I found this absolutely fascinating. Lots of discussion of course design and safety. Anyone else had a listen?
I enjoyed the insights into his philosophy, as well as his early years as a course designer and some of the mistakes he made. It was heartening to hear him invite any rider to ask him to walk the course with them if he’d designed it. Also that he takes the job very seriously and will be out changing the course (for the easier) at 4 am Saturday morning if he thinks it needs to be done.
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I really like Ian Stark but even so. He and his team could not figure out how to save horses and riders from spinning down the hills at the 2015 Euros Blair Castle by removing a very much questionable fence up front. What I’m trying to say is course designers often talk safety but when push come to shove they kind of bail out. But that’s just my opinion 
The course designer is the public face of a large team. The fence builders, the event organisers, the USEA officials, the rider rep all have a say in the course design and they also assess the suitability of the fences. Eventing is not really a solo sport.
Still the lack of good choices - and back bone if you’d like - by course designers and other officials the past years with sometimes deadly consequences for both horses and riders is a bit over whelming to me. There’s a little bit too much talk when there should be more action.
Loved it. Very insightful.
Ian Stark is one of the nicest eventers I have ever met. I was riding at an unsanctioned event in Scotland and he was in the warm up ring with me. He could probably tell I was absolutely terrified to go out on XC because the UK Novice was nothng like the Canada Prelim LOL. He rode up beside me and told me my keeper was off my cheek piece, and that it was bad luck to leave it like that. Then he smiled at me and said good luck!
I’ll never forget that. Then we went out on course and rocked. One of my fav eventing memories.
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