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Piper speaks with Dr. Pouya Dini about UC Davis producing equine embryos by in vitro fertilization. Dr. Anna Dunaway of Purina Animal Nutrition talks about equine weight management strategies owners can use to have a meaningful impact on weight and body condition score. Dr. Gus Cothran also joins to talk about new research on the Y chromosome that will allow geneticists to trace the paternal line in horses. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Dr. Pouya Dini is an associate professor at the Department of Population Health and Reproduction and the chief of the Equine Reproduction Service at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California. He is a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Reproduction and the American College of Theriogenologists. Pouya holds two PhD degrees. The first PhD he obtained was a collaboration between Azad University and the University of Ghent, Belgium, and the second PhD was a collaboration between the University of Ghent and Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky. His current research interests include the pathophysiology of the equine placenta and embryo development at the genomic level. Pouya is also the Director of the Veterinary Assisted Reproduction Laboratory, a research facility and a national embryo service provider for breeders and veterinarians located at the Department of Population Health and Reproduction at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. 
• Guest: Dr. Anna Dunaway is a Nutritionist on the Equine Technical Solutions team at Purina Animal Nutrition. Her Ph.D. research at the University of Nebraska focused on the use of high fat diets and manipulating the microbial community in the gut. Now at Purina, Dr. Dunaway's role includes bringing innovative solutions like the Equine MQ™ Platform from the research team out to the field.
• Guest: Dr. Gus Cothran was born and raised in Texas and graduated from North Texas State University where he obtained his BS and MS degrees in Biology. He then received his Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Cothran worked at the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, then at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research where he worked on the genetics of horses. From there, he moved to the University of Kentucky and was the Director of the Equine Parentage Testing and Research Laboratory, and Research Professor in the Department of Veterinary Science. In 2006, Dr. Cothran moved to Texas A&M University, where he was a Clinical Professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences. In 2016, Dr. Cothran retired but was named as an Emeritus Professor and he remains active in research activities. Dr. Cothran was a four-time Chair of the International Society of Animal Genetics standing committee for Thoroughbred DNA Typing Standardization, and a past chair of the Equine Standing Committee.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winni

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

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with USEF “R” judge, FEI trainer, and clinician Geoff Case about the process and requirements to become a judge. Listen in and share with your friends!

• 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.
• Read the December/January Issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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 24 year old 5* Grand Prix rider Delaney Flynn about her rise in the sport. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Delaney Flynn is a 24 year old 5* Grand Prix rider that grew up in Park City, Utah, showing on the West coast circuit with Bjorn Ikast and then with Judy Martin. Delaney got her first riding job when she was 16 years old with Will Simpson and was with him for two years before moving East. Delaney's first job on the East Coast was with Andrea King and she then moved to Florida to work for Wembley Farms. After a few years and a lot of education with the Dello Joios, Delaney went to ride for Maarten Huygens, which brought her riding to the next level. Next, Delaney was offered a job from Christine and Jonathan McCrea at Windsor Show Stables. The McCreas wanted to hire a young American rider who didn't necessarily have their own financial backing with goals of representing the US in team competition. Today, Delaney says that her current string of horses are the nicest she's ever had the pleasure of riding, and she’s lucky to have the support of an amazing team. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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

Welcome to the very first episode of The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Plaid Horse Magazine managing editor Rennie Dyball about the December/January issue of The Plaid Horse. Listen in and share with your friends!

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Rennie Dyball is the managing editor of The Plaid Horse magazine and an award-winning author. In total, Rennie has written 17 books, ranging from ghostwritten celebrity memoirs, to the popular SHOW STRIDES series she co-authors with Piper Klemm. Her upcoming titles include SHOW STRIDES book 6, the picture book FIONA AND THE PECULIAR PRAISE, and THE ADHD FIELD GUIDE FOR ADULTS. Rennie lives in Maryland and competes in the hunter and equitation rings. 
• Read the December/January Issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Foxhall Equine, Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Safe Saddle by Debby Buck DeJonge, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with professional David Wilbur who rides and trains for Emil Spadone's Redfield Farm. Tonya also answer a listener question about how to stop catastrophizing when you are having a bad day or bad ride so you can turn it around and make positive progress. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride 
• Guest: David Wilbur is a professional rider and trainer at Emil Spadone's Redfield Farm which is based in Ocala, FL and Califon, NJ. David has been passionate about horses since a young age and is dedicated to bringing out the best in both horse and rider. This past fall at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, David rode Casey & Marita Zuraitis's Four Aces to the High Performance Hunter Championship. The pair also won the EMO High Five Award for having earned the highest score in the open divisions with a 93. At the Capital Challenge Horse Show, David and Four Aces were 2nd in the $50,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, and David received the American Style of Riding Award. David is also a "R" USEF Licensed judge and was one of the judges at this year's New England Medal Finals.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Great American Insurance Group, BoneKare, Safe Saddle by Debby Buck DeJonge, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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 hosts the second Plaidcast LIVE! in front of a live studio audience at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, CT with guest Tik Maynard, who is a trainer, clinician, author and international-level rider. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Tik Maynard is a trainer, clinician, and international-level rider who has combined his love of eventing with natural horsemanship. He and his wife, Sinead, who is a 5* eventer and member of the U.S. Equestrian Team, run Copperline Farm in Citra, Florida. Tik grew up riding in the show jumping ring and eventually became interested in the Modern Pentathlon, spending six years on the Canadian National Team. He competed in the Pan American Games, in three World Championships, and at 11 World Cups before focusing his competitive sights on eventing. He was long-listed for the Canadian eventing team for the 2012 London Olympics. Tik teaches clinics in the United States, Canada, England, and Scotland. He is a regular guest on podcasts, and the author of In The Middle Are The Horsemen.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• www.BrookeUSAevents.org

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 Jessica Newman, founder of JustWorld International. Ada Haensel also joins to talk about her non-profit organization, Speaking of Horses. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Jessica Newman, founder of JustWorld International, grew up as a dedicated equestrian athlete. She began jumping international Grand Prix at the age of 16. But during her successful competition career, she discovered an even greater passion to give back. Jessica began working in the non-profit sector in 1999. Her lifelong connection to an international sporting community, combined with her extensive humanitarian experience, cultivated her unique vision for JustWorld International. The equestrian-driven nonprofit incorporated in 2003 with the goal of uplifting children in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. Today, JustWorld International and its local partners support over 10,000 children in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and the United States through comprehensive education, healthcare, nutrition and vocational programs. As the Official Charity Partner of the FEI, JustWorld International unites thousands and provides unique opportunities for equestrians to learn, experience, and contribute to a global campaign against poverty. Jessica aims to continue growing JustWorld International and dedicate her life to building a brighter future for children in need. 
• Guest: Ada Haensel, M.Ed, CCC-SLP, is the Executive Director of Speaking of Horses, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equine-assisted therapy. Drawing from her speech-language pathology expertise and comprehensive American Hippotherapy Association training, she helps children overcome communication obstacles by combining evidence-based therapeutic techniques with her passion for working with horses.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, Great American Insurance Group, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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 Alex Arute-Kacheris, the new Head Coach of the Wesleyan College Equestrian Program. Amy Phillips, Director of Riding, talks about her riding program at Oldfields School in Maryland. Lastly, Kamerra Brown talks about her new role as the Head Equestrian Coach at South Dakota State University. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Alex Arute-Kacheris is the new head coach of the Wesleyan College Equestrian Program. With extensive experience as a competitor and coach, including national accolades in hunter, jumper, and equitation events—and as a former captain of the University of South Carolina's Division I Equestrian Team—Coach Alex brings expertise and a vision for growth. She is dedicated to building a strong, supportive team culture and elevating Wesleyan’s presence in collegiate equestrian competition. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment for riders and horses alike, aiming to elevate Wesleyan’s competitive edge. 
• Guest: Amy Phillips is the Director of Riding at Oldfields School, a position she’s held for the last 13 years of her 21-year tenure at the school. Two years ago, Amy and a colleague at Oldfields (a boarding school in Maryland for girls in grades 8-12) created an Equine Science Concentration for high school students—one of the first of its kind in the country. This two- to three-year program provides Oldfields students with a skill set for summer jobs or internships, and a solid pathway into the equine science or pre-veterinary majors in college.
• Guest: Kamerra Brown started riding at the age of five and has been riding ever since. Kamerra attended Delaware State University, where she was the first African American student to receive a full Equestrian Scholarship. Since then, she has coached and taught at Delaware State University, Bridgewater College in Weyers Cave, Virginia, and William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. Kamerra recently accepted the job of Head Equestrian Coach at South Dakota State University, making her the first African American Division 1 Head Equestrian Coach.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, Great American Insurance Group, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with top junior rider Taylor Cawley about her impressive medal finals successes, winning the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals - East and the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, and Shawna Karrasch & Jessie Hillegas about positive reinforcement training. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride 
• Guest: Taylor Cawley is a top junior rider who won the 2024 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals - East , the 2024 ASPCA Maclay National Championship and the WEF Equitation Championship. Taylor rides with Stacia Madden and the team at Beacon Hill Show Stables, as well as her parents Molly and Chris Cawley. Oki D’Eclipse was her partner for the year, a horse whose only experience in the equitation ring has been with Taylor.
• Guests: Shawna Karrasch is a pioneer in the use of Positive Reinforcement Training with horses. Jessie Hillegas started riding traditionally as a child and continued through adulthood learning from some of the top hunter and jumper trainers in the industry and then started her own breeding and training business. Jessie and Shawna now work as partners, joining their powerful and humane behavioral training techniques that are an eye-opening experience for equine professionals, competitors, and amateurs alike. They have produced books and videos, and traveled worldwide to teach the concepts of bridge conditioning and positive reinforcement for horses.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Laurel Springs School, LAURACEA, Great American Insurance Group, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

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 US Grand Prix rider Alex Matz about all of his recent success. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Alex Matz is a rising US Grand Prix rider out of Coatesville, Pennsylvania and Wellington, Florida, where he runs the training and sales operation, Vintage Farm Sales. Alex's early education in the horse industry came from both his father, Olympic silver medalist Michael Matz, and his mother, Pan-American bronze medalist DD Matz. Additionally, Alex spent time working for Olympic medalist Beezie Madden. As a young rider, Alex competed at the 2015 and 2016 North American Junior & Young Rider Championships aboard Quinta. Since then, Alex has had success in U25 and Grand Prix competition. Most recently, Alex and his 11-year-old stallion, Ikigai, have jumped to two podium finishes in 5* Grands Prix this year, at the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Alex also captured two other wins in Toronto aboard his mount Cashew CR- the $32,250 Strength and Speed challenge class and the International Speed Challenge class. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, Great American Insurance Group, American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series 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!