Shows
Horse Tales with CatEpisode 35- Pieter deBrabandere - Honest, humble , hungry and hopefulSend us a textWhen Pieter deBrabandere moved to the US to ride for Maarten Huygens in July 2024 his goal was simple- back to basics and focus on his riding.He never expected to look back on the year and see all the firsts he accomplished - first time riding for Belgium on a Nations Cup Team, first time winning a $75,000 Grand Prix in Saugerties and finishing in the top 12 at his first 5* Grand Prix. He expresses authentic surprise at his own success.Those in his camp however are not surprised as he...
2025-11-2840 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 34 - McLain Ward - Unapologetically CompetitiveSend us a textMcLain Ward has had the pressure of trying to be “the best” on his shoulders since he first had success in the equitation ring winning both the USEF and USET Medal Finals at the age of 14 .36 years and 5 Olympic medals in show jumping later, he is very forthcoming about the pressure he still feels and the anxiety that goes along with it-especially on those days when he is the anchor rider for the team. However, he is quick to admit that grit, determination and hard work have always been on his...
2025-11-1443 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 33- Bruce Goodin- Where there’s a will, there’s a waySend us a textWhen Bruce Goodin secured an invitation to the Master’s at Spruce Meadows in 1991 he had no idea how he was going to pay his entries.However, where there’s a will, there’s a way… Bruce entered a speed class that he thought he had a shot of placing in and ended up winning it , ensuring that he had enough to pay his way for the week. He went on to place second in the CP Rail $1,000000 Class proving to any doubters that there was a reason he been invi...
2025-10-3144 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 32- Kyle King- 50 is the new 40. Kyle proves there is no age limit when it comes to realizing your dreams!Send us a textKyle King is no stranger to winning. He has amassed many Grand Prix victories over the years. But ongoing success at the 5* Level is something new to him. He is learning a whole new skill set to navigate and facing it head on as evidenced by his 2nd place finishing in the CPKC Rail Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in September.I was struck by Kyle’s vulnerability and courage in navigating the new “business” of showjumping at this point in his career.He was also quick to point out th...
2025-10-1750 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 31- Schuyler Riley- For the love of the HorseSend us a textSchuyler Riley has been in the sport for more than 40 years and she has never lost sight of the reason she does it - for the connection with the horse.Whether she is picking a horse for herself or for one of her clients, she will always put character first .That has led her to great success as she never rushes the relationship. She believes that the bond between rider and horse is what ultimately determines how far a pair will go.Schuyler shares her early experiences...
2025-10-0342 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 30- Kyle Dewar- Calm, Cool, Collected and CanadianSend us a textSometimes you meet someone and you immediately like them. Such was the case with Kyle Dewar.He puts his family first, is passionate about the horses and wears his Canadian pride (and his heart) on his sleeve for all to see.Kyle and his wife Kathy are the owners of Chestnut Hill Farms in Ocala where they run a successful training and sales business.Kyle’s story is one of patience and perseverance as he has pursued his dream. He shares his experience of finally getting to ride...
2025-09-1940 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 29 - Lauren Hayes -Small but mightySend us a textSmall but mighty, Lauren Hayes is a force to be reckoned with.She juggles riding, training and motherhood with grace and a positive attitude.Lauren shares her journey of school, becoming a parent and having to lower her expectations when riding couldn’t be her only focus.She is a shining example of remaining positive and rolling with the punches while demonstrating that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as far as talent in the sport is concerned.I think she is one...
2025-08-2928 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 28-Aoife Leggett - Helping you find your best version of yourself with “Three Sixty Coaching “Send us a textGrowing up in Wicklow, Ireland , Aoife Leggett discovered her passion for horses at an early age and was drawn to the adrenaline rush of the cross country portion of 3 day eventing .While continuing to compete she landed herself a position managing yards at a couple of different stables including Cooley Farms and Ardeo Sport Horses.Not content to stay with what was easy and in front of her, she pursued formal studies in Sport and Performance Psychology and Performance Nutrition. She also obtained certification as a personal trainer and...
2025-08-1548 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 27 - Emil Spadone - Triple Threat -Trainer, Breeder and EntrepreneurSend us a textTrainer, breeder and entrepreneur, Emil Spadone doesn’t sit still for long.I caught up with him on a rare quiet week when he was recovering from hip surgery- although even that day he was teaching a couple of lessons before we spoke.Emil shares what sparked his passion for the sport and what keeps him looking for the next great horse.He talks about why he started “Horse Flight” - an equine transport company.He also lets us in on one of the secrets to his...
2025-08-0146 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 26 - George Morris - Take 2 - George at Home - Part 2Send us a textGeorge Morris at home - Part 2 (Part 1 dropped Friday July 4th)George Morris ended up riding by chance but it was not by chance that he became so successful in the sport and sought out by so many for his wisdom and expertise.For decades he devoted his time and energy to bringing out the best not only in aspiring US riders, but riders from all over the world. He is considered by many to be the best riding trainer ever.His lifelong passion came to a...
2025-07-1839 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 25-George Morris- Take 2- George at HomeSend us a textGeorge Morris at home - Part 1 (Part 2 Drops Friday July 18th)George Morris ended up riding by chance but it was not by chance that he became so successful in the sport and sought out by so many for his wisdom and expertise.For decades he devoted his time and energy to bringing out the best not only in aspiring US riders but riders from all over the world. He is considered by many to be the best riding trainer ever.His lifelong passion came to a...
2025-07-0446 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 24- Richard Spooner- An Accidental Journey?Send us a textRichard Spooner knew at an early age that he enjoyed being around horses but he was pretty certain that he didn’t want to ride and he definitely didn’t want to ride English. He claims most of his career has been an accident .In this candid conversation, Richard brings us along on his journey from his early days riding with girls in pigtails to his more recent successes on the world stage . All with a dose of humour.He reflects on how lucky he was to work with thre...
2025-02-0746 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 23- Katie Monahan-Prudent - America's Most Endearing EquestrianSend us a textState champion at 7, ASPCA Maclay Medal winner at 14, Katie Monahan-Prudent has always known that her future was with horses. She was 2nd in her first World Cup Final in 1979 and went on to become a World Champion in team showjumping in 1986. She won the American Invitational 3 times and was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2016. Today she continues to champion the sport by coaching and mentoring young riders. She and Laura Kraut are fostering the next generation of show jumpers with their Foundation called "Road to the Top".You can...
2025-01-3154 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 22- Callan Solem - Giving up is not an optionSend us a textCallan Solem’s story is one of grit, determination and perseverance.She has and continues to pursue her dreams against all odds and without ever compromising her belief that the horse’s best interests must always come first.She is vulnerable, honest and authentic.
2025-01-2447 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 21- Beezie Madden - In a league of her ownSend us a textBeezie Madden reveals the secrets to her success- always putting the horse's needs first , the fundamentals of position and surrounding yourself with good people. She shares the stories of some of her favourite mounts and wins as well as the horses who surprised her along the way. She does it all with a sense of purpose and staying true to her core values. She explains why it is so important that she be a good role model. She is unmistakably humble and passionate.
2025-01-1754 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 20- Overwhelmingly Optimistic- Hyde MoffattSend us a textHyde Moffatt reflects on his career as a rider, trainer and clinician.He credits his desire to improve himself or his mounts just a little bit everyday with keeping him passionate about the sport of show jumping.His worth ethic and his overwhelming optimism are inspiring.His humility is refreshing.
2025-01-1036 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 19- Dustin Gonnet - Cowboy to the CoreSend us a textHall of Fame Cutting Trainer Dustin Gonnet is the first Canadian cutting trainer to earn over 2 million dollars in the sport. What is more important to him than what he has earned is that he has stayed true to his heart and his convictions. He loves the relationship he has with his horses as well as with his family.His ultimate goal is to be “Jack of all trades and master of everything!”He is truly a genuine and authentic cowboy to the core.
2024-12-201h 03Horse Tales with CatEpisode 18 - Bronwyn Hart Irwin and Jason Irwin -Daring to dream impossible dreams!Send us a textTrail blazers Bronwyn Hart Irwin and Jason Irwin are riders, trainers, clinicians and horse whisperers.They walk us through the journey that has taken them from riding and training horses to hosting “The Horse Trainers” on RFD-TV Canada and the Cowboy Channel in Canada ,landing an audition on “Canada’s Got Talent” and attending the premiere of a movie at TIFF featuring one of their horses.They have thrown out the rule book where goal setting is concerned and will inspire you with their passion.
2024-12-1346 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 17- Jen Hamilton - George Morris' first paying clientSend us a textRider, trainer and author Jen Hamilton walks us down the path of her career that started in New York and brought her to Nova Scotia.She talks about her involvement in the coaching program with Equine Canada and how it changed the trajectory of her career in coaching.She is frank, nostalgic and funny and continues to give back to the passion she has fostered for decades.
2024-12-0643 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 16 - Andre Etmekdjian - Not just a farrierSend us a textAndre Etmekdjian came to the sport of show jumping as well as the trade of being a farrier as a young boy under the tutelage of his father in the USSR. His early competitions were as a member of the army. He landed in the United States in his late teens in the 1990's and has been continuing his journey of learning ever since. His determination and message of the importance of always being present with your horse is inspiring.
2024-11-1552 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 15- Sharn Wordley's dream is reality in OcalaSend us a textRider, trainer, father , husband and entrepreneur Sharn Wordley has travelled the globe. However, his dream had always been to settle in America. Hard work and surrounding himself with the right people brought him to Ocala which he now calls home. He loves striking the balance between riding , his family and his businesses building premier riding surfaces and developing turnkey equestrian properties. His humility is touching and his energy infectious.
2024-11-0850 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 14 - Joanna Bornowski redefines relationship where your horse is concernedSend us a textHorse communicator Joanna Bornowski shares her heart based intuitive approach to having a dialogue with our four legged partners.Joanna delves into the importance of understanding that our agenda may not align with our horse's desires and that horses have as many different personalities as people. She also touches on all the changes in a horse's environment that can trigger an emotional response from them that may manifest as a behavioral or physical symptom. Finally she offers 3 tools a rider can immediately implement to improve their relationship with their horse.
2024-11-0148 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 13 - John Anderson has no regretsSend us a textJohn Anderson takes us along on his show jumping journey. He shares how he reluctantly started riding to developing a love that was inspired by a family of horsemen and led to creating an equestrian facility (Rocky Mountain Show Jumping ) to rival Spruce Meadows and foster riders of all levels to want to do more. He is not afraid to share his concerns for the sport in Canada and offers his solutions to get things back on track. He also gives us the inside scoop on how the Royal West came about an...
2024-10-2553 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 12- Juergen Von Buttlar lives his best lifeSend us a textRider, trainer Juergen Von Buttlar regales us with the stories of his ever evolving career. From his early days working with his father, riding bulls and driving horse trailers to flatting Canadian show jumpers at the Barcelona Olympics and partnering with Eric Lamaze , Juergen doesn’t skip a beat.He shares what separates him from the crowd and his plans for the future all with a good dose of humour.
2024-10-1858 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 11- Dr Maureen Lunney makes no apologies about putting a horse’s welfare firstSend us a textFEI registered Vet Dr Maureen Lunney touches on how anxiety manifests in horses as well as a host of other issues. She explains how the change in footing and technical difficulty of courses has impacted the injuries she sees in horses. She also talks about the value of a good blacksmith. Finally she shares the biggest challenges she faces as a vet and the greatest joy she gets from her career.
2024-10-1145 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 10 - Mac and Brenley Cone Share a Lifetime of LearningSend us a textMac and Brenley Cone talk about both their personal and professional relationship. They touch on the basics of hard work, passion and the love and respect they have for each other and their horses. They share memories of riding and training with the best. They also express their gratitude for the wonderful family they have and for getting to do something they continue to enjoy.
2024-10-0454 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 9 - Randy Roy revisits his rootsSend us a textSenior international judge, course designer, trainer and author Randy Roy regales us with stories from his humble beginnings to early days in the sport working for George Morris. He shares his passion and intention to learn all that he could about hunters and show jumping. He also talks about how important it is that he give back to the sport. He shares some of his teachings from his book " The Judge Tells All"."The Judge Tells All " is available by emailing "randyroybooks@gmail.com"
2024-09-2749 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 8- Erynn Ballard -"Hi- I'm Erynn and I will be your rider for the day "Send us a textErynn Ballard gets real about what it has taken to reach the top levels of show jumping and the real cost of that red jacket she wears. She shares where her confidence comes from and how much she loves what she does and the people and horses she works with.Erynn also gets real about the moment she realized how different it was to ride at the Olympics compared to any other competition she has been to and how that made it her feel.
2024-09-0649 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 7-Getting into your Head with John HaimeSend us a textI speak with human performance coach John Haime about the mental challengesriders face. He addresses what he considers to be a confidence crisis within the sport . He shares some simple tips to help all riders to shift their attitude to "ride big" instead of "riding small". Check out John Haime’s book “Ride Big”https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.ca%2FRide-Big-Ultimate-Equestrian-Confidence-ebook%2Fdp%2FB08XNTH2DZ%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fcrid%3D3L5SBYJB66J3Q%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rBp3q3PDNe0gmDeTBvzIS2Oc5CWqvrHd2...
2024-08-301h 02Horse Tales with CatEpisode 6 -Hands On Treatment with Don Doran and Lisa StahlSend us a textI speak with equine professionals and sports massage therapists Don Doran and Lisa Stahl. We talk about the importance of "hands on " contact with your horse not only for healing but connecting and communicating with your horse. They share the fundamentals behind their treatment practices and some simple techniques that they use with every horse that will take that athlete to the next level.
2024-08-2352 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 5-Nick Granat gets candid about course designSend us a textNick shares his foray into the world of course design as one of the youngest in North America with the FEI level 3 designation.He talks about his signature “flow approach “to design where his goal is to test the riders rather than the horses.He explains how specific elements of design like colour and types of rails work together to test all horse/rider combinations.Finally , he talks about the evolution of show jumping in terms of course design.
2024-08-1626 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 4- Ainsley Vince Defies the OddsSend us a textAinsley shares stories of her successes and challenges.She gets candid about the realities of recovering from 2 serious concussions despite the recommendations of her doctors. She also talks about her hopes and dreams for her jumping career and her business -Linden Ridge Stables.
2024-08-0941 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 3-Mario DesLauriers Goes to ParisSend us a text 3-Time Olympian Mario DesLauriers speaks with me just after being named to the Canadian Olympic Show Jumping Team heading to Paris. He talks about his journey to get there and his longevity in the sport. He also takes us behind the scenes to talk about the day to day experience of an equestrian at the Games and his unique experience as the only Canadian show jumper in Tokyo.
2024-08-0236 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 2- Beth Underhill lands in IrelandSend us a textI speak with Olympian, Canadian show jumper rider Beth Underhill at Coolmore Farm in Tipperary, Ireland where she is now working for the Watchman familly.This was recorded on June 14,2024
2024-07-2657 minHorse Tales with CatEpisode 1-Meet Jill HenselwoodSend us a textA chat with former Olympian Jill Henselwood spanning the journey of where she started and where she hopes to go.Recorded on September 9, 2022.Some of the details are a bit dated but she helped me regain my confidence in myself and my love of the sport when i was thinking of stopping. I owe it to her to share her story as she has inspired many women during the course of her career.This episode is dedicated to my friend Rebecca Parker. She got me started on this jo...
2024-07-1937 min