Gallop & Gossip

Melissa Morales pulls back the curtain on the whirlwind experience of prepping a Kentucky Derby contender—So Happy—sharing stories of early mornings, powerful horses, and unforgettable moments. This episode is a heartfelt tribute to the hard work, heart, and humility that keep horse racing alive.  Send us Fan Mail https://synnutraequine.com/

On this episode of Gallop & Gossip, we sat down with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, the legend behind Triple Crown and Kentucky Derby wins. Mike shared his incredible journey from humble beginnings in New Mexico to racing history, emphasizing the power of discipline, continuous learning, and a deep love for the horse. His attitude, resilience, and faith-driven approach offer lessons for anyon...

Today, we get into the world of equine brokerage with Emma Abbott, one of the industry’s leading horse matchmakers. She shared how finding the perfect horse isn’t just about buying, but understanding routines, quality training, and creating lasting partnerships. Emma explained her rigorous hands-on approach, why investing in expertise pays off, and how her process is all about supporting both buye...

We sat down with renowned breeder Robin Weaver to uncover what it really takes to build an equine business from the ground up. Robin reveals how she turned gut instincts, smart investments, and relentless perseverance into a breeding program that’s produced some of the industry’s most sought-after horses. We dig into the risks she took, the challenges she faced, and why staying positive—through th...

Today on Gallop & Gossip, we dove into the inspiring journey of Myriam Flores, who transformed barrel racing in Mexico from the ground up. Facing cultural challenges, lack of resources, and minimal support, Myriam persevered—bringing international opportunities to riders and building a thriving community almost from nothing. Her story reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—...

Ever wondered what it takes to truly succeed in the world of professional rodeo? Today we pulled back the curtain with Ann Thompson, the mastermind behind rodeo entries. We learned it’s not just about riding—strategy, timing, and team support are everything. Ann’s decades of experience prove that having the right person in your corner saves you time, money, and stress, keeping you ahead of the com...

Today, we take a look at what makes the world of bull ownership and barrel racing so electrifying. From navigating the logistical chaos of Madison Square Garden with MF Darkside, to exploring how the PBR’s marketing genius has captivated city crowds and built a passionate fanbase, to discussing the real rewards and hurdles of running a supplement business in a competitive market. Whether you’re ch...

This episode dove deep into what makes rodeo and barrel racing truly great—from the stories behind legendary horses to the lessons of resilience and accountability that shape our sport. Together with Lance Graves, we unpacked the challenges and breakthroughs that are changing the game for athletes and fans. Whether you're chasing your own goals in business or the arena, remember: embrace chan...

On this episode of Gallop & Gossip, we sat down with barrel racing legend Lance Graves to break down the excitement and controversies from this year’s NFR. We covered everything from game-changing broadcasting in rodeo, the inspiring rise of new faces, and the challenges women and men face in the sport. We didn't shy away from hot topics like tradition versus progress, equal footing for c...

George Gibbs 39x NFR judge sits down with us to talk the real ins and outs of Thomas & Mack. In this episode, hosts Cheyenne and Maria  sit down with special guest George Gibbs, a veteran official with an astonishing 39 NFRs under his belt. The trio pulls back the curtain on what truly goes into producing the biggest rodeo show of the year. You’ll get the inside scoop on everything from the co...

In this episode, hosts Cheyenne and Maria dive headfirst into the high-stakes world of equine health with special guest Dr. Edwin Simpson ("Dr. Ted")—a renowned racetrack veterinarian, creator of Synutra Equine, and trusted source for horse owners across the country. As the horse community reels from a recent outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV), the conversation gets real about biosecur...

Maria and Cheyenne dive deep into the adrenaline-fueled world of horse racing with an incredible guest—none other than Flavien Prat, the number one jockey in the country. Fresh off a jaw-dropping weekend at the Breeders Cup, Flavien Prat shares what it’s like to win million-dollar races on world-class horses, break personal and professional records, and immediately jump on a plane to chase even mo...

Today's guest is barrel racing sensation Carlee Otero, fresh off a record-breaking October that’s put her at the top of every barrel racing headline. From scoring $168,000 in mere weeks to bringing two young, rodeo-inexperienced horses all the way to the NFR, Carly opens up about the guts, grit, and strategy that go into chasing the gold buckle. You’ll hear candid insights on how she balances...

In this episode, hosts Cheyenne and Maria recap the electrifying close to the rodeo season, including thrilling finishes at the Governor’s Cup and the impressive runs by Halyn Lide and Caitlin Scott. Cheyenne shares insider advice for newcomers navigating the transition from rookie to pro, diving into everything from filling your WPRA permit, building a strategic rodeo plan, and finding mentors an...

On this episode of Gallop & Gossip, we dove into the high-stakes drama of the NFR race, spotlighting barrel racer Halyn Lide as she battles for a coveted spot. We unpacked the wild conditions at Mandan, how grit and strategy can make or break your rodeo season, and the real-life hustle it takes to chase dreams with family in tow. If you’re passionate about ambition, resilience, and the busines...

On this episode of Gallop & Gossip, we tackled the realities of staying safe while traveling in the rodeo and horse world—especially for women on the road alone. From the importance of being aware of your surroundings, carrying protection, and embracing tools like protective dogs, to understanding how social media can impact your security, we covered practical steps to keep yourself and your a...

We sat down with Amy Hebert, former racetracker turned powerhouse entrepreneur and owner of Aiken Saddlery . We dove into the life lessons learned from horses—grit, resilience, and relentless work ethic—and how those lessons fuel business success. Amy shared her journey from galloping racehorses to building a thriving retail business, the importance of community connections, and why sticking with...

Welcome to episode 10 of Gallop & Gossip! In this milestone episode, hosts Cheyenne and Maria take us on a journey through the thrills and challenges that come with life in the horse world. They kick things off with a lively update on the recent Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, sharing insider stories about the race day energy, famous horses, and why the racetrack experience is like no other. Then,...

On this episode of Gallop & Gossip, we got real about burnout—what it feels like, how it sneaks up on you, and why setting small goals can make all the difference. We talked about the mental and financial grind of chasing big dreams, the importance of recharging for both you and your horses, and why sticking together and sending a positive message really matters. If you’re pushing through toug...

In this episode, hosts Cheyenne and Maria dive headfirst into the realities and frustrations of drug testing in the rodeo and horse racing worlds. Forget the polished PR version—Cheyenne and Maria break down what really goes on behind the scenes, from the strict and sometimes illogical regulations at iconic events like the Calgary Stampede to the everyday challenges riders face just trying to care...

Cheyenne and Maria take you deep into the heart of “Cowboy Christmas”—a whirlwind stretch around the Fourth of July when rodeo competitors crisscross the country in pursuit of big payouts and priceless victories. Think: back-to-back rodeos, sleepless nights, and logistical gymnastics to get horses (and humans!) from Texas to Colorado to Oregon and beyond. Cheyenne shares her veteran perspective on...

In this episode, your hosts Cheyenne Wimberley and Maria Falgione take you on a deep dive into the grit, patience, and relentless focus it takes to build something that truly lasts—whether that’s a promising young colt like Cheyenne’s Memphis or a supplement empire like Synutra. Maria shares her own winding journey from horse-crazy kid to business leader, revealing how setbacks and rejection fuele...

Cheyenne and Maria take a look into the mental side of the rodeo and equestrian world. From Cheyenne’s strategies for breaking out of a losing slump to Maria’s insights on surrounding yourself with a strong support system, this episode is all about the power of mindset—what it takes to get to the top, stay there, and not let setbacks knock you down. Our hosts swap stories about travel partners, th...

On this episode of Gallop & Gossip, we dove deep into the high-stakes world of horse racing and rodeo. We broke down the drama at the Preakness, talked bold strategies for the 4th of July entry madness, and spilled our best tips for keeping your horses healthy and hydrated during the grueling summer circuit. Whether it’s racing under neon lights or navigating 1200-mile road trips, we showed ho...

Today, we take a look into Kentucky’s electric horse scene, from inside looks at legendary breeding farms to Maria's firsthand experience at the iconic Keeneland races. We broke down Netflix’s Race for the Crown , shared stories of inspirational horses like Cody’s Wish, and explored the grit it takes to compete on sloppy derby tracks and in elite three-day eventing. Plus, we dished on the lat...