Kelsey Epperson

Kelsey Epperson

From Practical Horseman Podcast by Practical Horseman Podcast

May 9, 2026 · 41 min · Episode 125

About this episode

Kelsey Epperson discusses her journey as a hunter/jumper trainer and rider, sharing insights on training and competition.

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast episode, sponsored by Tribute Equine Nutrition and Farnam , is with hunter/jumper trainer and rider Kelsey Epperson. We spoke with Kelsey in early May as she was gearing up for summer horse shows with her horses and clients. To give you a little more background on Kelsey, she started riding at a young age alongside her mom and competed on the local hunter circuit in Michigan. As a junior, Epperson decided she wanted to become a professional trainer. She made the leap after getting her college degree, and today she works with Heather Irvine at Hillside Farm in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Some of Kelsey’s notable achievements are winning the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby with Didgereedoo VDL at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival and being the reserve champion in the $10,000 WCHR Developing Professional Challenge with More Fun at the 2025 Capital Challenge Horse Show. In our discussion, Kelsey talks about what she enjoys about the hunter and jumper disciplines, her training philosophy, how she handles show nerves and more. About This Episode’s Sponsors, Tribute Equine Nutrition and Farnam Tribute Equine Nutrition If you’re serious about…

People in this episode

Guest: Kelsey Epperson

Topics covered

  • hunter/jumper training
  • equestrian competitions
  • training philosophy
  • show nerves
  • horse nutrition

Keywords

  • hunter jumper
  • equestrian
  • training
  • competition
  • horse shows
  • nutrition

Sponsors

Tribute Equine Nutrition, Farnam

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Michigan, Bloomfield Hills

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