How do you grow a 4-H equine program from 60 kids to 157 kids in two years? That’s the question Regina poses to Melissa Gordon, the Superintendent of Michigan’s Monroe County 4-H Horse and Pony Program, because Melissa and her team did it! That’s a 162% increase in enrollment. That’s unbelievable. And that’s the kind of enrollment increase that our industry needs!  At a time when there is much discussion across the industry about declining youth numbers and barriers to entry (check out our April 22nd episode called “Preserving the Dream for the Next Generation with Emily Ream and Karen W ..read more

In this episode, Kathy Simmers, author of Jump the Moon and Posey’s Problem: A Pony Tale, joins Regina to discuss the true stories behind her heartwarming books. Kathy also gives us a preview for her new book about Pickles, another real-life pony! Kathy’s journey as an author began after her daughter’s beloved lesson pony, Me Too, was sold out from under her at a horse show. Years later, as an adult, Kathy’s daughter set out on a quest to find the long-lost Me Too and, finally, bring her beloved pony home. Kathy knew that this remarkable story about Me Too needed to be told and Jump the Moon w ..read more

This episode is about entry points into the horse industry: what they’ve been, what they are now, and what they could be. Regina and Heather speak with Emily Ream and Karen Waite. From Ream Performance Horses, Emily Ream is a horse trainer with a long history of successfully working with youth and amateurs from 4-H shows to World Shows at the breed show level. Both guests bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the topic of entry points into our horse industry. Karen, from Michigan State University, is an Academic Specialist and director of the Undergraduate Education Department of Anima ..read more

“Some days, you’re the windshield. And some days, you’re the bug.” In this episode, we get to know Coltin Crystal, who is part of the CCC Show Horses team. Idaho-raised and Idaho-based, the “wild barrel racer child” rodeoed throughout his youth, spent some time jumping horses and finally found his niche with the all-rounders. Coltin talks about his ups and downs as a trainer and the big moments in his career. He also shares his further plans with Heather. At the end of the interview, Coltin shares some excellent advice that everyone should take to heart! You’ll want to request more episodes wi ..read more

Did you know it’s against the law to lasso a fish on horseback? You may get fined for riding an ugly horse. It’s against the law for a horse to sleep in a bathtub? Who proposes these crazy horse laws, and what is the rationale?   Regina, Lynn, and Heather discuss bizarre horse-related laws in this fun episode that makes you wonder, “WHY?!”   Ultimately, the co-hosts propose their own “horse laws” that should be written and enforced. What law would you like to suggest?  To learn more about:  (12:44 - 13:28) Lasso Fishing Challenge for Listeners (15:56 - 17:12) Origin of Map ..read more

Hey There!  It's time to talk about Hay!  If you're a horse owner, then this topic is likely very near and dear to your... pocketbook? In today's episode, Heather sits down with Mitch and Taylor Fabus of Fabus Farms in Ovid, Michigan, to talk about the hay business from the farmer's perspective.  We all know how important hay is to our animals, but what can we do to have a good relationship with our hay farmer to ensure the best for our horses?  We'll discuss how even knowing, or not knowing, what size trailer can fit into your driveway can significantly impact your hay far ..read more

In this episode, Regina introduces Lynn and Heather to koumiss (aka kumis, kumiss, kumys)! What is koumiss, you may wonder? Well, it is none other than fermented mare’s milk! Yup. That’s correct. Koumiss is a light alcoholic beverage. It has been described as both sour and sweet. Those who love its taste consider it refreshing! Regina shares her research on koumiss and its availability today. (Disclaimer: we do not encourage you to run out to the barn and take a sample from one of your lactating mares).  Perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to take a swig of koumiss someday. If you do ..read more

In this episode, Heather interviews Terri Delbridge -- And what a story Terri has! Terri is a carded Arabian judge. She’s been in the center of some of the biggest show pens in the fine horse world, like the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Yet, not everyone knows the challenges she’s faced. Terri survived a flesh-eating bacterium that resulted in a 4-month stay at the University of Michigan with a 1% chance of survival. She has endured 20 surgeries and a mountain of physical challenges. She’s persevered through it all with a positive outlook. Terri feels that one of her most significant contrib ..read more

This episode is crappy. It’s crappy because it’s all about manure. Horse manure. It smells perfect for Regina, Lynn, and Heather but not so much for others. The co-hosts each have their manure management system (Regina won’t stop singing the praises of her Millcreek Spreader). Yet, manure disposal can be a complicated topic for some horse owners. No matter what, it’s something that we all must deal with. Today, we have equipment and knowledge. In the past, large cities like New York had a real problem. Lynn shares her research and, subsequently, traumatizes Regina and Heather with the realitie ..read more

Three years and six months ago, Lynn was referring to the podcast as “that blog thing that Gina wants to do.” Now, the team is celebrating their 3rd ANNIVERSARY! In this episode, Heather asks Regina and Lynn to reflect on how it all started. One thing is clear, the HIP team’s work derives from a strong appreciation and passion for the industry. What’s unique about their podcast is that it is all-encompassing in the industry, not just stock horses, hunter/jumpers, cutters, or driving minis. It’s not just about showing, or judges, or trends. It’s about a wide range of topics and lived experience ..read more