On The Rail Liz & Jenna

In this episode of the On The Rail podcast, we discuss horse training techniques for working with yearlings and two-year-olds. Special guests Amber Duckett, Gavin Pope, and Megan Seehafer share their expertise on prepping young horses for in-hand trail and lunge line classes, emphasizing the importance of early training and balancing it with horse welfare.



Key topics include building trust, avoiding overworking, and ensuring positive show experiences. The conversation also delves into techniques for achieving effortless control and maneuvering, maintaining proper space and positioning, and teaching body commands for effective training.



Practical tips are provided for both professional trainers and DIY amateurs, highlighting essential skills like trot turns, handling mouthiness, and performing back-through exercises to excel in trail classes. The episode underscores the significance of first impressions, correct presentation in the show pen, and setting horses up for successful competitive maneuvers.


Related Links/Products Mentioned:

-Millennial Cowgirl, a one stop shop for your marketing needs.



00:00 Welcome and Housekeeping

01:18 Meet the Guests

03:50 Diving into In-and Trail

05:05 Training Techniques and Benefits

14:01 Balancing Training and Welfare

21:17 Deciding on Show Potential

32:00 Preparing Yearlings for Shows

42:03 Exposing Yearlings to Obstacles

45:49 Critical Thinking in Horse Training

47:22 Judges' Expectations for Yearling Classes

50:00 First Impressions in the Show Ring

52:56 Tips for Handling Yearlings

01:01:52 Addressing Mouthiness in Horses

01:08:40 Navigating Poles and Back Throughs

01:15:55 Final Tips for DIY Amateurs

In this episode of the On The Rail podcast, we are joined by Carol Timke who discusses the Midwest Cash Incentive Challenge (MCIC) for Midwest horses, exhibitors, and owners.



Carol shares her extensive experience in the horse industry, talks about the objectives and origins of the MCIC, and highlights the unique aspects of this inclusive program.



The conversation covers various topics including the combination of different horse breeds in the MCIC, the importance of promoting non-pro and amateur participation, class offerings, and the role of sponsors in making the program a success. Carol also touches on the viability and expansion of the MCIC, the challenges encountered, and the rewarding process of creating a community-focused horse showing environment.


00:00 Welcome to the On the Rail Podcast

00:50 Meet Carol Timke: A Journey with Horses

02:33 Settling in Iowa: Career and Family Decisions

03:35 Introduction to the Midwest Cash Incentive Challenge

04:36 Combining Color Shows: A Collaborative Effort

08:49 Eligibility and Objectives of the MCIC

14:55 Stallion Program and Inclusivity

19:30 Class Offerings and Participation

23:38 Sponsorship and Community Support

26:46 Engaging Stallion Owners and Breeders

28:24 Sponsorship Strategies and Challenges

30:37 Class Structure and Entry Fees

33:04 APHA Chrome Cash and Additional Fees

35:34 Program Evolution and Future Opportunities

41:45 Community and Family Atmosphere at Shows

44:32 Sponsorship Details and Final Thoughts

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