Episode 46- Michel Vaillancourt Makes Magic in Montreal

Episode 46- Michel Vaillancourt Makes Magic in Montreal

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] It has been 50 years since Michel Vaillancourt won an individual silver medal in showjumping at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal but it feels like only yesterday when you hear his story.  At 22 years of age with a young horse who had no international experience , he was a longshot just to qualify for the team.  Couple that with an incredibly difficult course , a jump-off following a deluge of rain and an unexpected delay after warm-up and you recognize how extraordinary his accomplishment was. Michel remains the youngest equestrian to have ever won an individual medal at the Olympics. He has gone on to have a successful career as a coach and course designer and has no regrets about any of his choices. I would say that is about as good as it gets in the horse world. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

Episode 45 - Luis Sabino Goncalves- An Unexpected Arrival

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] Luis Sabino Goncalves started his riding career in Santarim , Portugal as a bullfight rider. However,it did not take long after his exposure to showjumping in Lisbon that he decided he had found his real calling. After spending years in Europe pursuing his dream he found himself unexpectedly in America during the pandemic and decided to make Ocala, Florida his home . There he has established a solid business in sales, training and riding by being very focussed on keeping a smaller number of horses and clients under his watchful eye. Like many of the riders and trainers I have spoken with over the last couple of months, Luis does not believe in a “one size fits all “ approach but rather changes his training plan to suit each horse depending on what they did on any given day. English is not Luis’ first language but his passion for the horses and training does not need translating. The excitement comes through in his voice when he talks about the riders he helps and the horses he works with. He has represented the  national team for Portugal at many championships but is finally in the enviable position of having a mount that could make his dream of going to the Olympics a possibility. I for one am jumping on the support team that hopes to see him in Los Angeles. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

Episode 44- Shane Sweetnam -Purposefully Patient

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] There are two things you need to immediately know about showjumping legend  Shane Sweetnam. The first is that he is from Castlemagner not Dunmanway. The second is that his partnerships with his horses are always evolving. What immediately struck me in my conversation with Shane was that he is very much in tune with his horses and he is of the mind that there is not one mold that fits all. He says that it is important that each horse is in the right place at the right time and with the right state of mind. He also is the first rider to talk about ring IQ and how the best horses all have the ability to figure things out when they are competing. In fact, they may learn more in the ring on competition day than when they are practicing. Shane also has a good system and good control over his nerves and like many good riders gives credit to his support  team especially his wife. I walked away feeling that I had met someone who has truly mastered the art of show jumping and totally respects the art. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

Episode 43- Eric Lamaze Part 2 - Controversial? You Decide.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] In part 2 of the series, showjumping legend Eric Lamaze sits down with me to share his side of the lawsuits that have impacted him and where they sit right now.  He does not pull any punches as far as the details are concerned. Be that as it may, he also gives his insight on what role horsemanship plays in finding a new mount for an amateur and how important it is that the horse and rider be actual partners. He laments that many riders are in a rush to get in the ring and neglect this aspect of the sport. He cautions both riders and trainers to take their time. Finally , he reveals that his Olympic and Pan American medals are not in his possession and appeals to those who have them to return them to him. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.

Episode 42-Sean Jobin - Returns to his Roots

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] It is not often a Canadian rider at World Equestrian Centre (Ocala) gets to hear the Canadian anthem play in the hotel ring. However, Sean Jobin managed to experience it twice this past winter at the 3* level. Add to this a win in the International ring at Spruce Meadows on his first time there in 2024, several podiums in 2025 and it gives one reason to pause . After spending several years in the US, Sean is returning to Canada to where he first started and hoping to create a thriving business at Antrim Equestrian.  Low key by nature, Sean shows some excitement when he talks about his hopes for the future. He is off to a good start with the home team he has created and a young horse that seems to be taking on new challenges in stride. I expect we will see Sean representing the team and continuing to impress us for many years to come with his slow, steady and horse-centric approach. I believe he is a rider to keep in your sights. This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP. Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.  Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.