This episode of In Stride is sponsored by Purdue University’s Online Certificate in Equitation Science. Rethink tradition and train with purpose as you explore the science behind how horses think, move, and learn. Register now! In this episode of “In Stride,” Sinead is joined by Canadian Olympic show jumper Michel Vaillancourt. Michel Vaillancourt is a Canadian show jumper, Olympic medalist, coach, and course designer. At just 22 years old, he won the individual silver medal in show jumping at the 1976 Montréal Olympics riding Branch County. After his competitive career, he coached and served as chef d’équipe for the Canadian show jumping team at major championships. Today, he is a respected FEI course designer and has created courses for top competitions, including the Pan American Games and World Cup Finals. In this episode, Michel reflects on his remarkable career as a rider, coach, and course designer, including: • The motivation that has fueled him to stay at the top of the sport • His Olympic journey and the story behind competing at the 1976 Games • The challenges and rewards of course design and his favorite venues • How safety has evolved in the show jumping discipline Join Michel and Sinead for an engaging conversation about his lifelong contributions to the sport and the many roles he has held along the way.