Heels Down Happy Hour

Kentucky Time Is The Best Time

25 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s like Christmas in … April for anyone who loves the sport of three-day eventing. We’re gearing up for the Best Weekend All Year with a heart...

How Do We Make Horse Sport Better?

28 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when some serious horse people get together to try to better the sp...

Horse Show Vacation, Ocala Edition

21 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 l...

The Year Of The Fire Horse

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ou...

Horses Keep Us Going

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A Life Without USEF?

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ci...

Horse Girl Boos

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Horse Show Hacks For The Win

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 talki...

Making Show Jumping More Accessible

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

Drag. Dat. Arena!

26 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did anyone else watch Mai Baum make his final run at Rebecca Farm and ball their eyes out? Just me? OK. This week, we’re talking about the hunters t...

Aachen Dreams & R+ Horse Training

28 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ellie is fresh off a trip from New Mexico where she learned more about the world of positive reinforcement training about horses. We dive right in to ...

On Building The Dream Barn

24 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Spring! And we have the latest fashion trends for your riding outfits (hint: there’s no florals). This week, we’re talking about how the Pa...

Go Big In Kentucky Or Go Home

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The countdown is on my friends. It’s going to be an action-packed Best Weekend All Year in 2025, thanks to very big five-stars: the Kentucky Three D...

Spring Season, aka Mud Season

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes some ingredients illegal when it comes to supplements and medications and horse showing? This week, we’re talking to a veterinarian on wh...

Is It Spring, Yet?

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dreaming of the spring horse show season? Us too. This week, we’re sharing our favorite DIY tips to make training tools you can easily use in your h...

Get Your Head Right

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s January, and horse sport is in full swing. Whether or not you’re in sunny Florida or just dreaming about it, we’ve got all the updates. As ...

So Long, Goodbye to 2024. Hellloooo 2025!

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wow, what a year it’s been. This week we’re breaking down the highs and lows and getting excited for what’s in store in 2025. Sit down, grab a d...

Very, Very Merry

09 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you giddy for the holidays? They’ll be here before you know it! This week, we’re sharing our top gift picks for the equestrian in your life an...

It’s Fall Y’all

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The air is light and crisp and the ponies are fresh. It must be fall! This week, we’re talking about getting those horses fit and why riders in the ...

How to Afford Life With Horses

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Horses have always been expensive. But lately, it feels like costs are out of control. This week, we’re talking about how we’re making ends meet. ...

Stay Safe Friends

10 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Paris Olympics have come and gone, and gosh, what a whirlwind! We’re hitting all the highlights, which of course include Snoop Dogg in a shadbe...

All Things Paris

20 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s all systems go for the Paris Olympic Games and we just can’t wait. We’re talking to the pros on how to learn from the livestream and what i...

Gut Instincts

15 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What do we really know about horses’ gut microbiomes? This week, we’re gearing up for the Olympic Games and trying to juggle all the things, like ...

The Road To … Cold Manure

11 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does your vet want your manure sample room temp or cold? You’ll have to listen in to find out! This week, we’re talking to the 2024 winner of the ...

Kentucky or Bust!!

20 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re so close to the Best Weekend All Year and just can’t wait! This week, we’re talking to a mom who literally can do it all, and sharing tips...

How To Talk To Horse People On The Internet

16 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The countdown to the Olympic Games in Paris is on! This week, we’re talking about rider biomechanics and how to have a constructive conversatio...

To Braid Or Not To Braid

17 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re sipping on some tasty watermelon Jolly Ranchers this week and talking about social license and horse welfare. Also, is braiding for horse show...

Our Friends Up North Are NOT OKAY

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy January, y’all. We hope you’re not freezing to death. This week, we’re talking about how horse people are surviving the latest polar vorte...

Three Cheers For The End Of The Year

09 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can you believe we made it to December? This week, we’re reflecting on what a year it’s been, taking about the very serious equine vet shortage an...

Radiothon 2023 Hour 4 - Heels Down Happy Hour - Horses in the Morning

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In Radiothon Hour 4, Justine, Ellie and Jess bring you the official drink of Radiothon, Apple Cider Aperol Spritz. They are joined by members of the...

Sleepy Horse Girls

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The horse internet is losing their minds over a unique and interesting clip job at Dressage Finals. This week, it’s time for all the No Stirrup Nove...

Mission Accomplished

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everybody ‘round here is nursing a serious horse show hangover. But never fear, we’ve got all the updates from the Maryland 5-star, the Thoroughbr...

Talking About Makeovers

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The countdown to the Thoroughbred Makeover is on! This week, we’re talking to a dressage trainer almost everyone knows from Youtube and learning mor...

Test R.I.D.E Your Supplements

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Summer is for eventing championships, endless hoof care and … cocktails. This week, we’re debating about the posting trot and analyzing a formula ...

Retired Racehorses & Tasty Drinks

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the best way to pick a diamond in the rough off the racetrack? This week, we’re talking about OTTBs and how to train one successfully. Also...

Breeding in America

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to breed and train a sporthorse from the ground up? This week we’re talking to an American breeder about just that. Thanks for tun...

Finding The Balance In Everything

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re sipping on some skinny margs and talking about ration balancers. What are ration balancers anyway? Also why is everything so dang ex...

I Stream, You Stream, We All Want The Livestream

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why do people just no-call, no-show in this day and age? I mean, come on. This week, we’re happy to see Thoroughbreds getting some well deserved rec...

Horse Crazy For Horse Books

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s May, which means we’re celebrating Buy A Horse Book Day! This week, we’re talking to a horse dad about how he got sucked into the sport, an...

Kentucky Dreaming

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s almost time for the Greatest Weekend All Year. We’re talking predictions, the horses and more with Doug Payne. We will we some of you in Kent...

Working On Our Fitness… Constantly

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How many times have you heard the ‘but the horse does all the work’ BS? We’re talking to a personal trainer equestrian to set the record straigh...

Overcoming Fear, Stress, Work-Life Balance

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Work-life balance is a struggle without the horse. Add in equestrian sports and well…. It gets pretty dicey. This week we’re talking about ways to...

Mind Your Melon

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re kicking off the new year by minding our melons… seriously. We’re talking to a safety pro about that interesting Virginia Tech helmet study...

Holiday Cheer & Keep On Kicking

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. We’re celebrating the end of 2022 with one of our favorite listeners. Dont forget to kiss your horse and thanks f...

Werkin’ Women & Holiday Splurgin’

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s almost time of the holidays, if you can believe it. We’ve got all the best gifts for your horsey friends or yourself picked out. This week, w...

Dressage For All & Feeding For Winter

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Before you know it, winter will be here. This week, we’re talking to a nutritionist on how to best manage your horse’s needs through the cold mont...

Dreaming Big

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine knocking a rail with your own horse’s rouge pulled shoe. This week, we’re talking to a para rider with big dreams ahead of her and getting...

The Road to WEG

19 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever wanted to leave your adult life behind and go play ponies in Ocala for the winter? We talked to one rider who has made a professional ca...

Hundred In And Still Going Strong

15 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

100 episodes, a million laughs, too many drinks. Celebrate five-plus years of Heels Down Happy Hour this week. Thanks for tuning in. Guests and Links ...

No Failures To Communicate

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it HOT out there or is it just us? Summer riding ain’t for the weak! On this episode, we’ll share our favorite tips to stay cool in the tack an...

Authors Only

13 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re talking to not one, but three authors this week about their published works. One is Doug Payne, who also happens to be your 2022 Kentucky Thre...

The Best Weekend All Year

08 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s almost time for the Best Weekend All Year - the Kentucky Three-Day Event! We’re gearing up for the big show with not one, but two competitors...

How To Be Legendary Like Robert Dover

12 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Horses know when we’re wrong and judge us silently. Imagine that. This week, we’re talking to a legendary dressage pro about his remarkable journe...

Repost - Foot-Perfect Arenas & More

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Arena footing has come a long way in recent years. There are so many options out there. We break it down with an expert this week. We’ll also get an...

The Great Horse Vacuum Episode

22 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ellie’s been dying to talk about horse vacuums, so here we are. She’ll answer all your questions. This week, we’re talking to a guest who is tak...

Barn Friends Are The Best Friends

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Guys, we’ve almost made it. 2021 is nearly over and we’re hopeful 2022 is gonna be the best one yet. This week we’re celebrating the holidays wi...

Got 99 Problems & The Supply Chain Is One

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How much do you really know about the supply chain issues affecting businesses, including those in the horse industry? We break it down with the owner...

It's Been A Minute

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hey guys, we’re back! Thanks for sticking with us. This week, we’re stoked to have Jess on the ground at the inaugural Maryland 5* Horse Trials. E...

Barefoot Jumpers and Muddy Mayhem

21 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re talking to a top notch farrier on what it takes to care for top level horse hooves, barefoot or shod. We’ll also hear from our Hee...

The Tokyo Countdown Is On

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The countdown to Tokyo 2020 is on. This week, we’re talking to a horse gal who took it upon herself to make our sport more environmentally conscious...

Horse Head Butts and Olympic Realities

19 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After a year of ups and downs, the long delayed Olympic Games will be here before you know it! Doug Payne stops by to give us an American team update....

Work-Life-Horse Balance

21 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Managing a career, your family, friends and horses all at the same time is a serious balancing act. Two of our guests tonight do all of that, and laun...

Horses Are Hard, Don’t Give Up

23 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ever had a tough ride and just didn’t want to get back on? We feel ya. This week, we’re talking about how to combat those feelings of fear and ins...

We're Feeling Sparkly

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t we all envy those riders who rock the perfect #ROOTD every day? We’re talking to one dressage fashionista on how she pulls it off. Braiding ...

Can The Hunters Ever Be Cool Again?

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There’s been a lot of discussion about the hunters lately - are they really the most friendly discipline for the average rider? Or what needs to hap...

So You Wanna Be A Farm Girl

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Footing matters. This week, Ellie is sharing the highs and lows of building a perfect arena on the farm. American eventer Allison Springer joins us to...

Choosing Horses Over Everything Else

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine giving up your stable corporate job for one in horses. It’s something a lot of us dream about, but our guest Brittney Chambers actually did ...

Why Can’t Horse Shows Be Affordable?

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the WEC-USEF drama still fresh in our minds, why can’t we find a way to make horse shows more affordable? This week, we’re talking about the ...

Festivus: Airing Our Grievances

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We’re in the homestretch - the end of the year is almost here. This week, we’re sharing some yuletide laughs and Jessica Phoenix returns to talk a...

The 2020 Guide To The Holidays

27 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Somehow, we’ve survived this very bizarre and stressful year. To celebrate, we’re sharing all our favorite gift ideas for holiday season. Also thi...

The Comeback Kids

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everything sucks, so we’re talking to two top equestrians who inspire us with their amazing comeback stories. This week, we’re sharing our favorit...

Horsemanship Matters

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fall is here, if you can believe. This week, we’re sharing our favorite must-haves for the looming winter coat season and Brianna Noble joins us to ...

Horses Are For Everybody

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder why breeches never fit the same? Sigh. This week we’re talking to an equestrian fashion designer and body positivity advocate on why hor...

Clean Up Your Manure

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We could all use a kick in the butt every now and again, when it comes time to tackle a deep clean. This week, we’re talking to a super groom on fin...

Go It Alone

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Not everybody has the privilege of riding at a big training barn. This week, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of riding at home and showing alone. Sh...

When Non-Horse People Weigh In

28 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We get it, horse people can confuse the heck out of non-horse people. This week, we share our favorite muggle stories and get a 101 lesson on biomecha...

2020 Is Cancelled

14 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Everybody could use a good reason to laugh in 2020. This week, we’re talking to one of our favorite comedic writers in the horse world, what horse s...

On Being Horse Crazy

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you know, you know: There’s something about loving horses that makes us all just a little bit crazy. This week, we’re talking to New York Times...

Burnout Is Real, Even With Horses

26 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Diversity is top of mind right now, including horse sports. This week, we’re talking about what to do when you feel burnt out, how eventer Kanyon Wa...

Horse Show Masks and Private PortaPotties

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If only we could ALL be the Queen of England, and spend our quarantine period riding horses every day. This week, we’re discussing what horse shows ...

The Quarantine Episode

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

To pull shoes or not to pull shoes? That is the question. Like everyone else, we’re trying to stay sane while stuck in quarantine. This week, we’r...

How To Be A Supermom to Horses & Babies

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tired of hearing about coronavirus? Us too! This week, asked a super show jumping mom how she got her nerve back to jump the big sticks after having a...

Pet Peeves & How To Handle Pressure

21 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s normal to feel the pressure in competition. But how you learn to keep your cool in the moment? We asked an expert for help. This week, we’re ...

Do Better By Grooms & Barn Shopping Etiquette

31 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Is it appropriate to message a new trainer on Facebook? This week, we’re talking about the etiquette of barn and trainer shopping, and the effects o...

Barn Ownership, Expectations vs. Reality

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Every horse girl dreams of owning their own farm one day. But are they really prepared for all the work that’s involved? This week, we’re celebrat...

63: A Gold Medal Year

20 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can you believe it’s almost 2020? This week, we’re celebrating our new year's resolutions, talking about our favorite highlights of the year, and ...

62: Heels Down Hour of the Holiday Radiothon

06 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode we have hour eleven of the 2019 HRN Holiday Radiothon, Heels Down Happy Hour hosts get the party started with some fun holiday madnes...

61: Haters Gonna Hate and Winter Blues

22 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Having trouble finding the motivation to stay fit in winter? Us too. This week, we’re talking to show jumper Danielle Goldstein on how to ignore cyb...

60: Is Your Horse In Your Will and Vital Signs

08 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Is it already time to be worrying about winter riding clothes? Yikes. This week, we’re talking about the differences between the jogs from one disci...

5th Annual Holiday Radiothon Special Preview by State Line Tack

04 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

A special preview of the 5th Annual 12 Hour Live Holiday Radiothon by State Line Tack on Dec. 2nd with over 20 hosts, 20 guests and over $5,000 in pri...

59: Eat For Fuel, Not To Be Skinny

25 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody looks good in tight white breeches. I repeat: nobody. This week, we’re talking with a dietician about body image and proper dieting for eques...

58: Why Are Horse Shows So Flippin' Expensive?

11 Oct 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Horse show costs can be daunting, depending on the level you ride at. But are we pricing out some competitors with all these exorbitant fees? This wee...

57: Cross-Country Safety Pins & Horse Show Snacks

20 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Trouble on the Burghley cross-country course has sparked a deeper conversation about safety in eventing. This week, we’re talking about balancing sa...

56: Epic Fails and Why Georgina Bloomberg Loves All Critters

06 Sep 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everybody fails, even the pros. This week, we’re reminiscing on our biggest mess-ups and what we learned from them. Georgina Bloomberg joins us to t...

55: How SafeSport Works & Developing A Need For Speed

24 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone’s got an opinion on SafeSport, but who actually knows how it works? We brought in an attorney to explain. This week, we’re talking abou...

Riding Through Pain and Finding Your Non-Horsey Support Team

09 Aug 2019

Contributed by Lukas

They say it takes a village to care for horses and to participate in this sport, and they were right. This week, we're paying homage to our non-horsey...

53: Saving Ponies and Melting Hearts

18 Jul 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Being “straight” in the saddle is harder than it sounds. This week, we’ll share tips on how not to be crooked, thanks to the German Riding Instr...