Grab your saddle and join hosts Ashley Winch and Cat Gunther as they explore the exciting world of competitive trail riding! In this episode of the Quarter Horse Podcast, Ashley and Cat are joined by Sarah J. Hayes, Executive Director of the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), and competitive trail rider Mary Alice Braun.

Together, they break down everything you need to know about getting started in competitive trail riding—from what to expect when you pull into camp for the first time to how events are structured.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Divisions & Distance: The breakdown between Leisure, Novice, Competitive Pleasure, and Open divisions, including distances, average speeds, and judging criteria.
• Natural Obstacles: How NATRC utilizes terrain features (like gates, inclines, and backing through trees) to test horse-and-rider partnerships rather than artificial arena obstacles.
• At-Home Training: Practical tips on conditioning, practicing smooth mounts using mounting blocks, and building a versatile, confident horse.
• Horse Welfare & Fitness: The importance of Pulse and Respiration (P&R) checks and veterinary metabolic checks throughout the ride.
• Why Quarter Horses Shine: How the calm demeanor, steady mindset, and reliable nature of Quarter Horses make them exceptional partners for long miles and camp life.
• How to Get Involved: Tips for joining NATRC, finding regional events across North America, and using volunteering as a low-pressure entry point into the sport.

Whether you're curious about horse camping, improving your horsemanship, or testing your bond with your Quarter Horse out in nature, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Tune in and discover your next equestrian adventure!

In this episode, we dive into the world of equestrian fashion and unpack what it takes to stand out in the arena—from judge perception to custom tailoring.

Segment 1: AQHA Fashion Trends & Evolution with Emma Koprowski

First up, we chat with Emma Koprowski, founder and head designer of Horse Show Beauty Designs. Emma shares her expertise on the current state of AQHA show pen style, how fashion trends have shifted over the years, and what truly makes an eye-catching outfit. We discuss:

• The role fashion plays in influencing a judge’s overall impression.
• Is there such a thing as going "over-the-top" in show apparel?
• The biggest style trends shaping the show pen right now.

Connect with Emma Koprowski & Horse Show Beauty Designs: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Segment 2: Expo Curation & Apparel Design with Jennifer Sharpnack

Next, veteran clothing designer Jennifer Sharpnack joins us to give a behind-the-scenes look at curating wardrobe collections for major equestrian events like Equine Affaire and Horse Fest. With years of design experience under her belt, Jennifer breaks down:

• What it takes to build outfits for high-profile equestrian expos.
• Trends she is seeing in and out of the ring.
• The essential design elements, fit, and tailoring that elevate a piece from good to show-stopping.

Connect with Jennifer Sharpnack - Facebook

Celebration is in the air on this episode of The Quarter Horse Podcast! Hosts Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther take you behind the scenes of a monumental milestone: the 70th Annual Michigan Quarter Horse Association (MQHA) Futurity and Great Lakes Classic.

First, MQHA President Kevin Cubitt stops by to break down what it takes to host a massive Midwest circuit featuring over 400 horses, 6 judges, and more than $150,000 in cash and prizes at the MSU Livestock Pavilion. He shares the history of this anchor event, the expansion into NSBA cross-breed participation, spectator details for the September 17–20 show, and a few favorite memories from his time leading the association.

Then, competitor Morgan M. joins the show to give an insider’s view on preparing for a high-stakes, multi-judge circuit. Morgan discusses her training regimen, strategies for staying calm under pressure in front of six judges, the unique patience required for young stock, and the supportive community atmosphere behind the scenes in the barns. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or an equine enthusiast, this episode is packed with tips, history, and inspiration!

Guest: Kevin Cubitt - Website | Facebook

Guest: Morgan Jennings

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of Quarter Horse crosses and what makes these hybrid sport and ranch horses so exceptional!

First, we’re joined by Melissa Baus of Baus Horse Training. Melissa shares her expertise, background, and insights into working with Quarter Horse crosses—discussing their versatility, athleticism, and trainable temperaments.

Then, Justine Griffin stops by to talk about an exciting project currently in her program: a talented Connemara x Quarter Horse cross named Cash she’s training that is currently available for sale! Justine breaks down what makes the Connemara/QH combination so special, the horse's development, and who would be the ideal home for this promising mount.

Whether you're a fan of Quarter Horses, curious about sport pony/horse crosses, or currently looking for your next equine partner, this episode is packed with valuable trainer insights you won't want to miss!

Links:

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control
• Guest: Justine Griffin: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast
• Videos of Cash | Cash's Listing on EquineNow
• Guest: Melissa Baus: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!

What is a Quarter Horse actually worth?

Join professional equine appraiser Sandy Holt and Quarter Horse legend Brad Kearns as they pull back the curtain on the business, beauty, and evaluation of America’s favorite breed. Whether you’re buying your first prospect, insuring a champion, or navigating the bloodlines of the industry's finest, Sandy and Brad combine hard data with decades of arena experience to give you the real numbers. From structural correctness to market trends, get the ultimate insider’s look at what makes a great horse truly valuable.

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control

“A Quarter Horse can do it all,” is a phrase we hear constantly—but this week, we’re putting that versatility to the ultimate test. Join your hosts, Cat and Ashley, as we dive into the extraordinary worlds where the American Quarter Horse isn’t just a partner; they’re the powerhouse behind some of the most unique jobs on the planet.

From the rugged daily grind of the ranch to the adrenaline-fueled slopes and the pages of history, this episode celebrates the breed’s incredible mind and "cow sense" in ways you’ve never imagined.

• Skijoring and Ranch Life with Justin Wheeler: Justin joins us to talk about the transition from a long day of ranch work to the high-speed world of Skijoring—where his horses pull skiers at breakneck speeds. We discuss the trust and training required to keep a horse calm while a human is flying behind them on skis!
• History and Stamina with Ashley Manning: Ever wonder what it takes to charge into a War Reenactment or keep a horse sound over miles of grueling terrain? Ashley shares her experiences balancing the intensity of historical reenactments with the athletic demands of Endurance riding.

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control
• Justin Wheeler
• Ashley Manning

In the horse world, "aesthetic" only gets you so far. When you’re miles deep in the saddle or preparing a foal for the longe line, you need gear that survives the sweat, the dirt, and the daily grind. On today’s episode, we’re sitting down with two powerhouse female entrepreneurs who stopped waiting for the perfect product and decided to build it themselves.

Whitney Lloyd, founder of MarkWest Denim, joins us to share her journey of creating the ultimate American-made riding jean. After years of frustration with denim that couldn’t keep up with the demands of a rider’s lifestyle, Whitney took the leap into manufacturing to prove that "premium" and "performance" belong in the same sentence.

We also talk with Jessica Hanes, the founder of The Longe Line Lady. What began as a personal passion for breeding and the longe line class quickly evolved into a thriving business. Jessica opens up about the financial realities of the show industry and how she turned a need for high-quality, functional rope gear into a brand trusted by horsemen across the country.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Identifying the Gap: How to know when your "frustration" is actually a business opportunity.
• American-Made Standards: The challenges and rewards of keeping production close to home.
• The "Horse Girl" Hustle: Balancing the passion for the animal with the logistics of a growing brand.
• Building from the Ground Up: Practical advice for equine enthusiasts looking to launch their own ventures.

Whether you’re a weekend rider, a seasoned breeder, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in turning passion into a profession.

• MarkWest Denim
• The Longe Line Lady

Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther

Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control

Pull up a mounting block and settle in. This week, we’re hosting the ultimate barn aisle reunion with three of our favorite Quarter Horse Influencers: Katie Van Slyke, Amanda Delgado, and Madelyn Houser.

Since they’ve all been in the podcast saddle before, we’re skipping the basics and getting straight to the heart of the horse industry. We’re catching up on their latest prospects, the highs and lows of the show/breeding season, and the reality of managing a "horse girl" life in the digital age. It’s all the barn talk you love, without having to clean any stalls.

1. Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
2. Amanda Delgado - Instagram | Facebook | Breyer | Website
3. Katie Van Slyke - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Website
4. Madelyn Houser - Instagram | Facebook | Blue Duck Memorial Fund
5. Enter here to win a $50 gift card to Katie Van Slyke's merch store!