The Trainer's Wife

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mrs. Cheryl Winters, the wife of renowned Natural Horsemanship Clinician and NRCHA Professional Richard Winters. Together, the two have built a thriving partnership both in marriage and in business over the past forty years, with Cheryl playing an essential role in shaping their shared success.

Cheryl is a remarkable example of the many hats a trainer’s wife must wear — serving as business administrator, videographer, production assistant, head cook at the bunkhouse, bed-and-breakfast operator, and, of course, devoted mother to two high-achieving children.

During our conversation, Cheryl shared heartfelt stories about the evolution of Richard’s career as well as that of their talented horse-trainer daughter. Her influence continues to be a cornerstone in the Winters family legacy, offering steady support and guidance wherever it’s needed most.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Laura Dare, who is the wife of NRHA Professional and earner of $1.9 Million in the sport of Reining, Trevor Dare!

Laura brings a unique perspective to The Trainer's Wife, as a Non Pro Cutter (NCHA), equine nutrition enthusiast, mother of 2, and self-proclaimed Chaos Coordinator.

We had a wonderful conversation about her early years as an equine pharmaceutical representative, the importance of networking in business and how to not sell products, but to promote and prove them.

Additionally she brought to light the importance of valuing everything in your business, and how to impart that wisdom to their staff.

Laura and Trevor are currently building a new facility in Prucell, Oklahoma. She offers great advice about the financial aspect of this move and all the details they have considered to make it a success.

Laura's perspective has been shaped from the time she was a child. From her late mother's cow horse roots, her upbringing in the NCHA, and her current presence in the NRHA she has a deep understanding of the western performance horse industry.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Holmes — wife of NRCHA Professional and winner of multiple AQHA World Championships!

This conversation took place during the 2025 Riata Buckle Championship at the Lazy E in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Rhonda and Jay loaded the trailer with the team roping horses and made the journey from Florida.

This couple has been successful in Cutting, Roping, and Reined Cow horse in their 40 year career and Rhonda shares some valuable insight that shaped their journey and added to their success.

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.

In this episode, I sit down with Tammy Hays — wife of NRCHA Professional and World's Greatest Horseman, Shawn Hays.

Our conversation covered a wide range of topics: raising kids, investing in real estate, pushing through hard times, offering emotional support — and even how being covered in frozen afterbirth can totally shift your perspective.

I’ve known Tammy since the mid-1990s and have always appreciated her humor and admired her horsemanship. But during this conversation, she shared sides of herself I hadn’t seen before — through stories that were honest, heartfelt, and deeply resonant.

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.

In Episode 14, I welcome Mrs. Carol Williamson from Rio Verde, Arizona. Carol is the wife of life long horseman, cowboy and trainer, Doug Williamson. In August of 2024, Carol lost her best friend but his legacy and their love live on in our western performance horse industry. At 82, Doug had earned many titles, such as NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, NRCHA Hall of Fame Member, and two time Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion!

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to sit down with Carol to share her story, some laughs and allow her to impart her wisdom to the couples out there who need to better understand the sacrifices and the rewards of this western way of life.

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.

In Episode 13, Pam Crawford shares her story with us shedding light on not only the early years, but her career as a breeding manager, realtor and trainer's wife. She and husband Todd, have just celebrated 45 years of marriage!

As we spoke she revealed layer upon layer of what has made their marriage work in the western performance horse world as Todd grew to be an icon in not only the reined cow horse, and reining, but the industry as a whole. He is an NRCHA $3 Million rider, and has almost reached $1 Million in NRHA as well! Todd is also a member of the NRCHA Hall of Fame, and a past NRCHA President.

Together, Pam and Todd contribute countless hours to the grass roots of the association to ensure longevity by promoting youth and other programs to build a strong future.

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.

Episode 12, of The Trainer's Wife, was recorded during the NRCHA Derby in Scottsdale, AZ, with local wife, Mindy Barkemeyer, who says she married her best friend, over twenty years ago and has never looked back! Brad is an NRCHA Professional, World's Greatest Horseman Finalist, and has NRCHA earnings of $240,000 to date. Most importantly, they have a beautiful family, thriving business, and goals for the future as their children leave the nest and they consider what's next.

Mindy is open and honest about being a young mother, the changes it brings to daily life, and how to persevere in the western equine industry while not losing your identity. She is a woman of strong faith, which has served her family well!

Welcome to, The Trainer’s Wife. 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.

In the episode, I talk with Chelsi Johnson, from Twin Falls, Idaho. She is the wife of NRCHA Professional, JD Johnson who has started to excel in the reined cow horse arena over the last several years. The couple splits their time between Idaho and Arizona, taking advantage of all the Grand Canyon State has to offer during long winter months up north.

Chelsi shares stories about being the wife of a young horse trainer just starting out, and how important it was to have qualified mentor's from the business in their lives. She is committed to helping her husband succeed and willing to do whatever is needed to push him forward.

Welcome to, The Trainer’s Wife. 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.

In the episode, I talk with LaDona Emmons, from Ione, CA. She is the wife of Ron Emmons ~ Two time, World's Greatest Horseman, NRCHA Professional and Hall of Fame Member.

LaDona shares important lessons about business and finance, and how she and Ron manage those things together with transparency. She also recognizes the importance of the support and connection with other wives in the business.

Welcome to, The Trainer’s Wife. 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.

In this episode, I talk with Brianna Koch, wife of NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, Matt Koch. She tells us about life growing up in Alaska, and her journey into the horse world. She also opens up about the sacrifices she and Matt have made to enhance the life of their child.

Welcome to, The Trainer’s Wife. 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.