Fit for Halter Podcast

What happens when passion turns into profession? On this week’s Fit for Halter Podcast, we’re joined by two rising stars in the halter world who just made a major move—turning in their amateur cards to step into the ring as professional trainers. Leighton Wetzel of WC Show Horses and Logan Lorenz of Lorenz Quarter Horses share their journey and give us a glimpse of the next generation of leaders in the halter industry.

We’re talking about what pushed them to take the leap, what life as a new trainer really looks like, and the lessons they’ve learned on the business side of the barn.

💥 Bonus: Dalton Collins joins the conversation and asks the questions other amateurs are wondering too.

Have you ever wished you could search, filter, and compare breeding stallions based on what your mare really needs—from height and bloodlines to color genetics and more? This week, we're talking to the brilliant mind who made that possible.

Meet Natashya Vince, the founder of Stallion Compare—a powerful, data-driven platform created out of her own curiosity and passion. With a background in web design and a love for horses, she built the ultimate tool for mare owners to make informed breeding decisions.

From detailed genetic panels and four-generation pedigrees to robust filtering by breed, location, and discipline—Stallion Compare is changing the way we select stallions. Natashya shares her journey, her vision, and how this platform levels the playing field for ALL stallions, not just the famous ones.

www.stallioncompare.com

If you’ve ever struggled to find a pair of jeans that truly fits and functions when you’re riding, you’re going to love this episode. We sat down with Whitney Lloyd, founder of MarkWest Denim, to talk about the jeans she couldn’t find — so she made them herself.

After years in the saddle and just as many years frustrated with the options on the market, Whitney set out to design the perfect pair of riding jeans for women. No fashion background — just horse sense, grit, and an eye for detail. The result? Eight rounds of saddle-tested prototypes and performance features made with real cowgirls in mind. 

From a hidden, secure phone pocket to the flattering fit that still works after a full day of showing, Whitney is solving the problems no one else was.

www.markwestdenim.com

From show pen to stitch line, we’re talking all things custom cowboy hats with the talented Heather Werkema Smith of Initial Impressions by HWS!

Heather joins us to share how her lifelong love of horses, shaped by her amazing family, led her on a winding journey through the show world—and ultimately into the art of designing one-of-a-kind cowboy hats. What started as a side hustle has become a thriving business built on bold creativity, precise craftsmanship, and a passion for helping people express themselves through custom hats.

Hear how Initial Impressions by HWS helped fund her family's showing dreams, how she blends tradition with trend, and what truly makes a cowboy hat yours. This episode is packed with information for Western fashion lovers, horse show families, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of turning their side hustle into something beautiful.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Ashley Koeller of MJK Quarter Horses—a trusted name in horse transportation from coast to coast. Ashley shares how she and her husband Mike built a business and team of drivers rooted in care, communication, and commitment to the horses in their trailer.

We dive into what it takes to earn trust in the hauling world, logistics, gear, and emergency prep, stories from the road and life on the move, and tips for prepping your horse for a smooth haul.  

In this episode, we dive into the recent AQHA rule changes that are making an impact—especially for halter exhibitors. Joined by AQHA leaders Scott Newman and Sydney Reynolds, along with industry advocate Kelley Wainscott, they break down what these updates mean, why they’re happening, and how they impact the leveling and competition structure. This episode gives you the clarity you need straight from the source.

From the goals of the leveling program to the exciting new incentives—like cash awards for top World Show finishers—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Hear how these changes are shaping the future of halter classes and helping more exhibitors find their place in the pen.

Kelley Wainscott brings valuable perspective from her work on AQHA’s Show Committee, shedding light on how these changes aim to give more people a fair shot in the ring.  With the halter division often serving as a gateway into the show world, these updates are about inclusivity, progression, and helping every exhibitor find their path to success.

Find more information at: www.aqha.com

LK Tack Shop has been a staple in the Chicagoland area for 36 years.  We get to meet the mother-daughter team, Kim and Karli Franklin, who own and operate LK Tack Shop in Monee, Illinois.  They stock boots, supplies, tack, supplements, blankets, and the latest in Western fashion.  They like to say "if we don't have it, you don't need it"!

We discuss the ins and outs of running a family business and how the shop has created a community for local equestrians.  They talk about their favorite products and best sellers along with how to care for your show halter.

www.lktack.com 

Kelly Chapman took time at a recent show to share her insight as a trainer, judge, and lifelong horse woman.  She's been an APHA professional horsewoman for more than 30 years, holds multiple judges cards, and was named the Paint Professional Horsewoman of the year in 2018.  Kelly and her husband Rob operate Chapman Horse and Livestock, they have 2 children, and she enjoys the traveling that comes with being a judge. 

Kelly shares her training philosophy and how she works with her clients to improve showring presence and confidence.  We dig into her experience as APHA Immediate Past President and her perspective on the future of the halter division.  Listen to learn more about her confidence in APHA as a business leader in the stock horse industry.

In this crossover episode, we meet JJ and Jamie Ross, better known as the "Ross twins".  They are consistently at the top of the APHA Honor Roll with their all-around geldings, Call Me a Cowboy and DaddySleepsToMuch.  These twin sisters travel together, have distinct roles when they hit the show grounds, and finish each others sentences.  

JJ and Jamie explain their weekly rhythms and the discipline required to stay in shape. They share their grooming tips, workouts, travel habits and a few tips for other DIY amateurs.  They share dozens of transferrable tips for the halter pen.

This is an episode of firsts for Fit for Halter: our first in-person interview, first recording at a show (it's a bit noisy!) and first performance guests.  Thanks for joining this community!

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