Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  This podcast interview will move you!  Pam Gardner lost an eye in a horse accident.  She believes she crossed over and her horse and dog were waiting for her on the other side.  She wanted to stay with God but he said she wasn't ready and sent her back to do three things:Learn Something, Teach Something, & Finish Your Horse.  Pam said, "I had to lose an eye, so I could see".  I hope this podcast interview moves you as much as it has moved me.If you are interested in attending a Chix in the Sticks event discussed in this podcast or with training with Lee Hart, visit www.vonholtenranch.com 

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Lee Hart is the longest returning clinician at our facility (Von Holten Ranch in Mora, MO).  Lee has had one to two clinics a year since we opened our facility to the public.  Yes, Lee is a fierce competitor and horse trainer, but that is not why we keep singing his praises.  Lee has a way of connecting with clinic participants that helps take them to their next level in their personal horsemanship journey.  We would love for you to take a Lee Hart clinic at Von Holten Ranch and see why we keep asking him back.

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten!  Colton Kiso is a self taught bladesmith that lives in Missouri.  Colton competed on the TV show Forged Under Fire and placed 2nd when he was 19 years old.  He is now a full time bladesmith.  Colton married his high school sweetheart that is a mortician.  I bet you won't find another couple quite like them.  You will love listening to Colton Kiso!Colton was able to take the wood from our 100+ year old barn and created a custom knife for us that are numbered.  There will only be 100 made.https://country-tough.myshopify.com/products/collectors-edition-country-tough-colton-kiso-knife?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web

Welcome back to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Jason Worthley is a returning guest.  Just a good guy that cares about his county and country.  Jason has served under three different law enforcement agencies all while living in Morgan County.  Jason in running for the Morgan County Western District Commissioner.  The election is August 6, 2024.  I was honored to get to just chat with Jason about life and why people should vote for him.  Thank you for tuning in to Country Tough with Jason Worthley.

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  I found today's guest as a featured business in a magazine called Rural Missouri.  Their business is called "The Little Farm Store".  They are located East of Springfield in Mansfield, Missouri.  The Little Farm Store is an online farmers market connecting fresh foods grown from local farmers to the public through home delivery.  No more guessing where your food comes from!  You can find them at www.littlefarmstore.com

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Meet female cattle rancher, Gina Kuda.  Her passion is with the Limousin breed.  Gina offers bull and replacement heifers.  She also goes above and beyond to increase safety by halter breaking most of the bulls she sells.  You are going to love this down-to-Earth, knowledgeable, hardworking cowgirl.  Her website is www.kudalimousinranch.com  

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  It is my pleasure to introduce Amber Watkins, the owner of Reclaiming Dawn.  She is done with putting poisons into her body and designed a healthy line of products for skin, hair, laundry, and wellness.  Amber is doing the research and finding lie after lie.  One common thought that she has had to help people overcome is thinking "clean" has a smell.  "Clean" is when there is no smell.  If you are DONE with being lied to, then check out Reclaiming Dawn at www.reclaimingdawn.com 

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  I respect the man in this interview today!  Meet Bruce Whittle, DVM!  Not only did I have him as a guest on the podcast but I also wrote an article in Mules and More Magazine about the difficult tooth extraction he successfully completed on my mule, JoJo.   Bruce Whittle is located in Trenton, Missouri with his wife who is also a veterinarian, Honey Creek Veterinary Hospital.  

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  My guest today knows how to raise a good steak!  Derek Riggs and his wife, Karla, own MidMissouriBeef.com  Here is what their website says, "We are a family owned and operated ranch that produces a quality cut of beef. Karla is a 5th generation rancher that grew up raising and showing purebred Charolais. Derek is a 4th generation rancher that grew up on a cow/calf operation. Both Karla and Derek have taken the family ranching traditions down a little different road allowing them to reach the consumer directly and allowing them to see where and how their beef was raised.I had the opportunity to try their beef!  It was "chef's kiss" AKA DELICIOUS!  They are raising their beef from birth to butcher and taking the time to do it right!

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  From a century farm in ruins to Missouri's Best Ranch to Country Tough Homesteading.  My mission in life is to help others by helping them gain the forgotten skills to help them become more self sufficient  with hands on homesteading classes.

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Today's guest is an Oklahoma cowboy named Chris May.  He and his wife and kids own a equine facility in Oklahoma.  Chris has been to every continent except Antarctica with the oil and gas industry.  I met Chris through Facebook and it turned out that we had a lot of the same interest in helping people become safer with their equine.  He wants to breed and train a safe horse and I want to help people learn the skill sets they need to be safe through Country Tough Trail Versatility.  Chris will be a judge and clinician at a Country Tough Trail Versatility competition at our ranch, Von Holten Ranch.  

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  I have to take a back seat to today's very distinguished guest, Brenda Valentine, the First Lady of Hunting.  Brenda has been the host of multiple TV shows:  Turkey Country and Bass Pro Shop/Outdoor World.  She has modeled hunting attire and even authored a book titled "Hunting MisAdventures with the First Lady of Hunting".  Brenda was even riding a saddle made with the hid of a Cape Buffalo she hunted in Africa.  This woman is in her own league of coolness!  Brenda also shares her struggles with the tick disease called Alpha Gal.  This lady is more country than biscuits and gravy!  Heck, you might have to listen to this podcast twice to make sure you didn't miss anything.

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten!  It is my pleasure to introduce Erica Graham with Graham Equine.  She is a self taught leather maker!  Mother of three, K-State graduate, and excellent horsewoman!  Erica's daughter followed in her footsteps.  I love to support others that are blazing their own path.  It is my pleasure to introduce leather maker and cowgirl, Erica Graham!

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Today's guest is Kody Hanner!  If one day we find out that we are related, it would explain a lot.  We look a like, have a lot of the same values, and found each other at a homeschool expo.  I love her business and she loves mine!  She has written an elaborate homeschool curriculum for homesteaders!  It is K-12 and is nothing shy of being called a one stop shop and a masterpiece!  If you go to my homesteading website, I placed her link there to help you connect with Kody.  www.countrytoughhomesteading.com

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten!  You are about to meet one of my MOST people on this planet!  Taressa Rankin!!!  She is such a wonderful trainer, mom, wife, and friend!  She is a horse trainer, homeschooler, and homesteader.  This podcast is the first but not the last.  If you would like to find Taressa, check her out on Facebook at Taressa Rankin Horsemanship, LLC.  To find more information about Von Holten Rand or services Brandy offers, visit www.vonholtenranch.com and www.brandyvonholten.com 

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's guest is Diana Thebo- Markworth!   She has been a familiar face at Von Holten Ranch throughout the years.  From clinics, to judging, to competing, to getting married....when there's a horse involved, Diana's favorite mount is a MUSTANG.  Diana is a gift to every mustang she comes across.  Just a friend in general to the breed.  Diana works to ensure that all of her mustangs are versatile.  You are going to love Diana!  

Welcome back to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Today's guest is Logan Schrag, a Kansas cowboy that owns Diamond Springs Ranch.  His facility offers guided trail rides, a massive treehouse that is more like a beautiful apartment for the weekend, an event venue, and something he calls the "Cowboy Experience".  No horse, no problem.  Logan Schrag and Michael W. Green also do business consulting.  Check him out www.cowboyexperienceks.com 

Welcome to Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten!  Meet Michael Green!  He's the owner of Watkins C Ranch in Leavenworth Kansas.  It is a third generation trail facility for people that do not own their own horses.  Michael also does business consulting.  Check them out at www.watkinscranch.net 

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  OMG, you are going to love today's guest, Liz Dingus!  You will join me in rooting for her.  2021 was extremely rough on a lot of people, but it was over the top hard on Liz and her family.  In 2021, she lost her mother-in-law, father-in-law, her mother, and her 21 year old son (her 5th child out of 8).  Liz talks about this experience and how she found herself at 51 going to college for the FIRST time in her life to become a respiratory therapist.  At the time of this interview, she just finished her first semester with all A's!  Guys, we cried, we laughed, and I became inspired by Liz.  See is the definition of a Big Boss Mare. 

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Let's meet Tony & Merry Kroeger with Heartland Eq Stables located in Sedalia, Missouri.  Before the stables, they dove into a business called The Weed Zapper.  This dynamic duo also pastor a church together where they have done everything from "preach, teach, and play bass" for over 30 years.  The world really is such a small place.  Locally I was elected to our local health board in 2021.  One of Tony & Merry's sons was elected in 2023 and also serves on the health board.  I did not realize they were his parents until the day of this interview.  Just goes to show that Tony and Merry are exceptional parents because I am a huge fan of them, their businesses, and the son, Mike.I hope you enjoy getting to know Tony and Merry as much as I did by doing this podcast interview.

Welcome back to Big Boss mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's guests are a horsemanship instruction duo named Tony & Jenny Vaught!  They are a dynamic duo that has been helping horses, mules, and riders reach their next level.  This is a homeschooling, ministry, karate, and amazing horsemanship married couple.  They now live in Florida but frequent the Midwest to share their teachings.  Tony & Jenny are clinicians that are hosted at Von Holten Ranch.  Check out our schedule if you are ever near Missouri.  You won't be disappointed.  www.vonholtenranch.com  

Welcome to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Tina Dulaban is our guest today!  She is the Vice Chair for the Central Region for the Missouri Women in Agriculture.  MO Women in Ag put on a yearly conference called the Women in Ag Conference.  The conference started in 2001 and has been going strong ever since.  The event is in September and on a Monday-Tuesday-and Wednesday.  Weekends are extremely difficult to work around so the Missouri Women in Ag doesn't even bother with trying to work around everyone's hectic schedules. During the event, Tuesday is the "tour day".  In 2023, Von Holten Ranch/Brandy Von Holten was selected for the tour destination.  Mounted archery, line dancing, self defense, and dinner are all included in our air conditioned/heated wedding and event venue!  If you get the opportunity, check them out on Facebook and check out my professional website at www.brandyvonholten.com 

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Meet DVM Greg Houtsma with the Warrensburg Animal Hospital located in Warrensburg, Missouri.  Born in Canada, but settled in Missouri, DVM Greg Houtsma is a highly respected vet in the Midwest.  He emphasizes in equine reproduction, lameness, and dentistry.  He has helped us at Von Holten Ranch with equine dentistry, lameness, eye injuries, and everything in between.  You will love getting to know DVM Greg Houtsma even more.  Did you know that he was accepted in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, also known as the "Mounties".  Learn about his two geldings, his two daughters, and his wife's equine breeding program.  There won't be another story quite like his.  It is my honor to introduce a man that needs no introduction, DVM Greg Houtsma!  

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  We have two guests today, Russ and Dina Brown, the owners of R Bar B in Topeka, Kansas!  Their store is family owned with their three sons also working for the business.  They sell saddles, tack, clothing, cowboy hats, trailers, bits, and everything in between!  R Bar B is also hosts all sorts of clinicians and events in their outdoor arena.  Russ and Dina also specialize in saddle fit.  Someone can take their horse/equine to their business and find a saddle that works.  You can even order a custom saddle if you want a new one.  R Bar B is launching their online in February 2023!  Check out their website at www.rbarb.com

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's guest is Mark Kestner.  Our businesses parallel from close to the same start date and roughly the same industry.  Mark has a company that is divided into three categories:  rental RV, RV park, and now a crappie fishing guide service.  You will love his down to Earth business plan and his willingness to venture out to live the life he actually wants to live.  Check out www.bluebirdoutdooradventure.com 

Welcome to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's guest is Alaina Cross!  She is one amazing cowgirl!  I have known her since she was a youth Extreme Cowboy Association competitor.  Alaina starts colts and has even trained mustangs!  Her uplifting zest for life will have you waiting for her next word.  Just a kind soul and an even more amazing mom, wife, and cowgirl.  Alaina took a spill on a horse and went to the hospital.  When doing tests just to make sure she was ok, they found stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Alaina will be someone that beats cancer and adds that to her resume.  Cancer doesn't know the strength of a cowgirl. 

Welcome to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten.  Today we have Karen Cummings as our valued guest.  She has been in my life before Von Holten Ranch.  Karen is now a massage therapist and a Country Tough Trail Versatility competitor.  I do not have a lot of friends that stick around for the different chapters of my life; Karen has been around for almost 20 years.  If you ever need a massage therapist that can get the job done and you want to help a fellow horse woman, then this is your girl.  The amount of people I trust to ride my best horses would fit on a gum wrapper.  Karen Cummings name would be on that gum wrapper for sure.

Welcome to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten.  It is my pleasure to introduce Abigail Hoffman.  Abigail is the owner of Tailwind Horsemanship, LLC and is a graduate of Clinton Anderson's Clinician Academy.  Abigail is a Clinton Anderson Ambassador.  Iowa is where she currently presides, but the world has no limits for this professional cowgirl.  In this podcast you will get to meet Abigail and see what lead her to where she is today.

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today is a first-generation cowgirl that is blazing the way for her mother and niece to join in the passion of being top performing cowgirls!  You will love the freedom and dedication of horsewoman, Shayla Shipley!  I first met Shayla at a clinic where she was a way more advanced competitor that I am and I WAS TEACHING THE CLINIC!  Shayla is helping develop her niece, Carissa, and helps her mother, Nina.In addition to being a versatile competitor, Shayla and her family breed horses, dogs, and cats.  The dog breeds are St. Berdoodles and Newfi Poo.  The cat breeds are either pure Maine Coon or a half Maine Coon.  They apparently like everything big because Shayla's family is also now breeding half draft horses!You will be amazed by Shayla's knowledge and cowgirl spirit!

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's guest is international clinician and world champion horseman, Lee Hart!  He is my trainer and is the longest returning clinician at Von Holten Ranch.  Lee has a staggering list of accomplishments including WRCA World Champion Bronc Rider to WRCA Top Hand to the American Royal Colt Starting Champion to the EXCA World Pro Champion and EXCA World Futurity Champion.  Lee Hart has also completed in the invitation only Calgary Stampede Cowboy Up Challenge where he won the Reserve Champion title!  Lee Hart has helped numerous people with their equine and helped even more equine with their people.  His clinics are highly sought after and always have people giving him raving reviews and asking to sign up for his next returning clinic.Lee recently was selected to compete in the Road to the Horse Wildcard Challenge.  This competition is composed of six trainers.  The person that wins the Wildcard Challenge will then go head-to-head in the Road to the Horse in March of 2023.Lee is always a crowd pleaser and always does right by any animal.  It is with great pleasure to introduce one of my greatest mentors and friends, Lee Hart.

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today we have the pleasure of interviewing two cowgirls from West Virginia!  Mary White, 84, and Alicia Stickel, 61, drove separately from West Virginia to attend a Big Boss Mare Production called Chix in the Sticks!  Mary drove herself and set her trailer up herself!  With owning a trail riding facility, it was refreshing to see an older cowgirl out there COWGIRLING!!!  Mary had amazing stories about how she married her divorce attorney from her first marriage who later became a Senator!  There's not one cowgirl out there that doesn't want to be Mary!  She already has her next adventured planned for later this year.  Alicia invited me to come ride with them in Utah, in Kentucky, and on the beach!  Have you ever met someone and knew you would be friends until the end?  I met two when I met Mary and Alicia!

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today we have two of the five owners of Phantom V Distillery, Chris Groves and Mike Hammerly!  Five friends came together to create an innovative alcohol that is closely related to Brandy (the alcohol, not me).  Brandy is made from fruit, but cannot be distilled greater than 160 proof.  Phantom V's alcohol is coming in at 192 proof.  When you reach numbers that are above the normal classifications, the alcohol becomes a “Distilled Specialty Spirit”.  Now, they are also able to create other alcohols such as vodka by lowering the alcohol's proof down to 80. Phantom V Distillery built enough room for a restaurant to rent a space.  Colton's Steakhouse was the perfect restaurant.  Both Colton's and Phantom V benefit from this mutualistically beneficial relationship.  Plus, the location of the distillery is filled with history and a connection with the 1904 World's Fair.  You will have no problem understanding why people are tailgating to get into Phantom V!  They truly are doing things differently.  You would think that an alcohol that comes in as 192 proof would taste awful or make you grow chest hair.  Nope!  It is the exact opposite.  Their Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookie Brandy will have you doing a double take to see how many bottles you can bring home with you!  Why is it called Phantom V?  Guess you'll have to listen to find out.

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's guest does not need an introduction from me at all!  Sarah Leonhard was worked for Purina for an extensive length of time.  She is now an Associate Sales Manager and the Farm Consultant Team Leader.  Sarah discusses Land o Lakes, the largest farmer owner cooperative in North America and its proud representation of the Purina brand and it's feed  division along with other products and services important to agriculture.   The Purina brand has stood the test of time and multiple ownerships.  Nestle also is represented by the 4-Square checkerboard on pet food and proudly represents its deep roots.   Sarah is also a humble cowgirl.  She and her daughter, Shelby Wells, barrel race together!  Sarah also runs a cattle operation that focuses on an embryo transfer program.  This podcast is proof that smart cowgirls are getting things accomplished now and were paving the way for others in the past.  It is a great honor to have Sarah Leonhard as a guest of Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten. 

Welcome back to Big Boss mare with Brandy Von Holten!  This week's guest is Kim Abney Shrader.  She is the owner and manager of Shabby 2 Chic Boutiques which is a retail clothing and accessories store that has a store front, a mobile boutique, and is available online!  Kim manifested her boutique, after being in real-estate for years.  Steve, her farmer husband, told her to go for it and that is exactly what she did!  When Kim created the name of her business, she knew she would open more than one location, so she went ahead and put the S on the word boutique!  Her love of adding joy and confidence to women's lives by seeing them in the clothes is the best part!   This is truly the driving force behind Shabby 2 Chic Boutiques....where you can be a little shabby or you can be a chic diva.

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten.  Today's guest is Nikki Freeman!  Nikki is a diversely talented “smartie pants and health nut”!  She is a college professor at the University of Central Missouri and is a cross fit, barre, and piyo instructor!  Nikki is currently working on her nutrition certification.  After turning 40 she realized she needed to change, and the current diet culture was not the answer.  Restricting calories to 1,300-1,500 per day left her without energy and without muscle.  This led Nikki to focusing on macros, which are fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.  It is Nikki's goal is to educate and empower others to take control back over their health and host retreats that focus on this combination for improved health:  physical, mental, and emotional needs.  It is with great pleasure to introduce Nikki Freeman.

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  If you love law enforcement and BBQ, then you are going to love this interview!  Meet Jason Worthley!  Jason is a homegrown Missouri boy!  Jason started as a 911 dispatcher but then has had the titles of jailer, deputy, K-9 deputy, and undercover narcotics while working with the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force.  After Jason left the Morgan County Sheriff's Department, he joined the Water Patrol which became an extension of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  With being so close to the Lake of the Ozarks which is a popular vacation area in Missouri, law enforcement is going to racking up some hard to believe stories.  Jason said that he has seen the worst in good people, and the good in people that others would consider bad.  Jason and his best friend, Chuck Black, are serving up some of the best foods in Missouri at a restaurant called Patio 52 Bar and Grill, which is located in Stover, Missouri.  Chuck, who is also Morgan County Sheriff's Deputy, is the owner of Patio 52.  Jason co-manages the restaurant and is the voice the public hears.  In addition to the restaurant, Jason, Chuck, and one of Chuck's brothers who is a combat veteran named Billy Black, are co-owners to accustom BBQ sauce called Patio 52 BBQ Sauce.  My husband and I love this restaurant and what they stand for!  We eat at Patio 52 at least once a week, but sometimes three or four!  Our ranch became one of the first five locations to carry their sauce!  After listening to this interview, you will know why we are such large supporters of Patio 52 bar and Grill and Jason Worthley!

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  This week's interview is with Sydney Kotow.  She is a hot shoer, AKA a hot farrier that works with a forge.  There are not a lot of lady farriers, and even less that work with a forge.  Sydney is not a shy person and will tell you how it is!  She and I will have many adventures together over the next four decades.  Our latest adventure included riding my mules, JoJo and CoCo, in the University of Central Missouri 150th parade that was part of the Guinness Record Book for the most mules ridden in a parade!  Sydney lives in Missouri but use to call Canada home!  You will have to listen quick to hear all of this story!

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's interview is with Arkansas mule trainer, Leslie Waymack!  She and I were both presenters at the 2021 MidWest MuleFest.  Leslie is super close to retirement from teaching high school social studies.  Her plan is to become an outfitter that can go where the wind takes her.  Leslie and I have several parallels but the main one is that you do not have to guess what she is thinking.  The firecracker is putting in some real work with mules and having great successes.  Leslie is an up and coming clinician that is easy to love.  

Welcome to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten.  This episode is with Gary Vaughn, Jr. from Greenbrier, Arkansas.  He is living proof that a man can go through heartache and move forward.  Gary has turned his life around from multiple felony charges to an active member in his church.  He has come back from bankruptcy to having a well-paying job that he has been at for years.  The largest heartache in this life was when his 15-year-old daughter committed suicide.  From a rough childhood to a troubled early adulthood, to a thriving second chance, Gary's story is sure to give others hope.  It is with great love and respect for me to introduce my brother, Gary Vaughn, Jr. 

Jason Cook is an American Cowboy that had a huge influence by his great grandfather.  When someone tries to explain the term “humble”, they just need to have a 5 minute conversation with Jason.  He believes in a solid foundation is the root to all great horses!  To excel with your equine you need to have consistency and quality.  In smartness, he ranks equine in this order (in general):  Mules, mares, studs, and geldings.  He is more of a horse man and prefers mares!  That right there is enough reason to admire this man.  The next paragraph was taken from a flier of a clinic that was at Von Holten Ranch.  www.jc-horsemanship.comThis clinic will work on creating a versatile horse with a focus on body positioning, creating a giving equine, and rating to different speeds. If you have a horse that is SOUR to competing, this is an area of specialty for Jason.   Jason is a professional competitor and judge in numerous ranch and stock horse associations.

Welcome back to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten.  Today's interview is with one very creative first-time momma, Hanna Perry!  I met Hanna when she competed in extreme cowboy racing and then crossed paths again when she was the competition photographer for the Country Tough Trail Versatility National Championship!  Once a year, I have a Goal Setting Sisterhood private group.  It was there that I was able to see that Hanna had started sewing custom baby clothes!  The prints, fabrics, and the quality of the clothes was jaw dropping!  I do not even have children and they got my attention!  You will believe in Hanna and be motivated by her drive!!

Tinker Turner is a professional. His full time job is horses. He is a trainer, instructor, clinician, and judge. He has trained, showed, and judged Professionally for 30+ years. He has won countless events in Europe and the U.S. in reining, roping, trail classes, working cow, pleasure, halter, versatility ranch horse, & colt starting challenges. Some to mention- World Shows in reining, working cow, & ranch classes. He has worked with all breeds and all disciplines and is open to work with your horse! ​ Tinker and his family live on their 4th generation farm in Arkansas that has been family owned since 1845.  All he knows is horses!  You will love this American Cowboy!  I cannot wait for you to hear the joy in his voice when he speaks about his daughter, Nevada.  What an honor to present Tinker Turner with Tinker Turner Performance Horses to you!

Welcome to Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten!  Today's interview is with Ashley Raetz!  Ashley is what I strive to be!  If you have ever just busted your butt putting in the work, but then see someone that is working just as hard as you do, but they are exponentially growing faster.  This is what I see from Ashley!  She has found her niche, is incredibly smart, is not afraid to take calculated risks, and is SUCCESSFUL!  She is a small-town girl with global reach!  Ashley's footprint on this world is a positive one for sure!  Rather than keeping all her knowledge to herself, she is willing to help others experience the business success and financial prosperity she has found. This girl has more layers than a Vidalia onion, so pay attention!   Ashley Raetz is truly gifted and believes in community over competition!

Meet Stacie Smith and Mary Bell!  They are two of the three ladies hosting the MidWest MuleFest!  2022 will mark their 5th year!  These two ladies are a hoot!  In this interview you will get to meet these two and hear their love and compassion for inclusion in the equine industry for mules.  Normal people can make extraordinary impacts in the world.  Stacie and Mary are making the mule owners top priority at this annual event hosted at a trail facility called Panther Creek located in Tuscumbia, MO.  Stacie and Mary will make you feel like family and welcome you with open arms.  

Meet Andrea Caponetto!  This lady owns a custom saddle company called Capo Custom Saddles!  Capo translates to “Boss” in Italian!  Andrea is a 4th generation Italian that prides herself in coming from a long line of entrepreneurs from Sicily!  She can ride, she can cook, she can rock her custom saddle business, and look good doing it!  Capo Custom Saddles are 100% USA made other than the conchos coming from Italy!  You will love Andrea's stories and downhome love for her family, friends, horses, and the passion she has for her custom saddle business.  It is with great pleasure for me to introduce Andrea Caponetto!

Scott Simms has many judging certifications in numerous associations.  As his personal equine goals change, his focus is now on giving back and helping develop the next generation of knowledgeable cowboy and cowgirl!   There's always lots to learn from people that have been there and done that.  Scott is an excellent role model and has a plethora or agriculture knowledge and is willing to share.  Thank goodness for cowboys like Scott to light the way for tomorrow's generations!  

Bailey Marriott is blazing her OWN way through this world!  She loves her family, her country, her modern day western heritage, and business!  Her story will motivate and captivate you!  Coffee shop, cattle rancher, and clothing and western apparel store owner/manager!!  Bailey is a small town girl with big dreams!  

When you are around Sean Beaver, you feel like you are in the presence of greatness!  He's a mover, a shaker, a Veteran, and is not afraid to take chances on a business venture that SCREAMS USA!!!!!  Being around strong, independent thinkers will help you become a strong, independent thinker!  I would highly recommend listening to this episode multiple times!  Go check out Great American Kites and Events on social media!

Alina Shcherbina is helping people have those difficult conversations about life insurance.  This is who my husband and I have our life insurance policy through.  You never know how much better you will sleep until you have your loved ones set up for financial security if tragedy strikes.  There are scammers out there and different types of policies that are not set up to benefit the client.  Alina helps you sort through the language to find what is right for you.  I would highly recommend having a relationship and getting to know your life insurance policy holder.  If you trust that person enough with life insurance, then they should also be trustworthy enough for investments.  It is never too early to start preparing for a better life.  My husband and I appreciate Alina's honesty.  Education is power!  This podcast is filled with information and a prime example of the type of person you should work with with such a delicate topic!

Thank you for joining Big Boss Mare with Brandy Von Holten today!  Today's guest is one of easiest cowgirl's in the world to love and cheer on as she blazes her own path in the equine industry, Lauren McCain!  She is on the Country Tough Trail Versatility National Board, a certified judge, a horsemanship and mulemanship clinician, an equine breeder, and just an all-around friend to the equine species!  Even though Lauren is young, she is respected and valued by all ages.  You just cannot help but love her because of her authenticity and positive outlook.  I enjoy helping Lauren McCain get introduced to the world in any way that I can.  With Lauren being the go-getter she is, I have no doubt the roles will be flipped one day and she will be the one introducing me.  Get ready world, here's Lauren McCain!

It is my pleasure to introduce soon to be DVM Maria Juarez Byrd!  Maria is one of the most determined work horses I know!  Everything she has worked for academically has come from huge sacrifices and pure grit.  Maria had enough college credit hours from high school to expedite her time needed to obtain her undergraduate degree.  After being accepted into the prestigious College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University in New York, Maria let doubt created by a mental seed planted deter her from her dream of becoming a veterinarian.  Maria had to step back and regroup before attacking veterinary school again.  This time she was equipped with the ability to silence the doubt created which allowed her to soar.  Maria is going to do great things while on this Earth, and I am honored to be part of her life.