Heels Down Happy Hour

We’re so close to the Best Weekend All Year and just can’t wait! This week, we’re talking to a mom who literally can do it all, and sharing tips on how to achieve the holy grail of being able to sit the trot AND boast the most unmoving lower leg. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 122: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International...

The countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris is on! This week, we’re talking about rider biomechanics and how to have a constructive conversation about horse welfare in this prickly, political day and age. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 122: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestri...

We’re sipping on some tasty watermelon Jolly Ranchers this week and talking about social license and horse welfare. Also, is braiding for horse shows falling out of style? We discuss. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 121: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian Host: Ellie Woznica Own...

Happy January, y’all. We hope you’re not freezing to death. This week, we’re talking about how horse people are surviving the latest polar vortex and how to bring horses back into work after an extended time off. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 120: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International Eve...

Can you believe we made it to December? This week, we’re reflecting on what a year it’s been, taking about the very serious equine vet shortage and sipping on some Muddy Buffalos. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 119: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Payne Equestrian Host:...

In Radiothon Hour 4, Justine, Ellie and Jess bring you the official drink of Radiothon, Apple Cider Aperol Spritz. They are joined by members of the Auburn Equestrian Team, Stephanie Lambert (President), Alayna Backel (Vice-President) and Kate Midgley (Clinic Chair). Plus, they give away $400.00 in prizes. Radiothon Hour 4 - Heels Down Happy Hour: The Heels Down Happy Hour crew: Justine Griffin, E...

The horse internet is losing their minds over a unique and interesting clip job at Dressage Finals. This week, it’s time for all the No Stirrup November and bit fitting hot takes. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 118: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Payne Equestrian Host:...

Everybody ‘round here is nursing a serious horse show hangover. But never fear, we’ve got all the updates from the Maryland 5-star, the Thoroughbred Makeover, the Pan Ams and more this week. Also… maybe some Halloween costume inspiration. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 117: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  J...

The countdown to the Thoroughbred Makeover is on! This week, we’re talking to a dressage trainer almost everyone knows from Youtube and learning more about the mission of the Retired Racehorse Project. And we’ve got all the tips and tricks for shopping at a big horse show. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 116: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Dow...

Summer is for eventing championships, endless hoof care and … cocktails. This week, we’re debating about the posting trot and analyzing a formula to help cut through the clutter of selecting the right supplement. Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 115: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International Eve...

What’s the best way to pick a diamond in the rough off the racetrack? This week, we’re talking about OTTBs and how to train one successfully. Also, have you tried the latest and greatest horse sports drink just yet? Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 114: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International...

What does it take to breed and train a sporthorse from the ground up? This week we’re talking to an American breeder about just that. Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 113: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Hampf Equestrian Host:  Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of&...

This week we’re sipping on some skinny margs and talking about ration balancers. What are ration balancers anyway? Also why is everything so dang expensive? Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 112: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Hampf Equestrian Host:  Ell...

Why do people just no-call, no-show in this day and age? I mean, come on. This week, we’re happy to see Thoroughbreds getting some well deserved recognition and … is there anything to learn from mean comments from judges? Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 110: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, Internat...

It’s May, which means we’re celebrating Buy A Horse Book Day! This week, we’re talking to a horse dad about how he got sucked into the sport, and survived to write a book about it. Also: there’s a lot of dark days when rehabbing a horse from an injury. We’ll share some tips on how to stay sane. Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 110: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Jou...

It’s almost time for the Greatest Weekend All Year. We’re talking predictions, the horses and more with Doug Payne. We will we some of you in Kentucky this year? Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 109: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Hampf Equestrian Host:  Ell...

How many times have you heard the ‘but the horse does all the work’ BS? We’re talking to a personal trainer equestrian to set the record straight. This week, we’ll also commiserate over the highs and lows that come with training horses. Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 108: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica...

Work-life balance is a struggle without the horse. Add in equestrian sports and well…. It gets pretty dicey. This week we’re talking about ways to save when feeding horses and how to balance - and have it - all. Thanks for tuning in!  Guests and Links Episode 107: Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Heels Down Magazine Host:  Jessica Payne, International Even...

We’re kicking off the new year by minding our melons… seriously. We’re talking to a safety pro about that interesting Virginia Tech helmet study, air vests and more. Plus Doug stops by to give us an update on the winter circuit in Wellington. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 106: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired:   Click Here Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journ...

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. We’re celebrating the end of 2022 with one of our favorite listeners. Dont forget to kiss your horse and thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 105: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of  Featured Image: Alex Zachman Drink Recipe:  Link: Link: Guest: J...

It’s almost time of the holidays, if you can believe it. We’ve got all the best gifts for your horsey friends or yourself picked out. This week, we’re talking to three inspiring women who launched their own equestrian companies. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 104: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ellie W...

Before you know it, winter will be here. This week, we’re talking to a nutritionist on how to best manage your horse’s needs through the cold months. We’re also talking about dressage - and how it can benefit any type of rider, with trainer Amelia Newcomb. Thanks for tuning in... Guests and Links Episode 103: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist wi...

Imagine knocking a rail with your own horse’s rouge pulled shoe. This week, we’re talking to a para rider with big dreams ahead of her and getting up to speed on why posture matters for horses. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 102: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ell...

Have you ever wanted to leave your adult life behind and go play ponies in Ocala for the winter? We talked to one rider who has made a professional career out of it. This week, we’re gearing up for WEG in Italy and discussing the importance of staying hydrated.  Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 101: Host: Justine Griffin, Award-Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, Internati...

100 episodes, a million laughs, too many drinks. Celebrate five-plus years of Heels Down Happy Hour this week. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 100: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of  Drink Recipe: Link: Link: Link: ​​ Guest: Alex Welles...