On The Rail Liz & Jenna

In this episode of On the Rail Podcast, hosts Jenna and Liz engage with Megan Rechberg, a part-time litigation attorney and equine law specialist, to explore critical legal and ethical aspects of the horse industry.



The discussion covers Megan's unique background, the essential role of contracts in equine transactions, and actionable advice for managing expectations and risks.



The episode also addresses the impact of social media and AI on horse marketing, emphasizing the importance of transparency, proper representation, and effective communication to avoid legal issues and foster positive relationships within the industry. Practical guidance on maintaining integrity while leveraging technology is also shared.



Related Links/Products Mentioned:

-Amateur Arena is conducting an anonymous survey for amateur exhibitors. Take the survey here.



00:00 Welcome and Housekeeping

01:52 Introducing Megan Reckberg

02:43 Megan's Journey: From Riding to Law

06:39 Equine Law Essentials

12:57 The Importance of Contracts in the Horse World

25:57 Common Pitfalls and Solutions

27:48 Managing Expectations with Contracts

40:46 Risk Management in Horse Transactions

48:54 Financial Penalties in Contracts

49:15 Guarantees in Sales Contracts

50:06 Importance of Strong Contracts

50:44 Contracts in Horse Relationships

52:08 How to Get Out of Contracts

53:48 Training and Board Agreements

54:04 Handling Equipment in Trainer Breakups

01:00:53 Enforceability of Contracts

01:11:33 Social Media and Legal Implications

01:21:22 Future Trends in the Horse Industry

01:26:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the On The Rail podcast, the hosts discuss exciting giveaways and introduce a giveaway winner, Candace Mullin. They then welcome guest Alyssa Logan, an accomplished judge with AQHA Level 1, NRHA, and other certifications, as well as an assistant professor and collegiate judging team coach at Middle Tennessee State University.


Alyssa shares her journey in the horse industry, from her beginnings as a horse-crazy child to her academic and judging career. The conversation delves into her graduate research on the effects of circular exercise on joint and bone health in horses and calves. Alyssa provides valuable insights for aspiring judges and discusses the importance of practical experience and mentorship. The episode wraps up with a celebration of MTSU's equestrian team's recent national championship win.


Related Links/Products Mentioned:
-Learn on the interactive equine learning platform, HorseIQ, powered by the American Paint Horse Association
-Learn more about the Ride Fit Life 28-day Macro Challenge here




00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping
01:36 Introducing Today's Guest: Alissa Logan
02:09 Alissa's Background and Early Horse Experience
06:51 Journey to Becoming a Collegiate Judging Team Coach
11:14 Insights into Judging and Collegiate vs. Professional Judging
16:18 Challenges and Trends in Judging
23:36 Obtaining Multiple Judging Cards
34:22 Advice for Aspiring Judges
37:44 Introduction to Research on Circular Exercise
38:30 Funding and Initial Studies on Calves
40:16 Detailed Findings on Bone Strength
41:42 Exploring Circular Exercise in Horses
45:47 Mechanical Horse Walker and Calf Study
51:15 Practical Takeaways for Horse Training
59:35 Issues in the Equine Industry Course
01:08:12 Empowering the Next Generation
01:13:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of On the Rail Podcast, the hosts introduce Amy Zabel, the founder of the Fit for Halter Podcast. Amy shares her journey from being a horse owner since age 14 to running a podcast dedicated to providing practical content and community for amateur halter exhibitors.

She discusses her transition from working with horses full-time to a career in nonprofit leadership and back to her love for horses through podcasting. Amy talks about the challenges and joys of launching her podcast, the welcoming nature of the halter horse community, and her goals both in podcasting and horse showing.

Additionally, Amy provides valuable advice for those looking to enter the breed show world and emphasizes the importance of just giving it a try, despite any initial challenges.


Related Links/Products Mentioned:


Learn on the interactive equine learning platform, ⁠HorseIQ⁠, powered by the ⁠American Paint Horse Association⁠.


00:00 Welcome and Housekeeping: Giveaways and Listener Reviews
01:47 Introducing Amy: From Horse Lover to Podcast Host
02:44 Amy's Journey with Horses: From Riding to Halter Shows
03:37 Transitioning to Halter: A Deep Dive into Amy's Passion
14:52 The Fit for Halter Podcast: A New Venture
20:32 The Welcoming Halter Community: Amy's Experience
23:56 The Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting
43:57 Advice for Aspiring Halter Exhibitors
49:22 Parting Words and How to Connect with Fit for Halter

Hosts Jenna and Liz tackle a variety of critical and often controversial topics within the horse showing industry. They discuss the pressures and costs associated with horse showing, touching upon the expenses reported by participants and questioning the value it brings when balanced against the emotional and financial toll.



They also delve into the issues within the training industry, highlighting the necessity for professionalism and business acumen among trainers, and the negative impacts of poor business practices on clients and the industry at large.



The hosts reflect on the toxic dynamics that can exist between trainers, owners, and the broader community, emphasizing the need for open, honest conversations and a collective effort towards making the horse showing world a more inclusive, transparent, and supportive space. Throughout the episode, they call for greater unity, understanding, and change within the industry, advocating for a shift in perspective towards more humane, ethical, and sustainable practices that prioritize the welfare of horses and the well-being of all participants.



00:00 Welcome to the After Hours Episode!

01:13 Diving into Podcast Growth and Listener Engagement

04:57 The Evolution of Pay-to-Play in Horse Shows

18:49 Judging Standards vs. Trends: Navigating the Confusion

31:22 Fitness and Riding: Elevating Your Performance

32:33 Trainers vs. Business People: A Candid Discussion

45:36 Addressing Toxicity and Gaslighting in the Horse Industry

46:08 The Court Case Controversy and Professional Responsibility

47:28 The Role of Amateurs and Professionals in Animal Welfare

51:29 Personal Experiences and the Impact of Social Media Backlash

55:15 The Quest for Positive Change and Industry Reflection

56:43 Navigating Social Media and the Desire for Constructive Conversations

01:07:25 Financial Realities and the Cost of Horse Showing

01:13:55 Closing Thoughts on Industry Challenges and the Need for Openness

This episode meet Peter Canizzaro, a revered horse show announcer with over three decades of experience. Peter provides insight into his journey from a part-time role while juggling an education career to embracing the announcer's booth full-time, including the commitment and travel it entails.



Born into a triplet set deeply rooted in the equestrian world, Peter, alongside his brothers, has navigated the intricacies of horse show announcing, from mastering the craft to developing a unique style that resonates with the equestrian community. The episode covers the emotional spectrum of announcing, from the honor of memorializing departed friends at shows to the joy of amplifying victories at youth competitions, offering insights into the announcer's personal hobbies and aspirations outside the arena.



Moreover, Peter shares practical advice for aspiring announcers, shedding light on the challenges and fulfilling moments of the profession, all while emphasizing the importance of passion, preparedness, and the ability to connect with and celebrate every participant.



00:00 Welcome to On the Rail Podcast: Special Guest Peter Canizzaro

01:51 Announcing Horse Shows: A Career Journey with Peter

02:54 Triplets in the Horse World: Unique Experiences and Shenanigans

11:47 From Academia to Announcing: Peter's Professional Path

15:30 The Art of Horse Show Announcing: Skills, Challenges, and Stories

28:44 On the Road: The Life of a Traveling Announcer

33:08 A Day in the Life of a Horse Show Announcer

40:58 The Heart of Horse Show Communities

41:44 Behind the Scenes: The Life of a Horse Show Announcer

44:54 The High Stakes of Timing in Lunge Line Classes

48:55 Crafting a Unique Voice in the Announcing World

55:13 Navigating Challenges and Memorable Moments

01:09:48 Passions Beyond the Microphone: Cooking and Sports

01:11:23 Aspirations and Advice for Future Announcers

This episode of the On The Rail Podcast features Lori Bucholz, an AQHA Executive Committee member, who discusses her extensive involvement in the horse industry.

Lori shares her journey from a young girl passionate about horses to holding significant roles within AQHA and other committees, emphasizing animal welfare, member involvement, and governance. The conversation covers topics including the importance of every AQHA member's voice, the process of rule changes within AQHA, the responsibility towards horse welfare, and the future of digital registration. Lori's personal experiences highlight the evolution of horse showing, the significance of continued education and ethical practices in the industry, and the collective effort required to foster young and female leadership within AQHA.



00:00 Welcome to On The Rail Podcast: A Conversation with Lori Buholtz

01:41 Lori Buholtz: A Deep Dive into Her Equestrian Journey

03:02 From Amateur Competitor to AQHA Executive: Lori's Story

04:31 The Professional Side: Lori Buholtz, Parliamentarian

11:12 Navigating AQHA Governance and Member Impact

23:39 Fostering Young Leadership and Female Leaders in Equestrianism

28:17 Reflecting on the Evolution of Technology and Its Impact

28:46 Introducing RideFitLife: Tailored Fitness for Riders

29:21 Exploring the Structure and Terms of National Directors

30:08 Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership Roles

31:26 Inside the AQHA Executive Committee: Roles and Responsibilities

32:53 2024 AQHA Convention Highlights and Digital Registration Debate

39:31 Engaging the Community: The Value of AQHA Membership and Convention Attendance

42:21 The Importance of Animal Welfare in the AQHA

53:04 Vision for the Future of AQHA and Closing Thoughts