Heels Down Happy Hour

The #MeToo movement has officially hit the horse world, but what does it mean for the sport and our young athletes? This week, we discuss our favorite products to beat the heat in summer. We’ll share memories of our favorite mentors over the years, and discuss why building each other up is important. Listen in...

This week, we’re excited to welcome British equestrian journalist, Victoria Goff, as a special guest. We’ll chat about all things horses in the UK (hint: it rains, A LOT), and we dish on one of our favorite new books. Listen in...

We talk a lot about the physical strength of riders when it comes to “making it” in horse sports. But what about mental strength? We discuss how to handle “all the things”, from the desire to win & compete, to the pressures of social media.  Jess shares her journey of going from a junior to riding in college to turning pro and we tried out a new skin care line just for equestrians. Listen in...

Live from the Kentucky Horse Park at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event! We’re talking to Waylon Roberts, Lainey Ashker, Megan Kepferle, Tik Maynard and Sinead Halpin from the floor of the trade fair, fresh after day two of dressage. Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 22: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired:  Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host: Jessica Payne, Int...

We’re just a week away from a face-to-face reunion in Lexington, and it’s going to be epic. This week, we have three special guests on the show to help us ramp up for the excitement of show jumping and eventing in Kentucky. One lucky guest will get to play Rose and Thorn with us, too. Listen in...

We can only hope to be 60 one day and still riding, let alone winning like badass Margie Engle. This week, we share our tips on how to be competitive when you don’t have deep pockets, and Jess shares her fitness tips on how to come back strong after a long break. Thanks for tuning in...

Does it really need to be said that horses and nightclubs do not mix? This week, a new host compares eventing to her boyfriend’s sport of choice: motocross. Is it safe to ride while wearing headphones? And we offer some creative tips on how to hold the attention span of a spazzy green horse. Thanks for tuning in...

One blow to the head could last a lifetime. This week, we discuss just how serious a concussion can be. What happens when you and your horse just aren’t meshing? Breaking News: Alfalfa DOESN’T make your horse hot. And have you ever tried to ride your horse through the Starbucks drive-thru? Thanks for tuning in...

Breaking up with your trainer ain’t always easy. We share our tips on how NOT to be a drama llama and get out of there with some semblance of a reputation. You’re either a polo wraps person or a boots person, but you can’t be both. Fake news has spread into the horse world and FINALLY some riders are demanding better bras. Thanks for tuning in...

To live stream or not to live stream? The keyboard warriors are at it again, this time an amateur rider is at the center of it. We discuss our unpopular opinions on when to use draw reins and is the guy who imported cocaine to fund his daughter’s show jumping career the dad of the year or a downright scoundrel? Thanks for tuning in…

Which is better--thongs or Spanx? We discuss our favorite underwear to ride in on Episode 15. Also, Michael Jung is making headlines again, only this time as a… show jumper? Justine paid an animal communicator to talk to her horse, and a new special guest shares her insider tips on what’s going on at WEF. Thanks for tuning in….

We’re kicking off 2018 with controversy, from rollkur to toilets in Tokyo. In our first episode of the new year, we celebrate the arrival of Payne baby Hudson, revisit our worst horse show nightmares and discuss when is it too cold to ride your horse? Thanks for tuning in…

Welcome to a special holiday edition of Heels Down Happy Hour. This week, we have three special guests - Terence Prunty, Jacqueline Brooks and Leslie Wylie - on the show with us. We’ll share our favorite and most annoying holiday traditions and rehash some of the best equestrian Internet cat fights from 2017. Grab some eggnog and tune in…

Caroline just returned from the Longines Masters in Paris, which was as much party as it was horse show. We review Revitavet Therapeutic Systems, talk about two famous show jumpers who plan to tie the knot, and why ambassadorships can be tricky whether you’re an ammy or a pro. Listen in...

Two girls turned their horse trailer into a bar and we think they’re our spirit animals. Don’t miss this special drink recipe all the way from the Royal Horse Show. We talk about what it’s like to get back in the saddle after an injury.  Caroline and Justine talk about their experience with cryotherapy and yes, it’s frickin’ cold. Thanks for tuning in….

Safety in eventing was thrust into the spotlight again this week, so listen in to hear why and what’s being done about it. Also, of course, Wonder Woman is a real equestrian! We also share some tips on bringing along green horses and how you can get a DUI on a horse. Thanks for tuning in…

Can you learn to fall off...better? Jess thinks so. Also, have you ever second guessed your weight or the way you look on a horse? And finally, thoughts on riding with a baby on board. Thanks for tuning in…

One host has a gallant past. And who is messing with your horses when you're not looking? This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, what happens when a horse agent is accused of fraud, how to ensure your horses are safe at the show grounds and cool products from RevitaVet.

This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, we’re horse show hungover after Central Park, Blenheim and Kentucky. A special guest shares his road warrior tips for trucks and trailering, and would you pick up horse poop if you thought you’d get a ticket? Guests and Links Episode 6: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired:  Host:  Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with  Host:  Jessica Payne, Internatio...

The responses to Katie Prudent's interview about the current state of show jumping keep rolling in. We discuss. Also, you could live next to a hot pirate, how to keep your feet from becoming cold little raisins in the wet and cooler weather, an update on a possible ulcer cure, and more.  Listen in... Guests and Links Episode 6: Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired:  Host:  Caroline Culbertson, Ed...

Have you ever wanted to tell someone how much you didn't like them? One man on the internet is making it possible to show it rather than say it, and horses are involved. This week on Heels Down Happy Hour, hosts Justine Griffin and Caroline Culbertson welcome special (and awesome) guest Eiren Crawford to the show, and we break down what 'Classical Dressage' really means and why it's controversial....

Some people pray for rain, other people pray for sweat. Hosts Caroline Culbertson, Justine Griffin and Jessica Payne talk about their favorite (and embarrassing) Walmart finds and why a simple mistake at the drugstore can turn into a major ordeal. Also, an Irish rider is crowd funding to keep his horse and have you seen Soledad O’Brien’s Twitter lately? Listen in…

Another week, another controversy. Is patting your horse during competition grounds for elimination? Also – good news for grays, how to improve your eye for a distance with a tree branch, and the stresses of moving with four-legged children. Listen in…

Hosts Caroline Culbertson, Justine Griffin and Jessica Payne talk about the upcoming showdown between Isabell Werth and Laura Graves in Aachen, identifying what coaching style you have and need (BFF or dictator?), the Rolls Royce of grooming tools, and how the USA laid a smack-down performance in the only eventing FEI Nations' Cup in America.   Listen in...

In the very first episode of Happy Hour, we talk about the controversy surrounding Depo, how two four-star eventers met and fell in love, what's in store for equestrian sports in the Olympics, and a big surprise announcement. Listen in...