WiSP Sports

Lauren Sammis attended the World Dressage Masters Palm Beach in Florida last week and shares her perspective of the performances she watched with an enthusiastic crowd at the Jim Brandon Arena. She tells us which was her favorite test, and which horse she would like to have ridden.  You can comment on this episode at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and join us on Facebook at Lauren Sammis and Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @laurensammis@chrisestafford

Winner of the 2013 World Dressage Masters Palm Beach Sweden's Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfen shares her reaction to the performance that prompted a standing ovation and high praise from judge Stephen Clarke. We hear the story of how she partnered with Don Aurelio and her plans for the season as well as the other horses that she has in Florida this winter.  You can comment on this episode at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford

Dr. Inga Wolframm guides us through the planning and preparation for showing as riders start to think about the new season and what it involves to get to the arena.  We have some helpful tips that involve routine and anticipation to extend your comfort zone. You can post your comments or send your questions to us and we would also like to hear from you if you'd like to come on the show to ask a question - just go to the Facebook Page of Chris Stafford Radio or http://chrisstafford.podbean.com. Follow us on Twitter @IngaWolframm and @chrisestafford

Talent, looks and opportunities take Oliver Jasny from the threadbare gymkhanas of his youth to the rarefied heights of international dressage where he becomes a celebrity, the darling of the dressage set and lands the biggest sponsorship in the history of equestrianism. But when his sister Kathryn goes to his sumptuous training establishment she does not like what she finds one little bit...  Caroline Akrill writes with a real knowledge of the equine world. She vividly recreates the tense moments of open competition, the atmosphere of the showgrounds, riding schools and training establishments. Her prose sparkles with humor, has some real heart-stopping moments and a truly dramatic finale.  Flying Changes was first published by Arlington Books, London in 1985. Read by Chris Stafford

Dr. Inga Wolframm and I address the demons of fear, anxiety, trepidation and nerves that riders face following an accident or incident, and how it impacts their relationship with horses to the point where self preservation and respect play a healthy role in managing a situation. Inga has some helpful tools and tricks to help restore confidence and put the demons to rest. You can share your experiences on the show with us or post your comments at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and on the Facebook page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @IngaWolframm and @chrisestafford.

Caroline Akrill is the author of 15 books on horse stories for children and young adult...she shares with us how she went from equestrian journalist to established author with various other careers in between. Her titles are filled with humor and charm, and tales of horse-mad children, while her life has been filled with new adventures at every turn.  You can find a full list of Caroline's books at http://janebadgerbooks.co.uk/ponybooksfile2/cbib1.html. Post your comments on the website at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio; follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford

Having been the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event announcer for 36 years, Nigel Casserley  has been dismissed this year to be replaced by another English voice, that of  Michael Tucker. Nigel reflects on the changes that he has watched since the '70's and how it has impacted his role providing the sound system as well as the announcing.  You can find out more about Nigel and his services at www.necomms.com. Post your comments at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and on the Facebook page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford

Davina Whiteman joins Inga and me to discuss parental influences and expectations as well as the different social pressures facing children as riders in the sport today. We also address the demands of specializing too early, health and safety issues and also legal  considerations. And you'll hear too what we each think is the best fun around horses. You can comment on this program at chrisstafford.podbean.com and on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @poniesUK, @ingawolframm and @chrisestafford

Ruthie Harbison runs a sales operation in Ocala, Florida where she is based year round with New Zealand eventer Joe Meyer and tells us why this is the perfect location for doing business with an extensive equestrian network as well as being part of an flourishing horse community for all levels of the sport in #eventingsunnyfl.  You can post your comments and questions on this episode at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and on the Facebook page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter at @southernruthie and @chrisestafford

Dr. Inga Wolframm concludes this short series of The Big Five in Rider Psychology with some advice on how to use imagery as a tool to improving your riding performance as well as in other parts of life. You can send your questions and comments here at http://chrisstafford/podbean.com and come on the show to ask Inga your questions too.  Join us on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @ingawolframm and @chrisestafford

Nicholas Fyffe shares his reaction to being the first Australian to be invited to the World Dressage Masters in Palm Beach later this month with Sentimiento, and we learn out more about this aspiring team member who has left his family home in New South Wales to divide his time and business between Canada and Florida. You can comment on this episode at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com or on the Facebook page at Chris Stafford Radio.  Follow us on Twitter @Nicholas_Fyffe and @chrisestafford

Well-known British trainer and instructor, Davina Whiteman and Sports Psychologist Dr. Inga Wolframm join me to discuss the question of whether a well-trained dedicated rider can achieve the same performance level as the naturally talented rider. We also address social trends and pressures that young riders face today so we welcome your comments which can be posted at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com or on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio. You can email me at chris@chrisestafford.com and follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford

Dr. Inga Wolframm continues her series on Rider Psychology by focusing in this episode on The Importance of Relaxation. Learn about ways to ensure that you are relaxed before getting on the horse and how to maintain a relaxed composure while riding to benefit both you and your horse. You  can leave your comments and questions on this episode at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford and email me at chris@chrisestafford.com

The Sunshine Region Pony Clubs in North Central Florida held a fundraising event over the holidays which featured a star-studded cast of over 30 top competitors from eventing to driving, jumping and dressage. Pony Club children were able to meet and mingle with their heroes and the local community came out to support this first time event. Ashley Leith tells us how the evening went and their plans for the future. You can comment on this episode at http://chrisstafford.podbean.com and follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

Dr.Inga Wolframm kicks off the new year with part four in the series on rider psychology to focus on concentration and offers some insightful and practical tools to help riders make the most of each ride and competition. You can comment on this episode at http://chrisestafford.podbean.com or on the Facebook Page of Chris Stafford Radio. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford, email me at chris@chrisestafford.com and visit my new website at www.chrisestafford.com.