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Recent episodes
#68 - Orchid Bertelsen: Horses, Business, and Building an Audience
Mar 10, 2026
Unknown duration
#67 - Susan Friedland: Misty, Marguerite, and the Magic of a Great Horse Story
Feb 27, 2026
Unknown duration
#66 - Danielle Henson: From Churchill Downs to the USEF, Finding Corporate Work in the Horse World
Feb 24, 2026
Unknown duration
#63 - Horse Racing: The (Improbable) story of Michael Iavarone's Rise to a Horse Racing Legend.
Dec 16, 2025
Unknown duration
#62 - Polo: Marissa Wells is a 10 goal handicap!! Hear the story.
Dec 6, 2025
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
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| 3/10/26 | #68 - Orchid Bertelsen: Horses, Business, and Building an Audience | Orchid Bertelsen spent the last 20 years building a career that took her from a law firm in DC to the Gucci sales floor, through digital marketing at Nestle, and eventually into private equity, where she now helps beauty brands grow profitably. A first-generation Taiwanese American who grew up without a safety net, Orchid learned early that the path forward meant working harder than everyone else and getting close to the money. After 30 years away from horses, she recently returned to the saddle at a historic equestrian club 10 minutes from her home in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and what started as a Christmas gift of six lessons has since taken over her entire personality.FIVE KEY INSIGHTS: Finding your way back: Orchid rode from 10 to 14, competed on the B circuit in Illinois and Wisconsin, then stepped away for nearly 30 years. Her return started with a walk past the Grosse Pointe Equestrian Center with her kid in a stroller and one question: "what if?"Horses as a forcing function for presence: Managing an oversensitive 17.3-hand horse named Bo has a way of demanding you show up fully. For someone always attached to her phone, barn time is the one place she's not.Building content with a system: Through Orchid in the Saddle, she applies her marketing background to create content for returning riders. Batch film on barn days, script with ChatGPT, edit ruthlessly in CapCut to 30 seconds or less, and let the data tell you what to make next.The gap the equestrian industry is missing: There's a disconnect between who brands design for and who's actually buying. From boot calf widths to men's sizing to grooming bags, the middle market for quality products made for real people at real price points is wide open.Immigrant grit and the cost of an obsession: All three voices in this conversation are first-generation Americans, and the thread connecting growing up without a safety net, building careers close to revenue, and developing a full-blown horse obsession is very real and very relatable.Orchid Bertelsen is proof that the horse world can pull you back in no matter how long you've been gone, and that returning to the barn at 43 with a half-lease, a TikTok account, and a marketing brain is its own kind of superpower. This conversation covers everything from building a content strategy on a barn budget to the very real gap in equestrian products for adult amateurs, and why the brands that figure that out first are going to win big. If you've ever thought about coming back to horses, or wondered whether your outside career could actually make you better in the saddle, this episode is for you.Follow Orchid: @orchidinthesaddle on TikTok and InstagramSubscribe and follow Horse People for more cross-discipline content and stories. | — | ||||||
| 2/27/26 | #67 - Susan Friedland: Misty, Marguerite, and the Magic of a Great Horse Story | Susan Friedland is a former middle school English teacher turned equestrian author based outside Chicago, Illinois. She traded the classroom for the page and has since written four books, including her latest, Marguerite, Misty, and Me, a deep dive into the life of beloved children's author Marguerite Henry. A lifelong horse-obsessed kid who grew up borrowing horses in Wayne, Illinois, Susan eventually found her way to fox hunting, polo lessons, and the wild pony swim at Chincoteague Island, all while building a writing career that blends her love of horses, history, and storytelling.What we talked about:The real story behind Misty of Chincoteague: wild pony swims, saltwater cowboys, and the tiny Virginia island that inspired one of the most beloved horse books of all timeHow Marguerite Henry went from a city woman with no horse experience to the author of millions of copies across multiple languages, including a Newbery Medal winnerWhat it actually takes to write a book about a beloved figure and why Susan says it's "not for the faint of heart"The hero's journey hiding inside every great horse story, and why that's probably why these books still hit the way they doWhy traditional publishers keep passing on horse books, and why Susan (and the numbers) think they're wrongSusan's story is proof that the path to your dream career doesn't have to be a straight line. It can look like a fox hunting trail through the California hills, a trip to a Virginia island, and an attic full of letters written to a pony. If you've ever felt the pull of a horse book as a kid, this one will take you right back.Follow Susan on Instagram: @saddleseekshorses Subscribe and follow @horsepeoplepodcast for more cross-discipline content and stories. | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | #66 - Danielle Henson: From Churchill Downs to the USEF, Finding Corporate Work in the Horse World | This episode features Danielle Henson, Sport Communications Manager at the U.S. Equestrian Federation, equestrian, Louisville native, and the person behind one of the most genuinely useful newsletters in the horse industry: CLICK HEREShe talks about what it actually takes to build a career in the horse world when you didn't grow up with industry connections, how social media in equestrian sport has transformed over the last decade, and why the best content always comes back to one thing — the horse.Key topics we discussed:Growing up 10 minutes from Churchill Downs and finding horses through 4-H and a little Arabian barn called Stonehurst Riding ClubThe LinkedIn newsletter she started to help people find jobs in the horse world — and how it helped someone land a role at USEFHow social media has evolved from hashtags and Snapchat global stories to full video production departmentsWhy horse-forward, emotional content outperforms everything elseHer advice for breaking into the equestrian industry without a head startSocial Media Links:LinkedIn: Danielle Henson (search + follow her newsletter while you're there)Horse People Podcast:Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcastSubscribe to Horse People for more cross discipline content and stories. | — | ||||||
| 12/16/25 | #63 - Horse Racing: The (Improbable) story of Michael Iavarone's Rise to a Horse Racing Legend. | Michael Iavarone’s done what most horse people only dream about, he’s won the Kentucky Derby. He’s been in this game at the highest level, from Big Brown taking him to the presipice of racing to many G1 wins, but he didn’t grow up in it. He came from a working-class family, started out getting crushed at the betting windows, and somehow figured out how to buy the right horses at the right time.This one’s full of wild stories, buying million-dollar horses days before a race, flying around the world to race in Hong Kong and Dubai, and the highs and heartbreaks that come with it. But what stuck with me most is how much Michael still loves the game. Even after all the pressure, all the wins, all the money spent, he’s still out there watching morning works like it’s the best part of his day. Key Topics we discussed: Why Michael only buys horses that have already raced, and how that’s helped him win bigThe story behind Big Brown and how it felt to win two legs of the Triple CrownWhat it’s like to wire a million dollars for a horse just days before the Breeders’ CupWhy elite horses have to be mentally tough, not just talentedHow horse racing pulled him back in after he stepped awayFollow Michael on Instagram: @michael.iavaroneSubscribe and follow Horse People Podcast for more cross discipline content and stories from equestrians all around the world. @horsepeoplepodcast | — | ||||||
| 12/6/25 | #62 - Polo: Marissa Wells is a 10 goal handicap!! Hear the story. | This episode is with Marissa Wells, who just became a 10-goaler in arena polo, a dream she's had since childhood. We talk about what that moment felt like, the years of consistency it took to get there, and what comes next. Marissa is great, a good friend and my first ever guest!!We get into everything from $800 horses to bodybuilding prep to what kind of horses are actually best for arena.Follow Marissa on[Instagram] and [Tik Tok]Key topics we discussed:The moment Marissa found out she hit 10 goals and what it meant after a lifetime of dreaming about it.Why consistency matters more than talent at the top levels of polo.Her surprising take on training horses for arena versus grass.How bodybuilding and polo have started to overlap in her life—and why she could never do arena on prep.What it means to be a role model now and the advice she gives to the next generation of young girls in polo. | — | ||||||
| 9/16/25 | #58 - Ross Colbert: The Mongol Derby Didn’t Kill Him, But It Tried. | This episode is with Ross Colbert, lifelong horseman, investment banker, polo junkie, and 70-year-old finisher of the Mongol Derby. And not just any finisher. Ross crossed the line dead last. But what happened in those 10 days is the stuff you don’t hear about in the press releases. He got lost in the mountains, had his horse chased by dogs, was thrown, walked solo for miles, slept alone by a river, and still managed to roll into camp with his horse sound and his head high.We talk about the years he spent dreaming of Mongolia, what it took to prep, what gear saved his ass (literally), and how he avoided the saddle sores that plagued most of the field. Ross also shares what it felt like to come home, how the Derby rewired his perspective on business, resilience, and what he’s still capable of. It’s one of the most honest and human accounts of the Derby you’ll hear.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Ross’s early involvement with horses, growing up on a farm, riding, polo, and how that shaped his relationship with horses and risk.How the idea of doing the Mongol Derby was planted from meeting his wife, her research on Genghis Khan and the Silk Road, eloping in Mongolia, seeing the Derby, and holding that dream over the years.The training and preparation: building endurance, lots of saddle time, attending a Derby boot camp, gear, avoiding saddle sores, etc.The race itself: checkpoints missed, stone bruised horse, getting thrown, losing tack, walking sections, getting lost in high terrain, nights alone, mindset through setbacks.The aftermath: finishing last but finishing strong, what came home with him beyond the race (resilience, optimism, what he now knows about himself and what he’s capable of), reflections on business, horses, and what’s next.If you liked this episode, hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next wild Derby story or horse‑person journey. And if you feel moved, share it with someone who needs a boost of grit or has ever wondered what’s possible when you keep going.Follow @horsepeoplepodcast for more cross discipline stories and content. | — | ||||||
| 9/9/25 | #56 - The Rulebook, the Racetrack, and the Real Work with Lisa Lazarus, CEO of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority | Intro:Lisa Lazarus is the CEO of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). From NFL negotiations to equestrian rulebooks in Switzerland, Lisa’s career has taken her across sports, continents, and now into the heart of American horse racing reform. We talk about what it means to rebuild trust in an industry that’s often under fire, how to change deeply embedded cultures without losing the soul of the sport, and what it actually takes to reduce fatalities by 37 percent in just three years.Follow @horsepeoplepodcast for more cross-discipline content and stories.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Lisa’s winding career path from international sports law to leading HISAThe real metrics behind reducing equine fatalities and why transparency mattersThe cultural shift underway in horse racing and why trust is the hardest partBalancing federal oversight with racetrack realities across the U.S.Why bringing younger generations into the sport is non-negotiableSubscribe to Horse People Podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss the conversations that matter to the future of our industry. And if you’ve got a friend who works at a track, send them this episode.Follow Lisa and HISA updates on their website: https://hisaus.org/ | — | ||||||
| 7/30/25 | #54 - How Jutta Putz Turned Horse Obsession into a Global Branding Career | This episode is so good. I sat down with Jutta Putz, a branding consultant and strategist who's carved out a niche helping equestrian businesses and startups go global. From growing up in a tiny Austrian town to building her career in Kentucky’s Thoroughbred heartland, Jutta’s story is one of persistence, clarity, and a deep love for horses. We talk about how she turned that passion into a career, and how you can too.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Why branding is more than just logos, and how clarity can make or break your horse businessThe moment Jutta realized the Thoroughbred world was missing a huge opportunity in visibilityHow wearable tech and AI are reshaping equine health and what’s coming by 2030Personal branding for jockeys and equestrian professionals: what it really meansHow to turn your equestrian side hustle into a full-time job with real strategy and intentionBonus:Jutta moved from Austria to Kentucky after mailing out applications to 20 horse farms and receiving a life-changing internship from one hand-written letter.Connect with Jutta on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jutta-putz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juttaputz/?hl=enWebsite: https://jpbrandplus.com/Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you’re building something in the horse world or thinking about it, send this episode to someone who needs to hear it. | — | ||||||
| 3/24/25 | Episode #45 - How This Equine Vet Became a Legend in the Endurance Discipline: The Story of Fred Barrelet | Episode OverviewIn this episode, Dr. Fred Barrelet, a retired veterinary surgeon, shares his lifelong passion for horses, spanning his early love of riding, his work in endurance events, and his remarkable experiences in Mongolia. Fred offers insights into the ever-evolving horse-human bond, the challenges facing equestrian sports today, and why placing horse welfare front and center is more important than ever.Timeline of episode:Fred’s Path to Equestrian ConsultancyVeterinary background and transition to international event workMemorable career highlights, including involvement with royal carriagesEndurance Riding & Equestrian EvolutionGrowth and regulation in endurance competitionsThe historical importance of Newmarket for racing and breedingThe Human-Horse Bond7,000 years of partnership and why it still mattersCultural nuances: “rough love” in Mongolia vs. Western training methodsSocial License to OperateIncreasing scrutiny of horse welfareEfforts to maintain public trust and ethical standards in all disciplinesAdventures in MongoliaMongol Derby background and its intense demandsVeterinary care vs. rider care: unexpected challengesTrust-building and cultural respect when handling Mongolian poniesPersonal Favorites & ReflectionsWhy eventing stands out for FredAdmiration for both Thoroughbreds and heavy horse breedsHorses as symbols of freedom and solaceEquestrianism is under social pressure: responsible welfare practices are key.Approaches to horse training vary worldwide but center on respect and trust.Fred’s experience highlights the importance of balancing tradition with modern standards.Mongolia’s horse culture offers a unique look at the tough realities—and deep loyalties—of herder life.Notable TakeawaysEquestrianism is under social pressure: responsible welfare practices are key.Approaches to horse training vary worldwide but center on respect and trust.Fred’s experience highlights the importance of balancing tradition with modern standards.Mongolia’s horse culture offers a unique look at the tough realities—and deep loyalties—of herder life. | — | ||||||
| 3/5/25 | Episode #44 - The Thrill of the Mongol Derby with Fred Berry, lawyer and fox hunter. | In this engaging conversation, Fred Berry shares his journey from a tobacco farm in North Carolina to becoming a successful plaintiff's lawyer. He discusses his passion for fox hunting and the challenges he faced while participating in the Mongol Derby, a grueling endurance race across Mongolia. Fred reflects on the lessons learned from both his legal career and his experiences with horses, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the deep connection between humans and horses.TakeawaysHe is a plaintiff's lawyer who thrives on challenges.Fox hunting has been a significant part of his life.The Mongol Derby was a spontaneous decision for him.He faced physical challenges during the Derby but persevered.Fred emphasizes the importance of horsemanship in the Derby.He reflects on the camaraderie and experiences shared during the race.The connection between humans and horses is profound and historical.Fred believes in adapting to challenges and learning from them.He finds joy in the simple moments spent with horses. | — | ||||||
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| 10/6/24 | Episode 42 - Live from the Steppe. Mongol Derby episode!!!! | In this special episode of the Horse People podcast, I take you on a journey through my experience competing in the Mongol Derby—the world’s longest and toughest horse race. From pre-race jitters to crossing the finish line, you’ll hear it all!What makes this episode truly unique is that I recorded voice notes while I was racing across the Mongolian steppe. So, not only will you get to hear how I was feeling in the moment—tired, exhilarated, sometimes overwhelmed—but you’ll also get my reflec... | — | ||||||
| 9/3/24 | Episode #41 - The Outlier Journey: Choosing to be extraordinary with Scott MacGregor | Kicking off our Mongol Derby series, we chat with Scott MacGregor, the founder of Try Something New Now and The Outlier Project. Scott is a mentor and a friend of mine and while on the podcast shares many of his life philosophies that have led him to live an extraordinary life. We also chat about The Outlier Project, his innovative community pushing the boundaries of what can be done when people with common values are put together in a room. Tune in for a mix of inspiration, adventure, and en... | — | ||||||
| 5/2/24 | Episode #40 - Unleashing the power of sustainability (and horses) with Megan Maltenfort VP at Cardinal Health | Episode Summary:In this enlightening episode of the Horse People Podcast, we sit down with Megan Maltenfort, Vice President of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) at Cardinal Health, a major player in the healthcare sector. Join us as we explore the intersection of sustainability, climate action, and equestrian passions.What You'll Learn:Sustainability in Healthcare: Insights into how Cardinal Health integrates sustainable practices into their operations and business strategies.Climat... | — | ||||||
| 4/18/24 | Episode #39 - Empowering Your Horse and Yourself with Katie Wood from The Equestrian Physio | Episode Overview:In this inspiring episode of the Horse People Podcast, I sit down with Katie Wood, the dynamic entrepreneur behind The Equestrian Physio. Katie shares her journey into the world of equine physiotherapy, detailing her transition from a corporate job to pursuing her passion for horse wellness. We dive into essential training tips for your horse, the benefits of cross-training, and how you can show up as a better partner for your horse. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or ju... | — | ||||||
| 4/9/24 | Episode #38 - Hoof care insights with the legends behind Hoof Builders, David Landreville and Mollie Cardigan | In this enlightening episode of the Horse People Podcast, we dive into the essential world of equine hoof care with David Landreville and Mollie Cardigan of Hoof Builders.Explore the significance of regular hoof trimming, the advantages of keeping horses barefoot, and innovative strategies for farriers. Our guests shed light on the evolving farrier industry and how modern practices are shaping the future of hoof care.Key Topics:Importance of regular hoof maintenanceBenefits of a barefoot life... | — | ||||||
| 3/27/24 | Episode #37 - Capturing the Essence of Horses with Kirstie Marie (Photography) | Episode Overview:In this enriching episode of the Horse People Podcast, we sit down with the renowned horse photographer Kirstie Marie, whose work has not only captured the beauty of horses across the globe but also the unique stories each one tells. Kirstie shares her journey into the world of equine photography, her approach to capturing the true essence of horses, and valuable insights into the business side of photography.Kirstie's passion for horses and photography shines through her wor... | — | ||||||
| 3/13/24 | Episode #36 - Susan Landau, artist and entrepreneur behind Better With A Buckle, buckle company | Better With A Buckle, founded by Susan Landau, crafts unique accessories, integrating elements like vintage western belts, stainless steel and notably, horse brasses.The brand focuses on creating pieces that tell a story, driven by curiosity and the joy of discovery. Their product range varies, featuring handcrafted pendant necklaces and buckles, each with a narrative and designed to spark conversation. Quality and creativity are at the core of their vision, aiming to produce items that owner... | — | ||||||
| 3/6/24 | Episode #35 - "The Suspicious Death of Alydar and the End of Horse Racing’s Golden Age" with author Fred M Kray!! | Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating world of horse racing with Fred M. Kray, an expert in animal law and the author of "Broken," a compelling investigation into the life and mysterious death of Alydar, one of horse racing's most beloved thoroughbreds. In this episode, Fred shares his insights into Alydar's legacy, the intricacies of the horse racing industry, and his passionate pursuit of justice for animals.What You'll Learn:- The captivating history and achievements of Alydar- The ... | — | ||||||
| 2/28/24 | Episode #34 - Behind the scenes from your favorite horse website with Anna Hellman, Horseproperties.net | Episode #34 - Anna Hellman, the manager of Horseproperties.net shares her insights and experiences from managing the leading online marketplace dedicated to horse properties and equestrian estates. This episode offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the operations, dream houses, and successes of Horseproperties.net, alongside Anna's personal journey in the equestrian world.Discover Anna's journey into the equestrian world and the mission behind Horseproperties.net.Learn about the origi... | — | ||||||
| 2/7/24 | Episode #33 - How Josh Wamboldt owner of Avalanche Outfitters started outfitting with horses in the Colorado wilderness | In our latest episode, we sit down with Josh Wamboldt, owner of Redstone Stables and Avalanche Outfitters, to navigate the intricate world of outfitting, hunting with horses, and the effects of Colorado's wolf reintroduction on locals. Josh shares his profound insights on the essentials of packing for wilderness adventures, the art of outfitting, and the complex dynamics between local communities and wildlife conservation. This conversation sheds light on the challenges and adaptations faced ... | — | ||||||
| 1/31/24 | Episode #32 - Allie Layos, Managing Editor of Saddle and Bridle Magazine talks Saddleseat and much more! | In this interview, we explore Allie Layos' lifelong dedication to Saddlebred horses and saddle seat riding. As the Managing Editor of Saddle & Bridle Magazine, she plays a vital role in curating content for the equestrian community. We also discuss her impressive achievement of publishing three fiction books about Saddlebred horses at a remarkably young age.Allie shares her deep appreciation for Saddlebred horses, emphasizing their unique qualities and the importance of their preser... | — | ||||||
| 10/2/23 | Episode #31 - Kareem Rosser: Polo, philanthropy, and what's next | In this episode of the Horse People Podcast, I have a very special guest who's made an indelible mark in the world of polo. Join me as I sit down with the one and only Kareem Rosser, a true legend in the sport.Episode Highlights:Kareem Rosser's Journey: Discover the inspiring story of how Kareem got involved in polo and rose to prominence in the sport.The Work to Ride Program: Learn about Kareem's involvement with the Work to Ride program and how it's changing lives through horses and educati... | — | ||||||
| 10/1/23 | Episode #30: Lisa Diersen, telling every horses story through film, art, & literature | In this captivating episode of the Horse People Podcast, I'm thrilled to have Lisa Diersen as my guest. Lisa is not only a dedicated horse enthusiast but also a passionate storyteller, entrepreneur, and a wild mustang evangelist. Join me as we delve into the enchanting world of horse films, where Lisa shares her profound insights and experiences.Lisa's journey and expertise in the equine world make this conversation a must-listen for all horse people. Get ready to dive into the world of... | — | ||||||
| 8/29/23 | Episode #29 - Jack LaTorre on Mastering the Reins of Fitness for Equestrians | Welcome to the Horse People Podcast! In this episode, we have a special guest, Jack LaTorre. Join us as we delve into Jack's remarkable journey as a Grand Prix dressage rider and a thriving fitness entrepreneur. We'll also explore his substantial clientele, as well as his significant presence on Instagram and TikTok.In this episode, we cover:Transitioning Paths: Discover how Jack smoothly shifted into the world of competitive horseback riding and establishing himself as reputable trainer in t... | — | ||||||
| 8/11/23 | Episode #28 - Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council | Join us in Episode 28 of the Horse People Podcast as we delve into the world of advocacy and equine representation with a remarkable guest, Julie Broadway. In this captivating episode, we sit down with Julie Broadway, the President of the American Horse Council, to uncover the pivotal role of lobbying in the equine industry.Tune in as Julie Broadway takes us behind the scenes of how the American Horse Council passionately champions the rights and interests of horse enthusiasts. From sea... | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.
Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.