My guest this week in our series of equestrian artists is British artist Jennifer Bell whose work ranges from cartoons and illustrations for books to life size portraits and murals using flat paints rather than oils or watercolors. Jennifer has also combined her writing and drawing in books on how to draw horses.  Her murals can be found in houses around England. You can find out more about Jennifer's work on her website at http://www.campionbell.com/. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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Charles is a city trader, a privileged wild child. He has it all; the looks, the charm, the money. After a steamy affair with his secretary Jennifer he divorces his first wife and marries her, and they move into his country home in an idyllic village in West Sussex. Jennifer comes from the rough part of East London and has worked hard in life to improve her tough start but soon discovers that life in the country isn’t always the box of chocolates she hoped.  She’s snubbed by the county set, disliked by the staff and is thoroughly miserable, that is - until she meets Chloe. Through her she develops a deep bond with horses and a love of all things equestrian and gradually she integrates into the aga-saga of gossipy village life with its eccentric, racy personalities and saucy diversities. Meanwhile, Charles gets up to his old tricks in London and when, after one thoughtless sexual encounter, these two worlds collide it brings about a chain of catastrophic and far reaching events, which will guarantee a rough ride ahead for them all. Visit PJ King online at http://pjkingauthor.co.uk/ and on Facebook and follow us on Twitter@pjking_author and @chrisestafford.

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British Eventer Pippa Funnell has had an illustrious career as a stalwart of the British Team with Olympic, World and European medals to her credit along with the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing title. She has managed to combine her riding with a second career as the author of the successful series of children's books; Tilly's Pony Tails. Alongside her husband show jumper William Funnell and partner Donal Barnwell they have established the popular line of sport horses with The Billy Stud. Follow us on Twitter @PippaFunnellTPT and @chrisestafford.

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Susanne Lundesjö Kvart, a riding instructor, lecturer and researcher from the Swedish University of Agricultural Science talks about how instructors should develop skills to not merely teach technique but also the all-important feel in their lessons. To date too much emphasis is placed on just providing riding pupils with just an initial "how-to" guide and then making them repeat over and over without any reflection on how to achieve better communication with their horses. You can comment on this episode on the website or on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @ingawolframm and @chrisestafford.

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British artist Julian Pinnick portrays horses on canvas from a variety of subjects using a selection of mediums. His pencil portraits are exquisite in their detail capturing the conformation and personality with subtle yet defining strokes, while his oil paintings bring the excitement of equestrian sports and endeavors alive with vivid colors, each contributing to the unique atmosphere of their subject.  You can see Julian's work on his website.  Follow us on Twitter @JulianPinnick and @chrisestafford.

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The new London leg of the Global Champions Tour took place this past weekend at the Olympic Park and British journalist Pippa Cuckson went along to watch an all-star cast compete for top dollars and find out why this event managed to find a new venue in such a short space of time and attract the BBC to cover it live on TV.  You can find out more about the Global Champions Tour on their website. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford and join me on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio.

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Charles is a city trader, a privileged wild child. He has it all; the looks, the charm, the money. After a steamy affair with his secretary Jennifer he divorces his first wife and marries her, and they move into his country home in an idyllic village in West Sussex. Jennifer comes from the rough part of East London and has worked hard in life to improve her tough start but soon discovers that life in the country isn’t always the box of chocolates she hoped.  She’s snubbed by the county set, disliked by the staff and is thoroughly miserable, that is - until she meets Chloe. Through her she develops a deep bond with horses and a love of all things equestrian and gradually she integrates into the aga-saga of gossipy village life with its eccentric, racy personalities and saucy diversities. Meanwhile, Charles gets up to his old tricks in London and when, after one thoughtless sexual encounter, these two worlds collide it brings about a chain of catastrophic and far reaching events, which will guarantee a rough ride ahead for them all. Visit PJ King online at http://pjkingauthor.co.uk/ and on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @pjking_author and @chrisestafford.

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Polo in the Park is a unique tournament that will be held at the home of polo; Hurlingham Park near London this weekend, with six teams of three players competing for a prestigious trophy in an arena style field plus there is something for everyone to enjoy the sport and off the field activities. You can find out more on there website and follow us on Twitter  @polointhepark and @chrisestafford.

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It's time to catch up with Australian dressage rider Brett Parbery who is spending time at home near Sydney building his business and focusing on producing young horses for future teams as well as teaching clinics and playing cricket with his son. You can find out more about Brett and his dressage program on his website. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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British Pony Dressage Rider Phoebe Peters is on form right now with another win last weekend in France at the Compeigne CDI scoring a personal best of 77,9% in the Kur with SL Lucci. A win of ten consecutive tests this spring has bought this ambitious 13 year old into the spotlight and she is focused on a lifelong career in the sport. You can join Phoebe on Facebook at Phoebe Peters Dressage and follow us on Twitter @PetersDressage and @chrisestafford.

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Author PJ King - aka Sally Andrews - talks about her debut novel Rough Ride; an aga-saga of gossipy village life with its eccentric and racy personalities and saucy diversities among horse people whose shenanigans lead to a chain of catastrophic and far reaching events which will guarantee a rough ride ahead for them all.  Sally tells us how the story came about through her background in the horse world and how it has already inspired her to start working on the sequel.  You can also hear the Prologue to Rough Ride and the first two chapters will be available shortly. The audio book will be for sale later this summer. Find out more about Sally and Rough Ride on her website.  Follow her on Twitter @pjking_author and join her Facebook Page. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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British based Australian Eventer Bill Levett is on great form this season with a win at the Saumur CCI3* on Shannondale Titan followed by a runner-up finish at Tattersalls CCI3* on Improvise; both horses making their 3-star debut.  Bill tells us why, at the ge of 50, he feels he is at the top of his game now and the goals he set himself and his team. You can find out more about Bill on his website. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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Leading Hunter Jumper rider Kate Conover explains hows she discovered that Karen O'Connor's former two star event horse had the potential to become a hunter jumper and will be showing her in the USHJA International Hunter Jumper Derby at the Devon Horse Show this weekend.  Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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The editor of  Horse Sport International, Pamela Young, joins me to discuss the international controversy surrounding the welfare of horses in the sport of endurance and letters from National Federations to the FEI calling for specific action. These topics are being covered in the current issue of Horse Sport International - http://www.horsesportinternational.com. Follow us on Twitter @horsesportintl and @chrisestafford.

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Our guest this week is Professor Natalie Waran, Director of  the Jeanne Marchig International Center for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh who joins Inga and I to discuss equine welfare, primarily in Third World countries. Visit the JMICAWE website.  Follow us on Twitter @IngaWolframm and @chrisestafford.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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Dr. Inga Wolframm and I are joined by the Education Officer for the International Society of Equitation science (ISES) to discuss how to communicate with horses using learning theory. You can post comments and questions on this episode on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @IngaWolframm and @chrisestafford.

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Canadian Jessica Phoenix is riding high this spring season with her team of eventers following a win at the Jersey Fresh CCI3* last week aboard Exponential. Jesse tells us how she manages to combine her career and family life while her sights are firmly set on team honors. You can find out more about Jesse on her website. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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We start the week by catching up with U.S. based British eventer and Athens Olympic Gold Medalist Leslie Law who combines a hectic schedule of teaching clinics across North America and producing his own team of eventers with his wife Lesley Grant-Law from their home in Ocala, Florida.  Visit Leslie's website and follow Leslie on Twitter. Join me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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Pan American gold and silver medalist and Olympic Games Reserve Heather Blitz has just relocated from her Florida base to her new training center in Medfield, Massachusetts with her team of horses and clients. She tells us how she's looking forward to developing a new client base and the cooler climate of New England. You can find out more about Heather on her website Heather Blitz Dressage and Cutler Farm. Follow us on Twitter @heatherblitz, @HRHParagon and @chrisestafford.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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Inga is back to discuss an important topic; this time it concerns disordered eating and eating disorders affecting riders and a current survey she is facilitating that is part of her research into the subject. You can find the survey here. Follow us on Twitter @IngaWolframm and @chrisestafford.

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Trond Asmyr, the FEI Director of Dressage explains the new FEI Nations Cup Series that begins its pilot season this weekend in Vidauben, France. You can find out more about the series at www.fei.org. Follow us on Twitter @myfei_home and @chrisestafford.

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Catherine Haddad is back with news of her second career after she debuted her standing room only performance in Wellington this winter - you can watch it here - http://youtu.be/3hKo-YldpUA. She also has other news that she only shares with us on this show so be sure to tune in so you can tell everyone you heard it first of all right here.  Don't forget to follow us on Twitter in case we reveal other secrets @catherinehaddad and @chrisestafford.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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Italy's Vittoria Panizzon has been giving notice of her current form since she finished 11th at the London Olympic Games and last week underlined her potential with a 7th place finish at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials riding Borough Pennyz. Vittoria explains how she has reached the ranks in the sport and as a Corporal in the Italian Air Force. Visit Vittoria online at Vittoriapannizon.com and follow us on Twitter @vittopannizon and @chrisestafford.

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Six-time Badminton winner Lucinda Green laments the demise of classical courses with signature fences that have made Badminton the greatest event for decades in favor of European style eventing, and why there were too many clear rounds this year. You can follow Lucinda on Facebook and Twitter @LucindaGreenMBE.

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Jimmy Wofford returns to share his thoughts on this year's Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the impact this great event is having on the modern sport. Jimmy analyzes the cross country course and how conditions were perfect for an epic showdown in the Gloucestershire Park.  You can join Jimmy on Facebook at Fox Covert Farm. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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Boyd Martin explains how recent injuries have resulted in him undergoing ankle surgery, how this will affect his spring season and why it's a good thing to take a step back sometimes. Is this time for him to start breeding cats as a sideline? Follow us on Twitter @WindurraUSA and @chrisestafford.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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British Olympic Dressage Team Gold Medalist Laura Tomlinson has had a banner year by anyone's reference with an Olympic Gold Medal, being awarded the MBE and getting married. She then kicks off the new season with a double-header in Hagen with her multi-medalist long-time partner Mistral Hojris. You can comment on this episode at Chris Stafford Radio on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @lauraB_dressage and @chrisestafford.

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Olympian Kerry Millikin joins me to review the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event and share her views of the performances as well as her impressions of up and coming combinations and where the U.S. needs to make up the deficit. You can comment on this episode at Chris Stafford Radio on Facebook and follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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Helen Langehanenberg was crowned the 2013 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Champion last weekend in Gothenburg, Sweden following a closely fought battle with the defending champion and other strong contenders. This win with the stallion Damon Hill NRW is a personal best for the popular German rider who finished runner-up last year and just outside the medals at the London Olympics. You can comment on this episode at Chris Stafford Radio on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @chrisestafford.

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New Zealander Andrew Nicholson shares his reaction to winning the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event for the first time, why Quimbo is the ideal partner, and what it would mean to this popular Kiwi to win the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials this week as well as the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. You can follow Andrew trending on Twitter at #nicholsonontwitter.

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Sir Mark Todd shares with us his thoughts on his Badminton rides this year with two contrasting horses and why this year's event will be memorable. He also tells us about another special event on his calendar next month. You can comment on this episode on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio. Follow us on Twitter @MTEventing and @chrisestafford.

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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. Flying Changes is available on Amazon. Music is courtesy of Marie-Lynn Hammond;@chevalgal and  http://marielynnhammond.com.

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