EPISODE 104

LISTENER’S CHOICE EXCERPTS FROM OUR MOST POPULAR GUESTS!

This episode and Season Two finale is Listeners'Choice, so it's been chosen by you wonderful listeners. Check it out for highlights from Guy McLean, Stacy Westfall, Gillian Larson, and King Ranch's James Clement!

episode 103

HELPING OUR HORSES DANCE
VISCONTE SIMON COCOZZA

Airing October 4, 2019

Have you ever wondered why some horses move so gracefully, so beautifully, it’s like dancing, while other horses just… don’t. Or can’t?

But maybe, with the right approach, they might be able to?

Knowing that a horse’s ease of movement first begins with its inner strength and balance, Visconte (Viscount) Simon Cocozza realized that the way to help the horse achieve this difference is through applying yoga principles – designed and intended for humans – to our equine partners. After extensively working with his own horses, as well as some of the finest equines and trainers in Europe, Simon wrote his book Core Conditioning for Horses: Yoga-Inspired Warm-up Techniques.

Simon is also a performance coach and examiner for FFE, a British qualified trainer, and one of Europe’s leading bio-dynamics researchers. In this fascinating episode, Simon is joining us from his equestrian center in Normandy, France where he trains and, he says, enjoys far too much cheese.

episode 102

WHAT SCIENCE AND EXPERIENCE TELL US ABOUT HOW HORSES LEARN
DR. STEPHEN PETERS

Airing September 27, 2019

Every time we think we can make a definitive statement about how the human brain works, science makes advances and, in many cases, proves those beliefs to be wrong.

Well, the same is true of our horses’ brains, which directly impacts how they learn, how they experience the world, and how we can more effectively work with them – and, especially, provide them with better lives.

Neuro-scientist, author, and horseman Dr. Stephen Peters was frustrated by the many, often opposing views about training and working with his own horses, He decided to apply his knowledge of the human brain to developing science-based horsemanship. His goal: to understand how a horse’s brain and its behavior are related and affect learning.

So Dr. Peters partnered with trainer and fifth-generation rancher, Martin Black, whose early years training horses were guided by working for legendary horsemen Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt. And together, Dr. Peters and Martin wrote the book Evidence-Based Horsemanship to share their intriguing findings.

episode 101

EQUUS FILM FESTIVAL
LISA DIERSEN

Aired September 20, 2019

Just say the words:  Walter Farley or The Black Stallion, Marguerite Henry, Black Beauty… or hear the theme to “The Man from Snowy River,” and horse lovers practically jump to attention.

The nature of art, literature, and film takes our already deeply embedded love of horses to an even more meaningful deeper level. And it’s something we can share with one another, even with the non-equestrians in our lives. Lisa Diersen, EQUUS Film Festival director and founder, understands this almost visceral connection probably better than most.

The EQUUS Film Festival is the premier showcase for domestic and international equestrian artistic content, from feature films and documentaries to music videos and commercials, educational material, and art and literature. The annual film festival is held in New York City and showcases content that illustrates the rich history and diverse tapestry of horses around the world. From there, the festival goes on tour and the content is also offered in an on-demand platform for viewers to enjoy more broadly.

episode 100

NRHA $6 MILLION REINER SHAWN FLARIDA

Aired September 13, 2019

We are celebrating this, our 100th episode, with a very special conversation with legendary Reiner, Shawn Flarida, winner of five gold medals at the World Equestrian Games, winner of the All-American Quarter Horse Congress nine times, and the first person to break the $6 million mark in Reining, which he did at the 2017 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity.

Despite all of the record-breaking firsts and the extraordinary career achievements, for Shawn, family is the most important thing in his life. And, of course, he really loves his horses!

EPISODE 99

CONSIDERING THE HORSE
MARK RASHID

Aired September 6, 2019

Horses communicate with us all the time, if we only slow down and pay attention, and know how to understand what they’re trying to say.

Mark Rashid – internationally acclaimed trainer, clinician, and prolific author — is known for his ability to understand the horse’s point of view and solve difficult problems with communication rather than force. He began working with horses at age 10, when he met the “old man,” who taught him to work with horses, not against them, and to listen to what the horse is trying to say. Mark’s clinics are structured as one-on-one work with horse and rider and are immensely popular with people around the world.

EPISODE 98

DESERT FLIGHT
SAMIA STAEHLE

Aired August 30, 2019

From DesertFlightMovie.com

A love letter to the sport of show jumping, DESERT FLIGHT is a documentary short film that explores the unique relationship with the horse and why people dedicate so much to the equestrian life.

Filmmaker Samia Staehle’ s goal was to capture the visceral way in which horses enrich our lives and heighten our senses. The film showcases the amazing kind of people that horses always seem to attract: individuals of enormous character, possessed of infinite work ethic, and often a very sharp sense of humor.

Set in Thermal, California the dry beauty of the desert and the horse show’s hidden dusty trails are reminiscent of her one-time home in India, a land of adventure and freedom.

EPISODE 97

A SHOW LIKE NO OTHER
THE HAMPTON CLASSIC

Aired August 23, 2019

The Classic Collection: Talking with the Greats

In this very special episode, we hear from some of the horse world’s most legendary equestrians, talking about their riding and training philosophies, their insights into horses, advice for aspiring competitors, and their fondest memories of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. My guests include:

• Joe Fargis

• Peter Wylde

• Georgina Bloomberg

• Kelli Cruciotti

• Marty Bauman, Chief Press Officer, Hampton Classic

EPISODE 96

THE PURE SPANISH HORSE (PRE):
THE HORSE OF KINGS IS NOW THE HORSE OF A LIFETIME
KIMBERLY VAN KAMPEN

Aired August 16, 2019

Kimberly Van Kampen Boyer is a well-known name within the dressage community. As the owner of Olympic stallion Grandioso, as well as Hampton Green Farm, Van Kampen is a top supporter of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and remains active as Board President of the organization that she founded, the US PRE Association.

Van Kampen spends her year in transition between her two Hampton Green Farm locations, one in western Michigan, and the other in Wellington. The facility has two main focuses- to breed, train, develop and sell quality PRE horses, as well as serving as the home for Lendon Gray’s Dressage4Kids Winter Intensive Training Program. While there are many breeds participating in the youth program, some of Gray’s top riders have gone on to ride and compete Boyer’s PRE mounts.

EPISODE 95

WWI HORSE HEROES: WITHOUT THEIR LOYALTY AND SACRIFICE,
THE WORLD WOULD BE VERY DIFFERENT
JO ELLEN HAYDEN

Aired August 9, 2019

Sending animals to war seems, today, somehow even more awful than sending people to war. But in 1914, there was little room for that sentiment. Animals were absolutely essential to the war effort, and they had to be sent - millions and millions of them, by the time the war was over. Most were horses and mules, though dogs, pigeons, camels, and even water buffalo and elephants were also found in some theaters of the war.

While the first thing that might come to mind when considering the role of horses in the Great War might be the cavalry, that would in fact be the least frequent use of horses in the war. Far more horses and mules served in harness than under saddle (discounting for a moment that many of the draft horses were ridden while in harness, as in many cases the “drivers” did not ride on the vehicles but rather on the horses that were pulling vehicles and guns). But putting this aside, and focusing on horses that were ridden rather than being driven, it would be the Officer’s Chargers that made up the largest numbers of saddle horses used in the war.

EPISODE 94

HORSES IN FILM AND HUMAN SURVIVAL
JULIANNE NEAL

Aired August 2, 2019

Julianne Neal is an EQUUS Film Festival organizer and co-founder of Nature’s View Natural Humanship and of The Marley Project, a non-profit dedicated to equine awareness and education through the arts.

The “humanship” approach stems from a discovery by Julianne’s partner, Bruce Anderson, who started out wanting to help horses survive in the world we have created… but he quickly realized the horses were fine. It was humans who needed help, with horses being unfairly relegated to serve as metaphors or substitutes for what we’re dealing with in our lives.

Through her nonprofit, The Marley Project, Julianne and her team support equine educational and public service projects, helping educational, church, and civic groups’ projects, as well as individuals for mental health and wellness sessions.

This led, in turn, to Julianne’s hosting the EQUUS Film Festival Camden Tour Stop and her own exploration of horses in film.

EPISODE 93

RISING YOUNG STAR, AIMING FOR 2020 OLYMPIC GOLD
KELLI CRUCIOTTI

Aired July 26, 2019

The wildly talented young rider, Kelli Cruciotti, epitomizes what can be accomplished when you follow your dreams.

Her illustrious junior equitation career included medaling on the Young Rider Nation’s Cup Team, winning the Artisan Farms Under 25 series in Wellington, and capturing the blue ribbon in the Encana $50,000 Under 25 Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows. And it culminated with her phenomenal win at the USEF Pessoa Medal Finals. Now, she’s set her sights on the 2020 Olympics.

But while her accomplishments and dreams are vast, Kelli maintains a down-to-earth attitude and relentless dedication to improvement. Training under the watchful eye of her mom, Cindy; godmother, Kelli Clevenger; and Gold Medalist Peter Wylde, Kelli works hard at her family’s facility, Serenity Farm, where she doubles as associate trainer and resident grand prix rider, when she’s not traveling for competition.

EPISODE 92

CAN SCIENCE IDENTIFY THE NEXT SECRETARIAT?
DR. EMMELINE HILL

Aired July 19, 2019

Everyone knows one horse can run faster than the other, and they ask, “Which one?” But young Emmeline wanted to know, “Why?”

Humans love horses. We all know this. And just one expression of this passion is to breed horses for particular jobs — a skill that has historically been based upon horsemanship, knowledge of bloodlines, and a significant amount of instinct.

We also know that each foal brings with it a genetic legacy with the potential for qualities that make for a talented jumper, or a superb cutting horse, or a blazing fast racehorse.

Geneticist Dr. Emmeline Hill’s breakthrough discovery of the “speed gene” means that Thoroughbred breeders have something more than instinct to rely on. That’s because her discovery can predict a horse’s optimal race distance by examining its DNA to determine whether it possesses genes that are more suited to sprints, to middle distance, or to longer races.

But it could also have the added benefit of helping racehorses who might otherwise get labeled “too slow” when, in fact, they may actually be fast enough, IF they are entered in the correct distance races. Just think about the numbers of horses whose lives could be improved… or maybe even saved.

EPISODE 91

THE MASTERSON METHOD
JIM MASTERSON

Aired July 12, 2019

"Without a doubt, Jim Masterson's work is AMAZING! It is gentle, effective and strengthens the bond and communication between you and your horse. His method directly complements what I do while training. For me, it's the perfect combination of both 'physical therapy' from the ground and from the saddle."
— Jane Savoie, Olympic Coach, Speaker, Clinician, and US Dressage Team Alternate

Jim Masterson served as the Equine Massage Therapist for the 2006 through 2014 USET Endurance Teams, and for equine clientele competing in FEI World Cup, Pan American and World Games competitions.

He is renowned for teaching a unique method of equine bodywork for equine massage therapists and horse owners in which the practitioner recognizes and follows the responses of the horse to touch to release tension in key junctions of the body that most affect performance.

EPISODE 90

HBO, NETFLIX, AND A PLOW-HORSE NAMED SNOWMAN
RON DAVIS

Aired July 5, 2019

Ron Davis’ story is straight out of Hollywood. Although, in his case, it’s actually Wellington. When Ron decided to become a documentary filmmaker at age 38, he didn’t know anything about making movies. But he believed in his own instincts and he learned fast. In the years since, Ron has created his film company (Docutainment Films), developed a documentary for HBO, and has seen his work appear on The Sundance Channel.

Ron is particularly well-known for his film “Harry and Snowman” -- the documentary about an immigrant equestrian who paid $80 for a plow horse and turned him into a world-famous show jumper. The film was a critical and box office hit, and one of 2016’s top theatrical grossing documentaries.

He dropped out of horse showing in his twenties to move to New York City and work in publishing, eventually managing global sales and licensing for the publishing houses Simon & Schuster and Sterling Publishing. And then someone showed him a video that celebrated a friend’s life. On a lark, he decided to make a similar video for an equestrian friend. Ron couldn’t know it in the moment, of course, but his life would forever be changed.

EPISODE 89

THE MAYO CLINIC FOR HORSES
DR. TOM RIDDLE

Aired June 28, 2019

Renowned for their innovative and phenomenal medical expertise — and frequently called “the Mayo Clinic for horses” — there is no finer veterinary practice than Rood & Riddle, and it is our pleasure to speak with founding partner and reproductive expert Dr. Tom Riddle.

Rood & Riddle began as an ambulatory practice in Lexington, Kentucky in 1982 and established a full-service equine hospital in 1986. Today the practice is known and respected throughout the world for innovative and highly skilled treatment of horses. Rood & Riddle continues their tradition of excellence into the twenty first century serving as a referral center for horses requiring specialized medical and surgical care and providing ambulatory care for all breeds and disciplines. With the original hospital in Lexington, Kentucky and satellite hospitals in Saratoga Springs, New York and Wellington, Florida, Rood & Riddle maintains an unwavering commitment to quality, both in the care of horses and in our relationships with clients and the community.

EPISODE 87

THE REAL WARHORSE AND SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL
BROUGH SCOTT

Aired June 21, 2019

Perhaps one of the best known figures in British racing and sport, a former professional jump jockey, and a television and radio journalist, Brough Scott is also the grandson of General “Galloper” Jack Seely, Lord Mottistone — the legendary Great War hero, Member of Parliament, and Sir Winston Churchill’s dear friend.

As well, Brough is a multi-published, award-winning author of biographies including “Churchill at the Gallop,” “Galloper Jack,” and “Henry Cecil: Trainer of Genius.”

Unlike the Spielberg film and the book “War Horse,” a beloved story about a plow horse conscripted into the war, General Seely’s Warrior was a Thoroughbred gelding bred and ridden by the General for over 30 years, including most of the major battles on the Western Front. Both survived five years of bombs and bullets to lead one of the last cavalry charges in history at the Battle of Moreuil Wood, before returning home to England where they rode on together until 1938. English papers hailed Warrior as “the horse the Germans could not kill.”

EPISODE 86

THE STREETS RAISED US… AND HORSES SAVED US
KRISTEN DE MARCO

Kristen de Marco is an Equine Specialist with a lifetime of experience riding and training horses. She is the executive director of Gateway HorseWorks and has combined a lifetime of equestrian experience with her background in psychology to help humans partner with horses in new and innovative ways. She is passionate about helping individuals, teams, families and corporate groups improve their quality of life through guided interactions with horses.

In the summer of 2015, she founded Gateway HorseWorks, a Philadelphia based non-profit dedicated to offering equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to children, adults and families. Their mission is to offer transformative EAP services to assist in the recovery from mental illness, trauma and grief. The organization seeks to be a leader in the field of education and EAP services and is committed to the wellness of the mind, body and spirit of its clients as well as environmental sustainability.

EPISODE 85

LEGENDARY HORSEMAN AND GOLD MEDALIST SHOW JUMPER
PETER WYLDE

Aired June 7, 2019

Indisputably among the world’s most talented and successful competitive equestrians, Gold Medal Olympian Peter Wylde sees being a consummate caretaker of horses as his finest accolade.

This essential priority is, for Peter, his foundational life principle and it has guided him from his first rides on a pony as a youngster at home in Medfield, Massachusetts, to the upper echelon of show-jumping success.

And through Peter’s ongoing involvement with the Emerging Athlete Program (EAP) as Lead Clinician for the National Training Session, he is sharing this guiding philosophy with the next generation of top riders.

EPISODE 84

SEEING THE WORLD FROM THE SADDLE, ONE COUNTRY AT A TIME
YULIA FROLOVA

Aired May 31, 2019

Eight years ago, social media phenom Yulia Frolova set a personal goal for herself: to ride in every country. So far, she’s at 45 countries… and counting!

Whether it’s in the desert, the deepest snow, or on her way to an audience with the Pope, Yulia is most in her element when she’s traveling the world… and seeing it from the back of a horse.

So far, she’s ridden in Armenia, Jordan, Luxembourg, Russia, Austria, the US, Turkey, and Latvia, just to name a few. That visit with the Pope? Yulia joined an equestrian pilgrimage that sees 450 equestrians ride to the Holy City for an audience with his Holiness.

When at home in Bahrain, Yulia rides dressage on her off-the-track Thoroughbred. But she makes it a point to try other disciplines, including Western, playing polo, and Spain’s Doma Vaquera. She’s even tried stunt riding. Yulia blogs about her travels through her EquiGeo website and Instagram page.

EPISODE 83

USEF-AWARDED PHOTOGRAPHER, JOURNALIST, AND PR TO THE STARS
DIANA DEROSA

Aired May 24, 2019

Diana De Rosa: veteran equestrian journalist and American Horse Publications presidential advisor, who worked extensively with Christopher Reeves until his death.

For many years. Diana trained horses and competed both nationally and internationally, which helps her understand the horse world from many different angles. A language major in college, De Rosa went on to run a riding school, then was editor of an equine magazine and eventually focused on her writing and photography. She has over 1,000 published stories and photos to her credit, and has covered or been on staff at every World Equestrian Games, as well as numerous Pan American Games and World Cups. The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) awarded Diana with the USEF Media Award for Photography in 2005.

Besides being a writer and photographer, Diana owns her own PR firm and some of her past clients include DreamWorks and 20th Century Fox. She also does some TV and radio reporting and voice-overs. For eight years until his death on October 11, 2004, she also worked with Christopher Reeves.

EPISODE 82

MANY BRAVE FOOLS
SUSAN CONLEY

Aired May 17, 2019

A Story of Addiction, Dysfunction, Codependency… and Horses

For years, Susan Conley found herself trapped, married to an addict whose health, welfare, and safety she valued far above her own. Over time she watched as she lost contact with her own needs, desires, and sense of self. But then at 42, after yet another crisis came to an anticlimactic resolution that left nothing healed and little to hope for, she decided, having never so much as touched a horse, to take up riding. 

Here, with humor and honesty, Susan chronicles her experiences, sharing how her pledge to rediscover herself following her divorce was aided, abetted, and challenged by the horses in her life.

Many Brave Fools explores the ways in which horses enriched Susan’s life, and how the process of making herself into a rider also helped her become the person she most wanted to be: not the "ex-wife of an addict," but a responsive, confident, even courageous woman, entering the prime of her life.

EPISODE 81

BIG-NAME STARS, BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES, AND HORSES
CARI SWANSON

Aired May 10, 2019

Equestrians often say that horses take them on amazing journeys in life. That’s certainly true for movie trainer Cari Swanson. Cari has provided horse talent and training for dozens of top films and television shows including Helen of Troy, Night of the Museum, Yellowstone, Taking Woodstock, and Arthur, as well as Orange Is the New Black, Person of Interest, The Knick, and Snowman.

One of Elise’s personal favorites is Winter’s Tale, much of which was filmed on location in New York City and stars Russell Crowe, Will Smith, and Colin Farrell.

For Elise, however, the real star of this movie is Novelisto (aka Listo) — her former Andalusian stallion and the equine love of her life!

Cari has also provided and trained horses for photo shoots for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Tory Sport, Kate Spade, Harpers Bazaar, British Vogue, and Allure magazine. And she has polished the riding skills of countless actors, including Ethan Hawke, Russell Crowe, Gigi Hadid, Haley Bennett, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, Hilary Duff, and many others. Chances are, when you see horses in a movie, on TV, a music video, or in a fashion shoot… Cari’s behind the scenes, training and working with them.

EPISODE 81

WHEN THE WINNING STOPS,
THE THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT FOUNDATION STEPS IN
KIM WEIR

Aired May 3, 2019

Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s mission is clear and simply stated: to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter.

The sad truth is that a vast majority of the general public and even many racing fans are unaware of the sad fate that awaits thousands of Thoroughbreds each year. They assume each horse is assured a safe and graceful retirement once his racing days are over. Their perception of the “Sport of Kings” is one where great personal wealth and lifelong benevolence to all horses are givens. 

The reality is that the Thoroughbred industry is made up largely of owners with only modest resources. And current economics dictate that among all owners, no matter how responsible and well-intended, only a relatively few are capable of maintaining even a single Thoroughbred once it is unable to earn its keep on the track.  The reality is also that horse meat is in demand in many foreign countries and over 10,000 American racehorses each year are shipped to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. And this is the reality the TRF is determined to change.

EPISODE 80

FROM THE GROUND UP: PRODUCING MAJOR HORSE SHOWS AND EVENTS
MATT MORRISSEY

Aired April 26, 2019

Morrissey Management runs prestigious events like the American Invitational, the American Gold Cup, the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, the Lake Placid Horse Show and the Palm Beach Masters, among others. 

From the ground up, Morrissey Management Group (MMG) brings with it, decades of experience in producing some of the nation’s most popular one or two-week horse shows, weeks-long circuits of shows and some of the very best one-day major event productions in the country.

Following in his father’s footsteps and learning all along the way, Matt Morrissey has played a major role in every horse show managed by Morrissey Management Group, and has had major roles in events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival, CP National Horse Show, Wellington Equestrian Masters and many more. Matt guided the American Gold Cup’s highly successful move to its new location at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, New York, a marriage that saw the event place as one of the highest rated horse shows in the country, according to NARG, the North American Riders Group.

EPISODE 79

THE INCOMPARABLE SIX-TIME OLYMPIAN,
ROBERT DOVER

Aired April 19, 2019

Robert Dover has served in the role as Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe for The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team since 2013. Under his leadership, the U.S. Dressage Team returned to the podium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the team won a bronze medal. Additionally, in 2015 Dover coached the U.S. Dressage Team to a gold medal at the Pan American Games.

A six-time Olympian and four-time Olympic bronze medalist, Dover has earned more honors than any other U.S. dressage rider, competing in six consecutive Olympic Games and four FEI World Equestrian Games. He also became the first American since 1960 to win the Aachen Grand Prix in 1987; something Dover considers as a distinguished moment in his career.

In conjunction with his role in coaching the U.S. Dressage Team, Dover has been responsible for assisting in the growth of the development and pipeline programs, focused on raising the standard of excellence across all levels of dressage in the U.S.

EPISODE 78

TALKING ALL THINGS POLO
CHARLIE MULDOON

Aired April 12, 2019

Both on and off the field, few people have been as influential to the game of polo in the US as Charlie Muldoon. As the youngest member of the Muldoons, one of polo’s most iconic families and the first family to win a national tournament together in the U.S., Charlie began his pro career at age 18.

He quickly rose to prominence and even captained the U.S Polo team in numerous occasions as a high goal polo player. Charlie has competed at the highest levels with standout performances at the U.S. Polo Open, the FIP World Polo Championship, the Geneva Open, and the East Coast Open. As head coach of the U.S Polo team, Charlie led the team to the semifinals of the 2011 FIP World Polo Championship in San Luis, Argentina.

He is currently the Executive Director of the U.S Polo Association’s Umpires, LLC. where he presides over the official rules in tournaments worldwide, and he also serves as Governor at Large of the U.S. Polo Association.

EPISODE 77

#ME TOO IN THE HORSE WORLD: A STORY OF COURAGE
MOLLIE BAILEY, THE CHRONICLE OF THE HORSE

Aired April 5, 2019

Excerpted from Beth Rasin’s “From the Editor” — The Chronicle of the Horse:

“…in her story “#MeToo: The Story Of A Trainer, A Trophy And An All-Too-Common Betrayal,” Mollie Bailey brings the viral movement of solidarity against sexual misconduct to the realm of horse sports. We are honored to provide a platform, long overdue, for the women courageous enough to come forward about their abuse.

Some readers may question why we would write about someone who is dead or why we would “bring politics” into a magazine about horses. Because while the horse world can be isolated in many ways, it can’t escape the fact that it is, in fact, part of the larger community and culture. How women or children or aspiring athletes are treated by those in power affects us whether we’re in Hollywood or gymnastics or equestrian sports. Because when a few people start to speak out, others tend to follow them and realize they are not alone, that they will finally be believed. Because there is power in telling truths that have long been hidden.”

EPISODE 76

BRONZE MEDAL OLYMPIAN
CHARLOTTE BREDAHL

Aired March 29, 2019

Olympian Charlotte Bredahl was a member of the 1992 bronze medal U.S. Olympic dressage team and, in 1997, was part of the silver–winning team at the North American Championship. She’s served as the USEF Assistant Youth Coach and has been awarded a USDF Honorary Instructor title and a USEF Gold Medal of Distinction. 

Charlotte is a USEF (S) judge and FEI 4* judge, and was just appointed to be the new US Equestrian Dressage Development Coach.

Charlotte was born and raised in Denmark where she started riding at the age of nine. When she was 20, she moved to California knowing very little English and with only a suitcase in hand.

And her dreams of competing at the international levels took off.

EPISODE 75

A BRIDGE TO CIVILIAN LIFE
WAR HORSES FOR VETERANS

Aired March 22, 2019

Horses are the bridge… veterans are their own best therapy.

War Horses for Veterans is the premier horsemanship, networking and personal growth program in the U.S. Based in Kansas City, this nonprofit brings combat veterans from across the country together in a safe and peaceful environment. Their 3-4 day programs are designed to teach the basics of horsemanship and create a network that will provide outlets for other opportunities and friendships. They use a combination of learning to work a horse, creating new networks and equine-assisted life coaching to help each veteran with their own personal growth.

This a program developed by Combat Veterans for Combat Veterans.

Remarkably, there is no cost to the veteran. Veterans may return as often as they like, as long as they bring another combat veteran.

EPISODE 74

COACH, ASSESSOR, EDUCATOR,
& AUSTRALIA’S HORSE CHATS PODCAST HOST
GLENYS COX

Aired March 15, 2019

Australian horse-woman Glenys Cox is well-known not only as an equestrian coach specializing in preparing her students to work in the horse industry, but she is also the host of the informative and engaging podcast, Horse Chats.

While teaching at university and other government-accredited educational institutions, Glenys earned both of her Bachelor and Masters Degrees in Education, as well as her post-graduate Business qualifications. This terrific educational foundation serves her well as a riding instructor, equestrian coach educator, and Equine Examiner/ Assessor ... and a phenomenal podcast host.

EPISODE 73

A LUXURY RANCH VACATION LIKE NO OTHER
RED REFLET RANCH

Aired March 8, 2019

WITH: BOB KAPLAN, OWNER, TAMMY & CLAY TROLLINGER, HORSE OPERATIONS
Excerpted from VUE Magazine, by Sean McSpadden

Located in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, Red Reflet Ranch expands across 27,000 privately-owned acres nestled under the shadow of the Big Horn Mountains. At an altitude of 5,000 feet, with its upper ranch at 8,300 feet, guests will be hard-pressed to find another American ranch experience this close to the night skies. Thanks to its elevation, wildflowers peek out of the ground early and stay active throughout the summer.

Owned by Bob and Laurence Kaplan — pilots, world travelers, and philanthropists — the Red Reflet Ranch reflects the kaleidoscopic personalities of these welcoming hosts. The Ranch offers a unique middle ground between life on a for-profit cattle ranch and a catered experience with luxuries and customer service that only the finest “Dude” ranches in the country provide. Guests can learn the ranching business from expert wranglers and ranch hands, taking part in cattle drives, feedings or up-close animal husbandry. Yet, they also have exclusive access to guided rides, skeet shooting, ATV adventures and visits to local treasures from full-service touring experts.

EPISODE 72

THE WILD HORSES OF SABLE ISLAND
DR. PHIL MCLOUGHLIN

Airing March 1, 2019

Sable Island is a small, narrow strip of land off the coast of Nova Scotia, renowned for its history of countless shipwrecks and for the 550 horses who roam its 26 rugged miles. Considered by biologists to be home to one of the last herds of completely wild horses, Sable Island is a treasure trove for “population ecologist” Dr. Phil McLoughlin and his team from the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Biology.

The horses’ biological and ecological isolation makes them ideal for better understanding the surprising relationship between these horses and migratory seals, the effects of habitat selection on a limited gene pool, and even determining how such isolated populations somehow have developed antibiotic resistance – despite never having been given antibiotics, veterinary care, or handled in any way.

Not only is Dr. McLoughlin’s study of these horses important from a scientific perspective, however, but it also has the potential to provide meaningful data with broad-reaching uses within the horse world: from the potential genetic challenges of closed stud books like the Thoroughbred’s to helping owners ensure their horses’ well-being.

EPISODE 71

THE BIGGEST LITTLE HEROES
GENTLE CAROUSEL

Aired February 22, 2019

Wherever there is heartbreak, pain, or tragedy, you’ll find them:
the biggest little heroes — bringing joy and easing the sadness.

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is an award winning, all volunteer 501(c)(3) charity celebrating 20 years of service.  The teams of therapy horses work with over 25,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs and with families who have experienced traumatic events. 

The horses were called in to comfort survivors and first responders of the mass shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, and the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. They have also helped the tornado survivors of Moore, OK, victims of the fires in Gatlinburg, TN, families in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and thousands of patients in children's and veterans hospitals across the country. 

EPISODE 70

THE EXTRAORDINARY PHOTOGRAPHY OF
TAMARA GOOCH

Aired February 15, 2019

In her own words…

My photography is a collection of my emotions and passion for the horse and the world around me

For as long as I can remember I've had a camera in one hand and a horse in the other. I think it was a natural progression that my two biggest passions merged into a dream vocation. Every time time I pick up my camera, I feel excitement bubble up inside me.

I have been a full-time professional photographer for over 15 years and I am here to capture those brilliant, happy moments in time and give you the ability to hold onto them forever.

I am on a mission to bring back the printed image.

EPISODE 69

BLAZING PATHS & CUTTING CATTLE
SANDY COLLIER

Aired February 8, 2019

Named one of the “Top 50 Riders of All Time in All Disciplines” by Horse and Rider

Inducted into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2011, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s Hall of Fame in 2012, Sandy Collier’s successful horse show record is reflective of her hard work, dedication, talent, and integrity as a horse trainer.

She was the first and only woman horse trainer to win the prestigious NRCHA World Champion Snaffle Bit Futurity. She also won an NRCHA World Champion Snaffle Bit Futurity Reserve Co-Championship, in addition to being a regular Finalist there annually. She has been a NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion, an NRHA Limited Open Champion, and an AQHA World Champion. She has ranked among the year’s top five reined cow horse all-ages, all-divisions riders, and has ranked in the Top 10 for NRCHA earnings.

Sandy is also a noted international clinician and is renowned for her skill at translating any rider’s competitive goals into effective training methods, with the horse’s and rider’s well-being and enjoyment her top focus.

EPISODE 68

HALL AND HALL’S EXQUISITE RANCHES
TYLER JACOBS

Aired February 1, 2019

For the very most discerning of buyers — those who hold the land in high regard, revere the responsibilities of land stewardship, cherish natural beauty, and want to perhaps own a bit of history (and have the means to do so) — Hall and Hall has honored the ranching and farming traditions with which it was founded in 1946, and that three generations have nurtured and sustained throughout.

Tyler Jacobs lives and ranches five miles outside of Montgomery, TX. Graduating from Texas Tech University with his degree in Wildlife and Fisheries management, Tyler has had professional and entrepreneurial experience in hunting operations, timber valuation, cow/calf and yearling operations, grass-fed beef production, and land-use planning. His wife Amy, and their four children have passionately pursued showing ranch horses and commercial cattle, and are actively involved in their local church and world missions.

Tyler began selling farms and ranches alongside his father in 1998, and attributes his passion and success in the business to his time spent with the family’s farm and ranch real estate brokerage business. Currently serving as President of the Texas Land Brokers Network, he also is an affiliated member of RLI, TSCRA, MCBIA, and TALB.

EPISODE 67

KING RANCH: WHERE QUARTER HORSES BECAME LEGENDS
JAMES CLEMENT

Aired January 25, 2019

From the earliest days, Captain Richard King meticulously up-bred the stallions and mares of the Wild Horse Desert whose descendants would become some of the finest Quarter Horses in the world — on his 825,000-acre King Ranch founded in 1853.

When the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was founded in 1940, the founders agreed that the grand champion of the 1941 Fort Worth Fat Stock Show would be recorded as number one in their stud book. This honor went to King Ranch’s WIMPY, a grandson of OLD SORREL.

This phenomenal legacy continues to this day through the ongoing commitment and dedication of seven generations of the King family. And it’s Because of Horses’ pleasure to talk with James Clement, Horse Division Manager

EPISODE 66

USDF GOLD, SILVER, AND BRONZE MEDALIST
REESE KOFFLER-STANFIELD

Aired January 18, 2019

“She’s one of the bravest people I know: a dressage trainer who’s willing to teach a reiner to ride dressage.” - Stacy Westfall (with her trademark great sense of humor)

Reese Koffler Stanfield, United States Dressage Federation Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, is a lifelong professional horseman born and raised in Kentucky who has successfully competed in the sport of Dressage since early childhood. She is one of the only United States Dressage Federation Certified Instructor/Trainers through Fourth Level in Region II, which encompasses five states.

She’s also a phenomenal inspiration to youth riders, making a point to share her passion for horses and dressage every chance she gets.

EPISODE 65

AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL TREASURE
& AMBASSADOR OF THE OUTBACK GUY MCLEAN

Aired January 11, 2019

Guy McLean was born in, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the youngest of five strapping boys in an inner city suburb, thousands of miles from where and who he is today.

Guy is forever thankful that, as a one-year-old, his family packed up all their belongings to start a brand-new life in the country. They moved to Hervey Bay, Queensland, where they purchased a 1600-acre property and, over the next two, years formed Susan River Homestead Holiday Ranch resort. It was here on the banks of the lazy Susan River that Guy sat on his first horse as a 16-month-old.

Guy truly believes that the best tools in horsemanship are Knowledge, Compassion, Patience, and Imagination. Since 1999, Guy and his equine team (led by Nugget for 12 years) performed all over Australia at every major equine event or agricultural show. In 2002 and 2006 Guy received the great honor of being named an official Ambassador of the Outback and, through his performances of Horsemanship, Bush poetry, and whip cracking, he has helped to keep the traditions of the bush and the true Aussie Stockman, alive.

EPISODE 64

TEXAS A&M COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
DR. ELEANOR GREEN

Aired January 4, 2019

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University is one of only 31 colleges of veterinary medicine in North America… and is considered by many to be one of the finest.

Leading this phenomenal College is Dr. Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.

She is a Diplomate of ACVIM and ABVP,. Dr. Green received a BS in Animal Science from the University of Florida and a DVM from Auburn University. In addition to her own veterinary practice in Mississippi, Dr. Green became a founding faculty member of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University.

EPISODE 63

EQUESTRIAN TRAVEL WRITER
NANCY BROWN

Aired December 28, 2018

As travel expert Nancy Brown says, “There’s no better way to see the world than from the back of a horse.”

Nancy Brown likes to joke around that she “sleeps around a lot… but in a good way!” Combining her love of horses with her passion for travel and writing, Nancy shares her adventures through her blog, website, and various national and international publications.

Believing that travel is better on the back of a horse, Nancy has ridden in Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Switzerland, Portugal, all over the US, and in countless other beautiful locations.

EPISODE 62

LONE RIDER: BORDER TO BORDER ON HORSEBACK
GILLIAN LARSON

Airing December 21, 2018

Rattlesnakes, a wolf at midnight, bears, and a falling-down-exhausted through hiker… Gillian has seen it all from the saddle as she and her beloved horses, Shyla and Takoda, have covered thousands of miles between Mexico and Canada, and criss-crossed the American West.

EPISODE 61

GOLD MEDALIST EVENTER, TEVIS CUP BUCKLE WINNER,
AND USEA HALL OF FAME
DENNY EMERSON

Aired December 14, 2018

Described by The Chronicle of the Horse as “one of the 50 most influential horsemen of the Twentieth Century.” The only rider to have ever won both a Gold Medal in Eventing and a Tevis buckle in Endurance

• Inducted into the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Hall of Fame

• Awarded USEA’s Wofford Cup for lifetime service to Eventing

• Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Riding Instructor Certification Program

• United States Equestrian Team Vice President of Eventing for seven years

• United States Equestrian Federation Executive Committee

• American Horse Show Association Chairman of the Breeder’s Committee

Denny Emerson: eventer, trainer, coach, author, leader, and activist. He has been a significant, influential force in the equestrian community for over a half-century.

EPISODE 60

CNN HERO
PATRICIA KELLY

Aired December 7, 2018

Everyone needs a champion — someone who says “you matter to me.”

Every single day, Patricia Kelly ensures over 300 boys and girls hear this through her Ebony Horsewomen’s Stables and Barn. These kids have seen too much: too much violence, too much despair. But because of Patricia’s dedication and compassion, these young people have a safe place to go.

After schools and on weekends, they learn to ride and to care for horses… to just be kids. Because of CNN Hero Patricia Kelly, they also learn to heal, to discover their own self-worth, and to connect with one another and with horses.

EPISODE 59

THE NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
PAT RILEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Aired November 30, 2018

The only museum of its kind, the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the women of the American West – both past and present – for their extraordinary courage and pioneering fortitude.

The hundreds of inspirational women inducted into the Hall of Fame are from a variety of fields, including pioneers, artists, businesswomen, educators, ranchers, trainers, and rodeo cowgirls. Inductees include Dr. Temple Grandin, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Stacy Westfall, Julie Krone, Willa Cather, Reba McEntire, Velma Johnston (Wild Horse Annie), Barbra Schulte, Julie Goodnight, Georgia O’Keeffe, Sacagawea, Annie Oakley, Dale Evans, and Enid Justin, among many other notable and groundbreaking women.

EPISODE 58

NCHA CHAMPION AND TRAINER
BARBRA SCHULTE

Aired November 23, 2018

The first woman to win all three Cutting Horse Championships — NCHA Derby, NCHA Super Stakes Classic, and Augusta Futurity — Barbra Schulte now applies her incredible success at the peak level of equestrian competition to her practice as a certified Personal Performance Coach.

Barbra is also a successful trainer, multi-published author, and has been recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation as National Female Equestrian of the Year. As well, Barbra was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to women equestrians.

But there’s also a deeply personal side to Barbra’s life and her work, following the tragic loss of her son, Zane.

EPISODE 57

THE HORSE MASTER
JULIE GOODNIGHT

Aired November 16, 2018

Growing up in the ‘60s on a small horse farm in central Florida, Julie Goodnight had a strong connection with horses from a young age. Little did she know then, observing the ponies from her tree-fort in the pasture, that her childhood affinity would blossom into a remarkable career as an internationally known horse trainer and TV personality. Following a successful run as a youth rider on jumping horses, Goodnight headed west to fulfill her dreams of skiing, mountain climbing and white-water paddling. She galloped her way through college on the backs of Thoroughbred race horses in New Mexico, moving to Colorado after graduation, where she started her horse training business in 1985.

It wasn’t long before Goodnight was known for having a special touch with horses and a gift for teaching people. As her reputation grew, she began travelling the world to share her unique approach to horse training. In 2008, Julie started producing the popular TV series, Horse Master with Julie Goodnight, a how-to horse training series that aired weekly on RFD-TV for eleven years. After producing and starring in 260 episodes, Julie has now set her sights on sharing the magical world of horses with a broader audience, through 2Horse Productions, an equine, nature and adventure lifestyle production company.

EPISODE 56

WHEN RACEHORSES LEAVE THE TRACK
MAKER'S MARK SECRETARIAT CENTER

Aired November 9, 2018

The Gold Standard in Re-homing Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds

Endorsed by Penny Chenery with the use of the great Secretariat’s name and located in the Kentucky Horse Park, Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center is THE gold standard in re-educating and re-homing off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

The Center’s work is essential, considering that more than 20,000 Thoroughbred foals are born each year… but only about half of them even make it to the race track. And of those, only a fraction go on to have successful racing careers. Tragically, more than 10,000 American Thoroughbreds are shipped to slaughter in Canada and Mexico each year.

But this is where the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center makes a profound difference by stepping in to provide as many of these horses as possible the hope and opportunity for a new life and career.

EPISODE 55

LIFE BETWEEN THE EARS
KRISTINE DAHMS

Aired November 2, 2018

Everyone who loves riding knows the best view in the world is the one from your saddle.  That’s why social media sensation Kristine Dahms created the wildly popular Life Between the Ears.

Having taken some time off to focus on her career, Kristine felt the increasing allure of horses and returned to riding in her 40s. The view was so beautiful from her horse’s back that she began taking and posting photos online... and her Instagram and Facebook pages exploded, with tens of thousands of riders all over the world sending her photos of their own.

Life Between the Ears now provides a thriving and beautiful equestrian community that defies geography, cultures, politics, and languages, and simply brings everyone together through their shared love of horses.

EPISODE 54

SNOWMAN: THE HORSE THAT INSPIRED A NATION
ELIZABETH LETTS

Aired October 26, 2018

Elizabeth Letts is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of several novels and two phenomenal horse books:  The Eighty-Dollar Champion and The Perfect Horse.

As a lifelong equestrian, Pony Club graduate, and phenomenally gifted writer, Elizabeth is the ideal person to tell these two amazing stories. So compelling are they – and so beautifully written – that these books are a treat for horse lovers and non-horse lovers alike.

Elizabeth majored in history at Yale, where she studied creative writing with Pulitzer Prize-winner John Hersey. Her writing has been recognized for numerous awards, including a John H. Daniels fellowship, The Charlotte Zolotow Award (honor book) and the Middle East Book Award.

EPISODE 53

EQUINE INDUSTRY VISIONARY
PATTI COLBERT

Aired October 19, 2018

Patti Colbert is internationally renowned throughout the horse world, legendary for her long list of career achievements and awards, her phenomenal leadership in some of our most respected organizations, and her tireless efforts in developing programs to bring in new people and grow our industry. She is also an absolute delight, generously sharing her wealth of knowledge with grace and good humor.

Here are just a few of Patti’s phenomenal achievements:

• Creator of the Extreme Mustang Makeover

• AQHA Foundation Senior Director

• Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director

• Board member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, AQHA, and American Stock Horse Association

• Executive Director of the Texas AQHA