USHJA On Course

All Things Equitation with Archie Cox
Episode 29

Archie Cox is a rider, trainer and judge based out of his own Brookway Stables in California. In the judges box, he holds his "R" Hunter and Equitation cards, notably judging the 2021 ASPCA Maclay Finals. As a trainer, he has guided numerous riders to top placings in the country's most popular equitation finals, including the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic, presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory and Henry College; ASPCA Maclay Finals; USEF Show Jumping Talent Search and USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. Tune in as we hear from him about what he looks for when judging equitation classes, his favorite test to ask and how he likes to prepare a rider for Finals season.

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Recapping Hunter Week with Champions John French, Nick Haness, Geoffrey Hesslink and Scott Stewart
Episode 28

We just wrapped up a week of top Hunter competition at the Kentucky Horse Park, where over $500,000 in prize money was awarded throughout our annual Platinum Performance/USHJA Hunter Championship Week. In this episode, instead of being joined by a guest, we are recapping the week's best moments and hearing from all of our newly crowned champions just moments after they were awarded their titles.

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Hunter Championships Hype with Nick Haness
Episode 27

Nick Haness's name has been gracing the top Hunter ring leaderboards for years. The California-based rider recently won his second consecutive USHJA WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular after topping the 2022 USHJA WCHR Professional Finals. In 2019, he finished second in Section A of the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship and was Champion in Section B as a Tier II rider. Among those wins, he has brought numerous Green Hunters to the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships and has earned an array of tricolors across the country. Listen in as we discuss what he looks for in a Hunter prospect, how he finesses the Handy, and which Derby horse in his string is one to watch.

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Being a Head Groom with Margo Thomas
Episode 26

As groom to U.S. Olympian Laura Kraut, Margo Thomas spends her days taking care of horses competing at the top of Show Jumping. Throughout her 10 years as a professional groom, she has had her hand in the Tokyo Olympics Team Silver and has cared for a string of top horses at competitions around the world. Join us as we chat about what it takes to be a head groom, her best tricks of the trade, why Confu is one of her favorite horses to care for and just how she keeps him so clean.

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Switching Disciplines with Maya Schneider
Episode 25

A longtime Hunter rider, Maya Schneider recently made the switch to the Jumper ring where she and her horse, Noble, were members of the winning 1.10/1.15m Adult Amateur Jumper team at the 2022 Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships in Saugerties. She's also an active participant in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as a member of USHJA's DEI committee and a manager of the @blackequestrians Instagram account. Tune in as we chat all about her transition to Jumpers and her passion for inclusion in our sport.

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The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge with Kylie Cohen
Episode 24

If Kylie Cohen doesn't hold the record for the most trips to USHJA's Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, she must be close! Kylie has put her equestrian knowledge to the test for years, attending Nationals seven times. When she isn't studying equine anatomy or first aid, she competes as an adult amateur in all three rings. Tune in today as we chat about her experience in the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge and why she finds horsemanship so important.

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Safety in the Sport with Joe Dotoli
Episode 23

From the saddle to the judge's booth, Joe Dotoli has an extensive history in the Hunter/Jumper sport and a passion for safety. In the early 2000s, he spearheaded the rule that requires riders to wear helmets on showgrounds and recently led the charge to raise funds for the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab's testing. With the first round of testing done, Joe has his sights set on testing the newest form of safety equipment: air vests. Tune in as we discuss his impact on the sport and the future of rider safety.

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Writing and Riding as a Black Equestrian with Shaq Blake
Episode 22
Shaq Blake is the author and rider behind The Black Equestrian, a blog chronicling her riding journey as an equestrian of color, and North Wind Acres, her debut book following the story of a young Black equestrian riding in Detroit. Listen as we discuss how she and her writing are impacting riders and the sport.

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