Major League Eventing Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: Major League Eventing

Major League Eventing (MLE) is an independent marketing and promotional organization dedicated to creating an international platform for the exciting sport of eventing and providing eventers with increased exposure to fans and sponsors. With this goal in mind, the MLE podcast hosts eventing professionals from various sectors and levels of the sport in engaging conversations aimed at entertaining existing fans and cultivating new supporters for the greatest sport on four legs.

Maya Clarkson - 2025 Young Rider 3* Champion
#345
Today at 6:00 AM

This week, Karen and Robby get to know Maya Clarkson. Maya joins us after being crowned the 2025 Young Rider 3* Champion at the Maryland Horse Trials with her horse Maks Mojo C. Maya shares her story of growing up in California and riding at a lesson barn to then moving to Germany for a year to work and ride show jumpers. Once back in the US, Maya started riding with Shannon Lilley where she found Maks. Maya now has her own business in Middleburg, VA and trains with Lauren Nicholson. We hope you enjoy getting to know Maya as much...


Kenta Hiranaga - Japan to the US - Making his dreams come true!
#344
07/02/2025

Karen and Robby get to know Japan's 3* rider, Kenta Hiranaga. Kenta is here in the US training with Boyd Martin. We hear all about what he is doing at Windurra and what his future goals are. We wish Kenta the best of luck getting to LA2028! 

To follow Kenta's journey:

https://www.instagram.com/kenta_usa_life_eventing/

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Caitlin O'Roark - 3* Eventer and Head Rider for Lauren Nicholson
#343
06/18/2025

This week, Karen and Robby get to know 3* Eventer Caitlin O'Roark. Caitlin shares her story of growing up in Virginia where her mom breeds sporthorses which led her, at a very young age meeting Lauren Nicholson. Caitlin eventually started taking lesson with Lauren and also David O' Connor. Today, Caitlin is know the head rider for Lauren where she competes some of Mrs. Mars' horses along with a couple of her own. We hope you enjoy getting to know Caitlin as much as we did!

PC: Tidbits Media

Follow Caitlin's journey:

https://www...


Tommy Greengard - West Coast 4* Eventer
#342
06/11/2025

Karen and Robby get to know West Coast 4* Eventer, Tommy Greengard. Tommy tells the story of coming from non-horsey parents and finding his way to taking lessons at a large lesson barn. Tommy now runs his business out of Chocolate Horse Farm in Pataluma, CA. Tommy also shares with us what happened to him at the Kentucky 4* when he learned the wrong Dressage test. We also found out that Tommy has a Corgi named Buzz and of course we try to get him to enter in this years Maryland Corgi Cup. We hope you enjoy getting to know Tommy...


Sara Schulman - Advanced Amateur Eventer
#341
05/28/2025

Karen and Robby meet Sara Schulman. Sara is an inspiration to the Amateur in the sport of Eventing. While she works a full time job, Sara is able to train and compete and was even able to place 2nd at the 2024 Maryland 3*L where she held the position from start to finish. Sara is now competing at the Advanced level and have plans to go all the way in the sport. It was so much fun getting to know Sara and we think you will enjoy her story!

To follow Sara's journey:

https://www.instagram...


Taren Hoffos - West Coast 4* Eventer
#340
05/21/2025

Karen and Robby meet 4* West Coast Eventer, Taren Hoffos. Taren shares her story of growing up in California where her family bought Copper Meadows and would hold events up to the 4*. Now Taren runs her business out of the family farm where she teaches lessons and hosts clinics. We had a great time getting to know Taren and we hope you do too!

PC: Alison Green for Shannon Brinkman Photo

To follow Taren's journey:

https://www.facebook.com/THEventing

https://www.instagram.com/tarenhoffos/

https://www.instagram.com/coppermeadows/<...


Yves Sauvignon - Top West Coast Trainer
#339
05/07/2025

Karen and Robby get to know Yves Sauvignon. Yves is native to France but moved to the West Coast to start Oakridge Training Stables in 1981. Since moving to the states, Yves has produced many top  names in the sport and was a Gold Medal YR coach. Yves talks about how he always knew he wanted to be a trainer and the schooling he went through in France. We hope you enjoy getting to know Yves as much as we did! 


Oakridge Training Stables:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057808293659

Pl...


Gabriella Ringer - USEA U21 Athlete
#338
04/30/2025

Karen and Robby get to know West Coast 3* rider, Gabriella Ringer. Gabriella was just announced to the 2025 USEA Emerging Athlete Under 21 Program and she tells us all about the process and what's to come. She also tells us her story of growing up and riding at a Dude Ranch only to be upset when the only lesson barn around taught English. Thankfully, Gabriella found Eventing and along with her horse Get Wild placed 4th recently at the Twin Rivers 3*. We hope you enjoy getting to know Gabriella as much as we did.


To follow...


Guide to Working Student Success Roundtable
#337
04/23/2025

Karen and Robby have a roundtable discussion with Alex Conrad, Bradley Champagne, Emma Yanek and Joe Bowersox about the do's and don'ts of becoming a working student. They share their experiences and Alex talks about what he learned from his time as a working student and uses today in his very successful business. Anyone thinking of becoming a working student should listen and hear all the great advice given!

PC: Ecogold

To follow the rountable guests:

https://www.facebook.com/ConradEquestrian/

https://www.conradequestrian.com/

https://www.instagram.com...


Katie Sisk - Eventer/Vet/Mom of Twin Boys
#336
04/09/2025

This week, Karen and Robby get to know Eventer Katie Sisk. Katie lives in the Midwest where she runs her own veterinarian practice called Kaydence Sports Medicine and Rehab, competes at the 2* level and is a mom of twin 16 month old boys. Katie talks about how she is able to juggle everything with the help of her husband, family and friends. Katie also is in the process of breeding horses called Kaydence Sport Horses and hopefully in the next couple years we will see them out competing at the upper levels. Katie is a true inspiration and we hope...


Sara Kozumplik 5* Eventer Returns!
#335
03/26/2025

Karen and Robby catch up with another returning guest, 5* Eventer Sarah Kozumplik. The last time Sara was on the podcast was back in August 2019 and we had a lot of catching up to do! The last time Sara was on she was just working on helping develop a new Eventing facility in Florida, which turned out to be TerraNova. Sarah updates us on everything she has going on, plus her longtime partner Ruebens and the surgery that has helped her other upper lever horse Rock Phantom. And of course, we hear all about her new puppy Jude.  We hope y...


Valerie Pride 5* Eventer & FEI Level 3 Eventing Dressage Judge
#334
03/19/2025

Karen and Robby welcome back 5* Eventer and FEI Level 3 Eventing Dressage judge Valerie Pride. Valerie was on the MLE podcast back on October 21, 2020 and we had a lot of catching up to do. Valerie most recently judged at the Maryland 5* and explains everything that the Ground Jury has to do - it's not just judging Dressage. She also has some exciting news that will take her on a European tour this fall to judge the European Championships at Blenhem, the 7 year old Championships at Cornbury and then Burghley. Valerie also competes and runs her business Blue Clover Eventing and...


Catching Up with Ariel Grald
#333
03/12/2025

Karen and Robby catch up with previous guest, 5* eventer Ariel Grald. Since the last time Ariel has been on the MLE podcast in 2019, she has placed 3rd at Luhmulen and placed 11th individually at the World Championships in Pratoni with her longtime partner Leamore Master Plan. In 2024 at the Kentucky 5*, Simon suffered an injury where he is now living the semi retired life and is fuzzy and chunky with hopes to slowly bring him back to some sort of competing - maybe in the show jumping ring. Even with Simon sidelined, Ariel is busy with several top horses that...


Catching Up with Frankie Thieriot-Stutes
#332
02/26/2025

Karen and Robby catch up with the very busy Frankie Thieriot-Stutes. Frankie let's us know all that she has going on - from the Aiken Showcase, Kentucky 5*, Behind the Barn as well as her business Athletux. Frankie also talks about the importance of the Young Pro Program!


To learn more about Athletux and Frankie:

https://athletux.com/

https://www.instagram.com/athletux/?hl=en


Please support our sponsors:
https://cowboymagic.com/
https://manentailequine.com/
https://exhibitorlabs.com/
https://www.triplecrownfeed.com/<...


Natalie Hummel - How to Heal
#331
02/12/2025

Karen and Robby welcome back 2x previous guest, Natalie Hummel. Natalie is a Transformational Life Coach and a Nervous System Practitioner. This week Natalie discusses the nervous system and how important it is to recognize when you are holding back due to fear of making mistakes or not being good enough. Natalie gives us some great advice on how to heal to be able to perform better. Natalie also gives us her prediction of the Eagles/Chiefs Super Bowl - will she be correct?


To learn more about Natalie:

https://nataliehummelcoaching.com/<...


Ivie Cullen-Dean - 3* Eventer
#330
02/05/2025

Karen and Robby get to know 3* Eventer, Ivie Cullen-Dean. Ivie shares her story of being from a non-horsey family to eventually getting her first horse and then making her way to the 3*. Ivie is a University of Kentucky graduate where she majored in Digital Communications with minor in Criminology and Sociology. Ivie even makes her prediction of who she thinks will win the Super Bowl since her team, the Buffalo Bills are out. We hope you enjoy getting to know Ivie as much as we did.

To follow Ivie's journey:

https://www.facebook.com/ivie...


Greylin Booth - 2024 USEA Junior Prelim Rider of the Year to Stanford University
#329
01/29/2025

Karen and Robby get to know Eventer, Greylin Booth. Greylin is a West Coast Young Rider that is a senior in high school and was recently accepted to Stanford University. Greylin is also the 2024 USEA Prelim Junior Rider of the Year and a member of the Area 6 YR Silver Medal Team. Greylin grew up in the Equitation world and just a couple years ago switched to Eventing where she became hooked! Thank you to Frankie from Athletux for introducing us to Greylin.

Please support our sponsors:
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https://exhibitorlabs...


Ashley Trier - 3* Eventer
#328
01/22/2025

Karen and Robby get to know 3* Eventer, Ashley Trier. Ashley shares her story of being from a non-horsey family and tricking her mom into letting her ride a horse at a local Western barn. By 10 years old, she bought her first horse and then eventually found her 3* horse Maybelline Covergirl. Ashley know runs her business out of Virginia and winter in Ocala, Fl. We had a lot of fun getting to know Ashley and we think you will too!

PC: Brant Gamma

To follow Ashley's journey:
https://www.ashleytriereventing.com/
https://www.facebook...


Kelty O'Donoghue - 3* Eventer
#327
01/15/2025

Karen and Robby get to know 3* Eventer, Kelty O'Donoghue. Kelty grew up in the Midwest riding alongside her sister Meghan on their parents farm learning from Ralph Hill and Jan Byyny. Kelty later moved to the east coast to work for Lynn Symanski before moving to Texas to start her own business. Kelty now runs her business in Virginia and winters in Ocala. Kelty also shares how she purchased her now 3* horse, Kilcannon Kandy Kid for $1! We hope you enjoy getting to know Kelty as much as we did. Thank you Jessica Revels for recommending Kelty!

PC...


2024 Year In Review
#326
01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Karen and Robby sit down with a pour of a 15 year Pappy Van Winkle to discuss all things that happened with MLE in 2024. We go over how we are listened to in 68 countries, our top 5 US cities and the top 5 listened to episodes. You'll even get a little insight on what we have going on personally as well as all things Corgi related. We hope you enjoy!

Please support our sponsors:
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Sign up for...


Sally Spickard - The Interviewer Becomes The Interviewee
#325
12/18/2024

Karen and Robby brings on one of everyone's favorite Equestrian Journalist, Sally Spickard. Sally is put in the "Hot Seat" and we get to know all her and everything she has going on. Sally shares her story of always loving horses and writing "reports" when she was little about the most recent horse race. Little did she know that was the start of her passion about writing about horse sports. Sally now owns a portion of Eventing Nation and hear all about a new and exciting project they have coming up in 2025! We hope you enjoy!

Sally...


Dorothy Crowell Interview
#324
12/11/2024

Karen and Robby get to know the legendary, Dorothy Crowell. Dorothy is a 1994 WEG Individual Silver Medalist and is the Inaugural Kentucky 5* winner. Dorothy talks about her famous partner, Molokai who was inducted into the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame in 2015. Today, Dorothy organizes Educational Classical Format 3-Day event for Starter up to Training and discusses the importance of Horsemanship. It was a pleasure getting to know Dorothy and we hope you enjoy!

To follow the Educational Classical Format 3-Day:
https://www.facebook.com/E3Day
or email Dorothy for more information:
teammolokai@gmail...


Ali Kuhn 3* Eventer
#323
11/27/2024

Karen and Robby get to know 3* Eventer, Ali Kuhn. Ali grew up and is still based in Plymouth, WI and has recently been on fire with her most recent wins with Little Hail at the Hagyard Midsouth 3 Day and Virginia Horse Center 3*S. Ali shares her story about how she got the ride on Little Hail after admiring him while being with John and Dorothy Crowell. Ali gives some great advice on not giving up at an event no matter how bad one phase was and also how riders should ride as many different horses as they can to...


Mars Maryland 5* Press Conference
#322
11/13/2024

As we finally wind things down from the Mars Maryland 5* Presented by Brown Advisory, we bring to you 3 days of press conference interviews from the 5*. Hear Tamie Smith talk about the future plans with Mai Baum, what the riders thought of the cross country course and how Buck Davidson only hears his daughters while he's out on course. We hope you enjoy!!

Please support our sponsors:
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Patricia Scott Insurance (484)319-8923


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MD5* Radio Interviews Part 2
#321
11/06/2024

We're still continuing our interviews from the Mars Maryland 5*. This week we have interviews with Alex Conrad, Emery Reagan, Emily Hamel, Jonna Willis, Janessa Shillingstad, Meg Pelligrini, Nick Attwood, Nicki Carson, Sophie Middlebrook, Ian Stark and Nardine Oakes. Be ready to hear all about not just the 3* and 5* but also YEH, grooming, coffee and Corgis!

Please support our sponsors:
https://cowboymagic.com/
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https://www.triplecrownfeed.com/
Patricia Scott Insurance (484)319-8923


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https://mailchi.mp/b232b86de7...


MD5* Radio Interviews Part 1
#320
10/30/2024

We are still on the Mars Maryland 5* Presented by Brown Advisory high! Karen and Robby were part of the MD5* Radio and for the next 2 weeks we will be bringing you all the great interviews that were done. Part 1 has interviews with Sinead Maynard, Harry Meade, David Doel, Crosby Green, Allie Knowles, Boyd Martin, Felix Parker from Fairfax & Favor, Tiana Coudray and Lainey Ashker. We want to thank everyone at the MD5* for trusting us to bring the audience content and also to our social media team Hannah Keegan, Caroline Brooke and Emily Murphy for all the fun Tik...


Mars Maryland 5* Preview Show
#319
10/16/2024

Karen and Robby sit down with Joe Bowersox for the 2024 Mars Maryland 5* Preview Show. Joe, who is Karen's other son has worked for Boyd Martin and is currently a rider for Phillip Dutton and we get an abbreviated story on how he got his start in riding and everything he has going on today. We try to get Joe to give us some inside scoop - but that didn't happen! We give our personal opinions who we think will be the top 3 winners and our dark horse pick. It was a lot of fun for the 3 of us to...


Tyson Rementer - Cross Country Course Builder
#318
10/09/2024

Karen and Robby get to know Cross Country Course Builder, Tyson Rementer. Tyson grew up being horse crazy riding Western and started Eventing when he moved to Delaware Valley College. Later, Tyson became a working student for the legendary Bruce Davidson. This is when he met course builder, Morgan Rowsell where Tyson decided he was better suited to build jumps rather than jump them. Right now, Tyson is busy building the Mars Maryland 5*! Tyson gives us the scoop on how the planning started and how things are going. We hope you have just as much fun as we did...


Emily Bradford - 3* Rider
#317
10/02/2024

Karen and Robby catch up with long time friend, 3* Eventer Emily Bradford. Emily shares her story of growing up in a non-horsey family to working for Michael Matz and Bruce Davidson. Emily started her business, Traveler Equestrian a few years ago and has a great eye for spotting and producing top horses. We hope you enjoy getting to know Emily and recognize why she is one of our favorite riders in Area 2!

Follow Emily's journey:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090754786745
https://travelerequestrian.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFoA21leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdeMHwa93QPd88rotE9bnAuv7deGhKNZGgmj6V-UC800...


Nardine Oakes - The Strong Rider
#316
09/18/2024

Karen and Robby get to know Equestrian Performance Coach, Nardine Oakes, Nardine grew up in New Zealand and is now living in Canada where she helps riders with their strength and conditioning to make them all around better riders. Nardine gives some great tips on what our listeners can do at home to become safer and more secure in the saddle. This was such a fun interview and want to wish Nardine the best of luck at her upcoming event!

To learn more about The Strong Rider:
https://www.thestrongrider.com/
https://www.instagram.com...


Anna Buffini - International Dressage Rider
#315
09/11/2024

Karen and Robby switched things up this week by having International Dressage rider, Anna Buffini on. Get to know how she went from gymnastics to Dressage and incorporates her love of fitness to riding. Anna was recently on the East Coast to help teach a clinic at Windurra and was given the opportunity to try out some cross country and loved every minute of it. It's just a matter of time before she switches over! We hope you enjoy Anna's story and her advice as much as we did.

To follow Anna:
https://annabuffini.com/
...


Alexa Gartenberg - 4* Eventer
#314
09/04/2024

Karen and Robby get to know 4* Eventer, Alexa Gartenberg. Alexa is a member of the 2024 Eventing 25 Emerging Athlete Program and has been based in England for almost a year. Hear all about how after college, Alexa became a realtor and one night at dinner her parents told her to go to Europe. Alexa left her job behind and has since been based with Kevin McNab. Alexa currently has 3 horses in England and is gearing up to take her very talented 6 year old mare to Le Lion. Give it a listen! We're sure you'll enjoy getting to know Alexa as...


Alexa Gartenberg - 4* Eventer
#314
09/04/2024

Karen and Robby get to know 4* Eventer, Alexa Gartenberg. Alexa is a member of the 2024 Eventing 25 Emerging Athlete Program and has been based in England for almost a year. Hear all about how after college, Alexa became a realtor and one night at dinner her parents told her to go to Europe. Alexa left her job behind and has since been based with Kevin McNab. Alexa currently has 3 horses in England and is gearing up to take her very talented 6 year old mare to Le Lion. Give it a listen! We're sure you'll enjoy getting to know Alexa as...


Sean McQuillan - Making a Comeback
#313
08/28/2024

Karen and Robby get to know Advanced rider Sean McQuillan. After taking a couple years off to heal from 2 hip surgeries, Sean is looking to get back to competing and building up his business. Sean tells some great stories of being a young rider and getting to train with some of the greats like Jimmy Wofford and Karen and David O'Connor. Sean is even in the process of writing a novel! We hope you'll enjoy getting to know Sean as much as we did.

Follow Sean here:
https://www.facebook.com/McQuillanEquestrian/

Please support...


Alexa Lapp - 3* Eventer to Equestrian Business Consulting
#312
08/14/2024

Karen and Robby get to know 3* Eventer, Alexa Lapp. Learn all about how she met Jennie Brannigan and worked for her for 8 years, getting the ride on Cambalda and then eventually finding Pascal. Alexa then took a "break" from horses and started freelance grooming and is now involved in Business Consulting for Equestrians. It was so much fun getting to know Alexa and we wish her all the best with her new horse Calle!

PC: US Eventing

To follow Alexa:
https://www.instagram.com/alappequestrian/

Please support our sponsors:
https://cowboymagic...


Lizzie Hoff - Young Rider On Her Way To The Top!
#311
08/07/2024

Karen and Robby get to know Young Rider, Lizzie Hoff. Lizzie is from Washington State that during COVID got the chance to lease one of Caroline Pamukcu's horses. From there, she ended up purchasing the horse and came to the East Coast to base with Caroline and Kelly Hutchinson. Lizzie is currently riding at the 3* level and is a 6x Young Rider Medalist. We spoke to Lizzie after she returned from Paris after her family went to root on Caroline and HSH Blake in which Lizzie's mom is part owner of. Lizzie is getting ready to head back to...


2024 Paris Olympics Preview with Phillip Dutton
#310
07/24/2024

Karen and Robby talk 2024 Paris Olympics with who better than 7 time Olympian, Phillip Dutton at his beautiful farm True Prospect! Hear Phillip's thoughts on the different teams and who he thinks will be the individual "dark horse". He also talks about what it's like in the Olympic Village as well as marching in the Opening Ceremonies. We wish everyone safe rides this weekend and GO USA!!!!

To learn more about Phillip Dutton:
https://phillipdutton.com/
https://www.facebook.com/phillipduttoneventing/
https://www.instagram.com/duttoneventing/?hl=en

Please support our sponsors:
...


Nadja Minder 2024 Switzerland Olympic Team Member
#309
07/17/2024

Karen and Robby get to know 2024 Olympic Team Member for Switzerland, Nadja Minder. During the interview, Nadja was just on the road leaving CHIO Aachen in Germany. Nadja is only 24 years old and has already accomplished so much and is heading to her first of many (we are sure of it) Olympic Games. Find out what all she has going on in Switzerland and her reaction to being announced to the Team. Her future is bright and we wish her all the luck in Paris!

To follow Nadja's journey:
https://www.nadja-minder.ch/
https://www...


Briggs Surratt - 4* Eventer
#308
07/10/2024

Karen and Robby get to know 4* Eventer, Briggs Surratt. Not only is Briggs the rider of the 14.2 hand super pony Corture, he's also a man of many other talents. He has learned the art of Physio Therapy from good friend Dougie Hannum, he collects and restores old saddles, collector of bits and is an avid gardner. Briggs also talks about his vacation of a lifetime with Lucinda Green and his husband Rick Wallace to Africa. Briggs is also starting a very unique membership fan club for Corture, which will have 3 levels of membership - all with their own benefits...


Paige Ramsey - 2024 Area 2 YR Championship Team Member
#307
07/03/2024

Karen and Robby get to know Young Rider, Paige Ramsey. This week Paige is gearing up to compete at the 2024 Young Rider Championships at the Maryland International at Loch Moy. Paige will be representing Area 2 on the CCI2* Team. Paige talks about her journey to get there and her plans of going to UVA in August. We wish Paige, her teammates and everyone else the best of luck! We hope you enjoy getting to know Paige just as much as we did.
PC: Shannon Brinkman

To follow Paige's journey:
https://www.instagram.com/pramsey.equestrian/<...