Horse Show Bestie

This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry.We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and why online education and virtual lessons are becoming an important part of a sustainable business.The conversation also takes a closer look at the horse show world. We share ideas for making local shows more affordable and welcoming, discuss why community matters just as much as the major events, and talk about the changes we'd love to see across the industry.Of course, we couldn't resist getting into the trainer-client relationship. From setting expectations and building trust to handling payments, communication, and the occasional online critic, Kyra shares honest insights from both the business and horse training sides of the fence.If you've ever wondered what goes into building a successful training program, choosing the right trainer, or balancing horses with entrepreneurship, this episode is full of practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of Horse Show Bestie conversations along the way.Follow Kyra:Instagram: @kyra.leyFacebook: Kyra LeyTikTok: @KyraLey295Website: Ley Performance HorsesSponsorsNAC Equine Services nac-equine-services.comCrysta Brown Horsemanship CBhorsemanship.com

Grab your coffee and your emotional support animal, besties. This episode is a real one, made for anyone whose perfectly planned goal did not happen.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.

WARNING: This episode has curse words that are unbleepedIf 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 AboutWhy Scott is unapologetically a Christmas GrinchThe pressure of gift giving and why it drains the joy out of the holidaysThoughtful gifts, thrifted wins, and meaningful traditionsWhy December can be prime time for buying horsesBreeding strategy, proven stallions, and smart long-term planningThe social side of horse shows (the good, the awkward, and the hard)Why community, generosity, and connection matter more than ribbonsFinding balance between horses, business, and real lifeGiving back to create a healthier, more inclusive horse world

This week, Scott and Crysta are jumping right into all the things winter time... blanketing, burnout, budget bling, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your horse (and yourself!) is take a dang break.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.

This week your horse show besties sit down with Maddie Munn to chat all about moving from Florida to Northern Ireland, European reining, and her brand-new auction platform 5 Star Equine. Crysta and Maddie talk shared NI experiences, from weather shocks to the realities of horse ownership. 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

Fresh off the chaos of APHA Western Nationals, Scott and Crysta are back — slightly traumatized, highly caffeinated, and ready to talk about what’s next. In this post-show debrief, they share their biggest takeaways from the show ring, what went right (and very, very wrong).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