The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast

This week on The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re at the Wills Park Benefit Show and sitting down with some incredible guests who are shaping the equestrian community in unique ways!

Brooke Bryant (Dillard’s) talks about why Dillard’s sponsors events like this one and shares the hottest trends for fall.

Kelly from Harbin Agency breaks down the importance of equine insurance, how it protects both horse and rider, and why it’s more affordable than you may think.

Heather Steinman (Strays 4 Days) shares her inspiring journey rescuing cats, the challenges strays face, and the joy of rehoming them.

Matt (South State Bank) gives insights into banking for equestrians, budgeting tips, and his personal connection to Wills Park.

It’s a fun, insightful, and heartwarming look at how fashion, finance, and animal rescue all connect within the equestrian lifestyle.

This week has been a whirlwind! Episode 3 of Inside the Ingate premiered at the Will’s Park Benefit Show, and I’m so grateful for the incredible support this community has shown. In this episode, you’ll also see Nick and Matthew in the International Derby at the Devon Horse Show; their rides reminded me of the importance of patience, partnership, and listening to our horses.

I also open up about my own training journey with my horse. Riding hasn’t been easy lately. Between old fears, PTSD, and the pressure I put on myself, I’ve had to really focus on giving my horse positive rides even when I feel anxious or insecure.

This podcast is about honesty, growth, and remembering why we ride in the first place. I hope sharing my journey reminds other adult amateurs that you’re not alone! 💙

In this episode, I sit down with Haleigh Holom, a mental performance coach who helps riders push past mental and physical barriers so they can reach their goals. We talk about some of the biggest challenges adult amateurs face—things I’ve struggled with myself—like comparison, performance anxiety, and fear in the saddle.

I open up about my own journey with comparison, especially the frustration I used to feel when I couldn’t afford a “fancy” horse and would measure myself against others. Haleigh explained that the first step to breaking free from that cycle is recognizing when comparison sneaks in and then shifting the focus back to my own goals.

We also dive into performance anxiety. I share my experiences with pre-show nerves, worrying about letting others down, and that mental spiral that can hit before a big ride. Haleigh talks about how she works with her clients—and how I can apply this myself—through:

Mindset training to challenge self-limiting beliefs

A consistent pre-ride warm-up routine to find calm

Practicing gratitude and positive self-talk

Striking a healthy balance when facing fears

Using mindfulness and replaying positive riding moments in my mind

We also talk about how past traumas can show up in the arena, and how signs like body tension, agitation, or trouble focusing can mean I’m sliding into anxiety. Haleigh reminded me how important it is to have a strong support system at the barn, and I’m so grateful for my trainers and barn family who encourage me every step of the way.

Haleigh also shared about her workshops for riders, trainers, and parents, as well as her virtual coaching, clinics, and horse show support. I wrapped up the conversation feeling inspired and excited to have her back on the podcast in the future.

My Biggest Takeaway:

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In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur, I sit down with Piper Klemm, the powerhouse behind *The Plaid Horse Magazine*, to dive deep into her journey through equestrian journalism and what continues to inspire her work in the horse world. Piper shares what it’s been like navigating the industry as a young woman, building credibility, and staying authentic in a space that’s often slow to change. She also opens up about being featured on our very own Docuseries *Inside the Ingate*—a vulnerable moment that brought both nerves and excitement.

Her hope? That by telling her story, she can inspire and educate others in the equestrian community. We’re also joined by Geoff, a respected hunter and equitation judge, who brings his insight into what really matters in the ring. From memorable rounds to major pet peeves (like riders sitting the trot on their entrance), Geoff offers a candid look behind the judge’s booth. Together, we discuss:

* The high cost of competing at elite shows like Devon—and why it’s time to debunk the “only billionaires can afford it” myth

* The mental game behind showing and how to balance your passion with real life * The pressures of horse life and what it means to have a life *outside* the barn

* The importance of building a career in all areas of the horse industry—from judging to teaching to course design

We wrapped the episode with a little hype for the upcoming *Inside the Ingate* live show, and a powerful reminder: our stories matter. Whether you're in the big leagues or riding in your own backyard, your journey is valid—and worth sharing.

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This week on the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, I sit down with three of the biggest names in the hunter ring: Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, and Carleton Brooks.

Together, we talk about what it takes to build a winning program — from horse selection and team dynamics to mentorship, mental preparation, and behind-the-scenes organization.

Nick opens up about what allows him to focus fully in the show ring, trusting that everything behind the scenes is taken care of. Traci and Carleton dive into their detailed approach to planning, communication, and developing top hunters and clients across the country. We also reflect on some of our funniest memories, career highlights (like winning at Devon), and what keeps them motivated for the future.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, Alexis and I sat down with the incredibly inspiring Ina Forssén—the founder of equestrian fashion brand POMME and co-founder of Amiko and Friends. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, struggled to balance your barn life with your real life, or felt the pressure to fit into traditional equestrian style boxes, this conversation is for you.

Ina has been riding since she was a kid and always had a passion for fashion alongside horses. She wanted something more modern, colorful, and expressive than what she was seeing in the equestrian world—so she built it. In 2019, she and her friend Pernilla launched POMME, a brand that's now known for bold, high-quality designs and standing out.

But the road wasn’t easy. Launching right before the pandemic meant dealing with shipping delays, product challenges, and plenty of uncertainty. On top of that, Ina and her team faced criticism for doing things differently—especially online. Pernilla has received her fair share of unkind comments for simply being visible and confident in her marketing. But instead of backing down, they leaned in. They listened to their customers, stayed true to their brand, and kept showing up.

As a fellow adult amateur, I couldn’t help but admire how Ina manages it all—riding, running businesses, motherhood, and everything in between. She credits her supportive husband and staying focused on what matters most. It was such a refreshing reminder that while we may not be able to do everything, we can do the things that count—with heart.

Recently, Ina and Pernilla launched a new venture: Amiko and Friends, a membership-based platform offering high-quality equestrian products at more accessible prices. It’s their way of bringing transparency and affordability into a space that often feels intimidating or exclusive—and it’s all rooted in community, connection, and real-life rider needs.

This episode was a reminder that there’s space for more color, more creativity, and more realness in the equestrian world. Ina’s story is proof that carving your own path—no matter how unconventional—can lead to something truly special.

Alexis and I are back—with a new recording location but the same honest conversations you’ve come to expect from us.

In this episode, we dove into some of the real-life challenges we’re facing with our horses, especially Alexis’s gelding who’s been dealing with some tough hoof issues. That naturally led us into the hot topic of farrier fees, expectations, and the controversy surrounding the value of their work. I also shared a few listener comments that added even more depth to the conversation.

We got real about the struggle of balancing horse life with the rest of life—trying to find time to ride, dealing with the relentless summer heat, and staying on top of hoof care. One listener sent in a beautiful message about being an adult amateur in the horse world, and we read it on air because it captured so much of what many of us are feeling.

We also talked about competition—how our definitions of “success” in the saddle have changed over time. Whether you’re chasing ribbons in the show ring or just enjoying a quiet ride in the field, there’s space for every version of joy in this sport.

As we wrapped up, we reflected on the pressures and stereotypes that exist in the equestrian world—and how important it is to support one another, no matter where someone is in their journey. We all make sacrifices to be here. Let’s choose to lead with empathy and respect.

And finally, we gave a little teaser for an upcoming documentary that we’re really excited to talk more about soon.

As always, thanks for listening—and remember to protect your peace and lift up your community. 💛

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In this episode, I opened up about something really personal: the backlash and negativity I’ve been facing online and in my local equestrian community. As someone who’s always approached content with creativity and humor—often poking fun at myself and the culture around us—it’s been disheartening to see how easily that can be misunderstood or twisted.

I talked about the weight of rumors, judgment, and the frustration that comes with feeling like you’re constantly defending yourself while just trying to build something meaningful. I’ve worked hard to grow a business I believe in, and like many of you, I’ve poured my heart into it. So when people turn on you or question your character, it stings deeply.

I also addressed a specific recent situation where I made a comment that sparked some controversy. I took responsibility for it and offered a genuine apology—but I also want to make space for real conversations. I believe we should be able to speak up about issues that matter without tearing each other down.

There’s no room for cruelty—especially when it comes to our horses. I’ll never support anything that condones harm or abuse. But I also won’t stand by while our community eats its own. Instead of dividing ourselves, let’s focus on connection, support, and growth.

I ended the episode by inviting Anna—the person behind some of the public criticism—to come on the show and have an open conversation. My door is open, and my hope is that Safehouse EQ can continue to be a space where we build bridges, not burn them.

Let’s be better. Let’s lift each other up. And let’s remember why we’re here: for the horses, and for the love of this community.

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In this episode, I talked about some of the real challenges equestrian brands—especially in the apparel and clothing space—are facing right now when it comes to marketing. For a long time, our industry has relied heavily on reputation and word of mouth. But with the way technology and consumer behavior have evolved, that just isn’t enough anymore.

I pointed out how, unlike other industries (like cookies—yes, cookies!), equestrian brands often look and sound the same online. There’s a lack of originality and a real missed opportunity to create distinction. We’re not just selling breeches and boots—we’re selling an identity, a lifestyle, an experience.

I emphasized the importance of building strong editorial campaigns that tell a story and create emotional engagement. It's about more than just product shots—it's about painting a picture and connecting with your audience on a deeper level.

Of course, I also know this isn’t easy. There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty around doing something different or innovative. But if you want to stay relevant, you have to be willing to evolve and meet your audience where they are—especially online.

We also touched on how helpful it can be to bring in a professional—someone who understands both the industry and modern marketing strategy—to guide you. And I stressed the importance of first impressions on social media. That digital storefront matters.

Ultimately, the takeaway from this episode is that equestrian brands need to embrace creativity, lean into storytelling, and make their content fun, engaging, and current. Social media isn’t just a place to sell—it’s where your brand builds trust, identity, and community.

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In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur , hosts Alexis and Kelly provide a heartfelt update on their lives, sharing the latest happenings with their horses and how they’ve recently settled into a busy yet fulfilling routine. They dive deep into the challenges faced in the equestrian community, particularly the unrealistic expectations and pressures exacerbated by social media.

Kelly opens up about the constant comparison to elite riders and trainers, emphasizing the need to uplift the stories of everyday riders—those who balance jobs, families, and financial limitations—bringing a more relatable perspective to the sport. They passionately discuss the importance of showcasing not only the successes but also the struggles and realities encountered by top riders.

Throughout the conversation, they address the pressure to present a perfect, curated version of oneself online, highlighting the often-ignored struggles and setbacks that come with pursuing equestrian goals. Kelly encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections and set realistic expectations for themselves.

The hosts also connect with two adult amateur riders, who share their personal journeys, discussing the delicate balance of their love for horses with everyday life demands. They touch on the complexities of being a business owner and the unique challenges that come with having a spouse involved in the riding world.

Join us for this insightful and authentic conversation, as we keep it real about the highs and lows of equestrian life. Tune in for relatable stories and encouragement to embrace your own journey! Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and share your thoughts with us!

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