Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Kanter Kulture Podcast, Ali Hubbell sits down with Deanna Baker for a real, honest conversation about where the horse industry is headed — and what we need to be talking about if we want stockbreed showing to survive and grow. We dive headfirst into participation numbers, accessibility, and the growing gap between people who are brand new to horses and those who are already deep in the show pen. Deanna coins a term you won’t forget: the “beginner-mediate.” These are the riders who are learning, improving, and hungry for more — but aren’t quite ready (or financially able) to jump into showing. So the big question becomes… what are we doing with them? Ali and Deanna unpack why there seems to be a shortage of instructors willing to work with entry-level riders, especially in the Quarter Horse, Paint, and Appaloosa worlds. Is the barrier cost? Culture? Expectations? Or are we unintentionally pushing people out before they ever get the chance to fall in love with showing? This episode also delivers a few hot takes on how to make stockbreed showing more approachable and affordable — from rethinking education pathways to creating better on-ramps for new exhibitors. And at the core of it all is one shared belief: if you want to be in this industry, you have to be a student of the game. Learning doesn’t stop once you can lope a circle. If you care about the future of horse showing, growing participation, and building an industry that actually welcomes the next generation — this episode is a must-listen. This episode is brought to you by Basic Animal Health. Let’s talk supplements — because not everything in a shiny bag actually works. Basic Animal Health is different. Their products are backed by real science, with a team of chemists, scientists, and engineers behind every formula. Even better? They’re created by competitive horsewomen who got tired of feeding products that didn’t deliver — so they built ones they trust on their own animals. All Basic Animal Health products are all-natural, limited ingredient, show-legal, and safe for every life stage. Their GutHealth Gel is a standout — formulated with time-released, microencapsulated ingredients to soothe from the esophagus all the way through the hindgut with just one pump a day. For picky eaters, the GutHealth Pellets offer the same technology, and the GutHealth Liquid is a great option for foregut support or preventative care. If you haul, you need TrailerRide Gel — packed with gut support, electrolytes, and immune-boosting vitamins to keep horses relaxed, hydrated, and comfortable on the road. For focus in the pen without dulling performance, BetterRide Gel delivers. For muscle recovery, young horses in training, tying-up, or PSSM support, MuscleHealth Gel is a game-changer. They even offer plant-based, natural dog supplements in treat form for your other four-legged athletes. If you’re done feeding supplements that just look good on social media, check out Basic Animal Health — science-backed, horsewoman-approved, and made to actually work. 👉 Use code ALIHUBBELL at checkout to receive 10% off your order. Click HERE to shop: https://basicanimalhealth.com/collections/all?sca_ref=10261525.vF6YdjtFDg Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796
