Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder

Horse racing has a deep history — but its future depends on who steps up to carry it forward. In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Annise Montplaisir, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Amplify Horse Racing, an organization dedicated to connecting young people with real careers in the Thoroughbred industry. From racetrack internships to educational outreach, Amplify is openin...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Jonathan Meilleur and Mark Russell to pull back the curtain on horse show judging. From hilarious moments in the ring to common misconceptions horsemen have about judges, this conversation delivers laughs, honesty, and real insight. The guys share stories from their judging experiences, explain what they’re actually looking for when horses e...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with close friend and horseman Khari Randolph, the founder of the Mississippi Ranch Horse Association. Together, they dive into what it really takes to create new opportunities in the horse industry and how thinking outside the box can open doors for the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen. Khari shares the story behind starting the Missis...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with former Major League Baseball star Roy Oswalt — known for his fierce competitive spirit, calm command on the mound, and career spent performing under pressure. But today, Roy isn’t just talking baseball — he’s diving into life after the big leagues and his role as a supportive dad to a horse-obsessed daughter. Together, we explore: The mindse...

In this episode, Clay sits down with Sara Holt, an equine feed sales representative for Nutrena Feeds, to talk all things horse nutrition, customer relationships, and the real-world challenges of feeding performance horses. Sara shares her journey into the equine feed industry, what it’s like working in the field with horse owners and barns every day, and how she helps clients choose the right fee...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Katie Schroeder, owner of Equiflight, a premier international horse transport company. Katie takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to move horses across the globe—by air. From health certifications to flight logistics and in-flight horse care, she shares the fascinating details of an often-overlooked corner of the equin...

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by none other than Craig Cameron – renowned horseman, clinician, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer. Craig shares the story of his journey through the world of horses, from his early cowboy beginnings to becoming one of the most respected voices in horsemanship today. We dive into his philosophy on truly communicating with horses, wh...

In this milestone recap episode, Clay takes a reflective ride through episodes 42 to 50 of Taking the Reins. From world-class horsemen and savvy industry pros to inspiring personal journeys and cutting-edge science, this recap is packed with highlights, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is your perfect catch-up and reminder...

In our 50th episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder is joined by Cliff Williamson — a lifelong horseman, global thinker, and seasoned advocate for the livestock industry. From growing up on a Hunter/Jumper and Foxhunter operation in Virginia to serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, Cliff brings a worldly, boots-on-the-ground perspective that blends horsemanship with policy expertise. Now wor...

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by Dr. Marty Adams, Equine Nutritionist with Cargill Animal Nutrition, for a deep dive into the science—and the common sense—behind feeding horses well. Whether you're a seasoned horse owner or just getting started, Dr. Adams breaks down what every horse owner should know about feed selection, balanced diets, and how to read thos...

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Brooks, equine geneticist at the University of Florida, to explore how science is shaping the future of horse ownership, training, and breeding. From managing non-sweaters in the summer heat to decoding the genes behind behavior, temperament, and performance potential, Dr. Brooks brings complex science down to th...

This week, Clay sits down with Alex Pittman, accomplished livestock judge and collegiate judging team coach, for an insightful conversation about the art and science of judging. They dive into the similarities and differences between judging horses and other livestock, exploring how evaluation criteria and industry expectations shape each field. Alex also shares her perspective on coaching the nex...

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, Clay sits down with Dr. Jessica Graves – a lifelong horse lover, former undergraduate coordinator at Mississippi State University, and now the Director of International Capacity Development for the M4 Institute. Jessica shares her inspiring journey of embracing life’s unexpected turns and how stepping through open doors can lead to incredible...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Helen Hardy, the Manager of Youth Development at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Helen shares her journey to one of the most impactful roles at AQHA and offers insight into the importance of youth programming for the future of the association and the industry as a whole. From grassroots involvement to national leaders...

In this empowering episode, Dr. Lindsey Valdiviez shares her incredible journey from the world of horseback riding to becoming an internal medicine resident. Growing up showing horses and competing in equestrian at the NCAA level at Baylor, Lindsey faced many obstacles along the way—yet each challenge only fueled her determination to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. She reflects on how the l...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, we sit down with Keyton Stone of Big Ridge Performance Horses in Baldwyn, MS. Keyton shares his expert insights on the critical role a reputable horseman plays in the equine purchasing process. From avoiding scams to identifying red flags that lead to dishonest dealings, we dive deep into how to navigate the sometimes tricky world of buying horses. Whether you'...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Cole Cameron, a nationally recognized horsemanship clinician who made waves by winning the prestigious Road to the Horse in 2021 and claiming a runner-up spot in 2023. Cole shares his insights on what truly matters when it comes to communicating with horses, emphasizing the importance of clear, consistent signals and building trust...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, host Clay Cavinder provides a brief recap of episodes 31-40, reflecting on the key moments, insights, and progress made throughout the previous episodes. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the journey so far, as Clay delves into the highlights and takeaways from the past discussions. Additionally, Clay offers a preview of what's to come, giving liste...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Pamela Adam and Kate Rushton, both talented riders for the Mississippi State IHSA Equestrian team. Together, they jump into the unique challenges and nuances of balancing life as a collegiate equestrian and being students. From early mornings in the barn to managing the demands of academic life, Pamela and Kate share their personal experienc...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, my guests and I discuss the intriguing world of barrel racing. Barry Thomas, along with his son BJ, own and operate Hazelwood Ranch in Mississippi, where they breed and train high-end speed event horses. Together, we dive into the ins and outs of the barrel racing industry, exploring the art of training top-tier horses, the challenges of running a successful ra...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, host Clay Cavinder sits down with equine lawyer Jane Calamusa to explore the fascinating world of equine law. Jane shares her expertise on the legal issues horse owners, and trainers face, from contract disputes to liability concerns. Whether you’re navigating horse sales, breeding agreements, or handling accident claims, Jane provides valuable insights to help...

Join us for an inspiring episode of Taking the Reins featuring Libby Hallett of Libby and the Loveless, a talented young musician and passionate horse enthusiast hailing from Austin, TX. In this episode, we explore Libby's journey through the world of horses and her deep-seated love for these majestic animals. More importantly, we delve into her exciting new venture: recording her very first count...

In episode 36 of Taking the Reins, we explore the vital topic of hoof care with expert farrier TJ Carr. Based in Mississippi, TJ offers invaluable insights into how proper hoof maintenance is essential for a horse’s health, comfort, and performance. Skilled farriers like TJ play a crucial role in ensuring our horses remain sound and capable of performing at their best. In this episode, he shares p...

In this episode, we sit down with Cal Middleton, a true cowboy, horseman, and author whose stories and insights bring the spirit of the West to life. Join us as we dive into Cal's journey through ranching, horsemanship, and storytelling, uncovering the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just curious about cowboy culture, you won’t want to miss this engaging...

Welcome to this episode of Taking the Reins! Today, we're diving into the fascinating realm of artificial intelligence and its emerging role in the livestock industry, including equine management. Many livestock owners might not realize how close we are to integrating AI into our daily practices, but it's already making waves. Joining us is Dr. Marcus McGee, a clinical assistant professor at Missi...