Episodes

  • How Do We Make Horse Sport Better?
    Mar 28 2026

    What happens when some serious horse people get together to try to better the sport? We’re about to find out. On this episode, we’re talking about what’s next for the Thoroughbred aftercare industry and do weight-loss drugs exist for horses? Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 146:

    • Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    • Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    • Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    • Drink Recipe: Negroni Blanco
    • Guest: Daniel Geitner, Grand Prix Show jumper and owner DFG Stables in Aiken & Ocala with his wife, Cathy
    • Guest: Kirsten Green, Retired Racehorse Project
    • Featured Image: Heels Down
    • Link: Germany wins at Longines at WEC
    • Link: Tamie Smith wins three divisions at Carolina
    • Link: GLP-1s for horses?
    • Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    • Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
    • Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
    • This episode is presented by: HITS, Ecogold, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Horse Show Vacation, Ocala Edition
    Feb 21 2026

    Ever wanted to go to Florida for the winter but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. This month, we’re talking about what Justine learned from attending an equine dissection and… haven’t you always wanted to try combined driving? One of the world’s leading athletes tells us all about it. Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 145:

    1. Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    2. Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    3. Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    4. Drink Recipe: Bloody Maria
    5. Guest: Doug Payne
    6. Guest: Chester Weber
    7. Guest: Gabby Hale, Victory Equine Services
    8. Featured Image: Erin Gilmore Photography
    9. Link: Mimi Gochman Clinches World Cup Final Spot With Ocala Win
    10. Link: USEF Drops Talent Search Finals Horse Swap To Reflect Direction Of Modern Jumping
    11. Link: National Horse Show Plans Move To Tryon
    12. Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    13. Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 23 mins
  • The Year Of The Fire Horse
    Jan 31 2026

    Happy 2026 y’all, the Year of the Fire Horse. We promise we lunged it before we all got on. This month, we’re kicking off the year with some of our favorite horse shows and settling in for the tougher topics of horse ownership. Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 144:

    1. Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    2. Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    3. Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    4. Featured Image: Erin Gilmore Photography
    5. Drink Recipe: Dirty Coconut Coke Mocktail for Dry January
    6. Guest: Laura Reiman, MS, NPCP-CPT, is the owner of The Pilates Powerhaus in Alexandria, Virginia, and author of ‘Pilates for Horses’. Follow for more tips on Instagram at @Pilatesforhorses or online at Pilates4horses.com
    7. Guest: Chloe Reid, Live Oak International
    8. Link: Is It Kissing Spine, Or Are You Just a Bad Rider?
    9. Link: Updates out of Wellington
    10. Link: Boyd Martin named international equestrian of the year but USEF, Greya is Horse of the Year
    11. Link: EHV Update
    12. Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    13. Subscribe: The Brief |
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Horses Keep Us Going
    Dec 13 2025

    It’s our last episode of the year and wow, what a year it’s been. Thanks for everybody for listening. And we’ve got a great show for you tonight, with fun guests who will make you laugh, hopefully teach you something, and inspire you to keep kicking on into 2026. Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 143:

    • Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    • Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    • Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    • Featured Image: Courtesy of Heels Down
    • Drink Recipe: The Classic Eggnog
    • Guest: Dr. Holly Helbig
    • Guest: Sydney Stevenson aka Bookipsies (Find her on Instagram: @bookipsies_)
    • Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    • Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
    • Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
    • This episode is presented by: Zoetis, Horse Spot, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • A Life Without USEF?
    Nov 8 2025

    It’s here! All the goodies on our holiday wish list for 2025. This month, we’re also talking to the founder of a brand new jumping and dressage circuit that wants to be the opposite of USEF. And ever wonder what goes into breed inspections for stallions and foals? You’re about to find out. Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 142:

    • Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    • Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    • Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    • Featured Image: Courtesy of Heels Down
    • Drink Recipe: Werther’s Hot Toddy
    • Link: JJ Torano squeaks out the win in the Maclay Final
    • Link: Mud, Moisture, and Scratches: Fall Skin Challenges You Shouldn’t Ignore
    • Link: HDHH is in the Washington Post!
    • Guest: Doug Payne of Payne Equestrian
    • Guest: David Reichert of UDJC
    • Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    • Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
    • Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
    • This episode is presented by: Ecogold (Introducing The Vertical, the latest innovative saddle pad from Ecogold) and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 20 mins
  • Horse Girl Boos
    Oct 18 2025
    Spooky season is here! This month, we’re talking about horse health tips you don’t want to skip on during fall, and preparing for the most festive time of the year.Guests and Links Episode 141:Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down MagazineHost: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne EquestrianHost: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel CreekFeatured Image: Courtesy of ZoetisDrink Recipe: Pumpkin Spice White RussiansLink: Laura Kraut first female to break the top 10 rankings in yearsLink: One rail keeps Coleman from the win, but Boyd is a class act at Morven Park US Equestrian Open FinalLink: The internet just won’t let horse girl fashion goLink: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.comProduct Review: "Buy Less Dewormer Campaign" by ZoetisSubscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our PatreonJoin our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“This episode is presented by: Zoetis and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONDo not use Quest Gel or Quest Plus Gel in foals less than 6 months of age or in sick, debilitated and underweight horses. Do not use these products in other animal species, as severe adverse reactions, including fatalities in dogs, may result. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of parasitism.
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • Horse Show Hacks For The Win
    Sep 20 2025

    Do you ever feel like you love horses but sometimes you feel lost? Or like you’re not good enough? We’ve all been there. This month, we’re talking about how to get yourself in the right headspace on those tough days. Plus, we have the best horse show hacks to share. Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 140:

    • Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    • Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    • Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    • Featured Image: Courtesy of Farah Butt
    • Drink Recipe: Apple Cider Spritz
    • Link: The benefits of standing “square”
    • Link: Kent Farrington is unbeatable in the world cup qualifier in Traverse City
    • Link: USEF Releases Guidelines To Outline Equine Welfare Best Practices
    • Link: USEF Approves First General Blood Rule
    • Link: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    • Product Review: Amend GI All-Natural Stomach Health Support
    • Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
    • Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
    • This episode is presented by: HorseSpot and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Making Show Jumping More Accessible
    Aug 23 2025

    We’re doing our best to stay caffeinated thanks to a fun new horse brand of coffee. Also this month, we’re talking about our mental prep for the sport, and how do we make the buying and selling process of horses more transparent and accessible for everyone? Thanks for tuning in.

    Guests and Links Episode 139:

    • Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
    • Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
    • Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
    • Featured Image: Courtesy of David Power and Monarch Creative
    • Drink Recipe: Affogato
    • Guest: Adam Enger, Founder of Show Jumping World
    • Guest: David Power, Show Jumping Coach
    • Link: It was an exciting finish in Arville between Germany and Team USA
    • Link: Victoria Colvin shatters records after winning at Derby Finals for the fourth time
    • Link: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at Justine@heelsdownmedia.com
    • Product Review: Happy Horse Coffee
    • Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
    • Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
    • This episode is presented by: Ecogold and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 23 mins