In this special one-year anniversary episode, we celebrate a full year of being on air and building an incredible equestrian community! Joining us for this milestone conversation is Kali Crosby, a gifted animal communicator who helps her clients connect with their animals on a deeper level to uncover what they truly need.

Kali shares how she discovered her unique ability to speak with animals, the process she uses to tune into their emotions, and how her work has transformed relationships between horses, pets, and their people. From solving behavioral challenges to helping owners better understand their animals’ emotional and physical needs, Kali’s insights are both fascinating and heartwarming.

We reflect on the journey this podcast has taken over the past year—every story, laugh, and connection that’s brought our community closer together. It’s a celebration of growth, purpose, and the magic that happens when passion meets authenticity.

We love you guys and happy 1 year together! 

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In this episode, I sit down with Brad DiMaggio from Scrapyard Media to talk all things filmmaking, pre-production, and the chaos of shooting in the performance boating world. Brad and I first met while working for a mutual client — and let’s just say, things got a little wild when we got kicked out of a boat race mid-filming!

From there, we dive into what makes great content actually work: planning, teamwork, and the power of good pre-production. We also chat about our shared experiences filming the Devon Horse Show, dealing with unpredictable weather, troubleshooting on the fly, and why great audio can make or break a story.

Brad shares how Scrapyard Media started, their goals for the future, and what it’s like balancing creative vision with real-world logistics. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to pull off a big production—or just want some behind-the-scenes laughs from the field—you’ll love this one.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I sit down with Courtney, who opens up about the emotional journey with her mare, Frida.

When Courtney first brought Frida home, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, even though the mare had passed a pre-purchase exam. Over time, that intuition proved true.

Frida was later diagnosed with multiple neck injuries, including internal stenosis and a fractured bone. Courtney shares the long and difficult road of seeking answers, advocating for her horse, and ultimately making the decision to pursue multiple surgeries to help Frida breathe and live comfortably again.

This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with hope, a reminder that sometimes, listening to your gut can make all the difference!

Hosting a live episode of The Plaidcast during the Inside the Ingate Season Finale Watch Party was such a special moment for me. There’s something about being surrounded by my local horse people community — sharing stories, laughter, and memories — that reminds me why I love doing this! For this episode, I had the chance to talk with Cheryl Simms, the Horse Show Manager at Wills Park Equestrian Center, and Piper Klemm, Publisher of The Plaid Horse. Wills Park has been a vital part of the Atlanta horse community for decades, and hearing Cheryl share its history and her vision for its future was truly inspiring. We discussed how the park has evolved, the renovations and fundraising efforts that sustain it, and Cheryl’s mission to ensure it remains affordable, welcoming, and community-driven. Piper brought great insight into why it’s so important to preserve spaces like this — places where riders can grow, connect, and feel at home in the sport. For me, this conversation really highlighted the heart behind what we do. Wills Park isn’t just a showgrounds — it’s a reflection of how much love and dedication go into keeping equestrian life alive at every level.

In this heartfelt episode, Alexis opens up about the challenges of being a new mom while also balancing life as an adult amateur rider and equestrian enthusiast. She shares the guilt she often feels for not being able to spend as much time with her horses as she once did and reflects on how motherhood has shifted her priorities and daily rhythms.

Alexis also discusses the difficulty of finding joy outside of being a mom, reminding herself and listeners of the importance of prioritizing their own happiness and well-being. She speaks candidly about feelings of inadequacy and guilt, but also emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace during this season of life.

Throughout the episode, Alexis encourages other moms in the equestrian community to find small, meaningful ways to keep horses in their lives, even if it looks different than before. She also invites listeners to share their own experiences, advice, and encouragement, highlighting the strength of community and shared understanding.

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In this episode, Alexis and I finally got to catch up after being apart for a bit! We started with some updates, including hair, a new Garmin watch, and the fact that Alexis has been getting very little sleep, before diving into what’s new in our horse lives. Alexis opened up about how challenging it’s been to ride regularly since becoming a mom, and what it felt like to ride her friend’s very well-trained horse. She shared how fun it was, but also how nerve-wracking it can be riding someone else’s horse when you don’t want to mess anything up. Of course, we couldn’t resist a little barn talk, everything from horse trailer prices (and my “trailer anxiety” story) to a horse-shaped pipe cleaner that turned out to be a total fail. We even touched on footing. If you’re an adult amateur balancing real life with barn life, this episode will feel all too familiar. 🐴💬

In this episode, I reflect on the incredible experience of premiering Season 2 of Inside the Ingate at the Devon Horse Show. From seeing the show on the big screen to watching riders and viewers react, it was a moment full of pride, nerves, and excitement. I dive into the mission behind the series—showcasing the behind-the-scenes world of equestrian sports, giving riders and participants the chance to tell their own stories, and exploring the challenges, nerves, and triumphs that often go unseen. I hope you guys enjoy!

This week on The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re at the Wills Park Benefit Show and sitting down with some incredible guests who are shaping the equestrian community in unique ways!

Brooke Bryant (Dillard’s) talks about why Dillard’s sponsors events like this one and shares the hottest trends for fall.

Kelly from Harbin Agency breaks down the importance of equine insurance, how it protects both horse and rider, and why it’s more affordable than you may think.

Heather Steinman (Strays 4 Days) shares her inspiring journey rescuing cats, the challenges strays face, and the joy of rehoming them.

Matt (South State Bank) gives insights into banking for equestrians, budgeting tips, and his personal connection to Wills Park.

It’s a fun, insightful, and heartwarming look at how fashion, finance, and animal rescue all connect within the equestrian lifestyle.

This week has been a whirlwind! Episode 3 of Inside the Ingate premiered at the Will’s Park Benefit Show, and I’m so grateful for the incredible support this community has shown. In this episode, you’ll also see Nick and Matthew in the International Derby at the Devon Horse Show; their rides reminded me of the importance of patience, partnership, and listening to our horses.

I also open up about my own training journey with my horse. Riding hasn’t been easy lately. Between old fears, PTSD, and the pressure I put on myself, I’ve had to really focus on giving my horse positive rides even when I feel anxious or insecure.

This podcast is about honesty, growth, and remembering why we ride in the first place. I hope sharing my journey reminds other adult amateurs that you’re not alone! 💙

In this episode, I sit down with Haleigh Holom, a mental performance coach who helps riders push past mental and physical barriers so they can reach their goals. We talk about some of the biggest challenges adult amateurs face—things I’ve struggled with myself—like comparison, performance anxiety, and fear in the saddle.

I open up about my own journey with comparison, especially the frustration I used to feel when I couldn’t afford a “fancy” horse and would measure myself against others. Haleigh explained that the first step to breaking free from that cycle is recognizing when comparison sneaks in and then shifting the focus back to my own goals.

We also dive into performance anxiety. I share my experiences with pre-show nerves, worrying about letting others down, and that mental spiral that can hit before a big ride. Haleigh talks about how she works with her clients—and how I can apply this myself—through:

Mindset training to challenge self-limiting beliefs

A consistent pre-ride warm-up routine to find calm

Practicing gratitude and positive self-talk

Striking a healthy balance when facing fears

Using mindfulness and replaying positive riding moments in my mind

We also talk about how past traumas can show up in the arena, and how signs like body tension, agitation, or trouble focusing can mean I’m sliding into anxiety. Haleigh reminded me how important it is to have a strong support system at the barn, and I’m so grateful for my trainers and barn family who encourage me every step of the way.

Haleigh also shared about her workshops for riders, trainers, and parents, as well as her virtual coaching, clinics, and horse show support. I wrapped up the conversation feeling inspired and excited to have her back on the podcast in the future.

My Biggest Takeaway:

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