A Career Worth Celebrating

Today, we're throwing it back to a standout conversation with one of the sport’s greatest legends—Ian Stark. In this USEA Podcast episode, Ian takes us through his extraordinary journey, from Olympic medals and five-star victories to shaping eventing through course design. Now "retired" (in the loosest sense of the word), he shares his perspective on how the sport has evolved, the challenges of designing at the highest level, and why slowing down has never really been part of his plan.

• From Rider to Designer – How Ian transitioned from top-level competition to shaping the sport as a course designer
• The Evolution of Eventing – The biggest changes he’s seen over 40 years, from format shifts to safety innovations
• Building for the Best – What makes a great cross-country course and the fine balance between challenging riders and keeping horses confident
• Life After "Retirement" – How cycling 1,100 km and skiing off-piste have kept him as busy as ever

Guests:

• Ian Stark – Eventing legend, Olympic medalist, five-star winner, and renowned course designer, sharing his insights on the sport and his "retirement."
• Nicole Brown – Your host, leading the conversation and uncovering the stories behind Ian’s incredible career.

Ian’s legacy in eventing is undeniable, but his approach to competition, design, and life itself is what makes this conversation one to revisit.

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