Equestrian Adult Amateur

EquestrianAdultAmateur

Equestrian

  1. 1d ago

    Is The Horse World A Battlefield? | Ep 68

    Social media has changed the equestrian world—but has it actually made us better at communicating with each other?In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, Kelly and Alexis dive into the good, the bad, and the downright exhausting side of equestrian social media. From viral clips and comment sections to influencer culture, unsolicited opinions, and conversations being taken completely out of context, we’re talking about what happens when the horse world goes online.We share some of our own experiences creating content, including the behind-the-scenes reality of shooting for the Equestrian Adult Amateur Collective, and talk about how quickly one photo, video, or short clip can become an entirely different story once it reaches social media. We also get into the growing divide between different corners of the equestrian community—professionals versus amateurs, disciplines versus disciplines, different training philosophies, and the constant pressure to pick a side. Why does disagreement so often turn into personal attacks? And when did having a different opinion mean someone had to be “wrong”? This conversation is about more than mean comments. It’s about **context, accountability, empathy, and the responsibility we all have in shaping the culture of the equestrian community online.**As always, expect plenty of side stories, laughs, strong opinions, and the candid conversations you’ve come to expect from us. 🎧 In this episode: • Equestrian social media and influencer culture • Viral clips and conversations taken out of context • Online criticism vs. constructive conversation • Adult amateurs and representation in the horse world • Why equestrians are so quick to divide into “sides” • The responsibility of both content creators and viewers • Remembering there’s a real person behind the screen Whether you create equestrian content, consume it, or have ever found yourself reading a comment section thinking, “How did we get here?”—this episode is for you.Follow, subscribe, and join the conversation. What do you think social media has done for the equestrian community—for better or worse?

  2. Jul 30

    Media, Leadership, and Community | Ellie Morris | Ep 64

    Navigating the Future of the Horse Industry: Media, Leadership, and Community Join Kelly and Ellie Morris as they discuss the evolving landscape of the horse world, touching on leadership transitions, the power of media in sport perception, and building a united community. This episode offers deep insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping our sport’s future.In this episode: Ellie Morris’s journey from hunter jumper competitor to social media influencer and industry consultantThe impact of leadership changes in the US Equestrian Federation and what it means for membersThe crucial role of media in shaping public perception and driving industry growthStrategies for better sponsorship engagement through innovative media contentThe community’s role in fostering industry transparency and constructive dialogueThe evolving culture of social media and its influence on rider development and industry reputationComparing international show costs and sponsorship models with those in North AmericaThe importance of top-down leadership in cultivating a positive narrative and trustFuture hopes: increased collaboration, transparency, and growth in the horse communityEllie Morris - LinkedInEquestrian Economist YouTube ChannelLA Morse Equestrian - TikTok & InstagramEquest ⁓ EAM Equestrian ConsultingTwitterInstagramConsider the importance of grassroots sponsorship strategies and branded media content for show series.The industry’s future depends heavily on transparent leadership and community engagement.International comparisons highlight potential models for lowering costs and increasing exposure.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and episode overview00:36 - Ellie’s background in the equestrian industry01:40 - Her recent return to riding and social media influence02:48 - Growing up in Chicago’s hunter jumper world and cultural shifts04:15 - The differences between East Coast and Southeast horse communities05:12 - Junior career reflections and social media pressures today06:08 - The evolution of horse show culture and family influences07:30 - Transitioning from show riding to adult riding and industry challenges09:39 - Ellie’s consulting career and balancing family life10:38 - Her perspective on the upcoming US Equestrian Federation leadership search11:37 - Media’s power and potential in transforming industry perceptions13:05 - Industry transparency, accountability, and the role of social media14:53 - Thoughts on the open CEO position and structural changes within the federation16:17 - The importance of leadership with corporate experience and industry background17:31 - The challenges of filling key executive roles and what candidates are needed20:28 - The future of sponsorships, branding, and media strategies in equestrian sport22:00 - Media’s role in increasing visibility and public engagement24:43 - Building community buy-in before expanding media exposure25:42 - The importance of positive narratives and top-down leadership vision27:00 - Structure, costs, and organization of horse shows across North America and Europe32:00 - The balancing act between affordability and industry standards36:59 - The influence of media coverage and sponsorship on event success39:00 - Community-driven conversations and industry transparency40:39 - Making the sport more approachable for all ages and backgrounds44:18 - International comparisons in show costs and sponsorship models45:25 - Innovative sponsorship strategies through media integration48:56 - The positive trajectory of industry change and leadership’s role in it50:18 - Ellie’s hopes for the upcoming year and industry growth51:37 - The importance of honest dialogue and industry unity52:22 - Connecting with Ellie Morris and resources for further engagementResources & Links:Connect with Ellie Morris:Additional Notes:

  3. Jul 16

    Has Horse Showing Gotten Too Expensive? | Ep 63

    Is horse showing becoming too expensive for the average adult amateur? In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, Alexis and I dive into one of the biggest conversations happening in the equestrian world today: the rising cost of horse ownership and competition. From skyrocketing horse prices to training, boarding, travel, and show expenses, we explore how the sport has changed—and what that means for everyday riders trying to stay in the game. We also discuss the pressure social media has created, the rise of luxury "Instabarns," and how privilege and financial resources can shape opportunities within the industry. Most importantly, we talk about how these challenges affect adult amateurs, why so many riders feel isolated, and how we can start having more honest conversations about making equestrian sport more accessible. Whether you're showing locally, competing on the national circuit, or simply trying to make your horse budget work, this episode is for you. In this episode we discuss: Why horse showing has become dramatically more expensiveThe true cost of owning, training, and competing with horsesHow horse prices have changed over the last decadeThe financial realities facing adult amateur ridersThe impact of social media and "Instabarns"Creative ways riders are making the sport more affordableWhy open conversations about money matter in the equestrian communityWe'd love to hear from you! How has the cost of horse showing affected your journey? What tips or strategies have helped you stay in the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you enjoy honest conversations about horses, horse showing, and life as an adult amateur, don't forget to like, subscribe, and join our growing equestrian community.

  4. Jul 8

    Building Better Hunters with Katie Armstrong | Ep 62

    Are we giving young horses the foundation they actually need to succeed? In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we sit down with Katie Armstrong, founder of Building Better Hunters, to talk about one of the most important conversations happening in the hunter/jumper industry today: how we start young horses.Katie has dedicated her career to improving the way young horses are developed, believing that a horse's future is shaped long before it ever steps into the show ring. From building confidence and trust to establishing clear boundaries and safe handling practices, she shares why horsemanship—not shortcuts—is the key to creating successful hunter horses. We also dive into the differences Katie has observed between imported and domestic horses, the importance of reading a horse's mind instead of just its movement, and why so many behavioral issues can be prevented with the right foundation. If you've ever wondered what separates a horse that's truly confident from one that's simply coping, this conversation is for you. Whether you're an amateur rider, trainer, breeder, or simply passionate about better horsemanship, Katie's perspective offers valuable insight into developing horses that are happier, safer, and more successful throughout their careers.In this episode, we discuss: * Katie Armstrong's philosophy behind Building Better Hunters * Why foundation is everything when starting young horses * Building confidence, trust, and respect from day one * Preventing behavioral issues through better horsemanship * The differences Katie has noticed between imported and domestic horses * How to recognize when a horse feels overwhelmed or unsafe * Why consistency creates confident, reliable hunter horses * The future of young horse development in the hunter/jumper industry If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a comment with your thoughts. We'd love to hear what you think makes a great young horse and how we can continue improving the future of our sport. #Equestrian #HunterJumper #KatieArmstrong #BuildingBetterHunters #YoungHorseTraining #HorseTraining #Horsemanship #HunterHorses #EquestrianPodcast #HorsePodcast #USEF #YoungHorses #HorseDevelopment #HorseRiding #EquestrianLife

  5. Jul 1

    Developing Young Horses: Is it a lost art?| Hannah Bedwell Stone | Ep 61

    In this episode of the **Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast**, Alexis and I sit down with our longtime trainer, Hannah Stone of Stone Performance Horses, for one of our most honest conversations yet. Hannah has spent years developing hunters, jumpers, and all-around horses in both the USEF and AQHA worlds, and she's sharing what she's learned from training horses—and riders—at every level.We talk about Hannah's journey into professional horse training, what she looks for when matching horses with adult amateurs, and why temperament is often more important than raw talent. We also dive into the realities of developing young horses, building confidence in the saddle, and the daily work that happens long before anyone steps into the show ring.Whether you're an adult amateur, a young rider, or simply passionate about horses, this conversation offers an inside look at the challenges, rewards, and relationships that define life in the equestrian world.In this episode, we discuss:• Hannah's journey from junior rider to professional horse trainer• The differences between the AQHA and USEF hunter/jumper worlds• What makes a great horse for an amateur rider• Developing green horses with confidence and consistency• Why personality and temperament matter more than talent alone• Building trust and communication between horse and rider• The "homework" riders should be doing between lessons• How confidence affects both horses and riders• Motherhood, business, and balancing life as a professional trainer• Behind-the-scenes realities of training horses for a livingIf you've ever wondered what separates a good horse trainer from a great one—or what professionals really think about developing horses and riders—this episode is for you.Be sure to subscribe for more conversations about horse showing, the hunter/jumper world, Quarter Horses, training, and the real experiences of adult amateur equestrians.#Equestrian #HorseTrainer #AdultAmateur #HunterJumper #AQHA #USEF #HorseTraining #YoungHorse #GreenHorse #ShowJumping #HorseShow #EquestrianPodcast #HorseRiding #Confidence #HorseLife

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