Cheers to Seven Years: Our Favorite Podcast Episodes of 2024
Seven years ago, Heels Down set out to launch a podcast that was relatable, funny, silly, but still informative for equestrians everywhere. Fast forward to today, and we’ve logged hundreds of interviews with horse industry professionals and Olympic riders, sipped too many delicious cocktails and had millions of laughs.
If you’re looking for influencer-esque, high-gloss and scripted, Heels Down Happy Hour ain’t for you. But if you want real, authentic conversations, hilarious mishaps and have an appetite for learning more about horses, keep tuning in.
We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone – wrapping up our seventh year of podcasting. Grab a drink and take a walk down memory lane with us as we remember our favorite episodes from 2024. Cheers!
Episode 121: To Braid or Not To Braid
In this episode from February, we decided, collectively as a group, that braiding is for the birds. Remember dear listeners: read your rulebook. In many cases, braiding is in fact *optional* in the competition ring. And if Olympic judge Marilyn Payne says she doesn’t care if a horse is braided, well heck, we don’t care either.
Episode 122: How To Talk To Horse People On The Internet
In the very next month, we grab some bloody marys and try to break down why it’s so hard to have a constructive conversation about horse welfare and social license in 2024. We talked to two pros – Shelley Onderdonk, DVM, and Adam Snow, authors and a married couple – on how to approach this.
Episode 126: All Things Paris
How could we not include our official Paris Olympic Games episode on this list? From the amazing backdrop of the Versailles gardens to the fantastic performances of some of our favorite riders, it was a summer Games to remember, for sure. Catch up on all the glory.
Episode 128: How To Afford Life With Horses
Horses have always been expensive. But lately, it feels like costs are out of control. In this episode from September, we talked about how we’re making ends meet. Our hosts shared our cost saving tips for around the barn and tackled another biggie: how to confront imposter syndrome. You’ll definitely want a drink while listening to this one.
Episode 129: Happy Fall Y’all
Cheers to our favorite time of year: autumn! In this episode from October, we’re talking about how to build fitness in our horses and pose a very important question to Ellie, our resident Western rider. Why don’t riders in the Western world wear helmets?
Episode 131: So Long, Goodbye 2024. Helllooooo 2025!
Ring in the new year with us. Are you team goals or no goals? There’s no wrong answers here. In this episode from December, we’re recapping the greatest moment of horse sports in 2024 and are cautiously optimistic for what 2025 will bring. Cheers!
Stay tuned for another full year of episodes in 2025 from Heels Down Happy Hour. In the meantime, you can follow us online at: @heelsdownhappyhour on Instagram, and Heels Down Mag on Facebook and TikTok. If you love our show, please give us a rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play or wherever you listen to podcasts.!