On this episode of the EQFit podcast, we are joined by professional horse trainers Denton DeBuhr, Kristin Layher, and Jake Hartman to discuss their experience with the NSBA Foundation's Tomorrows Horsemen Program. This two year program provides emerging equine professionals an opportunity to develop the skills they need to become successful in their training operations and establish financially stable businesses to benefit themselves, their families, and their customers.

Over the two years, the program provides in-person and virtual opportunities for mentorship, education, and networking amongst professionals in the world of business, leadership, communication, and the equine industry alike. All the while, participants are building deeper relationships with their fellow class members to build a more interconnected network of professionals that is essential for the future of our industry and creating a positive, supportive environment for trainers and non-pros alike.

Listen in to hear the perspectives of Denton, Kristin, and Jake on how this program has impacted their own lives as well as the impact it has had on their businesses and relationships with their clients. Through this conversation, it becomes evident how the changes in mindset of program participants creates an environment for optimal performance and overall wellbeing for themselves and their clients.

For more info on NSBA's Tomorrows Horsemen Program including program overview, information on application, and how to financial support, visit the website at: https://www.nsba.com/tomorrows-horsemen

On this episode of the EQFit Podcast we get a chance to catch up with Gita Thomas - business woman, avid equestrian athlete, and proud member of the Australian Reining community (and more!). Gita is a woman of many talents - in addition to running a highly successful business coaching company and competing in top levels of competition in reining and western dressage in Australia, she is the co-owner of both the Australian Reining Breeders Classic (ARBC) show and Thomas Arena Products with her husband Errol of Queensland, Australia. As you will hear throughout this episode, Gita is passionate about our sport of equestrian, and shares her time and talents to help her equestrian communities rise. We hope you enjoy hearing a little bit more about Gita's story and perspective as much as we did!

Also, don't forget to follow along with the Reining Australia National Championship Show taking place during this week of the podcast release, mentioned several times throughout the episode. Check out the show notes for the FB link to follow all the action!

Show notes - helpful links & podcast mentions:

Reining Australia Facebook Page

Mental Athletics Website

EQFit is fortunate to work with a handful of IHSA teams providing strength and conditioning programming to supplement their riding practice schedule and help these athletes perform at their best. Middle Tennessee State University is our longest standing team on the collegiate EQFit roster. This episode was a BLAST of a reunion with some of our incredible alumni friends from MTSU’s equestrian team - Caroline Blackstone, Lindsey Gilleland, Jordan Dillenbeck, and Taylor Meek. On this episode, we hear from some of MTSU Equestrian team’s past riders and leaders regarding their experience of what riding on an IHSA team (and MTSU specifically) did for them, lessons learned, favorite moments, and the advice they would give to their younger selves.

We hope you’ll listen in and learn from these amazing young women, and consider following the IHSA & MTSU action via these social links:

IHSA IG

MTSU EQ

Follow along with our guests through links to their IG's below!

Caroline

Lindsay

Jordan

Taylor

And shoutout to Gilead (Gil) Friedman of Mental Athletics for his perspective on the pressure we pass to our horses: https://www.mental-athletics.com/

Other links:

EQFit IG

pro-activity.com/eqfit