Horse Show Bestie

Besties, this episode is giving horse show hangover, late-night John Justin energy, and the kind of post show conversation that somehow makes you laugh, tear up, and feel personally called out all at once. Scott is joined by Catherine Goffard fresh off an incredible APHA World Show, where she and Calvin (Obsessed to be Best) celebrated a showmanship win, reserve finishes, and a Western riding brea...

This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry. We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and w...

This week on Horse Show Bestie, we're joined by Bill Kaven of the National Snaffle Bit Association, whose work spans two of NSBA's most influential areas: the Judges and the NSBA Yearling Sale. Bill shares an inside look at the NSBA Yearling Sale, how it has grown into one of the industry's premier sales programs, and the opportunities it creates for breeders, buyers, and exhibitors alike. We also...

This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry. From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place...

This week we’re catching up on life updates and welcoming Scott back to the podcast before diving headfirst into designing the ultimate adult horse camp. We talk about transitioning horses, the social side of horse shows, and why horse people are all secretly craving more community, connection, and camaraderie in the industry. From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions w...

Kirstie Marie Jones of Kirstie Marie Photography joins us for a conversation that goes way beyond just taking pretty horse photos. From practical photography tips to building a business in multiple disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for horse girls, photographers, and anyone trying to carve out a lane in the industry. We talk about the little things that make a huge difference in pho...

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a training program, this episode is for you. Crysta sits down with Brian Henry to tackle some of the biggest trainer vs amateur debates from the trainer’s perspective. They get honest about client expectations, horse show disappointment, communication issues, green horses and riders, maintenance, show spending, and the emotional real...

Okay bestie… this one’s a little different. For the first time ever, it’s just Crysta. No co-host, no back-and-forth. And it's just a hair all over the place. But sometimes we have to show up for our bestie when he gets busy at work! This episode is part life update, part info dump on all of Crysta’s current hyper-fixations… and all of it is very on brand. She gets into the real side of building a...

Your Horse Show Besties are back in your ear, catching you up like you missed a few group chats. Scott’s on the mend and ready to get back into the saddle, so we get into what that actually looks like... the weird in-between phase, the mental side of coming back, and how much patience it really takes. We also went down a few rabbit holes you’ll probably have opinions on. Things like not picking fi...

If you’ve ever walked out of the pen like “that felt SO good” and then looked at your score like 🤨 …this one’s for you. We sat down with Don Beard (aka a real judge) and got into what’s actually happening on the other side of the clipboard. We’re talking: what the scores mean why “pretty” doesn’t always mean effective what judges are actually rewarding vs what riders think they’re rewarding and y...

Alright bestie, this episode is one of those “wait… why are we not doing this already?” conversations 👀 We sat down with David Reichert, the founder of UDJC, and got into some real talk about what’s actually broken in the American horse show industry… and more importantly, what we can do about it . If you’ve felt like showing has gotten too expensive, too exclusive, or just straight up disconnect...

In this episode, Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown share their insights on horse training, trail riding, and the importance of confidence and trust in horsemanship. They discuss practical tips, personal experiences, and the mental aspects of developing a strong rider-horse relationship. Scott Cooper shares his journey of recovery, community involvement, and the importance of honesty and diversity in t...

Bestie… the duo is BACK. Crysta and Scott are finally back on the mic together. They get into what has been going on lately, from changes in the industry to the reality of making decisions for your horse when it actually matters. Not in a heavy way, just real talk about the stuff you are probably already thinking about but maybe not saying out loud. There is also some Sun Circuit talk, a little pe...

Bestie, today’s episode is a little different and kind of wild. Scott starts off by sharing the story of a ski accident he had recently that left him with some pretty serious injuries and a long road to recovery. He talks through what happened, what the recovery process has looked like so far, and how moments like that really make you think about the risks we take in both skiing and riding. From t...

Let’s be for real when was the last time you spent as much time (or money) on your own body as you do on your horse’s chiro, massage, and vet bills? 💅 In this episode, we’re sitting down with the queen of rider wellness, Dr. Kari , to talk about why your physical therapy era is actually the secret to leveling up your performance in the ring. We’re deep-diving into the "why" behind common position...

🚨 BIG GUEST ENERGY ALERT 🚨 This week we’re sitting down with Katie Van Slyke and let’s just say… the HorseTok is about to eat this one UP. We talk about the breeding barn, stallion ownership realities, social media chaos, and why local horse shows are the backbone of the horse world . Katie keeps it real-real about what’s working, what’s broken, and what she's doing to facilitate a glow-up in th...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. J, Horse Show Therapist as she sits down hosts Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown and makes them rethink their life choices (but in a productive way). We talk about goal setting without emotionally damaging yourself, what does it look like to set a goal that isn't outcome based, and focusing on what brings us joy and not just everything that sucks right now. We also...

Grab your coffee and your emotional support animal, besties. This episode is a real one, made for anyone whose perfectly planned goal did not happen. Scott and Crysta talk about what it feels like to do the work, set the goal, and still come up short. We get real about failure, disappointment, and the weird emotional hangover that follows when your expectations do not match reality. Then we talk a...

The besties are back and skipping the highlight reel in favor of honest horse show life. In this episode, Scott and Crysta catch up after the holiday break, swap stories from recent shows and clinics, and chat about what they actually want from their horse lives in the year ahead. We talk goals without the grind, ambition without burnout, and why fun might be the underrated tool you are overlookin...

WARNING: This episode has curse words that are unbleeped If you’ve ever side-eyed a forced holiday party, felt weird pressure to buy “the perfect gift,” or secretly thought December might be the best time to buy a horse… this episode is for you. Crysta Brown and Scott Cooper settle in after a few to many cold ones for an honest, unfiltered conversation that starts with Christmas chaos and somehow...

Grab your coffee (or your boxed wine), because this episode is a real one . We’re joined by Ali Hubbell , host of the Kanter Kulture Podcast , for a wide-ranging, no-fluff conversation about what it actually feels like to exist in the modern horse world. We talk all things horsey social media and Ali shares behind-the-scenes insight on how her content looks SO good. Then we go deeper: bullying, ba...

This week, Scott and Crysta are jumping right into all the things winter time... blanketing, burnout, budget bling, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for your horse (and yourself!) is take a dang break. We talk about the infamous blanketing debate —when to blanket, why we blanket, and why it make the internet insane every winter. Then we pivot into the weirdness of having no real “show s...

This episode is full of insider scoop and inspiration! Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown chat with Helen Hardy, AQHA’s Manager of Youth Development, about her journey in the horse world and how she’s shaping programs to help young equestrians thrive. They dive into the challenges youth face, the importance of belonging, and what it really takes to keep young riders engaged as they transition into adul...

This week your horse show besties sit down with Maddie Munn to chat all about moving from Florida to Northern Ireland, European reining, and her brand-new auction platform 5 Star Equine . Crysta and Maddie talk shared NI experiences, from weather shocks to the realities of horse ownership. Of course we get into our usual barn aisle banter—Thanksgiving traditions, gas station snacks, community supp...

Get ready, horse girls (and boys), because this episode is pure equestrian tea! 💁‍♀️🐴✨ Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown sit down with the fabulous Shannon Watters , a total powerhouse in the Paint and Quarter Horse world. From her early days as a youth competitor to becoming a successful trainer and World Show standout, Shannon takes us on her journey—complete with big wins, behind-the-scenes mome...