Fit for Halter Podcast

In this episode, we dive into the recent AQHA rule changes that are making an impact—especially for halter exhibitors. Joined by AQHA leaders Scott Newman and Sydney Reynolds, along with industry advocate Kelley Wainscott, they break down what these updates mean, why they’re happening, and how they impact the leveling and competition structure. This episode gives you the clarity you need straight...

LK Tack Shop has been a staple in the Chicagoland area for 36 years.  We get to meet the mother-daughter team, Kim and Karli Franklin, who own and operate LK Tack Shop in Monee, Illinois.  They stock boots, supplies, tack, supplements, blankets, and the latest in Western fashion.  They like to say "if we don't have it, you don't need it"! We discuss the ins and outs of running a family business an...

Kelly Chapman took time at a recent show to share her insight as a trainer, judge, and lifelong horse woman.  She's been an APHA professional horsewoman for more than 30 years, holds multiple judges cards, and was named the Paint Professional Horsewoman of the year in 2018.  Kelly and her husband Rob operate Chapman Horse and Livestock, they have 2 children, and she enjoys the traveling that comes...

In this crossover episode, we meet JJ and Jamie Ross, better known as the "Ross twins".  They are consistently at the top of the APHA Honor Roll with their all-around geldings, Call Me a Cowboy and DaddySleepsToMuch.  These twin sisters travel together, have distinct roles when they hit the show grounds, and finish each others sentences.   JJ and Jamie explain their weekly rhythms and the discipli...

In this episode I’m joined by Maryann and Alex, the owners and founders of Lonestar Nurse Mares, a unique business that provides nurse mares—surrogate mothers—to orphaned foals in need. When a young horse loses its mother, survival can be uncertain. That’s where Lonestar steps in, offering not just a lifeline, but a nurturing connection that can mean the difference between life and loss. We talk a...

In this episode we meet Chase Parrish, entrepreneur and founder of Stable Savers.  Chase Parrish has been around horses his entire life and comes from a family that’s heavily involved in the pleasure industry.  He knows what we need to bring out the best in our horses! Chase created Stable Savers to help horse owners save money on the products we use on a regular basis.  He launched Stable Savers...

In this episode, we meet Justin Bisel of Bisel Quarter Horses.  He was raised in a halter horse family and in the early 2000’s to 2019 he was fully immersed in the horse world as a trainer.  He transitioned somewhat recently to the financial world as an advisor and today, he’s taking a few outside training horses including halter horses.  Justin brings a great mix of skills as a trainer, a WCHA ca...

In this episode, Russell Mueller, Senior Marketing Manager with ProElite Feeds, brings us a master class on nutrition, performance, and the latest in industry trends.  He is an equine nutritionist and marketing specialist with a life-long career in the horse feed business. Outside of work he's an amateur stock horse exhibitor so he has a deep understanding of what it takes to fuel top-performing h...

Scott Meyers is from New South Wales, Australia and has been involved with horses most of his life.  He’s the owner of Meyers Quarter Horses and has been part of the quarter horse scene for about 35 years.  Former AQHA judge and current President of the Halter Breeders Group who is working on building the halter-bred horses in Australia with a show model that looks similar to the Breeders Halter F...

In this episode we meet Chuck Williams, owner of Williams Show Horses in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.  With 40 years in the stock horse business, Chuck brings wisdom and insight about his program, the Canadian halter climate, and his outlook on the global halter industry.  He explains his approach to fitting his show horses and how to grow a solid client base.   We discuss long-distance travel, acc...

In this episode we’re pulling back the curtain and getting the inside scoop from the real MVPs behind the scenes - the wives of two of our very own halter horse trainers - Mary Robertson, wife of Tom, and Fallen Cooper, wife of Clint. These women have raised children, established their own professional careers, and walked alongside their husbands through the highs and lows.  They know the sheer pa...

In this episode, we’re talking with Dawn Allen who owns Allen Quarter Horses along with her husband, Kent. They operate a premier equine layover facility designed to keep traveling horses comfortable, safe, and well-cared for. We'll discuss what makes a great layover stop, how to reduce stress for horses on the road, and why these facilities are a game-changer for equine transportation. When you'r...

In this episode, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of success in the halter industry—the trainer-client relationship. This isn’t just any trainer-client dynamic. We get to hear about the unique bond between a professional trainer and a family team—a husband, wife, and their daughter—who are all deeply invested. How does a trainer juggle the different personalities,...

Clint Fullerton is someone who truly embodies excellence in the halter industry. He is not only a respected judge but also a legend in the field, with years of experience evaluating and shaping the standards of halter competition. In the halter world, success isn’t just about having a great horse—it’s about preparation, practice, and attention to every detail. From fitting and presentation to mast...

In this episode, we get to know Clint Cooper, a young entrepreneur with a strong presence in the halter pen.  He credits his family and many legends in the halter industry for investing in him.  He recently launched his training facility called Clint Cooper Equine, located in Collinsville, TX.  Our community has the privilege of joining him to hear his vision for the future.   A WCHA judge, traine...

In this episode, I have the opportunity to introduce you to the husband and wife team behind the Painted for Success Weanling Futurity.  Chad and Kayla Slayton are the founders of this weanling halter futurity that’s helping shape the future of our industry.  This niche futurity with just two classes includes generous payouts and high-end prizes. Painted for Success is designed to showcase excepti...

There are dozens of ways for people to engage with our industry and probably hundreds of professions that our fellow exhibitors represent.  In this episode we’ll take a look at the role of an auctioneer.  Dalton Collins, of DC Auction is with me for a conversation about his own program as well as a few facets of the auctioneer business and how it relates to our part of the world.  We talk about th...

In this episode, we have the opportunity to meet Janna Kimmons, the visionary behind Paradise Paints and Quarter Horses in Jefferson, GA.  Janna is a small breeder known for producing elite halter horses. We talk about what it takes to develop world-class halter horses, the challenges of running a breeding operation with a small band of broodmares, selecting the right stallion for her mares, and h...

Breeding season is just a few weeks away and its time to consider your stallion and broodmare pairing for the year!  In this episode we take a deep dive into selecting the right broodmare or stallion for your program with Anna Horn of Chris Arentsen Quarter Horses. We take a look at criteria for selecting the broodmare to enhance a program and some of the attributes that make a mare tough to handl...

Adam and Kelley Wainscott return for a next level conversation about equine nutrition.  They walk us through each listener-provided question to describe, explain, and teach us how to supply the best care for our beloved horses.  Adam and Kelley joined us for episode 002 and jumped back in to continue their investment in our community.  They operate Covenant Show Horses in Sanger, Texas and stand 2...

One of the most pivotal events for breeding and showing halter horses is a futurity and this is our third episode this winter, highlighting money earning opportunities across the U.S.  In this episode, we’ll learn about the Iowa Breeders Futurity, we’ll explore why it’s so significant, and how futurities like this shape the future of the industry. I’m joined by two guests who are well-versed in th...

In this episode we meet Michigan Quarter Horse Association board members, Chris Perniciaro and Austin Gooding.  They lead the charge for the MQHA Futurity and Stallion Service Auction (SSA) which includes many of our great halter stallions.  The Futurity and SSA classes are held every September along with the Great Lakes Classic QH show. Chris and Austin have successfully grown this show to over $...

In this episode we meet Marcy Walker and Jim Scarpa, President and Vice President of the East Coast Halter Futurity.  The ECHF was founded in 2014  and provides an opportunity for halter horse owners from the Eastern states to have a halter futurity in their own backyard.  We discuss the importance of futurities to the halter industry, judge selection, and the special effort that goes into providi...

In this episode we meet Laurie and Logan Lorenz, the mother-son team from Lorenz Quarter Horses.  We capture them just hours after concluding their successful show season at the AQHA World Show to discuss their show strategies, breeding operation, and the KY Breeders Incentive Fund. Laurie comes from a multi-generation AQHA family and has instilled an incredible work ethic in her son.  Logan is an...

In this listener requested episode, we discuss fitting halter horses during cold weather, blanketing practices and preferences, and using lights to maintain a light hair coat.   Our guest line-up includes Erin Henderson and Warren English. Erin and her husband Matt are the owners and trainers at Turner-Henderson Show Horses located in Albany, Oregon. Warren English is an amateur exhibitor and the...