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Piper speaks with International Hunter Derby riders Amanda Steege, Hannah Isop and Jennifer Bliss about the longtime partnerships they have with their horses and how they prepared for this year's Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Amanda Steege is a top hunter rider and trainer that has won multiple International Derbies and Championships at the biggest shows in the country with her longtime partner, Lafitte de Muze. Amanda runs her training and sales business, Ashmeadow Farm out of Califon, New Jersey and Ocala, Florida. Amanda and Lafitte most recently placed 3rd in the first round of the 2023 USHJA/ Platinum Performance International Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. 
• Guest: Hannah Isop is a third generation equestrian. She teaches and trains out of her family’s Harkaway Farm in Brewster, New York. Hannah has won numerous International and National Hunter Derbies including Reserve Champion in the 2022 USHJA/ Platinum Performance International Hunter Derby Finals and most recently,  6th place overall in the 2023 USHJA Derby Finals in Lexington, Kentucky with her longtime partner, Red Ryder. 
• Guest: Jennifer Bliss grew up in New York and showed extensively as a junior rider. Jenn opened Harris Hill Farm, LLC in 2008 and has worked her way up to establish herself as a successful Professional rider and trainer, winning many International and National Hunter Derbies. Jenn earned her official USHJA Trainer's Certification in 2011 and holds her USEF "R" Judge's license for the Hunter and Equitation divisions. Jenn recently finished 18th overall in the 2023 USHJA/ Platinum Performance International Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, Kentucky with her longtime partner, Poker Face.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Good Boy, Eddie and American Equestrian School

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 trainers and riders Geoff Case and Michael Tokaruk about commissions and what goes into buying and selling horses today. 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 Wellington, Florida & Lexington, Kentucky. 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. 
• Guest: Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer and judge who also runs a training and sales business, Tokaruk Show Stables, out of Tennessee. 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 and most recently the 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Athletic Equestrian and American Equestrian School

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 Kim Stewart about the benefits of horse showing close to home. Timmy Sharma also joins to talk about his equestrian eRetail company, breeches.com. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Kim Stewart has owned and operated Glenwillow Inc since 2000 out of Jefferson, Maryland. Kim is a three-time winner of the Leading Trainer award at the USEF Pony Finals and has trained several riders to the title of Best Child Rider and Grand Hunter at the Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show and Capital Challenge. Kim has also trained horses and ponies that have won USEF Horse and Pony of the Year awards as well.  
• Guest: Timmy Sharma is the co-owner of Breeches.com, the eRetail source for global brands that design, manufacture, market and distribute fine riding products with a mission to make riding affordable. Breeches.com started selling their house brands TuffRider, Equine Couture and Henri de Rivel directly to the consumer, and in early 2020, started offering most national brands for their customers.   
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and American Equestrian School

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 answers your listener questions about mental skills for riders. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.  

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, StreamHorse, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Athletic Equestrian and American Equestrian School

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 Bill Schaub about his induction into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame and his longtime career in the hunter world. We also talk with Charlotte Jacobs about her rise in the Grand Prix ring. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Bill Schaub is the owner of Over The Hill Farm based in Wellington, Florida and Lexington, Kentucky. Bill is closely associated with some of the top ponies, horses, junior and amateur riders in recent history. Bill has been a professional for almost 30 years and was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in May. 
• Guest: Charlotte Jacobs is a 28 year old professional show jumper that grew up in East Aurora, New York. Charlotte graduated from the University of Miami in 2017. Charlotte now splits her time between East Aurora and Wellington, Florida. Charlotte and her husband Matt both work with her parents at North Star Sport Horses developing young horses and competing at the highest level of the sport.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, StreamHorse, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and American Equestrian School

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 back to Plaid.0, a special from The Plaidcast, where we discuss topics going on in the heart of our sport. On today’s episode, we are discussing raising and developing junior riders in this sport.

 

Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
Guest: Maria Takacs is a USEF large “R” Judge in Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation. Maria rode to many national titles as a junior and amateur rider including Devon, The Pennsylvania National, Washington International and The Capital Challenge. She has trained with many outstanding professionals including Leo Conroy, John French, Jennifer Bauersachs and David Belford. She now owns and operates Heathersfield Farm LLC, a private training and boarding stable located in Oldwick, New Jersey. Her students, which include her daughter, Samantha Takacs, have won numerous national titles including the USEF Pony Finals, Devon, Harrisburg, Washington and The Capital Challenge.
Guest: Robin Greenwood is one of the country’s most venerated pony trainers. Her business now, a seven-stall barn and boutique client base at Grand Central Ponies in Southern Pines, North Carolina, was started in 1987 in North Salem, New York. After a very successful Amateur career, Robin decided to start her own business and name it after her famous Amateur Owner horse, Grand Central. Over the years, Robin has trained many top riders such as Jessica Newman, Tory Grauer Ketchum, Ashley Baker, Emma & Georgina Bloomberg and Caroline Passarelli.
Guest: Emily Elek is the owner of Stonewall Farm in Ixonia, Wisconsin where she operates one of the largest pony leasing, sales, breeding and training operations. Emily takes a holistic view in developing ponies and riders for lifelong success.

Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
Sponsors: LAURACEA, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, and American Equestrian School

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 Max Amaya of Stonehenge Stables about his career and how he is developing our next generation of riders. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Max Amaya is the head trainer at Stonehenge Stables, a leading show jumping training program located in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and Wellington, Florida. Max was a top international grand prix rider and has shared his remarkable success with his students, many of whom are ranked among the USA’s top riders in the junior, amateur, and professional divisions. Max's program is focused on building a strong riding foundation rooted in traditional equitation principles, leading to success across all levels. Max provides a range of training from short stirrup to grand prix, but one priority is always shared: the horses always come first.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, StreamHorse, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, Athletic Equestrian and American Equestrian School

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 Misdee Wrigley Miller about the world of Combined Driving and one of her very special horses that was chosen to be the 2023 Breyerfest Celebration Horse. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse 
• Guest: Misdee Wrigley Miller is a fourth generation horsewoman and the first woman to win a gold medal in Combined Driving at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, which was also the the first gold medal in the sport for the US. Misdee owns the 2023 Breyerfest Celebration Horse, Bravour 54, a KWPN gelding who helped her win that gold medal. Misdee is also the Owner & CEO of Wrigley Media Group, where she leads the vision of the Kentucky-based brand that conceives, creates, produces and distributes media content seen around the world.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: LAURACEA, Show Strides Book Series, and American Equestrian School

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 and Traci Brooks speak with Bastian Schroeder about his shipping company Equijet, Luke Taylor about Taylor, Harris Insurance Company and Elke Scholz about ways to handle anxiety. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse and Traci Brooks
• Guest: Bastian Schroeder, a life long equestrian, that grew up riding in Greifswald, Germany. After a year abroad in California during high school, Bastian knew he eventually wanted to return to the US to pursue a career in the horse industry. After gaining valuable experience here and abroad, Bastian founded Equijet in 2017. Equijet is a company that specializes in shipping horses domestically or internationally with services including airport pickup and delivery and handling additional equipment, all necessary paperwork, customs and any quarantine that is needed. 
• Guest: Luke Taylor is the Director of Operations at Taylor Harris Insurance, and he also has his own consulting and advisory business working with founders to hone their business strategy, growth, marketing and operations. Luke believes deeply in amateur and grassroots sports, the role they play in teaching life lessons and building friendships and communities. Luke got increasingly involved in Taylor Harris during the pandemic after seeing the increasingly powerful role Taylor Harris can play in supporting the equine community. 
• Guest: Elke Scholz, MA, RP, REACE, is a registered Psychotherapist, an internationally registered Expressive Art Consultant/Educator, and an internationally certified EMDR Therapist. She is the well-known author of 3rd edition, Loving Your Life and Anxiety Warrior. She is also an affiliate author for ProjectHappiness. Her work includes creative anti-anxiety/wellness kits for employees, youth-at-risk, and seniors in managing anxiety and depression.  For over 35 years Elke has helped people and runs her private therapy practice in Bracebridge, Ontario. She is a co-chair on the board for IEATA, International Expressive Art Therapy Association and Host of The Anxiety Warrior Podcast.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, StreamHorse, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and American Equestrian School

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 Colleen McQuay about how she has helped to change and grow the hunter sport in this country. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. 

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Colleen McQuay, along with her husband Tim, own and operate McQuay Stables, Inc. in Tioga, Texas. As a rider, Colleen earned numerous USEF hunter championships while also competing at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) events. Colleen is a six-time Congress champion, with numerous AQHA World Championships. Over the past 25 years, Colleen has trained both horses and riders to numerous wins and championships. Colleen served as a founding board member of the United States Hunter Jumper Association and a founding member of the USHJA International Hunter Derby. Colleen is also a founding member of the Super Series Group, pilots of the Texas Pre-Green Super Stake Series. After launching the Texas Pre-Green Series, Colleen was instrumental in the USHJA's launch of the Pre-Green Incentive Program in 2013. Colleen also serves as chair of the Hunter Development Task Force.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, ClipMyHorse.TV, Athletic Equestrian, LAURACEA, BoneKare, StreamHorse, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and American Equestrian School

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!