World number one event rider Harry Meade has offered a rare insight into the day-to-day management behind elite performance, as he headlines the launch of a new veterinary-led equestrian podcast focused on respiratory health.

The podcast, Between the Reins, launched by BreathEazy in March 2026, features Meade in conversation with equine veterinary surgeon Fiona Farmer and vet Jon Slattery. The opening episode centres on how respiratory health influences performance at the highest level of the sport.

Following a standout 2025 season that saw him rise to the top of the FEI eventing rankings, Meade reflects on the fine margins that define success in modern eventing.

“My aim has always been to try to enable each horse to be the best that they can be,” he says. “That means paying attention to the small details every day – their health, diet, training and environment as well as combining good horsemanship with the best and most reliable science.”

Respiratory health a key performance factor

A central theme of the discussion is the often underappreciated role of respiratory health in equine performance. Horses rely entirely on nasal breathing, meaning even minor airway restrictions can significantly impact stamina, recovery and overall wellbeing.

Drawing on his own experience, Meade discusses managing respiratory issues in top-level horses, including his former five-star campaigner Away Cruising. Diagnosed with equine asthma during his career, the horse continued to compete at the highest level for a further eight seasons following adjustments to his management.

The conversation highlights a growing shift within elite sport towards evidence-based care, where veterinary insight and performance management are increasingly integrated.

Science meets practical horsemanship

The episode also explores the science behind nebulisation, a method used to deliver treatments directly into the lungs. Slattery explains how converting liquid solutions into fine particles allows targeted delivery into the airways, improving effectiveness for both treatment and routine respiratory support.

With horses routinely exposed to environmental irritants such as dust and pollen, the discussion also touches on preventative approaches, including the use of saline therapies to support natural airway clearance.

Farmer, who hosts the podcast, says the aim is to bridge the gap between science and everyday practice.

“By combining veterinary knowledge with real-world experience from the top of the sport, we hope to share insights that riders and owners at every level can apply.”

Growing focus on horse health in elite eventing

The launch of Between the Reins reflects a wider trend within equestrian sport, where marginal gains increasingly come from optimising horse health and welfare alongside training and competition strategy.

For riders and owners, the episode offers practical insight into how elite combinations manage respiratory health, an area that can quietly influence performance outcomes but is often overlooked until problems arise.

The first episode, featuring Harry Meade, is available now on Spotify.