Ever wanted to know more about the equestrian sport of endurance? In the first episode of 2020, Rachel meets Pony Club Endurance Chairman Robert Blane to find out how the sport works, the type of horse you need to get involved and the valuable skills you can learn as you progress. 

British Equestrian Podcast

26: Pony Club Sports: Endurance

Riding on the roads is unavoidable for the majority of equestrians in the UK, but incidents with cars and other vehicles are widely reported. To support Road Safety Week, Rachel sits down with Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at the British Horse Society, to find out what riders can do to make sure they and their horses are as safe as possible when riding on the roads. They also discuss what the British Horse Society is doing to improve education and understanding around riding and road safety to help ensure that fewer incidents are seen in the future. 

25: Riding and Road Safety

Rachel is given a crash course in the fast-paced sport of mounted games when she goes to watch the Pony Club's Prince Philip Cup at the Horse of the Year Show. Pony Club Chairman – and mounted games super-fan – Marcus Capel explains what the sport is all about, then members from each of the competing Pony Clubs share why they love mounted games so much. You'll be signing up to have a go in no time! 

24: It's Fast, It's Fun... It's Mounted Games!

With the great and the good of British eventing heading to the CCI5* at Pau, Rachel reflects back to when she sat down with Gemma Tattersall earlier in the year. They chat about Gemma's season, her up-and-coming stars – two of whom are at Pau this year – and dream holiday locations. Plus, there's a round-up of essential horsey viewing for this weekend and the low-down on the equestrian awards season. 

23: Gemma Tattersall

Volunteering is a vital part of the equestrian industry – without it, we simply couldn't function. In this episode, Rachel heads to Pony Club HQ to talk to CEO Marcus Capel and Development Officer Zoe Pulling to find out about the Young Equestrian Leaders Award, which is a scheme designed to encourage young people to get involved with volunteering. Then, she catches up with Sophie, who's recently earned her YELA Gold certificate, to find out what she's gained from this habit of a lifetime. 

22: Volunteering: The Habit of a Lifetime

Following the formation of the BEF's Equality Engagement Group (EEG), Matt and Rachel discuss the topic of diversity in equestrian sport. The BEF's Head of Participation, Anna Hall, explains why the EEG was set up and what they hope to achieve, then Rachel speaks to group members representing Ebony Horse Club and The Urban Equestrian Academy – two equestrian projects already working closely with diverse communities and seeing the benefits. 

21: Equestrian Sport For All

Matt and Rachel are back! This week, they're reflecting on their trip to beautiful Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, where Rachel caught up with Downton Abbey star and event horse owner Michael Fox. Plus, super-groom Jackie Potts reveals what it's like to be a groom working at the event. 

20: Blenheim Palace Horse Trials

It's Burghley weekend! Rachel is riding solo for this one because Matt has abandoned her in favour of a few (well-deserved) days off, so prepare for self-conscious rambling while sitting on a cross-country fence. She catches up with Oliver Townend, Piggy French and winner Pippa Funnell, then talks to World Champion Ros Canter, who was a surprise face at Burghley on Thursday. Plus, fourth-placed Sarah Bullimore extols the virtues of working with Tamsin Thurlow, who received the groom's prize at the final horse inspection.  

19: Burghley Horse Trials

And just like that, it was all over. Finally back in the UK, Matt and Rachel reflect on the final day in Luhmühlen that led to Great Britain winning a team silver medal and Kitty King finishing as the highest placed British rider. Plus, Tina Cook shares her thoughts after her clear showjumping round. 

18: European Championships Tour Diary – The Final One

The adrenaline has been running high all day as the Team GBR riders tackle Luhmühlen's tough cross-country track. There's been elation and heartbreak, so Matt takes over the microphone to catch up with Pippa Funnell, Kitty King and Oliver Townend after their stellar rounds. 

17: European Championships Tour Diary 11

Dressage day two? Smashed it! With four British riders in the top ten and the team currently in silver medal position, Matt and Rachel recap what's happened on Friday in Luhmühlen, including the tests from Tina Cook, Kitty King and Oliver Townend. 

16: European Championships Tour Diary 10

The Union Jack is at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday evening, following a fantastic performance from Laura Collett and London 52 – who happens to be one of Rachel's biggest pony-crushes. Hear what Laura, and fellow squad members Pippa Funnell and Piggy French, had to say to the media following their tests. Matt and Rachel also reflect on what's coming up in the second day of dressage. 

15: European Championships Tour Diary 9

The cross-country course has been revealed! Rachel catches up with Piggy French after the first team course-walk to get her take on what the squad will face on Saturday. Plus, Matt and Rachel reveal which riders will be competing for a team medal and who will be running as individuals, and also the dressage times for Thursday and Friday. 

14: European Championships Tour Diary 8

Team GBR have landed in Luhmühlen for the FEI Eventing European Championships! As the weather oscillates from scorching sunshine to tempestuous thunderstorms, Matt and Rachel reflect on what's coming up this week and the key role that grooms play in a championships team. Rachel speaks to Chloe Fry, who's here as groom for Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, about her first championship experience and how she keeps her charge's grey coat looking its best for the first horse inspection.  

13: European Championships Tour Diary 7

Rotterdam, you've been amazing! As the final day in the first leg of the tour comes to an end, Matt and Rachel sit in the empty stands – with the stadium being taken down around them – and reflect on their personal highlights of the week. Plus, Rachel catches up with Chef de Mission Vikki Underwood for her take on proceedings, and Sophie Wells and Georgia Wilson after their successes in the para-equestrian dressage Freestyle. 

12: European Championships Tour Diary 6

The official podcast from the British Equestrian Federation, presented by Rachel Dyke and Matt Williams. Millions of people take part in our great sport many of them every day. We're here to celebrate them and tell their stories. From our gold medallists to the riders who are just in it for the love, we'll be talking to them all.

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British Equestrian Podcast

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