On The Rail Liz & Jenna

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.


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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

This episode meet Peter Canizzaro, a revered horse show announcer with over three decades of experience. Peter provides insight into his journey from a part-time role while juggling an education career to embracing the announcer's booth full-time, including the commitment and travel it entails.



Born into a triplet set deeply rooted in the equestrian world, Peter, alongside his brothers, has navigated the intricacies of horse show announcing, from mastering the craft to developing a unique style that resonates with the equestrian community. The episode covers the emotional spectrum of announcing, from the honor of memorializing departed friends at shows to the joy of amplifying victories at youth competitions, offering insights into the announcer's personal hobbies and aspirations outside the arena.



Moreover, Peter shares practical advice for aspiring announcers, shedding light on the challenges and fulfilling moments of the profession, all while emphasizing the importance of passion, preparedness, and the ability to connect with and celebrate every participant.



00:00 Welcome to On the Rail Podcast: Special Guest Peter Canizzaro

01:51 Announcing Horse Shows: A Career Journey with Peter

02:54 Triplets in the Horse World: Unique Experiences and Shenanigans

11:47 From Academia to Announcing: Peter's Professional Path

15:30 The Art of Horse Show Announcing: Skills, Challenges, and Stories

28:44 On the Road: The Life of a Traveling Announcer

33:08 A Day in the Life of a Horse Show Announcer

40:58 The Heart of Horse Show Communities

41:44 Behind the Scenes: The Life of a Horse Show Announcer

44:54 The High Stakes of Timing in Lunge Line Classes

48:55 Crafting a Unique Voice in the Announcing World

55:13 Navigating Challenges and Memorable Moments

01:09:48 Passions Beyond the Microphone: Cooking and Sports

01:11:23 Aspirations and Advice for Future Announcers

This episode of the On The Rail Podcast features Lori Bucholz, an AQHA Executive Committee member, who discusses her extensive involvement in the horse industry.

Lori shares her journey from a young girl passionate about horses to holding significant roles within AQHA and other committees, emphasizing animal welfare, member involvement, and governance. The conversation covers topics including the importance of every AQHA member's voice, the process of rule changes within AQHA, the responsibility towards horse welfare, and the future of digital registration. Lori's personal experiences highlight the evolution of horse showing, the significance of continued education and ethical practices in the industry, and the collective effort required to foster young and female leadership within AQHA.



00:00 Welcome to On The Rail Podcast: A Conversation with Lori Buholtz

01:41 Lori Buholtz: A Deep Dive into Her Equestrian Journey

03:02 From Amateur Competitor to AQHA Executive: Lori's Story

04:31 The Professional Side: Lori Buholtz, Parliamentarian

11:12 Navigating AQHA Governance and Member Impact

23:39 Fostering Young Leadership and Female Leaders in Equestrianism

28:17 Reflecting on the Evolution of Technology and Its Impact

28:46 Introducing RideFitLife: Tailored Fitness for Riders

29:21 Exploring the Structure and Terms of National Directors

30:08 Breaking Barriers: Women in Leadership Roles

31:26 Inside the AQHA Executive Committee: Roles and Responsibilities

32:53 2024 AQHA Convention Highlights and Digital Registration Debate

39:31 Engaging the Community: The Value of AQHA Membership and Convention Attendance

42:21 The Importance of Animal Welfare in the AQHA

53:04 Vision for the Future of AQHA and Closing Thoughts

This episode features an in-depth conversation about the 2024 APHA World Show, including insights from key figures within the American Paint Horse Association (APHA).



The discussion covers the show's schedule from June 21st through July 7th at the Will Rogers Center in Fort Worth, Texas, emphasizing its no-qualifying entry, diverse events beyond competition, and a strong focus on family involvement. The guests explore the importance of Fort Worth as a location, the broad spectrum of competitive and breeding opportunities, added money incentives, and the introduction of new classes geared towards growth areas.



A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to the innovative Intermediate Program designed to encourage wider participation by leveling the playing field for competitors. The episode also highlights the importance of APHA's corporate partnerships, particularly the new sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim for Intermediate division buckles. With a forthcoming focus on improving participant experience, air conditioning in the trail practice area, and a streamlined entry process, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of what to expect at the 2024 APHA World Show.



Additionally, it touches on the importance of feedback from attendees, the involvement of APHA's events team in enhancing the show experience, and the myriad of ways individuals can engage with the event beyond competition.



00:00 Welcome to the APHA World Show Special Episode!

01:02 Introducing the APHA World Show Committee Members

04:15 Deep Dive into the 2024 APHA World Show in Fort Worth

07:27 Exploring the $1.5 Million Prize Pool and New Class Additions

16:21 Feedback and Improvements for the 2024 World Show

20:23 Expanding and Simplifying the Intermediate Program

26:49 No Late Fee for Intermediate Division

27:15 Introducing RideFitLife: Tailored Fitness for Riders

27:52 Exploring the Intermediate Program

28:22 Highlighting the Youth Scholarship Program

30:56 Corporate Sponsorships and Their Impact

32:42 Setting Goals for the 2024 World Show

37:22 Improving the World Show Experience

41:14 Getting Involved: Advice for Competitors and Spectators

46:48 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

This episode of On The Rail Podcast, we get to see through the reins of Amber Duckett, an Idaho horse trainer and owner, who shares her journey from a young 4-H member to a professional trainer and owner of a successful stallion, One And Only Asset ('Marshall').



Amber's story highlights her DIY approach, the evolution of her career, and the special bond she has with Marshall, whose 'marshmallows' carry on his legacy.



In addition, we explore the recent regulatory changes by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) and their impact on the horse community, covering the perspectives of stallion owners and enthusiasts. Discussions include the challenges and opportunities these changes present, the importance of community support, and an optimistic outlook for the future of horse competition and breeding.



00:00 Welcome to On The Rail Podcast: A Dive into DIY Horse Training and Stud Ownership

00:51 Meet Amber Duckett: A Journey from 4-H to Stud Ownership

02:04 From Oregon to Idaho: Amber's Path to Horse Training

02:58 The Art of DIY Horse Training: Passion Meets Necessity

04:30 Learning from the Best: Mentorship and Growth in Horse Training

08:10 Navigating the Horse Training Industry: Approaching Trainers for Advice

11:57 A Major Accident and Its Aftermath: Amber's Story of Recovery

29:13 Returning to the Arena: Overcoming Brain Trauma and Physical Challenges

38:56 Exploring New Horizons: Colt Starting Contest and Expanding Skills

40:50 The Horse Expo and a Surprise Proposal

43:19 RideFitLife: Tailored Fitness for Riders

45:50 The Story of Marshall: From Weanling to Stallion

01:04:49 Breeding Success and the Impact of APHA Changes

01:09:28 Reflections and Gratitude