Horse Tales with Cat

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.

Episode 41-Elena Haas - Triumphantly emerging from the (not so) great pandemic

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] When Covid 19 shut down most of the world , Elena Haas had the same concerns that most of us had . She was not sure how she would continue to do the things that brought her the most joy. However, she quickly realized that there were some blessings during that restrictive period - riders could continue to ride their horses and studies would go online. She seized that opportunity to shift her passion to be front and centre in her world and also shared the joy of being at the stables with her family giving them some semblance of normalcy.  Delightful is the word I would use to describe my time spent with Elena. She is earnest, thoughtful and exceptionally grateful for the privilege to be doing something that she loves so much .She has a tremendous work ethic and has balanced her riding with a rigorous university schedule without complaint. She repeatedly reminds me that no one could have ever thought such a dark time as the pandemic could have had blessings, but for her there was and she is eternally grateful for that . This episode is dedicated to Elena’s horse “Centana” , who passed away , and without whom, she thinks none of her dreams would have been realized. 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 40 -Leopoldo Palacios- The Maestro

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382655/fan_mail/new] There have been many times in the last year that I have been struck by what a gift it is to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with the best that the sport of show jumping has to offer .  None no more than this last episode. Hot on the heels of my conversation with Norman Dello Joio , I had the opportunity to sit down with Leopoldo Palacios. What made it even more special is that we were sitting in the stands of the Stadium ring at WEC in Ocala , watching competitors jump one of his courses. Leopoldo  knows this sport so intimately- it has been his life’s work and he has studied well beyond his craft. His enthusiasm is infectious and his attention to detail unparalleled. His primary goal is to protect the horses and challenge the riders. He likens what he does as a designer to making a soup - all the ingredients come together to make the finished product. I thought about calling this episode - The Chef but I didn’t think that quite captured everything Leopoldo does out in rings where he designs. He jokes that his mentor Pam Caruthers told him not to worry too much about the distances. She told him that  “the riders will always find a way to make it more difficult.” I learned so much about Leopoldo, his designs, the sport and life from my time with him. I hope that you do too. 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.