This week on the Fit for Halter podcast, Amy sits down with Sally Griffin — a lifetime APHA director, dedicated leader, and lifelong Paint Horse enthusiast who has done it all — from amateur halter exhibitor to rule maker, show organizer, and advocate for the next generation.

Sally shares her incredible journey that began in the 1970s as a youth and amateur exhibitor, showing standout halter horses and earning APHA Champion Certificate #1. Today, she continues to shape the association she loves — co-creating the Margarita Classic Paint Horse Show in memory of Charlie Sasser, leading key APHA committees, and championing programs like Novice Amateur, Novice Youth, and Walk-Trot to keep the Paint Horse community strong and inclusive.

Meet Melanie Fransen, an amateur halter exhibitor whose story is equal parts heart, hustle, and humor. From growing up “basically born in a barn” to sharing the show pen (and plenty of laughs) with her mom, Melanie brings the fun side of showing to life.

In this episode, recorded live at the Fall Color Classic in Lansing, MI, Melanie shares:

- How a “fill-the-class” moment turned into a halter passion

It’s an upbeat, real, and relatable conversation about finding joy, teamwork, and balance in the show world.

By request, Stephanie Sickafoose is back on on the podcast — and this time, she’s taking it a step further.  She takes us on a detailed journey through her daily program. From 4:30 a.m. mornings to long trotting across rolling hills after a full day’s work, Stephanie’s routine is all about structure, commitment, and results.

Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed as an amateur in the halter pen? Hear how she’s built a program that works — one that’s earned her respect and results in the pen.

This week on Fit for Halter, we’re chatting with someone who truly does it all. Sydney Miller is a non-pro, mom of littles, and alongside her husband, runs Miller Quarter Horses — a successful hunter under saddle training operation now based in Boerne, Texas.

While her husband focuses on the performance side of the industry, Sydney has carved out her own lane (and love!) in the halter pen — recently wrapping up a successful futurity season.

In this episode, we talk about:

✨ Finding balance between family, business, and the show world ✨ What it’s like running a barn as a husband-and-wife team

Find Sydney and Miller Quarter Horses on Facebook

From growing up in a family of horsemen to building her own successful training program, Cathy Sasser has lived a life centered around great horses — and even greater people.

In this episode, Cathy shares her journey in the halter horse industry, the pivotal moment that reshaped her career, and the philosophy that guides her barn today. She shares how she defines success beyond the trophies and why investing in the next generation of exhibitors and trainers is key to keeping our industry strong.

We talk about:

This week on Fit for Halter, I’m joined by Stephanie Sickafoose, an amateur exhibitor who’s had an incredible season in the halter pen. From her DIY prep at home to big wins with her standout yearling filly — a daughter of a young stallion already making waves — Stephanie’s story is full of grit, lessons, and memorable moments.

She also shares how her background, breeding program, and even a world champion stallion trace back to her own journey of persistence and passion for the horses.

What do you do when life throws you a curveball and the path you’ve been on isn’t possible anymore? This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Subrina Hobart, whose journey in the show pen took an inspiring turn.

Subrina started out in the pleasure arena, but when health challenges made riding unsafe, she wasn’t ready to give up her love of horses or showing. Instead, she discovered a brand-new passion in the halter pen. 

In this episode, Subrina opens up about:

Behind every winning halter horse program is someone making sure everything runs like clockwork.

In this week’s episode, meet Natasha “Tosh” Bothwell — the right hand to top halter trainer Andy Staton. From sunrise feedings to late-night prep, Tosh shares what it’s really like to work 12–15 hour days at major shows like Congress and the World Show. Hear how Tosh keeps a top program running smoothly at the shows while staying passionate about the halter horse world.

We talk about: