It’s our last episode of the year and wow, what a year it’s been. Thanks for everybody for listening. And we’ve got a great show for you tonight, with fun guests who will make you laugh, hopefully teach you something, and inspire you to keep kicking on into 2026. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 143:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Courtesy of Heels Down
• Drink Recipe: The Classic Eggnog
• Guest: Dr. Holly Helbig
• Guest: Sydney Stevenson aka Bookipsies (Find her on Instagram: @bookipsies_)
• Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Zoetis, Horse Spot, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s here! All the goodies on our holiday wish list for 2025. This month, we’re also talking to the founder of a brand new jumping and dressage circuit that wants to be the opposite of USEF. And ever wonder what goes into breed inspections for stallions and foals? You’re about to find out. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 142:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Courtesy of Heels Down
• Drink Recipe: Werther’s Hot Toddy
• Link: JJ Torano squeaks out the win in the Maclay Final
• Link: Mud, Moisture, and Scratches: Fall Skin Challenges You Shouldn’t Ignore
• Link: HDHH is in the Washington Post!
• Guest: Doug Payne of Payne Equestrian
• Guest: David Reichert of UDJC
• Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Ecogold (Introducing The Vertical, the latest innovative saddle pad from Ecogold) and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Do you ever feel like you love horses but sometimes you feel lost? Or like you’re not good enough? We’ve all been there. This month, we’re talking about how to get yourself in the right headspace on those tough days. Plus, we have the best horse show hacks to share. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 140:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Courtesy of Farah Butt
• Drink Recipe: Apple Cider Spritz
• Link: The benefits of standing “square”
• Link: Kent Farrington is unbeatable in the world cup qualifier in Traverse City
• Link: USEF Releases Guidelines To Outline Equine Welfare Best Practices
• Link: USEF Approves First General Blood Rule
• Link: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
• Product Review: Amend GI All-Natural Stomach Health Support
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: HorseSpot and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

We’re doing our best to stay caffeinated thanks to a fun new horse brand of coffee. Also this month, we’re talking about our mental prep for the sport, and how do we make the buying and selling process of horses more transparent and accessible for everyone? Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 139:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Courtesy of David Power and Monarch Creative
• Drink Recipe: Affogato
• Guest: Adam Enger, Founder of Show Jumping World
• Guest: David Power, Show Jumping Coach
• Link: It was an exciting finish in Arville between Germany and Team USA
• Link: Victoria Colvin shatters records after winning at Derby Finals for the fourth time
• Link: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
• Product Review: Happy Horse Coffee
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Ecogold and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Did anyone else watch Mai Baum make his final run at Rebecca Farm and ball their eyes out? Just me? OK. This week, we’re talking about the hunters taking over Europe and sharing out best tips on how to keep thise arenas dragged, pristine and perfect for our horses. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 138:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Featured Image: Courtesy of Yanmar Tractors America
• Drink Recipe: Hugo Spritz | Full Recipe
• Link: Mai Baum officially retires from top level eventing
• Link: The science behind the new USEF hair testing rule
• Link: The Baran Classic is such a cool concept, inviting top American hunter pros to Europe and European show jumpers trying their hand at the North American sport of hunters
• Product Review: Benefab Therapeutic Pastern Wraps | Benefab Smart Therapeutic Poll Pad
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods (Coupon code: “heelsdown20” for $20 off), and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

Ellie is fresh off a trip from New Mexico where she learned more about the world of positive reinforcement training about horses. We dive right in to learn more. And we caught up for the Kentucky 3-Day Event 4* winner ahead of his overseas trip to CHIO Aachen. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 137:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Guest: Will Coleman
• Featured Image: Courtesy of Ellie Woznica
• Drink Recipe: Sante Fe Sunset
• Link: The FEI is doubling down on double bridles
• Link: Study: Bias Against Thoroughbreds In Upper Level Eventing Is Unfounded
• Link: Wild pony born without a hoof gets a prosthetic
• Product Review: Favorite fly remedies for summer time? | Kinetic Vet roll-on fly spray + dema cloths
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods (Coupon code: “heelsdown20” for $20 off), Horse Spot, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

It’s Spring! And we have the latest fashion trends for your riding outfits (hint: there’s no florals). This week, we’re talking about how the Payne’s designed and built their dream barn, and a special friend of the show stops by. Thanks for tuning in.

Guests and Links Episode 136:

• Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
• Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
• Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
• Guests: Michael and Lindsay Lenard of The Horse Spot
• Guest: Sally Spickard of the Go Eventing Podcast
• Featured Image: Courtesy of Payne Equestrian
• Drink Recipe: Michigan Mule
• Link: Three U.S. Riders, Three Different Paths To World No. 1
• Link: Aachen entry list
• Product Review: Belt It Out Goods - New Spring Colors | Lilac, Spring Green, Willow Blue, Poppy Pink
• Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
• Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
• This episode is presented by: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods (Coupon code: “heelsdown20” dor $20 off through May), SynNutra Equine (SynChill PURE), Traverse City Horse Shows, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!