Kentucky week is here, and this Inside Kentucky show brings you straight into the final stages of preparation.

Nicole Brown is joined by world number one Harry Meade and world number two Boyd Martin, two of the leading contenders heading into this year's five-star. With multiple horses between them, the conversation goes inside the decisions, the systems, and the reality of getting to the start line.

From differing preparation strategies to managing pressure, building confidence, and delivering when it matters, this is a look at five-star eventing from the very top.

Plus, they look ahead to Kentucky itself, the challenge of Derek di Grazia's cross-country track, and what it really takes to produce a performance across all three phases.

• Harry Meade and Boyd Martin on their Kentucky contenders and final preparations
• Different approaches to five-star prep, from minimal runs to traditional build-ups
• Managing pressure, expectations, and delivering on the biggest stage
• Cross-country insight, Derek di Grazia's design, and making the time
• The balance between individual goals and championship ambitions
• Why performance, not position, is the real focus at five-star level

• Harry Meade — British five-star event rider and current world number one.
• Boyd Martin — American Olympian and five-star event rider, currently ranked world number two.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast
Follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for more data-led insight, top-tier guests, and everything you need to keep up with the 2026 season on Instagram and Facebook.

Badminton is getting close, and on this week's British Eventing Showin partnership with Zebra Products, the focus turns to preparation.

Nicole Brown is joined by Simon Grieve and Megan Elphick for a look at what the final weeks really involve, from five-star systems to grassroots goals, and everything in between.

Simon heads back to Badminton with Autograph, four completions behind him and a completely different mindset to previous years. Megan returns with two rides at the grassroots, balancing the pressure of riding for an owner with a new level of confidence in her own system.

From stable yard routines to course walks, mindset work to managing nerves, this episode looks at the details that shape Badminton week, and what it actually takes to be ready.

Plus, Simon shares his top tips for grassroots riders, while Meg highlights how to make the most of the Badminton experience as a visitor.

• Simon Grieve's Badminton return and the system behind his preparation
• Megan Elphick's two rides and a new approach to pressure and confidence
• What Badminton week really looks like, from arrival to cross country day
• Mindset, nerves, and the work behind building confidence
• Course walks, alternatives, and the importance of having a plan
• Top tips for grassroots riders and first-time Badminton visitors

• Simon Grieve — British five-star event rider and co-host of the Shut Up and Ride podcast.
• Megan Elphick — Event rider and content creator documenting her journey through the sport, from grassroots to Badminton.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Zebra Products. Zebra Products are proud to distribute some of the world's leading equestrian brands across the UK, partnering with companies that prioritise performance, innovation and horse welfare. Their portfolio includes premium saddle makers Amerigo and Equipe, anatomical bridle specialists Menetics, bit experts Nathe and Sprenger, performance apparel brands EGO7, Cavalleria Toscana and RG, alongside trusted names in protection, nutrition and care including Veredus, Cavalor, Bucas, Mattes and Uvex, supporting horse and rider at every level of the sport.

Find out more at: www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Learn more about the Veredus E-VENTO cross-country boots, designed for lightweight protection and ventilation:
https://www.veredus.com/jumping-eventing?lang=en_US

Explore the Sprenger equestrian range, known for innovative bit design and precision engineering:
https://www.sprenger.de/en/collections/equestrian

Inspired to get more involved? Find out how you can support training, education and the eventing community:
👉 British Eventing Training Foundation
👉 Volunteer with British Eventing

Follow @britisheventing on Instagram to stay up to date with all the action.

Burnham Market has become Oliver Townend territory.

A remarkable record here, a system that works, and Cooley Rosalent back again - it's a combination that's hard to look past.

But it's never that simple here. This is a track that consistently produces top-level performances, and when horses run well at Burnham Market, it usually stands up against anything else in the calendar.

Add in Banzai du Loir, an in-form Gemma Stevens yard, and the usual pre-Badminton question of who actually runs and how hard… and there's a bit more to it than it first looks.

Highlights

• Oliver Townend's record, and why this run works so well for his horses
• Cooley Rosalent vs Banzai du Loir at the top of the field
• Why Burnham Market consistently produces strong four-star performances
• The depth in the field, including Gemma Stevens and a strong supporting cast
• Who runs, who doesn't, and what we really learn this close to Badminton

Guests

• Catherine Austen, equestrian journalist and eventing analyst.

EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.