Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast 84: Can The Hunters Ever Be Cool Again?
There’s been a lot of discussion about the hunters lately – is it really the most friendly discipline for the average rider? Or what needs to happen for it to be more inclusive? This week, we’re sipping cocktails with America’s leading polo player and we’ve got 99 problems but boarding ain’t one. Thanks for tuning in.
Click here to stream Episode 84.
Special guests:
Nic Roldan is the leading American polo player and current Captain of the American Polo Team. He is the youngest ever polo player to win the US Polo Open with the Escue Team at the age of 15. His home base is in Wellington, Florida. His most recent venture is alcohol, with the launch of High-Goal Luxury Gin.
Hope Glynn‘s career in hunter training and riding has developed over 20 years. She ranks in the top ten in the country of leading derby riders for money won in the United States. In addition to her success as a rider, Hope has trained junior and amateur hunter riders to wins across the country.
More on what we talked about in this episode:
Nic joins us for a toast with his new High Goal Luxury Gin. Delish! | @HGLG
Another one bites the dust: This time, Bramham International Horse Trials. | @BIHT
Ocala, and now Pennsylvania. After wrecking Europe, threat of EHV-1 is growing in America. | @COTH
This funny hairy legs socks campaign is helping raise money for wild horses on North Carolina’s coast. | @CO
Thank you to all our Patreon subscribers! We appreciate you. | @patreon
Product Review: We’re impressed with the new Piper Evolution Breeches by Smartpak. | @SmartPak
Are the hunters losing interest? Hope Glynn weighs in. | @HN
Mailbag: I’m considering leaving my trainer/boarding barn. How do I know when it’s time to leave?
More about our hosts:
Jessica Payne Justine Griffin Ellie Woznica
Jessica Payne is a 32-year-old 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 once lost the tip of her pinky finger clipping her 4* horse, and husband Doug says she can “talk to anyone including a wall….and they will like it!”
Ellie Woznica is a 22-year-old freelance book designer and horse trainer because she couldn’t choose which career to pursue and her mom said she wouldn’t make the decision for her. She grew up showing the hunters and jumpers, but in university, she learned to ride western and fell in love with reining.
Justine Griffin is an award winning 32-year-old 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 firm believer in unicorns and feminism. So take everything she says with a grain of salt.
Many thanks to our sponsors this week: Ecogold, Arena Saddles and SmartPak!