The Long Ride Home

What does it mean to grow up in the Saddlebred world and eventually watch the next generation experience it for themselves?

In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner reconnects with childhood friend Devon Garone after 26 years for a nostalgic and heartfelt conversation about horses, family, and the lifelong connections formed in the barn.

From her early years at Fairfield South to now helping lead the family stable alongside her husband Kyle, Devon shares a unique perspective on how the Saddlebred industry has evolved and what it means to carry a family legacy forward.

Together, Alex and Devon reflect on the unexpected challenges of riding as adults, the memories that keep people connected to horses, and an exciting opportunity to welcome former riders back into the Saddlebred community.

Episode Chapters

00:58 - Reconnecting After 26 Years in the Saddlebred World

02:40 - Growing Up in Equitation and Competing on the World Stage

05:39 - How Equitation and the Saddlebred Industry Have Evolved

09:01 - Building a Family and Raising the Next Generation of Riders

17:44 - Taking the Reins at Fairfield South and Carrying on a Family Legacy

24:51 - Coaching Adult Riders Through Nerves, Confidence, and Progress

34:05 - Bringing Former Riders Back Through Saddlebred Homecoming

38:44 - How Horses Keep Families and Generations Connected

Connect with Devon:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devon.garone 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devongarone/ 

Connect with Fairfield South:

Website: https://fairfieldsouth.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FairfieldSouth?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairfield_south 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner welcomes Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco, co-hosts of the Stable Minded podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about the people, experiences, and traditions that shape the Saddlebred community and what it will take to carry them forward.

Bob reflects on his journey from a horse-crazy teenager to an established trainer and barn owner, including the mentors who helped shape his career. Gabby shares her experience growing up in the industry, becoming a professional trainer, and finding creative ways to introduce new people to horses.

Together, they explore the importance of preserving the knowledge and personal stories of those who have shaped the sport, the lessons they've learned through conversations with fellow riders and professionals, and the opportunities to make the Saddlebred world more welcoming and accessible.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to the show

01:17 - Introducing Bob Griffin and Gabby Greco of Stable Minded

02:27 - Gabby's Journey from Young Rider to Professional Trainer

03:46 - Bob's Early Years, Mentors, and Building Northern Tradition

06:49 - Preserving Knowledge and the Importance of Mentorship

10:27 - How Bob and Gabby Connected and Started Stable Minded

13:11 - Learning from the Stories and Experiences of Other Riders

18:07 - Show Ring Pressure, Judging, and Redefining Success

24:23 - Helping Adult Amateurs Return to Riding

29:30 - Patience, Flexibility, and Riding the Horse You Have Today

33:57 - Introducing New People to the Saddlebred World

36:45 - Making Room for Everyone in the Horse Community

40:24 - The Role of Storytelling, Podcasts, and Media in Growing the Sport

This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how the industry can continue to grow, one connection and one story at a time.

Connect with Bob & Gabby:

Connect with Bob: https://www.thesaddlebredpodcast.com/guests/bob-griffin/ 

Connect with Gabby: https://www.thesaddlebredpodcast.com/guests/gabby-greco/ 

Stable Minded Podcast: https://www.stableminded.com/

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home podcast, we are joined by Carson Kressley,  Emmy Award–winning TV personality, style expert, fashion designer, interior designer, New York Times best-selling author, and lifelong American Saddlebred rider whose love for the breed began when he was just 13.

Long before the television career and the world of fashion, horses were already shaping Carson’s life. What started with one unforgettable encounter with a Saddlebred became a lifelong connection to the breed, the people around it, and the lessons that come with being part of the horse world.

Carson and Alex look back at the unexpected turns that took him from horse shows to New York, Ralph Lauren, and eventually television, along with the people and opportunities that helped shape the journey. They also talk about the ways horses have influenced how Carson approaches preparation, creativity, showmanship, and even success itself.

The conversation eventually turns toward the Saddlebred world today, from Carson’s recent win at Louisville to a bigger question about visibility: how do more people discover a breed they may not even know they are looking for?

Episode Chapters
02:49 - Carson’s early life around horses and ponies
05:09 - The Saddlebred that stopped him in his tracks
09:38 - Where his love of fashion began
14:40 - How horses helped open the door to New York
18:33 - The unexpected path to Ralph Lauren
20:52 - Saying yes and following unexpected opportunities
34:01 - What horses have taught him about life and work
37:20 - Preparation, improvisation, and knowing when to go off script
39:44 - Winning at Louisville after nearly 40 years of attending
41:10 - Social media, visibility, and getting more eyes on Saddlebreds
50:18 - What success means to Carson today
55:31 - His advice for anyone thinking about coming back to horses

Through every unexpected turn, the horse world has remained one of the constants in Carson’s life. And after decades spent both inside the Saddlebred industry and in front of much larger audiences, he brings a perspective that reaches beyond the show ring: on what keeps people connected, what makes someone fall in love with the breed, and how more people might find their way into this world in the first place.

Connect with Carson:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/carsonkressley?
Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@OfftheCuffwithCarson⁩

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Karly Morgan, founder of Saddlethreads, for a conversation about a lifelong connection to the American Saddlebred and the creative path that eventually brought Karly back to the horse world in a new way.

Through her work with Saddlethreads, Karly has become part of a growing shift in how the Saddlebred world is being seen and shared. She and Alex talk about the emotion that lives beyond the show ring, the role creativity can play in capturing it, and how photography, video, and modern storytelling can help introduce more people to a traditionally close-knit industry.

It is a conversation about finding your way back to what has always stayed with you, seeing familiar traditions through a new lens, and creating more opportunities for others to understand why the Saddlebred world inspires such a lasting connection.

🐴 In this episode, Alex and Karly discuss: 

01:36 - Introduction

03:16 - How Karly Found the Saddlebred World

06:12 - Showing Yes It’s True at Just 13

10:35 - How Art, Communications, and Law Shaped Her Path

16:46 - Connecting Horses, Creativity, and Storytelling

18:48 - How Saddle Threads First Began

26:05 - The Turning Point That Led Her to Go All In

38:21 - How the Saddlebred World Is Adapting to Digital Media

41:36 - Why Reels and Candid Content Resonate

50:13 - Karly’s Vision for the Future of Saddlebred Media

This is a conversation about honoring where the Saddlebred world has been while finding new ways to share what has always made it worth coming back to. 

Connect with Karly:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlyrmorgan/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikarlyrae/ 

Website: https://shop-saddlethreads.com/ 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner is joined by Ellen Beard and Martha Hoyt, two lifelong horsewomen who have spent decades teaching, training, building riding programs, and watching the American Saddlebred world evolve.

Their paths through the industry have looked different, but both have seen the same changes firsthand: smaller horse show classes, fewer local barns, rising costs, and a growing need to develop the people who will carry the sport forward.

Ellen and Martha reflect on the barns and programs that shaped them, the responsibility experienced horsemen have to share what they know, and why mentorship may be one of the most important pieces of the industry's future.

The conversation also turns to what it takes to become a capable rider, why time in the saddle still matters, and how teaching adults often means learning to work in “horse time” rather than expecting immediate results.

🐴 In this episode, Alex, Ellen, and Martha discuss:

12:15 - Rider Conditioning, Teaching, and Sharing Knowledge
23:57 - How Ellen and Martha Became Friends and Podcast Co-Hosts
28:56 - Is the Saddlebred Industry Shrinking?
30:43 - Smaller Classes, Disappearing Barns, and a Changing Industry
35:51 - The Realities of Keeping Riding Programs Going
37:01 - Mentorship and Developing the Next Generation
41:43 - Why Time in the Saddle Still Matters
46:37 - What It Takes to Become a Strong Rider
53:02 - Coaching Adults Returning to the Saddle
56:40 - Learning in “Horse Time,” Not Human Time
1:02:26 - The Psychology of Teaching Adult Riders
1:04:48 - Martha’s Secret Weapon for Teaching Lessons

It is a wide-ranging conversation about where the Saddlebred world has been, what is changing, and the people, knowledge, and programs worth carrying forward.

Connect with Ellen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.s.beard 

Connect with Martha:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martha.thompsonhoyt 

Check out their Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/033EGFI3vAjCKHnnaSTh3R 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Hannah Padgett, founder of Phoenix Accounting and EquiAssist, to talk about the business behind the horse world and how decades spent inside the industry shaped the work she is building today.

After 20 years as a horse trainer, Hannah brings a rare perspective to the challenges facing barns and equine businesses. From hiring and outdated systems to the many roles trainers are expected to juggle, she has seen firsthand where the industry could benefit from better tools and a more modern approach.

Alex and Hannah also reflect on how Hannah’s own place in the horse world has evolved, from training professionally to becoming an owner, breeder, and entrepreneur, while staying deeply connected to the horses and people that shaped her career.

🐴 In this episode, Alex and Hannah discuss:

01:43 - Hannah Padgett’s Journey from Horse Trainer to Entrepreneur

05:03 - Bringing an Insider’s Perspective to Equine Business

07:36 - Why Hiring Is a Major Challenge in the Horse Industry

08:59 - Building EquiAssist as “Indeed for Horse People”

13:12 - Why So Many Barns Still Rely on Outdated Systems

18:55 - Moving Barn Management Beyond Pen and Paper

30:58 - Finding New Joy in Breeding and Young Horses

33:13 - Experiencing Louisville from a New Perspective as an Owner

41:40 - Building Trust Between Owners and Multiple Trainers

44:03 - Why Collaboration Between Trainers Matters

46:03 - Why Experienced Riders Still Need Lessons

Connect with Hannah:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.padgett 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlstable1?igsi=cm83czM2bWxzbHJ1

Phoenix Accounting: https://phoenixaccounting.net/ 

EquiAssist: https://equiassist.com/about 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

Send us Fan Mail

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Sara Spaulding for a conversation about returning to the saddle after 22 years away and what it means to come back to something that has always felt like part of who you are.

Alex and Sara share a similar path. Both stepped away from horses for decades as life, work, and other priorities took over, and both eventually found their way back to the Saddlebred world they had never completely left behind.

For Sara, that return became real with “Astrology”, the young Saddlebred who has become her heart horse and an important part of a new chapter in her life.

Together, Sara and Alex reflect on rebuilding confidence, learning to trust the process, navigating the pressure riders put on themselves, and the unexpected emotions that come with finally pursuing a dream you have carried for years.

🐴 In this episode, Alex and Sara discuss:

01:49 - Returning to riding after 22 years away

15:20 - How Sara found Astrology and knew he was the horse for her

22:19 - Developing a young show horse and learning not to rush the process

30:36 - The pressure and perfectionism that come with competing again as an adult

31:38 - Why Sara shares the mistakes and imperfect rides alongside the wins

38:12 - How returning to horses helped Sara reconnect with herself during a major life transition

40:05 - Why Astro became Sara’s heart horse

49:18 - Sara’s childhood dream of riding into Freedom Hall

53:35 - Why sharing the real equestrian journey can help bring more visibility to the American Saddlebred world 

Connect with Sara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraspaulding_/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarakolloff/ 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saraspaulding_ 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

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In this special bonus episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Chapstick’s trainer, Andrea Harry of Meraki Farm, following his show ring debut at the Blue Ridge Classic in Asheville.

Recorded on-site just after an important milestone in their journey, the conversation captures Chapstick at the beginning of his career: still young, still learning, and already carrying himself as though he belongs in the ring.

Alex and Andrea talk about the early stages of developing a young show horse and reflect on how far Chapstick has come since arriving at Meraki Farm. They share what they learned from seeing him in a new environment, what trainers look for during these first public experiences, and why seemingly small moments can feel significant when you know how much work came before them.

🐴 In this episode, Alex and Andrea discuss:

• Chapstick’s first experience in the show ring
• How he has developed since arriving at Meraki Farm
• What trainers can learn by showing a young horse in public
• Why confidence is essential when developing a show horse
• The importance of protecting a young horse’s natural sparkle
• How Andrea helps each horse feel proud and special
• The patience and experience required to train young horses
• What it means for an owner to trust the training process
• The fun, friendship, and memorable moments surrounding the show

This is only one early chapter in Chapstick’s story, but it is one Alex and Andrea knew they would want to remember.

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Lauren Magee never stopped loving horses. After nearly 30 years away from the American Saddlebred world, her daughter’s interest in riding created an unexpected path back to the saddle.

In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Lauren joins Alex Husner for a conversation between two returning adult riders finding their way back after decades away. As Alex continues her own return after 26 years, she and Lauren connect over the physical challenges, mental shifts, small breakthroughs, and deep sense of gratitude that come with riding again later in life.

Lauren shares how supporting her daughter gradually became a journey of her own, leading her back to the barn, the show ring, and a part of herself she had not realized was missing.

Their conversation also explores the experience of riding alongside the next generation, the confidence and community built inside the barn, and the space horses can create to step away from the pressures of everyday life.

Episode Chapters:

01:21 - Lauren’s Childhood in the American Saddlebred World

03:03 - How Her Daughter Inspired Her Return to Riding

04:55 - Finding the Barn That Felt Like Home

05:51 - How the Barn Helped Her Daughter Build Confidence

09:00 - Entering the Show Ring Again After 30 Years Away

09:11 - The Lessons Lauren and Her Daughter Are Learning Together

11:30 - Rebuilding Strength, Confidence, and Body Awareness

15:50 - Why Returning Riders Still Have Decades to Grow

24:17 - The Mental Reset Horses Provide From a Demanding Career

33:19 - Lauren’s Advice for Anyone Thinking About Riding Again 

For Alex and Lauren, returning to the saddle has brought a new appreciation for the sport and the opportunity to experience it with a perspective they could not have had as children.

For anyone who has been waiting to return to something they love, this conversation may be the reminder they need to begin.

Connect with Lauren:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmagee22/ 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

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In this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex welcomes Kelly Berry, owner of KB Media Equine and creator of the docuseries Inside the InGate, for a conversation about storytelling, visibility, and the real side of equestrian sport.

Kelly grew up in the hunter jumper world and built a creative career around photography, marketing, and content strategy before bringing that expertise into the equestrian space. Through KB Media Equine, she is helping tell a fuller story of horse sport. Not only the polished rounds, ribbons, and victory passes, but also the pressure, preparation, setbacks, young horses, imperfect moments, and human stories behind the ride.

Alex and Kelly talk about how social media has shaped the way equestrian sports are seen, and why the constant highlight reel can make riders feel isolated or behind. They also explore how honest storytelling can help amateur riders feel more connected, help the public better understand the sport, and create more visibility for disciplines that are often misunderstood or underrepresented.

The conversation also touches on Kelly’s work filming at major shows like Devon, the importance of media created by people who truly understand horses, and why equestrian sports have the potential to reach a much wider audience when the stories are told with authenticity.

At its heart, this episode looks  beyond the blue ribbons and remembers that the real beauty of the sport often lives in the work, the learning, the connection, and the moments most people never get to see.

Episode Chapters:

03:25 - Why Horse Sports Need Better Storytelling

04:35 - Who Gets to Shape the Equestrian Narrative?

05:43 - The Problem with the Perfect Highlight Reel

06:52 - The Mission Behind Kelly's Docuseries "Inside the InGate"

08:21 - Showing the Messy Middle of Riding

10:34 - The Pressure Riders Carry Into the Ring

11:52 - Why Real Stories Help Riders Feel Less Alone

12:29 - What Horse Sports Can Learn from Other Sports Media

15:33 - Humanizing the People Behind the Sport

27:07 - Why Equestrian Media Needs Horse People

31:08 - Bringing Honest Storytelling Into Other Disciplines

Connect with Kelly Berry

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAnneBerry 

Connect with KB Media Equine

Website: https://www.kbmediaequine.com/ 

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast 

#americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlife

Send us Fan Mail

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