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Join cohosts Karen and Jen in this exciting episode as they sit down with Ronny Reimer,  known online as The German Riding Instructor. Ronny shares his unique insights into the newly formed United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC) and his unofficial title as the “ultra supporter.” 

Dive into a rich discussion about how European equestrians cultivate a community-centered atmosphere at horse shows.  

Listen in as he describes how, as co-founder of the Local Champions Tour, he’s using the European equestrian model to help make the sport more accessible for Americans.

Finally Ronny touches on the professional wrestling career that initially brought him to The United States.

Ronnie’s passion for the equestrian world provides valuable lessons for riders and enthusiasts alike. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges cultures and celebrates the love of horses!

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### Scope Podcast - Listener Q&A

In this engaging episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen and Jen dive into an array of listener questions that cover essential topics in the equestrian world. 

- **OTTBs vs. Warmbloods:** Tune in as they discuss the pros and cons of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds vs. warmbloods. 
  
- **Decline in Horsemanship:** Karen and Jen explore some possible reasons behind  the perceived decline in horsemanship skills. 

- **Professional vs. Amateur Riders:** The hosts analyze  discuss when and why professional riders compete against amateurs and juniors. 

- **Best Age to Start Riding:** Karen and Jen share insights on the ideal age for young equestrians to start their riding journey, offering advice for parents and aspiring riders alike.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion that promises to enlighten and inspire equestrians of all levels! Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain insights from experienced riders who are passionate about the sport.

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Join hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker in this exciting episode of the **Scope Podcast**, where they dive into some of the most common questions Jen receives as a horse trainer. 

In this episode:

- **Karen** poses typical inquiries like “How much does a Junior Hunter cost?” and “How do I teach my horse to change leads?”
- **Jen** shares her insights and experiences from the world of equestrian sports, providing practical advice and tips for listeners.
- The duo then turns to ChatGPT for answers to the same questions, sparking a lively discussion on the differences between human expertise and AI-generated responses.

Will Jen's answers hold up against the AI's? Tune in to find out if ChatGPT agrees with her insights or if the hosts have a few surprises in store!

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just curious about the world of horses, this episode is packed with valuable information and engaging conversation. Don’t miss it! 

### Listen Now! 🎧

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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, Jen Barker dives into the world of equine transportation with a special guest, her brother, John Barker an experienced truck driver and self-proclaimed "equine relocation specialist" for Johnson Horse Transportation. 

Join Jen and John as they explore the ins and outs of shipping horses, sharing invaluable insights for horse owners looking to prepare their animals and equipment for a smooth transport experience. John candidly reveals the essential things he wishes every client knew about his job, including common practices that can complicate the process, such as using blankets with leg straps.

Listeners will benefit from John's expert tips on planning routes and navigating horse show entrances and exits to ensure a user-friendly experience. Whether you're a seasoned horse owner or new to transporting equines, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal anecdotes that shed light on the complexities of horse transportation. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will help you and your horses travel with ease! 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the best in the business and ensure your next horse shipping experience is a success!

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Join hosts Jen, a seasoned professional horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a dedicated horse show parent and former client of Jen's, as they dive into the fascinating world of horse training and client relationships in this week’s episode. 

In a fun and insightful game they call “Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag,” Jen presents various scenarios to Karen, who helps determine whether each situation is a red flag (a serious concern), a green flag (a positive indicator), or a pink flag (somewhat concerning but requiring more information). 

This week, they're focusing on potential red flags that clients might display when “interviewing” a new trainer or barn. Tune in as they explore examples like:

- Clients who frequently change trainers or barns (the infamous barn hoppers)
- Enthusiastic clients eager to showcase their horse knowledge
- Those with extensive wardrobes for their horses or an overwhelming number of supplements

Whether you're a trainer, a client, or just a horse enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the trainer-client dynamic. Don’t miss it!

🎧 **Listen now and discover how to spot the flags that could impact your equestrian journey!**

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'Tis the season! Karen and Jen have made their lists and checked them twice...listen to find out who has been naughty and who has been nice!

Also, Karen and Jen discuss great gifts for clients and sweet surprises for trainers--and even get some help from Adriane Potter of The Tack Room in Camden South Carolina. You won't want to miss any of the recommendations! 

Websites and Coupon Codes below:

The Tack Room

www.tackroomonline.com

Use code SCOPE10 for 10% off

Weather Or Not Equestrian

www.wonequestrian.com

Waterproof, Chemical free breeches!! Get them now before they are gone! 

Use code SCOPE for free shipping and a FREE WON t-shirt

Happy Horse Coffee

Delicious Small Batch Coffee roasted in the Carolinas! 

www.happyhorse.coffee

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**Want to see the red flags in all of their glory? This episode is also available on The Scope Podcast’s YouTube Channel!!**

https://youtu.be/lNkNBJMJ3r4

Join hosts Jen, a seasoned horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a dedicated horse show parent and one of Jen's former clients, for a thought-provoking episode of The Scope Podcast! In this entertaining new segment, "Red Flag, Green Flag, or Pink Flag," the duo dives into some controversial practices in Equestrian Sports. 

This week, Jen will present various rules and policies that horse owners might encounter, from how barns handle farrier and vet payments to their feeding practices and accessibility. Jen and Karen will weigh in on whether these practices raise alarm bells (red flags), signal safety and quality (green flags), or warrant a cautious approach (pink flags). 

🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! Let us know your thoughts on the flags we discuss and share your own experiences in the horse community. 

Happy listening! 🐴✨

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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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