Horse shows are a family affair... whether your husband signed up for that or not. 😂

This week, Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown get into the realities of navigating relationships at horse shows, from bringing your significant other along for the ride to managing expectations, emotions, and the occasional horse show meltdown.

They also get personal about the highs and lows of their recent showing experiences, including Scott's challenges with Chip, Crysta's journey as a developing clinician, and an unexpected car accident. Along the way, they talk about the importance of community, the emotional rollercoaster of bei...

Besties, welcome to something new! Scott is flying solo for this mini episode with a very horsey weekend recap, some show-pen perspective, and his first-ever DIY full-body clip on Chip.

He kicks things off with the California Championship Quarter Horse Show and a reminder that the things we build up in our heads are often much less intimidating once we actually experience them. The competition is real, the amateurs are talented, and you still belong there.

Then it’s clipping time. Scott shares what he learned tackling Chip’s first full-body clip, from prepping the coat...

Besties, what if the judge in the middle of the pen isn’t sitting there waiting for you to mess up? What if they’re actually riding every step with you, hoping you give them something good to reward?

In this episode, Crysta sits down with judge, trainer, and longtime horsewoman Nancie Wright to talk about what really happens on the other side of the judge’s card.

Nancie shares how just ten childhood riding lessons turned into a lifetime with horses, how mentors and unexpected opportunities helped her build a career, and why she eventu...

Besties, it’s time to talk bits. Because apparently, there is a lot more going on in that little piece of metal than “my horse likes this one.”

Scott and Crysta sit down with legendary bit maker Chuck Letchworth to talk about what a bit actually does, why the first signal matters, and why better communication, not more pressure, is what creates a softer, more confident horse.

Chuck breaks down the details that actually change what a horse feels, from shank angle and purchase to mouthpiece shape, curb material, width, and balance. He also gets into w...

This week, we’re talking horses, money, social media, and the occasional existential crisis. 💅🏼

We get into what actually makes a horse valuable, why good trainers and breeders are worth paying for, and the not-so-glamorous realities of investing in horses. We also dissect riding videos, hand position, back cinches, safety, and the risks that come with showing and training.

And because apparently horses aren’t enough to keep us busy, we talk mental health, self-care, and learning to advocate for yourself when life gets a little too much.

Basically: horse girl problems, but with recei...

Horse Show Bestie is back with a little bit of horse show chaos, a little existential questioning, and a healthy amount of “why are we like this?”

Crysta and Scott get into everything from childhood experiences, religion, community, and finding your place in the horse world to how the horse training industry has changed over time. They talk about the importance of grassroots events like fairs and livestock shows, the mentors who shape us, and why having a supportive equestrian community matters more than we sometimes admit.

Then, naturally, things turn into horse show logistics. Scot...

Episode Summary

Scott is officially in his DIY horse dad era, and it turns out retirement is a lot more complicated than just hanging up the show clothes. This week, he shares what life with Chip looks like now that he's riding more independently, figuring out the day-to-day management himself, and settling into life at a hunter-jumper barn. From farrier appointments and vet chats to warm-ups, cooldowns, turnout schedules, and the shocking number of things you suddenly have to buy, Scott discovers that owning a horse outside a full training program comes with a whole new appreciation...

Besties, this episode is giving horse show hangover, late-night John Justin energy, and the kind of post show conversation that somehow makes you laugh, tear up, and feel personally called out all at once.

Scott is joined by Catherine Goffard fresh off an incredible APHA World Show, where she and Calvin (Obsessed to be Best) celebrated a showmanship win, reserve finishes, and a Western riding breakthrough that was years in the making. Before they dive into the ribbons, they chat about world show exhaustion, Catherine's night-shift nursing schedule, and why 2 a.m. practice rides are just part...

This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry.

We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and why online education and virtual lessons are becoming an important part of a sustainable business.

The conversation also takes a closer look at the horse show...

This week on Horse Show Bestie, we're joined by Bill Kaven of the National Snaffle Bit Association, whose work spans two of NSBA's most influential areas: the Judges and the NSBA Yearling Sale.

Bill shares an inside look at the NSBA Yearling Sale, how it has grown into one of the industry's premier sales programs, and the opportunities it creates for breeders, buyers, and exhibitors alike. We also discuss NSBA's mission, the role it plays across the horse industry, and how the association continues to expand its reach as an all-breed organization.

This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry.

From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry.

We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face when trying to grow the next generation of riders, and why creating accessible entry points...

This week we’re catching up on life updates and welcoming Scott back to the podcast before diving headfirst into designing the ultimate adult horse camp. We talk about transitioning horses, the social side of horse shows, and why horse people are all secretly craving more community, connection, and camaraderie in the industry.

From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions with fun, low-pressure activities, we’re basically building our dream horse girl summer camp in real time. Expect conversations about team-building, non-horsey activities, late-night hangs, and what it takes to create an experience that...

Kirstie Marie Jones of Kirstie Marie Photography joins us for a conversation that goes way beyond just taking pretty horse photos. From practical photography tips to building a business in multiple disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for horse girls, photographers, and anyone trying to carve out a lane in the industry.

We talk about the little things that make a huge difference in photos, like preparing your horse before a shoot, paying attention to light sources, and yes, even cleaning your camera lens. Kirstie also breaks down concepts like the rule of thirds in a...

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a training program, this episode is for you. Crysta sits down with Brian Henry to tackle some of the biggest trainer vs amateur debates from the trainer’s perspective.

They get honest about client expectations, horse show disappointment, communication issues, green horses and riders, maintenance, show spending, and the emotional realities of horse ownership. Brian also shares what life actually looks like as a professional trainer, and why so many problems in the horse world start with expectations that were never properly discussed.

It...

Okay bestie… this one’s a little different.

For the first time ever, it’s just Crysta. No co-host, no back-and-forth. And it's just a hair all over the place. But sometimes we have to show up for our bestie when he gets busy at work!

This episode is part life update, part info dump on all of Crysta’s current hyper-fixations… and all of it is very on brand.

She gets into the real side of building a career in the horse industry right now, including:

Your Horse Show Besties are back in your ear, catching you up like you missed a few group chats.

Scott’s on the mend and ready to get back into the saddle, so we get into what that actually looks like... the weird in-between phase, the mental side of coming back, and how much patience it really takes.

We also went down a few rabbit holes you’ll probably have opinions on. Things like not picking fights you can't win, what’s actually fair when it comes to day fees at shows, and the ongoing amateu...

If you’ve ever walked out of the pen like “that felt SO good” and then looked at your score like 🤨 …this one’s for you.

We sat down with Don Beard (aka a real judge) and got into what’s actually happening on the other side of the clipboard.

We’re talking:

We also get into the bigger p...

Alright bestie, this episode is one of those “wait… why are we not doing this already?” conversations 👀

We sat down with David Reichert, the founder of UDJC, and got into some real talk about what’s actually broken in the American horse show industry… and more importantly, what we can do about it.

If you’ve felt like showing has gotten too expensive, too exclusive, or just straight up disconnected from what riders actually need to grow… you’re gonna feel very seen in this one.

Also… quick warning 😅

David is a little spicy...

In this episode, Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown share their insights on horse training, trail riding, and the importance of confidence and trust in horsemanship. They discuss practical tips, personal experiences, and the mental aspects of developing a strong rider-horse relationship. Scott Cooper shares his journey of recovery, community involvement, and the importance of honesty and diversity in the horse industry. Crysta Brown explores how to stay connected without a horse, the value of community, and strategies for engaging younger generations.

Bestie… the duo is BACK.
Crysta and Scott are finally back on the mic together.

They get into what has been going on lately, from changes in the industry to the reality of making decisions for your horse when it actually matters. Not in a heavy way, just real talk about the stuff you are probably already thinking about but maybe not saying out loud.

There is also some Sun Circuit talk, a little people watching energy, and a reminder that the horse show world is just as much about wh...

Bestie, today’s episode is a little different and kind of wild. Scott starts off by sharing the story of a ski accident he had recently that left him with some pretty serious injuries and a long road to recovery. He talks through what happened, what the recovery process has looked like so far, and how moments like that really make you think about the risks we take in both skiing and riding.

From there, the conversation shifts into something a lot of horse people can relate to… injuries and the comeback that follows. Scott brin...

Bestie, today’s episode is a little different and kind of wild. Scott starts off by sharing the story of a ski accident he had recently that left him with some pretty serious injuries and a long road to recovery. He talks through what happened, what the recovery process has looked like so far, and how moments like that really make you think about the risks we take in both skiing and riding.

From there, the conversation shifts into something a lot of horse people can relate to… injuries and the comeback that follows. Scott brin...

Let’s be for real when was the last time you spent as much time (or money) on your own body as you do on your horse’s chiro, massage, and vet bills? 💅

In this episode, we’re sitting down with the queen of rider wellness, Dr. Kari, to talk about why your physical therapy era is actually the secret to leveling up your performance in the ring. We’re deep-diving into the "why" behind common positioning struggles and how your own biomechanics are basically the remote control for how your horse moves.

We’re...

🚨 BIG GUEST ENERGY ALERT 🚨
This week we’re sitting down with Katie Van Slyke and let’s just say… the HorseTok is about to eat this one UP.

We talk about the breeding barn, stallion ownership realities, social media chaos, and why local horse shows are the backbone of the horse world. Katie keeps it real-real about what’s working, what’s broken, and what she's doing to facilitate a glow-up in the industry (looking at you, accessibility 👀).

If you care about young horse sales, AQHA, grassroots shows, content crea...