Horse Tales with Cat
An equestrian podcast for amateur riders, about amateur riders and professional riders and everything in between.
Catherine Shearon dives into conversations with equestrians from all angles of the horse world, to speak about topics that have never been discussed in equestrian interviews. Hear not just about how riders get started in their career, but about mental health struggles, overcoming confidence issues, the ins and outs of running a business, and more!
Come on this ride with us!
Horse Tales with Cat
Episode 40 -Leopoldo Palacios- The Maestro
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There have been many times in the last year that I have been struck by what a gift it is to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with the best that the sport of show jumping has to offer .
None no more than this last episode. Hot on the heels of my conversation with Norman Dello Joio , I had the opportunity to sit down with Leopoldo Palacios.
What made it even more special is that we were sitting in the stands of the Stadium ring at WEC in Ocala , watching competitors jump one of his courses.
Leopoldo knows this sport so intimately- it has been his life’s work and he has studied well beyond his craft. His enthusiasm is infectious and his attention to detail unparalleled.
His primary goal is to protect the horses and challenge the riders.
He likens what he does as a designer to making a soup - all the ingredients come together to make the finished product. I thought about calling this episode - The Chef but I didn’t think that quite captured everything Leopoldo does out in rings where he designs.
He jokes that his mentor Pam Caruthers told him not to worry too much about the distances. She told him that “the riders will always find a way to make it more difficult.”
I learned so much about Leopoldo, his designs, the sport and life from my time with him. I hope that you do too.
This episode is brought to you by the international law firm of Cooley LLP.
Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters , and high-stakes litigation.
Our connection to the law firm comes through Cooley Partner and jumper rider Cullen Drescher , who competes in the High Amateur and Grand Prix levels in addition to leading Cooley's Business Restructuring practice from the firm's offices in New York City.