The Plaidcast

Piper speaks with Baylee Mckeever about balancing college life at Auburn University with riding and showing alongside her equestrian family and supportive team at McLain Ward's Castle Hill Farm. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Baylee Mckeever is a 20-year-old equestrian and senior at Auburn University, where she is pursuing a degree in Communications and competes on the university's Division I equestrian team. A lifelong rider, Baylee has achieved notable success in the sport, including an individual gold medal at the 2023 Young Riders Championship, winning the 2024 U25 Grand Prix Finale, and earning a top-10 finish at the Washington Equitation Finals. Her passion for horses runs in the family—her parents, Lee and Erica, and her brother Bradlee are all actively involved in the horse show community.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Purina, Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person live event!

Piper hosts Plaidcast in Person in front of a live studio audience at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, CT with guests Don Stewart, Emma Fass, Michael Lenard & Kate Rice Nilan. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Don Stewart has a long and illustrious career as a top trainer specializing in the hunters and equitation. He was leading hunter rider at the National Horse Show twice, and as a trainer, has coached many national champions and medal finals winners. Don has a famous sense of humor and a knack for getting his students to relax and succeed in some of the most competitive, high-pressure horse shows in the country. Don operates Don Stewart Stables in Ocala, FL. Guest: Emma Fass is an amateur rider in Virginia, a software engineer, and an entrepreneur. She founded RingSide Pro in 2020 to provide horse shows with better tools and make the experience of horse showing smoother. RingSide Pro is now used all over the country, from local shows to Pony Finals and the USHJA International Hunter Derby. Guest: Michael Lenard is the CFO and co-founder of Horse Spot, a cloud-based platform transforming horse show management through real-time scoring, streamlined entries, and enhanced user experience. A former CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, he transitioned to the equestrian world full-time after years of competing at the 1.40 m level. He also holds a USEF “R” Jumper Judge license and has managed A-rated shows nationwide. Under his leadership, Horse Spot now supports over 350 shows across 28 states and three countries. Guest: Kate Rice Nilan is the Founder of StableSecretary, one of the original barn management technologies. Kate is a lifelong equestrian who grew up as a competitive junior rider and has spent decades immersed in the hunter/jumper world. She's worn just about every hat you can imagine in a barn—groom, barn manager, assistant trainer, business owner, freelance rider and teacher, and even “horse show mom.”  In recent years, she has gotten back in the show ring herself in the amateur hunters and equitation.Beyond the ring, Kate has also worked in web development, tech support, and education—bringing a unique blend of real-world horse experience and technical expertise to everything she does. She leads product development and customer support for StableSecretary, and still finds time to get back in the saddle whenever she can.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Purina, Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person event!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Piper speaks with TPH Small business winner, Caitlin Looney of Extend Equine Massage. Listen in and share with friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Caitlin Looney is a certified equine bodyworker and owns Extend Equine Massage, which services the Massachusetts and New Hampshire areas offering equine massage, kinesiology taping, red light therapy and more! Holding her Masters in Biotechnology, Caitlin brings a unique scientific understanding of the horse's muscular system to her practice to provide reproducible and significant results. Riding at such diverse levels herself ranging from 4H to the breed level, Caitlin appreciates all aspects of competition and enjoys supporting a wide array of clients from the retired pony to the high performing equine athlete.Read the Latest Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast in Person event!

Piper speaks with top trainer Berry Porter about hunter and equitation judging. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Berry Porter is the head trainer at Brookside Pine Farms in Conroe, Texas. Berry has developed many riders from the beginner level to the collegiate ranks to succeeding at the top levels of equestrian competition. Recognizing this is a sport that constantly evolves, Berry trains with some of the most respected and successful professionals in the industry, applying his skills as he personally competes at prominent venues across the country. Berry's students have successfully competed at the FEI North American Young Riders competition, National Junior Hunter Finals, in International Hunter Derbies, at Medal Finals, and in Grand Prix.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Purina, Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Piper speaks with TPH Small business winner, Holly Johnson of FireHorse Rescue Kits. Listen in and share with friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Holly Johnson is the founder of Equinium Sports Marketing and co-founder of FireHorse Rescue Kits, which was recently pinned Champion in The Plaid Horse Magazine's Equine Impact Small Business Contest. Holly is based in Wellington, Florida and holds an MBA in Sports Marketing. FireHorse Rescue Kits is a collaboration between equestrians and firefighters to bridge the gap between barn fire safety and first responders. You can read more about FireHorse in our May/June issue of the magazine.Read the May/June Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with top international show jumper Katie Dinan and teaches a technique for keeping the spark in your goal setting. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride Guest: After a terrific junior career, Katie Dinan has been a steady presence on the international show jumping circuit for more than a decade, since winning her first major grand prix in 2012. She was shortlisted for the Paris Olympics, has represented the United States in multiple Nations Cups and World Cup Finals, and was the top placing American in the World Cup finals in 2025. Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Purina, Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Piper speaks with top trainers, Ken & Emily Smith of Ashland Farms. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuests: Ken and Emily Smith are the owners and operators of Ashland Farms, based in Wellington, Florida, and Lexington, Kentucky. Both Ken and Emily grew up in the industry; Ken as the son of trainer John Smith in Upstate New York, and Emily as the daughter of equine veterinarian Scott Traphagen in South Florida. Ken and Emily worked for Howard Lewis at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club before launching Ashland Farms in 1993. Now one of North America's top sales barns, Ashland Farms has produced many national title-claiming riders.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Purina, Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance GroupJoin us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Piper speaks with top hunter rider and trainer, Nick Haness. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Nick Haness is a top hunter/jumper trainer who is based out of Temecula, California. Some of Nick's most notable accomplishments include being named the Chronicle of the Horse's Show Hunter Person of the Year in 2022, he won the Devon Horse Show Leading Hunter Rider in 2023 and 2024, he won the 2024 $100,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular in Wellington, Florida, he was named the 2024 USEF Equestrian of the Year, and he recently won the $100,000 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider West Coast Hunter Spectacular in Thermal, California for the fourth year in a row.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Purina, Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance GroupJoin us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Piper speaks with with Sonja Ochadlik about the different types of equine education. Listen in and share with friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Sonja Ochadlik is a showjumping rider originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and now based in Ireland. She runs Stonehall Sporthorses, a business specialising in producing young horses and sourcing and selling top-quality horses and ponies. Sonja is passionate about the training and welfare of horses and working towards making the sport of showjumping more inclusive. Read the May/June Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Piper speaks with senior reporter for The Chronicle of the Horse, Kimberly Loushin about media in horse sport. Piper also speaks with the director of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, Emily Day about the upcoming 172nd anniversary horse show, which will take place in June. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Kimberly Loushin is a senior reporter for The Chronicle of the Horse. Over the last 11 years, she's covered Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, World Cup Finals and major horse shows throughout the United States.  Guest: Emily Day is the director of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show in Upperville, VA. She's a lifelong horsewoman who grew up foxhunting, eventing, going to local hunter shows, and even endurance riding with her parents. Along with her husband, Jimmy, she ran a flat and steeplechase training business for 30 years, until Jimmy retired from training in 2020. In 2019, she assumed the role of horse show director, and is currently preparing for the 172nd Anniversary of Upperville, which will take place in June 2025.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsors: Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance GroupJoin us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with one of the judges from the 2025 Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association National Championship in Mill Spring, North Carolina, Michael Tokaruk. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer and judge who also runs a training and sales business, Tokaruk Show Stables, out of Tennessee and Wellington, Florida. Michael worked with top professionals such as Scott Stewart, Missy Clark, Bob Braswell and Anne Kursinski as a junior rider. Michael has multiple grand prix wins, international and national hunter derby wins to his credit along with continuing his professional education by working with professionals such as Chris Kappler, Andre Dignelli, Katie Monahan-Prudent, and Melanie Smith Taylor. Michael has judged at some of the most prestigious horse shows including the 2021 USET Talent Search Finals East, 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals, Capital Challenge Horse Show, the 2024 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter Finals- West Coast in Del Mar, California and will be judging the 2025 USEF Medal Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.Read the May/June Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Piper hosts Plaidcast LIVE! from The Madeira School in McLean, VA with guests Phoebe Lang, Dr. Lisa Metcalf, DVM/MS and Dr. Kimberly Brokaw, DVM. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Phoebe Lang was born and raised in the Washington, DC area and ignited her passion for horses at Madeira's summer riding program when she was seven years old. Upon graduating from Madeira in 1985, Phoebe attending Kenyon College and then moved to San Francisco, raised her three children, and started riding again in her 30's. Phoebe has devoted the past 25 years to pursuing elite-level show jumping throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, reaching the FEI 3* level. She built her farm and training business, Zeitgeist Equestrian and Equstech, in Petaluma, CA, and has worked on developing several equine therapeutic devices. While Phebe has retired from riding competitively, she still owns and cares for six horses and has been spending time launching the breeding career of one of her former grand prix stallions. Guest: Dr. Lisa Metcalf, DVM/MS grew up on a horse farm in northern VA, and her lifelong passion for horses shaped a distinguished academic and professional journey. After attending Madeira and then earning her BA in Biology from Wesleyan University, Dr. Metcalf went on to obtain her DVM from The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and her MS in Endocrinology from UC Davis. Dr. Metcalf is a decorated and board-certified theriogenologist; a specialist in the practice of animal reproduction. Beyond her clinical work, she has held influential roles with organizations such as the Oregon Veterinary Racing Commission, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Portland Mounted Patrol Unit. An internationally sought-after speaker and widely published author, Dr. Metcalf brings deep expertise, passion, and perspective to the world of veterinary reproductive medicine. Guest: Dr. Kimberly Brokaw DVM's passion for horses and animal science, fostered by the Madeira school, led her to pursue her BS in animal science at the University of Maryland. She then earned her Doctorate from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Following her 15 years of service at the Walkersville Veterinary Clinic of Maryland, she currently brings her expertise to two impactful roles: as a Veterinary Medical Officer for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and as a passionate team member at Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue in Mount Airy, MD, a nonprofit organization devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating draft horses.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with The Plaid Horse Small Business Contest winner, Ruthann Smith of Lucky Braids.  Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Ruthann Smith, founder of Lucky Braids, is a professional braider for world champion riders and an advocate for top turnout and better horsemanship. She educates handlers on proper care, grooming, and braiding; knowing that great performance starts with a confident, well-cared for horse. Through nationwide speaking engagements and her grooming products, she bridges the gap between elite show barn practices and everyday horse owners. Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with top junior riders Adriana Forte and Violet Tatum. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride Guest: Adriana Forte is a 17-year-old from New York City and Water Mill, NY. She trains with First Blue, LLC in Riverhead, NY, and has been training under Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farm since 2024. She is verbally committed to the D1 equestrian team of Texas A&M University. In 2024, she won the WIHS Equitation Finals and had top finishes in all 3'6" equitation finals. Guest: Violet Tatum is a top junior rider who currently splits her time between the west and east coast. On the east coast, she trains with the team at North Run - Missy Clark, John Brennan and Maggie Gampfer. On the west coast, she rides with Archie Cox of Brookway stables and John Bragg of Bridgeport farms. Violet won the Ronnie Mutch Equitation championship at Thermal this year and the Gladstone Cup in 2024 and finished in the top 12 of the Maclay and WIHS Equitation Finals. In the hunters, Violet was Grand Champion 3'6 Small Junior Hunters 15 & under at Capital Challenge, Champion and Reserve Champion at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and Champion 3'6 Small Junior Hunters at the Washington International Horse Show. Violet is a prolific catch rider who is very coachable and truly loves the horses.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Foxhall Equine and Great American Insurance Group Join us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

In this special episode, Piper Klemm joins Camron Adibi as a guest on The Centaur Podcast. They discuss Piper's background, The Plaid Horse and educating the next generation of equestrians. Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineJoin us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Plaid Horse Magazine online editor Marley Lien-Gonzalez about the April and May/June issues of The Plaid Horse magazine. We also speak with the December/January Education Issue cover story, Adelle Alletto. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Marley Lien-Gonzalez is Blog Editor of The Plaid Horse and passionate equestrian college student studying Journalism. As a junior, she was a working student for a top-level training and sales barn and competed in the equitation and jumper rings. Since then, she's transitioned to freelance grooming but still rides frequently, and she enjoys traveling across the country to work at different horse shows.Guest: Fifteen-year-old Adelle Aletto is a talented junior rider making her mark in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings with her incredible group of horses. Adelle is determined and has a quick ability to learn; she's always focused on improving as a rider and horsewoman and achieving new goals. After a successful competition season at WEC - Ocala this winter, resulting in several major equitation wins and hunter championship titles, she's now setting her sights on the 2025 Devon Horse Show and Junior Hunter Finals this summer. Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Great American Insurance Group and Plaidcast LIVE

Piper speaks with top rider and trainer, Maggie Jayne about her successful family business and her experience training young horses and riders. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Maggie Jayne is a top rider and trainer at Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois, where she continues her family's long legacy in the sport. She's known for producing top hunters, jumpers, and equitation horses—including expertly bred young horses from the family's successful program. Maggie works with horses and riders of all levels, from grand prix to pony jumpers, helping them achieve their goals both in and out of the show ring.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSponsor: Great American Insurance GroupJoin us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with author and educator, Mary Ann Simonds. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Mary Ann Simonds is an author and educator with an international practice helping horse professionals better understand, train, and care for their equine companions. Her research on wild horse ecology, behaviors, and cultures set the foundation for challenging many of the traditional horse training paradigms. In the 1990s, Mary Ann developed a line of stress management products for Toklat Originals, including the first magnetic hoof boot and a line of flower essences and aromatherapy products for horses. She ran the Whole Horse and Equestrian Science Institute for over 25 years and has published four books and written hundreds of articles. After selling her farm in the Pacific Northwest, she now resides full-time in Wellington, Florida. Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Plaidcast LIVE

Piper speaks with Sonja Ochadlik about the differences between horse sport in Europe vs. the US. Piper also speaks with David Silver, the founder of Detroit Horse Power, a program in which horses help Detroit's youth and communities grow, connect, and thrive. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Sonja Ochadlik is a showjumping rider originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and now based in Ireland. She runs Stonehall Sporthorses, a business specialising in producing young horses and sourcing and selling top-quality horses and ponies. Sonja is passionate about the training and welfare of horses and working towards making the sport of showjumping more inclusive. Guest: David Silver grew up in Westchester, New York and competed as a Three Day Event rider, eventually working for Boyd Martin. He moved to Detroit in 2012 to become an elementary school teacher and then went out to combine what horses had taught him with the needs that he saw in his students lives to found Detroit Horse Power, a program in which horses help Detroit's youth and communities grow, connect, and thrive.Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineTitle Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesJoin us at an upcoming Plaidcast LIVE!

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with the team behind HorseGrooms, Dinette Neuteboom and Amy McGann, who were the TPH Small Business Contest Grand Champion winners and the cover story of our April issue of The Plaid Horse magazine. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Dinette Neuteboom is a Dutch-born equestrian professional, writer, and educator, and the founder of HorseGrooms—a platform dedicated to supporting and educating grooms around the world. She has worked across Europe, Argentina, the U.S., China, and New Zealand with her variety of skills in teaching, riding, grooming, and managing top hunters and show jumpers, as well as doing press work for major equestrian events. Through her work and writing, she advocates for horsemanship and helps amplify the voices of those working behind the scenes in the horse industry. Guest: Amy McGann is the creative director of HorseGrooms, a platform founded by her partner Dinette Neuteboom to support and educate grooms around the world. She grew up riding on the East Coast but dreamed of heading west to work with horses on a ranch. Now based out of one of the most famous cowboy towns of the American West, she runs a web design agency called Unbridled Form. The connection between horse and human drives Amy, and she is constantly inspired by the untamable frontier spirit of wild horses. With HorseGrooms, Amy oversees and executes branding, website design, and visual content curation. Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare and Plaidcast LIVE

Piper speaks with the Plaid Horse Magazine March cover story, Brooke Brombach and her mother & trainer Colleen Brombach. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Brooke Brombach is a 21 year old Senior at Texas A&M and comes from an equestrian family. Her mother, Colleen Brombach, is a 36-year-veteran trainer who runs Silver Fox Farm in Wimberley, Texas, and her sister, McKayla, is also a top equestrian and currently a Freshman at Texas A&M. Some of Brooke's equestrian accomplishments include being the 2018-2021 WCHR South Central 3'6” Junior Hunter Champion, the 2019 Junior Hunter Finals Champion in the Large Junior Hunter 3'6” 15-Under and the 2021 USEF Talent Search bronze medalist. Upon graduating college, Brooke intends to turn professional and join her mother at their family farm's operation. Guest: Colleen Brombach is the owner and head trainer of Silver Fox Farms in Wimberley, Texas. She started Silver Fox Farms in Orange County, California, but after working more than two decades on the west coast, she and her family operation, which includes her two daughters, relocated to Texas. From her boutique, hands-on approach, Colleen has consistently developed prominent young horses and riders to national levels of success.  Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with USEF “R” judge, FEI trainer, and clinician Geoff Case about the future of hunter sport in this country. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Geoff Case is a USEF “R” Judge, FEI Trainer, and Clinician originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Case chose to follow his passion to train and grow the next generation of horses and riders. As a rider, Case has produced horses that have represented Team USA in International Competition, placed at Medal Finals and hunters that have claimed championships at major competitions throughout the US. As a trainer, his students have had wins and top placings in Medal Finals on both coasts, Young Rider Medals, and countless hunter championships. As a 'R' USEF judge, Case has presided over major horse shows throughout North America, including WCHR Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Capital Challenge Horse Show, and the WEC Equitation Premier Cup. Case and his wife Taylor Kain relocated to Europe in 2023 where Kain has earned a meteoric rise in the World Rankings, from unranked to the top 20% in the world in less than a year. They continue to follow their passion for developing horses and riders to the highest levels possible for them. In addition to judging, Case is a renowned clinician worldwide known to focus on teaching the mechanics of riding while encouraging horsemanship and self-belief to grow each rider's ability, goals, and to pursue higher competition.Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, and BoneKare

Piper speaks with two of the judges from the 2025 WEF Equitation Championship in Wellington, Florida, Karen Healey and Michael Tokaruk. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Karen Healey began her professional career working for George Morris at Hunterdon Stables in New Jersey in 1971. Karen moved to California ten years later and began her business at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Since moving to California, Karen's riders have won over 100 medal finals and she has trained numerous hunters and jumpers to wins at indoors, earned national championships and medals at the North American Young Riders Championship and the Prix de States. In addition to her students' success in the show ring, Karen is an instrumental force in the administration of equestrian sport. She holds a USEF R-rated judging license and has judged some of the most prestigious shows in the country, including the Devon Horse Show, the Hampton Classic, the USEF Pony Finals and the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search East Coast Finals and the 2022 Dover Saddlery USEF Hunt Seat Medal Finals in Harrisburg, PA.Guest: Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer and judge who also runs a training and sales business, Tokaruk Show Stables, out of Tennessee and Wellington, Florida. Michael worked with top professionals such as Scott Stewart, Missy Clark, Bob Braswell and Anne Kursinski as a junior rider. Michael has multiple grand prix wins, international and national hunter derby wins to his credit along with continuing his professional education by working with professionals such as Chris Kappler, Andre Dignelli, Katie Monahan-Prudent, and Melanie Smith Taylor. Michael has judged at some of the prestigious horse shows including the 2021 USET Talent Search Finals East, 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals, Capital Challenge Horse Show and the 2024 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter Finals- West Coast in Del Mar, CA.  Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsor: Equine Affaire 

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Philip Richter about the upgrades that exhibitors will enjoy in July 2025 during the two week horse show. We also speak with Scott Neuman who is the Director of Competitions at the American Quarter Horse Association about their growing discipline. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Philip Richter grew up with horses and has been actively competing on the “A” show circuit his entire life. The son of the late, highly respected trainer, Judy Richter, Philip began riding in the short stirrup at age six and later competed in the pony hunter divisions, equitation, junior hunters, junior jumpers and remains an active competitor in the amateur jumper divisions. Philip sits on the board of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the United States Equestrian Federation, the Revs Institute, and the Pray Family Foundation. Philip is also Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show and serves as Co-Treasurer of the Hampton Classic Horse Show. Outside of the horse world, Philip is also the President of Hollow Brook Wealth Management, LLC, a full service, SEC registered, wealth management firm. Philip is a graduate of Boston College and holds an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business. Guest: Scott Neuman is the Director of Competitions at the American Quarter Horse Association. Before working at AQHA, he operated a boarding and training business specializing in all-around horses. Scott was an AQHA judge for more than 20 years and the Director of Equestrian Studies at Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. He also managed shows for Kathy Avolt's horse show management company, A Equine Production. Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Equine Affaire and BoneKare

Piper speaks with show jumping riders Kristen VanderVeen and Alise Oken, who will be representing the US at the FEI World Cup Finals in Basel, Switzerland on April 1-6, 2025. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Kristen VanderVeen is one of the most accomplished American show jumpers over the past decade. At rank 60 worldwide on the LONGINES FEI List, she's the 6th highest-ranking U.S. Show Jumper and third highest-ranked U.S. female rider. Kristen is one of only 4 U.S. Show Jumpers who has won over 100 FEI competitions/Ranking Classes- sharing that accomplishment with McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Laura Kraut. Kristen has been extremely successful in grand prixs through the 5* level and has represented the U.S. in World Cups in Paris and Germany. Kristen will soon be heading to Basel, Switzerland, to represent the U.S.A. in the World Cup.Guest: Alise Oken is a 33-year-old show jumper from Charlotte, North Carolina. As a junior, Alise competed in the FEI North American Youth Championships and, in 2010, won the team silver medal. Alise competed in her first senior Nations Cup in 2014, and since then, has been a member of the U.S. Jumping Team that won bronze in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO3* in Lisbon and a part of the U.S. team that finished third in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden. In 2024, Alise competed for Team U.S.A. at the Longines League of Nations CSIO5* in Abu Dhabi and was a member of the fourth-place U.S. team at the FEI Nations Cup™ in Rome. Most recently, Alise was named to compete at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with COO of STRIDER, Natasha Sprengers-Levine. We also speak to writer Jessica Shannon about the TPH March cover story and author Jody Jaffe about her book, Commander Speaks, which is featured in the March issue. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Natasha Sprengers-Levine is STRIDER's Chief Operating Officer of STRIDER. A USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, FEI rider, and graduate of the United States Pony Club, Natasha brings a wealth of experience to both the equestrian and business worlds. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Vermont, where she was captain of the dressage team and the 2014 IDA Individual National Champion. In addition to her leadership role at STRIDER, Natasha operates a boutique dressage training business at Blue Wood Farm & Vineyard in Verbank, New York.Guest: Jessica Shannon is a chaplain and writer from the Houston area.  In her personal writing and chaplaincy careers, she specializes in family centered bereavement support and exploring grief from many angles. She rides in the hunters with her beloved thoroughbred, Gunner, who she has brought along in his second career since he was 3 years old.Guest: Jody Jaffe started her writing career as a journalist and feature writer for the Charlotte Observer; she was on a team that won Gold Medal Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. After moving to fiction, she wrote the internationally published Nattie Gold horse show mystery series, including, "Horse of a Different Killer,” the People Magazine Page-Turner of the Week, "Chestnut Mare, Beware,” and "In Colt Blood.” Jaffe has also been a columnist for The Chronicle of the Horse and taught writing at Georgetown, Hollins, and Washington and Lee Universities.Read the March Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services and BoneKare

Piper speaks with veteran pony trainer Emily Elek about a recent Facebook post she made that struck a nerve in the pony community and has larger implications for how we run our championships for junior riders. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Emily Elek is the owner of Stonewall Farm in Ixonia, Wisconsin where she operates one of the largest pony leasing, sales, breeding and training operations. Emily takes a holistic view in developing ponies and riders for lifelong success. Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsor: Foxhall Equine

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Plaid Horse Magazine online editor Marley Lien-Gonzalez about the March issue of The Plaid Horse magazine. We also speak with TPH Small Business Contest winner, Dr. Barb Blasko of ShowMD. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Marley Lien-Gonzalez is Blog Editor of The Plaid Horse and passionate equestrian college student studying Journalism. As a junior, she was a working student for a top-level training and sales barn and competed in the equitation and jumper rings. Since then, she's transitioned to freelance grooming but still rides frequently, and she enjoys traveling across the country to work at different horse shows.Guest: Dr. Barb Blasko is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 20 years of progressive successful delivery and operational management of Emergency Medicine for regional and national medical facilities. She is a passionate entrepreneur who has blended health sciences and technology to improve the lives of her patients in equestrian settings. Her expertise spans medical fields including specialty in Emergency Medicine, clinical strategy, telemedicine and biomedical informatics. With her own horses, she competes in USEF show jumping competitions across the West Coast. As a competitive equestrian herself, Dr. Blasko personally relates to common stressors, conditions and injuries that may arise when riding or working with horses.Read the March Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, Equine Affaire and BoneKare

Piper speaks with dressage trainer and rider Amelia Newcomb and high-performance coach and somatic practitioner Natalie Hummel. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Amelia Newcomb is a USEF Gold medalist and recipient of the Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize from the Dressage Foundation. Based in California, Amelia has competed all her life and trained horses that she has started all the way up to Grand Prix. Her approach incorporates all aspects of horsemanship from basic groundwork to advanced Dressage movements. The emphasis is always on the foundation with the basic trust, understanding, and relaxation for both horse and rider to create a harmonious partnership. Amelia's mantra is "Dressage for All," which is evident in both her training and extensive online learning platform. With a successful YouTube video library of hundreds of free educational videos, over 300,000 subscribers, and thousands of students enrolled in her online courses across the globe, Amelia has a clear passion for teaching and horses.Guest: Natalie Hummel is a competitive equestrian athlete turned high-performance coach and somatic practitioner. She uses science-based tools to help high-performance athletes and high achievers do the inner work required to reach top levels of success. Natalie was always been a competitive person, but it wasn't until she healed from her past and learned to regulate her nervous system that she found true mastery. Through her programs, she passes this knowledge on to clients and students, allowing them to do the deepest work that unlocks peak performance in all areas of life. With a degree in Psychology and multiple certifications in polyvagal theory, Natalie guides people with unconditional support and provides actionable tools to bring back your love of sport and life.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Dr. Alberto Rullan, VDM, who was featured in the March issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Dr. Alberto Rullan, VMD is the co-founder of Performance Equine Veterinary Services alongside his brother, William Rullan. Together, they built a leading veterinary practice dedicated to diagnosing and treating performance-related issues in horses. In 2018, Dr. Rullan founded the Equine Performance Innovative Center, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility specializing in cutting-edge therapies for performance horses. Dr. Rullan earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Pennsylvania State University in 2002. Following graduation, he pursued an intensive equine internship at Louisiana State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinic, where he gained advanced expertise in equine medicine, surgery, and therapeutic techniques. As a certified member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology, Dr. Rullan brings specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating complex locomotor issues in performance horses. Dr. Rullan's forward-thinking approach, ISELP certification, and passion for equine wellness have established him as a trusted leader in performance horse care, recognized both locally and internationally. Read the March Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services and BoneKare

Piper hosts Plaidcast LIVE! from Wellington International with guests Greg Prince & Kyla Makhloghi. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Greg Prince is the owner and head trainer of Woodridge Farm, a full-service show stable operated out of Sherborn, MA and Wellington, FL. Over a career spanning more than two decades as a professional, Greg has imported and produced many top horses and has shown successfully across the U.S. and Canada, earned ribbons at some of the most prestigious horse shows in the country including Devon, Harrisburg, and the Washington International Horse Show. He's trained riders to top hunter derby finishes, every equitation finals, and grand prix victories, marking him as one of the most prolific trainers currently in the hunter/jumper world. Guest: Kyla Makhloghi is a grand prix show jumping athlete and trainer who owns and operates Rosemont Farm, a top training and sales barn located in Wellington, FL. Kyla graduated with an undergraduate degree in English from Mount Holyoke College, where she was an integral part of their equestrian team and led them to an IHSA National Championship in 2006. Her riders have claimed impressive wins at Pony Finals, WIHS Equitation Finals, Children's Hunter Finals, and Prix des States, and top finishes at Devon, The National Horse Show, and Harrisburg. In 2022, Kyla won the Wild Card Trainer Bonus award at the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship. As a horse trainer, she finds similar success importing and selling quality hunter, jumper, and equitation horses.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsor: Foxhall Equine

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with USEF “R” judge, FEI trainer, and clinician Geoff Case about finding a work/life balance in the horse industry. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Geoff Case is a USEF “R” Judge, FEI Trainer, and Clinician originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Case chose to follow his passion to train and grow the next generation of horses and riders. As a rider, Case has produced horses that have represented Team USA in International Competition, placed at Medal Finals and hunters that have claimed championships at major competitions throughout the US. As a trainer, his students have had wins and top placings in Medal Finals on both coasts, Young Rider Medals, and countless hunter championships. As a 'R' USEF judge, Case has presided over major horse shows throughout North America, including WCHR Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Capital Challenge Horse Show, and the WEC Equitation Premier Cup. Case and his wife Taylor Kain relocated to Europe in 2023 where Kain has earned a meteoric rise in the World Rankings, from unranked to the top 20% in the world in less than a year. They continue to follow their passion for developing horses and riders to the highest levels possible for them. In addition to judging, Case is a renowned clinician worldwide known to focus on teaching the mechanics of riding while encouraging horsemanship and self-belief to grow each rider's ability, goals, and to pursue higher competition.Read the March Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Equine Affaire, Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Piper speaks with the co-Presidents of Live Oak International- Chester Weber, who is the most decorated combined driver in the US and Chloe Reid, who is an International show jumper. We talk about their riding careers and the upcoming 2025 Live Oak International competition. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Chester Weber is the most decorated combined driver in the U.S. With top rankings held in the FEI system, including the number one spot, his accomplishments include 21 National Championships and nine medals at International Championships. At age 18, he was the youngest member of the U.S. Equestrian Team for the World Pairs Driving Championship and, later, the first American to win a Silver Medal for the U.S. in the Four in Hand FEI World Driving Championships. He has been recognized as USEF Equestrian of Honor twice and now co-presides over the largest combined driving and show jumping tournament in the U.S., Live Oak International, with his niece, Chloe Reid. Guest: Chloe D. Reid is an accomplished international show jumper and Co-President of Live Oak International, America's largest combined driving and show jumping event. Growing up in an equestrian family with a legacy spanning multiple disciplines — show jumping, combined driving, and thoroughbred racing — Chloe has represented the U.S. in top global competitions and was instrumental in expanding Live Oak International to include show jumping in 2012. She is dedicated to advancing equestrian sport and developing young horses for the future. Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with RingSide Pro founder and TPH Small Business Contest winner Emma Fass, who was featured in the February issue of the magazine. Online editor of The Plaid Horse, Marley Lien-Gonzalez, also joins to talk about what is new on www.theplaidhorse.com for February. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Emma Fass is an amateur rider in Virginia, a software engineer, and an entrepreneur. She founded RingSide Pro in 2020 to provide horse shows with better tools and make the experience of horse showing smoother. RingSide Pro is now used all over the country, from local shows to Pony Finals and the USHJA International Hunter Derby. Guest: Marley Lien-Gonzalez is Blog Editor of The Plaid Horse and passionate equestrian college student studying Journalism. As a junior, she was a working student for a top-level training and sales barn and competed in the equitation and jumper rings. Since then, she's transitioned to freelance grooming but still rides frequently, and she enjoys traveling across the country to work at different horse shows.Read the February Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Piper speaks with Belgian show jumping rider Nicola Philippaerts about his recent successes. Dr. David Ramey, DVM also talks about his book, Lost Traditions: Horses and Horse Medicine in Pre-Modern Japan. Ken Whelihan, USEF "R" judge, clinician, and Senior trainer and Assistant Director at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT also joins. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Nicola Philippaerts is a top Belgian show jumper who competes internationally at the highest level of equestrian sport, including at the Olympic Games and in Nations Cups around the world. He has achieved numerous Grand Prix victories and shows regularly on the Global Champions Tour. As the son of four-time Olympian Ludo Philippaerts, he's part of the family operation at Philippaerts- a notable training, breeding, and sales stable based in Belgium- as well as the star of Horse&Country's exclusive show, Nicola Philippaerts: Born To Ride.Guest: Dr. David Ramey, DVM is an equine veterinarian with decades of experience; an internationally recognized lecturer, researcher, and author; and the mind behind Lost Traditions: Horses and Horse Medicine in Pre-Modern Japan. A graduate of Colorado State University and an avid student of veterinary history, he has practiced on show horses and pleasure horses in Southern California since 1984.Guest: Ken Whelihan grew up in a family of horse enthusiasts in New England, enjoying showing, eventing, and fox hunting. During college, Ken rode for the University of Massachusetts IHSA team while also riding sale horses for international Grand Prix veteran Barney Ward. Ken went on to learn from Anthony D'Ambrosio, George Morris, Anne Kursinski, Leslie Howard, and Peter Leone. Ken has also held his USEF judge's license for over 30 years. Ken has enjoyed judging numerous finals as well as top shows throughout the country. In addition to national level shows, Ken makes time to judge IHSA, IEA, NCEA and local level shows. Ken also assisted in the management of the popular Princeton Show Jumping series in New Jersey. In September 2023, Ken accepted a teaching position at the Ethel Walker school in Simsbury, CT. Ken follows a systematic approach, providing riders with the tools to improve consistency. Flat work and homework are the cornerstones leading to the success of Ken's students and horses.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Foxhall Equine, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Jordan Lubow and Valerie Kalderon of Opening Bell Farms, who are the TPH February cover story. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Jordan Lubow is a 38 year old professional hunter rider and trainer who runs Opening Bell Farms with Abby Strohmeyer. Opening Bell Farms is based in Ocala, FL, and owned by Valerie Kalderon. Jordan started riding when she was three years old at Far West Farms in Calabasas, California, and for the majority of her junior career, she rode with Karen Healey and Archie Cox. Jordan specializes in working with young horses and sales.Guest: Valerie Kalderon is the owner of Opening Bell Farms, a leading hunter/jumper boarding and training facility located in Ocala, Florida.  She started riding at a young age until her college years. After graduating, she developed a 30+ year career as a senior executive on Wall Street. She rekindled her passion for riding after retiring in Austin, Texas. In 2022, she purchased Opening Bell Farms which she developed out of her own need for quality custom care and training.Read the February Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Equine Affaire, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Piper speaks with trainer, rider, clinician and author Denny Emerson about the growth of people and horses in our sport. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Denny Emerson has ridden thousands of horses over many thousands of miles in all kinds of horse sports. He has been president of the US Eventing Association (USEA) and the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA), and a vice-president of the US Equestrian Team (USET). Emerson has been inducted into three Halls of Fame: the USEA Hall of Fame, the Vermont Academy Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Dartmouth College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2000, he was named “One of the 50 Most Influential Horsemen of the 20th Century” by The Chronicle of the Horse. He is also the author of How Good Riders Get Good and Know Better to Do Better. Denny lives in Strafford, Vermont.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with USEF “R” judge, FEI trainer, and clinician Geoff Case about what makes different courses of the same height more challenging, more technical and harder. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Geoff Case is a USEF “R” Judge, FEI Trainer, and Clinician originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Upon graduating from Johns Hopkins University, Case chose to follow his passion to train and grow the next generation of horses and riders. As a rider, Case has produced horses that have represented Team USA in International Competition, placed at Medal Finals and hunters that have claimed championships at major competitions throughout the US. As a trainer, his students have had wins and top placings in Medal Finals on both coasts, Young Rider Medals, and countless hunter championships. As a 'R' USEF judge, Case has presided over major horse shows throughout North America, including WCHR Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival, The Capital Challenge Horse Show, and the WEC Equitation Premier Cup. Case and his wife Taylor Kain relocated to Europe in 2023 where Kain has earned a meteoric rise in the World Rankings, from unranked to the top 20% in the world in less than a year. They continue to follow their passion for developing horses and riders to the highest levels possible for them. In addition to judging, Case is a renowned clinician worldwide known to focus on teaching the mechanics of riding while encouraging horsemanship and self-belief to grow each rider's ability, goals, and to pursue higher competition.Read the February Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with show jumping rider Taylor Kain, who is set to compete in Abu Dhabi as part of the US team this month. Tonya also shares thoughts on "beginner's mind" and the value of goal setting to organize effort and create success strategies. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.   Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride Guest: Taylor Kain was a sought-after catch rider her entire junior career. She rode and showed extensively as a young professional, and in 2016, she established Horseshoe Bend Sales with her husband, Geoff Case. Between her time in the saddle competing, she also added teaching and sales to her resume, along with splitting her time between the hunter and jumper rings. In 2023, Taylor and Geoff moved Horseshoe Bend Sales from their previous home base of Wellington, Florida, to The Netherlands. The move allowed her to focus solely on high-performance jumpers, which helped her not only grow her sales business, but also gave her the time to dedicate to her riding career. From there it has been a quick rise to the top of the sport. Taylor has now represented the United States in the Nations Cup in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, where the team finished on the podium and will head to Abu Dhabi in the coming weeks to ride for the US Team in the season opener of the League of Nations (which is the top 5* Nations Cup series in the world). Kain is in the top 20% of riders worldwide in the FEI Rankings. Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Foxhall Equine, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Please enjoy the entirety of With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard by Traci and Carleton Brooks with Rennie Dyball and narrated by David Vega in Spanish on The Plaidcast. Share with your friends!Print copies and in English available here: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Balmoral-Standard-Carleton-Brooks-ebook/dp/B0BGYQM96FCarleton Brooks and Traci Brooks share their decades of knowledge, expertise, and winning ways in their first book, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Carleton is a widely respected horseman, a large “R” judge, and member of the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, and Traci has spent more than 30 years developing horses and riders, guiding them to victory at the biggest shows in the country.With Purpose is divided into three sections: On Horsemanship, On Training, and On the Industry. In each section, you'll uncover a wealth of information gleaned from Carleton and Traci's careers. They will also walk you through:• Analyzing and refining your stalls andturnout to best care for your animal• Why horses gravitate to certain people• Why going forward solves most ridingproblems• The rider's four bases of support• Detailed notes and suggestions forflatwork and jumping exercises• Demystifying “The Distance”• Coping with show nerves• Showing through the judges' eyesWith “CB” and Traci's signature wit and warmth, With Purpose providesfoundational equestrian education from the ground up.

Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Plaid Horse Magazine managing editor Rennie Dyball about the February issue of The Plaid Horse. Listen in and share with your friends!Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Rennie Dyball is the managing editor of The Plaid Horse magazine and an award-winning author. In total, Rennie has written 17 books, ranging from ghostwritten celebrity memoirs, to the popular SHOW STRIDES series she co-authors with Piper Klemm. Her upcoming titles include SHOW STRIDES book 6, the picture book FIONA AND THE PECULIAR PRAISE, and THE ADHD FIELD GUIDE FOR ADULTS. Rennie lives in Maryland and competes in the hunter and equitation rings. Read the February Issue of The Plaid Horse MagazineSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style

Piper speaks with US Equestrian President Tom O'Mara and USHJA President Britt McCormick about the state of our sport. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Tom O'Mara has been the President of US Equestrian since January 2021. Prior to his role as President, Tom was a member of the Board of Directors for four years, and served as Secretary/Treasurer for two years. Tom has been an active part of the hunter/jumper community for many years, along with his wife, Liz, daughters Meg, Casey, and Abby, and son T.J. Guest: Britt McCormick has been an owner, rider and trainer for over 25 years at Elmstead Farm LLC in Parker, Texas, and is the USHJA President. Britt has been the show manager of many Premier, National, and local horse shows, and has served as a licensed official at top horse shows across the country as both a judge and a course designer. Britt has chaired several committees for the USHJA and USEF and was also on the Board of Directors at USHJA.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse MagazineSponsors: Show Strides Book Series, Good Boy, Eddie and Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation: Develop a Winning Style