Equestrian Adult Amateur

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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A Modern Approach to Horse Training with Alison Sims Courtney | Ep 12

In this engaging episode of the podcast, Kelly and I interview Alison Courtney, an accomplished equestrian trainer and coach. Alison shares her unique approach to working with adult amateur riders while helping them navigate their budgets effectively. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals that align with one's financial situation and encourages an open-minded attitude when working with green horses.
Alison's journey in the equestrian world is truly inspiring. She talks about her upbringing in Georgia, her dual pursuit of a degree in occupational therapy, and how her passion for teaching blossomed through mentorship and varied experiences in the industry. We loved hearing her heartwarming stories, especially about her special horse, Chinook, and the meaningful lessons he taught her. As we dive deeper into the conversation, Alison provides valuable insights into the trainer-client relationship. She stresses the importance of trust and finding a trainer who genuinely has your best interests at heart.
We discuss the balance between pushing oneself and ensuring safety, particularly when managing anxiety around competitions. What stood out to me was Alison's perspective on setting short-term goals to help riders focus on what they can control, rather than succumbing to the pressures of competition. It's all about embracing each rider's unique journey and recognizing the challenges that everyone faces. I'm excited for you all to join us in this episode!
Whether you're an adult amateur rider or simply passionate about horses, Alison's insights are a wonderful reminder of the brilliance of the equestrian journey and the importance of supportive mentorship. We hope you find her advice as motivating as we did!
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Reading Comments & Personal Discoveries || Ep 11

In this heartfelt episode, we, Alexis and Kelly, explore our contrasting approaches to managing the chaos of our busy lives. While one of us thrives on structure and rules, the other embraces the unpredictability of life, and we unpack how our mindsets affect our productivity, especially in terms of horse care and achieving success in our equestrian endeavors. Our conversation delves into the nerves that come with being involved in the equestrian world.
Kelly shares her upcoming role as an announcer at the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association banquet, expressing all the anxious feelings that come with such a responsibility. We reassure each other and discuss how our own anxieties manifest in different ways but ultimately connect us through shared experiences. A particularly vulnerable moment arises as we reflect on a recent incident where one of our horses exhibited concerning behavior, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of caring for these incredible animals and the financial pressures that come with equestrian sports.
We both share a desire to seek guidance from a sports psychologist to help navigate these emotions. As we dive deeper into our experiences, we openly discuss the anxiety that arises before entering the show ring. We share stories of how we cope with these nerves, including how one of us embodies a "Karen" mentality—unwavering determination to achieve her goals. Listeners' comments are featured, giving voice to our community's own experiences with anxiety during horse shows.
We talk about the variety of horse shows, noting that while some are fiercely competitive, others offer a much-needed opportunity to enjoy riding and camaraderie. We emphasize the refreshing benefits of taking breaks and exploring new venues to revive our passion for the sport. This episode is filled with humor, vulnerability, and encouragement as we remind ourselves—and our listeners—that we're all navigating our unique journeys in the equestrian world. Tune in and join the conversation as we continue to build our supportive community! 
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Equestrian Adult Amateur Round Table: GHJA Finals

In this lively episode, we dive into the fun and relatable experiences of adult amateur riders in the equestrian world. We kick things off with a humorous discussion about the hilarious skits called "The Equestrian Adult Amateur," where we poke fun at the quirks and challenges we all face as we navigate this sport.
Tune in as we share laughter and insights, and our listeners will surely relate to those “Are you talking about me?” moments! We dive deep into what it takes to prepare for a horse show, acknowledging that sometimes, adult amateurs may need a little boost—whether that's a calming shot before a big derby or just a good pep talk from a friend. We chat about how the emotional stakes run high, with adults often stressing about the costs involved and how that affects their performance, unlike the kids who seem to ride with pure joy. Our conversation shifts to the evolving horse community, as we explore how the competition has become more intense, yet the bonds within our local barns have grown stronger.
We share personal stories of supportive barn vibes, discovering that our specific community promotes encouragement over rivalry. Everyone knows each other, celebrates each other's successes, and works together to ensure a positive atmosphere. We also discuss the financial dynamics within the equestrian world, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other through leasing arrangements and shared resources. Riding different horses has not only improved our skills but has also expanded our sense of camaraderie.
Throughout the episode, we share heartfelt moments of encouragement from fellow riders who cheer us on, reinforcing the idea that our horse community is about so much more than just competition—it's about fun, friendship, and building each other up. If you've ever felt the ups and downs of the equestrian journey, this episode is for you! Join us as we celebrate the joy of riding while fostering a supportive community that keeps us coming back for more. Whether you’re an amateur struggling with pre-show jitters or simply someone who loves the equestrian lifestyle, we invite you to laugh along and find your place among the beautiful chaos of the horse world! 
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Horse Trainers & Adult Amateurs | Amanda Steege | Ep 10

In this exciting episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Steege at the Winter Series in sunny Ocala, Florida! As a renowned figure in the hunter/jumper community, Amanda shared her incredible journey, growing up in Massachusetts surrounded by horses thanks to her parents' influence as trainers. From excelling in pony hunters to junior hunters and equitation rings, Amanda's early achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career. We talked about her successful establishment of Ash Meadow Farm in Califon, NJ, and Ocala, FL, where she focuses on developing young talents and coaching amateur riders.
Amanda emphasized the importance of providing a solid foundation for her clients and shared how visualization techniques help them manage their nerves in the show ring. With her horse Lafitte De Muze, Amanda recently captured the spotlight by winning the prestigious **2024 USHJA Derby Finals**, solidifying their place as a leading pair in the international hunter/jumper circuit. Plus, her recent accolades include becoming the champion at the **2023 Devon Horse Show** in the High Performance Hunter division and triumphing in the **$100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby** at the **Hampton Classic** in 2022.
During our conversation, we explored the significance of goal setting and maintaining a positive mindset despite the pressures of competition. Amanda’s passion for Thoroughbreds and the strategy behind her training methods truly resonate with us as we discussed the future of show jumping. This episode is filled with inspiration, laughter, and practical advice that any rider can relate to. We invite you to tune in and celebrate the joy of being part of the equestrian community—along with all the incredible stories that come with it!