Heels Down Happy Hour

It’s the end of an era: we’re mourning the death of our favorite riding goods catalog. But there’s good news too: new research in EHV-1 detection could help minimize horse show outbreaks. We’re also talking about how to maximize your rides in hot hot summer and discussing solutions to our sport’s ever evolving affordability crisis. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 148: Host: Justine...

It’s like Christmas in … April for anyone who loves the sport of three-day eventing. We’re gearing up for the Best Weekend All Year with a heartwarming story about three Kentucky eventing veterans that will make you smile. Also this month, we’re putting some of the best tech for equestrians to the test. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 147: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journa...

What happens when some serious horse people get together to try to better the sport? We’re about to find out. On this episode, we’re talking about what’s next for the Thoroughbred aftercare industry and do weight-loss drugs exist for horses? Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 146: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Even...

Ever wanted to go to Florida for the winter but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. This month, we’re talking about what Justine learned from attending an equine dissection and… haven’t you always wanted to try combined driving? One of the world’s leading athletes tells us all about it. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 145: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalis...

Happy 2026 y’all, the Year of the Fire Horse. We promise we lunged it before we all got on. This month, we’re kicking off the year with some of our favorite horse shows and settling in for the tougher topics of horse ownership. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 144: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Pa...

It’s our last episode of the year and wow, what a year it’s been. Thanks for everybody for listening. And we’ve got a great show for you tonight, with fun guests who will make you laugh, hopefully teach you something, and inspire you to keep kicking on into 2026. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 143: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Pay...

It’s here! All the goodies on our holiday wish list for 2025. This month, we’re also talking to the founder of a brand new jumping and dressage circuit that wants to be the opposite of USEF. And ever wonder what goes into breed inspections for stallions and foals? You’re about to find out. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 142: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down...

Spooky season is here! This month, we’re talking about horse health tips you don’t want to skip on during fall, and preparing for the most festive time of the year. Guests and Links Episode 141: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek Featured Imag...

Do you ever feel like you love horses but sometimes you feel lost? Or like you’re not good enough? We’ve all been there. This month, we’re talking about how to get yourself in the right headspace on those tough days. Plus, we have the best horse show hacks to share. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 140: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica...

We’re doing our best to stay caffeinated thanks to a fun new horse brand of coffee. Also this month, we’re talking about our mental prep for the sport, and how do we make the buying and selling process of horses more transparent and accessible for everyone? Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 139: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Pay...

Did anyone else watch Mai Baum make his final run at Rebecca Farm and ball their eyes out? Just me? OK. This week, we’re talking about the hunters taking over Europe and sharing out best tips on how to keep thise arenas dragged, pristine and perfect for our horses. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 138: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica P...

Ellie is fresh off a trip from New Mexico where she learned more about the world of positive reinforcement training about horses. We dive right in to learn more. And we caught up for the Kentucky 3-Day Event 4* winner ahead of his overseas trip to CHIO Aachen. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 137: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne,...

It’s Spring! And we have the latest fashion trends for your riding outfits (hint: there’s no florals). This week, we’re talking about how the Payne’s designed and built their dream barn, and a special friend of the show stops by. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 136: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for...

The countdown is on my friends. It’s going to be an action-packed Best Weekend All Year in 2025, thanks to very big five-stars: the Kentucky Three Day Event and the Kentucky Invitational. We’re talking to the riders hoping to conquer some of the biggest eventing and show jumping tracks in America this month. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 135: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Win...

What makes some ingredients illegal when it comes to supplements and medications and horse showing? This week, we’re talking to a veterinarian on what goes into that process. Spring is here, which means you’re likely inundated with mud, like the rest of us. But don’t fret, we’ve got some tips. Thanks for tuning in... Guests and Links Episode 134: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist wit...

Dreaming of the spring horse show season? Us too. This week, we’re sharing our favorite DIY tips to make training tools you can easily use in your home arena. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 133: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barr...

It’s January, and horse sport is in full swing. Whether or not you’re in sunny Florida or just dreaming about it, we’ve got all the updates. As as you gear up for your own riding season, we’ve got somebody who can help visualize your goals. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 132: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event...

Wow, what a year it’s been. This week we’re breaking down the highs and lows and getting excited for what’s in store in 2025. Sit down, grab a drink and join us. And as always, thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 131: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of...

Are you giddy for the holidays? They’ll be here before you know it! This week, we’re sharing our top gift picks for the equestrian in your life and we’re talking about our favorite end-of-year horse shows, from the Royal Winter Fair to the Maclay Finals. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 130: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, Inter...

The air is light and crisp and the ponies are fresh. It must be fall! This week, we’re talking about getting those horses fit and why riders in the western world don’t want to wear helmets. Plus we have the perfect razzle dazzle to get your horse in the Halloween mood. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 129: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessi...

Horses have always been expensive. But lately, it feels like costs are out of control. This week, we’re talking about how we’re making ends meet. We’re also celebrating the Paralympic Games and fighting the good fight against imposter syndrome.  Guests and Links Episode 128: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for P...

The Paris Olympics have come and gone, and gosh, what a whirlwind! We’re hitting all the highlights, which of course include Snoop Dogg in a shadbelly. This week, we’re also digging into how safety standards in equestrian sport continue to evolve. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 127: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, Intern...

It’s all systems go for the Paris Olympic Games and we just can’t wait. We’re talking to the pros on how to learn from the livestream and what it’s like actually being on an Olympic team. But wait there’s more - we’re busting cooling down horse myths and remember that dude in the mankini? Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 126: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with...

What do we really know about horses’ gut microbiomes? This week, we’re gearing up for the Olympic Games and trying to juggle all the things, like managing horses who live in our back yards. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 125: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian Host: Ellie Woznica Own...

Does your vet want your manure sample room temp or cold? You’ll have to listen in to find out! This week, we’re talking to the 2024 winner of the Road To The Horse. And it’s time for Buy A Horse Book Day! Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 124: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian Host: El...