You know our hosts, the girls at the bar, of the Heels Down Happy Hour podcast. But now it’s time to get to know the horses who are the love and inspiration of our hosts!
The Heels Down Happy Hour podcast is a monthly podcast for all horse lovers. Hosted by Ellie Woznica, Justine Griffin and Jessica Payne, this podcast explores everything happening in the horse world from the lens of professional and amateurs all while enjoying a new cocktail every time. Cheers!
First up is Ellie’s versatile crew! Ellie Woznica owns a small farm in Pennsylvania, has a special love for draft crosses, and enjoys cross training her horses in various disciples.
Meet: No Fault of Mine (“Berkeley”)
Age: 16
Breed: Canadian Warmblood (Key Exec (Thoroughbred) x ? (Clydesdale))
Height: 16.2 hh
Loves to: Run and rear with his herdmates 🐎
Best at: Saving any bad distance
Worst at: Not begging for cookies 🍪
If they were human they’d be: The really muscled nerd with long, great hair.
Why you love them: He is an absolute dream to ride, but he is just so kind and dependable. Definitely my best friend! ❤️
Meet: Gotham (“Batman”)
Age: 17
Breed: Quarter Horse (Conquistador Whiz x Custom Cappuccino)
Height: 15 hh
Loves to: Have long back-scratching sessions with Berkeley
Best at: Loping circles and extending the trot
Worst at: Handling anxiety
If they were human they’d be: Eating popcorn while people watching at the airport🍿
Why you love them: He has so much ambition and always wants to try his best in whatever is asked of him. He just such a sweet horse who loves people!
Meet: Dun Q (“Q”)
Age: 7
Breed: Quarter Horse (Dun Roostin x Trouble is Quick)
Height: 14.1ish hh
Loves to: Chase cows and play in the snow 🐄
Best at: Taking a joke
Worst at: Not treating his herdmates like cows 🤠
If they were human they’d be: The short skater kid who likes to dye his hair fun colors🛹
Why you love them: He will literally do anything that is asked of him and loves to be mentally challenged. He is always down for an adventure and is just so fun to be around!
Next up, we get to hear from Jess Payne. Jess is a 5* eventer, show jumper, and one-half of the Payne Equestrian sport horse team in Rougemont, N.C. Jess is introducing her young horse and training and retired 5* eventer.
Meet: Iconic SSH (Icon)
Age: 6
Breed: Holsteiner
Height: 15.1
Favorite snack: Mrs Pastures treats 😋
Best at: Naps with his friend Judge 😴
Worst at: keeping blankets in tact, might be also from the help of his friend Judge 🤣
If they were human they’d be: the playful older brother
Why you love them: Icon is a feisty little horse but he is so brave and loves jumping! 💕
Meet: High Society III (Trevor)
Age: 27
Breed: Australian TB
Height: 15.3
Favorite snack: peppermints 🍬
Best at: anything jumping
Worst at: being caught in a field
If they were human they’d be: the most introverted athlete
Why you love them: Trevor is the most kind animal, I knew when I left the start box he would take care of me! ❤️❤️
Lastly is Justine’s Thoroughbred goofballs. 😜 Justine Griffin is a journalist, lifelong lover of OTTBs, and a native Floridian.
Meet: Magic Mike 🕺
Age: 13
Breed: Thoroughbred (Street Boss x Winner’s High)
Height: 17H
Favorite snack: Fingers 🖐️
Best at: Taking naps. 💤
Worst at: Keeping a clean stall 🐽
If they were human they’d be: The stoner on the football team. 🤙
Why you love them: He has the most lovely, soft, uphill canter that makes finding any distance so easy-peasy. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse for me! 🧡
Meet: War Feather 🪶
Age: 9
Breed: Thoroughbred (Soldat x Classic Feather)
Height: 16.2H
Favorite snack: @gallagherswater 😋
Best at: Going fast! 💨
Worst at: Leaving our friends behind in the field.
If they were human they’d be: The fish pic guy on Tinder. 🎣
Why you love them: Because he’s all heart, and everything a good Thoroughbred should be. ❤️
You can find the Heels Down Happy Hour podcast on the Horse Radio Network, Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.