Along For The Ride with Andrea Fappani

Andrea and TooTall review and discuss the 2025 AFTR Symposium at South Point Las Vegas. Hear what Andrea took away from riding with Shawn Flarida, Todd Bergen, Bud Lyon, Luca Fappani, Adan Banuelos and Anna Buffini. It's all about Excellence in Horsemanship   www.alonghfortheride.pro LiveFeed Replay until March 1 2025 All 3 Days $75.00 OnDemand Video $159.00

Bud Lyon has emerged as a prominent name In the world of ranch riding over the past six years. This talented trainer from Whitesboro, Texas, has amassed an impressive array of world champion titles across several prestigious organizations, including the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA). Among the many exceptional equine athletes in his barn, one standout has played a pivotal role in elevating Lyon's career: Sumac Gunnabeflashy, affectionately known as “Romeo,” who was honored as the NSBA's 2023 Horse of the Year. Join us as we delve into Bud Lyon's remarkable journey, his training philosophy, and the bond he shares with his incredible horses. www.alongfortheride.pro   Thank you everyone who made the  2025  AFTR Symposium possiple   Presenting Sponsor: Bosque Ranch   Supporting Sponsor: Bimeda   Carol Rose/Carol Rose Tim Anderson.   Rick Clark Foals R Us     Profit Equine Tom Balding Classic Equine Markel Nutrena Eric Storey Q Stallions Cinch Clinton Anderson/Downunder Horsemanship NRCHA Platinum Performance World Reining/XCS Ranch Tenda Horse Products/FarmPaint Elite Equipment National Horse Blanket Shorty's Caboy Hattery Jimmy Nichols Diane Yoder Spooks Gotta Spark Spooks Gotta Whiz Arcese Quarter Horses Pacific Coast Journal World Ranch Horse Association Steve Ross Academy  

Andrea and TooTall discuss the 2024 show season in review and the up and coming Along For The Ride ® Symposium in Las Vegas January 16,17,18 at South Point Resort and Casino. For tickets, Live Feed and reservation go to our website www.alongfortheride.pro   Thank you to our sponsors   National Horse Blanket Cinch Markel Foal R Us Nutrena Classic Equine Shinning Spark. Carol Rose BiMedia Tom Balding Arcese Quarter Horses Spooks Gotta Whiz NRCHA Spooks Gotta Spark Steve Ross Academy  DownUnder Horsemanship  Tenda Equine & Pet Products Farm Paint

Adán Banuelos embodies a true cowboy and leader in the performance horse industry with $6,820,458.00 LTE NCHA. Growing up in a large Mexican-American family, he was instilled with the values of family, hard work, and horsemanship. His father, Ascension, an NCHA Hall of Fame Rider, and his mother are the foundation of his successful career as the leading NCHA Open rider in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Adán emphasizes the significance of family and the teamwork required to thrive as a leading horse trainer in the NCHA. He also expresses his aspiration to restructure his business to enhance his quality of life and to spend time with family, friends, clients, and his girlfriend, Bella Hadid.

Professional Barrel Racer from Oeirichs, South Dakota. With more than 17 NFR qualifications under her belt, Lockhart has made barrel racing history multiple times since she began competing. And, over the past five years Lisa has been a very consistent competitor finishing top five in the World Standings every year. As competitive as she is inside the arena, Lockhart puts family first. Her husband Grady (a professional tie-down roper,) and their three children (Alyssa, Thane and Cade) are her biggest supporters, and she is theirs. Lockhart balances family and her rodeo career and feels blessed to be on this journey as a cowgirl. Won over $3 Million in career earnings 17X NFR Qualifer 3X NFR Average Champion 3X The American Rodeo Barrel Racing Champion       Along For The Ride® Symposium Jan 16,17,18 2025 Tickets & Room Information.    www.alongfortheride.pro

Big Money Horse Shows! Nick Dowers and Andrea discuss the changes in the horse show industry with high dollar purses and additional show dates. An open discussion on the possible changes required to pursue the Big Money Shows, training, care, strategies, logistics and communication with the owners. Andrea and Nick review Andrea's first trip to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity including training ideas and how Cow Horse and Reiners differ as athletes.  100X Shows sponsored the podcast, Andrea Stillo came on to explain their 2024 events.

Ty Murray - Nine-time World Champion professional rodeo cowboy. He was one of the top rodeo contestants in the world from the late 1980s to early 2000s. He is an inductee of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in the all-around category. He is one of the co-founders and a board adviser of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR). From 2005 to 2020, he was also a regular color commentator for several televised PBR events.

Sarah Dawson NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, 2022 Leading NRCHA professional with $376,819. 2020 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion. Sarah's husband Chris is also a NRCHA Million Dollar Rider making Dawson Performance Horses a real powerhouse in the cow horse industry. Sarah is the daughter of Richard & Cheryl Winters, Richard is a well known clinician and horseman.   

Anna Buffini: FEI Grand Prix Dressage Rider/Trainer. A rising star in USA Dressage, earned several top results early in the 2021 season with her Hanoverian mare, FRH Davinia La Douce, placing third in the FEI Grand Prix and FEI Grand Prix Special CDI3* at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and third in the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle. Andrea and Anna discuss the similarities and differences between Reining & Dressage. A great conversation about horsemanship and the love of horse.

Wes Ashlock from Abilene, TX. NCHA 2YO trainer with numerous NCHA Western Bloodstock high selling 2 year old prospects. 2022 High seller Hot Twice selling for a record $1,500,000.00 Wes has a NCHA LTE in excess of $500,000. His wife Lindy is also a very talented Non Pro with 2 Futurity finalist in 2023 and over $2M LTE with NCHA 

Listen in on a conversation with Andrea and fellow professionals Casey Deary NRHA 3M Rider, Corey Cushing NRCHA 3M Rider, Shawn Flarida NRHA 6M Rider And Kain Emmons NRHA Professional/Judge discuss the 2022 The Run For A Million event. They share the horses they will ride and how they prepare. Kain provides a fans prospective on ‘his picks”, rumors and background on the 16 Elite NRHA riders and horses in this years event.  

Tim McQuay, NRHA Hall Of Fame, 11 years as NRHA's All-Time Leading Money Earner, First $3 Million Dollar Rider in the NRHA, along with playing a fundamental role in the Reining breeding industry He has devoted his time to educating numerous professionals and serving on committees in the NRHA as a judge, professional, owner & rider. Tim has developed a reputation as an innovative clinician and works closely with aspiring professionals and amateurs to foster the next generation of horsemen.

Don Murphy, NRCHA Hall Of Fame Member. Born and raised on a ranch in California, Don shadowed and learned from many of the great West Coast horsemen. As Don continued to build his reputation as a showman and trainer, other professionals took notice of his gift for “teaching” his sport. He is know as “The Trainers Trainer”. From Non Pros to many of the top trainers in the NRCHA, Don is the trusted eyes to those looking for improvement and understanding the cow horse and horsemanship.

Shawn Flarida & Andrea Fappani talk about the finer points of Horsemanship. With 14+ Million in NRHA earnings between the two of them this conversation gets into how these two riders communicate/understand their horses at the highest level of performance. Enjoy this unique conversation about the importance of horsemanship and how the very best learn and train their horses. This topic will get into greater detail with demonstration at the Teton Ridge "Along For The Ride™"  Symposium in Las Vegas Feb. 25, 26 & 27. More info at www.alongfortheride.pro

Nick and Andrea get into horsemanship and its benefits for all disciplines at all levels. This conversation is a sample of how Nick Dowers, Shawn Flarida and Andrea will share decades of high level experiences in communicating and understanding the ways horses learn and perform in the upcoming Las Vegas Symposium in February 2022. Nick is a two time Road To The Horse and NRCHA Snaffle Bit Open Futurity Champion. Listen as Nick and Andrea discuss “Performance With Purpose”.   Las Vegas Along For The Ride™  "The Event & Symposium 2022" Feb 25,26,27   Info www.alongfortheride.pro  Sponsors Cinch Discount code  FAPPANI20 for 20% off @ www.cinchjeans.com www.tombalding.com www.equimaxhorse.com  Travis Stillson Custom Leather Work on FaceBook

Billie Bray - Chief Marketing Officer and co-owner of the well know equine company Equibrand from Granbury TX. Equibrand represents Classic Equine, Classic Ropes, Rattler Ropes and Martin Saddlery. Bray is well-positioned to grow the Western industry while simultaneously Billie hopes to have an influence on other families to support the cowboy way of life.  “I hope I have encouraged parents to raise their kids to be cowboys or cowgirls, to be leaders and not followers    Cinch    cinchjeans.com.  Discount Code  20% off.  FAPPANI20  

Janet VanBebber is the Chief Racing Officer for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).  VanBebber is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the racing department, Racing Challenge and related programs.  Janet plays a key role in developing and implementing programs and objectives to promote the advancement of Quarter Horse racing across the globe. VanBebber's resume boasts a long and successful career training and racing American Quarter Horses.  The former owner of VanBebber Racing Stables of Ledbetter, Texas, she has a long history of involvement with American Quarter Horses and Quarter Horse racing and is well known as being one of the industry's most accomplished trainers. In 2011, she became the first female trainer to eclipse the 1,000th career win mark and she is the leading female trainer by money earned. Her resume also included being the recipient of the 2002 AQHA Mildred n. Vessels Special Achievement Award.  Her career includes training world champion TAILOR FIT, who remains ranked as one of the breed's top money earners-15 years after his final race. In addition to owning VanBebber Racing Stables of Ledbetter, Texas, Janet has been on the board of directors for both the Texas Quarter Horse Association and the Texas HBPA, while also owning and managing other horse related enterprises. Sponsors Cinch Discount code  FAPPANI20 for 20% off @ www.cinchjeans.com www.tombalding.com www.equimaxhorse.com  Travis Stillson Custom Leather Work on FaceBook  

Taylor is a screenwriter, director, actor, 5 time nominee for Academy Award, co-creator of Yellowstone and creator/producer of Run For A Million, as well as extremely passionate about horses. Taylor sits down to update us on developments on his many Film/TV projects (Yellowstone & Last Cowboy) and plans for the up and coming RFTM in August. Gina Maria does a quick interview as the only Non Pro & female qualifying for 2021 RFAM.

Lloyd Cox has proven himself to be one of the cutting industry's top horse trainers. An unassuming cowboy from Marietta, Oklahoma– he earned himself the honor of being the first 10 Million Dollar Rider in Western performance horse history in 2021. Lloyd is an NCHA Rider Hall of Fame inductee and was the NCHA leading money earning rider in 2003, with earnings of $714,583. Lloyd will share his thoughts on how he became a leading horseman and a leading NCHA money earner. Sponsors Cinch 20% Discount Code FAPPANI20 at cinchjeans.com  tombalding.com Equimax equimaxhorse.com Travis Stillson on Facebook  

Take a listen as Andrea and Steve Ross (NRHA Judge, NRHA Professional, Horse Broker, Event/TV Commentator) review and discuss the NRHA Reining events slated for summer and fall 2021, the influx of larger purses and the major events. The conversation gets into the "trickle down effect" and how and why it has increased the value and scarcity of quality show horses. With an expanding event schedule they discuss the logistics and strategy in training and preparing for all these big events from the East Coast to West Coast of USA.

Master horseman Nick Dowers stands in a league of his own when it comes to understanding and developing the mind of a horse. His track record for starting colts for the best in the business is unparalleled, and his performance record is equally matched in the show arena. His million dollar rider NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, Derby and Road To The Horse wins are proof of his extraordinary commitment to his hand crafted education system that he has designed and built in Dyer, Nevada. Come Along For The Ride™ nick dowers.com Sponsors Cinch 20% discount code FAPPANI20 cinchjeans.com  qstallions.com or aqua.com.  tom balding.com     Travis Stillson on FaceBook

Jason Martin & Charlie Cole own Highpoint Performance Horses in Pilot Point, Texas. Highpoint Performance Horses specializes in training all around horses. They trail and compete in many events from western pleasure and trail to jumping and even barrel racing. At High Point they keep approximately 45 - 50 horses in training and travel between Florida and California, showing at the major shows each year. They have trained over 100 World AQHA Champions and 200 Congress Champions. Charlie Cole has been involved with horses for over 35 years and has trained more than 50 AQHA world champions. Jason Martin has won 34 AQHA World Championships. Jason has won the leading exhibitor at the AQHA World Show 5 times. Sponsors Cinch 20% off at www.cinchjeans.com  code FAPPANI20 QStallions at www.stallions.com Travis Stillson Custom Leather & Silver  FaceBook Travis Stillson 940-641-0495 Walla Walla Whiz www.arcesequarterhorses.com

Benjamin Roethlisberger, nicknamed "Big Ben", NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers Winning QB in two out of three Super Bowls. Drafted in 2004 by the Steelers in the first round, he has played his entire career as a Steeler. Ben shares his interest and love for animals and how he uses his horses to relax and clear his mind. A candid conversation with the man behind the football and how he achieved excellence on the field and as a husband, father and friend. Come Along For The Ride™ with Big Ben   www.cinchjeans.com  Discount code FAPPANI20 for 20% off on Cinch products 

Troy Heikes– NRHA Professional Trainer/Coach - Troy's journey of becoming a well respected horse trainer and proud owner of the 4M AQHA Stallion "Jacs Electric Spark" is quite complex. His openness and discovery regarding his own personal challenges which included a rather abnormal introduction to becoming a trainer, to battles with mental health, and lack of confidence became a roadway to many successes. Troy's first hand experiences are brutally honest with the intention of helping others to find their way through treatment to living a happy and full life. Accomplishments include being an Open Finalist of NRHA Futurity, Derby, NRBC, AQHA and Congress Futurity as well as an APHA World Championship title.

Aaron Moses 29 is located in Pilot Point, Texas and specializes in Western Pleasure Futurity Horses. Aaron, is a 13x All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion, 5 Time AQHA World Champion and NSBA World Champion 

Brett Stone is one of a handful of trainers most accredited for introducing a soft, more collected and body broke style of training reining horses which has led to the "modern look" of today's reining athletes. The 1992 NRHA Open Futurity Champion aboard Boomernic, Brett’s love for horses took him on a journey that allowed him the opportunity to ride and learn from many of the greatest horsemen in our performance horse industry. Andrea and longtime friend Brett share their journey in learning from each other and how Brett continues to be instrumental in Andrea’s current success today.

 NRHA Million Dollar Owner Zimmerman, of Rogersville, Missouri, served on the initial board of the Reining Horse Foundation (RHF) from 2001 through 2004 and is an RHF Gold Donor. He served several years as an NRHA Board member (2005-2009) and was a member of the NRHA Finance, Sale, Hall of Fame, and Sire & Dam Committees. An NRHA Corporate Partner and National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Gold Sponsor, Zimmerman has provided sponsorships at many regional and major events such as the Tulsa Reining Classic and the High Roller Reining Classic. He has provided support to NRHA Affiliates through donations of stallion breedings to many breeding program auctions. In addition to owning top caliber performance horses, Zimmerman consistently brings highly sought-after consignments to the NRHA Markel Insurance Futurity Sales. In 2011, he consigned the top seller, Commanders Lil Step, who sold for $200,000. The next year, he consigned Not Ruf At All. However, he made what can certainly be deemed now as a very wise decision and chose to keep the colt, who went on to win the Level 4 Open at the 2013 NRHA Futurity, 2014 NRHA Derby and 2016 NRBC, becoming the third reining Triple Crown winner. Zimmerman is also involved in other areas of the horse industry including reined cow horse and Thoroughbred race horses, but his passion is the reining horse. His contributions have made, and will continue to make, reining a great sport. He has paved the way for his grandchildren – Taylor and Jacob Zimmerman – to continue the Zimmerman reining legacy. Both are very active in aged events, and they also share the same passion Zimmerman has for reining.

Dr John Newcomb, DVM is very passionate about the health and well being of horses that compete at the highest level and will share in this podcast what it takes to keep and maintain top-level equestrian athletes.  He is the practicing veterinarian at Fappani Performance and many other performance horse, jumping and dressage horse barns. John has been the FEI certified vet as well as the USEF reining team veterinarian in past FEI World Equestrian Games. He has also served on the AQHA Research Committee and was a graduate of University of Califorina Davis.

Sandy’s highly respected training methods are the result of a lifetime of success, her positive mental attitude and her personal style as a perfectionist. She has a wealth of advice for riders of every discipline and shares 30+ years of professional experience through her hands-on horse training clinics and training videos. Her rare talent as an educator and speaker may even exceed her exceptional talents as a horse trainer. NRCHA Hall Of Fame, Open Snaffel Bit Futurity Champion, Cowgirl Hall Of Fame, AQHA World Champ

Teddy Robinson, First NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, Current earnings exceeding $2 million. He is one of the winningest riders in the history of the reined cow horse, with seven NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity Championships and two World’s Greatest Horseman titles to his name. With over $100K in NCHA and Over $100K in NRHA earnings Teddy is a well rounded horseman.Ted is known for even more than his success and his obvious talent. His energetic attitude and jovial personality have made him a fan and industry favorite.

Our ALONG FOR THE RIDE™, Episode #23 is with Katie Tims. Many of you followed every word she wrote during her career as the Editor for Quarter Horse News. Katie was born and raised in Surprise Valley, an extremely "rural" northeastern corner of California– growing up on a cattle ranch which now spans five generations. She started riding horses with her dad before she could walk. Working for Performance Horse Magazine, then Quarter Horses News from 2001- 2012, Katie continues to be an influencer today as freelance author and writer. Most significantly, her stories created a platform for "Open Discussion"– always bringing forward both sides of the issues– "You have to learn the background of the issues and figure out a way to work together." You'll enjoy our conversation...and her stories!

News Flash - Patty Tiberg Publisher & Vice President of Morris Equine Group, including Quarter Horse News, Western Horseman, Barrel Horse News, Equi-Stat, Horse City, NBHA, Road To The Horse, Western LifeStyle Retailer.  Patty discuss the digital future of Quarter horse news and the decision to suspend the print version of Quarter Horse News.  

Arek Boulding - Arek has been providing Fappani Performance’s farrier work since 2002. Arek is at the top of his trade and has setup and shoed many champions in multiple disciplines. Rarely will one find the combination of skill, knowledge and commitment in understanding the movement and mechanics of performance horses at the highest level. Andrea and Arek discuss how they help and setup their horses for success. Arek’s passion for hard work and a job well done is contagious and refreshing. 

Training the Open NRHA Futurity Horse– Andrea takes you through the entire process of what it takes to own, train, manage and show a Futurity horse.  The importance and emphasis of the two year old foundation, the equipment, care/feeding, costs, work week and exceptions. He will also explain his strategy and the process of choosing his final three for the futurity. It's a great podcast for the fan, trainer, owner and non pro.  Sponsored by EquineTrader & Tom Balding Bits & Spurs

Amberley’s story of triumph over tragedy. This is a story of a cowgirl whose love for horses overpowered all challenges put in her path. Her rodeo career began at a young age and her future was destined for success. A truck accident changed Amberley’s life at age eighteen, leaving her paralyzed. She has let the challenges she faces refine her, not define her. Andrea and her discuss how she has adopted her training techniques to remain competitive without the uses of her legs with the mind of a champion. 

Take a listen...We've grabbed a few questions and answers from our first LIVE Along For The Ride™ Instagram Q & A... It was an great opportunity to interact with some of our listeners and discuss a variety of subjects– all very good questions and it's just the beginning of what we plan to do more of in the future. "ASK, LEARN, LISTEN" more to come!

Casey Deary NRHA 1.9 Million Rider and one of the big, big personalities of the reining industry. Andrea and Casey exchange training techniques and philosophy on their show horses and find they have much in common. Casey is always fun and entertaining to speak with while providing an overview into how top level trainers understand and care for their amazing athletes. A great conversation, and you must hear Casey’s story of entering the toughest event in the Performance Horse industry– the NRCHA's "Worlds Greatest Horseman". Casey grew up in Texas riding horses, taking low-budget colts, training them and reselling them, allowing him to grow his training business. Deary won the NRHA Futurity in 2012 on the mare Americasnextgunmodel and again in 2015 on another mare Shesouttayourleague, and has made the finals at many major limited-age events. He and his wife, Nicole, and their four children live in Weatherford, Texas, where he coaches youth and amateur clients to successfully work with their horses, not only in competition, but every time they ride. Thank you to Electric Snow, Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, Cinch Jeans.

With over 37 AQHA World and Reserve World Champion titles in multiple events combined with multiple NRHA & NRCHA Open titles Bob Avila is acknowledged by his peers as one of the most versatile and accomplished horsemen. NRCHA Million Dollar Rider and Hall Of Fame Member Bob is a 3 time Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion. In addition, he is a NRHA Open Futurity Champion. Bob has trained, mentored and influenced many NRCHA & NRHA champions over his lifelong career. From being the first recipient of the AQHA Professional Horseman to capturing the prestigious title of World's Greatest Horseman twice, Bob has won in excess of 1.7 million dollars. His talents, teaching abilities, style of training and riding, as well as great horse power has gone forward to perpetuate and influence winning programs all around the world.  

Forty years, forty horses, forty NRHA Futurity finals! Dr. Jim Morgan, DVM reached an ultra impressive milestone in his reining career during the 2019 NRHA Futurity. At 74 years old, he’s still showing three year olds at the biggest event of the year. Dr. Morgan is the oldest NRHA million-dollar rider in history of Reining and still extremely competitive against people who are at least 50 years younger than him. He has an unstoppable thirst to learn and compete which one can attribute his success too. Our conversation is with a man who has dedicated his life to horses; as a vet, showman, trainer and breeder, he is a horseman with wisdom and knowledge few have.  Adding to this impressive resume, Dr. Morgan is an NRHA Lifetime Member, Hall of Fame Member, past-member of the NRHA Board of Directors and an NRHA Judge. He has participated in every industry event imaginable, all while continuing his work as a veterinarian.

  Colleen McQuay, along with her husband Tim, own and operate McQuay Stables, Inc. in Tioga, Texas. The business consists of three divisions: Breeding, Reining training and sales, and Hunter-Jumper training and sales. 25+ years Colleen with help of her husband and other mentors in the hunter business, she has trained both horses and riders to many wins and championships. She served on the board NRHA -Show Standard Committee and initiated the NRHA show rating system, Executive Board and chaired Event Production Committee for NRHA Futurity & Derby.. Chaired the Aged Event Committee, Eligibility Committee and the USEF High Performance Reining Committee, Colleen is also a founding member of USA Reining. Founder & developer of the NRBC and the Ariat Tulsa Reining Classic, Colleen has spent countless hours working to better the Reining industry.   Even after decades in the industry, her sincere love of horses permeates and guides everything she does – from administrative direction to hands on horsemanship. Through her administration and implementation skills, Colleen has become known as a driving force in the equine world. Those who know her best cite her as an unquestionably great horsewoman; one with an uncanny eye for spotting equine talent, an unerring knack for keeping horses sound and working to potential, an an exceptionally skilled coach of riders of all skill levels. 

Todd Bergen, the 4 Million Dollar rider from Eagle Point, Oregon is recognized as one of the most versatile horsemen in the world. Whether its Reining, Cow Horse or Cutting– he makes riding look  easy when it isn’t. Todd is the only Million Dollar rider in two disciplines–NRHA & NRCHA, as well as a money earner in NCHA. Todd's extraordinary skills as a horseman are a direct reflection of his focus, hard work, integrity, risk and commitment. He was also Andrea’s mentor/teacher and where Andrea apprenticed for over 6 years before starting his business. Come Along For The Ride™ with Todd and Andrea and enjoy the first in-depth conversation since working together over 17 years ago. This is a must listen! Todd Bergen: NRHA, NRCHA, AQHA & NCHA Professional Rider, Past President of the NRCHA and 10x NRHA & NRCHA Open Futurity Champion and Res Champion Title holder.

Frank Merrill (born 1948)Purcell, Oklahoma.[1] During his 50+ year career as a Quarter Horse breeder and exhibitor, Merrill accumulated numerous championship titles in several different disciplines, including halter horse competition, horse racing, reining, cutting, working cow horse, and calf roping.In 2013, he was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Hall of Fame,[2] and is a past president of the AQHA. He is an AQHA director at large, a director of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA), a trustee of the United States Equine Foundation, and a director of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. He established and, along with good friend Jerold Wells, built Windward Stud, in Purcell, Oklahoma in 1972. Merrill and wife Robin, owned and/or operated this facility more than 40 years, standing many of the industry's most noted stallions before selling the farm. Frank Merrill has owned, managed or syndicated more than 100 stallions and bred and cared for more than 25,000 mares. He has acted as sales agent and sale-prepped thousands of horses for clients all over the world, earning a reputation for honesty and integrity. Horses from Merrill’s M5 brand have accumulated many championships and titles in cutting, racing, halter, cow horse, reining and roping. Two horses owned and shown by Merrill, Miss Jim 45 and Royal Santana, are in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Merrill competes as a non-pro in the National Cutting Horse Association and has lifetime earnings of more than $440,000. He remains active on the political scene with AQHA, NCHA and the United States Equestrian Foundation. Merrill has served on the AQHA and NCHA executive committees, and was AQHA's president in 2007. He was also president of the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association in 1988. Merrill was inducted into the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2012. He also operates M5 Performance Bloodstock and manages the Dogwood Foundation FRANK MERRILL's conversation explores the amazingly versatile American Quarter Horse through the inter workings of the AQHA, NCHA, NRCHA, NRHA, Racing and FEI Associations. Frank’s experience, exposure, and hands on experience provides us with an exceptional overview of the Performance Horse industry and it's diversity, complexity and opportunities. He is a horseman, a breeder, a showman, a past AQHA President and a world renowned equine appraiser. Let AQHA Hall of Fame inductee Frank and Andrea take you Along For The Ride™ on the business and politics of the Quarter Horse Industry. 

Along For The Ride, #11: Luca Fappani shares his super eventful first NRHA Non Pro Futurity with his dad, Andrea– together Andrea and Luca take you through the process of goal setting, preparing and training top level non pro futurity horses for OKC. Luca also lays out his personal roadmap to becoming the 2019 NRHA #1 Money Earning Non Pro. And lastly, Andrea breakdowns one of his best pre futurity seasons and concludes with what he deems as one of his worst NRHA Futurity performances ever. We also get a great perspective and takeaway from Andrea on how the young riders of today are shaping the current style of our top performing horses and the showmanship that goes along with them winning major events.

In the world of Western Performance Horses, no man or woman is more accredited in breeding and showing than Carol Rose. From the age of 6, Carol has devoted her life to Quarter Horses as a top level competitor, breeder and as a leader in the development of the modern western show horse. Carol has been recognized for her contributions by being inducted into 6 of the most prestigious Hall of Fame's* in the Western Horse Culture. This conversation with Carol will share her lifelong pursuit of the perfect horse and the people who influenced her unstoppable dream. She will address her concern on the future of horsemanship and how this age-old craft can’t be lost.  *National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame, National Reining Horse Hall of Fame, National Reining Cow Horse Hall of Fame, NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame.

Andrea talk’s to six of the NRHA’s top open futurity trainers to get their take on the horses they selected to make a run at the 2019 NRHA Futurity Championship. They will share training, strategy and the planning it takes to succeed in reining greatest prize.  NRHA Professionals;  Casey Deary    14:01  Jason Vanlandingham    24:51 Cade McCutcheon    34:37 Franco Bertolani    :34:37    Craig Schmersal    1:07:00     Shawn Flarida    1:17:34 Andrea Fappani    1:38:26

Corey Cushing, 2 Million Dollar NRCHA rider sits down with Andrea to talk about his career as a leading trainer in the National Reining Cow Horse Association and what it takes to prepare for the biggest show of the year Snaffel Bit Futurity. Corey is one of the few riders to have success in both the NRHA & NRCHA Futurities, he and Andrea compare notes on what it take to set these top level horses up physically and mentally for the futurities and their show careers. A rare opportunity to listen to two of the top horseman in the performance horse industry get into the details of what it takes to compete and win.      His first professional breakthrough came in 1999, at the National Reining Horse Association Futurity, when Cushing, as a 19-year-old assistant trainer, won the NRHA Futurity Intermediate Open Championship and qualified for the Open Finals aboard Twice As Shiney (Shining Spark x Shine A Mite x Doc O Dynamite). As his career steadily progressed, Cushing’s reined cow horse accomplishments moved into the spotlight. In 2007, he claimed his first major NRCHA title, winning the Stakes Open Championship aboard CC Spin Cycle (Ray Gay Quixote x Lenas Peppy Cutter x Smart Peppy Lena), owned by Cathy Corrigan Frank. He won the 2009 NRCHA Derby for Kevin and Sydney Knight on their stallion, Smart Boons (Peptoboonsmal x Smart Little Easter x Smart Little Lena). Cushing also earned back-to-back American Quarter Horse Association Senior Working Cow Horse World Championships in 2011 and 2012 on the mare Rising Starlight (Little Bay Starlight x Peppys Hot Star x Lucky W Peppy Lena), owned by Eric Dunn. In 2014, Cushing and owner Cathy Corrigan Frank return to the winner’s when Cushing captured his second Snaffle Bit Futurity championship title aboard Good Time (One Time Pepto x Dual Nurse x Dual Pep). Cushing credits his family, friends and mentors for guiding his success. His youth horsemanship skills were honed by Noel Skinner, the respected Utah horseman and Cushing family friend who passed away in 2010. Skinner encouraged Corey to follow his dreams by taking an assistant’s job with leading professional John Slack right out of high school in 1998. “The neat thing was, even though I could’ve stayed in Utah and kept working for Noel, he encouraged me to go out and ride and train with those guys. He knew they could get me on some good horses, and he wanted to see me be as successful as I could,” Cushing said. October 20, 2018 – Cushing becomes the third National Reined Cow Horse Association Two Million Dollar Rider.

William Shatner OC (born March 22, 1931) is a Canadian actor, author, producer, director, and singer. In his seven decades of television, Shatner became a cultural icon for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek franchise, T.J. Hooker, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Boston Legal and many more. NRHA Hall Of Fame and an active non pro competitor in NRHA Reining and Saddlebred and Standardbred horses produces the Hollywood Charity Horse Show raising money for children and Veterans.  “Bill” will explain his attraction and importance of raising and owning horses and dogs. Bill is very active and involved in showing Reining horses, Saddlebred and Standardbred horses and his commitment to understanding the way a horse thinks and excepts training. Mr Shatner provides a fresh and meaningful way of explaining his relationship with his horses and dogs. Enjoy Bill’s story of how his animals give back to one of Hollywoods most successful.   

Clinton takes us on his amazing journey from a young unknown and broke Australian horse trainer to one of the worlds most renowned clinicians. He shares all the highs and lows of building his horse training empire that reach an annual gross of over 14 million and being millions of dollars in debt to coming full circle, creating his current training program for NRHA Reining and NRCH Cow Horses which was the plan/reason in coming to the USA 25 years ago. You won’t be disappointed, Clinton helped thousands of horses and riders, and Clinton is committed more than ever to inspiring the dreams of horsemen. This is the story of Clinton Anderson – a clinician, trainer and competitor.

Come Along For The Ride - NRHA’s Legion Bob Loomis. Bob will take you on a journey of the development and refinement of what is now the current NRHA reining horse. Stories of riding his great show horses and how that led to his unmatched breeding program. Fun to hear Andrea and Bob exchange notes on how they rode and trained some of the top horses in NRHA history.    With six championships, Bob Loomis has more NRHA Open Futurity victories than any other rider in the industry. Bob Loomis has been training reining horses since 1967. He began his breeding program in 1974, which now operates at the cutting edge of equine reproduction.   Bob is the only breeder to have trained, shown and stood three generations of NRHA Million Dollar Sires. He purchased Topsail Cody when he was a young horse, and he became Bob's first Million Dollar sire. Then he bred the next two generations of Million Dollar sires: Topsail Whiz and West Coast Whiz. Bob is in the NRHA Hall of Fame, and was the 1982 President of the National Reining Horse Association.

Phil Rapp of Weatherford, TX is a cutting horse trainer, inductee in both the NCHA Rider Hall of Fame[1] and NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame,[2] and the leading NCHA money earner with lifetime earnings totaling $9,733,216.88 as of Sept 2019.[3] He was elected vice-president of the National Cutting Horse Association in 2016,[4] and became president in June 2018. Phil & Mary Anne are Breeders of over $8,079,413.34. Mary Anne LTE $4,819,752.77 as a Non Pro, Ryan Rapp LTE $288,031.78 as Non Pro

Taylor Sheridan tells his story about growing up in a small West Texas town outside of Waco to the hustle of being a successful Hollywood actor, director, producer and Academy Award Nominated screenwriter. The bright lights of Hollywood never dimmed his passion and interest in horses, rural values and the western lifestyle. His conversation with Andrea will take you along the journey of why Taylor needed horses to bring balance in his busy life and how his interest in the western way led him to write and produce Paramount Networks hit TV series Yellowstone staring Kevin Costner. He will explain his decision to take a chance and create The Run For A Million event with the reality passed TV series The Last Cowboy to tell the story of reining and The Run For A Million.   Texas country boy to the heights of Hollywood, a true American success story, come Along For The Ride with Andrea & Taylor.