Join us on this episode of On the Rail Podcast as Helen Hardy, Manager of Youth Development & AQHYA at the American Quarter Horse Association, reveals the exciting opportunities available to young horse enthusiasts through AQHA's Youth Programs. Discover the Junior Master Horseman, Horse Judging, National Youth Racing Program, and AQHUniversity. Learn about AQHLead, the program empowering young adults in the industry. Delve into the Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program, where AQHYA members raise and train donated weanlings. Helen shares how aspiring youth can get involved and discusses the challenges of youth participation.    Don't miss this engaging episode on youth development in the Quarter Horse industry with Helen Hardy. Subscribe or follow On the Rail podcast for more episodes and share with fellow horse enthusiasts.

Welcome to this week's episode of On The Rail Podcast. In our latest installment, we had the privilege of interviewing Darrel Bilke, Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, of the Pinto Horse Association of America (PtHA), along with his staff members. Our discussion revolved around the PtHA and the highly anticipated 2023 Pinto World Championship Show. Throughout the episode, we explored the PtHA's mission to promote and enhance the Pinto horse breed, recent industry developments, and the array of programs available to PtHA members. We delved into the diverse classes and the significance of the 2023 Pinto World Championship, shedding light on the challenges faced in organizing and running the event, as well as the event's evolution and memorable moments from past shows. Our guests also shared valuable advice for the first-time attendees and competitors, provided insights into judge qualifications, and discussed the PtHA's monitoring of horse industry trends. Lastly, we delved into the future of the Pinto horse industry and the PtHA's strategic positioning to remain at the forefront. Join us as we ride through this exciting world of Pinto horses and the highly antcipated Pinto World Championship Show.

Have you ever even thought to be concerned about liniment causing your horse to fail a drug test? Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the On the Rail podcast as we delve into the intricacies of equine drug medication usage rules.  In this episode of the On the Rail podcast, we interviewed three guests from the industry: Ward Stutz, AQHA Director of Breed Integrity, Animal Welfare & Education; Dr. Billy Smith, Executive Director of APHA; and Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator of USEF's Equine Drugs and Medications Program.   The guests discussed the importance of equine drug medication usage rules for horse welfare and sport integrity. They shared insights into the drug testing procedures of AQHA, APHA, and USEF, as well as the responsibilities and disciplinary processes associated with failed tests.   The conversation also covered commonly used substances in the equine industry and strategies to ensure that supplements and seemingly innocent products don't result in failed tests.   Additionally, we explored the collection and analysis of samples, including the selection process for testing horses and the consequences of detecting prohibited substances.   Overall, this episode provided valuable information about equine drug medication usage rules and shed light on the challenges faced by those involved in their enforcement. Be sure to follow and share the podcast with your fellow equine enthusiasts.

On this episode of On The Rail podcast, we sat down with Julie Broadway, the President of the American Horse Council, to discuss the state of the horse industry in the United States.    We explored the current state of the horse industry in the United States, including the economic contributions it made to the US economy and the major challenges it faced at the time. Julie shed light on how the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the industry.  We learned about the AHC's initiatives in promoting the interests of the horse industry and addressing its challenges. We discussed how the horse industry had evolved in recent years and the trends shaping its future. Julie also shared her advice for young people interested in pursuing careers in the horse industry and the essential skills and knowledge for success.   Additionally, we talked about the AHC's work with other organizations and stakeholders in the horse industry, as well as its initiatives related to animal welfare and horse health. We also learned about the AHC's collaborations with federal, state, and local governments to promote the industry's interests and secure funding for horse-related programs.   Finally, Julie told us about the 2023 Economic Impact Study and how listeners could get involved and become a member of the AHC at that time. Don't miss this insightful episode on the then-current state of the horse industry and the role of the AHC in shaping its future.   If you’re interested in participating in the 2023 Economic Impact Study, you can find it here: https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

On this episode of the On The Rail podcast, we sat down with Amy Engelskirger, owner of Glamorous Threads English Apparel & Tack and AQHA amateur competitor. Amy shared with us her journey of balancing being a successful competitor and running a thriving business. We discussed her accomplishments as an amateur and the highs and lows of her experiences in the show ring.   We also delved into the origin story of Glamorous Threads, and how it evolved into a full-fledged English Apparel & Tack business. Amy shared with us the struggles of being a vendor at horse shows while also competing and offered valuable advice to other amateurs trying to juggle both.   We also discussed Amy's decision to hit pause on owning a show horse in order to prioritize her business ventures. She explained her thought process and the challenges that came with making that kind of decision. Throughout the episode, Amy gave us insight into her plans for the future of her business.   Tune in to this episode of the On The Rail podcast to hear from a successful former amateur competitor and business owner about how she managed to balance both and what her plans for the future hold.  Don't forget to share this insightful episode and follow On The Rail podcast on your favorite platform for more interviews with successful competitors and industry leaders in the horse world.

Join us on this episode of On the Rail Podcast as we chat with representatives from the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) about their Youth Futurity Project. This initiative is a fantastic chance for young horse enthusiasts to showcase their training and horsemanship skills with their yearling or 2-year-old futurity horse project at the 2023 APHA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas, from June 24-27.   Our guests detail the eligibility criteria for the project, the entry fees, and the classes available for participants to enter their horses. Listeners will also learn about the scoring system and how the logbook and interview process plays an essential role in showcasing participants' dedication to their project.   To participate in the Youth Futurity Project, you must be a current AjPHA member, pre-enter by May 15, and entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. the day before classes begin. Head to apha.com/youthfuturityproject for more entry details.   Don't miss out on this chance to compete with other young horse enthusiasts at the 2023 APHA World Championship Show. Tune in to this episode of On the Rail Podcast to learn all about this exciting project from the APHA experts themselves.

We’re back with our next roundtable discussion on On The Rail podcast about the economics of putting on a horse show. We're joined by experienced show manager from Florida, Randall Roser, and facility manager of the Cowpokes Arena at C Bar C in Cloverdale, Indiana, Brice Howell.    In this episode, we explore the ins and outs of the horse show industry, including the primary expenses involved in putting on a show, managing unexpected expenses, and determining entry fees. Our guests share their insights on measuring the success of a horse show in financial terms, adapting to changes in the industry, and the trend of long circuit shows versus weekend shows. We also discuss the importance of facilities and amenities for a well-run show, liability and insurance issues, and get a deep and dirty look at what it really takes to run a horse show.  If you’ve ever wondered how your show dollars are spent, don't miss this informative and engaging episode of On The Rail podcast!   Join us every week for new episodes of On The Rail podcast, where we discuss everything related to the horse show industry. Don't miss out on our upcoming episodes by subscribing or following us on your favorite podcast platform. And if you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends who are also passionate about the horse show world. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, we sat down with Cyndy Hetzell, who has been involved in 4-H and youth clubs for over 35 years. We explored Cyndy's journey assisting youth in the equine industry, particularly those involved in breed shows and 4-H. She not only shared her experiences but also offered invaluable insights on how to blend kids from a 4-H background with those in the breed show world. Cyndy also took us through the origins of the Garden State Paint Horse Youth Club that she started. The club was once again named APHA's 2022 Youth Club of the Year, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. She walked us through the events and fundraisers they organized, making their club an affordable and fun place to come and show. Cyndy's innovative ideas contributed significantly to the club's success. During the conversation, we also touched on the topic of declining youth participation in the industry, and Cyndy shared her personal vies on the matter. We discussed ways to improve and help youth participation in the industry, and Cyndy shared her thoughts on how we can work towards this goal. Overall, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about supporting the youth in the equine industry and learning from someone with vast experience and knowledge. Listeners will gain valuable insights and inspiration from Cyndy's journey and expertise. Be sure to share this episode if you found it insightful! We can continue our industry conversations because of our listeners and hope to keep this flow of conversation going!

On this episode of On The Rail Podcast, we sit down with Chelsea Sinclair, a faculty member at Clemson University's Animal and Veterinary Sciences department, as well as an accomplished breeder, competitor, and stallion owner/manager. Chelsea holds an MS and PhD in equine reproduction and has a wealth of knowledge to share on the topic. We start off by learning more about Chelsea's personal background in the horse industry before delving into her current breeding, raising, and showing activities. Then, we get into the nitty-gritty details of multiple breeding technologies. We discuss the ins and outs of live cover, cooled and frozen semen, embryo transfer, frozen embryo, and ICSI. Chelsea gives us insights into what each method involves, who it's best for, and the average success rates and costs associated with each. Thanks for listening to this episode with Chelsea Sinclair on equine reproduction! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends, subscribe to the podcast, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Welcome to On The Rail! In this episode, we chat with Suzannah Fuhrman, the Co-founder and Executive Vice President of GoHorseShow.com. Suzannah shares her journey from her time working at ESPN to launching GoHorseShow and the monthly digital magazine, GoMag. GoHorseShow (GHS) is one of the leading websites and magazines for the horse showing community. Suzannah discusses her background in the horse industry, how she was able to utilize her experience and expertise to transition from ESPN to launching GoHorseShow, and what she enjoys most and least about running the website and magazine. Additionally, she shares some insights into the routine creation and development of GoMag. As the horse industry continues to shift and evolve, Suzannah discusses the changes she's seen during her time at GHS and the value of advertising for exhibitors. She also shares what she would still like to accomplish with GHS and how interested parties can get involved with advertising. Join us as we delve into the world of horse showing and get an inside look at what it takes to run one of the most successful websites and magazines in the horse industry with Suzannah Fuhrman of GoHorseShow.com. Subscribe to On The Rail Podcast today to stay up-to-date with the latest in the horse showing community. Please note: At our core, we value high-quality audio and strive to deliver the best listening experience possible. Regrettably, this podcast episode has a few very minor trouble spots that fall short of our usual standards. We appreciate your understanding and hope that valuable content in the episode more than makes up for any shortcomings in the audio quality!

Join us on the On The Rail Podcast for our upcoming monthly roundtable discussion, where we'll be delving into the controversial issue of whether amateur riders should be allowed to teach beginner lessons. With emotions running high on this topic, we can all agree, at least, that change is needed to attract and retain newcomers in our industry. Our expert panelists will share their diverse viewpoints and shed light on this complex issue. We invite you to join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation that just might challenge your preconceptions. If you enjoy the On The Rail Podcast, we would love your support. Please take a moment to like and follow us on your preferred podcast platform so that you never miss an episode. Also, if you find our discussions informative and engaging, we encourage you to share the podcast with your friends and family who may have an interest in our slice of the show horse industry. Your support helps us reach more people and have a greater impact. Finally, if you have a moment, please leave us a review on your podcast platform. Your feedback is important to us and helps us improve the show. Thank you for listening and for your continued support!

Join us for the latest episode of On The Rail Podcast, where we talk with judging experts David Dellin and Sandy Jirkovsky about their experience as instructors at the 2023 International Equine Judges Seminar hosted annually by the Color Breed Council. David and Sandy provide a complete recap of the event weekend. They discuss the seminar's purpose and who it's intended for, emphasizing the importance of bringing together equine judges from all over to discuss and learn about the latest trends, scoring procedures, and judging standards. They provide insights into what judges are doing well and how judging can be improved. Finally, while this seminar is restricted to judges and judge applicants, our guests suggest what exhibitors should take away from it. Thanks for tuning into On The Rail Podcast! If you enjoyed the show, help us spread the word by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform, leaving us a review, following us on social media, and sharing our episodes with your friends and family. Your support helps us bring you more great content and keep the conversation rolling. Thank you!

In this episode of On The Rail podcast, we sit down with CPA Greg Tambke to discuss the sometimes complicated intersection of taxes and the horse industry. We explore topics such as the IRS's beliefs around horse businesses verses hobby ventures, the frequency of horse industry-related audits, and what expenses amateurs can write off. We also dive into the nuances of reporting income from horse related winnings, including how to handle situations where a trainer is paid for the horse's winnings, but you're the one getting the tax bill. Other topics include whether non-cash prizes require a 1099 form, tax tips for amateur horse owners, and common mistakes that professionals in the industry make when trying to write off expenses.  Finally, we discuss the importance of finding an accountant who truly understands the horse industry and can provide informed guidance on tax matters specific to the industry. Join us for an informative and eye-opening conversation on the complex world of taxes and horses. If you found this episode of the On The Rail podcast informative and helpful, please consider subscribing to the show and leaving us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us to continue creating content that you find valuable. And if you know someone who would benefit from this episode, please share it with them. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook for updates. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of On The Rail, co-hosts Liz and Jenna are back for another "after hours" discussion, and this time they dive into a more serious topic: the current state of the horse show industry. While they usually keep things light and fun, this tone may be more serious than usual. Liz and Jenna feel it's important to address some of the issues that are affecting our side of the equestrian world. Before getting into the main topic, Liz and Jenna catch up on what's been going on in their lives, sharing some personal stories and experiences. Once they dive into the discussion about the horse show industry and cover the changing attitudes toward it all. They provide thoughtful insights and opinions and share some ideas for how the industry can continue to evolve, and improve to become more accessible and inclusive for all. Tune in to hear Liz and Jenna's take on the current state of the horse show industry. Be sure to share your thoughts by leaving a comment on Facebook or a review on your favorite podcast streaming app! As always, thank you for listening!

Join us for a very special episode of On The Rail Podcast, where we sit down with Tara and Doug Landon, the dynamic duo behind the March to the Arch benefit  horse show. Doug started the event in 2005 after his own cancer diagnosis, and the show has since raised over $800,000 for cancer research. Tara and Doug take us behind the scenes of this leading horse show and discuss their plans for the 2023 edition.  We also dive into the world of professional mane banding and braiding with Tara. With over 15 years of experience working with some of the industry's top horses, Tara is a true expert in her field. She shares with us the good, the bad, and the ugly of doing manes at the biggest horse shows in the country.  Tune into this exciting episode of On The Rail Podcast, where we explore the intersection of horse shows, cancer research, and the art of mane banding and braiding.  If you would like to learn more about March to the Arch, visit the website here. Follow us on Facebook!

Welcome to a special episode of On The Rail Podcast, where we are kicking off a new monthly segment that will be roundtable discussions of current hot topics in the industry. First up in this episode, a handful of passionate individuals in the Quarter Horse industry discuss the AQHA World Championship Show, analyzing what's working and what isn't and how we can improve it. Our panelists provide a wealth of insights and perspectives from their experiences as competitors and owners. We explore the overall organization of the show, from scheduling to faculty use and fee improvements, all with the goal of enhancing the experience for both exhibitors and spectators.  Tune in to this episode of On The Rail as we explore the highlights and challenges of the World Show and discuss how the industry is coming together to make it even better. Whether you're a veteran competitor or a newbie dreaming of attending your first world show, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Follow Us on Facebook!

In honor of Valentine's Day week, get ready for a hilarious ride with On The Rail Podcast! In this episode, we are turning the tables and giving our non-horsey significant others a chance to share their experiences. These brave souls have taken the plunge and fallen in love with us horse-crazy girls. Hear their side about the ups and downs of dating someone who's more in love with their four-legged friends than anything else, and get the guys' take on the crazy stuff we do that seems completely normal to us. At the end of the episode, we do a rapid-fire round of what some standard horse terms mean to them. Sheath cleaning, anyone?? We're diving into what it takes to keep the love alive when one person is head over hooves for horses...and one isn't. Whether you're a horse lover or not, you won't want to miss this episode filled with humor, heart, and a lot of horsing around! Follow Us on Facebook!

In this episode, we are delighted to chat with three World title winning APHA competitors who have smashed through the often perceived glass ceiling of being a DIY'er. This is a very candid conversation about the realities of being a DIY amateur competing regularly at the highest levels in the horse show industry. These ladies talk about how they got started, how they became successful, and most importantly, how they stay on top of their game. Get ready to have your self-imposed beliefs challenged and also feel inspired whether you, too, are a DIY'er or not!

This week we cover Horsemanship with trainer & judge Kelly McDowell. Kelly has coached many AQHA World Champions in Horsemanship, including the two-time reigning AQHA Amateur World Champion. We talk about what makes a standout horsemanship horse, what gets you noticed as a rider, and maybe even a little bit of what not to do! Is horsemanship really about a great rider or a great horse? Kelly has a unique way of coaching his clients that may surprise some of you, but there's no denying he gets the results. We bet there is a helpful snippet of information in this episode for everyone! Follow us on Facebook!

We're BACK (pun intended!) with another On The Rail Podcast episode for an in-depth discussion with leading equine chiropractor, Dr. Shelley Grissom. As our guest expert, she shares her knowledge and expertise on maintaining optimal spinal health in horses, including identifying common misalignments and addressing them with gentle adjustments, and exploring the connection between equine chiropractic care and overall well-being. This podcast is a must-listen for horse owners, trainers, and riders looking to gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of equine chiropractic care. Follow us on Facebook!