The Long Ride Home

Alex Husner

Welcome to The Long Ride Home, a podcast about American Saddlebreds — and the people whose lives are shaped by them. Hosted by Alex Husner, a rider returning to the sport after 26 years away, this show explores what it means to find your way back to something that once defined you. Through honest conversations with riders, trainers, and leaders in the American Saddlebred world, we dive into the stories behind the horses, the traditions of the sport, and the moments that shape both horse and human. Because sometimes the path forward… is the long ride home.

  1. 4d ago ·  Video

    Growing the Saddlebred World, One Story at a Time with Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco

    In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner welcomes Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco, co-hosts of the Stable Minded podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about the people, experiences, and traditions that shape the Saddlebred community and what it will take to carry them forward. Bob reflects on his journey from a horse-crazy teenager to an established trainer and barn owner, including the mentors who helped shape his career. Gabby shares her experience growing up in the industry, becoming a professional trainer, and finding creative ways to introduce new people to horses. Together, they explore the importance of preserving the knowledge and personal stories of those who have shaped the sport, the lessons they've learned through conversations with fellow riders and professionals, and the opportunities to make the Saddlebred world more welcoming and accessible. Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to the show 01:17 - Introducing Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco of Stable Minded 02:27 - Gabby's Journey from Young Rider to Professional Trainer 03:46 - Bob's Early Years, Mentors, and Building Northern Tradition 06:49 - Preserving Knowledge and the Importance of Mentorship 10:27 - How Bob and Gabby Connected and Started Stable Minded 13:11 - Learning from the Stories and Experiences of Other Riders 18:07 - Show Ring Pressure, Judging, and Redefining Success 24:23 - Helping Adult Amateurs Return to Riding 29:30 - Patience, Flexibility, and Riding the Horse You Have Today 33:57 - Introducing New People to the Saddlebred World 36:45 - Making Room for Everyone in the Horse Community 40:24 - The Role of Storytelling, Podcasts, and Media in Growing the Sport This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how the industry can continue to grow, one connection and one story at a time. Connect with Bob & Gabby: Connect with Bob: https://www.thesaddlebredpodcast.com/guests/bob-griffin/  Connect with Gabby: https://www.thesaddlebredpodcast.com/guests/gabby-greco/  Stable Minded Podcast: https://www.stableminded.com/ Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Growing the Saddlebred World, One Story at a Time with Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco

  2. Oct 6 ·  Video

    Off the Cuff and On the Rail with Carson Kressley

    In this episode of The Long Ride Home podcast, we are joined by Carson Kressley,  Emmy Award–winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer, interior designer, New York Times best-selling author, and lifelong American Saddlebred rider whose love for the breed began when he was just 13. Long before the television career and the world of fashion, horses were already shaping Carson’s life. What started with one unforgettable encounter with a Saddlebred became a lifelong connection to the breed, the people around it, and the lessons that come with being part of the horse world. Carson and Alex look back at the unexpected turns that took him from horse shows to New York, Ralph Lauren, and eventually television, along with the people and opportunities that helped shape the journey. They also talk about the ways horses have influenced how Carson approaches preparation, creativity, showmanship, and even success itself. The conversation eventually turns toward the Saddlebred world today, from Carson’s recent win at Louisville to a bigger question about visibility: how do more people discover a breed they may not even know they are looking for? Episode Chapters 02:49 - Carson’s early life around horses and ponies 05:09 - The Saddlebred that stopped him in his tracks 09:38 - Where his love of fashion began 14:40 - How horses helped open the door to New York 18:33 - The unexpected path to Ralph Lauren 20:52 - Saying yes and following unexpected opportunities 34:01 - What horses have taught him about life and work 37:20 - Preparation, improvisation, and knowing when to go off script 39:44 - Winning at Louisville after nearly 40 years of attending 41:10 - Social media, visibility, and getting more eyes on Saddlebreds 50:18 - What success means to Carson today 55:31 - His advice for anyone thinking about coming back to horses Through every unexpected turn, the horse world has remained one of the constants in Carson’s life. And after decades spent both inside the Saddlebred industry and in front of much larger audiences, he brings a perspective that reaches beyond the show ring: on what keeps people connected, what makes someone fall in love with the breed, and how more people might find their way into this world in the first place. Connect with Carson: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/carsonkressley? Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@OfftheCuffwithCarson⁩ Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Off the Cuff and On the Rail with Carson Kressley

  3. Sep 22

    A New Lens on Saddlebreds: Karly Morgan on Tradition, Creativity, and Growth

    In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Karly Morgan, founder of Saddlethreads, for a conversation about a lifelong connection to the American Saddlebred and the creative path that eventually brought Karly back to the horse world in a new way. Through her work with Saddlethreads, Karly has become part of a growing shift in how the Saddlebred world is being seen and shared. She and Alex talk about the emotion that lives beyond the show ring, the role creativity can play in capturing it, and how photography, video, and modern storytelling can help introduce more people to a traditionally close-knit industry. It is a conversation about finding your way back to what has always stayed with you, seeing familiar traditions through a new lens, and creating more opportunities for others to understand why the Saddlebred world inspires such a lasting connection. 🐴 In this episode, Alex and Karly discuss:  01:36 - Introduction 03:16 - How Karly Found the Saddlebred World 06:12 - Showing Yes It’s True at Just 13 10:35 - How Art, Communications, and Law Shaped Her Path 16:46 - Connecting Horses, Creativity, and Storytelling 18:48 - How Saddle Threads First Began 26:05 - The Turning Point That Led Her to Go All In 38:21 - How the Saddlebred World Is Adapting to Digital Media 41:36 - Why Reels and Candid Content Resonate 50:13 - Karly’s Vision for the Future of Saddlebred Media This is a conversation about honoring where the Saddlebred world has been while finding new ways to share what has always made it worth coming back to.  Connect with Karly: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlyrmorgan/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikarlyrae/  Website: https://shop-saddlethreads.com/  Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    A New Lens on Saddlebreds: Karly Morgan on Tradition, Creativity, and Growth

  4. Sep 8

    What the Saddlebred World Cannot Afford to Lose with Ellen Beard and Martha Hoyt

    In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner is joined by Ellen Beard and Martha Hoyt, two lifelong horsewomen who have spent decades teaching, training, building riding programs, and watching the American Saddlebred world evolve. Their paths through the industry have looked different, but both have seen the same changes firsthand: smaller horse show classes, fewer local barns, rising costs, and a growing need to develop the people who will carry the sport forward. Ellen and Martha reflect on the barns and programs that shaped them, the responsibility experienced horsemen have to share what they know, and why mentorship may be one of the most important pieces of the industry's future. The conversation also turns to what it takes to become a capable rider, why time in the saddle still matters, and how teaching adults often means learning to work in “horse time” rather than expecting immediate results. 🐴 In this episode, Alex, Ellen, and Martha discuss: 12:15 - Rider Conditioning, Teaching, and Sharing Knowledge 23:57 - How Ellen and Martha Became Friends and Podcast Co-Hosts 28:56 - Is the Saddlebred Industry Shrinking? 30:43 - Smaller Classes, Disappearing Barns, and a Changing Industry 35:51 - The Realities of Keeping Riding Programs Going 37:01 - Mentorship and Developing the Next Generation 41:43 - Why Time in the Saddle Still Matters 46:37 - What It Takes to Become a Strong Rider 53:02 - Coaching Adults Returning to the Saddle 56:40 - Learning in “Horse Time,” Not Human Time 1:02:26 - The Psychology of Teaching Adult Riders 1:04:48 - Martha’s Secret Weapon for Teaching Lessons It is a wide-ranging conversation about where the Saddlebred world has been, what is changing, and the people, knowledge, and programs worth carrying forward. Connect with Ellen: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.s.beard  Connect with Martha: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martha.thompsonhoyt  Check out their Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/033EGFI3vAjCKHnnaSTh3R  Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    What the Saddlebred World Cannot Afford to Lose with Ellen Beard and Martha Hoyt

  5. Aug 25

    From Horse Trainer to Equine Entrepreneur with Hannah Padgett of EquiAssist

    In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Hannah Padgett, founder of Phoenix Accounting and EquiAssist, to talk about the business behind the horse world and how decades spent inside the industry shaped the work she is building today. After 20 years as a horse trainer, Hannah brings a rare perspective to the challenges facing barns and equine businesses. From hiring and outdated systems to the many roles trainers are expected to juggle, she has seen firsthand where the industry could benefit from better tools and a more modern approach. Alex and Hannah also reflect on how Hannah’s own place in the horse world has evolved, from training professionally to becoming an owner, breeder, and entrepreneur, while staying deeply connected to the horses and people that shaped her career. 🐴 In this episode, Alex and Hannah discuss: 01:43 - Hannah Padgett’s Journey from Horse Trainer to Entrepreneur 05:03 - Bringing an Insider’s Perspective to Equine Business 07:36 - Why Hiring Is a Major Challenge in the Horse Industry 08:59 - Building EquiAssist as “Indeed for Horse People” 13:12 - Why So Many Barns Still Rely on Outdated Systems 18:55 - Moving Barn Management Beyond Pen and Paper 30:58 - Finding New Joy in Breeding and Young Horses 33:13 - Experiencing Louisville from a New Perspective as an Owner 41:40 - Building Trust Between Owners and Multiple Trainers 44:03 - Why Collaboration Between Trainers Matters 46:03 - Why Experienced Riders Still Need Lessons Connect with Hannah: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.padgett  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlstable1?igsi=cm83czM2bWxzbHJ1 Phoenix Accounting: https://phoenixaccounting.net/  EquiAssist: https://equiassist.com/about  Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    From Horse Trainer to Equine Entrepreneur with Hannah Padgett of EquiAssist

  6. Aug 11

    Coming Home to Herself: Sara Spaulding's Return to the Saddle after 22 Years Away

    In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Sara Spaulding for a conversation about returning to the saddle after 22 years away and what it means to come back to something that has always felt like part of who you are. Alex and Sara share a similar path. Both stepped away from horses for decades as life, work, and other priorities took over, and both eventually found their way back to the Saddlebred world they had never completely left behind. For Sara, that return became real with “Astrology”, the young Saddlebred who has become her heart horse and an important part of a new chapter in her life. Together, Sara and Alex reflect on rebuilding confidence, learning to trust the process, navigating the pressure riders put on themselves, and the unexpected emotions that come with finally pursuing a dream you have carried for years. 🐴 In this episode, Alex and Sara discuss: 01:49 - Returning to riding after 22 years away 15:20 - How Sara found Astrology and knew he was the horse for her 22:19 - Developing a young show horse and learning not to rush the process 30:36 - The pressure and perfectionism that come with competing again as an adult 31:38 - Why Sara shares the mistakes and imperfect rides alongside the wins 38:12 - How returning to horses helped Sara reconnect with herself during a major life transition 40:05 - Why Astro became Sara’s heart horse 49:18 - Sara’s childhood dream of riding into Freedom Hall 53:35 - Why sharing the real equestrian journey can help bring more visibility to the American Saddlebred world  Connect with Sara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraspaulding_/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarakolloff/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saraspaulding_  Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Coming Home to Herself: Sara Spaulding's Return to the Saddle after 22 Years Away

  7. Aug 7 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode: Live at Blue Ridge Classic, with Andrea Harry

    In this special bonus episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Chapstick’s trainer, Andrea Harry of Meraki Farm, following his show ring debut at the Blue Ridge Classic in Asheville. Recorded on-site just after an important milestone in their journey, the conversation captures Chapstick at the beginning of his career: still young, still learning, and already carrying himself as though he belongs in the ring. Alex and Andrea talk about the early stages of developing a young show horse and reflect on how far Chapstick has come since arriving at Meraki Farm. They share what they learned from seeing him in a new environment, what trainers look for during these first public experiences, and why seemingly small moments can feel significant when you know how much work came before them. 🐴 In this episode, Alex and Andrea discuss: Chapstick’s first experience in the show ringHow he has developed since arriving at Meraki FarmWhat trainers can learn by showing a young horse in publicWhy confidence is essential when developing a show horseThe importance of protecting a young horse’s natural sparkleHow Andrea helps each horse feel proud and specialThe patience and experience required to train young horsesWhat it means for an owner to trust the training processThe fun, friendship, and memorable moments surrounding the showThis is only one early chapter in Chapstick’s story, but it is one Alex and Andrea knew they would want to remember. Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    Bonus Episode: Live at Blue Ridge Classic, with Andrea Harry

  8. Jul 23

    How Dr. Lauren Magee’s Daughter Inspired Her Return to the Saddle After 30 Years

    Lauren Magee never stopped loving horses. After nearly 30 years away from the American Saddlebred world, her daughter’s interest in riding created an unexpected path back to the saddle. In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Lauren joins Alex Husner for a conversation between two returning adult riders finding their way back after decades away. As Alex continues her own return after 26 years, she and Lauren connect over the physical challenges, mental shifts, small breakthroughs, and deep sense of gratitude that come with riding again later in life. Lauren shares how supporting her daughter gradually became a journey of her own, leading her back to the barn, the show ring, and a part of herself she had not realized was missing. Their conversation also explores the experience of riding alongside the next generation, the confidence and community built inside the barn, and the space horses can create to step away from the pressures of everyday life. Episode Chapters: 01:21 - Lauren’s Childhood in the American Saddlebred World 03:03 - How Her Daughter Inspired Her Return to Riding 04:55 - Finding the Barn That Felt Like Home 05:51 - How the Barn Helped Her Daughter Build Confidence 09:00 - Entering the Show Ring Again After 30 Years Away 09:11 - The Lessons Lauren and Her Daughter Are Learning Together 11:30 - Rebuilding Strength, Confidence, and Body Awareness 15:50 - Why Returning Riders Still Have Decades to Grow 24:17 - The Mental Reset Horses Provide From a Demanding Career 33:19 - Lauren’s Advice for Anyone Thinking About Riding Again  For Alex and Lauren, returning to the saddle has brought a new appreciation for the sport and the opportunity to experience it with a perspective they could not have had as children. For anyone who has been waiting to return to something they love, this conversation may be the reminder they need to begin. Connect with Lauren: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmagee22/  Follow us on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast  #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    How Dr. Lauren Magee’s Daughter Inspired Her Return to the Saddle After 30 Years
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Long Ride Home, a podcast about American Saddlebreds — and the people whose lives are shaped by them. Hosted by Alex Husner, a rider returning to the sport after 26 years away, this show explores what it means to find your way back to something that once defined you. Through honest conversations with riders, trainers, and leaders in the American Saddlebred world, we dive into the stories behind the horses, the traditions of the sport, and the moments that shape both horse and human. Because sometimes the path forward… is the long ride home.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Husner
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Long Ride Home
  • Show Website
    The Long Ride Home

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