The Business of Horses with Solo Select

"I wanted to be a winner." It all starts with a powerful mindset, but what does it really take to reach the top of the Western performance industry—and more importantly, stay there? If you think you can't make it in the cutting horse world because you don't come from money, or because you weren't born into a performance horse dynasty... you are WRONG. Kenny Platt and his family’s story is living proof, and it will give you the exact motivation you need to get right back in the saddle and chase those dreams. This episode is packed with actionable insights on: >How to make it as a professional horse trainer >How to manage a successful training operation >How to build a team that sustains growth and success >How to navigate finances and customer expectations ...And why you should always be grateful for the struggle. PLUS: Hear the legendary story of the famous Moms Stylish Player, walk through the incredible rise of LBR Hangem, and so much more!

Part 2 of 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟐-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐱 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧 is for the owners who don’t just want to start a colt, they want to see it all the way through. Because getting a horse to the championship pen doesn’t start at three, it starts the moment you decide who you trust with your 2-year-old. In this episode, we break down what the trainer–client relationship really looks like when the goal is long-term success. The level of trust it takes to hand over a young horse, the consistency, communication, and decision-making that happen behind the scenes, and the difference between clients who help build great horses—and the ones who unknowingly hold them back. If you’re thinking about sending a colt to a trainer, or you want to give your horse the best possible shot from day one, this is the side of the industry you need to understand. Because the best programs aren’t built overnight and they’re never built alone.

“𝗪𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼.” In this episode, Melanie Smith of Solo Select Horses joins Recipient Farm Manager Kimberly Howard to take you behind the scenes of running a successful recipient mare program. With a herd of over 2,500 mares, every decision matters. Melanie and Kimberly break down the logistics, planning, and daily dedication required to turn a tiny embryo into a future champion. “If we can improve our chances by just 1% every time we do something, those small gains quickly start to add up,” they explain. With a dedicated team that carefully calculates every move, they ensure both the embryo and the recipient mare are as healthy as possible. This episode offers an insider’s look at how much time, care, and attention go into understanding exactly what recipient mares need for a successful pregnancy. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and discover what it really takes to play the game at the highest level and give every embryo the best shot at greatness. 🎧 Find the episode now on any of your favorite podcast platforms.

The AQHA 2-Year-Old Rule has shaped breeding, marketing, and futurity timelines for decades — but is it time for a serious conversation about change? In this episode of The Business of Horses, Melanie Smith sits down with industry leaders Tricia Aldridge, Carol Rose, and Brooke Wharton for a candid and forward-thinking discussion about how the AQHA 2-Year-Rule impacts stallion owners, mare owners, breeders, futurity programs, and the long-term soundness of the modern Quarter Horse. Together, they break down:• The intent behind the rule• How it affects the industry today• The economic ripple effects across programs• What reform could mean for the future of the industry This is not surface-level commentary. It is a real, informed conversation from women who are actively shaping the direction of the industry. If you care about the future of the American Quarter Horse and the sustainability of our programs, this is a conversation you will not want to miss. To find out more about how you can get involved or find out information on the AQHA Convention, click here: https://www.soloselecthorses.com/post/the-aqha-two-year-rule-how-it-works-the-impact-and-your-role

In the latest Solo Select Podcast, Melanie Smith pulls back the curtain on what modern breeding really looks like, answering the questions breeders ask every day… and the ones they usually don’t think to ask until it’s too late. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Melanie walks listeners through the full scope of Breeding Logistics 101 — from the big-picture foundation to the smallest details that quietly make or break a season. Listen to the full episode now and let Melanie Smith guide you through Breeding Logistics 101 — from first-time breeders to seasoned programs looking to sharpen their edge.

In this Episode of The Business Of Horses, Solo Select's very own Melanie Smith sits down with ADM Animal Nutrition's Dr. James Lattimer to discuss what it takes to feed your horse to its genetic potential. Whether you are feeding with the goal of walking your horse into the sale ring as a yearling, or feeding to make your next champion - knowing how to feed will set your program up from success. Where it starts? At conception. Solo Select announced our partnership with ADM Animal Nutrition in 2024, but their feed, including Gro Strong Mineral, has been a crucial part in our feeding program for years. ADM has fueled 'The Very Best' for years, from our resident mares, stallions and every foal born here. A huge part of the success we have experienced is because of the foundation a solid feeding program lays. Dr. James Lattimer has guided us for years, answering our questions and the questions of our clients - helping breeders and owners to feed their horses to the genetic potential within. You can reach out to ADM Animal Nutrition's Dr James Lattimer for any questions you have about ADM, Gro Strong Mineral, or any other nutrition questions you may have at James.Lattimer@adm.com www.soloselecthorses.com | www.admequine.com

Welcome to an exciting episode from the Three String Cattle Company in Utah, where we celebrate a monumental victory at the Old West Futurity for Relentless PYC and Miles Baker. In this episode, Miles shares the exciting details of the mare’s journey, her impressive earnings of $93,000 midway through her four-year-old year, and the remarkable team effort that made this success possible. We also explore the dedication and commitment of the event organizers, highlighting the generous $400,000 in added money and the 100% payback, showcasing their unwavering support for the industry. We get insights from experts like Trevor Brazile and Ty Smith, who discuss the mare's exceptional abilities and the significance of her breeding. The conversation extends to the broader implications of such events on the industry, where Rhen Richard emphasizes the importance of pioneering breeding programs aimed at creating top-tier roping horses.

"To give Trevor and I some credit, we know what we have," Miles Baker said those words in an interview in May of 2023, right after announcing the syndication of the Bay Roan Stallion by the name of The Darkk Side. Baker and Trevor Brazile, a 26-time World Champion himself, never faltered in their faith in the standout rope horse. They spoke proudly about The Darkk Side. "He's a winner." Brazile said earlier this year after three trips to town brought his earnings to over $20,000. Following todays events, The Darkk Side has now earned over $75,000 and now holds a title that is hard to come by... World Champion. The stallion was started by Chris Littlefield as a two year old before going under Miles and Trevor in the Relentless Remuda program his three year old year, where he would make history by becoming the first Rope Horse Stallion to be syndicated. "There's just nothing like him" Solo Select's Melanie Smith said. "This is such a huge victory, for all of us here. From the syndicate share holders - who now have a part of a World Champion stallion, to Dixon Flowers Rope Horses who bred him and who own his dam DT Sugar Chex Whiz. It's a big deal." The Darkk Side wasn't the only winner today, the 2019 bay roan stallion Pride And Joyy 'Kilo' also made his mark, bringing home $14,000 and becoming a Bronze Champion in the AQHA Junior Heeling. This special episode takes place immediately after receiving the news, where Melanie Smith, Miles Baker, and Trevor Brazile talk about the incredible morning both stallions had. You can learn more about The Darkk Side by visiting www.thedarkkside.com and more information will be coming soon on Pride And Joyy.

In this special edition episode, Solo Selects owner Melanie Smith talks with rope horse futurity trainer Miles Baker about Blackkout, a '21 black stallion that is set to sell October 5th at the Pink Buckle Select Sale. The two of them deep dive into the young stallion, his mind, genetics, and the incentive opportunities that come with him. As they continue their discussion they venture further what it takes to have a successful stallion, discussing the recent success of the now syndicated stallion The Darkk Side. For more information on the '21 stallion by $6 Million Dollar sire Winners Version out of blue hen mare, RC Back In Black, visit https://www.soloselecthorses.com/post/blackkout

Solo Select’s Melanie Smith and Attorney Kendra Streeter discuss the unique legal challenges we face in the horse industry, the how-to’s of starting your equine business, and the importance of contracts.