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Join hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this lively episode of "The Scope Podcast,” where they dive into the world of coaching dynamics through the lens of "Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag." 

### Key Highlights:
- **Pushing Comfort Zones**: Jen and Karen explore the green flags of a coach who encourages growth while also recognizing the delicate balance needed to avoid overwhelming students. 
- **Assessing Progress**: The duo tackles the complexities of progress in training, debating whether lack of improvement is a coach's fault or a matter of individual capability.
- **Financial Pressures**: They discuss the ethical implications of pushing students into financial discomfort, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication.
- **Belittling Behavior**: Jen and Karen agree on the red flags of coaches who belittle their students, pointing out the need for constructive criticism delivered with care.
- **Professional Practices**: The conversation wraps up with a candid examination of questionable professional practices and the significance of maintaining trust in the coach-student relationship.

This episode is packed with insightful commentary and relatable anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in coaching or sports training. Tune in for a fun and informative take on what to look out for in a coach! 

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe for more engaging discussions on "Scope!"

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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner delve into the world of equestrian sports with a special guest, Daniel Geitner, the 2025 USEF National Horseman of the Year and co-founder of the United States Equestrian Trainers Association (USETA). 

Join us as we explore the origins of USETA, a groundbreaking organization aimed at giving equestrian trainers a united voice to address their concerns with governing bodies like USEF and USHJA. Daniel shares the story behind the association's inception, sparked by frustrations voiced at horse shows, and discusses its mission to foster collaboration and improvement within the industry.

Key topics include:

- **The Need for a Unified Voice**: Daniel explains how USETA aims to empower trainers to voice their opinions collectively, from praising successful horse shows to addressing issues that arise.
- **Diversity and Representation**: Addressing early criticisms about the leadership structure, Daniel highlights efforts to create an advisory board that reflects the diversity of the equestrian community.
- **Future Goals**: The conversation touches on the importance of making equestrian sports accessible for the next generation, ensuring horse welfare, and considering the needs of all professionals, including trainers, judges, horse show staff, and grooms.
- **Innovative Ideas**: Daniel discusses inspirations from international models of horse showing and the potential for adopting new practices to enhance the experience for all involved.

With candid insights and a vision for the future of equestrian sports, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about horses and the equestrian industry. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to illuminate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Don’t forget to subscribe to *Scope* for more insights into the equestrian world! 🐴✨

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Join co-hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner on this part two episode of *The Scope Podcast* as they dive deep into the evolving landscape of NCEA equestrian sports, particularly focusing on the recent transition of the UC Davis equestrian team to a club sport.

The hosts discuss the controversial replacement of equestrian with stunt as an NCAA Division 1 sport at UC Davis, examining the implications for female athletes and the broader equestrian community. They emphasize the need for solidarity among women’s sports rather than tearing each other down. 

Throughout the episode, they explore practical solutions to improve visibility and accessibility for equestrian sports, including innovative ideas for competition formats, community outreach, and event locations. Jen and Karen share their thoughts on how to modernize the sport to attract a wider audience, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement and understanding of the scoring system.

As passionate advocates for equestrian, they challenge the community to come together, support one another, and work toward a sustainable future for NCAA equestrian. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that balances critique with constructive solutions, all while celebrating the beauty and excitement of the sport.

Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe to *Scope* for more insightful discussions!

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In this sure-to-be controversial episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker explore the intricacies of Title IX and its implications for equestrian sports, alongside the recent downgrade of the UC Davis equestrian team from a Division 1 varsity sport to a club sport. With heartfelt sympathy for the affected athletes, they express hopes for the team’s future while emphasizing the need for other Division 1 equestrian teams to recognize this shift as a warning signal.

The conversation delves into the financial challenges facing equestrian programs, specifically when compared to other sports such as Stunt—a fast paced women’s sport that is derived from cheerleading.  Jen suggests that teams need to take the initiative in funding themselves, while Karen passionately counters that the responsibility shouldn't rest on coaches and riders. As tensions rise, Jen introduces an innovative funding model that focuses on raising money through horse development rather than traditional monetary donations, which Karen finds intriguing.

This multifaceted conversation sets the groundwork for the next episode, where they will address how to make the NCAA equestrian format more spectator-friendly.

Join Karen and Jen for a captivating dialogue that not only examines the current landscape of collegiate equestrian sports but also paves the way for future discussions on equity and sustainability in the sport!

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In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope* podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the nuanced world of equine care, exploring the fine line between effective horsemanship and an overwhelming reliance on excessive services. As trends like massage therapy, cryotherapy, and various supplements gain popularity, the duo questions whether these treatments are truly necessary for every horse.

Karen and Jen tackle the implications of this shift, pondering if the rise of "extra" treatments is creating barriers to entry in equestrian sports, making them less accessible to aspiring riders and enthusiasts. They assert that no amount of therapy or veterinary intervention can make a horse suitable for a job if it isn't inherently fit for the task at hand.

The conversation also highlights the concept of being "serviceably sound"—the idea that a horse can be imperfect yet still capable and happy in its role. With fewer horses now being classified as serviceably sound, the landscape is shifting towards unrealistic standards, where horses are either deemed perfect or considered unusable. This shift not only affects how we view horses but also contributes to rising prices in the equine market.

Join Karen and Jen as they challenge the norms, encouraging listeners to rethink what it means to provide quality care while ensuring that equestrian sports remain inclusive and accessible for all.

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As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time for equestrians to reflect and set intentions that will elevate their riding experience and horse care practices. In this episode, we delve into five transformative New Year’s resolutions tailored specifically for horse lovers. 

1. **Purge, Clean, and Repair Equipment and Tack**: Learn the importance of starting fresh by decluttering your tack room or tack trunk. We’ll discuss how regular maintenance can extend the life of your gear and enhance safety.

2. **Establish an Organizational System**: Discover effective strategies for organizing your equipment and supplies. A well-structured space can streamline your routine and reduce stress during busy days.

3. **Make a Plan for Horse Shows and Lesson Schedules**: Planning ahead is key! Create a comprehensive schedule for lessons and shows, ensuring you and your horse are always prepared for success.

4. **Reevaluate Your Budget**: Financial transparency is essential. We discuss evaluating costs, budgeting for horse care, and strategizing for upcoming horse shows.

5. **Refocus on Horsemanship Practices**: Finally, we’ll dive into the heart of horsemanship. We’ll encourage listeners to reassess their care routines and develop a year-long plan for their horse’s well-being.

Join us as we set the stage for a year of growth, organization, and enhanced equestrian practices. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting, these resolutions will help you and your horse thrive in the coming year!

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In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker take a closer look at a compelling statement made by their recent guest, Ronny Riemer, the esteemed German riding instructor. Ronny stirred the pot with his assertion that he doesn’t have clients—he has students—and emphasized that his primary concern lies not in the happiness of these individuals, but rather in the care of their horses and his role as an exceptional athletic coach.

As Karen and Jen delve into this provocative viewpoint, they explore the implications of Ronny's philosophy. While they resonate with the idea that the well-being of the horse should be paramount, they also highlight the complexities of the instructor-student relationship. In this episode, they discuss scenarios where the dynamics shift, and the student’s role as a paying client becomes significant. How can one balance the rigorous demands of training with the need for emotional support and satisfaction?

Listeners can expect an engaging dialogue that invites them to reflect on their own experiences in the equestrian world, considering the multifaceted roles that instructors and students play. Tune in for a nuanced discussion that challenges traditional notions of client relationships in sports coaching, all while keeping the horses' best interests at heart. 

Join Karen and Jen for this enlightening conversation that promises to expand your understanding of the equestrian coaching landscape!

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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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