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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In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I’m taking a step back to reflect on a year that stretched me in ways I didn’t expect — personally, professionally, and within the horse world. 2025 was hard. I struggled, I questioned myself, and I watched so many other adult amateurs go through similar seasons. I even managed to break my ankle in a ball pit while playing with my nephew — a reminder that life doesn’t always slow down when you need it to.

But through all of it, I’ve chosen to see 2026 as a year of opportunity, growth, and intention. I talk openly about the evolution of my brand, KB Media Equine, and why taking the risk to produce a docuseries felt scary — but ultimately became one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. We dive into what it really means to think bigger than your fear, face insecurities head-on, and stop shrinking your dreams to feel safe. This episode also touches on real conversations happening in the horse world — including trainer-client dynamics, unspoken power struggles, and my long-term goal of building a community that feels honest, supportive, and grounded in shared experience.

I reflect on my two horses, the lessons 2025 forced me to learn, and the direction I’m intentionally stepping into for 2026. At its core, this episode is an invitation: ✨ to dream louder ✨ to pursue the goals you’ve been putting off ✨ and to reconnect with why horses matter so deeply to us Thank you for being here and for supporting this podcast. I’m endlessly grateful for this community, and I’d love to hear what you’re calling in for the year ahead — share it in the comments and let’s move forward together.

In today’s episode, I’m catching you up on a very full couple of weeks — from local horse shows to scary moments, derby fun, and prepping for GHJA Finals with Ollie and Sunny. I talk about my love for local shows and our most recent derby event, plus how I use forage-based diets to keep my horses feeling their best.

If you’ve been here awhile, you already know how much I swear by Standlee — their Timothy pellets and compressed bales have been total game-changers, especially for picky eaters. We even did a photo shoot with them recently, which was so much fun! Before the show, I had a pretty frightening moment while hacking Ollie — he tripped hard and almost fell, and it took the wind out of both of us. Because of his past EPM struggles, anything like that sends my anxiety through the roof.

The next day, Sunny and I showed… and let’s just say I briefly forgot how to ride 😅 But we pulled it together and ended up placing 4th in the hack. Both boys made me proud, as always. I also talk a bit about vulnerability, communicating openly in this sport, and how important it is to share the real moments — the wins, the fear, the frustration, and everything in between. If you’re an adult amateur juggling life, overbooking yourself (hi, it’s me 🙋🏼‍♀️), and still doing your best with your horses every day, you are absolutely not alone.

Let me know your thoughts on Standlee, how your show season went, and what goals you're setting for next year. I love hearing from this community, and I’m so grateful we get to do this together. 🫶 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and share your own horse show stories with me!

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Standlee 

In this episode, we’re recording right from the horse show grounds—Hannah isn’t with us today—so it’s Alexis and her horse stepping into a flat class together. Alexis opens up about the nerves that come with putting a horse in the ring for good, confidence-building experiences, even when you’re not totally sure what’s going to happen.

We talk about how differently we ride now compared to when we were juniors: more grace for ourselves, less pressure to be perfect, and a deeper focus on creating positive moments for our horses. We dive into the unique pressure that comes with riding seasoned horses, the expectations adult amateurs carry, and how much support from the community means in this sport.

Alexis also shares the real-life balancing act of being a mom and a rider—and how learning to ask for help has become part of her growth both inside and outside the arena. This episode is a celebration of the real equestrian life—the nerves, the joy, the community, the parenting juggle, and the constant balancing act of chasing your passion while caring for the horses you love. It’s a reminder that we’re all doing our best, and none of us are doing it alone.

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In this episode, we chat with a Product Marketing Manager from Garmin about their groundbreaking new wearable for horses — the Garmin BLAZE Smart Heart Rate & Health Monitor. They share the behind-the-scenes story of how this revolutionary product came to life — from testing on horses across different disciplines to uncovering new insights about equine health and fitness.

The BLAZE tracks your horse’s heart rate, temperature, activity levels, and recovery, helping riders make data-driven decisions about training and wellbeing. We also get a sneak peek at Garmin’s next innovation, the Garmin™ Wearable GPS, which takes equine health monitoring even further with features like sleep tracking, fitness metrics, and recovery data.

If you’re passionate about horses, tech, or performance tracking — this episode is a must-listen!

👉 Check out their amazing product!

Xoxo,

In this episode, Alexis and I dive into a topic that so many riders can relate to — dealing with toxic trainers in the equestrian world. We’ve all either experienced it ourselves or watched someone else go through it, and it’s time to have an open, honest conversation about it.

We share our personal experiences and unpack what really makes a trainer “toxic,” from emotional manipulation to poor communication and blurred boundaries. We also talk about the responsibility that both trainers and clients share in keeping relationships professional and healthy — and why setting boundaries, being honest, and communicating clearly matter so much in this sport.

We even touch on whether horse trainers should be regulated, how to find the right fit for you, and how to protect your mental health and peace in a sometimes chaotic industry. At the end of the day, we both believe that training should be something you enjoy — not something that causes stress — and, as we like to say, communication is lubrication.

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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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