Horse Show Bestie

Crysta Brown
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Pets & Animals

Come hang out with Crysta Brown, a APHA and AQHA All-Around horse trainer, and Scott Cooper, her favorite amateur sidekick, as they spill the tea on the all around Quarter Horse and Paint Horse world. Crysta brings the trainer tips and insider know-how while Scott keeps it real with the amateur perspective. Together they share the wins, the flops, the laughs, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that make horse showing such a ride. If you can't get enough of chatting with your besties in the stalls or in the stands, this podcast is your new happy place.

  1. 1d ago

    How YEDA Is Creating Horse Kids Without Buying Horses... and How Trainers Can Benefit!

    This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry. From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry. We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face when trying to grow the next generation of riders, and why creating accessible entry points into horses matters now more than ever. The conversation also explores the financial side of the industry, the rising costs associated with participation, and what it takes to create sustainable programs that can continue serving riders for years to come. Along the way, we discuss coaching, mentorship, horse-and-rider matching, judging challenges, youth recruitment, and the often-overlooked work happening behind the scenes to keep equestrian opportunities available for young people. We also take a look at YEDA National Championship Week and the experiences, connections, and memories that make it such a special part of the program. It's a thoughtful conversation about growing the horse industry from the ground up, supporting young riders, and creating more opportunities for horse-crazy kids to become lifelong horse people. Support our sponsors: NAC Equine Services www.nac-equine-services.com Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.CBhorsemanship.com

    1h 12m

  2. May 19

    Planning Adult Horse Camp Without a Budget

    This week we’re catching up on life updates and welcoming Scott back to the podcast before diving headfirst into designing the ultimate adult horse camp. We talk about transitioning horses, the social side of horse shows, and why horse people are all secretly craving more community, connection, and camaraderie in the industry. From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions with fun, low-pressure activities, we’re basically building our dream horse girl summer camp in real time. Expect conversations about team-building, non-horsey activities, late-night hangs, and what it takes to create an experience that feels equal parts educational, social, and genuinely fun. If you’ve ever wished horse showing felt a little less isolating and a little more collaborative, this episode is for you. Support our sponsors! NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com

    1h 17m

  3. May 12

    Horse Girls, Cameras, and Career Pivots with Kirstie Marie Jones

    Kirstie Marie Jones of Kirstie Marie Photography joins us for a conversation that goes way beyond just taking pretty horse photos. From practical photography tips to building a business in multiple disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for horse girls, photographers, and anyone trying to carve out a lane in the industry. We talk about the little things that make a huge difference in photos, like preparing your horse before a shoot, paying attention to light sources, and yes, even cleaning your camera lens. Kirstie also breaks down concepts like the rule of thirds in a way that actually makes sense and explains how thoughtful details can completely change the outcome of an image. The conversation also dives into the evolution of KMP Learn and how education became such a major part of her business. Kirstie shares her background riding across different disciplines, the challenges that come with marketing yourself to multiple audiences, and why versatility has become one of her biggest strengths both behind the camera and in the saddle. This episode is really about keeping a wide perspective in the horse industry. Learning from different trainers, stepping outside one discipline, and being intentional about growth can open more doors than most people realize. Links! NAC Equine: nac-equine-services.com KMP learn: kmplearn.com Crysta Brown Horsemanship: CBhorsemanship.com

    1h 3m

  4. May 7

    Trainer vs Amateur: What Are Trainers REALLY Thinking? ft. Brian Henry

    If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a training program, this episode is for you. Crysta sits down with Brian Henry to tackle some of the biggest trainer vs amateur debates from the trainer’s perspective. They get honest about client expectations, horse show disappointment, communication issues, green horses and riders, maintenance, show spending, and the emotional realities of horse ownership. Brian also shares what life actually looks like as a professional trainer, and why so many problems in the horse world start with expectations that were never properly discussed. It’s funny, practical, slightly uncomfortable at times, and very much one of those “horse people will understand” conversations. Support us by supporting our sponsor! NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

    1h 10m

  5. May 1

    Fine I'll Do It Myself- A Solo Episode with Crysta

    Okay bestie… this one’s a little different. For the first time ever, it’s just Crysta. No co-host, no back-and-forth. And it's just a hair all over the place. But sometimes we have to show up for our bestie when he gets busy at work! This episode is part life update, part info dump on all of Crysta’s current hyper-fixations… and all of it is very on brand. She gets into the real side of building a career in the horse industry right now, including: Why some business models work and others don’tHer favorite training lessonsRider biomechanics and the small habits that are quietly affecting your resultsWhy adaptability matters if you want to stay in the gameThere’s a clear thread through all of it: growth. Sometimes we have to rethink things, take responsibility, and adjust even when it’s inconvenient. It feels like a late-night, post-show conversation. Honest, a little unfiltered, and grounded in real experience. Things might look a little different this week, and that’s the point. Besties show up in every season. We’ll be back together soon. For now, you’ve got Crysta. Support Horse Show Bestie by supporting our sponsor: NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/ Links from episode discussion: Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.CBhorsemanship.com Centered Riding by Sally Swift: https://www.amazon.com/shop/crystadbrown/list/CVP9BIZ51OBF?ref_=aipsflist

    55 min

  6. Apr 24

    Posting Anonymously to Protect Our Reputation

    Your Horse Show Besties are back in your ear, catching you up like you missed a few group chats. Scott’s on the mend and ready to get back into the saddle, so we get into what that actually looks like... the weird in-between phase, the mental side of coming back, and how much patience it really takes. We also went down a few rabbit holes you’ll probably have opinions on. Things like not picking fights you can't win, what’s actually fair when it comes to day fees at shows, and the ongoing amateur vs. pro conversation that never seems to go away. There’s a lot in here about speaking with authority when you're new to the sport. That rolls right into a bigger conversation about how we treat each other in the industry, both in person and online. We also talk through the less polished stuff. Rumors about horse abuse without evidence, what to do when you do see real abuse. Plus some real-life chat about handling young horses, and how to balance young horse's classes as a way to support breeders vs allowing individual horses to be who they are. Crysta and Scott may be officially Negative Nancie's and totally deserving of cancellation but either way you know you want to watch the downfall. If you’re enjoying the podcast, support the people who support it. Check out NAC Equine Services for help with buying or selling your next horse: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

    1h 4m

  7. Apr 7

    The Judge Is Not Out to Get You (Probably) - Talking Scores with Don Beard

    If you’ve ever walked out of the pen like “that felt SO good” and then looked at your score like 🤨 …this one’s for you. We sat down with Don Beard (aka a real judge) and got into what’s actually happening on the other side of the clipboard. We’re talking: what the scores meanwhy “pretty” doesn’t always mean effectivewhat judges are actually rewarding vs what riders think they’re rewardingand yes… why that run you loved maybe didn’t mark like you expected We also get into the bigger picture stuff: how patterns are selected, how ranch + pleasure horses have evolved, and what it actually takes to make it in this industry without losing your standards (or your mind). It’s honest, theres no shortage of hot takes, and very much a “listen before your next horse show” situation.

    1h 21m

  8. Apr 3

    Flipping Horse Shows Upside Down: Saving The Horse World with UDJC Founder David Reichert

    Alright bestie, this episode is one of those “wait… why are we not doing this already?” conversations 👀 We sat down with David Reichert, the founder of UDJC, and got into some real talk about what’s actually broken in the American horse show industry… and more importantly, what we can do about it. If you’ve felt like showing has gotten too expensive, too exclusive, or just straight up disconnected from what riders actually need to grow… you’re gonna feel very seen in this one. Also… quick warning 😅 David is a little spicy. He does not sugarcoat, and he’s definitely not trying to win a popularity contest. But honestly? That’s kind of the point. His blunt, say-it-like-it-is approach is exactly why he’s able to call out the real problems in the industry without dancing around them. And more importantly, it’s why he’s actually doing something about it instead of just talking in circles. So if you like your conversations honest, a little bold, and actually productive… you’re gonna appreciate this one. 🎧 Episode OverviewDavid breaks down how UDJC is flipping the script on traditional horse showing by focusing on affordability, accessibility, and actual community (not just saying the word “community” and doing nothing with it 🙃). We get into: Why the current system is pricing people outHow judging has gotten way too complicated (and honestly… not that helpful)What the European club model is doing rightAnd how we can rebuild the sport from the ground up instead of waiting for the top to fix itIt’s practical, a little spicy, and very much a “let’s rethink everything” kind of episode. What You Can Do (Yes, You)This isn’t just a “cool ideas” episode. There are real ways to take action: Go volunteer or support a local show or clubStart asking for better judging feedback (and normalize it)Support and promote smaller, community-based eventsStop waiting for the industry to change and start contributing to it🔗 Resources + Guest Links UDJC: https://udjc.orgNAC Equine Services: https://nac-equine-services.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/nacequineservicesIf you’ve been feeling frustrated with the industry lately, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale… and also a bit of a kick in the pants in the best way. Because the takeaway is pretty simple: no one is coming to fix this for us… but we can fix it ourselves.

    1h 1m
See All (30)

5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Come hang out with Crysta Brown, a APHA and AQHA All-Around horse trainer, and Scott Cooper, her favorite amateur sidekick, as they spill the tea on the all around Quarter Horse and Paint Horse world. Crysta brings the trainer tips and insider know-how while Scott keeps it real with the amateur perspective. Together they share the wins, the flops, the laughs, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that make horse showing such a ride. If you can't get enough of chatting with your besties in the stalls or in the stands, this podcast is your new happy place.

Information

  • Creator
    Crysta Brown
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Crysta Brown

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