tips, The Horse Show podcast, Chris Stafford

    The Horse Show is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.
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    39 mins
  • S6E10: Women Making Olympic Equestrian History

    S6E10: Women Making Olympic Equestrian History
    Aug 27 2021
    Irish journalist Louise Parkes joins Chris this week to share her experience and reflections on the Tokyo Olympic Games. Louise was the pen behind the press releases for the FEI in Tokyo and watched history being made at these unusual Games. The world too enjoyed watching as German women not only won dressage and eventing gold medals but also occupied seven places in the top ten of the dressage freestyle, including the top five spots. Eventer Julia Krajewski slid into the gold medal position after cross country when her teammate and favorite Michael Jung accrued penalties and she made no mistake that this was to be her competition. That these Games happened at all during a pandemic was a massive achievement for all concerned and much credit is due to the Japanese people who ensured that the horses benefitted from five-star accommodation and the viewing public enjoyed some outstanding performances that will go down in the record books with women becoming Olympic Champions.

    Host: Chris Stafford

    For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
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    36 mins
  • S6E9: Catherine Reddick, Strides for Equality

    S6E9: Catherine Reddick, Strides for Equality
    Aug 20 2021
    Life-long horsewoman and eventer, Catherine Reddick, is part of the leadership team for a new organization that was established to create equitable opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the horse world. Strides for Equality (SEE) was founded by a group of women in 2020 to address access and opportunities in a sport that traditionally in some countries is perceived as elite and expensive. SEE has already built a network of partnerships and created a scholarship and grant program, which will open the barn door to BIPOC people. Education will play a key role by explaining anti-racism; promoting informed allyship; supports organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion work. SEE celebrates the history of BIPOC equestrians and elevates the visibility of BIPOC equestrians today.

    Host: Chris Stafford

    For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
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    24 mins
  • S6E8: Sydney Collier's Paralympic Journey

    S6E8: Sydney Collier's Paralympic Journey
    Aug 13 2021
    With just over a week to go to the start of the Paralympic Games, athletes making their way to Tokyo include the horses for the Para-dressage competitions. These are divided into five grades depending upon the nature and extent of the impairment and the level of difficulty of the test they perform is relative to their allocated grade. Sydney Collier from Ann Arbor, Michigan is a Grade I rider and part of the U.S. squad currently in quarantine in Aachen, Germany as a traveling reserve. This is the second time she has been named to the Paralympic team having competed in Rio with Western Rose. Since June 2019, Collier has been competing with Going for Gold LLC’s 12 year old Hanoverian gelding, All In One. Show jumper Georgina Bloomberg bought the horse for Sydney who needed a new mount for her Tokyo campaign. The pair have been consistently posting scores in the 70s this year earning them selection to the team as the first traveling reserve. Chris spoke to Sydney last week prior to the team’s departure to talk about the US combinations and who their main rivals will be.

    Host: Chris Stafford

    For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
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    22 mins
  • S6E7 - Olympic Review with Sara Kozumplik Murphy

    S6E7 - Olympic Review with Sara Kozumplik Murphy
    Aug 6 2021
    Eventer and coach Sara Kozumplik Murphy joins Chris this week to review the Olympic events so far with just the team jumping medals to be contested in the closing stages of the Tokyo Games. First Sara shares her impressions of the dressage in which women occupied the top five places with Germany’s Jessica von Bedahl Wendl (TSF Dalera) taking gold ahead of the legend that is Isabell Werth. Isabell announced after that her partner Bella Rose would be retired after these games. And in the team competition it was USA (7747) with two women; Adrienne Lyle and Sabina Shut Kerry (Sancero) who won the silver medal beating GB (7723) by the narrowest of margins. Eventing saw historu being made when Germany’s Julia Krajewski (Amande De B’Neville) claimed the gold medal. Hard to imagine with so many great women riders that this is a first in eventing. As we discuss, the facilities for the horses at these games has been fabulous by all reports because we knew the heat and humidity would be challenging and their welfare is paramount.

    Host: Chris Stafford

    For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
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    39 mins
  • S6E6: Horses Teach Us to Overcome Adversity

    S6E6: Horses Teach Us to Overcome Adversity
    Jul 30 2021
    This week our guest is Nicole Mandracchia who, like so many riders, has had her career with horses interrupted by injuries. First it was a hole in her patellofemoral ligament followed by a tear of the hip labrum. She has become a regular blogger for The Chronicle of the Horse sharing her stories from the horse world and how she has faced surgeries to repair her injuries and free her from pain. Nicole grew up riding in New Jersey and was a working student while in school. She has groomed and barn managed for Val Renihan, Robin Rost-Brown and Amanda Steege in the hunter-jumper and equitation world. Nicole has received five grooming awards at prestigious horse shows throughout the country, and she regularly follows the A-rated circuit up and down the East Coast. Her favorite part of her job is helping horses feel they're best so they can do their jobs.

    Host: Chris Stafford

    For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
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    35 mins
  • Finding Strength in the Saddle: Angela Oakley’s Story

    Finding Strength in the Saddle: Angela Oakley’s Story
    Jul 23 2021
    In this inspiring episode of The Horse Show with Chris Stafford, accomplished horsewoman and equestrian advocate Angela Oakley shares her powerful story, professional insights, and unwavering passion for the sport. Angela opens up about her journey in the equestrian world—from early beginnings to the pivotal moments that shaped her career—offering listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at the determination, resilience, and horsemanship required to thrive at the highest level. Chris and Angela dive deep into the realities of modern equestrian sport, discussing the training philosophies, horse-rider partnerships, and personal growth that define success in the arena and beyond. Angela highlights the importance of mentorship, constant learning, and staying grounded while navigating the challenges and opportunities in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you're a lifelong rider, an equestrian sport enthusiast, or someone who loves stories of passion and perseverance, this episode delivers expert knowledge, heartfelt storytelling, and practical insights you can take back to the barn. Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with one of the sport’s most respected voices.

    Keywords: Angela Oakley, The Horse Show podcast, Chris Stafford, equestrian podcast, horse sport, equestrian training, rider motivation, horsemanship, horse riding interview, equestrian lifestyle, equestrian stories, riding journey, horse industry, horsewoman interview.

    The Horse Show is part of the Women Unscripted podcast network (formerly WiSP Sports) founded in 2012 by Chris Stafford, which has more than 1700 episodes from around the world of women’s sport and the arts. We have covered every sport and all the issues around women in sport. We have interviewed hundreds of athletes and several of them have hosted our shows over the years. Subscribe and download Women Unscripted for free access to our extensive archive library.
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    27 mins
  • S6E4 - Melissa Rides Again

    S6E4 - Melissa Rides Again
    Jul 16 2021
    Mellisa Davis Warden has had what can be best described as a tumultuous couple of years. From being a happy event rider and ultra marathon runner, a wife and mother, Mellisa experienced a life changing accident that started with a badly broken leg, eventually becoming so painful and with additional complications she was driven to make the toughest of decisions… to amputate below the knee. Fast forward two years this week since the cycling accident in Berlin that changed her world and Mellisa is riding with a prosthetic leg and sometimes without it. She has even managed to tack up unaided now and every day is making progress, even starting to jump again. And this week she is trying out a horse for para-dressage with her sights set on Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. Mellisa shares her story of tragedy and triumph to where new doors are opening and ambitions are growing. Her inspiring story will make you think about how we view life when faced with adversity and to turn a setback into an opportunity.

    Host: Chris Stafford

    For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
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    1 hr