The Scope Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker take a closer look at a compelling statement made by their recent guest, Ronny Riemer, the esteemed German riding instructor. Ronny stirred the pot with his assertion that he doesn’t have clients—he has students—and emphasized that his primary concern lies not in the happiness of these indi...

Send us Fan Mail Join cohosts Karen and Jen in this exciting episode as they sit down with Ronny Reimer,  known online as The German Riding Instructor. Ronny shares his unique insights into the newly formed United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC) and his unofficial title as the “ultra supporter.”  Dive into a rich discussion about how European equestrians cultivate a community-centered atmosphere...

Send us Fan Mail ### Scope Podcast - Listener Q&A In this engaging episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen and Jen dive into an array of listener questions that cover essential topics in the equestrian world.  - **OTTBs vs. Warmbloods:** Tune in as they discuss the pros and cons of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds vs. warmbloods.     - **Decline in Horsemanship:** Karen and Jen explore some possi...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker in this exciting episode of the **Scope Podcast**, where they dive into some of the most common questions Jen receives as a horse trainer.  In this episode: - **Karen** poses typical inquiries like “How much does a Junior Hunter cost?” and “How do I teach my horse to change leads?” - **Jen** shares her insights and experiences from the world...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, Jen Barker dives into the world of equine transportation with a special guest, her brother, John Barker an experienced truck driver and self-proclaimed "equine relocation specialist" for Johnson Horse Transportation.  Join Jen and John as they explore the ins and outs of shipping horses, sharing invaluable insights for horse owners...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Jen, a seasoned professional horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a dedicated horse show parent and former client of Jen's, as they dive into the fascinating world of horse training and client relationships in this week’s episode.  In a fun and insightful game they call “Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag,” Jen presents various scenarios to Karen, who helps determine w...

Send us Fan Mail 'Tis the season! Karen and Jen have made their lists and checked them twice...listen to find out who has been naughty and who has been nice! Also, Karen and Jen discuss great gifts for clients and sweet surprises for trainers--and even get some help from Adriane Potter of The Tack Room in Camden South Carolina. You won't want to miss any of the recommendations!  Websites...

Send us Fan Mail **Want to see the red flags in all of their glory? This episode is also available on The Scope Podcast’s YouTube Channel!!** https://youtu.be/lNkNBJMJ3r4 Join hosts Jen, a seasoned horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a dedicated horse show parent and one of Jen's former clients, for a thought-provoking episode of The Scope Podcast! In this entertaining new segment, "Red...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Karen and Jen in this insightful episode as they dive into the world of catch riding, working students, and the dynamics of working off riding lessons in equestrian sports. They explore the nuances of these important topics, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities available for young riders and their families. - **Young Riders:** Karen and Jen discuss the rea...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Jen, a lifelong equestrian professional and rider, and Karen, a dedicated parent of an equestrian trained by Jen, as they dive into an essential conversation about accessibility in horse sports. In this episode, Jen presents a **five-prong plan** designed to open the doors of equestrian sports to new riders without the immediate pressure of purchasing or leasing a horse...

Send us Fan Mail Karen and Jen discuss the USHJA Trainer Certification Program and explore why it hasn't gained traction. They delve into the reluctance of well-known equestrian professionals to embrace the certification and suggest ways to encourage lifelong professionals to take the certification test and lead live teaching sessions.  Karen, who is both a certified personal trainer and a ce...

Send us Fan Mail Join Karen and Jen as they dive into the complexities of balancing client needs with the demands of life on the road. In this insightful episode, they explore the challenges faced by busy trainers who are frequently away at horse shows, leaving some clients behind.  What happens when a trainer can't be there for every lesson? Should they find a substitute instructor to step i...

Send us Fan Mail Before they get to the episode Karen and Jen begin with a hilarious exchange about a potential guest; Xavier Legette, horse lover, wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers Football team and former South Carolina Gamecock. X, have your people call our people!  Now on to the show… Building on their previous discussion about the tensions between equestrian professionals and amateur cl...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Jen, a seasoned horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a devoted horse show parent and former client of Jen's, delve into the complex relationship between professional horse people and their amateur clients. They tackle the often contentious divide that exists in the equestrian world, exploring the feelings of elitism that some profession...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode, Jen and Karen sit down with Andrew Ellis, an equestrian known for his roles as a horse show manager, announcer, and starter. Andrew shares his gripping story of resilience and recovery following a devastating riding accident at the age of 13 that not only changed the course of his life but also set him on a path of addiction. As Andrew recounts his journe...

Send us Fan Mail Join Karen and Jen for an insightful episode that dives deep into the world of horse sales. With Jen drawing on her experience in selling and buying horses as well as opinions collected from other trainers, she sheds light on the common pitfalls and unprofessional behaviors that potential buyers often exhibit--like "kicking tires,' failing to follow up after a trial, or...

Send us Fan Mail In this thought-provoking episode, Jen and Karen dive deep into the whirlwind of controversy sparked by Jen's recent statements. Last week, Jen suggested that trainers should have a say in their riders' attire for the show ring and the social media images they share. The commentary ignited a firestorm of reactions from listeners, many voicing concerns that Jen's vie...

Send us Fan Mail Karen and Jen discuss the often overlooked role of clients in shaping a barn's brand. They explore the intricate relationship between branding and client expectations, from the necessity of custom tack trunks and horse clothes, to the financial contributions for horse show exhibitors parties.  Tune in to hear how a rider's attire in the show ring not only reflects person...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode Jen and Karen welcome a special guest; Luke Tanner, Karen's son. As one of the few boys in a sport traditionally dominated by females at the amateur level, Luke shares his unique perspective on the equestrian community. Join the conversation as they explore Luke's experiences competing in horse shows, where he enjoyed a warm reception free fr...

Send us Fan Mail When you think NCEA/NCAA Equestrian, powerhouse teams such as Georgia, SMU, Auburn and the University of South Carolina probably spring to mind. But it was actually the College of Charleston that brought an NCEA Trophy back to South Carolina in 2025. Led by Head Coach, Natasha "Tash" Vitkovic, and Assistant Coach, Hope King, the Cougars clenched the NCEA Single Disciplin...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Karen and Jen tackle the contentious issue of class limits within USEF Hunter Jumper competitions. The hosts reference articles from The Plaid Horse Magazine by Robin Greenwood and Nina Thornton, and draw on their own experiences.  As the hosts explore the pros and cons of class limits, the conversation flows into multiple scenarios that demonstrate just how compl...

Send us Fan Mail Certified Athletic Trainer, Tamara Harris discusses her role with The University of South Carolina Equestrian Team--from treating minor pains and strains and mixing the Gatorade "just right," to handling 911 calls in the event of an emergency. Tamara also offers up advice on what barns should include in their own emergency plans, and the medical supplies that no barn sho...

Send us Fan Mail Karen's son hopes to Door Dash his way to his first horse purchase--and he's considering importing--impossible right?! Well maybe not. Sure, its going to take A LOT of "Dashing," but importing horses isn't reserved for the super rich. In this episode, Karen has lots of questions for Jen on her experience traveling to Europe to try horses, importing horses...

Send us Fan Mail Karen and Jen, a dedicated horse show parent and a seasoned horse trainer, dive into some of the the crucial aspects of purchasing a horse. They explore the importance of enlisting professional help when making such an significant investment, discussing how expert guidance can prevent costly mistakes that often arise from online purchases or amatuer decisions.  Support the show

Send us Fan Mail From the fine art of cheering to the delicate balance of arrival times, Karen and Jen dissect some of the often unwritten rules of horse show etiquette.  Discover why parents should steer clear of the in gate and the importance of timing when it comes to morning barn chores. From their two different perspectives, Karen and Jen explore the reasons behind these practices—are they al...