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Join hosts Karen and Jen in this insightful episode as they dive into the world of catch riding, working students, and the dynamics of working off riding lessons in equestrian sports. They explore the nuances of these important topics, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities available for young riders and their families.

- **Young Riders:** Karen and Jen discuss the realities of very young children and the physical demands of working off riding lessons. They highlight alternative ways for parents to engage with their child's equestrian journey, including trading services for lessons or board.

- **The Working Student Experience:** The hosts emphasize that being a working student requires not only skill but also an exceptional work ethic. They share personal anecdotes and tips for navigating this challenging yet rewarding role in the equestrian community.

- **Catch Riding Pressure:** The episode also touches on the pressure that comes with catch riding, a topic Karen passionately addresses. She points out that not all barns can provide the opportunities and benefits that working students seek, leading to important considerations for aspiring riders.

Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice, personal stories, and a deeper understanding of the equestrian world. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, this episode is sure to inspire and inform!

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Join hosts Jen, a lifelong equestrian professional and rider, and Karen, a dedicated parent of an equestrian trained by Jen, as they dive into an essential conversation about accessibility in horse sports. In this episode, Jen presents a **five-prong plan** designed to open the doors of equestrian sports to new riders without the immediate pressure of purchasing or leasing a horse.

Jen breaks down each point of their plan, focusing on the importance of preserving lesson barns, riding schools, and beginner programs that serve as vital entry points for aspiring equestrians. Karen adds her perspective as a parent, evaluating the viability and impact of each proposal.

**Key Points Discussed:**

1. **Normalizing Higher Prices:** Understanding the need for higher lesson prices at riding schools and lesson barns that use school horses, ensuring these programs can thrive and continue to provide access.
   
2. **Eliminating Low-Level Classes at High-Level Shows:** Aiming to encourage beginners to support foundational programs by removing low-level classes from high level horse shows.

3. **Investment by Top-Tier Barns:** Advocating for top-tier equestrian facilities to invest in developing their own lesson programs, creating a sustainable model for training new riders.

4. **Collaboration Between Programs:** Encouraging partnerships between elite barns and smaller foundational programs to create a funnel system that guides new riders through their equestrian journey.

5. **Tiered Certification System for Trainers:** Introducing a certification system that helps trainers specialize in different levels and aids new riders and parents in identifying suitable barns for their needs.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that not only highlights the challenges faced by new riders but also offers actionable solutions to make equestrian sports more inclusive and welcoming. Whether you're a seasoned rider, a parent, or someone interested in the equestrian world, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss! 

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Karen and Jen discuss the USHJA Trainer Certification Program and explore why it hasn't gained traction. They delve into the reluctance of well-known equestrian professionals to embrace the certification and suggest ways to encourage lifelong professionals to take the certification test and lead live teaching sessions. 

Karen, who is both a certified personal trainer and a certified athletic trainer, highlights the fact that these professions require not only certification but continuing education, raising the question of why the same standards shouldn't apply to horse trainers. The hosts emphasize the potential benefits of promoting certified trainers to the general public, especially for those seeking their first horse trainers. 

They draw comparisons with licensing requirements in Massachusetts for horse trainers and in the broader context of cosmetology licenses across the states. While acknowledging that certification may not eliminate poor training practices, they argue that it can significantly uplift the professionalism and the reputation of horse trainers in the industry. 

Tune in for thought provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and discusses practical steps to enhance credibility within the equestrian community. 

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Join Karen and Jen as they dive into the complexities of balancing client needs with the demands of life on the road. In this insightful episode, they explore the challenges faced by busy trainers who are frequently away at horse shows, leaving some clients behind. 

What happens when a trainer can't be there for every lesson? Should they find a substitute instructor to step in, and if so, how should pricing be handled? Jen and Karen discuss the expectations of clients left at home, the pressures trainers face upon returning, and the delicate balance of maintaining relationships while ensuring all clients feel valued. 

Is patience a virtue, or should clients consider seeking out another trainer if they feel neglected? Tune in as they navigate these tough questions, share personal stories, and offer practical advice for both trainers and clients in the equestrian world. Whether you're a trainer juggling multiple commitments or a client feeling the weight of waiting, this episode is packed with insights to help you find your way forward.

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Before they get to the episode Karen and Jen begin with a hilarious exchange about a potential guest; Xavier Legette, horse lover, wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers Football team and former South Carolina Gamecock. X, have your people call our people! 

Now on to the show…

Building on their previous discussion about the tensions between equestrian professionals and amateur clients, Karen and Jen shift the focus to the positive aspects that unite them.

Listen in as they explore what professionals truly appreciate about horses, the sport, and the rewarding career paths they've chosen.

The hosts also tackle practical solutions for avoiding conflicts between individuals in the equestrian community. They discuss effective communication strategies and proactive approaches that can lead to more long lasting relationships. Moreover, Jen and Karen emphasize the importance of mutual appreciation and empathy. They offer tips on how professionals can express gratitude to their clients and vice versa, even discussing discounts, and gifts. 

Whether you're a rider, trainer, parent, or simply an equestrian enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartfelt discussions that celebrate the bond between professionals, clients and horses. Tune in to discover how to strengthen these relationships and enhance your equestrian experience!

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In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Jen, a seasoned horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a devoted horse show parent and former client of Jen's, delve into the complex relationship between professional horse people and their amateur clients. They tackle the often contentious divide that exists in the equestrian world, exploring the feelings of elitism that some professionals exude and the frustrations that arise from clients feeling sidelined in their horse’s training and care.

Karen introduces key topics that frequently spark discord, such as the high costs associated with equestrian sports.  She shares her own experiences, highlighting the resentment some clients feel towards the time professionals spend in the barn, fostering a sense of separation between the two groups. 

Jen candidly acknowledges these feelings and offers her perspective, expressing her own frustrations regarding how some clients interact with professionals. As the conversation unfolds, both hosts realize that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in establishing clear boundaries, fostering honest communication, and encouraging open dialogue. 

Join Jen and Karen for an engaging discussion that aims to foster understanding and collaboration in the equestrian community, bridging the gap between professionals and amateurs for a more harmonious experience for all involved.

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In this powerful episode, Jen and Karen sit down with Andrew Ellis, an equestrian known for his roles as a horse show manager, announcer, and starter. Andrew shares his gripping story of resilience and recovery following a devastating riding accident at the age of 13 that not only changed the course of his life but also set him on a path of addiction.

As Andrew recounts his journey, he opens up about how the accident led to a long hospital stay and the emotional turmoil that followed, which he sought to cope with through food. For Andrew, food became his "gateway drug," leading to chronic pain, obesity, and a battle with pain pill addiction that spiraled into a full-blown crisis by the age of 40. Despite his struggles, Andrew's charisma and outlandish behavior made him popular in social settings, yet this façade masked a deeper pain and insecurity.

After hitting rock bottom, Andrew sought help, completing a 28-day rehabilitation program that marked the beginning of his ongoing journey to sobriety. Now, over a decade later, he remains committed to his recovery, attending AA meetings even after long days at horse shows. 

Join us as we delve into Andrew's inspiring story, exploring the unique challenges faced by those in the equestrian community who may be battling addiction in silence. We discuss the importance of awareness, support, and open dialogue, shedding light on how fellow equestrians can play a pivotal role in encouraging those in need to seek help. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that no one is alone in their struggles, and recovery is a journey worth taking.

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Join Karen and Jen for an insightful episode that dives deep into the world of horse sales. With Jen drawing on her experience in selling and buying horses as well as opinions collected from other trainers, she sheds light on the common pitfalls and unprofessional behaviors that potential buyers often exhibit--like "kicking tires,' failing to follow up after a trial, or riding a horse for too long despite knowing it's not the right fit. 

Karen, bringing her perspective as a parent who has navigated the leasing and buying of multiple horses for her children, responds with her own list of do's and don'ts. Together they explore the nuances of buyer etiquette and share practical advice for making the horse buying experience smoother and more respectful for everyone involved. Tune in for a fun, informative discussion that promises to elevate your understanding of the equestrian marketplace. 

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In this thought-provoking episode, Jen and Karen dive deep into the whirlwind of controversy sparked by Jen's recent statements. Last week, Jen suggested that trainers should have a say in their riders' attire for the show ring and the social media images they share. The commentary ignited a firestorm of reactions from listeners, many voicing concerns that Jen's views may contribute to the already overwhelming pressure to present a perfect image in the equestrian world. 

Using social media comments as a springboard, Jen and Karen explore the multifaceted reasons behind the intense pressure faced by riders. They dissect the the technical demands of the sport, the significant financial investment required, and the pervasive influence of social media in shaping perceptions. The discussion also addresses the unwritten rule that emotions should remain concealed in the competitive arena, leading to a culture that often prioritizes appearances over authenticity. 

Join Karen and Jen as they navigate these complex themes, offering insights and personal anecdotes that shed light on the challenges equestrians face today. Whether you are a rider, a parent, or simply an equestrian enthusiast, this episode will resonate with anyone grappling with the balancing act of passion, performance, and the pursuit of perfection in the world of horses. 

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Karen and Jen discuss the often overlooked role of clients in shaping a barn's brand. They explore the intricate relationship between branding and client expectations, from the necessity of custom tack trunks and horse clothes, to the financial contributions for horse show exhibitors parties. 

Tune in to hear how a rider's attire in the show ring not only reflects personal style but also serves as a visual extension of the barns brand. The conversation highlights the importance of social media in today's equestrian world and how adhering to a barn's full service or DIY culture is an important part of communicating the brand. 

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