OEP 27: It’s Time To LevelUP–The New Era of Ethical Equestrian Sport

In this episode of the Optimized Equine Podcast, host Tamara Lee Barrett sits down with Show Jumping Hall of Fame inductee Linda Allen and USES co-founder McKrell Baier to explore the design, values, and structure of the U.S. Equestrian Society’s LevelUP Events.

Together, they unpack how this bold new format reimagines equestrian competition through the lens of:

• Ethical equine treatment

• Holistic rider development

• Transparent judging and feedback

• Education-centered event design
  

Listeners will hear Linda Allen’s reflections on her six-decade career as a course designer, judge, and coach—and why she believes now is the moment for structural change in the sport. McKrell Baier shares how USES is building a more inclusive and values-led infrastructure—one that empowers both students and coaches while strengthening welfare and access at every level.

From redefining “success” in the show ring to rebalancing the student–coach dynamic, this episode offers a practical and visionary look at where equestrian sport can go when care and clarity lead the way.

Learn More! 

Linda Allen – Show Jumping Hall of Fame Inductee, Course Designer & Coach

Linda Allen’s six-decade career in show jumping encompasses world-class riding, FEI-level judging, Olympic course design, and strategic leadership in equestrian education. Inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 2022, she was one of the original FEI Level 4 Course Designers and designed the 1996 Olympic and 1992 World Cup Final jumping courses. She has served as Technical Delegate at major championships and presided over FEI Ground Juries globally. A veteran clinician, consultant, and educator, Linda co-founded the Young Horse Trainers’ School, coached international teams to podium success, and earned top honors from USEF and The Chronicle of the Horse. Her published work includes 101 Jumping Exercises for Horse and Rider and the JumpSmart instructional DVD, with contributions to EquestrianCoach.com. You can learn more at LindaAllenEquestrian.com

McKrell Baier – USES Co-Founder, Ethics Architect & Learning Innovator

McKrell Baier is a founding force behind the U.S. Equestrian Society and a lead designer of its LevelUP programs—shaping a new era of sport through ethical frameworks, inclusive learning models, and coach licensing reform. With a background in curriculum design, coaching systems, and nonprofit governance, McKrell has helped define how USES elevates equine welfare, rider development, and competition access across disciplines. She led the creation of the LevelUP Event model and helped reimagine scoring, format design, and professional standards for coaches, students, and facilities. A frequent contributor to national equestrian strategy conversations, McKrell’s work centers on building systems that reflect the values of care, clarity, and community—while still challenging the sport to evolve.

You can find the United States Equestrian Society on Instagram and at us-es.org

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Innovative Approaches in Equestrian Education

04:32 Character Development in Horse Sport

09:15 The Role of Coaches and Students

14:14 Understanding Client vs. Student Dynamics

19:52 The Spectrum of Equestrian Goals

24:04 Personal Experiences in Equestrian Training

27:47 The Importance of Pedagogics in Coaching

30:43 Understanding Individual Coaching Needs

32:57 The Importance of Basics in Riding

35:27 Level Up Program: A New Approach to Learning

41:22 Event Format and Structure

47:05 Judging and Feedback Dynamics

59:51 Building Character Through Riding

01:05:48 Evolving Traditions in Equestrian Sports

01:10:31 Innovative Event Formats for Equestrian Competitions

01:15:53 Engaging Spectators through Creative Riding Events

01:22:01 Building Community and Inclusivity in Equestrianism