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Piper speaks with the 2024 ASPCA Maclay Finals judges- Cynthia Hankins, Lyman T Whitehead, Keri Kampsen and Scott Fitton. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Cynthia Hankins has been in the horse business her entire life. Her junior years culminated with winning the AHSA Hunter Seat Medal Finals after having won Grand Junior Hunter champion & Best Child Rider that same weekend at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. As a trainer, she coached a Maclay winner. Cynthia has been a clinician for the USHJA EAP program since 2011. As a judge, she has judged the Hunter Seat Medal Finals 5 times, the Talent Search Finals on both coasts a total of 5 times, and most recently the 2024 ASPCA Maclay finals for the 2nd time.
• Guest: Lyman T. Whitehead has been an active competitor and trainer in the hunter ring for almost 40 years and also holds a USEF Large “R” judge’s license. Lyman is currently the head trainer for Kent School, a boarding school in CT that has offered a riding program since 1960. As a rider, Lyman was the leading hunter rider at The Hampton Classic 5 times, the leading hunter rider at The National Horse Show, 2 time leading hunter rider at the Old Salem Farm Horse Show, and has been champion at every top horse show on the East coast including the Devon Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show, and The National Horse Show. As a judge, Lyman has judged top shows such as the WCHR Hunter Spectacular at WEF, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and the 2024 ASPCA Maclay Finals.
• Guest: Keri Kampsen is the owner of Two Goals Farm, LLC based in Wellington, FL. Keri's junior highlights include being the 1996 AHSA Overall Large Junior Hunter, 4th place in the AHSA Medal Finals, and Winner of the 1997 ASPCA Maclay Finals. Throughout Keri's professional career, she has ridden and trained clients to numerous year-end national championships, and championships at every national finals. Keri also is a USEF “R” judge and has judged at some of the most prestigious horse shows including the Devon Horse Show, The Capital Challenge and the 2024 ASPCA Maclay Finals for the second time.
• Guest: Scott Fitton is from Wellington, FL and grew up in the Philadelphia area. Scott competed successfully as a junior and amateur rider. For 25 years, Scott has served as a USEF licensed official. Fitton’s show schedule includes the Gulf Coast shows, WEF, HITS on the Hudson, HITS Ocala, Thunderbird Show Park, USEF Pony Finals, Desert International Horse Park, The National Horse Show and the 2024 ASPCA Maclay Finals.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, Great American Insurance Group, American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare and Plaidcast Live

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with Murray Kesler about his upcoming role leading Wellington International as a Chief Executive Officer. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Murray S. Kessler is an American businessman. He has worked in the food, tobacco and pharmaceutical industries. He retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Perrigo, a consumer OTC self-care company in 2023. Previously, he was President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Lorillard Tobacco Company before it was purchased by Reynolds American. Before that he was President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of UST, Inc. Kessler also served as the President of the United States Equestrian Federation, the national governing body for equestrian sports in the United States and served as the President of the North American Riders Group. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Plaidcast Live

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Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with top judge and clinician, Cynthia Hankins- who will be one of the judges for the 2024 ASPCA Maclay Final Championships at the National Horse Show. Tonya also works through some facts, fiction and tools to help you sleep, which is one of the most important mental skills. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride 
• Guest: Cynthia Hankins has been in the horse business her entire life, wearing different hats and seeing it from different parts of the country and later in Europe. Her junior years culminated with winning the [then] AHSA Hunter Seat Medal Finals, after having won Grand Junior Hunter champion and Best Child Rider that same weekend at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. Later as a trainer, she coached a Maclay winner. Cynthia has been a clinician for the USHJA EAP program since 2011. As a judge, she has had the honor of judging the Hunter Seat Medal Finals five times, the Talent Search Finals on both coasts a total of five times, and this year she will be on the judging panel for the ASPCA Maclay finals again. Cynthia has lived and shown in Europe and France, where she now spends the majority of her time.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Good Boy, Eddie, Laurel Springs School, Great American Insurance Group and Plaidcast Live

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with USEF “R” judge, FEI trainer, and clinician Geoff Case about how to make the most out of any riding opportunity. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Geoff Case is a USEF “R” Judge, FEI Trainer, and Clinician originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Case chose to follow his passion to train and grow the next generation of horses and riders. As a rider, Case has produced horses that have represented Team USA in International Competition, placed at Medal Finals and hunters that have claimed championships at major competitions throughout the US. As a trainer, his students have had wins and top placings in Medal Finals on both coasts, Young Rider Medals, and countless hunter championships. As a 'R' USEF judge, Case has presided over major horse shows throughout North America, including WCHR Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Capital Challenge Horse Show, and the WEC Equitation Premier Cup. Case and his wife Taylor Kain relocated to Europe in 2023 where Kain has earned a meteoric rise in the World Rankings, from unranked to the top 20% in the world in less than a year. They continue to follow their passion for developing horses and riders to the highest levels possible for them. In addition to judging, Case is a renowned clinician worldwide known to focus on teaching the mechanics of riding while encouraging horsemanship and self-belief to grow each rider’s ability, goals, and to pursue higher competition.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Good Boy, Eddie, Plaidcast Live and Great American Insurance Group

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with the judges from the 2024 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals, Rachel Kennedy and Tammy Provost. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Rachel Kennedy began riding at three years old. As a junior rider, Rachel showed horses for top professionals such as Rodney Jenkins, Ray Francis and Gerry Goldman. Later, as the professional rider for Jack Trainor’s Here & There Farm, Rachel rode to seven AHSA Horse of the Year titles along with numerous state titles. In 1995 Rachel moved to Maryland and started her own business, ESP Farm. A USEF Licensed Hunter and Equitation Judge since 1995, Rachel has judged the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, USEF Pony Finals, USEF Junior Hunter Finals, and most recently the 2024 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. 
• Guest: Tammy Provost hails from Sheridan, Indiana where she runs her own Meadow View Farm. Tammy is a very successful rider, trainer and USEF "R" judge. In her teaching career, Tammy has coached many hunter, jumper and equitation riders to top placings. As a rider, Tammy has also seen great success at horse shows in the mid-west, the Florida circuit and the east coast indoors. As a judge, Tammy has judged at some of the top horse shows and finals including the ASPCA Maclay National Championship and most recently the 2024 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals. 
• 2024 Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals Course Designer: Steve Stephens
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Newly released on Audible: Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation
• Sponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Plaidcast Live and Good Boy, Eddie

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with top US dressage rider Anna Buffini and 5* eventing rider Ashley Adams. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Anna Buffini is a Young Rider and Under 25 National Champion. Anna is a 2 time World Cup finalist who has also been on multiple US Nations Cup teams and was most recently short listed for the Paris Olympics. Although the pair did not make the team this year, they are hungry for more and have their sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
•  Guest: Ashley Adams is a 5* event rider & trainer based in Virginia. Ashley has worked intensely over the last 20 years and no detail has been overlooked in her education or her horse training. At her core, safety of both horse & rider are of the utmost importance. Along with ongoing training, building of confidence, vet care & the right equipment is absolutely critical to her success. Over decades, Ashley has worked to build an incredible community around her and she thinks of Ashley Adams Eventing as a team.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Good Boy, Eddie, Great American Insurance Group and Cheval Press

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with USEF “R” judge, FEI trainer, and clinician Geoff Case about what to look for in a trainer. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Geoff Case is a USEF “R” Judge, FEI Trainer, and Clinician originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Case chose to follow his passion to train and grow the next generation of horses and riders. As a rider, Case has produced horses that have represented Team USA in International Competition, placed at Medal Finals and hunters that have claimed championships at major competitions throughout the US. As a trainer, his students have had wins and top placings in Medal Finals on both coasts, Young Rider Medals, and countless hunter championships. As a 'R' USEF judge, Case has presided over major horse shows throughout North America, including WCHR Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Capital Challenge Horse Show, and the WEC Equitation Premier Cup. Case and his wife Taylor Kain relocated to Europe in 2023 where Kain has earned a meteoric rise in the World Rankings, from unranked to the top 20% in the world in less than a year. They continue to follow their passion for developing horses and riders to the highest levels possible for them. In addition to judging, Case is a renowned clinician worldwide known to focus on teaching the mechanics of riding while encouraging horsemanship and self-belief to grow each rider’s ability, goals, and to pursue higher competition.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Good Boy, Eddie and Great American Insurance Group

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us a text

Piper speaks with Sharon Decker about the new improvements happening at Tryon International. Elizabeth Ehrlich of Equine Elixirs talks about the most common challenges when relocating to horse show environments for extended periods of time. John Minoprio joins to talk about his upcoming book, Aachen Equestrian Beauty. Kerri Lake also joins to discuss how we can communicate and connect with our horses better. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Sharon Decker is President of Carolina Operations for Tryon Equestrian Partners, the owners of Tryon International. Sharon is managing development of Tryon International. In addition to the ongoing expansion of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, Sharon is spearheading the multi-use development of the 1600 acre Tryon Resort located in the Foothills of Western North Carolina. Sharon also oversees the day-to-day operations associated with running this organization which includes an extensive spring, summer and fall equestrian competition calendar and a year- round event schedule of entertainment and family fun. 
• Guest: Elizabeth Ehrlich is the founder and president of Equine Elixirs.  Her unique approach to creating all-natural, whole food based supplements that address a wide range of equine health needs has taken the supplement industry by storm over the last five years. Formerly an attorney in New York, Liz now spends her days focused on equine nutrition. 
• Guest: John Minoprio had a career in film distribution but it was photography, especially photography of horses, that has always been an interest. John has been involved in a number of equestrian films including Royal Four-in-Hand, based on the book Competition Carriage Driving by The Duke of Edinburgh, and The Queen and Her Ceremonial Horses about the Royal Mews. John produced the film Royal Stables Oman and the book that followed it about His Majesty The Sultan of Oman’s horses. John is the author of The Blue & Buff; Portrait of an English Hunt and Horses & Heroes; The Photography of John Minoprio and the upcoming book, Aachen Equestrian Beauty.
• Guest: From a very early age, Kerri Lake had an uncommon awareness of interspecies connection, and she was always trying to discover ways to re-establish a harmony between humanity and all living beings. While attending UC Davis, it. became clear that the veterinary track wasn’t going to be the best way for Kerri to use her gifts to help horses and their people have kinder, healthier lives together. For the past several decades, Kerri has developed tools and skills that guide people to have more clarity in their own intuitive nature and broaden their communication with horses and each other.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and Good Boy, Eddie

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Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with top rider and trainer Halie Robinson and discusses three ways to help your trainer help you. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride 
• Guest: Growing up in southern California, Halie Robinson went from being a working student and top junior rider to becoming a top young professional who now owns and operates her own business, Huntridge, LLC. She has worked hard to achieve her goals on both coasts such as being Leading Lady Rider at Devon this year, winning the WCHR Developing Professional Final at Capital Challenge in 2023, winning the $50,000 Professional Equitation Challenge at Thermal, USET Finals West Coast as well as numerous derbies and championships.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Good Boy, Eddie, Laurel Springs School, and Great American Insurance Group

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with two legendary horse women, Laura Kraut and Katie Prudent about the new nonprofit program, Road to the Top. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Laura Kraut is a world-renowned showjumping grand prix rider and trainer. She is an Olympic and World Equestrian Games gold and silver medalist who was most recently went double clear to help Team USA win the Silver Medal at the Olympic Games in Paris, France. Laura’s competition record is immense and she also runs a sales, training and coaching business based in England and Florida with her partner Nick Skelton. 
• Guest: Katie Prudent is a Olympic team member, three time American Invitational winner, USET Whitney Stone Cup winner, and a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. A trainer of countless international level horses, Katie has also trained accomplished riders such as Olympic gold medal winner Beezie Madden, Olympian Reed Kessler, Kim Prince, Elise Haas, and Alison Firestone Robitaille.  With husband Henri, she operates Plain Bay Farm in Wellington, Florida and Middleburg, Virginia. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Good Boy, Eddie, HITS Horse Shows and Great American Insurance Group

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse  Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!