Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder

In Episode 33 of Taking the Reins, we dive deep into the artistry and craftsmanship behind custom boot making with the talented Graham Ebner. Known for his exceptional quality and storytelling through each pair, Graham embodies the spirit of a true artist.  As my friend Pete Agalos says: "There is nothing too good for a cowboy." Join us as Graham shares the journey that led him to become a leading...

Welcome to Taking the Reins, where we dive deep into the world of equids, and today, we’re spicing things up with a truly unique episode. Meet our guest, Dr. Amy McLean—a world-renowned expert whose name is practically synonymous with equine excellence. In this special episode, Dr. McLean, known for her groundbreaking work in teaching, research, and the equine industry, joins us to unravel the mys...

On this 33rd episode of TTR, Clay and guest host Todd Martin discuss and recap the past 9 episodes.  If you have missed any of episodes 22-30 or simply want to hear Clay and Todd's favorite moments, then you will enjoy this recap!   Closed captioning can be viewed on Taking the Reins-Mississippi State on YouTube.

The Year of the Mustang with Jake Harvath Utah native, Jake Harvath is a horseman and adventure seeker who created the Year of the Mustang, a year long ride across the US and back.  In this episode of TTR, Clay and Jake discuss the ins and outs of a year long ride on horseback.  Luckily for us, Jake has documented his entire trip and it can be viewed on his YouTube channel! YouTube: Jake Harvath W...

Most people who are interested in horses are aware of breed associations such as the American Quarter Horse.  However there are color registries, too, such as the Pinto Horse Association who register equids of all types….stock, pleasure, miniatures, and even mules and more.  On this episode of TTR, we talk to the Executive Vice-President and COO of the Pinto Horse Association, Darrel Bilke.  Darre...

Colby Coltrain of Storybook Farms is a baseball player turned professional over fence horse trainer.  Colby’s unique story of getting into the horse business later in life will inspire you to chase the dreams and things you would like to do.  He is someone who likes challenges…going fast, jumping high, and even riding 660 miles in Mongolia!  Yes, he is taking on the challenge of riding the Mongoli...

Working with young people and helping them advance their knowledge of the horse business is exactly what Sarah Schobert does professionally.  She is currently the Horse Judging Team Coach at Texas A&M where she teaches horse related courses while traveling and coaching college students for judging competitions.  On this episode of TTR, Clay and Sarah share years of coaching experiences and tal...

Gillian Larson is a California Horsewoman who has gone where few would dare to go.  She has solo ridden her horses all over the backcountry of the western US.  From Mexico to Canada, across the deserts of Arizona and over the Continental Divide and mountainous terrain of Colorado, she has done it all…by herself.  Closed captioning can be viewed on Taking the Reins-Mississippi State on YouTube.

Are you ready for an interesting story?!  Routinely we talk on TTR about interesting personal life-journeys into or from the world of horses.  Well, Lesli Figueiredo’s story will not disappoint!  Her story took her from equestrian and to NCAA coach to now being the owner of Freedom Reigns Counseling Center in Burleson, TX, where she uses horses to help people with a number of things such as PTSD,...

We all have a unique story of how we got to where we are today.  Sometimes we have planned and mapped out our path and sometimes our paths happen in an unexpected way.  Andrea Curran has a love for horses and a unique path that took her from a grade school teacher to a land and ranch real estate business owner.  Through creativity and hard work she has combined her love for agriculture and people...

If you have ever wanted to be a vet or wondered what it was like being a vet, you’ll want to hear from Dr. Joe Pluhar.  Joe is a native Texan who, along with his wife Lauren, owns and operates Freedom Equine Performance, a mobile vet service based out of Navasota, TX.  Joe is such a positive person and here he discusses the 4 pillars of his business model, some of the positives and negatives of bu...

Flavio Ribeiro is a “jack of all trades”… horseman, entrepreneur, academic, artist, and salesman, among other things.  His experiences and stories highlight his charisma and enthusiasm for people and horses.  In this episode of TTR, Flavio discusses growing up in Brazil and then coming to the US to pursue a dream of riding and training rope horses. His path to success has allowed him to rub elbows...

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay and Emily recap some of their favorite moments from episodes 12 through 20.  The highlighted points of these episodes will give your reason to want to go back and listen again…or maybe listen for the first time.  Also, they discuss future episodes and what is coming down the road on Taking the Reins!

So many times I get asked the question, “what makes a horse a good horse?”  And that question isn’t a simple one!  There are complex criteria that make up correct conformation which ultimately should lend to athleticism and performance output.  Ross Roark of Monahans, TX is no stranger to the equine game.  He is a horseman’s horseman, having spent years perfecting his “eye” for quality horses.  Wi...

Do you need encouragement?  Maybe a “pick me up”?  If so, this episode of TTR will help you.  This week we are joined by Amanda Zuniga who works in the horse industry at Zerlotti Genetics in Pleasanton, Texas.  Zerlotti is a reproductive center for equine and Amanda manages the day-to-day activities that help make Zerlotti successful.  But….what is most important is her strong ties to family and t...

Parker Flannery should write a book about his life adventures!  On this episode of TTR, Parker discusses his time playing polo, working in Australia, riding broncs, and packing from New Mexico to Canada along the Great Divide.  His approach to taking what life throws at you with a sense of adventure will both entertain and inspire you.  Cowboy and Horseman, Thrill-Seeker and Entrepreneur, Parker i...

Ever find it challenging to purchase horse feed (including hay) that you are both comfortable with quality wise and that won’t break your bank?  On this episode of TTR, Clay discusses this matter with Dr. Dennis Sigler.  Dr. Sigler is a life-long horseman, showman, and professional judge who knows the ins and outs of the horse world.  He has spent his career in both academia, providing research th...

In this episode of TTR, Clay explores the idea of hobbies beyond horses and just how those hobbies may be better mastered through application of horse training ideas and theories.  Clay is joined by Todd Martin and Luca Holloway. By profession, Todd is a reining horse trainer and Luca is a farrier, both residing in Texas.  However, they all 3 share a common love of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  The talk g...

If you own and ride horses, buying and keeping saddles in working order is essential to both the comfort of horse and rider. Calvin Waters is a saddle maker and leather worker.  He owns and operates Calvin Waters Saddlery in Troy, TX.  In this episode of TTR, Calvin and Clay discuss why saddles can cost so much, along with some of the points of proper fit.  Calvin is an interesting guy and the qui...

Warwick Schiller is a horseman with years of experience communicating with and training horses both in the show arena and beyond.  His approach to horsemanship has received international acclaim and garnered the attention of thousands of people who have been to his clinics.  Along with this, he has developed and maintained a successful podcast (Journey On podcast) and social media presence that gi...

United States Congressman Josh Brecheen comes from a background rooted in the horse world.  In this episode of TTR, Josh relates the lessons he learned through hard work with horses, in combination with his deep-rooted faith, to his current work in politics.  From Oklahoma country boy to the political arenas of Washington, DC, you will be able to see value in Josh's perspective and life-story.   C...

Stepping into the world of horses can be a really tough endeavor.  In this episode, I spend time with 3 young, new horse interested people discussing how they have overcome some of the hurdles of trying new things.  Through surpassing their fears and being willing to be open-minded, they continue to develop their communication and capability with horses.  Through this entertaining and informative...

In this episode, Clay simply recaps the past 5 months of Taking the Reins. He ponders the lessons and discusses the things he's learned through the first 10 episodes.  Don't miss this highlight!  It will be interesting if you have been listening to TTR, and if you haven't....you may just want to make sure you do! Closed captioning can be viewed on Taking the Reins-Mississippi State on YouTube.

On this episode of TTR, Clay chats with Taylor McIntosh and Jamie Lynn Gilt of Elevate Horsemanship in Vincent, AL.  Taylor is a past Mustang Makeover champion and their business focuses on creating a better riding experience for horses and their owners.  Taylor’s positive perspective coupled with Jamie’s direct and honest approach to training horses and instructing people, they have “elevated” th...

This episode of TTR takes a little detour from discussing equine related topics.  BUT....this is an interesting discussion with 2 phenomenal young women who are well versed in livestock and the entertainment world!  Kiah Twisselman Burchett and Courtenay Dehoff are both from multi-generation cattle and ranching families, but they have made their marks in the entertainment world through the Climbin...