Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Episode 137: Aachen Dreams & R+ Horse Training
Ellie is fresh off a trip from New Mexico where she learned more about the world of positive reinforcement training in horses. We’re diving 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.
Click here to stream Episode 137.
Special Guest:
Will Coleman is an American event rider based in Ocala/Virginia. He’s represented the USA at two Olympic Games and the World Equestrian Games. Will has several FEI wins under his belt, including CHIO Aachen in 2021 and the 4* at the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2025. Now, Will is gearing up for a two-fer in Aachen!
More on what we talked about in this episode:
Ellie brought back a fun and fruity cocktail from the desert. | @thrillist
The FEI is sticking with double bridles despite some federation interest in allowing snaffles at the highest levels of dressage. | @COTH
This wild filly is getting a new lease on life, thanks to some help from prosthetics. | @EQUUS
Karl Cook is fresh off an exciting win in Rotterdam. | @JN
Product review: Fly control – what are your favorite tips and tricks for the hot and wet seasons? | @heelsdown
Listener perk: Get 20% now through July at Belt It Out Goods with the coupon code “heelsdown20.” Read our review about their new spring line here.
Ellie went to Via Nova Training to learn more about positive reinforcement training. | @heelsdown
Will Coleman returns to talk to us about his recent win in Kentucky and his prep leading up to CHIO Aachen. | @USEF
Mail bag: This week, we’re answering some rapid fire questions about horse care from our friends at RideiQ!
More about our hosts:
Jessica Payne is an international event rider who is rarely seen without her long-haired chihuahua under her arm. She was born in London, Ontario, but grew up in Franklin, Tenn., and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Animal Science. She’s now a coach, a mom and one-half of Payne Equestrian, a full-service eventing, show jumping and dressage operation based in North Carolina with her Olympian husband, Doug. Jess once lost the tip of her pinky finger clipping her 5* horse, and husband Doug says she can “talk to anyone including a wall….and they will like it!”
Ellie Woznica happily lives on a mountain in northern Pennsylvania in her horses’ front yard. She works from home as a graphic designer, manure mucker, and zoo keeper, but only gets paid for one of those gigs. Ellie grew up showing hunter/jumpers (and still does) but in college she learned to ride western and fell in love with reining and reined cow horse. Outside of horses, Ellie loves to knit, whittle, and write! Her boyfriend says she has too many hobbies.
Justine Griffin is an award winning journalist who has written about everything from horses to high-profile CEOs to her ovaries. (She donated her eggs once.) Two things she loves the most? Whippet puppies and cheese. Justine is a lifelong lover of Thoroughbreds and is a native Floridian.
Many thanks to this month’s partners: Yanmar, Belt It Out Goods and Horse Spot.