From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry.

We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face when trying to grow the next generation of riders, and why creating accessible entry points into horses matters now more than ever. The conversation also explores the financial side of the industry, the rising costs associated with participation, and what it takes to create sustainable programs that can continue serving riders for years to come.

Along the way, we discuss coaching, mentorship, horse-and-rider matching, judging challenges, youth recruitment, and the often-overlooked work happening behind the scenes to keep equestrian opportunities available for young people. We also take a look at YEDA National Championship Week and the experiences, connections, and memories that make it such a special part of the program.

It's a thoughtful conversation about growing the horse industry from the ground up, supporting young riders, and creating more opportunities for horse-crazy kids to become lifelong horse people.

Support our sponsors:

NAC Equine Services www.nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.CBhorsemanship.com

From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions with fun, low-pressure activities, we’re basically building our dream horse girl summer camp in real time. Expect conversations about team-building, non-horsey activities, late-night hangs, and what it takes to create an experience that feels equal parts educational, social, and genuinely fun.

If you’ve ever wished horse showing felt a little less isolating and a little more collaborative, this episode is for you.

Support our sponsors!

NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com

We talk about the little things that make a huge difference in photos, like preparing your horse before a shoot, paying attention to light sources, and yes, even cleaning your camera lens. Kirstie also breaks down concepts like the rule of thirds in a way that actually makes sense and explains how thoughtful details can completely change the outcome of an image.

The conversation also dives into the evolution of KMP Learn and how education became such a major part of her business. Kirstie shares her background riding across different disciplines, the challenges that come with marketing yourself to multiple audiences, and why versatility has become one of her biggest strengths both behind the camera and in the saddle.

This episode is really about keeping a wide perspective in the horse industry. Learning from different trainers, stepping outside one discipline, and being intentional about growth can open more doors than most people realize.

Links!

NAC Equine: nac-equine-services.com

KMP learn: kmplearn.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship: CBhorsemanship.com

They get honest about client expectations, horse show disappointment, communication issues, green horses and riders, maintenance, show spending, and the emotional realities of horse ownership. Brian also shares what life actually looks like as a professional trainer, and why so many problems in the horse world start with expectations that were never properly discussed.

It’s funny, practical, slightly uncomfortable at times, and very much one of those “horse people will understand” conversations.

Support us by supporting our sponsor!

NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

For the first time ever, it’s just Crysta. No co-host, no back-and-forth. And it's just a hair all over the place. But sometimes we have to show up for our bestie when he gets busy at work!

This episode is part life update, part info dump on all of Crysta’s current hyper-fixations… and all of it is very on brand.

She gets into the real side of building a career in the horse industry right now, including:

• Why some business models work and others don’t
• Her favorite training lessons
• Rider biomechanics and the small habits that are quietly affecting your results
• Why adaptability matters if you want to stay in the game

There’s a clear thread through all of it: growth. Sometimes we have to rethink things, take responsibility, and adjust even when it’s inconvenient.

It feels like a late-night, post-show conversation. Honest, a little unfiltered, and grounded in real experience.

Things might look a little different this week, and that’s the point. Besties show up in every season.

We’ll be back together soon. For now, you’ve got Crysta.

Support Horse Show Bestie by supporting our sponsor:

NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

Links from episode discussion:

Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.CBhorsemanship.com

Centered Riding by Sally Swift: https://www.amazon.com/shop/crystadbrown/list/CVP9BIZ51OBF?ref_=aipsflist

Scott’s on the mend and ready to get back into the saddle, so we get into what that actually looks like... the weird in-between phase, the mental side of coming back, and how much patience it really takes.

We also went down a few rabbit holes you’ll probably have opinions on. Things like not picking fights you can't win, what’s actually fair when it comes to day fees at shows, and the ongoing amateur vs. pro conversation that never seems to go away.

There’s a lot in here about speaking with authority when you're new to the sport. That rolls right into a bigger conversation about how we treat each other in the industry, both in person and online.

We also talk through the less polished stuff. Rumors about horse abuse without evidence, what to do when you do see real abuse. Plus some real-life chat about handling young horses, and how to balance young horse's classes as a way to support breeders vs allowing individual horses to be who they are.

Crysta and Scott may be officially Negative Nancie's and totally deserving of cancellation but either way you know you want to watch the downfall.

If you’re enjoying the podcast, support the people who support it.

Check out NAC Equine Services for help with buying or selling your next horse:
https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

We sat down with Don Beard (aka a real judge) and got into what’s actually happening on the other side of the clipboard.

We’re talking:

• what the scores mean
• why “pretty” doesn’t always mean effective
• what judges are actually rewarding vs what riders think they’re rewarding
• and yes… why that run you loved maybe didn’t mark like you expected

We also get into the bigger picture stuff:
how patterns are selected, how ranch + pleasure horses have evolved, and what it actually takes to make it in this industry without losing your standards (or your mind).

It’s honest, theres no shortage of hot takes, and very much a “listen before your next horse show” situation.

We sat down with David Reichert, the founder of UDJC, and got into some real talk about what’s actually broken in the American horse show industry… and more importantly, what we can do about it.

If you’ve felt like showing has gotten too expensive, too exclusive, or just straight up disconnected from what riders actually need to grow… you’re gonna feel very seen in this one.

Also… quick warning 😅

David is a little spicy. He does not sugarcoat, and he’s definitely not trying to win a popularity contest.

But honestly? That’s kind of the point.

His blunt, say-it-like-it-is approach is exactly why he’s able to call out the real problems in the industry without dancing around them. And more importantly, it’s why he’s actually doing something about it instead of just talking in circles.

So if you like your conversations honest, a little bold, and actually productive… you’re gonna appreciate this one.

🎧 Episode Overview

David breaks down how UDJC is flipping the script on traditional horse showing by focusing on affordability, accessibility, and actual community (not just saying the word “community” and doing nothing with it 🙃).

We get into:

• Why the current system is pricing people out
• How judging has gotten way too complicated (and honestly… not that helpful)
• What the European club model is doing right
• And how we can rebuild the sport from the ground up instead of waiting for the top to fix it

It’s practical, a little spicy, and very much a “let’s rethink everything” kind of episode.

What You Can Do (Yes, You)

This isn’t just a “cool ideas” episode. There are real ways to take action:

• Go volunteer or support a local show or club
• Start asking for better judging feedback (and normalize it)
• Support and promote smaller, community-based events
• Stop waiting for the industry to change and start contributing to it

🔗 Resources + Guest Links

• UDJC: https://udjc.org
• NAC Equine Services: https://nac-equine-services.com
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/nacequineservices

If you’ve been feeling frustrated with the industry lately, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale… and also a bit of a kick in the pants in the best way.

Because the takeaway is pretty simple:
no one is coming to fix this for us… but we can fix it ourselves.

They get into what has been going on lately, from changes in the industry to the reality of making decisions for your horse when it actually matters. Not in a heavy way, just real talk about the stuff you are probably already thinking about but maybe not saying out loud.

There is also some Sun Circuit talk, a little people watching energy, and a reminder that the horse show world is just as much about who you are around as what class you are in.

Overall it feels like a catch up with people who get it. Go listen, then text your bestie because you will definitely have something to say 👀🐎

From there, the conversation shifts into something a lot of horse people can relate to… injuries and the comeback that follows. Scott brings on guest Jessi Lueth who has gone through her own injury and recovery journey, and they talk about the mental side of getting back on your feet, leaning on the people around you, and finding the grit to keep going. It’s a really honest conversation about resilience, setbacks, and the kind of support that makes a comeback possible. 💛

In this episode, we’re sitting down with the queen of rider wellness, Dr. Kari, to talk about why your physical therapy era is actually the secret to leveling up your performance in the ring. We’re deep-diving into the "why" behind common positioning struggles and how your own biomechanics are basically the remote control for how your horse moves.

We’re breaking down those "why can't I just do it?" moments and how PT can fix the stuff your trainer keeps yelling at you about.

Dr. Kari calls us out on taking responsibility for your own fitness makes you a better partner for your horse (because they shouldn't have to carry our crookedness, tbh). No gatekeeping here! You’ll get actual tips you can add to your pre-ride routine so you’re not stiff as a board when you mount up.

If you’ve been feeling a little "off" in the saddle or you’re rready to optimize for your upcoming show season, this episode is your sign to start prioritizing you. Your horse (and your scores) will thank you. 🦄✨

Check out our first sponsor!! Nac Equine Services!

We talk about the breeding barn, stallion ownership realities, social media chaos, and why local horse shows are the backbone of the horse world. Katie keeps it real-real about what’s working, what’s broken, and what she's doing to facilitate a glow-up in the industry (looking at you, accessibility 👀).

If you care about young horse sales, AQHA, grassroots shows, content creation, or just love hearing people talk business + horses, this episode is for you.

✨ Expect:
• “Bring back the local show”
• Honest convo about the young horse market
• Social media… but make it horse industry
• Mentorship, community, and making newcomers feel welcome
• A day-in-the-life of one of the biggest names in the game

Katie doesn’t just talk the talk — she’s focused on giving back, running a breeding program, owning stallions, and showing up online without losing her mind (mostly).

#HorseShowBesties #KatieVanSlyke #AQHA #HorseIndustry #EquestrianLifestyle #HorseGirlEnergy #LocalShowsMatter #BreedingTalk #HorsePodcast

We talk about goal setting without emotionally damaging yourself, what does it look like to set a goal that isn't outcome based, and focusing on what brings us joy and not just everything that sucks right now.

We also get into the very real stuff: unrealistic timelines, comparison spirals, financial anxiety, and that constant feeling of “I should be doing more.” Dr. J breaks down why accepting your starting point isn’t settling, why flexibility is a skill, and how chasing tiny wins keeps you from rage-quitting a sport that already costs too much.

If you’re trying to build a winning mindset while also enjoying the ride (or at least not dissociating in the warm-up), this episode is a grounded reminder that progress is messy, flow state is worth chasing, and the joy is usually in the process, the people, and the moments when everything briefly clicks.

Scott and Crysta talk about what it feels like to do the work, set the goal, and still come up short. We get real about failure, disappointment, and the weird emotional hangover that follows when your expectations do not match reality. Then we talk about what comes next, how to pivot, reset, and keep moving without losing your love for the sport.

Along the way, Scott admits to choosing a Palm Springs weekend over a riding lesson, because life outside the barn matters too. Crysta shares an update on young Ricky Bobby, including farrier compliments that absolutely count as wins.

We also dive into the exhausting reality of chasing horse lameness. The vet visits, the waiting, the mental and emotional toll, and how quickly your confidence and plans can unravel when your horse is not quite right.

From there, the conversation opens into mental health. Managing anxiety, processing disappointment, and learning how to sit with both gratitude and grief at the same time. Horse showing is full of highs and lows, and everyone rides them, even when it looks perfect from the outside.

If you have ever left a show questioning everything, feeling burned out, or wondering how to pivot when the goal does not work out, this episode is for you.

If you'd like to consult with Crysta on your equestrian journey, check out CBhorsemanship.com and book a Confidential Call with Crysta to discuss your goals.

We talk goals without the grind, ambition without burnout, and why fun might be the underrated tool you are overlooking.

The conversation also dips into some of the bigger topics buzzing around the industry right now including rule change discussions, walk trot accessibility, and why online conversations can help or completely derail progress.

In this episode, we cover:

• Setting realistic horse show goals that still excite you
• Why community, clinics, and learning from others actually matter
• Balancing competition with genuinely enjoying your horse
• Walk trot classes and accessibility in today’s horse industry
• Partnerships, balance, and asking for what you want in and out of the show pen

Equal parts horse show strategy, industry perspective, and bestie to bestie encouragement. If you have ever felt stuck between pushing harder and enjoying the ride, press play. This episode might be the permission slip you did not know you needed. 💅🐎

If you’ve ever side-eyed a forced holiday party, felt weird pressure to buy “the perfect gift,” or secretly thought December might be the best time to buy a horse… this episode is for you.

Crysta Brown and Scott Cooper settle in after a few to many cold ones for an honest, unfiltered conversation that starts with Christmas chaos and somehow (very naturally) lands in the heart of what really matters in the horse world.

Scott proudly claims his role as the resident Christmas Grinch, calling out the consumerism, the early decorations, and the pressure to perform holiday cheer. Crysta shares her own creative holiday hacks, from thoughtful gifts to custom wrapping paper, and reflects on past Christmases where meaning mattered more than money.

From there, the conversation shifts barn-side.

They break down why December is actually a smart time to buy horses, how breeders and trainers are navigating year-end realities, and why proven stallions still matter when it comes to long-term success. They also get real about the social dynamics of horse shows, the emotional toll of the industry, and how generosity and community are what keep people going when inspiration feels thin.

This episode is equal parts horse business talk, life perspective, and that reassuring reminder that you’re not the only one craving simpler traditions, better boundaries, and a more supportive horse community.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the season or the industry, this one will feel like a deep breath and a reminder that you’re not alone.

In This Episode, We Talk About

• Why Scott is unapologetically a Christmas Grinch
• The pressure of gift giving and why it drains the joy out of the holidays
• Thoughtful gifts, thrifted wins, and meaningful traditions
• Why December can be prime time for buying horses
• Breeding strategy, proven stallions, and smart long-term planning
• The social side of horse shows (the good, the awkward, and the hard)
• Why community, generosity, and connection matter more than ribbons
• Finding balance between horses, business, and real life
• Giving back to create a healthier, more inclusive horse world

We talk all things horsey social media and Ali shares behind-the-scenes insight on how her content looks SO good.

Then we go deeper: bullying, barn drama, gatekeeping, and how so many riders quietly fall out of love with horses before finding their way back. We unpack realistic goal-setting, ethics in competition, and the complicated relationship between prestige, participation, and recognition at horse shows.

From amateur rules and age divisions to the financial realities trainers and exhibitors are navigating right now, this episode asks the questions a lot of people are thinking—but few say out loud. We wrap with big ideas about honor codes, fundraising, and how we might actually support the horse community instead of just talking about it.

If you’ve ever thought “there has to be a better way”—this one’s for you.

We talk about the infamous blanketing debate—when to blanket, why we blanket, and why it make the internet insane every winter. Then we pivot into the weirdness of having no real “show season” anymore and why the lack of downtime is contributing to burnout for both trainers and exhibitors.

Scotts asks Crysta how to use color theory to pick show clothes that flatter you and your horse AND how to pull the blue ribbons without needing a second mortgage because show outfits shouldn't be exclusionary or stressful.

Through it all, we circle back to what makes the horse world great: community, support, and remembering that horse show life isn’t your whole personality (even if it feels like it).

If you need a little reminder to breathe, take a break, and still slay in the arena on a budget... let us be your horse show bestie.

Helen shares how AQHA is bridging that gap with programs like AQHLead, recognition awards, and the Emerging Leader Award, while emphasizing hands-on experience, inclusivity, and community support. Along the way, the hosts laugh about youth show fashion throwbacks, the realities of adult financial independence, and the ways investing in young adult programs makes a real difference for the industry. If you want to know what AQHA is doing for the next generation of riders, this episode is your must-listen.

Of course we get into our usual barn aisle banter—Thanksgiving traditions, gas station snacks, community support, long-distance friendships, and navigating the pressures of showing. Plus, a look at how Western disciplines are evolving and what the future of international competition could look like.

Grab your dirty soda and come hang out with your horse show besties.

WARNING: There are curse words that are unbleeped in today's episode

The trio chats all things presentation (because yes, your vibe does matter in the show pen), the magic of consistent training, and how sales and marketing play into building a thriving horse career. This episode dives into the heart of horse training: understanding each horse’s unique strengths, keeping communication honest and positive with clients, and navigating the ups and downs of being part of such a public, tight-knit community. Shannon gets real about challenges, the incredible support she’s received, and what it’s like transitioning between associations—all while celebrating the joy of living in this vibrant, horse-loving world.

The duo answers listener questions and dives into the joy and discomfort of being a beginner again, finding the right trainer when you’re starting over, and how hyper-fixation and observation can fast-track your learning. They also open up about imposter syndrome, mental prep for big patterns, and how celebrating small wins keeps you grounded when everything feels overwhelming.

Whether you’re coming down from your own show high or just here for the relatable barn banter, this episode is equal parts therapy session, pep talk, and inside look at what really happens after the big show.

Keywords: horse show podcast, equestrian podcast, APHA Western Nationals, beginner rider tips, horse show recap, equestrian humor, trying new disciplines, overcoming imposter syndrome, horse training, AQHA, APHA, western pleasure, ranch riding

We dive into the wild world of global horsemanship, cultural exchanges, and what it’s really like to grow the Quarter Horse community in countries where “lope” isn’t exactly in the dictionary. 🌍🐴

Plus, we chat about upcoming AQHA events (hello, World Show!) and how international riders are bringing major main-character energy to the arena.

Editor’s Note: Okay y’all… huge apologies for the sound gremlins in this one — we had some tech issues and lost part of Scott Neuman’s audio halfway through. As we keep growing, we promise our sound quality will glow up. The convo is still packed with amazing insights, so stick with us — it’s worth it, pinky swear.