The Country Lass Podcast

A career-ending fall in the middle of racing became the start of something far bigger. Ulrika, a Swedish vet, jockey, and racing presenter, opens up about the accident that left her with multiple spinal fractures, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and months of rehabilitation to and how she’s now training for the New York Marathon.

This conversation is for anyone rebuilding after a setback, craving a reminder that identity is bigger than one chapter, or simply wondering about how much work it takes to be a jockey.

Rhiannon and Ulrika trace the path from a horse-mad childhood to professional racing, from the pressure of jockey life to the unexpected pivot into broadcasting after injury. You’ll hear how Ulrika turned a childhood love of horses into a career across New Zealand, Scandinavia, and France, why racehorses feel like “Formula One cars,” and what it takes to balance full-time jockeying with studying for a veterinary degree. She shares what her dual perspective has taught her about spotting injuries faster, reading horses differently, and understanding racing from both the saddle and the surgery room.

They also explore the mental side of recovery: the grief of losing a sport that defined her, the support that carried her through, and the mindset shift that helped her go from “I have to train” to “I get to train.”

Along the way, Ulrika talks about female representation in racing, why the sport is changing fast, and what it’s like to fight her way back to running after spinal surgery and sepsis. If you need proof that setbacks can become foundations, this one delivers it. Honest, practical, and deeply human, it’s a powerful listen for riders, runners, horse lovers, and anyone learning how to keep moving when life forces a detour.

The advice about building a brand in the countryside is wrong: you do not need London to make it happen. Brontë Clare built Femme Country from Yorkshire into a luxury media brand, and she reveals how print, events, and a fiercely clear identity turned a school project into something much bigger. What started as an A-level qualification became a magazine, then a community, then a growing brand with fashion shows, subscriber events, and a loyal readership that now stretches far beyond rural life. Brontë opens up about the early chaos of launching while studying in London, the surprise role of COVID in accelerating growth, and the moment she realised Femme Country was filling a gap no one else was serving.

Brontë also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building something original, from shooting the first cover in a stock room with makeshift styling to booking future issues years ahead. Along the way, she talks candidly about switching off, protecting your mind, and why the best ideas still arrive at the worst possible time.This episode is for anyone who loves country style, media, entrepreneurship, or the story behind a brand that refuses to fit neatly into one box. It’s also a reminder that a strong idea, a clear point of view, and the courage to start now can take you much further than waiting for the perfect moment.If you’re drawn to women building something meaningful from the ground up, this conversation is packed with insight, ambition, and the kind of inspiration that makes you want to do the thing you’ve been putting off.

The first red stag stalked with Highland ponies is a raw, unforgettable look at deer management, tradition, and the emotion behind a day most people never get to see. Rhiannon Stevenson takes you from the pre-dawn nerves and rain-soaked anticipation to the golden, wind-swept hills of the Scottish Highlands. This is the day she has been working toward for ages, and she shares exactly what it felt like to finally experience the traditional pony-supported stalk she had dreamed of, from the range to the ridge.

You'll discover why deer are culled, what sustainable deer management actually protects, and how a carefully chosen stag is assessed in the field. Rhiannon also breaks down the role of the team around her - Cara from International Hunting Scotland, guide Lucy, and Kath the gillie - and what it means when a day on the hill is carried out by an all-women crew, including the ponies themselves.

We break down the practical side too: range practice, reading the wind, stalking uphill, crawling into position, waiting through heavy rain, and the traditional Highland pony system for bringing a deer off the hill. Along the way, Rhiannon shares the details that make the day feel real, from the stag's antler damage and age to the ethical reasons he was selected.

This episode asks what it means to take a life with respect, why emotion still has a place in field sports, and how tradition, conservation, and personal reflection can sit together in the same story. Rhiannon also closes with a powerful historical note from Ladies in the Field by Lady Violet Greville, launching a new project exploring women in sport and the field through history.

Essential listening if you care about stalking, deer management, Highland ponies, women in field sports, or the deeper ethics and beauty of life on the hill.

What if the fastest way to understand the countryside is to stop assuming you already do? Natalie shares how moving from industrial Essex into rural life changed everything from her daily routine and sense of community to the way she thinks about food, wildlife, and field sports. As a vegetarian who once had strong misconceptions about hunting and shooting, Natalie explains what shifted when she started asking better questions. She opens up about discovering clay shooting, finding confidence through a female instructor and ladies’ shooting club, and why one taster session turned into a genuine passion. If you’ve ever wondered whether shooting is really only for “a certain type” of person, this conversation will challenge that idea.

Natalie also shares the slower, more intentional rhythm she was searching for after COVID reshaped work and life, plus the simple countryside pleasures she now loves most.

Essential listening if you’re curious about country life, interested in field sports, or want a thoughtful conversation about changing your mind without losing your values.

Cara Hutchens reveals the real behind-the-scenes world of hunting, shooting, and fishing in Scotland, and why the countryside is so much more than a backdrop. From a sunset duck flight on the Buffalo River in South Africa to running a business that arranges bespoke sporting experiences around the UK and beyond, this conversation is packed with stories, insight, and a deep love of the land.Rhiannon sits down with Cara, director of hunting and shooting at International Hunting Scotland, to trace the winding path that took her from a late-teen advert in the Oban Times to decades of life on estates, hills, boats, and remote islands. Cara shares how a single coin toss led her to Jura, where she first learned to shoot, stalk, and fish, and how that early experience shaped a career built on fieldcraft, organisation, and instinct.

Cara also opens up about the realities behind the glossy Instagram moments, the importance of community in rural life, and the old-fashioned barter spirit that still thrives in the countryside. She talks candidly about serving clients with very different abilities, including an unforgettable trip that made success possible for a hunter returning to the hill after a life-changing injury.This episode is for anyone who loves the outdoors, is curious about field sports, or wants to understand the people who quietly make extraordinary rural experiences happen. It is also a celebration of women in country life, the landscapes that shape us, and the wildlife, people, and traditions that make the countryside feel alive.If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of a sporting day, or why a walk on the hill can feel just as rich as the shot itself, this one will stay with you long after it ends.

This week on The Country Woman Podcast, I'm joined by Jackie. A mum, clay and game shooter, deer stalker, and the woman behind The Barn at Beal on the beautiful Northumberland coast.

What started as a conversation about field sports quickly became a conversation about saying yes to new opportunities, building confidence, and not letting self-doubt hold you back.

We chat about how Jackie found her way into shooting, what she's learnt through deer stalking, and why she believes field sports are far more welcoming than many people expect. We also talk about running a successful business, championing local food, balancing family life, and the importance of simply giving things a go.

Whether you're already involved in country sports or you're just curious about taking that first step, I hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired to have a crack at something new.

If you enjoyed today's conversation, I'd love it if you could follow The Country Woman Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who loves the countryside as much as you do.

The advice around your first gundog is often varies. More training, more pressure, more comparing yourself to the polished dogs on Instagram and it can leave you wondering if you are simply not cut out for it.

Leanne gets brutally honest about what it really looks like to start from zero, lose confidence, and rebuild both your dog training and your own belief in yourself.

From her life as a vegetarian who was once anti-hunt and anti-shooting to becoming a gundog owner, Leanne shares the unexpected shift that changed how she sees the world of countryside sports. She talks about the early puppy chaos, the moments of doubt that had her questioning whether Arthur was even better off with someone else, and the practical changes that helped turn things around.

Leanne also shares balancing dog training with family life, home educating her son, and reclaiming a sense of identity after leaving her job as a veterinary nurse. If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or embarrassed by where your dog is at, this conversation is the reassurance you need.

Essential listening if you're a new gundog owner, a beginner in field sports, or anyone who needs a reminder that progress is not meant to look perfect.

Britain’s farming story is more complicated and more misunderstood than most people realize. Eden Hill - first-generation farmer, shepherdess, and co-owner of Meatbox Family - opens up why she sells meat directly to customers, and what she wishes more people understood about animal welfare, sustainability, and life on a hill farm.

Eden and host Rhiannon dig into the reality behind the headlines: a 550-acre farm in Lancashire, cattle, sheep, pigs, a direct-to-consumer meat box business, and the constant pressure of keeping it all running while raising a young child. From lambing and social media education to the chaos of moving farms, Eden shares how she went from a vet practice to becoming a self-employed shepherdess and, eventually, a full-time farmer.

Rhiannon and Eden also unpack the emotional reality of caring deeply for animals that are raised for food, the misconceptions that spread online, and the criticism farmers face when they try to explain what they do. Eden speaks candidly about death threats, the dangers of misinformation, and why she believes farmers have a responsibility to tell their own story.

This episode is for anyone who wants to understand where British meat comes from, how a modern family farm actually survives, and why the conversation around food production deserves more nuance. If you care about farming, animal welfare, food ethics, or simply want a clearer picture of the people behind your plate, this one will stay with you.

What if the animal in the photo isn’t the whole story?

In this week’s Tea Break, I’m talking about why conversations around shooting are so often reduced to a single photograph, a single sentence and an emotional reaction, particularly on social media.

Compassion for animals absolutely matters, but so does looking at the bigger picture. What happens to the habitat? The songbirds, butterflies and other wildlife? The people managing the land? And what happens if that management disappears?

I’m briefly unpacking why shooting, conservation and wildlife management are rarely as black and white as social media makes them appear, and why we should be willing to look beyond the moment the trigger is pulled and consider everything that happens before and after it.

With DEFRA’s new call for evidence into gamebird rearing, release and shooting in England now underway, I also look at why understanding the evidence, and asking better questions, matters more than ever.

Because caring about one animal shouldn’t mean ignoring everything else.

A town-raised woman, a spaniel called Harley, and one life-changing first day beating. Georgia Devan shares how she went from anti-hunting family, to deer stalking, wildfowling, and hunting abroad - all after a working cocker spaniel pulled her into the countryside.

Georgia opens up about the animals and places that shaped her path, from her beloved first working dog Harley to the heavy rifle she learned on, the gear every beginner actually needs, and the unforgettable trips that took her to South Africa and Sweden. She also breaks down what deer stalking and wildfowling really involves, and how a day in the field can challenge almost everything outsiders think they know about rural sports. By the end, you may not just understand hunting better. You may see the countryside, the people in it, and the animals in a completely new way.

Essential listening if you’re curious about deer stalking, wildfowling, hunting abroad, or you want a smarter, more honest conversation about why women belong in rural sports too.

What happens when two complete beginners take on clay pigeon shooting? Rhiannon brings her long-suffering friends Vic and Rachel to the range for a first attempt filled with nerves, excitement, and very low expectations. Rachel has some distant rifle-shooting experience from her cadet days, while Vic has never fired a gun before. Together, they get kitted out, meet Sandy, and find out whether confidence, past experience, and good coaching is enough to hit a moving target. Expect first-timer nerves, friendly competition, and the inevitable question: will either of them actually hit anything?

This week on The Country Woman Podcast, I'm joined by Katie from Dog & Field for a conversation all about confidence, working dogs, and encouraging more women into the shooting world.

Katie shares how her own experience has helped build confidence over time and why you don't need to know everything before getting involved. We talk about the many different ways to be part of a shoot day, the vital role that pickers up and their dogs play, and just giving something new a go can open so many doors.

We also chat about working dogs, Katie's plans to continue learning through working tests, and how the shooting community can help make newcomers feel welcome.

Whether you've been involved in field sports for years or you're simply curious about taking your first step, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical advice and honest conversation.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to follow The Country Woman Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who's thinking about getting involved in country sports.

The English countryside isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a mindset. Isabel reveals how a childhood split between the outskirts of Coventry and family life in the country shaped her love of golden-hour fields, timeless tweed, and the confident, practical style that now defines her Instagram.

If you’ve ever wanted to build a wardrobe that feels more intentional, more wearable, and more you, this conversation is full of ideas you can actually use. Rhiannon and Isabel get into the rise of country fashion, why UK-made heritage pieces matter, and how one £3 charity shop blazer became Isabel’s most-loved wardrobe staple.

But this episode goes deeper than style. Isabel shares her experience learning to ride as an adult, facing a long-held fear of horses, and discovering just how quickly the countryside can pull you in once you stop standing on the edge of it. She also speaks candidly about women’s health, hormones, IBS, hypothyroidism, and why more of us need to talk openly about the realities behind the polished version of life we post online.

Rhiannon and Isabel also dig into confidence, independence, and what happens when you stop waiting for permission and start trying things for yourself. From polo matches to game fairs, from curated outfits to honest conversations about cycle symptoms and burnout, this is an episode about embracing the countryside in all its beauty.

Essential listening if you love country style, want to dress with more intention, or need a reminder that confidence often starts the moment you say yes to something that scares you.

This Tea Break reflects on the sense of community and connection found in country life and country sports. From shared experiences and friendships to the hard days that become the best stories.

In an increasingly digital world, there’s something special about turning up, getting outside and finding people who share your passions. This week, I’m talking about why that sense of belonging matters, and celebrating it with a YETI mug giveaway. Details within the episode!

This week on The Country Woman Podcast, I'm joined by Seanna from South Australia for a conversation that proves country life has so much in common, no matter where in the world you call home.

Seanna shares what it's like growing up and working on a multi-generational family farm, the traditions that come with it, and why farming is about so much more than producing food. It's also about family and community.

We also chat about the things that keep her grounded away from the farm, from running to her love of country music and singing, and how those passions fit alongside life in rural Australia.

Although we're separated by thousands of miles, this episode is a wonderful reminder that the values of country life are universal.

If you enjoyed today's conversation, don't forget to follow The Country Woman Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who'd love a glimpse into country life on the other side of the world.

This week on The Country Woman Podcast, I'm joined by Fione also known as The Scottish GamekeepHER.

Gamekeeping is often one of the most misunderstood roles in the countryside, so in this episode we're lifting the lid on what the job really involves. From wildlife and habitat management to conservation and the day-to-day realities of estate life, Fione shares the work that happens behind the scenes that many people never get to see.

We also talk about the misconceptions surrounding gamekeeping, what it's like working in a traditionally male-dominated profession, and how she's carving out her own place within the industry.

Whether you're curious about gamekeeping or you've ever wondered what the role actually looks like, this conversation offers an honest insight into a profession that's so often misunderstood.

And if you're a woman who's ever thought about working in the countryside, Fione shares some brilliant advice on finding the confidence to take that first step.

If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to follow The Country Woman Podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who'd love to learn more about life in the countryside.

Jessica's enthusiasm for the countryside is impossible not to catch.

In this episode, Jessica shares how an adventurous childhood and a career in the military first sparked her love of shooting, before leading her into game shooting, deer stalking, fishing and a life immersed in the sporting countryside.

We talk about the importance of understanding where our food comes from, why confidence often comes from simply saying yes to new opportunities, and why women shouldn't feel intimidated about stepping into traditionally male-dominated spaces. Jessica also shares her thoughts on country clothing, how the right kit can give you confidence, and the advice she'd give to any woman who's thinking about giving field sports a try.

It's an uplifting conversation full of laughter, encouragement and genuine passion for the countryside. Jessica's energy is completely infectious, and I finished recording this episode with the biggest smile on my face. I hope you do too.

Launching this podcast has taught me far more than I expected.

In this Tea Break, I talk about the response to The Country Woman Podcast, overcoming self-doubt, why kindness and encouragement matter more than we realise, and the recurring lesson every guest seems to share: don't be afraid to be a beginner.

If you've been waiting for permission to try something new, consider this your sign.

A comment on social media 'You're obsessed with killing animals' got me thinking… where does our food really come from, and how connected are we to it?

In this first Tea Break, I share how my own relationship with food has changed since becoming involved in the countryside. We talk about eating wild game, supporting local butchers and farm shops, why I'd rather know my food's story than pretend it doesn't have one, and how learning more about deer management has challenged my own assumptions.

This isn't about telling anyone what they should believe or how they should eat. It's simply an invitation to understand the countryside a little better, ask questions, and have open conversations—even when we don't all agree.

Put the kettle on, and let's have a chat.

Before we dive into the stories of the incredible women joining me on this podcast, I thought it was only fair to introduce myself.

I certainly didn't grow up in the sporting countryside. Outside of horses, this world was completely new to me. But one working cocker spaniel, a few unexpected invitations, and a habit of saying "yes" to opportunities I knew very little about completely changed the direction of my life.

In this first episode, I share how I found my way into shooting, working dogs and country life, the people who encouraged me along the way, and why I started The Country Woman Podcast.

I also introduce the three questions guests on the podcast will answer, and talk about why I hope these conversations encourage more women to try something new, ask questions without fear, and discover just how welcoming the countryside can be.

Whether you've spent your whole life in the countryside or you're simply curious about it, I hope you'll find something to relate to.

Put the kettle on, settle in, and welcome to The Country Woman Podcast. New conversations celebrating the women behind the sporting and rural countryside every week.

This week I'm joined by Elsa Laver, or Elsa Outdoors on Instagram, who swapped eventing for an incredible career in the game and clay shooting industry.

We chat about how starting a new hobby to spend more time with her Dad turned into a life travelling the world, what it's really like working on driven shoots in America, and the differences between British and American shooting traditions. From loading guns beneath mountains to sharing drives with moose, bears and even the occasional mountain lion, Elsa's story is one of saying yes to unexpected opportunities.

We also talk about women entering the sport, overcoming imposter syndrome, travelling for work, countryside fashion, and why confidence often comes after you've taken the first step.

Whether you're already part of the sporting countryside or simply curious about it, this is a relaxed conversation about adventure, opportunity, and finding your place outdoors.

Put the kettle on, settle in, and enjoy another Country Woman story.