Fit for Halter Podcast (fitforhalter)

You might know Erin Brown as the Concrete Cowgirl on social media. In this episode you'll get to know the halter horse loving, non-profit professional who is ON A MISSION!

Erin begins early in the morning with feeding, golf cart workouts, and neck sweats for her two halter stallions, FG Dawns Legacy (AQHA) and Strike Acclaim (ApHC) who are actively showing at the breed level. Then, she transitions to her role as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy, also known as PURA.  

In this episode she touches on where her love of horses began, shares stories of how her family invested in her show career early on and how a fairy godmother helped catapult her into the world of halter as a successful amateur exhibitor. 

She began her riding career in the early 90’s at the legendary Fletcher Street Stables and is keeping the legacy alive through PURA by raising funds to convert a city building into a modern riding facility right in the heart of Philadelphia.  Just $400k from her goal of $3 million dollars, the facility will provide a safe space for inner-city kids with a place to learn about horses, connect with one another, and enjoy the cowboy lifestyle and tradition that runs deep in Philly.  

She is on a mission to “preserve the life, legacy, and culture of Black urban cowboys in the city of Philadelphia and the riders of Fletcher Street Stable as seen on Netflix’s Concrete Cowboy” (thepura.org). 

https://www.thepura.org/

See Concrete Cowboy on Nexflix!

Abby Carpenter is the cowgirl and creator behind The Educated Cowgirl Podcast. She comes from a long line of horsemen and women and has a passion for growing the horse industry. To Abby, a cowgirl is more than a person who dresses the part but a true equestrian who wants to make the industry better, learn from other disciplines, and work together as a community for the next generation. Listen to learn more!     Find Abby here: https://www.theeducatedcowgirl.com/ https://www.facebook.com/theeducatedcowgirl  

Jenna Tolson and Liz Keller from On the Rail Podcast join me for a conversation about a herd of topics including their podcast journey, their perspective on how podcasting and long form content helps the horse industry, and their thoughts about the halter side of the stock horse industry.

We touch on the finer details of podcasting so if you have an interest in launching a podcast someday, listen to capture the inside scoop on starting a podcast and what's involved. 

On The Rail Podcast 

Jarrell and Kate Jackson had their first date at an AQHA World Show and have been together ever since!  This episode gives you a glimpse inside their individualized program and reveals the high regard they have for their team.  Their passion for the halter horse is clear from finding the perfect cross to bringing the Bradshaw vision to life.

If you’re curious about the upcoming Broodmare, Production, and Prospect Sale, we address why research is important, how horses are selected to sell, and some tips for bidding on the right horse for you.  The sale is on October 5 at Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses in Saint Jo, Texas.

Terry Bradshaw Quarter Horses

Fit for Halter on Facebook

Episode 008 | Consistency, longevity, and duct tape with Joe Holman.   “Longevity is what we all strive for in the show pen.” Joe Holman shares some of the ways they accomplish longevity with their show horses. Their program includes a variety of workouts, consistency, and adapting their feeding program based on the needs of the horse and demands of the show schedule. In this episode, learn how to keep your horse at the top of it's game and the duct tape pro tip your farrier will love!    Learn more about the Holman's at Holman Halter Horses.

In this episode, we meet Justin Bisel of Bisel Quarter Horses.  He was raised in a halter horse family and in the early 2000’s to 2019 he was fully immersed in the horse world as a trainer.  He transitioned somewhat recently to the financial world as an advisor and today, he’s taking a few outside training horses including halter horses. 

Justin brings a great mix of skills as a trainer, a WCHA carded judge, and APHA and AQHA specialty halter carded judge.  He shares insights on the conditioning, feeding, and breeding aspects of the halter industry.  You’ll get to see Justin and his wife Ashton in show pen this year!

Bisel Quarter Horses on Facebook

In this episode we meet Chase Parrish, entrepreneur and founder of Stable Savers.  Chase Parrish has been around horses his entire life and comes from a family that’s heavily involved in the pleasure industry.  He knows what we need to bring out the best in our horses!

Chase created Stable Savers to help horse owners save money on the products we use on a regular basis.  He launched Stable Savers about a month ago and is building his team of well-known brands.  Stable Savers is a membership club that offers year round black Friday style discounts with products that we use throughout our barns.

www.stablesavers.com

Episode 021 | Dr. Gary Magdesian on Respiratory & GI Illnesses   Halter horse owner and veterinarian, Dr. Gary Magdesian walks us through preventative measures for common respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses we often see in the midst of the show season.   As we near the fall futurity season, it’s important to consider your health & wellness plan for showing and trailering with a weanling or adult horse. We look at deworming, vaccinations, and your first aid kit among many other helpful details.   Fit for Halter Podcast on Facebook

In this episode we meet Michigan Quarter Horse Association board members, Chris Perniciaro and Austin Gooding.  They lead the charge for the MQHA Futurity and Stallion Service Auction (SSA) which includes many of our great halter stallions.  The Futurity and SSA classes are held every September along with the Great Lakes Classic QH show.

Chris and Austin have successfully grown this show to over $100k in prize money and they are on their way to the next goal of $150k.  This affordable futurity is for exhibitors of all levels of experience and includes a great opportunity for weanlings to earn prize money in the stallion owner, mare owner, non-pro, and open classes.  You can stick around for the full 6-judge QH showbill and enjoy the MSU show facility.

Website: www.miquarterhorse.com 

In this episode, Russell Mueller, Senior Marketing Manager with ProElite Feeds, brings us a master class on nutrition, performance, and the latest in industry trends.  He is an equine nutritionist and marketing specialist with a life-long career in the horse feed business.

Outside of work he's an amateur stock horse exhibitor so he has a deep understanding of what it takes to fuel top-performing horses.  He breaks down the science behind ProElite’s high-quality formulas and how they help horses reach their full potential.

Learn more about their products at https://proelitehorsefeed.com/

Saul del Villar Solis recently showed in Fort Worth and was featured in the Paint Horse Journal after showing at the Halter Million.  His story is worth repeating as a reminder to all of us how we can make an impact on the future of our industry.  Trisha Shorten Armstrong recognized the natural talent in Saul and helped him get to the World Show this summer.  He won the Reserve World Champion title in the APHA Youth Yearling Mares class with Very Coolicious, owned by Armstrong and leased by Solis.

To say he is "hooked" is an understatement.  You can see his excitement and hear the appreciation in his voice after being given this opportunity.  He absorbed the words of many who invested in him, entered the ring, and helped the yearling filly shine.  

 

In this episode, we get to know Clint Cooper, a young entrepreneur with a strong presence in the halter pen.  He credits his family and many legends in the halter industry for investing in him.  He recently launched his training facility called Clint Cooper Equine, located in Collinsville, TX.  Our community has the privilege of joining him to hear his vision for the future.  

A WCHA judge, trainer, husband, and dad to two young children, we are fortunate to get a few minutes with him to hear his story, learn what drives him, and get his advice for aspiring trainers.

Clint Cooper Equine on Facebook

In this episode we discuss breaking the halter horse to ride with Corina Holman of Holman Halter Horses and Timarr Performance Horses. Corina comes from a long line of horse trainers, she’s a certified Professional Horseman with APHA and an APHA ambassador.  She believes that every discipline has something to teach us in being a better horseman.  She’s a lifelong learner and appreciates a challenge.  Even though her passion is versatility ranch horses, she has experience in everything from dressage to roping to halter and everything in between.  Her career began with starting horses under saddle and now she enjoys supporting her husband in their halter horse business, running her own business Timarr Performance Horses, and competing at the world level in ranch.

Her favorite aspect of training is seeing where each horse succeeds naturally.  When she's working with a client horse, it's rewarding to experience the span between the crazy two-year old to handing over a cooperative, good-minded, easy to handle horse back to an appreciative owner.

Learn more at Holman Halter Horses and Timarr Performance Horses.

For information about partnering with Fit for Halter, reach out to us at fitforhalter@gmail.com.

 

In this episode, we have the opportunity to meet Janna Kimmons, the visionary behind Paradise Paints and Quarter Horses in Jefferson, GA.  Janna is a small breeder known for producing elite halter horses.

We talk about what it takes to develop world-class halter horses, the challenges of running a breeding operation with a small band of broodmares, selecting the right stallion for her mares, and how she balances tradition with innovation.

 

Stephanie Lynn is the Executive Director of the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and the National Open Horse Show Association (NOHSA).  A horse trainer for over 35 years, Stephanie was a judge for NSBA, AQHA and APHA having judged World Championship Shows for each as well as the All American Quarter Horse Congress multiple times before taking her position with NSBA. She is a renowned trainer, exhibitor, coach, judge and author. Stephanie continues to provide education for riders and judges as well as facilitating the education programs for NSBA.   We focus our time learning about NOHSA which began in 2019, took a pause in 2020, and officially launched with a World Show in 2021.  She shares the vision for helping provide a world class horse show experience for open show exhibitors and a commitment to helping the open horse show clubs grow.  Stephanie is confident in her calling when she shares "I know that I know, horses are good for people....my calling is to connect as many people to horses as I can".     Learn more about NOHSA at www.nohsa.net.  

In this episode with Scott and Michele Peterson, you'll quickly hear the love they have for broodmares, babies and bloodlines.  With over 30 years of experience, their goal is to raise high quality stock that can win at any level. We discuss broodmare care and selection along with some of the challenges and victories when raising babies.  

If you're considering entering the world of broodmares and foals, they explain everything from line breeding to foaling and nutrition.  They do all the work themselves and enjoy helping others get started!  

Fit for Halter Podcast

 

In our first episode, we get an inside look at the WCHA through the eyes of Don Falcon and Randy Jacobs.  They share about the brand new Supreme Championship and Select Sale in OKC this May 9-12 and explain how horses and exhibitors of all ages have an opportunity to show at the Championship level show.  We touch on the complex world of nominations and improvements in the halter industry over the years. 

The Stewart's met on horseback at age 15 and have been surrounded by great horses ever since.  They raised three children around horses and 4H and later began celebrating life milestones by purchasing a new horse or breeding.  Their halter horse journey began with a 25th wedding anniversary purchase of a yearling filly who went on to accumulate 127.5 points with AQHA.  A retirement gift included a breeding to Kids Classic Style for the winning mare and the result included a sorrel colt who was world champion and reserve world champion as a three year old.

Dennis and Beth are DIY owners on a tight budget who work together to breed, fit, feed, and haul their small herd.  They customize their feeding and workout program for each baby and spend a lot of quality time handling to instill patience for a well-rounded show prospect.  They focus on the color breed shows and enjoy the horses and people they encounter.

 

https://www.facebook.com/fitforhalter https://stewartquarterhorsesandcorgis.com/

In this episode we meet Laurie and Logan Lorenz, the mother-son team from Lorenz Quarter Horses.  We capture them just hours after concluding their successful show season at the AQHA World Show to discuss their show strategies, breeding operation, and the KY Breeders Incentive Fund.

Laurie comes from a multi-generation AQHA family and has instilled an incredible work ethic in her son.  Logan is an emerging leader in our field and has spent time learning from some of the greatest in the halter industry.  He leads their operation from the breeding shed to the show pen.  You'll learn about his approach to working with babies, his deeply rooted respect for the horse, and plans for the future.

We started the conversation about breaking the halter horse to ride with Corina Holman (007).  In Episode 025 we had a great time taking a deeper dive into the subject in our first roundtable discussion.  

Trainers Jeremy Rosheisen, Lindsay Black, and Todd Grant bring multiple perspectives and first-hand experience with the versatility of the halter horse and encourage owners to give each horse a job outside the halter pen.  This episode will help you if you are pro-ride, uncertain, or have been discouraged by others to ride and enjoy your halter horse.

Jeremy Rosheisen on Facebook

Todd Grant on Facebook

Lindsay Black on Facebook

In this episode we were able to catch Chris Perniciaro in between the Breeders Halter Futurity and the APHA/WCHA Halter Million. Chris recently won the DIY Weanling Fillies class at the BHF with Pretty Credible by Ecredible out of an Execute mare.  This past Saturday he added another title at the Halter Million in Fort Worth.  Pretty Credible is the WC SPB weanling filly.

Chris and his wife Laura began riding horses at a young age, they met at a horse show, and have been spending their vacation time at horse shows ever since.  Every year they select one baby to show and enjoy.  After their time in Fort Worth, this filly will go on to the AQHA World show and be shown by both Chris and Laura.  At the end of their show season, the filly will get a much deserved break to rest and grow until next year.

We love a beautiful neck on a halter horse and sometimes it takes a little extra work to get the look we're trying to accomplish.  Neck sweating is a long-standing and simple practice that can be used to refine the neck.  Consistent use of a neck sweat can make the difference!

We talk through the details, tips, and a few products with halter horse trainer, Joe Holman of Holman Halter Horses in Hempstead, TX.  He shares his experience with Elite Sweats, the length of time he leaves the sweat on, and a few tips on topical products you can try.

Paint Horse Club of Oklahoma (PHCO) President Lisa Maxwell and Vice-President Trisha Shorten Armstrong join me in a behind-the-scenes look at the brand new Club.  Their first show in May, 2024, included great participation from the board, a friendly and fun environment, and generous entries and prizes.  The event, held in Oklahoma City, was a collaboration with the Appaloosa Horse Club and World Conformation Horse Association and offered a total of 6 judges depending on the breed.  

Their mission is to provide an affordable and welcoming environment at shows and clinics where exhibitors, horse owners, and enthusiasts will learn, grow, and enjoy the horse community.  They want to see new people go from the sidelines to the ring and are committed to increasing the number of shows and clinics so people can explore the world of horse showing.  

The spring show will be held again next year at the OKC Fairgrounds - May 9-11, 2025.  See their website or Facebook page for more details! 

https://www.okpainthorse.org/ 

https://www.facebook.com/PaintHorseClubOK 

Two horse crazy kids who grew up in Indiana met in their adult life at a horse show. They combined their industry experience and passion for the horse to build Covenant Show Horses and collect more than 300 World Champions across 4 breeds.  

“You can make any horse better with excellent nutrition”, says Kelley.  The Wainscott’s are driven to optimize the nutrition and unique needs for each of their horses. 

They foster a multi-generational horse show experience by helping families enjoy showing together. They stand Paint stallion, Hes Stylin and reside in Texas.

See our Facebook post for links to the DAC and ProElite products Kelley mentions in the episode.

In this episode we’re pulling back the curtain and getting the inside scoop from the real MVPs behind the scenes - the wives of two of our very own halter horse trainers - Mary Robertson, wife of Tom, and Fallen Cooper, wife of Clint. These women have raised children, established their own professional careers, and walked alongside their husbands through the highs and lows.  They know the sheer passion and hard work it takes to succeed in this industry. But what’s life really like as the woman behind the trainer? From barn life to show life and everything in between, we get their unfiltered take!

Hard work pays off for Dawn Marie Strohecker.  She's a 6x AQHA National Highpoint Champion, Quarter Horse Congress top 5, AQHA World Show top 10 exhibitor.  She has earned over 1,400 AQHA points and currently shows an aged sorrel gelding named Illicit Intention who's affectionately known as Spanky.

An amateur halter exhibitor since 2008, Dawn takes care of her horse like it's a full time job.  She creates variety in her workouts to keep her horses mind fresh and puts his comfort first.  Consistency, asking questions, and realistic expectations help Dawn excel in the show pen.  Dawn enjoys sharing her hobby with loved ones and dreams of the day she brings home a World Show globe of any color.

This episode is brought to you by Holman Halter Horses. 

 

A life-long horse lover, Andrea Olsen has built a boutique breeding program that packs a punch! She is laser-focused on her "why" and patiently pursues her goals.  She carefully pairs mare and stallion for a structurally sound individual, placing a high value on form to function.    She enjoys showing her babies until they are two years of age, then sells them and starts over again.  Her babies are well rounded and enjoy a long and successful career.  Olsen Paint Horses launched in 1998 with its first paint foal and has been dominating the futurity scene ever since!   Fit for Halter Podcast on Facebook

In this crossover episode, we meet JJ and Jamie Ross, better known as the "Ross twins".  They are consistently at the top of the APHA Honor Roll with their all-around geldings, Call Me a Cowboy and DaddySleepsToMuch.  These twin sisters travel together, have distinct roles when they hit the show grounds, and finish each others sentences.  

JJ and Jamie explain their weekly rhythms and the discipline required to stay in shape. They share their grooming tips, workouts, travel habits and a few tips for other DIY amateurs.  They share dozens of transferrable tips for the halter pen.

This is an episode of firsts for Fit for Halter: our first in-person interview, first recording at a show (it's a bit noisy!) and first performance guests.  Thanks for joining this community!

In this episode we meet Marcy Walker and Jim Scarpa, President and Vice President of the East Coast Halter Futurity.  The ECHF was founded in 2014  and provides an opportunity for halter horse owners from the Eastern states to have a halter futurity in their own backyard.  We discuss the importance of futurities to the halter industry, judge selection, and the special effort that goes into providing an exceptional exhibitor experience.

The ECHF calendar begins with the Stallion Service Auction on January 19-21, 2025 where you'll find the top stallions available.  The show is held on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Virginia Horse Center in conjunction with the AQHA Spring Breakout.  

East Coast Halter Futurity

Clint Fullerton has been in the ring his entire life, attending his first horse show as an infant.  He is a multi-carded judge and has trained, showed, and coached clients to over 250 World Championships.  His love for the horse and the halter industry is unmistakable.  

He enjoys all aspects of the horse show industry and feels “we are at a great place in the halter horse industry” from his point of view.  He reminds us that details matter and consistency is key in workouts, feeding, and preparation.  He is proud of the great horses and clients, connections and friendships he has gained over the course of his career.

Thank you to Holman Halter Horses for bringing this episode to the industry!

Fit for Halter partnerships are available by reaching out to fitforhalter@gmail.com.

Clint Fullerton is someone who truly embodies excellence in the halter industry. He is not only a respected judge but also a legend in the field, with years of experience evaluating and shaping the standards of halter competition. In the halter world, success isn’t just about having a great horse—it’s about preparation, practice, and attention to every detail. From fitting and presentation to mastering the art of showing your horse, every top exhibitor knows the real work happens long before stepping into the pen. Clint has seen it all, and he shares invaluable insights on what it takes to stand out in the ring and earn that title.

Learn more about Clint's journey to the halter pen from Episode 004 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Hf5K3A7u9qD6bgIICVrje

In this episode, we continue with Erin Brown and her non-profit journey as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy (PURA). In her day job she gets to utilize halter horses to make a difference in the lives of youth in inner city Philadelphia. In addition to fundraising and managing horses and students, Erin is an amateur halter exhibitor, stallion owner, and world changer.

Erin recently experienced the generosity of a fellow halter horse lover, Jannee Pugliani with the donation of stallion, I Am The One And Only to the program. Jannee believes in the mission of PURA and partnered by adding "Uno" to the current stallion line-up. Jannee has been involved with horses most of her life. She started in the American Quarter Horse world in 1997 and in 2021, she purchased her first halter horse.

Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy

Adam and Kelley Wainscott return for a next level conversation about equine nutrition.  They walk us through each listener-provided question to describe, explain, and teach us how to supply the best care for our beloved horses. 

Adam and Kelley joined us for episode 002 and jumped back in to continue their investment in our community.  They operate Covenant Show Horses in Sanger, Texas and stand 2006 APHA stallion, He's Stylin.  

 

 

In this episode, I have the opportunity to introduce you to the husband and wife team behind the Painted for Success Weanling Futurity.  Chad and Kayla Slayton are the founders of this weanling halter futurity that’s helping shape the future of our industry.  This niche futurity with just two classes includes generous payouts and high-end prizes.

Painted for Success is designed to showcase exceptional young stock, reward dedicated breeders, and raise the bar for competition in the halter industry.  

https://paintedforsuccess.com/

There are dozens of ways for people to engage with our industry and probably hundreds of professions that our fellow exhibitors represent.  In this episode we’ll take a look at the role of an auctioneer.  Dalton Collins, of DC Auction is with me for a conversation about his own program as well as a few facets of the auctioneer business and how it relates to our part of the world. 

We talk about the art and skill of auctioneering, what it takes to run a sale, and a few tips for auction buyers and sellers.

DC Auction Website DC Auction on Facebook

One of the most pivotal events for breeding and showing halter horses is a futurity and this is our third episode this winter, highlighting money earning opportunities across the U.S.  In this episode, we’ll learn about the Iowa Breeders Futurity, we’ll explore why it’s so significant, and how futurities like this shape the future of the industry. I’m joined by two guests who are well-versed in the halter horse world: Lindsay Black, owner of Black Show Horses, an Iowa Quarter Horse Association Executive Board Member, a seasoned trainer and exhibitor, and amateur exhibitor, Illinois Paint Horse Association Futurity Chair, and IPHA President, Carri Hansen.

We discuss the broader impact of futurities on the halter horse industry and how they shape breeding trends and the direction of the sport.  We talk through sponsorships, the cost of showing, how futurities can alleviate some of the burden, and what fundraising methods they have found to be effective.

Iowa Quarter Horse Association

Mary Caitlyn O'Malley of MC Graphic Design and Photography is the artist behind the Fit for Halter Podcast logo and artwork. She takes the time to teach us about equine marketing, photography, and social media strategies. Her personal horse journey and three quarter horses help fuel her passion for art and design.

In this episode she gives us her top dos and don'ts, current trends, advice for marketing your sale horses and breeding stallions, and ideas on how to get the best photos of your horses.

MC Graphic Design & Photography on Facebook

In this episode, we’re talking with Dawn Allen who owns Allen Quarter Horses along with her husband, Kent. They operate a premier equine layover facility designed to keep traveling horses comfortable, safe, and well-cared for. We'll discuss what makes a great layover stop, how to reduce stress for horses on the road, and why these facilities are a game-changer for equine transportation.

When you're transporting horses across the country, finding the right place to rest along the way is crucial.  We give you a look into the barns and what to expect when you arrive.

Episode 020 | Weanlings with Jason Smith    Jason and Julie Smith of Smith Show Horses Inc. have built a successful business in North Texas and are about to celebrate their 39th anniversary! He joins us for a conversation about weanlings and we cover selection, feed, workouts, and how to carefully bring them along in preparation for fall futurities. He prioritizes the health of the weanling and a confidence-building relationship to maximize the first few outings for his babies.   We tackled a few listener questions such as how to keep that "on" look in the ring, length of workouts, making feed changes, and a typical day for weanlings at Smith Show Horses. Listen and learn from one of the best!   Smith Show Horses on Facebook Fit for Halter Podcast on Facebook

Join us for the first Q & A episode!  Fit for Halter followers submitted their questions and our first hosts, Scott and Amy Zabel, brought practical information to help you on your journey.  You get an inside look at how a husband and wife team navigate jobs, finances, workouts, travel, and show day.

Listeners asked great questions about all aspects of the horse show process.  They share details about how they budget for shows and how they divide & conquer the endless tasks that come with horses and showing.  From a tornado to show outfits, you’ll learn more about this couple than you might want to know!  

Find is on Facebook at Fit for Halter Podcast

In this episode you'll meet Karen Kennedy, Event Secretary for the Breeders Halter Futurity.  You won't meet anyone more knowledgeable and passionate about the art and experience of a horse show.  She's been with the BHF since the beginning and affectionately renamed "BHF Google".

The purpose of the Breeders Halter Futurity is to promote the breeding of quality halter horses that will be marketable in today's horse industry, and to create an event that is appealing to the general public.  The annual Fall futurity is innovative, creative, and actively building into the next generation.  The BHF is scheduled for September 10-14 in Des Moines, IA.  

Find more information and entry forms here: The Breeders Halter Futurity 

🔸 Episode 019 - Equine Insurance with Shelley Drury 🔸   Fellow halter exhibitor, Shelley Drury, has been in equine insurance for over 15 years. She is focused on building relationships and partnering with horse owners to protect their beloved investment. She reviews how to select insurance, explains different types of coverage, and how to determine the value of your horse.   This is an episode you'll want to put on repeat to capture all the valuable details!   Armstrong Insurance Agency Fit for Halter Podcast on Facebook

Breeding season is just a few weeks away and its time to consider your stallion and broodmare pairing for the year!  In this episode we take a deep dive into selecting the right broodmare or stallion for your program with Anna Horn of Chris Arentsen Quarter Horses.

We take a look at criteria for selecting the broodmare to enhance a program and some of the attributes that make a mare tough to handle.  We discuss stallion selection and how the show record can impact the marketability of a given stud.  Last, we cover industry trends and the demand for double-registered horses and futurity eligibility.

www.arentsenquarterhorses.com 

Dewey, Tammi, and Colton Smith along with Jerry and Penny Robinson operate JL Robinson and Dewey Smith Quarter Horses in Bellefontaine, Ohio. We catch a glimpse of how the Smith family balances a heavy show schedule, an active high schooler, and stands 3 stallions. You’ll hear how this multi-generational team serves their customers well through attentiveness and a “make it happen” spirit.  

Colton gives us a next-gen perspective on the horse industry and how collaboration will be key to the future.  He credits leadership development through AQHYA as a catalyst for his growth.  He has learned to treat the horse as an individual and has come to appreciate the history of the horse as well as the value of studying bloodlines.

Dewey Smith Quarter Horses

Fit for Halter Podcast on Facebook

In this episode we meet Chuck Williams, owner of Williams Show Horses in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.  With 40 years in the stock horse business, Chuck brings wisdom and insight about his program, the Canadian halter climate, and his outlook on the global halter industry.  He explains his approach to fitting his show horses and how to grow a solid client base.  

We discuss long-distance travel, access to shows and the value of a family-run business.  He credits several folks from the halter industry for fueling his passion and supporting him along the way.  

Williams Show Horses on Facebook

Leighton Wetzel just returned from the All American Quarter Horse Congress with titles and success.  We get to meet his 2024 show string and learn how he selected each horse for this show season.  He shares everything from show prep to program, challenges and solutions as a DIY exhibitor, and how to be a great show dad to daughter and exhibitor, Karsynn. 

We experience how it felt to be named Congress Champion this year plus a rewind to where it all began for Leighton as an 8 year old with his first halter win.  Leighton and his family represent the multi-generational involvement our industry needs.

Rhonda Culp credits her dad and daughter as significant influences in her horse world involvement.  She is a “get it done” kind of innovative leader and serves currently as the Texas Paint Horse Club President. She has served in various volunteer leadership roles in the American Paint Horse Association for more than a decade and was awarded the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from APHA.

Rhonda is an advocate for getting involved and devoted to building the next generation by supporting leadership experiences, scholarships, and serving opportunities.  Her primary motivation is the youth and she’s had a hand in seeing 4 of her TPHC serve as AJPHA President.  She will inspire you to explore the world of showing whether you have a horse or not!

https://texaspainthorseclub.com/

https://www.facebook.com/texaspainthorseclub

Family is what it’s all about for amateur exhibitor Justin Pyle.  He got his start in halter with an Appaloosa mare at age 9 and attended his first breed show at 20.  Now, he enjoys sharing horses with his mom and focuses on the Breeders Halter Futurity and Halter Millions.

He shares a funny story from Halter Millions about the well-kept secret spiral staircase and a favorite memory of getting to show in the same class with his mom.  He has a high level of respect for amateurs that do the training and fitting on their own and appreciates Chris Arentsen for maintaining their show horses.

Justin offers advice for the new amateur and the existing community.  His advice for the new amateur is to remember everyone has a “first time”, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and be willing to try.  It can be intimidating but there are great people in the halter industry who can begin to feel like your 2nd family.  His advice to our community is to remember what it’s like to be new and welcome the next generation of exhibitors by being helpful and inclusive.

Thanks to our partners at Holman Halter Horses for making this episode possible.  Visit their website here!

Fit for Halter partnerships are available by reaching out to fitforhalter@gmail.com.

In this episode, we explore one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of success in the halter industry—the trainer-client relationship. This isn’t just any trainer-client dynamic. We get to hear about the unique bond between a professional trainer and a family team—a husband, wife, and their daughter—who are all deeply invested. How does a trainer juggle the different personalities, goals, and expectations of an entire family? What challenges arise when family members work together? And how does a trainer not just fit the horses, but also guide and mentor clients of all ages and experience levels to bring out their best in the show ring? Kim Clark, of Fitting Edge Halter Horses, along with her clients, Keith Witter, Missy Witter, and their daughter, Jody share their experiences, challenges, and the moments that make it all worth it.

Don Falcon recaps the Supreme Championship held in May, 2024, with generous payouts and prizes, healthy numbers and competition, and fantastic social opportunities.  Additionally he reviews the upcoming Yellow Rose Futurity held at the Pinto World Championship this June in Tulsa, OK.  The Halter Million hosts the remaining WCHA futurity programs this fall including the Big Money and Breeder's Futurity.  He gives us some help with understanding how futurities work, from entries to nominations.  He credits all the stock horse futurities for keeping the halter industry alive as the industry ages.

"Everyone got a check at the Supreme Championship and we sent people home happy and ready to bring more horses next year." 

Listen and learn from one of the greats!

 

Find out more: www.conformationhorse.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldConformationHorse 

One of our Fit for Halter friends connected us with Dean Meyer, DVM, and Craig Sandmire for a conversation about Doctor's Choice Supplements and the importance of analyzing your feed and hay. 

Dr. Meyer has a passion for generational nutrition and explains the importance of your feeding program for your broodmares.  He discusses the impact we can have on a foal in-utero and how to set your babies up for success.  He helps break down the use of supplements into easy to understand pieces.

Craig Sandmire brings product knowledge and decades of experience in equine nutrition.  He explains the how-to's of hay analysis and how your feeding program will rise or fall based on the quality of your hay.  

Check out their line of equine supplements here. Find them on Facebook here.

 

In this episode I’m joined by Maryann and Alex, the owners and founders of Lonestar Nurse Mares, a unique business that provides nurse mares—surrogate mothers—to orphaned foals in need. When a young horse loses its mother, survival can be uncertain. That’s where Lonestar steps in, offering not just a lifeline, but a nurturing connection that can mean the difference between life and loss. We talk about how this work started, the challenges and ethics around nurse mare programs, and the incredible moments that come from uniting mares and foals in such a vital way.

Contact information 24/7 - 814.282.0831 or cocolinqh@gmail.com 

Carri Hansen leads the charge for the Illinois Paint Horse Association Stallion Service Sale and Futurity.  The show is held every Fall at Gordyville USA in Rantoul, IL.  She along with a team of 6 others work tirelessly to keep the longest-standing state futurity running smoothly.  They work 11 months of the year to bring a class list that pays out approximately $31,000 in cash plus $9,500 in prizes and awards.

She explains the importance of the futurity for the halter industry and how many of them function.  She shares a list of the major events across the country including the Halter Million and Breeders Halter Futurity.

Futurity season is now!  Listen to learn more about futurities and get ready to show!

www.illinoispainthorsefuturity.com

Scott Meyers is from New South Wales, Australia and has been involved with horses most of his life.  He’s the owner of Meyers Quarter Horses and has been part of the quarter horse scene for about 35 years.  Former AQHA judge and current President of the Halter Breeders Group who is working on building the halter-bred horses in Australia with a show model that looks similar to the Breeders Halter Futurity.   He has a beloved band of broodmares and stands two Quarter Horse stallions.  He shares his experience with raising high-level halter horses, the importing process, and how he sees the future of halter in Australia and America evolving. 

In this listener requested episode, we discuss fitting halter horses during cold weather, blanketing practices and preferences, and using lights to maintain a light hair coat.   Our guest line-up includes Erin Henderson and Warren English. Erin and her husband Matt are the owners and trainers at Turner-Henderson Show Horses located in Albany, Oregon. Warren English is an amateur exhibitor and the owner of English Quarter Horse Farms in Sturgis, Michigan.