Equestrian Adult Amateur

Devon Deets & Season 2 Highlights | Ep 22

In this heartfelt episode of The Equestrian Amateur, I take you along on my recent trip to the beautiful Devon Horse Show, a place that holds a special significance for me. As I filmed season two of *Inside the Gate*, I encountered a whirlwind of highs and lows that shaped my experience. I’m so excited to share the relatable and down-to-earth stories of both top riders and amateur athletes, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the real struggles and joys of the equestrian sport.
I also introduce the two incredible amateur riders featured in this season, Piper and Hannah, who add their unique perspectives and challenges to the mix. Filming was both exhilarating and exhausting, and I candidly discuss the difficulties of being away from home for an extended period, along with the frustrations I faced while trying to work with sponsors who didn’t fully support our vision. One of the key points I touch on is the need for a shift in equestrian marketing.
I believe brands should represent their target demographic authentically instead of relying on the same old generic formulas. I encourage our community to voice their feelings about the current state of equestrian marketing and how we can collectively push for positive change. I also dive into a serious topic—the impact of internet bullying within our community. This negativity creates a fear that stifles brands and individuals from taking creative risks. I urge everyone to rise above the trolls, stay true to their values, and create content that aligns with their authentic messaging.
Throughout this episode, I share my passion for Inside the Gate and my commitment to standing up against bullying to support my fellow equestrians. I recount how I overcame my fears and insecurities during my time at the Devon Horse Show and encourage you to believe in yourselves and your dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem. Be sure to tune in for this empowering conversation, and don’t forget to subscribe and join the email list for updates on future episodes. I can’t wait to share more stories with you!
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Social Stigmas & Horse Dramas | Nina Cua | Ep 21

In this engaging episode, hosts Kelly and Alexis welcome guest Nina to share stories from her first meeting with Kelly and her fascinating journey into the world of social media. Nina discusses her passion for horses and how she started posting horse-related content, quickly gaining a dedicated following in just a year. As a certified equine massage therapist, she delves into the benefits of equine massage, a profession she embraced after researching techniques to improve her own horse's health.
Nina also shares her future aspirations, which include expanding her business to incorporate additional therapies like acupuncture and cupping. The trio discusses effective social media strategies, with Nina revealing her approach to posting consistently and producing engaging video content using a tripod for better stability.
They touch on the realities of sharing personal equestrian experiences online, including the challenges and criticisms that often come with it. In a lively discussion, Nina joins a group of horse lovers who share their unpredictable and sometimes hazardous encounters with horses. They emphasize the importance of understanding horse behavior and the necessity of establishing mutual respect and safety when interacting with these majestic animals. This episode offers valuable insights for horse enthusiasts, aspiring entrepreneurs, and social media lovers alike, fostering a supportive community around equestrian passions.
Join Kelly, Alexis, and Nina on this enlightening journey through the world of horses and social media!
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Horse Expenses...No Husbands Allowed | Ep 20

 Welcome back to *The Equestrian Adult Amateur*! In this episode, Kelly and Alexis dive into the sometimes pricey world of equestrian gear and horse care. They start by chatting about the costs of owning horses, especially when it comes to supplements and health care, which can really add up. They also discuss riding pants and how it can be hard to justify spending a bunch of money on something that’s just going to get dirty.
But don't worry—they highlight the importance of sun shirts, especially as riders get older. Protecting our skin from the sun becomes more important, and those shirts are definitely worth the investment! The conversation shifts to the growing trend of tall boots. Kelly and Alexis talk about how tall boots have become a must-have for riders, moving away from just being a show requirement. Plus, the new styles made from softer leather make them way more comfortable to wear for riding.
Another topic they touch on is saddle fitting and the importance of finding the right saddle. They share their thoughts on popular brands like Tad Coffin and Antares and explain why taking the time to choose the right saddle can make a huge difference for both horse and rider. Throughout the episode, the hosts share their favorite products for horse care—think grooming supplies, blankets, and supplements! They also invite listeners to chime in with their favorite show pants, creating a fun community vibe.
Join Kelly and Alexis for this informative and light-hearted discussion filled with tips and recommendations that every equestrian can appreciate! 
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LIVE Podcast | Taylor Land | Inside The Inagte Premier | Ep 19

In this episode of *The Equestrian Adult Amateur*, Kelly and Alexis are thrilled to welcome professional show jumper Taylor Land! This conversation was recorded at the premiere of a docuseries, Inside The Ingate, that features Taylor, which Kelly's media agency had the incredible opportunity to shoot.
The hosts chat about their recent experience at a horse show where they watched Taylor compete and picked up some fantastic tips from her training style. Taylor emphasizes the importance of mixing up training routines and using clever hacks to keep horses engaged and at their best.
Things get personal when Taylor shares a story about a recent fall that left her with a cracked rib. Instead of jumping right back into the arena, she took a break and opted for trail rides, which surprisingly helped her horses perform even better when she returned to riding! Kelly and Alexis reflect on the valuable lessons learned from Taylor about resilience, adaptability, and finding balance in the equestrian world.
This episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about horses. With Taylor’s stories and insights, listeners are sure to feel motivated to embrace their own equestrian journeys!
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DocuSeries & Horse Shows | Ep 18

In this episode, I recount my recent experience at the Winter Equestrian Center in Ocala, where I had the wonderful opportunity to film a docuseries focused on equestrians and their real journeys. We are eager to capture diverse stories that reflect the unique challenges and triumphs in our community, and I believe this series will help fill an important gap in equestrian storytelling.
We discuss how horse shows can often appear intimidating, yet we emphasize that every competitor, regardless of skill level or location, shares similar emotions and struggles during these events.
We engage in a thoughtful conversation about horse show preparation, touching on key elements that contribute to a successful experience—from warming up to the final moments in the ring.
Our conversations also highlight the impressive scale and beauty of the WEC facility and the joy we found in connecting with fellow equestrians. One of our friends had a remarkable experience, achieving unexpected success despite initial doubts about their horse’s focus.
As we conclude, we want to remind our listeners of the importance of community and relatability in the equestrian world. We are all navigating this journey together, and we look forward to connecting with you in our next episode.
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Cowgirl Up With Green

Equine Acupuncture & Chiropractic W/ Amanda Cerniglia | Ep 17

In this episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Cerniglia, a veterinarian who specializes in acupuncture and chiropractic care for animals, particularly horses. We were excited to dive into Amanda's extensive background and experience in alternative therapies and how they can benefit our beloved pets.
During our conversation, Amanda explained the principles of acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote balance and treat various health issues. She shared how she assesses a horse's health by checking their pulse and tongue, helping to identify any imbalances that may exist. We were fascinated to learn how acupuncture can help with various conditions, such as pain management and metabolic disorders.
Amanda also talked about the importance of personalizing treatments based on each horse's individual needs and overall constitution. She introduced us to additional techniques like electrical stimulation and moxibustion that can enhance the effects of acupuncture.
Both Alexis and I shared our personal experiences with acupuncture and chiropractic treatments for our own animals, describing the positive impacts we've seen and why we highly recommend these holistic options to our listeners. We discussed how early intervention can significantly improve a horse's health and performance, making it an essential consideration for pet owners. Overall, we found this episode enlightening, and we hope it inspires our listeners to explore alternative therapies for their pets!
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Flying High with Taylor Land | Ep 16

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with professional showjumper Taylor Land, who shares her remarkable journey in the equestrian world. From a young age, Taylor has had a profound love for horses, and her path has been filled with challenges, injuries, and setbacks that have only fueled her determination to succeed.
Taylor emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief, encouraging young riders—and especially little girls—to pursue their dreams with confidence and tenacity. As she competes in three-star events, she reflects on her experiences and expresses excitement about where her journey will lead next. Throughout our conversation, Taylor discusses her training and riding methods, highlighting the crucial role of fitness for both the rider and the horse.
She introduces her top horses, including her ten-year-old, "Escobar," and her seasoned 16-year-old, "Caballero." She shares insights into her experiences with different horse temperaments, emphasizing the balance of talent and personality when choosing horses. Training routines are a major focus of our discussion, with Taylor detailing her approach that includes riding out, hill work, and footwork exercises to enhance control and foundational skills for both horse and rider.
She also highlights the necessity of mental preparation, using visualization techniques and specialized exercises—like her favorite involving three ground poles—to ensure readiness for shows. As she primarily works with young adult amateurs, Taylor reinforces the importance of preparation and building confidence before stepping into the ring.
This episode is packed with valuable tips and insights that any equestrian—whether seasoned or just starting out—can benefit from. Join us for an uplifting conversation filled with inspiration and practical advice from a true equestrian role model!

Forage First w/ Triple Crown Feed | Ep 15

In this enlightening episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Stacy Anderson, a seasoned feeding consultant for Triple Crown Nutrition. With over 13 years of experience, she shared invaluable insights into the world of equine nutrition and the critical role it plays in maintaining healthy horses. We discussed the importance of forage and how to find the right forms and amounts of feed tailored to each horse’s unique dietary needs.
Stacy emphasized the pitfalls of falling for supplement scams and relying too much on information found online. She made it clear that it’s best to seek advice from a trusted professional or feed representative who understands the specific requirements of your horse. Throughout our conversation, Stacy took us through her journey into equine nutrition, sharing how she became passionate about helping horse owners make informed dietary choices.
She explained how to effectively incorporate forage and chopped hay into a horse’s diet and the balance between the quantity and quality of hay, which can vary significantly from horse to horse. Another important topic we touched on was the nutritional needs of young horses. Stacy recommended ensuring that the mare is in good health and properly nourished before breeding and emphasized the importance of providing a growth feed for foals after birth. We also addressed common misconceptions, particularly regarding alfalfa.
Stacy clarified that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that alfalfa makes horses "hot," although some anecdotes suggest it may cause excitement in certain cases. She highlighted the varying caloric needs among horses and explained how some may require higher carbohydrate levels in their diets for stamina and endurance. I found this episode to be incredibly informative and a must-listen for anyone involved in horse care. Stacy’s expertise will surely help horse owners enhance their understanding of nutrition and ensure their horses receive the best care possible. Tune in for some valuable insights that can make a real difference in your horse’s diet!
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Horse Mama's & New Adventures with Aly Black | Ep 14

In this exciting episode, we dive into the transformative journey of motherhood and the joys of balancing it with our passion for horses.
We’re thrilled to have Aly Black as our guest, who shares her inspiring story of becoming a mom and how it has shaped her equestrian life. Aly opens up about her experiences during pregnancy and how she approached the challenges of maintaining her connection to the equestrian world. She shares heartfelt insights into how she knew from the start that riding would always be a part of her life, even if it looked different than before.
Aly’s determination to live her "horse girl" dreams shines through as she discusses her continued success in the show ring after becoming a mom. We chat about the ups and downs of juggling family life with training and competing, sharing our own experiences and tips for making it all work. Aly's passion and resilience serve as a reminder that it’s possible to pursue your dreams while embracing the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
As we wrap up, we celebrate the journey of finding balance in our lives, and Aly leaves us with words of encouragement for fellow riders navigating similar paths. Tune in for this uplifting conversation filled with inspiration, laughter, and the reminder that being a mom and a dedicated equestrian can go hand in hand! 
Memory Hill Stables : GoFund Me
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Horse Finances & Husband Dilemmas | Ep 13

Hi everyone! In this episode, I sit down with my amazing co-host Alexis for the first time in two months, and there's so much to catch up on! Alexis has recently welcomed her beautiful baby into the world, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
We dive into her journey of adapting to motherhood while juggling her passion for horses. As we chat, Alexis shares her highs and lows from these past couple of months, and I’m in awe of her strength and resilience. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how valuable our friendship is, especially as we’ve been through so much together since our college days.
We also tackle the realities of horse ownership and how we manage our responsibilities as riders. From discussing who pays for vet bills to how we approach our finances within our families, our honest conversation highlights the behind-the-scenes of balancing horses with life’s demands.
We even dig into the topic of insurance and why it’s essential for our furry friends. I can’t help but share a funny yet relatable experience of feeling “horsesick” after focusing so much on caring for others—something that makes me appreciate our equestrian lifestyle even more. Alexis talks about how her life choices have changed since becoming a mom and how she’s finding her way back to her passion for riding.
As we wrap up, we encourage all of you to subscribe and join us for more genuine discussions about balancing adult life and our love for horses. This episode is filled with friendship, laughter, and some real talk about navigating our unique journeys. We hope you'll join us on this ride!
Kiss Of Gold
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