“Where Eventing Lives”

In this episode of Go Eventing, we’re bringing energy, education, and honest conversation to the forefront. From cultural shifts to core muscular strength, this episode blends insight and inspiration with real-world takeaways. This episode is a must for anyone who’s ever felt like fitness was an afterthought or an overwhelming mountain to climb, with clarity, compassion, and actionable advice to an often-overlooked element of equestrian sport.

Understanding the order of development matters as much as the work itself. Sally and Ifa also discuss the importance of challenging "pain culture", building a sustainable wellness mindset, and how riders can take accountability for their fitness journey with intention, not guilt.

🔎What’s Inside Episode 11?

Host Sally Spickard is joined by Ifa Simmonds — equestrian fitness performance coach and founder of The Equestrian Fitness Academy — for a deep and energizing conversation about what it really means to be fit to ride — and how rethinking fitness can change everything, for both horse and rider.

Fresh off her trip to CHIO Aachen, Sally reflects on the unique atmosphere of one of the world’s premier equestrian events, and how its inclusive, celebratory vibe can serve as a model for the sport’s future.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover...

• 05:52 - News & Notes: An EN Passport to CHIO Aachen & Rebecca Farm

Ifa’s million dollar rant might just be the next big thing! He and Sally discuss Aachen, its format and structure of this particular venue, and what we hope to see at the Event at Rebecca Farm.

42:55 - One Big Thing: Why Fitness Isn't JUST About Squats and Crunches

Performance and prevention are interlinked -- we can’t just be focused on performance, but also can’t be solely focused on prevention because we will worry about what might happen. Join Ifa and Sally in an incredibly in-depth conversation about the balance between you, your horse, your fitness, and your lifestyle.

• 01:04:32 - You Ask, We Answer: Low-Budget Fitness, Fleets of Horse-Ducks, & Two Truths and a Lie

Ifa plays Two Truths and a Lie with Sally, but beware of his fleet of tiny horse-ducks...!

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]

01:32:39 - Finish Flags

Next up: the amazing Noor Slauai of Morocco, who we all fell in love with at the Paris 2024 Olympics💪

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Got thoughts, questions, or feedback? Your voice is a part of our story – we want to hear from you! Find us on social media @goeventing or email us at podcast@eventingnation.com.

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