The Plaidcast

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Tonya speaks with top amateur hunter riders Caroline Ingalls and Irene Neuwirth who both had amazing indoor seasons this fall. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride
• Guest: Caroline Ingalls is an amateur owner hunter rider who rides with Hap Hanses Stables. This fall she and her horse Concerto were grand champion at both Harrisburg and the National Horse show in Kentucky - impressively the second time for them as grand A/O champions at the National. Caroline is an interior designer and lives in southern California.
• Guest: Irene Neuwirth is an amateur owner hunter rider who trains with John Bragg of Bridgeport Farms. She was champion at Devon this year in the 3'6" A/O hunters and was champion and reserve her first time at the Washington international horse show as well as reserve champion at Harrisburg. Irene balances her riding time around her business where she designs original fine jewelry.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, LAURACEA, American Stalls, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard, BoneKare 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 talks with the judges of the 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals, Robin Rost Brown and Michael Tokaruk. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Hosts: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Robin Rost Brown grew up in the horse industry and became a top hunter/jumper rider and trainer. As a top junior rider, Robin won the 1974 AHSA Medal Finals and finished 2nd twice and 4th twice in the ASPCA Maclay Finals. Robin has coached several winners of the Medal and Maclay finals and successful jumper riders from Junior to Amateur Owner to Grand Prix. Robin is a member of the National Hunter Committee and is a large R judge, most recently judging the 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. 
• 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 judge 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, Lauracea, American Stalls, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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, Catie Staszak and Cira Pace Malta speak with Heather Caristo-Willams about growing up in the horse world and her journey to representing the US show jumping team internationally. We also talk with trainer & rider Vanessa Roman about how she uses a mindful, grateful approach to riding and teaching. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Hosts: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse, Cira Pace Malta and Catie Staszak
• Guest: Heather Caristo-Williams is a show jumper who is based in Saugerties, New York and Wellington, Florida. She was a 3 time national hunter champion in her junior career. Heather also won ribbons in the equitation finals and was a 3 time gold medal winner in Young Riders. More recently, Heather competes mainly in the jumpers and has represented the US on several Nations Cup Teams. In addition to showing, Heather continues to develop young horses and train at her family’s barn, Glenview Stables.
• Guest: Vanessa Roman fell in love with horses at a young age while taking riding lessons at a small family farm in Stamford, Connecticut. Vanessa earned a B.A. at UMASS Amherst where the head coach of the riding program connected her with eventing riders Karen and David O’Connor. Vanessa worked with the O'Connor's as a groom for two and a half years. Vanessa moved on to the Boulder Brook Equestrian Center in 2007, where she worked as a trainer for 13 years. In 2019, Vanessa decided to venture out on her own until she partnered with Michael DelFIandra and Grafton Ridge was formed. Vanessa's unique style, which incorporates a mindful approach to the training of both horse and rider, incorporates a positive and relaxed environment at the stables. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, Wordley Martin Premium Equestrian Surfaces, Lauracea, American Stalls, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 and Cira Pace Malta speak with top hunter professionals Jennifer Bliss and Molly Sewell about what it takes to make it in the equestrian industry. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Hosts: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse and Cira Pace Malta
• Guest: Jennifer Bliss grew up in New York and showed extensively on the "A" horse show circuit as a Junior rider earning Pony Finals championships, WCHR awards in the pony and junior hunter divisions, and top 10 placings in the Equitation Finals. Jenn opened Harris Hill Farm, LLC in 2008 and has worked her way up to establish herself as a successful Professional rider and trainer. Jenn's main passion is developing special young hunters. Many of her biggest achievements in the show ring have come on horses that she has brought along herself- including the 2014 WCHR Developing Pro National Championship, top placings at Devon and Indoors, National and International Hunter Derby wins, top 10 finishes in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship and the Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, and top 5 ribbons in the USHJA PreGreen Incentive Finals. Jenn earned her official USHJA Trainer's Certification in 2011 and holds her USEF "R" Judge's license for the Hunter and Equitation divisions.
• Guest: Molly Sewell is a top hunter professional from Wellington, Florida where she operates Molly Sewell LLC. A talented and successful junior rider, Molly capped off her amateur career in 2001 by winning the Ariat Adult Medal Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Molly then entered college to focus on completing her degree at the University of Central Florida. In 2008, Molly was Reserve Champion in the WCHR Emerging Professional Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show and two years later, she was the 2010 WCHR Emerging Professional Challenge Champion.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, Lauracea, American Stalls, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 Michael Tokaruk speak with Karen Healey about judging the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Brianne Goutal-Marteau also joins to talk about everything the Washington International Horse Show has to offer in its new location this year. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Hosts: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse and Michael Tokaruk 
• Guest: Karen Healey began her professional career working for George Morris at Hunterdon Stables in New Jersey in 1971. Karen moved to California ten years later and began her business at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Since moving to California, Karen’s riders have won over 100 medal finals and she has trained numerous hunters and jumpers to wins at indoors, earned national championships and medals at the North American Young Riders Championship and the Prix de States. In addition to her students’ success in the show ring, Karen is an instrumental force in the administration of equestrian sport. She holds a USEF R-rated judging license and has judged some of the most prestigious shows in the country, including the Devon Horse Show, the Hampton Classic, the USEF Pony Finals and the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search East Coast Finals and most recently judged the Dover Saddlery USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 
• Guest: Brianne Goutal-Marteau is an international show jumping athlete, prominent trainer across hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. As a junior, Brianne notably won all major equitation finals including the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East and the WIHS Equitation Championship in 2004, and the USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay National Horsemanship Finals in 2005. As a professional, Brianne has a number major wins including twice taking the top spot in the American Gold Cup Grand Prix in 2013 and 2021. In addition to training and competing, Brianne is also a member of the Washington International Horse Show’s Board of Directors.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, American Stalls, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 is joined by top trainer and USEF "R" judge Geoff Teall for a special indoors conversation. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse 
• Guest: Geoff Teall is a top trainer and USEF large "R" judge. Geoff has been involved in the horse industry for over 40 years and has trained hunter winners at every top show in the country as well as equitation winners at nearly every top national finals. Geoff has also trained several jumper riders from the start of their jumper careers to their first Grand Prix wins. Geoff has served as the National Vice President of the USHJA and has served on both the Board Of Directors of the USHJA and the USHJA Foundation as well as the USHJA Executive Committee. He was chairman of the USHJA Equitation Task Force, and Chairman of the USEF National Hunter Committee. He has served on the USHJA Hunter Working Group, the USEF Drugs and Medication Committee and the USEF Horse Welfare Task Force. Geoff is also the author of “Geoff Teall on Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation” and contributes as a writer to many publications.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, American Stalls, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 speaks with top trainer Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm about all things mindset, going after big goals and staying focused on what is important. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride
• Guest: Andre Dignelli is the owner and head trainer at Heritage Farm, which has produced national hunter, jumper and equitation champions for nearly three decades. In his junior years, Andre won the USET finals and later went on to win the bronze medal at the Pan Am Games. Since then, Andre has coached numerous equitation, hunter and jumper champions at the nation’s top shows. His program has helped develop top riders including Kent Farrington, Kirsten Coe, Maggie McAlary, Reed Kessler, Lillie Keenan and many others.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, Wordley Martin Premium Equestrian Surfaces, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 are joined by Stephanie Lightner, manager of The National Horse Show for 2022. Phoebe Weseley and Carleton Brooks join to talk about their upcoming horsemanship clinic, "A Clinic With Purpose". Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Hosts: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse and Traci Brooks
• Guest: Stephanie Lightner has served as a horse show manager and FEI steward at some of the biggest show jumping events across the United States and abroad. Since 1993, Stephanie has worked with Robert Ridland to help build the Showpark of San Diego and Blenheim EquiSports into major horse show management companies. For over a decade, she has managed a full schedule of horse shows for Blenheim, which currently produces about 20 hunter-jumper horse shows per year, including the acclaimed Las Vegas National Horse Show and the newly awarded Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup USA. Stephanie served as manager of the 2000 and 2004 USEF Olympic Selection Trials and the 2002 World Equestrian Games Selection Trials. Stephanie has been named manager of the 2022 National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky and also managed the Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida, which is the host of an FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifier. Stephanie has served as an FEI steward at such major U.S. events as the National Horse Show, Winter Equestrian Festival and Traverse City, and at such major European shows as the Gothenburg Horse Show in Gothenburg, Sweden, the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Stephanie has served as Chairman of the USEF Competition Management Committee and is a member of the USHJA Competition Management and World Championship Hunter Rider Committees.  
• Guest: Phoebe Weseley is a knowledgeable horsewoman, horse owner and successful amateur rider. Phoebe owns and manages River Run Farm in Wellington, Florida. Having bred, raised, bought and sold a list of successful horses and ponies, Phoebe has earned numerous accolades on hunters and jumpers in the amateur ring all along the East Coast. Phoebe is a strong believer in horsemanship and putting the horse first, so she created a Rider to Horseman concept with Traci & Carleton Brooks of Balmoral Farm. Phoebe is bringing her concept to life with “A Clinic With Purpose” on December 10-11, 2022 in Wellington. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, Saddlery Brands International, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 Mary McIntosh of MKE Urban Stables, a stable that provides equine-assisted services and programs to youth and veterans in Milwaukee. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse 
• Guest: Mary McIntosh is the Executive Director at MKE Urban Stables located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. MKE Urban Stables is a horse stable in central urban Milwaukee that provides equine-assisted services and programs to youth and veterans. With the construction complete in May 2020, MKE Urban Stables became the first facility in the nation to combine equine-assisted therapy, community engagement programs, and mounted police patrol. MKE's mission and vision is connecting people with horses and each other to build community through service, care and healing.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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 is joined by Vicki Lowell and Mary Helen Shaughnessy of the Washington International Horse Show. Elizabeth Ehrlich of Equine Elixirs and James Gilchrist, the official Olympic and World Equestrian Games farrier, also join to talk about hoof issues. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Vicki Lowell has served as the President of the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) since 2013 and has been a member of its board since 2009. She is also the Chief Marketing & Content Officer of US Equestrian (USEF), a role she took on in 2016. Prior to that, Vicki worked at Discovery Communications, where she led brand strategy and digital/social marketing for Animal Planet and TLC. Vicki is an accomplished amateur rider with numerous successes in the adult jumper ring including winning the WIHS Adult Jumper Championship in 2001.  
• Guest: Mary Helen Shaughnessy joined the Washington International Horse Show in 2015 as Sponsorship Coordinator and has been serving as the Executive Director since 2019. Born and raised in Baltimore, Mary Helen attended WIHS as a spectator all throughout her childhood and was lucky to eventually compete in the Children’s Jumpers and Junior Hunters. A graduate of New York University, Mary Helen worked for over ten years in New York City’s world of film and television. Mary Helen’s equestrian background includes training with top riders such as Kent Farrington and Chris Kappler. Mary Helen also traveled as the Assistant to the Chef d’Equipe with the USET on their nation’s cup tour to Europe in 2005. Her exposure to the inner workings of the sport cemented a love for equestrian events that Mary Helen has continued not only with WIHS but also through work at shows such as the Hampton Classic, Upperville, Capital Challenge, Palm Beach Masters, and Old Salem Farm.
• 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: James Gilchrist is a farrier who has been the official Olympic and World Equestrian Games farrier and continues to work on Olympic level horses across various disciplines. James is a go-to resource for veterinarians and farriers dealing with the toughest corrective issues and is focused on helping educate the next generation of riders as to what they can do to keep their horses happy, healthy and sound. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, Alexis Kletjian, America Cryo, Nikovian, Saddlery Brands International, Show Strides Book Series, Online Equestrian College Courses,  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!