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This episode is an honest conversation sparked by one simple prompt — and it quickly became much more than that.

We talk openly about the realities of moving up levels and affording the sport, and what that actually looks like beyond what social media shows. We get into trainer communication, collaboration, and ego — why healthy programs rely on clarity, not control, and how amateurs can advocate for themselves without burning bridges.

We also talk about confidence and negativity, how comparison quietly creeps in, and why proximity to professionals doesn’t define success. There’s an honest look at evolving identity in the show pen — from pleasure to ranch, taking breaks, coming back after kids, and learning when to push forward versus when it’s time to pause.

We touch on style and trends, not as rules to follow, but as tools — and unpack what no one really prepares you for when you start taking horses seriously: the emotional cost, the pressure, and the internal conversations no one sees.

This isn’t an “ask me anything” episode.
 It’s a grounded, real conversation for amateurs, trainers, and anyone trying to do this sport with intention.

Because clarity matters — and the horse always comes first.

🎧 Listen with an open mind.

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There’s a version of motherhood we all think we’re supposed to live up to — and then there’s the real one.

In this episode of Kanter Kulture, I sit down with Marissa Ledford — one of the iconic “Dalton sisters,” an AQHA competitor, a successful horsewoman in her own right, and a mom who is very much in the thick of it.

This conversation is raw, honest, funny, and refreshingly unfiltered.

We talk about what it actually looks like to be a mom and a horse girl — not the highlight reel, not the polished version, but the behind-the-scenes reality of trying to manage it all without losing yourself in the process.

We get into:

• The mental load of motherhood and horses — and learning to manage your own expectations
• The emotional rollercoaster of kids who want to show horses… and the fear of what happens if they don’t
• Navigating school decisions (homeschool vs public school) and letting go of the judgment around both
• Marriage, dating, and how to keep the spark alive when kids, careers, and chaos take over
• Identity shifts after becoming a mom — including appearance, confidence, bras, bodies, plastic surgery, and the pressure to “bounce back”
• Giving yourself permission to evolve — as a woman, a mom, and a competitor

There’s no pretending here. No sugarcoating. No “perfect balance” myth.

Just two moms having a real conversation about loving their kids deeply, loving horses fiercely, and learning how to exist somewhere in between.

If you are:

• A mom trying to hold onto you
• A horse girl navigating motherhood
• A woman who wants kids someday and wonders what that life really looks like

This episode is for you.

🎧 Now live wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Motherhood Meets Horse Life: A 3-Part Podcast Series

Being a mom is hard.
 Being a horse girl is hard.
 Being both? That’s a whole different level of chaos, grit, and humor.

In this three-part podcast series, we’re getting real about what it looks like to juggle motherhood and life in the horse world — whether you’re an amateur, a professional, or a trainer whose job doesn’t stop just because your body is doing something wild.

This series is for:

• Horse girls who became moms
• Moms who never stopped being horse girls
• Trainers who rode through pregnancy
• Riders who wondered “how the hell do you do both?”

🎙 Episode 1: Trainer Moms Tell All

Guests: Blair Townsend & Samantha Aderhold

This first episode kicks things off with humor, honesty, and zero sugar-coating. Blair and Samantha — both professional horse trainers — share the good, the bad, and the ugly of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the realities of trying to ride, work, and train while growing a human.

We talk about:

• Riding while pregnant (yes, really)
• The physical and emotional changes nobody warns you about
• Trainer guilt, barn responsibilities, and setting boundaries
• Laugh-out-loud moments and very real “why did nobody tell me this?” stories

It’s raw, funny, slightly unhinged, and extremely relatable — especially for women who live a physically demanding horse life.

This episode sets the tone for the series and opens the door to deeper conversations in Episodes 2 and 3, which explore motherhood in the horse world from additional perspectives you won’t want to miss.

👉 This is a series meant to be listened to start-to-finish.

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In this episode of the Kanter Kulture Podcast, Ali Hubbell sits down with Deanna Baker for a real, honest conversation about where the horse industry is headed — and what we need to be talking about if we want stockbreed showing to survive and grow.

We dive headfirst into participation numbers, accessibility, and the growing gap between people who are brand new to horses and those who are already deep in the show pen. Deanna coins a term you won’t forget: the “beginner-mediate.” These are the riders who are learning, improving, and hungry for more — but aren’t quite ready (or financially able) to jump into showing. So the big question becomes… what are we doing with them?

Ali and Deanna unpack why there seems to be a shortage of instructors willing to work with entry-level riders, especially in the Quarter Horse, Paint, and Appaloosa worlds. Is the barrier cost? Culture? Expectations? Or are we unintentionally pushing people out before they ever get the chance to fall in love with showing?

This episode also delivers a few hot takes on how to make stockbreed showing more approachable and affordable — from rethinking education pathways to creating better on-ramps for new exhibitors. And at the core of it all is one shared belief: if you want to be in this industry, you have to be a student of the game. Learning doesn’t stop once you can lope a circle.

If you care about the future of horse showing, growing participation, and building an industry that actually welcomes the next generation — this episode is a must-listen.

This episode is brought to you by Basic Animal Health.

 Let’s talk supplements — because not everything in a shiny bag actually works.

Basic Animal Health is different. Their products are backed by real science, with a team of chemists, scientists, and engineers behind every formula. Even better? They’re created by competitive horsewomen who got tired of feeding products that didn’t deliver — so they built ones they trust on their own animals.

All Basic Animal Health products are all-natural, limited ingredient, show-legal, and safe for every life stage.

Their GutHealth Gel is a standout — formulated with time-released, microencapsulated ingredients to soothe from the esophagus all the way through the hindgut with just one pump a day. For picky eaters, the GutHealth Pellets offer the same technology, and the GutHealth Liquid is a great option for foregut support or preventative care.

If you haul, you need TrailerRide Gel — packed with gut support, electrolytes, and immune-boosting vitamins to keep horses relaxed, hydrated, and comfortable on the road.
For focus in the pen without dulling performance, BetterRide Gel delivers.
For muscle recovery, young horses in training, tying-up, or PSSM support, MuscleHealth Gel is a game-changer.

They even offer plant-based, natural dog supplements in treat form for your other four-legged athletes.

If you’re done feeding supplements that just look good on social media, check out Basic Animal Health — science-backed, horsewoman-approved, and made to actually work.

👉 Use code ALIHUBBELL at checkout to receive 10% off your order.

Click HERE to shop: https://basicanimalhealth.com/collections/all?sca_ref=10261525.vF6YdjtFDg

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The All-American Quarter Horse Congress: it’s not just a horse show — it’s a full-contact endurance sport wrapped in rhinestones and powered by caffeine, adrenaline, and sheer willpower.

In this solo episode, Ali Hubbell (aka @Kanter.Kulture) peels back the sparkle to share her brutally honest take on two weeks at Congress. From emotional highs to wallet-draining lows, she breaks down what really goes on behind those perfectly polished horse show moments.

Ali dives into:

🐴 The true emotional and financial toll of showing at Congress

💅 Why horse girls keep coming back for more (even when we swear we’re done)

⚡ The behind-the-scenes chaos that makes or breaks your week

🧠 The need for a 35-and-over division because, let’s be honest, we can’t compete with the primed and prepped college equestrians anymore

📣 What OQHA and Justin Billings could do better — and what they’re still getting right

It’s savage. It’s smart. It’s unapologetically real. Whether you’ve been to Congress or just dream about it from your stall aisle, this episode gives you an inside look at the biggest horse show on earth — through the eyes (and coffee-stained lens) of someone who lived it.

🎧 Press play, and prepare to laugh, nod, and maybe feel personally attacked.

This episode is sponsored by Whiskey Mare Mercantile!

If you love high-end Western and Southwestern-inspired fashion, you’ve got to check out Whiskey Mare Mercantile—a new boutique founded by Wendy Brown of Show Me Again, along with her longtime assistant Mickie Krajenke. After years in the horse show consignment world, they expanded into carefully curated boutique pieces they’d actually wear—and trust me, their standards are high. They’ve even got the cutest dog collars, tags, and witty tees for your show-traveling pup, because they know how much we love to spoil our dogs. I saw their soft launch at Sun Circuit, and let me tell you—people were obsessed, and they nearly sold out! Shop now at whiskeymaremercantile.com

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In this episode we invited the Australian Princess: Lauren Louw Dowdy to join in our convo about the AQHA World. We touch on Western Pleasure, how to "werk" the arena, the value of a point and oh yeh, who's on your tornado team!?

There is so much packed into this episode! You'll say: "oh I didnt know that!" and " OMG" a lot. Of course Julian Harris continues to keep us giggling...listen for tiny snippets of one liners. We were recording this outside in Florida at his farm. You may hear bugs, chickens, dogs etc.

This Episode is sponsored by Head to Tail Boutique! Horse girls — let’s get one thing straight. Congress is not the time to play it safe. Your outfit better hit harder than your horse’s spin, and your tail better have main-character energy.

That’s where Head to Tail Boutique comes in. We’re talkin’ sparkle, sass, and that show-pen confidence money can actually buy.

This isn’t your average tack shop — it’s owned and run by a real-deal equestrian, Kelley Martin, who knows the difference between ‘barn cute’ and ‘show-stopping flawlessness.’ Their tail extensions? Next-level. Their clothes? Total trophy-winner energy.

And if it doesn’t fit your vibe? No worries — they’ve got easy exchanges and zero drama.

Here’s the insider tip — swing by Head to Tail Boutique at the All American Quarter Horse Congress, drop the words ‘Kanter Kulture’, and boom — $25 off your purchase. That’s more cash for caffeine… or let’s be honest, another saddle pad.

So polish those boots, grab your bestie, and go get your glam on — because basic doesn’t win trophies, darling.

https://headtotailboutique.com/

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You loved him before...you'll love this episode even more!

DISCLAIMER: we talk over each other, there is swearing...we might offend you...

But this guy has so much value to bring to the horse world.  Not just the stock horse world. He's been very involved in many different 'arenas' and has so much perspective to give.

We sat together to record this episode at HIS farm. He has grown so much in the last 10 years, and all of the blood, sweat, and tears are finally paying off. 

We touch on buying a farm, being the "Gate Guy" at a horse show, social media, and his perspective on training horses. 

I always leave a conversation with Julian feeling a new fire in my soul...I hope you do too from this episode!

✨ Episode Sponsor: FeedDAC ✨

Horse care doesn’t have to be complicated—or boring. That’s why I’m excited to partner with dac® vitamins and minerals, a supplement line that helps your horse shine from the inside out.

🌟 dac® Oil → Packed with flaxseed, fish oils, and natural Vitamin E for a glossy coat, healthy skin, and balanced calories.
🌟 dac® Bloom → A beauty boost in a scoop—protein, biotin, amino acids, and flaxseed for strong hooves and that show-ring glow.
🌟 dac® Rescue Aid → Probiotic support for stress, travel, or digestive upset—because a happy gut = a happy horse.

Your horse deserves more than just a full belly—they deserve to thrive. 🐴
Check them out at 👉 www.feeddac.com

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ITS CONGRESS CRUNCH TIME PEOPLE!!!!

If you donate to the Trainer Crisis Fund, you can access the Congress Patterns already! A lady in our barn crew does and now I get to over analyze and over practice for the next month...

But, before you do the same...a quick listen to this could help.  Vito Latini is NO stranger to the main stage...especially in showmanship.  He recently was crowned the NSBA World Champion in the 50+Over Showmanship. I'm really lucky because he in part of my barn family and I get to pick his brain about showmanship all of the time.  So, I asked him to share a few quick tips for all us.

If you are showing at Congress, make sure you say HEY if you see me! and GOOD LUCK!

Enjoy!

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Part Two with Katy Jo Zuidema: The Tea Gets Hotter

You asked for more—and oh boy, did Katy Jo deliver. In this episode, we’re back at her kitchen table for round two with one of the most decorated hunter under saddle and western pleasure trainers in the stock horse world.

We didn’t just chat—we went there. From burnout and growing older (and wiser?), to making the tough calls in and out of the show pen, Katy Jo keeps it unapologetically real. We break down her unique business model, the infamous “Tornado Team,” and yes… things get a little dirttttyy.

We also dish on what’s blasting through her speakers, surviving internet trolls, and of course—the class everyone loves to hate—Western Pleasure.

If you thought part one was juicy, this is the spicier sequel you didn’t know you needed. Buckle up, horse girl, it’s going to be a ride. 🐴✨

This episode is brought you by Le Cheval Designs!

Le Cheval Designs—that’s French for “The Horse”—a creative powerhouse crafting bold custom embroidery and screen printing especially for equestrians, small businesses, and anyone with a flair for attitude.

Whether you're into custom barn gear or trendy wearable merch, Lindsay, a fellow horse girl and APHA novice amateur, brings serious craftsmanship and personality to every piece. From monogrammed stall bags and embroidered saddle pads to sassy hats and graphic tees, everything is made-to-order with options for personalization like thread colors, fonts, and logos.

Lindsay even encourages reaching out directly for fully custom work—so if you’ve got a logo idea (or need help creating one), she’ll help bring it to life. 

You can shop directly at lechevaldesigns.com or head over to their Etsy. Make sure to also follow the @LeChevalDesigns Instagram and Facebook pages for examples of recent work and new merch drops!

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I had the absolute pleasure of sitting at Katy Jo's kitchen table and talking about ALL OF THE THINGS!

I have known of her for years, but honestly, our paths have never crossed enough for me to get to know her better. 

We talked for over 4 hours! The amount of knowledge this woman has about the horse industry is insane. She was born into the AQHA world (her parents are trainers as well) and she has also trained horses to win big things at the APHA and ApHC World Shows. So, she has seen a lot, been through a lot of shifts in the show world and her insight is so interesting.

She's candid, honest and PUTS HER HORSES FIRST! You guys know how important that is to me (and so many others!).

Also, she wants you to know- we need to raise our kids better LOL 

This episode is sponsored by Boujee Equine Supplies

✨ Want to stand out at your next horse show?

Boujee Equine Supplies has your back—literally—with personalized equestrian bags that bring some style into the barn 🔥🐴 These bags will keep you looking as organized as Khloe Kardashian's pantry 💁🏻‍♀️

👜 Add your name, your horse’s name, or your barn logo and show up in serious style.

🎁 Perfect for gifting, organizing your gear, or flexing that big win.

📦 Ready to customize yours? Head to boujeeequinesupplies.com or message them now.

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