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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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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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