A Splash of Color: An Equine Podcast

In this episode, World Champion trainer Brian Isbell Garcia and horse show judge shares insights on Hunter under Saddle and English Pleasure classes, including judging criteria, rider tips, and industry success factors. Brian has earned over 185 World Championship titles in the Hunter & English Pleasure classes and offers so many great take-a-ways to improve your next rail ride. This podcast i...

In this episode, we talk with AQHA APHA NSBA VRH Judge Lori Gordon about her journey from a pony-crazy kid in Pennsylvania to an experienced horse show judge with international experience. She shares practical, judge-level advice on showmanship, turnout, and what exhibitors often miss in the pen. We also cover how she built her career without growing up in a horse training family, the value of fai...

In this episode of Splash of Color , we sit down with renowned horseman and judge Scott McFarland to take a deep dive into one of the fastest-growing and most exciting classes in the show pen— Disciplined Rail . Scott shares his unique perspective from the judge's stand, explaining what separates the top exhibitors from the rest, the most common mistakes he sees in the arena, and how riders ca...

In this episode, multi-carded judge Wayne Hipsley shares his extensive experience judging horses worldwide, insights into equine law, and tips for horse owners and judges. Discover key takeaways on industry trends, legal protections, and the future of the horse industry. Wayne brings experiences from all over the world when it comes to judging and this podcast is filled with fun stories that even...

Ever wonder what really goes through a judge’s mind during Western Pleasure? AQHA APHA NSBA Judge Jamieson Gross discusses how Western Pleasure is a detailed process rooted in a hierarchy of correctness, quality, and degree of difficulty. From perfect cadence to relaxed expression, every movement counts, but what truly matters is that correct gait and how effortlessly the horse moves. .

Ever wondered how chiropractic care can transform your horse's performance? 🤔 Let’s dive in! In our latest episode, West Michigan native Dr. Addison Lohman shares her journey from a childhood filled with horses to becoming an expert in equine chiropractic care. 🐴✨ She reveals how adjustments can improve not just the physical health of horses, but their overall well-being and performance in...

AQHA APHA WCHA Judge Clint Fullerton and a renowned halter horse exhibitor, shares his journey into judging, his expertise in halter horses, and tips for exhibitors. In this episode, Clint shares his top five tips for showing halter; from judging criteria, presentation and industry insights. Whether you are a season halter exhibitor or new to this horse show event, there are excellent takeaways fo...

Ever wondered what it's like to be a horse show scribe? While Tate Gill may be relatively new to the horse show scribing world, he is no stranger to AQHA showing and competing at the highest level. In Episode 48, Tate shares his journey into horse scribing, the skills needed, and tips for aspiring scribes. Filled with insightful information and fun stories, discover how scribing enhances the under...

Join the Splash of Color Podcast with Dr. Roni Jo Roth as we discuss veterinary care for dogs at horse shows, including vaccination protocols, disease prevention, and managing stress and emergencies. Dr. Roni Jo is a small companion animal veterinarian and PtHA exhibitor who shares expert tips to keep your furry friends healthy and safe during the horse show season. Be sure to like, follow and sha...

Taft Dickerson and Kate Marie of Taft Dickerson Show Horses are making Western Pleasure cool again! Kate is the producer of popular and entertaining videos focused on Taft's "coaching hand signals" used during the pleasure classes. In this episode, Taft shares his top 5 tips and advice that everyone should be doing when it comes to the western pleasure, as well as the influence that social media p...

In this episode of the Splash of Color Podcast , Amy Franks discusses with APHA Judge Sonnesa Gooding, of Bauer & Gooding Show Horses horsemanship essentials with some Top 5 Tips everyone should be doing. In addition to her experiences within the equine industry, Sonnesa shares advice on how to excel in horsemanship, emphasizing the importance of understanding patterns, knowing the rule book,...

In this engaging conversation, Tim Kruithoff of Kruithoff Equine Services shares his extensive experience in horse training, discussing his journey from a young horse enthusiast to a professional trainer. He emphasizes the importance of teaching young horses how to learn, the significance of patience in training, and the rewards of seeing horses develop into successful show animals. Tim also provi...

❤️ Love is in the air! ❤️ In Episode 43: Breeding Season & Equine Specialties with Dr. Amanda Ragon DVM, host Amy Franks interviews Dr. Ragon as shares her journey into the field of veterinary medicine, her experiences in equine reproduction, and the services offered at her practice, Equine Fertility Specialties. In a delightful conversation, Dr. Ragon covers various aspects of the breeding se...

Adam Johnson Tail Extensions joins the Splash of Color Podcast , sharing some great advice to make you and your horse look fabulous in the show pen. In this episode, Adam talks about the popular products carried, steps involved in ordering a custom tail, basic care and storage, as well as the best way to attach and prepare your show tail extension. This podcast is filled with some great pro tips f...

ℍ𝕠𝕣𝕤𝕖 𝕊𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕄𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕒𝕝 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕙 𝔸𝕨𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕋𝕚𝕞𝕖! Everyone has experienced some sort of horse show anxiety whether you are an exhibitor, coach, trainer, parent or even a judge! Licensed Master Social Worker Amber Burkhardt-Sidebottom shares her career in social work, equine-assisted therapy program and how to cope with the challenges of that dreaded Cone A anxiety. The discussion highlights the therapeutic...

APHA PtHA Judge Teresa Pelton joins the Splash of Color Podcast to discuss some top showmanship essentials that all exhibitors need to be doing. In this fun and engaging episode, Teresa recounts her journey from childhood, where she developed a passion for horses, to becoming a world champion and a respected judge. She emphasizes the importance of versatility in horse training and the value of pra...

Who wants a chance to win part of a $100,000 in Michigan futurity money? Halter horse trainer Mike Huntoon shares the ins and outs of the Michigan Quarter Horse Association $100K Futurity. In this companion episode to " Preparing Halter Horses", Mike also discusses the financial opportunities available for participants and the upcoming MQHA Stallion Service Sale. The sale is held this co...

Mike Huntoon , an experienced halter horse trainer and announcer from Michigan joins the Splash of Color Podcast in a excellent episode discussing top tips to prepare a horse for halter. Mike shares his journey into the world of horses, and his insights on preparing the halter horse that includes valuable tips on nutrition, training, and the importance of community support in the equine world. Mik...

In this engaging Episode 37: Rye Gill Treat Co, Rye shares his journey from a young horse show exhibitor to the founder of Michigan based Rye Gill Treat Co , a nonprofit dedicated to creating dog and horse treats that are sold to support the local Human Ohio animal shelter. He discusses his experiences in the equine industry, the growth of his business, and the joy it brings to both horses and the...

In Episode 36: Ranch Trail, ARHA, NSBA, PtHA Judge Dan Grunewald shares his journey into horse judging, early influences, and the importance of youth involvement in the sport. Dan dives into the intricacies of ranch trail classes and provides insights into scoring, penalties, and the significance of maintaining the integrity of ranch horses. This episode also covers practical advice for competitor...

Did you know that the Fall Color Classic Paint Horse Futurity paid out over 10K this year? In this episode of the Splash of Color podcast, host Amy Franks interviews Karen Ricketts about the iconic Fall Color Classic Paint Horse Futurity that returned to Michigan for 2025! Karen shares the history of the Fall Color Classic, as well as class offerings, stallion availability and payouts. This year b...

The Huntress joins the Splash of Color Podcast in an engaging episode with Raelyne Hrbac , the owner of The Tail Source and The Huntress . Raelyne shares her journey in the equestrian world, from her early experiences showing horses to the creation of her businesses. The Huntress offers both ready-to-wear and custom clothing options for clients. Raelyne shares the intricacies of crafting custom eq...

In this episode of the Splash of Color Podcast, host Amy Franks and guest (husband) Marc DeLisle reflect on their judging experiences from the 2025 show season. Using a collection of "sticky notes" with topics and questions, Marc and Amy discuss the nuances of judging horse shows incorporated with some fun banter, slight disagreements and shared opinions . Together, they share insights on what exh...

APHA, NSBA, PtHA Judge Mason Lyon share his "Top 5 Equitation Essentials" in Episode 32. Mason takes us back to his Pony Club /4-H years, time spent hauling clients all over the country and what sparked his interest in becoming a carded horse show judge. In a humorous and straightforward fashion, Mason gives 5 of his best pro-tips anyone can do to score high marks in the Equitation. In addition to...

Did you know that a state-of-the-art aquatic conditioning and rehabilitation facility is located right here in Michigan? 𝔼𝕢𝕦𝕚𝕟𝕖 𝔽𝕝𝕦𝕚𝕕 𝕄𝕠𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕃𝕃ℂ joins the 𝕊𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕙 𝕠𝕗 ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕣 podcast to discuss their world class rehabilitation and conditioning facility for equine athletes. Located in the beautiful southwest corner of Michigan, Fluid Motion Equine offers water treadmill, cold saltwater spa, cold laser,...