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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.

Jen breaks down each point of their plan, focusing on the importance of preserving lesson barns, riding schools, and beginner programs that serve as vital entry points for aspiring equestrians. Karen adds her perspective as a parent, evaluating the viability and impact of each proposal.

**Key Points Discussed:**

1. **Normalizing Higher Prices:** Understanding the need for higher lesson prices at riding schools and lesson barns that use school horses, ensuring these programs can thrive and continue to provide access.
   
2. **Eliminating Low-Level Classes at High-Level Shows:** Aiming to encourage beginners to support foundational programs by removing low-level classes from high level horse shows.

3. **Investment by Top-Tier Barns:** Advocating for top-tier equestrian facilities to invest in developing their own lesson programs, creating a sustainable model for training new riders.

4. **Collaboration Between Programs:** Encouraging partnerships between elite barns and smaller foundational programs to create a funnel system that guides new riders through their equestrian journey.

5. **Tiered Certification System for Trainers:** Introducing a certification system that helps trainers specialize in different levels and aids new riders and parents in identifying suitable barns for their needs.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that not only highlights the challenges faced by new riders but also offers actionable solutions to make equestrian sports more inclusive and welcoming. Whether you're a seasoned rider, a parent, or someone interested in the equestrian world, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! 

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