On The Rail

This is the one you have asked for! In this episode of On the Rail Podcast, we dive into judging with Sandy Jirkovsky (APHA Director of Judges), John Pipkin (AQHA Director of Show Officials), and Bill Kaven (NSBA Judges). This highly anticipated episode offers a spicy follow-up to our discussions on hunter under saddle and western pleasure. Our expert guests unpack the intricate processes, standards, and challenges of judging, providing listeners with a rare glimpse of what happens in the center of the pen. From the heart of controversy to the forefront of excellence, this episode promises insider insights into the critical balance of fairness, expertise, and the sometimes blurred lines between personal preference and the letter of the law. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the direction our industry is heading, offering insights that promise to spark conversation and debate. Please remember to like, share, subscribe/follow, and leave a review to help our podcast reach more listeners!

In our latest episode, we dive into the world of horse transportation with Equine Express N.A. Inc. This family-owned and operated business is more than just a transportation company; they're horse people who do transportation. Discover essential insights on choosing the right horse hauler and equipment for safe and comfortable journeys. Learn about feeding, hydration, rest breaks, and temperature control during trips to keep your horses stress-free. Plus, get expert advice on handling unexpected situations and ensuring the health and well-being of your equine companions. Tune in for a smoother and safer horse-hauling experience!

Get ready for another fantastic roundtable discussion, featuring four renowned show clothing designers: Elizabeth Spike Brewer: Partner & Sole Designer of Boo Yah Custom Clothing Kerry House: Owner and Designer at HouseWear Show Clothing Ali Hays: Owner and Designer at Royali Design Amber Daniel: Owner and Designer at Blond Apparel They'll explore the fascinating world of show attire, covering topics like choosing the right colors to enhance an exhibitor's presentation, the importance of a proper fit, inclusivity in show attire, accessorizing and styling, the role of undergarments, blending tradition with personal style, practical tips for exhibitors, and the evolution of show attire. Don't miss this insightful discussion with industry experts! Please share with your friends, follow, and leave a review for On the Rail Podcast to stay updated on more engaging episodes!

Join us for a special episode of On the Rail Podcast with Kristen Galyean. We're diving into the unforgettable VS Dispersal Sale and what's next for Kristen and her family in the horse industry. Kristen shares the emotional highs and behind-the-scenes moments of hosting this historic event at her ranch in Claremore, Oklahoma. From the sale of legendary stallions to shifting focus to cutting horse breeding, we'll cover it all. Kristen also reflects on her role as a mom and expresses gratitude for the industry support. Plus, find out about her pre-sale nightmare and the experience of loping around on Waylon one last time. Is she getting out of the pleasure industry entirely? Is it possible for someone like Kristen to feel the "burnout" that is so relatable right now? Don't miss this candid and heartfelt conversation!

Join us for an enlightening ride on On the Rail Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Meneely, the visionary behind Mary Meneely Collegiate Equestrian Consulting. With a wealth of experience as an NCAA national champion coach and a parent of a college athlete, Mary offered invaluable insights into the recruiting and decision-making process for collegiate equestrian athletes. We explored the range of services Mary provides to aspiring riders, preparing them for the exciting journey ahead. From honing riding skills to navigating the collegiate equestrian environment, Mary's expertise is a game-changer. She dived into strategies for developing riding skills, preparing riders for competition, and equipping them for success. With her impressive track record as an NCEA coach, we also uncovered how her personal experience as a parent of a college athlete influenced her approach to working with families and riders during the recruiting process, ensuring a supportive and empathetic journey. We tackled common challenges that riders and families faced during the recruiting process, and Mary provided invaluable guidance on overcoming these obstacles. And as equestrian programs and the NCEA continued to evolve, how Mary helps her clients stay up-to-date with the latest changes and trends. Grab your headphones and join us on On the Rail Podcast as we delve into collegiate equestrian athletics with the incredible Mary Meneely. And while you're at it, please remember to show your support by liking, sharing, subscribing, and/or following the podcast!

On this episode of On The Rail podcast, we sat down with Julie Broadway, the President of the American Horse Council, to discuss the state of the horse industry in the United States. We explored the current state of the horse industry in the United States, including the economic contributions it made to the US economy and the major challenges it faced at the time. Julie shed light on how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the industry. We learned about the AHC's initiatives in promoting the interests of the horse industry and addressing its challenges. We discussed how the horse industry had evolved in recent years and the trends shaping its future. Julie also shared her advice for young people interested in pursuing careers in the horse industry and the essential skills and knowledge for success. Additionally, we talked about the AHC's work with other organizations and stakeholders in the horse industry, as well as its initiatives related to animal welfare and horse health. We also learned about the AHC's collaborations with federal, state, and local governments to promote the industry's interests and secure funding for horse-related programs. Finally, Julie told us about the 2023 Economic Impact Study and how listeners could get involved and become a member of the AHC at that time. Don't miss this insightful episode on the then-current state of the horse industry and the role of the AHC in shaping its future. If you’re interested in participating in the 2023 Economic Impact Study, you can find it here: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, we sat down with Cyndy Hetzell, who has been involved in 4-H and youth clubs for over 35 years. We explored Cyndy's journey assisting youth in the equine industry, particularly those involved in breed shows and 4-H. She not only shared her experiences but also offered invaluable insights on how to blend kids from a 4-H background with those in the breed show world. Cyndy also took us through the origins of the Garden State Paint Horse Youth Club that she started. The club was once again named APHA's 2022 Youth Club of the Year, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. She walked us through the events and fundraisers they organized, making their club an affordable and fun place to come and show. Cyndy's innovative ideas contributed significantly to the club's success. During the conversation, we also touched on the topic of declining youth participation in the industry, and Cyndy shared her personal vies on the matter. We discussed ways to improve and help youth participation in the industry, and Cyndy shared her thoughts on how we can work towards this goal. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about supporting the youth in the equine industry and learning from someone with vast experience and knowledge. Listeners will gain valuable insights and inspiration from Cyndy's journey and expertise. Be sure to share this episode if you found it insightful! We can continue our industry conversations because of our listeners and hope to keep this flow of conversation going!

Welcome to On The Rail! In this episode, we chat with Suzannah Fuhrman, the Co-founder and Executive Vice President of GoHorseShow.com. Suzannah shares her journey from her time working at ESPN to launching GoHorseShow and the monthly digital magazine, GoMag. GoHorseShow (GHS) is one of the leading websites and magazines for the horse showing community. Suzannah discusses her background in the horse industry, how she was able to utilize her experience and expertise to transition from ESPN to launching GoHorseShow, and what she enjoys most and least about running the website and magazine. Additionally, she shares some insights into the routine creation and development of GoMag. As the horse industry continues to shift and evolve, Suzannah discusses the changes she's seen during her time at GHS and the value of advertising for exhibitors. She also shares what she would still like to accomplish with GHS and how interested parties can get involved with advertising. Join us as we delve into the world of horse showing and get an inside look at what it takes to run one of the most successful websites and magazines in the horse industry with Suzannah Fuhrman of GoHorseShow.com. Subscribe to On The Rail Podcast today to stay up-to-date with the latest in the horse showing community. Please note: At our core, we value high-quality audio and strive to deliver the best listening experience possible. Regrettably, this podcast episode has a few very minor trouble spots that fall short of our usual standards. We appreciate your understanding and hope that valuable content in the episode more than makes up for any shortcomings in the audio quality!

Join us for the latest episode of On The Rail Podcast, where we talk with judging experts David Dellin and Sandy Jirkovsky about their experience as instructors at the 2023 International Equine Judges Seminar hosted annually by the Color Breed Council. David and Sandy provide a complete recap of the event weekend. They discuss the seminar's purpose and who it's intended for, emphasizing the importance of bringing together equine judges from all over to discuss and learn about the latest trends, scoring procedures, and judging standards. They provide insights into what judges are doing well and how judging can be improved. Finally, while this seminar is restricted to judges and judge applicants, our guests suggest what exhibitors should take away from it. Thanks for tuning into On The Rail Podcast! If you enjoyed the show, help us spread the word by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform, leaving us a review, following us on social media, and sharing our episodes with your friends and family. Your support helps us bring you more great content and keep the conversation rolling. Thank you!

In this episode of On The Rail, co-hosts Liz and Jenna are back for another "after hours" discussion, and this time they dive into a more serious topic: the current state of the horse show industry. While they usually keep things light and fun, this tone may be more serious than usual. Liz and Jenna feel it's important to address some of the issues that are affecting our side of the equestrian world. Before getting into the main topic, Liz and Jenna catch up on what's been going on in their lives, sharing some personal stories and experiences. Once they dive into the discussion about the horse show industry and cover the changing attitudes toward it all. They provide thoughtful insights and opinions and share some ideas for how the industry can continue to evolve, and improve to become more accessible and inclusive for all. Tune in to hear Liz and Jenna's take on the current state of the horse show industry. Be sure to share your thoughts by leaving a comment on Facebook or a review on your favorite podcast streaming app! As always, thank you for listening!

What's life like at the end of the line? Today we talk to longe line guru Anthony Leier about how he got started and why he chose to specialize in showing yearlings. Anthony gave us a behind-the-lines talk of what life is really like preparing 35 yearlings for the show pen each year, and why we determined he must possess a special personality trait to stay sane with a barn full of kindergartners! We also touch on what to look for in a yearling prospect, why he doesn't have an issue with burnout in his young horses, and what might be next on his career horizon for Anthony. Follow us on Facebook!

We're kicking off 2023 with a behind-the-scenes look into one of the industry's favorite husband and wife duos, Wade & Carly Parks. Wade and Carly operate Parks Show Horses out of Sabina, OH, specializing in futurity and all-around horses. We talk about their background, how they met, what it was like combining their businesses, and all the laughs and struggles of working with your spouse. We also got their thoughts on transitioning from a youth career to a successful amateur career. Follow them here. And follow us on Facebook!