Horse Show Bestie

This week your horse show besties sit down with Maddie Munn to chat all about moving from Florida to Northern Ireland, European reining, and her brand-new auction platform 5 Star Equine. Crysta and Maddie talk shared NI experiences, from weather shocks to the realities of horse ownership.

Of course we get into our usual barn aisle banter—Thanksgiving traditions, gas station snacks, community support, long-distance friendships, and navigating the pressures of showing. Plus, a look at how Western disciplines are evolving and what the future of international competition could look like.

Grab your dirty soda and come hang out with your horse show besties.

WARNING: There are curse words that are unbleeped in today's episode

Get ready, horse girls (and boys), because this episode is pure equestrian tea! 💁‍♀️🐴✨ Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown sit down with the fabulous Shannon Watters, a total powerhouse in the Paint and Quarter Horse world. From her early days as a youth competitor to becoming a successful trainer and World Show standout, Shannon takes us on her journey—complete with big wins, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the juicy gossip.

The trio chats all things presentation (because yes, your vibe does matter in the show pen), the magic of consistent training, and how sales and marketing play into building a thriving horse career. This episode dives into the heart of horse training: understanding each horse’s unique strengths, keeping communication honest and positive with clients, and navigating the ups and downs of being part of such a public, tight-knit community. Shannon gets real about challenges, the incredible support she’s received, and what it’s like transitioning between associations—all while celebrating the joy of living in this vibrant, horse-loving world.

Fresh off the chaos of APHA Western Nationals, Scott and Crysta are back — slightly traumatized, highly caffeinated, and ready to talk about what’s next. In this post-show debrief, they share their biggest takeaways from the show ring, what went right (and very, very wrong).

The duo answers listener questions and dives into the joy and discomfort of being a beginner again, finding the right trainer when you’re starting over, and how hyper-fixation and observation can fast-track your learning. They also open up about imposter syndrome, mental prep for big patterns, and how celebrating small wins keeps you grounded when everything feels overwhelming.

Whether you’re coming down from your own show high or just here for the relatable barn banter, this episode is equal parts therapy session, pep talk, and inside look at what really happens after the big show.

Keywords: horse show podcast, equestrian podcast, APHA Western Nationals, beginner rider tips, horse show recap, equestrian humor, trying new disciplines, overcoming imposter syndrome, horse training, AQHA, APHA, western pleasure, ranch riding

We went global, besties! In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Neuman and Joanne Canedo from AQHA International to deep dive into how the American Quarter Horse is taking over the world. From international shows to educational programs and everything in between, we’re talking about how AQHA is connecting horse lovers across continents.

We dive into the wild world of global horsemanship, cultural exchanges, and what it’s really like to grow the Quarter Horse community in countries where “lope” isn’t exactly in the dictionary. 🌍🐴

Plus, we chat about upcoming AQHA events (hello, World Show!) and how international riders are bringing major main-character energy to the arena.

Editor’s Note: Okay y’all… huge apologies for the sound gremlins in this one — we had some tech issues and lost part of Scott Neuman’s audio halfway through. As we keep growing, we promise our sound quality will glow up. The convo is still packed with amazing insights, so stick with us — it’s worth it, pinky swear.

Scott and Crysta are taking over the horse show world — and building their dream horse show from the ground up. Think perfect horse show venues, amazing prizes, classes every APHA and AQHA rider wishes existed, and horse show life activities that definitely don’t belong on a schedule. If you love western showing, equestrian comedy, and a little chaos… this episode is for you.

In this episode Scott and Crysta record solo, chit chatting about their best costume contest memories, plans for the upcoming Western Nationals, and check ins on all their favorite horses.

In this episode of Horse Show Besties, hosts Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown reconnect after a break, discussing their equestrian lives, the challenges of managing horses, and the excitement of upcoming shows. They delve into the importance of awards and trinkets in the horse community, and introduce their guest, Jenna Seppa, who is making waves in horse sales and social media.

In this episode, hosts Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown engage in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Jenny, a mental health professional specializing in equestrian sports. They discuss the complexities of grief, particularly in the context of losing a beloved horse, and how it affects individuals within the horse community. Dr. Jenny shares insights on the stages of grief, the importance of mental health support, and coping strategies for dealing with loss. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by horse trainers and the normalization of substance use in the industry. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the significance of community, connection, and the need for open discussions about mental health in the equestrian world.

Welcome to "Horse Show Bestie" Episode 2!! Where Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown talk through everything horse show. In this episode, they tackle the big questions: Why are horses so expensive? Is it normal to spend your retirement on a weekend show? And why do we do this to ourselves? Scott and Crysta share their own tales of horse showing disasters, the joys of being a "tire kicker," and the art of surviving a show with your sanity intact. Of course, the conversation goes completely off the rails. So, saddle up for a chat that's as unpredictable as buying sight unseen off video. No promises of life-changing insights, but plenty of laughs and maybe a few "aha" moments.

We’re so excited to kick things off! In this very first episode, you’ll get to know Crysta Brown, a horse trainer, and Scott Cooper, her amateur bestie who’s along for the ride (and all the laughs). We share a little about who we are, how we became horse show besties, and what inspired us to start this podcast. Plus, we chat about our hopes for the show, from swapping stories and giving insider tips to just making the horse show world feel a little more fun and relatable. Grab your headphones, because the adventure starts here!