Horse Industry Podcast Horse Industry Podcast

We all know that one dog year is equal to 7 human years. But how does it work with our horses and ponies? This week, Regina, Lynn, and Heather are together discussing horse-years-to-human-years. You’ll discover why our gangly 2-year-olds remind us of awkward human pre-teens!

Regina also shares the Top 10 oldest horses on record. Did you know that a horse named Old Billy was 62 years old when he died? Can you believe that?

Fun Fact: Regina’s parents still have a pony born on their farm in 1988. Netherland Roamer will be 36 years old in 2024, so she needs to be added to the list!



Listen in to learn more : 

(00:04) Aging in Horses and Herd Socialization

(11:30) Starting Young Horses

(17:32) Horse Age and Maturity Levels

(24:14) Oldest Horses on Record



Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Billy

https://yearsinhumanyears.com/calculator/horse-years-to-human-years/

https://horseyhooves.com/horse-years-human-years-chart/

https://www.besthorserider.com/horse-years-vs-human-years/#google_vignette

https://www.oldest.org/animals/horses/

https://horsevills.com/world-oldest-horses/

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/70449-oldest-horse-ever

https://www.horseandman.com/people-and-places/39225/03/05/2016/

https://great-american-adventures.com/is-magic-the-horse-still-alive/

 

In this episode, Regina speaks to Emily Fields. Emily is an Instructor, Barn Manager, and Program Director at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. The Cheff Center was founded in 1969 as the first therapeutic riding center built especially for the purpose of serving those with special needs in North America. The Cheff Center’s efforts were groundbreaking and they continue to set the bar for creating an environment of horses helping people.
As they discuss the various facets of equine assisted services, Emily shares the ins and outs of what the Cheff Center offers. In short, the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center serves riders of all ages who have physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
But it’s so much more than that. It’s transformational. It’s life changing.
Two of Regina’s retired show horses joined the Cheff Center in 2023. Regina is so proud of both Blue and Rosie as they’ve embarked on this amazing second career.
After listening to this episode, we hope that you consider supporting the Cheff Center (or any therapeutic riding center near you) with your qualified horse, your time, and/or financial contributions.
Keep up the GREAT work, Cheff Center!
SUMMARY 
Listen in to learn more : 
(00:04) Understanding Therapeutic Riding & Equine-Assisted Services
(11:45) Managing Burnout
(17:24) Equine Therapy Programs and Challenges
(24:51) Donating Horses to Therapeutic Riding
Links: 
https://www.cheffcenter.org/ 
Keywords 
Equine-Assisted Services, Therapeutic Riding, Horse Companionship, Human Health, Physical Improvements, Cognitive Improvements, Emotional Improvements, Burnout, Instructors, Four-Legged Therapists, Horse Welfare, Cheff Center, Culinary Arts, Horse Industry, Equine Therapy Programs, Challenges, Donating Horses, Second Career,

How do you grow a 4-H equine program from 60 kids to 157 kids in two years? That’s the question Regina poses to Melissa Gordon, the Superintendent of Michigan’s Monroe County 4-H Horse and Pony Program, because Melissa and her team did it!

That’s a 162% increase in enrollment. That’s unbelievable. And that’s the kind of enrollment increase that our industry needs! 



At a time when there is much discussion across the industry about declining youth numbers and barriers to entry (check out our April 22nd episode called “Preserving the Dream for the Next Generation with Emily Ream and Karen Waite”), Melissa’s story is one about innovation, dedication, and open conversations.



Melissa and her team have introduced innovative programs like the Equestrian Development Program, a leveling program, a Mini-Yearling Challenge program, a Stick Horse Project, and a Breyer Horse Project. Listen to find out more!



If you want to feel inspired about the possibilities for introducing youth to equines, you’re going to love this episode.



Here’s a final exciting update….. the Monroe County 4-H Horse and Pony Program just closed enrollment for next year… and enrollment jumped again—to 190 participants!



Listen in to learn more : 

(02:59 - 04:55) Boosting Youth Participation in Equestrian Programs

(06:33 - 07:44) The Power of Strong Team Support

(09:15 - 10:54) Leveling Up Young Equestrians

(14:28 - 15:36) Equestrian Showmanship and Wisdom

(16:54 - 18:10) Long-Term Impact of 4-H Program

(21:46 - 22:50) Standardbred Yearling Showmanship Program

(35:39 - 36:35) Funding and Support for Youth Programs





Links: 



Check them out on Facebook - Money County 4H Horse and Pony

In this episode, Kathy Simmers, author of Jump the Moon and Posey’s Problem: A Pony Tale, joins Regina to discuss the true stories behind her heartwarming books. Kathy also gives us a preview for her new book about Pickles, another real-life pony!

Kathy’s journey as an author began after her daughter’s beloved lesson pony, Me Too, was sold out from under her at a horse show. Years later, as an adult, Kathy’s daughter set out on a quest to find the long-lost Me Too and, finally, bring her beloved pony home. Kathy knew that this remarkable story about Me Too needed to be told and Jump the Moon was published.

Just like Jump the Moon, Posey’s Problem: A Pony Tale is based on a real pony. As we all know, when a kid outgrows their pony, the pony is usually sent off to another kid. The pony doesn’t have a choice. Kathy wondered, “What is it like from the pony’s perspective?” As Kathy says, Posey has left a piece of her heart with each kid.

This episode - and Kathy’s books - will touch your heart. 

Link: https://www.readjumpthemoon.com/

Listen in to learn more : 

(07:28 - 08:09) Beloved Pony's Impact on Family

(09:57 - 11:21) The Plight of Show Ponies

(15:57 - 17:04) Inspiring Message of Not Giving Up

(23:00 - 24:16) Kathy’s Emotional Investment in Characters

(26:09 - 27:28) Interpreting the Girl With Long Hair

Links: 

Children's Picture Book | Jump The Moon (readjumpthemoon.com)

This episode is about entry points into the horse industry: what they’ve been, what they are now, and what they could be.
Regina and Heather speak with Emily Ream and Karen Waite. From Ream Performance Horses, Emily Ream is a horse trainer with a long history of successfully working with youth and amateurs from 4-H shows to World Shows at the breed show level. Both guests bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the topic of entry points into our horse industry.

Karen, from Michigan State University, is an Academic Specialist and director of the Undergraduate Education Department of Animal Science. In her role with Michigan State University Extension, she coordinates the Adult Equine Extension program and is the Director of Leadership Development for My Horse University.  In addition, she oversees the Youth Equine Extension program and is active with eXtension Horse Quest. 

Emily, Karen, Regina, and Heather discuss what they see in the industry. One of the key challenges they discuss is the demands of being a student-athlete and managing their horse show responsibilities with coaches’ expectations.

Also, where do we send those interested in getting to know horses? Should amateurs be able to judge? How do we get youth involved in 4-H, in open horse shows, in equine-focused summer camps, and so on?

You are not going to want to miss listening to this episode! Do you have an idea that you can share? We all have to be part of finding the solution to the decreasing numbers in the horse industry.

Thank you to Emily Ream and Karen Waite for joining us and having this critically important discussion!

Good news… this is not the end of this discussion. We plan to return to this regularly. 

Listen in to learn more : 
(08:53 - 10:07) Decline in Horse Population Trend
(13:53 - 14:48) Athletics and Agriculture
(18:43 - 19:41) Seeking Opportunities in the Horse Industry
(22:17 - 23:26) Hands-on Horse Experience for Beginners
(30:47 - 32:08) Youth Equestrian Program Growth
(38:38 - 39:47) Youth Interest in Equestrian Careers
(44:58 - 46:54) Inspiring Small Steps for Industry

“Some days, you’re the windshield. And some days, you’re the bug.”
In this episode, we get to know Coltin Crystal, who is part of the CCC Show Horses team. Idaho-raised and Idaho-based, the “wild barrel racer child” rodeoed throughout his youth, spent some time jumping horses and finally found his niche with the all-rounders.

Coltin talks about his ups and downs as a trainer and the big moments in his career. He also shares his further plans with Heather.

At the end of the interview, Coltin shares some excellent advice that everyone should take to heart! You’ll want to request more episodes with Coltin when the interview is done! 
Listen in to learn more about : 
(09:52 - 10:38) Diverse Specialization in Equine Training
(17:10 - 19:09) Hunter Shows and USCF Experience
(22:09 - 23:14) Learning From Everyone
(30:17 - 31:26) Youth Quarter Horse Show Enrollment Trends