Some women are born into the horse industry.
Some marry into it.
Some build their place in it over a lifetime.
And some… do all three.

This week on The Trainer’s Wife, I sat down in the Fort Worth Stockyards with Sandy Jirkovsky — Director of Judges & Professional Horsemen for the American Paint Horse Association, industry judge, horse trainer, mother, grandmother… and a woman whose story spans generations of this Western equine life.

Sandy is the daughter of a horse trainer.
She watched her mother quietly hold together the business behind the scenes.
She became a trainer herself.
A trainer’s wife.
A single mother.
And a woman forced to rebuild more than once.

In this episode, Sandy shares — with remarkable honesty — the chapters of her life that shaped her. She speaks about leaving marriages that weren’t meant to last, the courage it took to start over, and how those experiences formed not only who she became… but the perspective she carries today.

Her son, Chris Dawson, grew up to become one of the most accomplished professionals in the Reined Cow Horse industry. Alongside his wife Sarah, they have amassed over $5.5 million in earnings, becoming one of the most respected partnerships in the sport. And Sandy said something that stayed with me:

She believes the things she got wrong… mattered.
Because they shaped his life.
And opened doors for his future.

But Sandy’s story didn’t end there.

Thirty years ago, she married Jim Jirkovsky — a respected horseman, trainer, and partner. Together, they built a life grounded not in survival, but in choice. Sandy shares the quiet truth that lasting love didn’t come from finding perfection — it came from learning to grow, to accept, and to find happiness within herself.

She also reinvented herself professionally — stepping into leadership, education, and helping shape the future of judging and professional standards in our industry.

Sandy has judged around the world.
She has mentored countless horsemen and horsewomen.
She has influenced generations — not just through horses, but through example.

And yet, even now, she speaks about balance.
About being present.
About being a wife.
About being a grandmother.
About not missing the moments that matter most.

And maybe the most powerful lesson she shared was simple:

“Follow your passion. And then some.”

If you’ve ever questioned your path…
If you’ve ever had to start over…
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to become something new…

This episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

American Paint Horse Association - Contact Sandy

The Jennifer Journals

🎙️ This week on The Trainer’s Wife Podcast, I’m honored to welcome Susan Marvin—a woman whose story is rooted in faith, discipline, and building something lasting from the ground up.

Susan and her husband, Tommy Marvin spent decades shaping a respected legacy in the cutting horse industry. Tommy is a Hall of Fame member with over $2.3 million in National Cutting Horse Association earnings and a NCHA Futurity Champion. Susan herself has earned more than $259,000 in NCHA competition.

But their story didn’t start in arenas and winner’s circles.

It started with bare land, a motorhome, a few panels, and a shared dream.

From humble beginnings in Arkansas to building an 800-acre ranch in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, the Marvins created their operation piece by piece—guided by strong Christian faith, financial discipline, and a commitment to avoiding debt. Today, their ranch includes multiple arenas, barns, cattle, and a home they built themselves—and is nearly debt-free, the result of years of patience and intentional choices.

Susan shares openly about:
• Leaving college and special education to pursue life in the horse world
• Supporting Tommy through every stage of his career
• Managing books, schedules, horses, and family
• Raising children in the industry
• Building a business with integrity and faith
• The power of patience and long-term vision

As their daughter, Kenli, beautifully shared, Susan is “the backbone”—the bookkeeper, loper, encourager, and steady presence behind it all. A competitor in her own right, a mother, and a true partner in every sense.

What I love most about Susan’s story is that it reminds us that real success isn’t flashy.

It’s faithful.
It’s steady.
It’s built one stall, one fence, one building at a time.
It’s about building something that lasts.

And it’s about the quiet strength of a woman who helped make it all possible.

Now, when they have a quiet moment to sit on the porch of the home they built, they look out over their land, their cattle, and a peaceful pond in front of the house—a view that reflects the life they’ve worked so hard to create.

🎧 Don’t miss this powerful and inspiring conversation with Susan Marvin.

Hey everyone, and welcome to Season Two of The Trainer’s Wife.

If you’ve been here for a while, thank you for walking this journey with me — and if you’re new, I’m so glad you found us.

This is where I sit down with the wives of professional horse trainers in the Western equine industry to share their stories — not just in the arena, but in life.

We talk about how they show up for their families, their careers, their communities, and for other women.

This podcast is a place to celebrate strong, brave, beautiful women whose roots run deep — and whose impact reaches far beyond the show pen.

I’m so glad you’re here.

SHOW NOTES:

Marvin Performance Horses

The Jennifer Journals

The Trainer's Wife, Solo Mini-Series

Sponsored by Ken Wold Stallion Services

Permission Without Punishment — Episode 3 of my mini-series is finally here.

This one is about the quiet ways we keep paying for things we’ve already learned from.

If you’ve ever thought:
“I should be past this by now.”
“I haven’t earned ease yet.”
“I can’t slow down.”

You’re not alone.

This episode is an invitation to release what no longer serves you — without losing your integrity.

💛 Thanks for being here.

Hey everyone, and welcome to Season Two of The Trainer’s Wife.

If you’ve been here for a while, thank you for walking this journey with me — and if you’re new, I’m so glad you found us.

This is where I sit down with the wives of professional horse trainers in the Western equine industry to share their stories — not just in the arena, but in life.

We talk about how they show up for their families, their careers, their communities, and for other women.

This podcast is a place to celebrate strong, brave, beautiful women whose roots run deep — and whose impact reaches far beyond the show pen.

I’m so glad you’re here.

SHOW NOTES:

The Jennifer Journals

Email: ⁠[email protected] ⁠ for the full PDF of the presentation and to subscribe

Today’s guest embodies grit, grace, and quiet excellence in the Western performance horse world.

Meet Veronica Swales.

Professional horse trainer.Wife to a professional horse trainer.Mom. Competitor. Survivor. 💙

Veronica and her husband, Clay Volmer, are both Top 30 riders in the NRCHA — representing the very best of the reined cow horse industry.

🏆 Over $748,000 in NRCHA earnings🏆 NRCHA Stallion Stakes Champion🏆 Reserve Champion — NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity

Clay is an NRCHA professional with more than $800,000 in earnings and an NRCHA Hackamore Classic Championship to his name.

Together, they’re raising two children in Perrin, Texas — building a life rooted in family and horsemanship.

In 2025, Veronica experienced a serious accident.

Her recovery?Nothing short of remarkable.

Though she couldn’t compete at the Snaffle Bit Futurity, her brother John stepped in to ride Bowie Nights — who went on to win the Iconic Championship. ✨

Originally from Longview, Alberta, Canada — a place she will always call home — Veronica’s roots in the equine industry run deep, just like her family’s legacy.

But this episode isn’t just about wins and titles.

It’s about resilience.Partnership.Motherhood.And learning how to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned.

🎧 Please welcome, Veronica Swales — now on The Trainer’s Wife.

Hey everyone, and welcome to Season Two of The Trainer’s Wife.

If you’ve been here for a while, thank you for walking this journey with me — and if you’re new, I’m so glad you found us.

This is where I sit down with the wives of professional horse trainers in the Western equine industry to share their stories — not just in the arena, but in life.

We talk about how they show up for their families, their careers, their communities, and for other women.

This podcast is a place to celebrate strong, brave, beautiful women whose roots run deep — and whose impact reaches far beyond the show pen.

I’m so glad you’re here.

SHOW NOTES:

The Jennifer Journals

Veronica Swales Performance Horses

Clay Volmer

Lowering My Shield 🛡️

I’ve spent most of my life being very good at working hard, pushing through, and figuring things out on my own.
Resilience has always been a strength for me.

But recently, I’ve been learning that resilience can also become a shield — one that protects us not just from pain, but sometimes from receiving something good.

This solo episode is an honest reflection on what it looks like to slow down, release a bit of control, and notice where receiving feels vulnerable.

Where in your life might you be holding the shield a little too tightly?

🎧 Lowering My Shield is now live.
If this resonates, I hope you’ll listen — and maybe share it with someone who’s been strong for a long time.

Show Notes:

War Horses For Veterans

~ The Warrior's Wife ~ Jessica Draper

~ Choosing Permission ~ Mini- Series Episode 1

Presentation Material for Mini-Series

Today’s episode is a little different—and deeply meaningful.

I’m honored to share a conversation with Jessica Draper—wife of a U.S. Army Green Beret and the Director of Organizational Development at War Horses for Veterans.

Jessica’s passion for service extends far beyond one role. In addition to her work supporting veterans and first responders through the War Horses Network, she is also a highly educated Clinical Nutritionist and the founder of Plant Aptitude, where she helps individuals navigate food choices for better health, resilience, and long-term well-being.

In this episode, we talk about service, sacrifice, faith, and family—but also about caring for the whole person. Mind. Body. Spirit. Whether through community connection, purposeful mission, or intentional nutrition, Jessica’s work is rooted in helping people feel stronger, supported, and equipped for what’s next.

We also discuss the War Horses Network—a nationwide resource hub open to all veterans and first responders, offering career and transition support, wellness and resilience tools, education, family resources, and meaningful connection. You do not need to have come through their programs to access it.

This conversation is about strength that continues long after the uniform comes off—and the many ways healing can take shape.

The Trainer’s Wife is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the wives of horse trainer’s in the western equine industry. For 35 years I’ve watched talented, successful, brave, beautiful women pour themselves into their husbands careers.These women not only manage and build his business, they manage and build their own as well, sometimes while trying to train and show horses themselves. Whether they are cheering for him from the stands, the back gate, their computer screen at work, or the kids basketball game, they rarely miss one of his go’s at a show. And when he’s done they have the ultimate task of supporting him with empathy, love and acceptance. They have to find the right words to fit each run, learn how to respond and not react, know when and how to offer constructive criticism or just sit in the quiet and let it be. This podcast is about exploring not only what these women bring to complex relationships, but how they continue to be strong, resilient and independent while not losing themselves or being swallowed by their husbands careers.

SHOW NOTES:

War Horses For Veterans

Plant Aptitude - Jessica Draper, Clinical Nutritionist

We hear a lot about being resilient—and are even praised for it. I’ve always thought it was a strong character trait. Recently, though, I’ve been learning how resilience may be better relied upon as a tool rather than something that defines us.I want my character to be defined by how I connect with others—and how I stay connected to myself. This mini-series is where I begin to explore what that looks like.

The Trainer’s Wife is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the wives, and on occasion the husbands, of horse trainer’s in the western equine industry. For 35 years I’ve watched talented, successful, brave, beautiful women pour themselves into their husbands careers.These women not only manage and build his business, they manage and build their own as well, sometimes while trying to train and show horses themselves. Whether they are cheering for him from the stands, the back gate, their computer screen at work, or the kids basketball game, they rarely miss one of his go’s at a show. And when he’s done they have the ultimate task of supporting him with empathy, love and acceptance. They have to find the right words to fit each run, learn how to respond and not react, know when and how to offer constructive criticism or just sit in the quiet and let it be. This podcast is about exploring not only what these women bring to complex relationships, but how they continue to be strong, resilient and independent while not losing themselves or being swallowed by their husbands careers.

SHOW NOTES:

Email: TheTrainersWife @Outlook.com for the full PDF of the presentation and to subscribe

https://www.thejenniferjournals.com/

Have you ever heard cheering in a quiet arena?
One steady voice rising above the silence—not because success is rare, but because there’s always something worth celebrating.
Effort. Try. Heart. Progress. Commitment.

Today, you’ll meet Ramona Wold.

I can honestly say I have never met a woman so unwavering, so devoted, and so confidently proud in her support of the people and passions she loves.

Ramona is the wife of Ken Wold—an NRCHA Professional, Hall of Fame member, and Million Dollar Rider. But together, their legacy reaches far beyond titles and earnings.

This couple embodies the heart of the Western performance horse community—placing deep value on integrity, stewardship of the industry, and investing in the future of the sport.

When faced with adversity, this trainer’s wife turns first to God. And when met with grace, she responds with gratitude—offering wisdom, teaching, and love to those around her.

From Wilton, California, Ramona Wold exemplifies what it means to support with strength and humility—defending honor when needed, respecting boundaries always, and promoting a sport and way of life she wholeheartedly believes in.

The Trainer’s Wife is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the wives, and on occasion the husbands, of horse trainer’s in the western equine industry. For 35 years I’ve watched talented, successful, brave, beautiful women pour themselves into their husbands careers.These women not only manage and build his business, they manage and build their own as well, sometimes while trying to train and show horses themselves. Whether they are cheering for him from the stands, the back gate, their computer screen at work, or the kids basketball game, they rarely miss one of his go’s at a show. And when he’s done they have the ultimate task of supporting him with empathy, love and acceptance. They have to find the right words to fit each run, learn how to respond and not react, know when and how to offer constructive criticism or just sit in the quiet and let it be. This podcast is about exploring not only what these women bring to complex relationships, but how they continue to be strong, resilient and independent while not losing themselves or being swallowed by their husbands careers.

SHOW NOTES:

Ken Wold

Ken Wold Training Stables on Facebook

The Jennifer Journals

In today’s episode, I sit down with Cameron Baldus — the heart behind Baldus Horsemanship and the wife of accomplished horseman Ben Baldus. While the Baldus name is well known across multiple arenas, this conversation centers on Cameron and the many roles she holds that make both their business and life possible.

Cameron is a successful Western wear model, a budding chef, and the full-time administrator for Baldus Horsemanship — often serving as the problem-solver, fixer, and steady presence behind the scenes. Her contributions are woven into every part of the operation, even when they’re not always visible from the outside.

Ben’s career provides the backdrop to Cameron’s story. A NRCHA World Champion with nearly $650,000 in earnings, Ben has also earned great success in the AQHA, NRHA, and RHAA. His success reflects years of discipline and dedication — work Cameron stands beside, supports, and shares in every step of the way.

At the core of Cameron and Ben’s life is a deep faith. They trust God with their relationship, their business, and their future, while committing daily to the hard work required to pursue their goals — both personally and professionally.

As Ben often says, and Cameron wholeheartedly agrees, “You have to enjoy the process.” This episode is a reminder of what that looks like in real life — the unseen work, the shared belief, and the woman behind the operation who makes it all move forward.

Show Notes:

Baldus Horsemanship

The Jennifer Journals

The Trainer’s Wife is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the wives, and on occasion the husbands, of horse trainer’s in the western equine industry. For 35 years I’ve watched talented, successful, brave, beautiful women pour themselves into their husbands careers.These women not only manage and build his business, they manage and build their own as well, sometimes while trying to train and show horses themselves. Whether they are cheering for him from the stands, the back gate, their computer screen at work, or the kids basketball game, they rarely miss one of his go’s at a show. And when he’s done they have the ultimate task of supporting him with empathy, love and acceptance. They have to find the right words to fit each run, learn how to respond and not react, know when and how to offer constructive criticism or just sit in the quiet and let it be. This podcast is about exploring not only what these women bring to complex relationships, but how they continue to be strong, resilient and independent while not losing themselves or being swallowed by their husbands careers.

Welcome to Episode 20 of The Trainer’s Wife!
It’s a milestone episode for the podcast—and it arrives at the perfect moment for our guest, Nina Hammerness, wife of NRCHA professional Luke Hammerness. Luke wrapped up 2025 as not only a two-time Intermediate Open Finalist at the Snaffle Bit Futurity, but this year he also earned a spot in the Open Finals.

With just over $120,000 in NRCHA earnings, Luke is steadily becoming a consistent finalist at NRCHA premier events. In this episode, Nina shares the stories that shaped their journey—stories of their life, their business, and the goals that keep them moving forward. Hard work is at the core of Hammerness Performance Horses, which comes as no surprise to anyone who knows them. But it’s Nina’s openness and vulnerability—especially as she talks about her deep and uncommon bond with animals—that may leave you feeling even more connected to this couple.

The Trainer’s Wife is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the wives, and on occasion the husbands, of horse trainer’s in the western equine industry. For 35 years I’ve watched talented, successful, brave, beautiful women pour themselves into their husbands careers.These women not only manage and build his business, they manage and build their own as well, sometimes while trying to train and show horses themselves. Whether they are cheering for him from the stands, the back gate, their computer screen at work, or the kids basketball game, they rarely miss one of his go’s at a show. And when he’s done they have the ultimate task of supporting him with empathy, love and acceptance. They have to find the right words to fit each run, learn how to respond and not react, know when and how to offer constructive criticism or just sit in the quiet and let it be. This podcast is about exploring not only what these women bring to complex relationships, but how they continue to be strong, resilient and independent while not losing themselves or being swallowed by their husbands careers.

Show Notes:

Visit Hammerness Performance Horses on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/HammerTimeHorses/mentions

Check out The Jennifer Journals:

https://www.thejenniferjournals.com