Horse Show Bestie

Besties, welcome to something new! Scott is flying solo for this mini episode with a very horsey weekend recap, some show-pen perspective, and his first-ever DIY full-body clip on Chip.

He kicks things off with the California Championship Quarter Horse Show and a reminder that the things we build up in our heads are often much less intimidating once we actually experience them. The competition is real, the amateurs are talented, and you still belong there.

Then it’s clipping time. Scott shares what he learned tackling Chip’s first full-body clip, from prepping the coat and navigating tricky skin folds to accepting that a few clipper lines are absolutely not worth spiraling over.

There’s also a questionable dinosaur mane, strong opinions about mayonnaise, a post-clip bath, and some thoughts on upcoming fall shows and possibly heading to Western Nationals.

A quick reminder from Scott: confidence usually shows up after you start, not before. Go to the show. Try the thing. Clip the horse. The lines will grow out.

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Besties, what if the judge in the middle of the pen isn’t sitting there waiting for you to mess up? What if they’re actually riding every step with you, hoping you give them something good to reward?

In this episode, Crysta sits down with judge, trainer, and longtime horsewoman Nancie Wright to talk about what really happens on the other side of the judge’s card.

Nancie shares how just ten childhood riding lessons turned into a lifetime with horses, how mentors and unexpected opportunities helped her build a career, and why she eventually fell in love with judging.

Then we get into some of the biggest horse show myths. Going first does not automatically ruin your chances. Judges have not secretly decided they don’t like your horse. And sadly, the $5,000 jacket is not a cheat code for winning.

Nancie breaks down what judges are actually looking for in patterns and rail classes, why the rule book is one of the best free training tools we have, and how to use your scores as a roadmap instead of a report card on your worth.

She also explains why a correct zero is worth celebrating, how judges reward quality one maneuver at a time, and why your job is simply to put the best ride you can in the pen that day.

And because we are Horse Show Bestie, we also talk about the part of showing that has nothing to do with ribbons. Helping the new exhibitor fix their number. Lending a saddle pad. Helping a kid with their mane. Answering the question they were nervous to ask. Basically, being the person who makes someone want to come back.

Because everybody starts somewhere. And maybe the judge isn’t rooting against you after all. Maybe they’re hoping you give them something really good to write down. ✨

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NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.CBhorsemanship.com

Besties, it’s time to talk bits. Because apparently, there is a lot more going on in that little piece of metal than “my horse likes this one.”

Scott and Crysta sit down with legendary bit maker Chuck Letchworth to talk about what a bit actually does, why the first signal matters, and why better communication, not more pressure, is what creates a softer, more confident horse.

Chuck breaks down the details that actually change what a horse feels, from shank angle and purchase to mouthpiece shape, curb material, width, and balance. He also gets into why choosing a bit simply because it worked on your last horse is probably not the strategy we thought it was.

Then we get into the training behind the equipment: giving a horse time to understand a new bridle, rewarding the smallest correct response, making lead changes part of everyday life, and why intimidation is not a substitute for training.

Scott learns a very important lesson about the missing rope on his trail bit, Crysta finally gets answers about square mouthpieces, and both hosts leave with a slightly different perspective on what their hands are actually saying.

If you’ve ever stood in front of a tack-room wall wondering why one bit costs more than your first car, why your horse braces before you even make contact, or whether the problem is actually the bit, this episode is for you.

About Our Guest

Chuck Letchworth is the craftsman behind Chuck Letchworth Bits & Spurs. With a lifetime of horsemanship and more than five decades of bit making experience, Chuck designs handcrafted equipment around feel, function, balance, and the way today's horse's are asked to perform.

Support Our Sponsors

NAC Equine Services - www.nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship - www.CBhorsemanship.com

This week, we’re talking horses, money, social media, and the occasional existential crisis. 💅🏼

We get into what actually makes a horse valuable, why good trainers and breeders are worth paying for, and the not-so-glamorous realities of investing in horses. We also dissect riding videos, hand position, back cinches, safety, and the risks that come with showing and training.

And because apparently horses aren’t enough to keep us busy, we talk mental health, self-care, and learning to advocate for yourself when life gets a little too much.

Basically: horse girl problems, but with receipts.

Takeaways

• Traveling and podcasting can be exhausting, but it's all part of living one's best life.
• The horse industry is affected by tension, financial strain, and social media influence, impacting trainers, breeders, and horse owners. Horse value is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it.
• Investing in horses is a risky and unpredictable endeavor.
• Studying horse riding videos can be a valuable learning tool for riders. Trail western riding hand position
• Importance of safety and risk management in horse training and showing
• Challenges of mental health and the need for self-care

Chapters

• 00:00 Travel and Podcasting
• 03:00 Challenges of the Horse Industry
• 16:59 The Value of Trainers and Breeders
• 24:28 The Value of Horses and Horse Investment
• 37:30 The Experience of Watching and Learning from Horse Riding Videos
• 45:49 Trail Western Riding Hand Position
• 47:25 The Use of Back Cinches
• 53:26 Importance of Safety and Risk Management
• 01:05:37 Challenges of Mental Health and Self-Care

Support our Sponsors:

NAC Equine- https://www.nac-equine-services.com/

Crysta Brown Horsemanship- CBhorsemanship.com

Horse Show Bestie is back with a little bit of horse show chaos, a little existential questioning, and a healthy amount of “why are we like this?”

Crysta and Scott get into everything from childhood experiences, religion, community, and finding your place in the horse world to how the horse training industry has changed over time. They talk about the importance of grassroots events like fairs and livestock shows, the mentors who shape us, and why having a supportive equestrian community matters more than we sometimes admit.

Then, naturally, things turn into horse show logistics. Scott recaps his latest show experience, including the preparation, competition, prizes, and all the glamorous realities of getting horses where they need to go. They also get into European hauling culture, international horse show travel, and why traveling with horses is basically an extreme sport with a trailer.

Crysta shares stories from Rotterdam and a recent clinic, while the two compare notes on busy schedules, their horses, and the strange phenomenon of desperately wanting a break from the horse world while simultaneously making the horse world your entire personality.

Basically: horses, travel, competition, community, personal growth, and two besties trying to have a life outside of the horse show.

Chapters

• 00:00 Childhood Memories and Self-Discovery
• 02:22 The Impact of Religion and Community
• 08:35 Evolution of the Horse Training Industry
• 23:09 Significance of Grassroots Events
• 27:07 Preparing for the Horse Show
• 28:03 The Competition and Prizes
• 30:07 Hauling Culture and Travel Challenges
• 51:42 Travel Disruptions and Solutions
• 54:25 Adventures in Rotterdam
• 55:48 Clinic with a Familiar Group
• 57:34 Scott's Busy Schedule
• 01:07:00 Horse Antics and Personal Challenges

Scott is officially in his DIY horse dad era, and it turns out retirement is a lot more complicated than just hanging up the show clothes. This week, he shares what life with Chip looks like now that he's riding more independently, figuring out the day-to-day management himself, and settling into life at a hunter-jumper barn. From farrier appointments and vet chats to warm-ups, cooldowns, turnout schedules, and the shocking number of things you suddenly have to buy, Scott discovers that owning a horse outside a full training program comes with a whole new appreciation for everything that happens behind the scenes.

Naturally, the besties spiral into one of horse showing's favorite debates: turnout, fly sheets, baths, muddy horses, and whether your horse should actually look like it lives outside. They chat about adapting to a new barn culture, being the western rider in an English barn, learning when to blend in, when to speak up, and why making your barn staff's life easier is usually a pretty smart life choice.

Meanwhile, Crysta introduces the newest member of the family: a sassy, double-registered mare with serious pasture boss energy. She shares the story of buying her sight unseen, finally meeting her after the World Show, and beginning the process of convincing a finished reiner that ranch riding might actually be a fun career change. Along the way, the besties remind us that even the nicest, most talented horses are still delightfully weird sometimes. Bailey has opinions. Chip is committed to being filthy. The new mare is already running the neighborhood. That's horses.

The conversation heads back to the APHA World Show, where Crysta reflects on showing Lucky in Luv in Western Riding for the very first time, navigating the newly updated Coliseum, obsessing over the prize backpacks, and feeling more mentally prepared than ever walking into one of the biggest stages in the industry.

Then it's off to Germany, where Crysta shares what surprised her most while coaching at the German Paint Show. From bigger amateur classes and fewer divisions to awards that genuinely make exhibitors feel celebrated, the discussion turns into a fun debate about class structures, walk-jog divisions, and whether bigger classes might actually make winning feel even sweeter.

To wrap things up, Scott and Crysta tackle horse show social media, Facebook comment sections, and why the internet occasionally appoints itself judge, jury, and disciplinary committee. They chat about the difference between holding people accountable through the proper channels and getting swept up in online outrage, with plenty of laughs (and a few opinions) along the way.

• Scott enters his DIY horse owner era with Chip
• Why Chip may have quietly un-retired himself
• The hidden costs of moving out of full training
• Surviving life as the western kid at an English barn
• Turnout, fly sheets, baths, and the great dirty horse debate
• Meet Crysta's opinionated new ranch horse prospect
• Why good horses are allowed to have questionable personalities
• APHA World Show highlights and first-time Western Riding adventures
• Behind the scenes of coaching at the German Paint Show
• Bigger classes versus more divisions... the besties debate
• Walk-jog classes, participation, and competitive goals
• Horse show Facebook drama and when it's time to log off

NAC Equine Services nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship cbhorsemanship.com

Besties, this episode is giving horse show hangover, late-night John Justin energy, and the kind of post show conversation that somehow makes you laugh, tear up, and feel personally called out all at once.

Scott is joined by Catherine Goffard fresh off an incredible APHA World Show, where she and Calvin (Obsessed to be Best) celebrated a showmanship win, reserve finishes, and a Western riding breakthrough that was years in the making. Before they dive into the ribbons, they chat about world show exhaustion, Catherine's night-shift nursing schedule, and why 2 a.m. practice rides are just part of life.

Catherine shares her journey from Green Bay horse girl to TCU equestrian athlete, reflecting on how college catch-riding taught her confidence, adaptability, and the value of being part of a team that genuinely cheers for each other's success. That team-first mindset carries through the entire conversation.

The pair also unpack Calvin's World Show, bringing along a talented but still-green all-around horse, and the mental challenge of Western riding. Catherine talks honestly about learning to trust, soften, and let go of control, plus the breakthrough ride that came from believing in her preparation. And yes, Calvin's now-famous snack of the arena decorations definitely gets a mention.

The heart of the episode is an honest conversation about anxiety, confidence, and trusting both yourself and your horse. Catherine shares practical sports psychology tools she still relies on, including power posing, box breathing, grounding techniques, and focusing on the things she can control when the pressure is high.

She also opens up about losing her once-in-a-lifetime horse, Gilly, and how Calvin represents not a replacement, but a new chapter built on patience, healing, and learning to trust again. It's a touching reminder that our greatest horses continue shaping us long after they're gone.

By the end, this episode celebrates everything that makes horse showing unforgettable: the exhaustion, the laughter, the barn family, the inside jokes, and the horses that change our lives. It's full of practical mindset takeaways and a reminder that confidence is built one ride at a time, and no one has to do it alone.

Sponsors

NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.cbhorsemanship.com

This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry.

We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and why online education and virtual lessons are becoming an important part of a sustainable business.

The conversation also takes a closer look at the horse show world. We share ideas for making local shows more affordable and welcoming, discuss why community matters just as much as the major events, and talk about the changes we'd love to see across the industry.

Of course, we couldn't resist getting into the trainer-client relationship. From setting expectations and building trust to handling payments, communication, and the occasional online critic, Kyra shares honest insights from both the business and horse training sides of the fence.

If you've ever wondered what goes into building a successful training program, choosing the right trainer, or balancing horses with entrepreneurship, this episode is full of practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of Horse Show Bestie conversations along the way.

Follow Kyra:
Instagram: @kyra.ley
Facebook: Kyra Ley
TikTok: @KyraLey295
Website: Ley Performance Horses

Sponsors

NAC Equine Services nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship CBhorsemanship.com

This week on Horse Show Bestie, we're joined by Bill Kaven of the National Snaffle Bit Association, whose work spans two of NSBA's most influential areas: the Judges and the NSBA Yearling Sale.

Bill shares an inside look at the NSBA Yearling Sale, how it has grown into one of the industry's premier sales programs, and the opportunities it creates for breeders, buyers, and exhibitors alike. We also discuss NSBA's mission, the role it plays across the horse industry, and how the association continues to expand its reach as an all-breed organization.

The conversation explores NSBA's partnerships, incentive programs, and trophy initiatives, along with the ways the organization supports exhibitors across a wide range of disciplines. We also touch on the hunter-jumper world, warmblood registration, and the increasing crossover between different segments of the equine industry.

As the Director of Judges, Bill offers valuable insight into the judging side of horse showing. We talk about the realities of judging, the challenges officials face, how judges are educated and evaluated, and the hierarchy that helps maintain standards across the industry. The discussion also tackles one of horse showing's most debated topics: subjectivity. From both the judge's and exhibitor's perspectives, Bill shares thoughtful insights into what competitors should understand about the process.

From yearling sales to judging, industry growth to exhibitor education, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the systems and people helping shape the future of horse showing.

Sponsors

Horse Show Bestie is proudly supported by our sponsors.

NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.cbhorsemanship.com

Takeaways

• NSBA's mission is to grow the horse show community through collaboration and support.
• The NSBA Trophy Program is a unique and iconic aspect of the horse show community, representing collaboration and achievement.
• NSBA's role as an all breed association allows for warmblood registration and support for unregistered horses. NSBA's diverse programs and initiatives cater to the needs of the horse show community.
• The challenges and opportunities in judging highlight the importance of correctness and degree of difficulty in evaluating horse performances.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Horse Show Bestie
• 06:02 Riding Goals and Ranch Show
• 12:16 Euro Summit Show Success and Growth
• 17:39 NSBA's Mission and Purpose
• 29:37 Challenges and Opportunities in Judging
• 41:56 Judging Hierarchy and Exhibitor Perspective
• 56:00 NSBA's Inclusive Programs and Initiatives

This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry.

From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry.

We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face when trying to grow the next generation of riders, and why creating accessible entry points into horses matters now more than ever. The conversation also explores the financial side of the industry, the rising costs associated with participation, and what it takes to create sustainable programs that can continue serving riders for years to come.

Along the way, we discuss coaching, mentorship, horse-and-rider matching, judging challenges, youth recruitment, and the often-overlooked work happening behind the scenes to keep equestrian opportunities available for young people. We also take a look at YEDA National Championship Week and the experiences, connections, and memories that make it such a special part of the program.

It's a thoughtful conversation about growing the horse industry from the ground up, supporting young riders, and creating more opportunities for horse-crazy kids to become lifelong horse people.

Support our sponsors:

NAC Equine Services www.nac-equine-services.com

Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.CBhorsemanship.com