Heels Down Happy Hour

Is it HOT out there or is it just us? Summer riding ain’t for the weak! On this episode, we’ll share our favorite tips to stay cool in the tack and we’re talking to an animal communicator on how communicate better with our horses. Thanks for tuning in... Guests and Links Episode 99: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Elli...

We’re talking to not one, but three authors this week about their published works. One is Doug Payne, who also happens to be your 2022 Kentucky Three-Day Event National Champion. This week, we’re sipping on Dirty Shirleys and spilling about our favorite books. Thanks for tuning in... Guests and Links Episode 98: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist...

It’s almost time for the Best Weekend All Year - the Kentucky Three-Day Event! We’re gearing up for the big show with not one, but two competitors this week. And also: margs. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 97: 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/Tra...

Horses know when we’re wrong and judge us silently. Imagine that. This week, we’re talking to a legendary dressage pro about his remarkable journey in the sport and getting the low-down on all the wild things that have happened recently, from the EHV outbreak in California to the emotional finish at the Grand Prix of Eventing at Bruce’s Field. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 96: Lin...

Arena footing has come a long way in recent years. There are so many options out there. We break it down with an expert this week. We’ll also get an educational 101 on when to use Shoe traction. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 95: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of  Drink Rec...

Ellie’s been dying to talk about horse vacuums, so here we are. She’ll answer all your questions. This week, we’re talking to a guest who is taking an unconventional route in dressage and we address some training woes in jumping. Guests and Links Episode 94: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider f...

Guys, we’ve almost made it. 2021 is nearly over and we’re hopeful 2022 is gonna be the best one yet. This week we’re celebrating the holidays with some happy hour fans and of course, there’s always time to talk about gastric ulcers. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 93: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Elli...

How much do you really know about the supply chain issues affecting businesses, including those in the horse industry? We break it down with the owners of two of our favorite equestrian brands. Jess’s old college roommate joins us for some laughs and we find a way to squeeze horse poop into the conversation, too. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 92: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winni...

Hey guys, we’re back! Thanks for sticking with us. This week, we’re stoked to have Jess on the ground at the inaugural Maryland 5* Horse Trials. Ellie’s mom joins us for some laughs and can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about Christmas? Yikes. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 91: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, Internationa...

This week we’re talking to a top notch farrier on what it takes to care for top level horse hooves, barefoot or shod. We’ll also hear from our Heels Down Spark Award photography and writing winners and in case you were wondering no, you shouldn’t ingest your horse’s dewormer. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 90: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payn...

The countdown to Tokyo 2020 is on. This week, we’re talking to a horse gal who took it upon herself to make our sport more environmentally conscious. Also, the jury is in: turnout actually reduces the risk of injury, science says. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 89: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ellie...

After a year of ups and downs, the long delayed Olympic Games will be here before you know it! Doug Payne stops by to give us an American team update. But not everybody has been able to ride through the pandemic. This week, we’re also talking about head butting.  Guests and Links Episode 88: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  H...

Managing a career, your family, friends and horses all at the same time is a serious balancing act. Two of our guests tonight do all of that, and launched their own businesses. This week, we’re sipping on some tequila and will be discussing - you guessed it - underwear again. Thanks for tuning in.  Guests and Links Episode 87: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Pay...

Ever had a tough ride and just didn’t want to get back on? We feel ya. This week, we’re talking about how to combat those feelings of fear and insecurity. We’re also excited to celebrate creativity in the horse world with the Heels Down Spark Awards and would you do yoga with mini horses? Heck yes. Thanks for tuning in... Guests and Links Episode 86: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist...

Don’t we all envy those riders who rock the perfect #ROOTD every day? We’re talking to one dressage fashionista on how she pulls it off. Braiding is the worst but we’re talking to the ultimate pro this week on how to make it better. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 85: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Host: Ellie...

There’s been a lot of discussion about the hunters lately - are they really the most friendly discipline for the average rider? Or what needs to happen from it to be more inclusive? This week, we’re sipping cocktails with America’s leading polo player and we’ve got 99 problems but boarding ain’t one. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 84: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist...

Footing matters. This week, Ellie is sharing the highs and lows of building a perfect arena on the farm. American eventer Allison Springer joins us to talk about her own farm buying adventure and bringing along young horses, and we answer the long standing question: does feed-through fly control really work?

Imagine giving up your stable corporate job for one in horses. It’s something a lot of us dream about, but our guest Brittney Chambers actually did it. This week, we’re talking about WTH is happening with Kentucky in 2021 and the most creative ways we’ve tried to save money because… horses. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 82: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Hos...

With the WEC-USEF drama still fresh in our minds, why can’t we find a way to make horse shows more affordable? This week, we’re talking about the wonky, zig-zag path it’ll take for equestrians to get to the Olympics while sipping on mimosas. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 81: Link for sight impaired – Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, Intern...

We’re in the homestretch - the end of the year is almost here. This week, we’re sharing some yuletide laughs and Jessica Phoenix returns to talk about her Plan B for the winter competition season. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 80: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Photo Cred...

Somehow, we’ve survived this very bizarre and stressful year. To celebrate, we’re sharing all our favorite gift ideas for holiday season. Also this week, we’re sharing our top no stirrup exercises to get those legs burnin’. Guests and Links Episode 79: Link for sight impaired – Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Host: Ellie Wozn...

Everything sucks, so we’re talking to two top equestrians who inspire us with their amazing comeback stories. This week, we’re sharing our favorite outerwear options for the colder seasons and we answer this long puzzling question: why do horses eat sand? Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 78: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Even...

Fall is here, if you can believe. This week, we’re sharing our favorite must-haves for the looming winter coat season and Brianna Noble joins us to talk about the power of horsemanship. Guests and Links Episode 77: Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for  Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of  Photo Credit:  Drink Recipe:  Link:  Link...

Ever wonder why breeches never fit the same? Sigh. This week we’re talking to an equestrian fashion designer and body positivity advocate on why horses are great for everybody, no matter your waist size. And would you ever list your farm on Airbnb? Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 76: Link for sight impaired – Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne,...

We could all use a kick in the butt every now and again, when it comes time to tackle a deep clean. This week, we’re talking to a super groom on finding the motivation to tidy up the barn. We’ll also share our favorite rest and recovery techniques for after horse shows. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links Episode 75: Link for sight impaired – Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with...