This week on The Show, we’re joined by two incredible guests: João Felipe Lacerda—six-time ANCR Open Futurity Champion, five-time ANCR Open Derby Champion, and one of the most accomplished riders to come out of Brazil—and Eduardo Christians.

João is no stranger to the international reining world. Representing the renowned Tripol Ranch, he has trained and shown Gunner Dun It Again, made the Level 4 Open finals at nearly every major event in the United States, and regularly travels with horses from Brazil to compete on the biggest stages.

In this episode, we dive into João’s journey: how he got into horses, how his partnership with Tripol Ranch began, what it was like to develop Gunner Dun It Again, and how he became one of the top riders in the world. From career paths to career-shaping horses, to discovering that yes—Brazil does have donuts, running water, and rap music—we get an inside look at Brazilian horse culture, major horse sales, the stallion auction, their show season, and so much more.

We also tackle the big question: Is there really an advantage in bringing a horse from Brazil for the Futurity, and what does that journey actually look like?
Plus, Gunny reveals he’d happily move to Brazil (he already has the green hat and yellow shirt). Tom would love to join… but the absence of Texan donuts might be a deal-breaker. And Joe just needs the ocean a little closer.

Of course, we also discuss the upcoming NRHA Futurity and the challenges and conversations that have unfolded over the last 48 hours.

Between good laughs, breakfast stories, and real insight into João’s career, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

As João heads into the NRHA Open Futurity and Eduardo prepares for the Non Pro, we’re wishing them—and everyone competing—the very best of luck. Hope to see you soon!

After Joe’s accident, we’re beyond glad to have him back for another episode of The Show—and even more excited to welcome this week’s special guests, Scott & Cade McCutcheon!

From hearing more about Joe’s incident to hospital stories featuring Tom and a few of Gunny’s assistants, this episode truly has it all. We’re also proud to officially announce Joe’s new career opportunity as a bodyguard with cauliflowered ears… you’ll understand once you hear it.

Between chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, new drags, and border collies, you’ll get free advice on how to make your wife mad—or how to earn yourself a night on the couch with little to no effort.

But it’s not all comedy. Mixed in with the fun and laughter, you’ll also hear serious insight from Gunny on yearling and 2-year-old sales, plus some talk about the upcoming NRHA Futurity, one of the most important events of the year.

It’s a good one… don’t miss it!

After Joe’s accident, we’re beyond glad to have him back for another episode of The Show—and even more excited to welcome this week’s special guests, Scott & Cade McCutcheon!

From hearing more about Joe’s incident to hospital stories featuring Tom and a few of Gunny’s assistants, this episode truly has it all. We’re also proud to officially announce Joe’s new career opportunity as a bodyguard with cauliflowered ears… you’ll understand once you hear it.

Between chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, new drags, and border collies, you’ll get free advice on how to make your wife mad—or how to earn yourself a night on the couch with little to no effort.

But it’s not all comedy. Mixed in with the fun and laughter, you’ll also hear serious insight from Gunny on yearling and 2-year-old sales, plus some talk about the upcoming NRHA Futurity, one of the most important events of the year.

It’s a good one… don’t miss it!

This week on The Show, we’re joined by a very special guest… and our co-host… Joe Schmidt.

We’ve known Joe for years, but we’ll be honest — we had no idea about the life story we were about to hear. For two hours, we sat on the edge of our seats as Joe walked us through the twists, turns, chaos, grit, and heart that shaped who he is today.

From growing up in California and winning surf trophies…
to getting lost on public bus routes…
to moving to New Mexico to work long days on a ranch (paid one pork chop at a time)…
to learning how to break colts, shoe horses, run his own cleaning business, help others get their lives back on track, travel the country, and eventually find the love of his life — and somehow end up right here at Tom’s.

We weren’t expecting this story — but we’re so glad we got to hear it. It’s funny, it’s wild, it’s heartfelt, and honestly… it could be a movie.

For everyone who has ever wanted to hear Joe talk more — well… we got him to talk for two full hours.
And it’s worth every minute.

Thank you, Joe. Truly one for the books.

This week, we sit down with two of the most iconic names in the reining industry — Fred & Dany Tremblay of Tremblay Reining Horses. These brothers are not only industry leaders, but also dear friends, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this conversation with you.

Dany, an NRHA $1.8 Million Dollar Rider and 2023 The Run For A Million Reserve Champion aboard Tinker With Dreams, has built a career as one of the fiercest competitors in the sport. Fred is the business mastermind who keeps Tremblay Reining Horses running at the highest level, with an incredible understanding of everything from breeding and sales to the inner workings of a top reining program.

In this episode, Tom, Gunny, and Joe dive into the brothers’ journey from Canada to the United States, Fred’s unique path from owning a successful strip club to running one of the best reining horse businesses in the industry, and how he helped Dany chase his dream of becoming a reining horse trainer. They share stories about the horses that have shaped their careers, including The Wizster and TM Resident Stallion PS Mega Shine Chic, and talk about what it takes to find great horses, build a successful team, and recover from the inevitable rough patches in the show pen. The conversation also explores the ever-changing world of breeding and what it really takes for a stallion to succeed today.

This episode is packed with knowledge, history, and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t want to miss!

Dr. John McCarroll is one of the most respected and beloved veterinarians in the equine world. As the owner and DVM of Equine Medical Associates, Dr. John has built a career dedicated to keeping performance horses healthy and competitive. He has worked with the McQuay and McCutcheon families for over 37 years, becoming an integral part of their program and a trusted partner in all aspects of horse care.

In this episode, Tom, Gunny, and Joe sit down with Dr. John to talk about his incredible journey — from how he got his start in veterinary medicine to becoming one of the most trusted names in the industry. They share stories of the many horses he’s worked on, including the unforgettable case of a mare who could barely put weight on her leg — and later carried NRHA $3M Rider Mandy McCutcheon to her first NRHA Non Pro Futurity win.

This heartfelt conversation is full of industry history, fascinating veterinary insight, and a deep appreciation for the man who has made such a lasting impact on so many horses and their careers.

This episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Episode 106 – Allison Thorson

Allison Thorson is no stranger to the horse industry. With over $330,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings, an NRHA Futurity Non Pro L3 Championship, and an unmatched record of success in the Tennessee Walking Horse world, Allison has made a name for herself as both a top competitor and a savvy businesswoman. From managing ThorSport Farm’s world-class facilities in Tennessee and Ohio to acquiring Tenda Horse Products and developing equestrian communities like The Farm, Allison is passionate about elevating the equestrian lifestyle.

In this episode, Tom, Gunny, and Joe sit down with Allison to talk about her incredible journey—from her early days in the horse world to her recent purchase of ThorSport Ranch in Aubrey, TX, the former Cardinal Ranch and the new home of the 25th Anniversary Legacy Sale. They dive into how her family’s legacy inspired her career, her vision for the future of ThorSport Ranch, and what makes this year’s Legacy Sale one you won’t want to miss. This conversation blends history, passion, and a look forward at how Allison continues to shape the future of the horse industry.

NRHA 5 Million Dollar Rider, Casey Deary is the first and only man to ride and train a reining horse that has surpassed One Million Dollars in lifetime earnings, you might know the horse as DOWN RIGHT AMAZING owned by DAG Ventures.

We had the pleasure of sitting with Casey LIVE at the 100X Tulsa Reining Classic to talk over all things reining, Casey's story, and the guy's views on the ever-changing horse industry. We figured there's no better time to have Casey on the show than following his big wins at the NRHA Derby and American Performance Horseman - where he celebrated the Million Dollar Milestone for "Amazing."

Casey is always a pleasure to have on the show, he's just as quick witted as Tom which makes for some first class entertainment.

Tune in today, we think you'll love this one!

Big thanks to the team at Ranch Fuel & 100X Shows for hosting this live episode. And thank you to sponsors CINCH Jeans & Leonard Truck and Trailer for supporting The Show!

GROW THE SHOW!

Craig Schmersal has truly done it all.

As an NRHA $5 Million Rider, Craig is the only Level 4 Open Champion of all five major reining events: The Run for a Million, NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, National Reining Breeders Classic, and the Quarter Horse Congress. He’s also taken home top honors overseas, winning the Americana in Augsburg, Germany.

Respected as one of the very best in the industry, Craig joins Tom, Gunny, and Joe for a conversation packed with both wisdom and laughter. From the people and experiences that shaped his career, to the importance of quiet time in the bathroom before a run, to unforgettable stories like how a bench caught on fireafter Craig sat on it, and a highway adventure with Brian in their underwear — this episode has it all.

You’ll hear valuable insights on preparing your horse for the show pen, as well as hilarious behind-the-scenes tales that remind us why Craig is one of the most admired horsemen out there!

We had a blast recording this one — thank you, Craig, for joining us!

This week on The Show, Tom, Gunny, and Joe sit down with a true legend—Gil Galyean, NSBA’s first Million Dollar Rider and Hall of Fame inductee. With a career packed full of titles, including multiple Congress Championships and 16 Open Western Pleasure World and Reserve World Championships, Gil has solidified his place in the history books.

In this episode, the guys dive into Gil’s journey—how he carved his own path in the Western Pleasure world while the rest of his family went the cutting route. You’ll hear old-school horse show stories, the time Tom and Todd Bergen almost squared up in the warm-up pen, and a candid comparison between the Pleasure and Reining industries.

Plus, Gil shares what it takes to make a great horse, reminisces about his favorite rides, and brings us along for some unforgettable Congress moments.

It was an honor to have Gil on the show, and trust us—this is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now and enjoy the ride!