The Plaidcast

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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!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with top trainer Berry Porter about the upcoming indoor finals season. Jen Glass also joins to talk about this year's Capital Challenge Horse Show. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Berry Porter is the head trainer at Brookside Pine Farms in Conroe, Texas. Berry has developed many riders from the beginner level to the collegiate ranks to succeeding at the top levels of equestrian competition. Recognizing this is a sport that constantly evolves, Berry trains with some of the most respected and successful professionals in the industry, applying his skills as he personally competes at prominent venues across the country. Berry’s students have successfully competed at the FEI North American Young Riders competition, National Junior Hunter Finals, in International Hunter Derbies, at Medal Finals, and in Grand Prix’s.
• Guest: Jennifer Glass is the Executive Director of the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Jen has been an essential member of the Capital Challenge Horse Show since its inception, having helped her husband, Billy Glass, and co-founder and show manager Oliver Kennedy build the show from the ground up and is widely known for her welcoming smile while managing awards presentations. In addition to coordinating the extensive awards program, Jen oversees sponsor relations, event planning, VIP seating, and more throughout the year. Jen has been the Director of Awards at the Washington International Horse Show for 22 years and at the World Equestrian Center for 4 years. Her expertise ranges from awards, to sponsor coordination, to event planning, and she lends that experience to the USHJA Green Incentive, the International Hunter Derby Championships and the USHJA National Championships. In 2022, Jen was honored with the 2022 Vital Horse Show Staff Award by the USHJA. 
• 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, 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 Catie Staszak about her experience working the Paris Olympics as NBC’s Equestrian Data Analyst. Dani Waldman also joins to talk about her new role in the equestrian world. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Catie Staszak is a multimedia sports journalist, the CEO of Catie Staszak Media, Inc., and the color commentator and journalist for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League for the last seven seasons. At the recently concluded Paris Olympic Games, she was the lead equestrian researcher and statistician, supporting her goal of increasing the mainstream exposure of the equestrian sports. When she's not at work, she's caring for her two horses and pursuing the sport with her Zangersheide gelding, Bear. 
• Guest: Dani G. Waldman, also widely known as ‘Flying Feathers’, has over 30 years experience as a Showjumping athlete. Dani won multiple 5* Grand Prix competitions, competed in six senior championships and took part at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Having retired from active competitions, Dani is now a sports commentator, media producer and supports young athletes’ professional development. To this day, she continues to champion the sport of Show Jumping. 
• 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with Val Renihan, one of the country's top trainers. Tonya also discusses looking back on your defining moments as a rider as a way of claiming your best qualities and traits. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride 
• Guest: Val Renihan is the owner and head trainer at Findlay's Ridge LLC where she specializes in hunters, equitation and jumpers. Val has ridden and shown all of her life and started training students at the age of 16. Val has had success at virtually all of the top horse shows across the country and has had many riders who have gone on to have meaningful and decorated professional careers. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Good Boy, Eddie, HITS Horse Shows, Sentinel Horse Nutrition, 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 Maja Lindemann about how she approaches course designing and the process of becoming a course designer. Leigh Tricker also joins to talk about the education opportunities that HITS is offering to create a pipeline for equestrians to become licensed officials. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Maja Lindemann grew up riding and showing in California with the Karazissis family. She moved north to attend UC Davis and graduated with a BS in Animal Science. Maja became a professional horse trainer in 2005 and worked for a few operations in Northern California before opening her own business. In 2022, Maja was presented with the opportunity to course design at a local show and decided to get her license. Maja currently lives in New Jersey and course designs at top horse shows such as HITS Hudson Valley, New York and the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship - West in Del Mar, California. 
• Guest: Leigh Gallagher Tricker is a lifelong equestrian and a marketing and project management consultant for HITS LLC. After graduating from The Johns Hopkins University in 2002, Leigh worked for a global macro hedge fund for more than 20 years before retiring in 2023 to pursue other interests. Leigh is also a USHJA Zone 1 Committee member and was recently elected to the USHJA Board of Directors.
• 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with FEI level 3 course designer Meghan Rawlins about how to read and best understand what is being asked in a course map. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Meghan Rawlins started riding at a young age showing jumpers, eventing and hunters before beginning her professional equestrian career in 1993 continuing to apprenticing under top professionals such as Claudia Cojocar.  Meghan is the owner of Cedar Vista Stables in Victoria, British Columbia and is certified as both a licensed coach and EC & USEF course designer.  In 2022, Meghan earned her FEI level 3 course design certification.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, LAURACEA, America Cryo, 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Piper speaks with USEF "R" judge, FEI trainer & clinician Geoff Case about the Paris Olympics and the state of our sport. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Geoff Case is a rider, trainer and large “R” judge based in Ommen, Netherlands. As a rider, Geoff Case has represented the United States in International competitions. As a trainer, Geoff has had many students become Year End Hunter Champions, USET Finals Champions and many ribbons at Medal and Maclay Finals. Geoff is also a Large “R” judge that has officiated at most major horse shows including The National Horse Show, the Winter Equestrian Festival and he will be judging the West Coast Junior Hunter Finals and The Hampton Classic Horse Show this year. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, LAURACEA, America Cryo, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Good Boy, Eddie, HITS Horse Shows , 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 rider, trainer and USEF "R" judge Michael Tokaruk about judging and his experience judging the 2024 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter Finals- West Coast in Del Mar, California. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. 

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer and judge who also runs a training and sales business, Tokaruk Show Stables, out of Tennessee and Wellington, Florida. Michael worked with top professionals such as Scott Stewart, Missy Clark, Bob Braswell and Anne Kursinski as a junior rider. Michael has multiple grand prix wins, international and national hunter derby wins to his credit along with continuing his professional education by working with professionals such as Chris Kappler, Andre Dignelli, Katie Monahan-Prudent, and Melanie Smith Taylor. Michael has judged at some of the prestigious horse shows including the 2021 USET Talent Search Finals East, 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals, Capital Challenge Horse Show and most recently the 2024 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter Finals- West Coast in Del Mar, California. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Good Boy, Eddie, HITS Horse Shows , Great American Insurance Group, LAURACEA and Equivisor

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 Lindsay Archer about her new non-profit group, Equestrian Foundation for Mental Health Awareness (EMHA). Licensed therapist & Equus coach, Kathy Rausin joins to talk about her involvement with EMHA. Hunter/jumper professional Carol Wright also joins to talk about her career and how she stays so consistent. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride 
• Guest: Lindsay Archer grew up in Northern California on the farm where she and her husband Matt run their business, Shady Lane Farm. They started Shady Lane in 2003 and in 2015, they teamed up with Catherine Harvey of Rhys Farms. After struggling with her own mental health, Lindsay's experience in a group therapy session during the Cavalleria Toscana Clinic in early 2024 opened her eyes to an entirely different way to process what she was going through. From that experience, she vowed to find a way to bring group therapy to the equestrian community on the West Coast, so she started the Equestrian Foundation for Mental Health Awareness (EMHA). EMHA is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible, non-profit organization.
• Guest: Kathy Rausin is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Equus coach. Kathy offers individual coaching, leadership development and team building opportunities for both private and corporate clients. She has worked with mental health groups, veterans, families, corporate training groups, and more.
• Guest: Carol Wright started riding and showing Morgan horses at the age of two at her parent’s breeding farm, Melodic Morgans. At age 10, she was Reserve Champion in the AHSA 3'6" Morgan Jr. Medal finals. By age 11, she won her first Junior Hunter Championship. Throughout her junior riding career, Carol competed in the hunters, equitation and jumpers. She made her first appearance in the Grand Prix ring at age 19. In 1991, she won her first World Cup Qualifier, a $50,000 class in Los Angeles. Carol has won numerous grand prix and hunter derbies- sometimes in the same week. She focuses on creating strong partnerships between horse and rider while keeping fun in the equation.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: American Stalls, Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Good Boy, Eddie, HITS Horse Shows, Sentinel Horse Nutrition, Laurel Springs School, Great American Insurance Group and LAURACEA

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!