Today on When Nicole Met, supported by Bedmax, we meet someone whose life has touched every corner of eventing. From growing up in a family steeped in eventing history to carving out her own path in advertising, creative production and now commentary and podcasting, Annie Bishop talks storytelling, sport, and why fresh voices matter. She also gives an inside look at the US Equestrian Open podcast, working alongside riders across dressage, jumping and eventing, and how the Open format is helping develop combinations and build fans in the lead-up to LA.

Highlights

• Parents who rode at Olympic and World Championship level
• Advertising, production and crisis comms, and what eventing can learn
• Commentary, data and storytelling as gateways to the sport
• The rise of the US Equestrian Open and why the series matters
• Representation, female voices and growing US commentary talent
• Hopes for 2026 and building new fans for equestrian sport

Guest

• Annie Bishop – Producer, commentator and host of the US Equestrian Open Podcast. Part of the EquiRatings team, working across eventing, jumping and dressage.

This show is kindly supported by Bedmax, purpose-made, natural horse bedding designed to protect respiratory health, support hooves, and provide a clean, comfortable stable environment.

After closing out 2025 as world number seven, Sam Lissington sits down to unpack the season that changed everything and the road ahead. She reflects on the pride of consistency across Luhmühlen, Burghley, Blenheim and Strzegom, the satisfaction of finally showing what long-term horses like Sooty can do, and the analytical approach behind improving weaknesses and speed through the winter.

Sam also tackles the tougher side of the year: Badminton heartbreak, late injuries to key horses and rebuilding horsepower for 2026–27. Plus, an inside look at Lucas Stone's rise and what data, instinct and market context really mean when buying for championships.

Highlights

• World number seven and a year built on consistency
• Sooty's Luhmühlen podium and Billy Alberto at Burghley
• Injuries, resilience and refocusing for 2026
• Lucas Stone, New York and future championship horsepower

Guest

• Sam Lissington – International event rider for New Zealand and 2025 world number seven.

Team Lissington Open Farm Day 2026

Team Lissington is opening it's doors on the 18th Jan!
Bring a friend and watch some Winter horsey action with mulled wine and nibbles 🍷🐴
They will run through training priorities, plans for the year ahead and a no-strings-attached overview of the various ownership opportunities and models in eventing.

Please RSVP for catering purposes ➡️ link in Sam's bio

Want to find out more about EquiRatings Horse Sales? Visit the website here.

In this Red Mills Feed Room episode, Spike is joined by Louise Jones from Red Mills to tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in horse nutrition: protein.

Does protein really make horses hot? Can you underfeed it without realising? Is soya actually a problem, or just another internet myth? From muscle development and rehab to allergies, topline and performance, this is a straight-talking myth-busting conversation that separates fact from long-held stable lore.

Highlights:

• Why protein is so often blamed for excitability
• What actually happens when horses are under-fed protein
• The truth about soya, fertility and inflammation
• Protein requirements for young horses and horses in rehab
• Why supplements can't replace a balanced diet

Practical, evidence-based and refreshingly clear, this one is for anyone who's ever second-guessed their feeding program.

With thanks to Red Mills for their continued support of the Feed Room series.

📲 Stay Connected This episode is brought to you by Connolly's Red Mills. For expert advice, forage analysis, and feeding support, visit redmills.com or connect with their nutrition team directly. Proud partners of the podcast, Red Mills are here to help you feed your horse with confidence.