EquiRatings Eventing Podcast

It’s Saturday night at Badminton — and we’ve lived every emotion the sport can throw at us. A sellout crowd, a rollercoaster day of cross-country, and a leaderboard stacked with tension heading into the final phase. From Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent’s classy round to that breathtaking performance from Ros and Lordships Graffalo, we break down the big moments, surprise packages, and leaderboard shake-ups that have set the stage for a thrilling finale. This episode is jam-packed with special guests — none of whom you’ll want to miss. Highlights: * Leaderboard Leaders – Cooley Rosalent and Graffalo steal the show * Graffalo Magic – Nick Luck on rhythm, poetry, and Ros Canter’s game face * Kate’s Big Moment – An emotional family debut for Kate Rocher-Smith * Stats & Strategy – Diarm breaks down flags, clear rates, and time * Grooms Behind the Scenes with YETI – Ali Barrett’s first time in the mix zone Guests: * Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder * Nicole Brown – Host, EquiRatings Eventing Podcast * Nick Luck – Broadcaster with expert reaction to cross-country day * Alice Rocher – Sister of Kate Rocher-Smith, sharing an emotional behind-the-scenes perspective * 247 Clothing Direct – Discussing branding, eventing, and Badminton impressions * Rosie Williams – CEO of British Eventing, reflecting on the day and the importance of horsemanship * Ian Cassells – Rider of Master Point, offering insights into his round and strategy * Tracey Johnston – Co-owner of Eco Voltz, on supporting the sport and helping riders move fast (off the horse!) * Ros Canter – Whose near-flawless cross-country round was the talk of the day * Yasmin Ingham – World Champion and top British rider, sharing her reaction and reflections from the mixed zone * Ali Barrett – Newest member of the EquiRatings team, sharing her first-time experience in the media mix zone The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it. * Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk [https://www.ecovoltz.co.uk/]. * Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com [https://www.voltairedesign.com/]. * 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can browse the range at https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/ [https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/]  EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eventingpodcast/?hl=en] and Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/eventingpodcast] 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing [https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing/] for your ultimate Badminton companion.

It’s cross-country day at Mars Badminton 2025 — and the tension is sky-high. With the leaderboard wide open and the going nearly perfect, Diarm and Spike hit record en route to the showground and play a game of Tomorrow’s Headlines Today. From potential game-changers to big questions for the favourites, they make their boldest predictions yet. Will Graffalo rise to the occasion? Can Cooley Rosalent deliver under pressure? And how tight will that 11:40 time really ride? It’s one of the most unpredictable Saturdays we’ve seen at a five-star in years — and the field is stacked with contenders. Highlights: * Who leads tonight? Dee and Spike pick their headline acts * Dressage shake-ups: what we learned and who got shortchanged * Course insights: the cumulative challenge of an Eric Winter track * Riders under pressure: where history and headspace collide * Bold predictions, bad traffic, and a van full of stats Guests: * Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder * Peter “Spike” Milligan – Vet and five-star analyst The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it. * Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk [https://www.ecovoltz.co.uk/]. * Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com [https://www.voltairedesign.com/]. * 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can browse the range at https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/ [https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/]  * Yeti - https://uk.yeti.com/ [https://uk.yeti.com/]  EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eventingpodcast/?hl=en] and Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/eventingpodcast] 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing [https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing/] for your ultimate Badminton companion.

It’s cross-country day at Mars Badminton 2025 — and the tension is sky-high. With the leaderboard wide open and the going nearly perfect, Diarm and Spike hit record en route to the showground and play a game of Tomorrow’s Headlines Today. From potential game-changers to big questions for the favourites, they make their boldest predictions yet. Will Graffalo rise to the occasion? Can Cooley Rosalent deliver under pressure? And how tight will that 11:40 time really ride? It’s one of the most unpredictable Saturdays we’ve seen at a five-star in years — and the field is stacked with contenders. Highlights: * Who leads tonight? Dee and Spike pick their headline acts * Dressage shake-ups: what we learned and who got shortchanged * Course insights: the cumulative challenge of an Eric Winter track * Riders under pressure: where history and headspace collide * Bold predictions, bad traffic, and a van full of stats Guests: * Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder * Peter “Spike” Milligan – Vet and five-star analyst The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it. * Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk [https://www.ecovoltz.co.uk/]. * Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com [https://www.voltairedesign.com/]. * 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can browse the range at https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/ [https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/]  * Yeti - https://uk.yeti.com/ [https://uk.yeti.com/]  EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eventingpodcast/?hl=en] and Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/eventingpodcast] 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing [https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing/] for your ultimate Badminton companion.

It’s the end of dressage day two at Mars Badminton 2025 — and the leaderboard is taking shape. Today on the Badminton Tour Diaries, Nicole and Diarm catch up on the standout performances so far, including Oliver Townend’s test with Cooley Rosalent taking him into the lead going into Saturday. From shifting averages to judging patterns, they break down what it all means heading into the weekend. We also check in with Eco Voltz rider Joseph Murphy, who reflects on his two rides — including the promising young Belline Fighting Spirit — and gives us insight into his prep for cross-country day (spoiler: e-bikes are a game-changer). Selina Milnes talks about Gelmer’s sensitive side and shares her cross-country thoughts ahead of Saturday’s test, while Lucy Miles joins us in the YETI Grooms’ Corner with a brilliant behind-the-scenes look at Tayla Mason’s whirlwind Badminton debut with Centennial — from waitlist drama to family reunions and team Kiwi spirit. Highlights: * Personal Bests & Predictions – Nicole and Diarm unpack dressage day 2 * Joseph Murphy – Two horses, one busy week, and a bold Saturday ahead * The Gelmer Game Plan – Selina Milnes on managing nerves and big fences * Grooms Behind the Scenes with YETI – Lucy Miles on grooming, motherhood, and five-star life Guests: * Diarmuid Byrne – EquiRatings co-founder * Joseph Murphy – Eco Voltz rider and five-star competitor * Selina Milnes – Five-star rider * Lucy Miles – Former head groom for Team Price, now grooming for Tayla Mason * Nicole Brown – Host, EquiRatings Eventing Podcast The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it. * Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk [https://www.ecovoltz.co.uk/]. * Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com [https://www.voltairedesign.com/]. * 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can browse the range at https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/ [https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/]  EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eventingpodcast/?hl=en] and Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/eventingpodcast] 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing [https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing/] for your ultimate Badminton companion.

It’s Thursday at Mars Badminton 2025, and the stories are already building. In today's Badminton Tour Diaries, Nicole and Diarm catch up on the standout dressage performances from day one — from Tom McEwen’s personal best to Oliver Townend’s score on Ballaghmor Class — and unpack what it means for the weekend ahead. Nicole catches up with Lara de Liedekerke-Meier on her return to Badminton — joined by her husband, coach, trainer and Belgian team chef d’équipe, Kai-Steffen Meier— as they reflect on her test from today, the cross-country track, and what it means to ride at the sport’s pinnacle. We also go inside the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience with Sarah French and Jane Jessop, who offer a fresh take on five-star ownership — and how syndicates like this are opening up the thrill of top-level sport to passionate supporters across the country. Grassroots rider Brian Leung, a British Army Reservist, shares his inspiring journey from late starter to qualifying for the LeMieux Grassroots Championships — and what it means to ride at the iconic grounds of Badminton House.  We’ve also teamed up with YETI to spotlight the teams behind the scenes — starting with head groom to Susie Berry, Chrisy Salmon, on the magic, chaos, and care that makes five-star possible Highlights: * Back at Badminton – Lara on her dressage, the track, and wearing many hats with Kai * Accessible Ownership – Behind the scenes with the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience * From Service to Start Box – Brian’s grassroots path and what it means to represent the military * Grooms Behind the Scenes – Chrisy Salmon shares what it takes to care for five-star horses Guests: * Lara de Liedekerke-Meier – Five-star winner and back at Badminton with her homebred mare * Kai-Steffen Meier – Belgian team coach and five-star rider * Brian Leung– Grassroots competitor and British Army Reservist * Jane Jessop & Sarah French – Members of the Will Rawlin Eventing Experience * Chrisy Salmon – Head groom to Susie Berry   The Eventing Podcast Badminton Podcast Diaries are brought to you by Eco Voltz, Voltaire Design, 247 Clothing Direct, and YETI — brands that support the sport and the stories that shape it. * Eco Voltz – Makers of premium electric bikes for countryside life and competition days. Visit them at Stand 44 or explore the range at www.ecovoltz.co.uk [https://www.ecovoltz.co.uk/]. * Voltaire Design – Handcrafted French saddles trusted by elite riders across the world. Find them at Stand 243 and online at www.voltairedesign.com [https://www.voltairedesign.com/]. * 247 Clothing Direct – Premium custom clothing designed with style, quality and performance in mind. They’re not exhibiting this year, but you can browse the range at https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/ [https://www.247clothingdirect.co.uk/]  EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eventingpodcast/?hl=en] and Facebook. [https://www.facebook.com/eventingpodcast] 👀 Want more insights, picks, and data-driven takes? Follow @equiratings_eventing [https://www.instagram.com/equiratings_eventing/] for your ultimate Badminton companion.