In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, Kelly sits down with Orchid In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, Kelly sits down with Orchid Bertelsen to talk about returning to the horse world after a 25-year break, rediscovering passion as an adult, and navigating the realities of balancing horses, motherhood, work, and personal identity. With a background in digital marketing, Orchid opens up about leaving her career to pursue something that truly fulfilled her and how documenting her equestrian journey online has helped her reconnect with the sport in an entirely new way.The conversation dives deep into the emotional side of being an adult amateur rider — the guilt of taking time for yourself, the pressure to “have it all together,” and the struggle to balance family responsibilities while still pursuing personal goals. Kelly and Orchid discuss how horses become more than just a hobby; they become therapy, connection, and a way to reconnect with yourself outside of everyday life.They also unpack the realities of modern equestrian culture, from the financial commitment of the sport to the elitism and pressure often felt within the industry. Together, they explore why horsemanship, community, and inclusivity matter more than appearances or status, and why newcomers to the sport deserve encouragement rather than judgment.This episode is an honest conversation about passion, identity, self-care, and what it really means to be an adult amateur equestrian in today’s world.to talk about returning to the horse world after a 25-year break, rediscovering passion as an adult, and navigating the realities of balancing horses, motherhood, work, and personal identity. With a background in digital marketing, Orchid opens up about leaving her career to pursue something that truly fulfilled her and how documenting her equestrian journey online has helped her reconnect with the sport in an entirely new way.The conversation dives deep into the emotional side of being an adult amateur rider — the guilt of taking time for yourself, the pressure to “have it all together,” and the struggle to balance family responsibilities while still pursuing personal goals. Kelly and Orchid discuss how horses become more than just a hobby; they become therapy, connection, and a way to reconnect with yourself outside of everyday life.They also unpack the realities of modern equestrian culture, from the financial commitment of the sport to the elitism and pressure often felt within the industry. Together, they explore why horsemanship, community, and inclusivity matter more than appearances or status, and why newcomers to the sport deserve encouragement rather than judgment.This episode is an honest conversation about passion, identity, self-care, and what it really means to be an adult amateur equestrian in today’s world.

Or maybe more specifically… why does nobody outside of our world care about the top athletes in our sport?In every major sport, there are household names.Golf has Tiger Woods.Gymnastics has Simone Biles.Swimming has Michael Phelps.These athletes became bigger than their sports because media, storytelling, sponsorship, and marketing dollars were invested into making people care.So why hasn’t that happened in equestrian?In this episode, I talk openly about why I personally believe the horse world struggles to grow outside its own bubble — and why even riders *within* the sport often don’t feel connected to the top-performing athletes. We discuss the lack of mainstream media coverage, the absence of long-form storytelling surrounding riders and horses, and how little financial support exists for creating meaningful media around the sport.Because the reality is:People care about stories before they care about results.And if nobody is investing in showcasing the personalities, struggles, journeys, and humanity behind these athletes… how can we expect new audiences to connect with them?This conversation also dives into why projects like **Inside The Ingate** became so important to me personally, and why I believe storytelling is one of the only ways equestrian sport can truly grow beyond its current audience.This episode is opinionated, honest, and probably a little uncomfortable — but I think it’s a conversation our industry desperately needs to have.🤍 Media & storytelling in equestrian sport🎥 Why audience connection matters🐴 The future of equestrian media📈 Why the sport struggles to grow outside its bubble

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, Alexis and I are sitting down for a real life update — and it’s one of those conversations that feels a little messy, a little emotional, and very real.We talk about what’s been going on behind the scenes, especially with my young horse, Oli. After being in training while I was recovering from a broken leg, he’s come back struggling with anxiety and spookiness in a way I didn’t expect. It’s been frustrating, overwhelming, and honestly has pushed me to question what the right next step is — including the possibility of selling him.We also get into the ups and downs of training in general — from regressions in new environments to working through things like lead changes, confidence, and consistency. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, and sometimes the setbacks hit harder than expected.Outside of the barn, life has been just as full — from navigating big personal decisions, to the stress of everyday responsibilities, to trying to balance it all while still showing up for our horses.This episode is a little bit of everything:The emotional side of owning and training young horsesDealing with setbacks and uncertaintyThe pressure we put on ourselves as adult amateursAnd the reality of trying to hold it all together when things feel a little chaoticIt’s not polished. It’s not perfect. But it’s honest — and sometimes that’s exactly what we need.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I’m sitting down with Mel, an equine massage therapist whose journey in the horse world started early — from caring for horses at 13 to studying biblical counseling with a minor in equine studies, and eventually building a career centered around helping horses feel and perform better.

Mel shares how her time as a working student in Pennsylvania shaped her understanding of the importance of grooming, muscle care, and truly knowing your horse’s body. We dive into how she transitioned into equine massage therapy, her love for dressage, and why bodywork plays such a critical role across all disciplines — from performance horses to broodmares.

We talk about:

• How tension in areas like the neck and jaw impacts the entire horse
• The connection between soreness, weakness, and performance
• Why posture and balance matter just as much for the rider as the horse
• And how touch is one of the most powerful ways we communicate with our horses

Mel also shares her approach to preventing injuries, her thoughts on supplements, and why taking care of your horse should always be a team effort — not a one-size-fits-all solution.

This episode is a reminder that understanding your horse’s body goes far beyond riding — and that sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference in their comfort and performance.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re diving into one of my favorite (and slightly controversial) topics — equestrian fashion, brands, and the trends we love… and the ones we don’t.We get into some honest opinions on brands like Cowgirl Up and Charles Owen, and talk through what we’re actually drawn to when it comes to style in the ring. From rust-colored breeches to helmets with a little bit of shine, we break down what feels elevated versus what might be trying a little too hard.I also share my take on why I’ll always lean toward classic white breeches that can cross between hunter and jumper rings, and how practicality plays a bigger role than people think when it comes to what we wear.We also talk about the comeback of full chaps — yes, they’re back — and how trends in the equestrian world tend to cycle in ways that are both nostalgic and slightly chaotic. And beyond the ring, we get into brands that are doing a really good job of blending barn life with everyday wear, like Solid Citizen, and why that shift matters for adult amateurs.This episode is fun, opinionated, and very real — because style in this sport isn’t just about how you look, it’s about how you feel when you walk into the ring.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re joined by Michelle, an adult amateur rider whose story is one so many of us can relate to. Michelle started riding as a kid, but like a lot of us, life got busy and horses had to take a back seat. It wasn’t until years later — after her fiancé surprised her with a trail ride — that she found her way back into the saddle.

From there, everything changed. She opens up about what it felt like coming back as an adult — being surrounded by younger, more experienced riders, feeling intimidated, and still choosing to keep going (even after a couple of falls). What started as beginner lessons in 2020 turned into a genuine love for the process, where the goal shifted from competing to simply enjoying the ride. We talk about: Re-entering the horse world as an adult Balancing “barn life” with real life and career responsibilities Sharing the journey on social media — the good and the hard

Navigating confidence while learning skills like posting and cantering And the transition from lesson program to leasing and exploring new disciplines

Michelle also shares her experience building a presence on TikTok, the support she’s found within the equestrian community, and the challenges that come with putting yourself out there online.

This episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to come back to horses — and that you don’t need to have it all figured out to belong here!

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In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re addressing something that’s been coming up a lot lately — the conversation around how adult amateurs are portrayed, both online and within the horse world.

If you’ve seen our skits, you know we lean into humor. Yes, they’re exaggerated. Yes, they’re satirical. But they’re also rooted in very real experiences — things I’ve felt, things I’ve seen, and moments that so many of us as adult amateurs can relate to (even if we don’t always want to admit it out loud).

Recently, there’s been some backlash — not just toward us, but across the space — about how adult amateurs are represented. In this episode, we talk about that openly. We discuss the criticism, the stereotypes, and the tension between sharing relatable content and being misunderstood.

We also touch on conversations happening across other podcasts in the equestrian space — including differing opinions on whether humor like this reinforces negative narratives or simply reflects reality. And instead of avoiding it, we lean into it.

Because here’s the truth:

We talk about:

This episode is not about calling anyone out. It’s about opening the door for better conversations, more understanding, and a stronger, more supportive community.

And to anyone who’s had a different perspective — you’re welcome here. The conversation isn’t closed… it’s just getting started.

What does it really mean to be an adult amateur in the equestrian world?

In this episode, we dive into the complicated, hilarious, and sometimes misunderstood life of the adult amateur rider. From juggling careers, families, and finances to managing the emotional investment we place in our horses, being an amateur rider comes with its own unique set of challenges. We talk about why amateurs often get labeled as “high-maintenance,” why trainers and barn managers sometimes feel like they’re under attack, and how most of the time it simply comes down to one thing: communication.

Adult amateurs care deeply about their horses and the sport, and that passion can sometimes come across in ways that aren’t always understood. Throughout the conversation, we share personal experiences, discuss the pressure and comparisons that exist in the equestrian community, and explore how balancing real life with a demanding sport can create both stress and humor.

We also highlight the importance of friendships and support systems within the adult amateur community — the people who understand exactly what it’s like to love this sport while navigating everything else life throws at you. At the end of the day, being an adult amateur may be chaotic, emotional, and occasionally dramatic… but it’s also one of the things that makes the equestrian world so entertaining and full of life.

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In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re having a conversation that isn’t always comfortable — but it’s necessary.

We talk openly about the pressure to be perfect in today’s equestrian world and how that pressure has evolved over the years. The horses are more athletic, more powerful, and the expectations — from judges, trainers, owners, and even social media — are higher than ever. Somewhere along the way, flawless rounds became the standard instead of the goal.

We dive into the very real and serious issue of performance-enhancing drugs in our sport. Why does it happen? Where does the pressure come from? And how do amateurs — often unintentionally — contribute to the culture that prioritizes winning over well-being?

This episode isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about accountability, awareness, and responsibility. We discuss:

The role money plays in raising the stakes

The pressure trainers face to produce perfect results

The responsibility owners have to ask hard questions

And how social media amplifies unrealistic expectations

Most importantly, we talk about advocating for our horses. As adult amateurs, we have more power than we think. We can set boundaries. We can accept mistakes. We can redefine what success looks like. And we can choose to prioritize our horses’ health and long-term happiness over ribbons.

Drugging and doping are not just rule violations — they are welfare issues. And if we truly love this sport, we have to be willing to have hard conversations about it.

This episode is about protecting the horses, supporting ethical horsemanship, and remembering why we started in the first place.

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In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I’m joined by Maxi Witrak — a comedian, actor, and lifelong horse girl whose story perfectly blends humor, heart, and honesty.

Maxi grew up riding horses in Seattle before moving to Los Angeles, where she built a career in comedy and acting. We talk about how her mom first introduced her to the horse world, the many disciplines she explored growing up — from Arabians and Morgans to hunter-jumper and Western — and why she still dreams of owning a cutting horse someday.

She opens up about a formative and traumatic childhood experience of having her pony sold, how that moment shaped her emotionally, and why horses continue to teach empathy, responsibility, and care for something bigger than yourself. We also dive into the contrast between performance nerves on stage versus in the show ring, and how she ultimately realized her path was always meant to be in art and performance rather than professional riding.

Maxi shares what it’s like to be an equestrian in the comedy world, how leaning into horse-related humor on social media helped her grow a following, and the challenges of maintaining realness as an audience gets bigger. We talk candidly about dealing with online criticism — especially when it comes from people close to you — and her advice for anyone trying to build a personal brand online.

And yes… we absolutely get into the story of an LA trail ride with bottomless mimosas that went wildly off the rails.

This episode is funny, vulnerable, and incredibly relatable for anyone navigating creativity, visibility, and staying gro tunded while chasing big goals.

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