The Scope Podcast

22:09

Episode 81: From Casual Lessons to Full Blown Horse...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/10/04

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Scope, Jen Barker surprises co-host Karen Tanner with a very personal question: what turns a casual riding family into a fully committed equestrian one? They unpack the unexpected pull of competition, the realities of growing a lesson program, and whether being upfront about the costs and expectations of leasing, owning, and showing can scare away potential riders. Jen and Karen also explore ways to make competition more accessible—from in-barn shows an...

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26:04

Episode 80: From "Spicy" Mares to "Puppy Dog...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/09/27

Send us Fan Mail Karen Tanner and Jen Barker decode the hidden language of horse-sale ads in this hilarious episode of Scope. From “game” ponies and “specific homes” to “barn favorites,” “in your pocket,” and horses with "playful puppy personalities,” they translate familiar sales phrases into the practical truths buyers need to hear. Along the way, they share plenty of laughs—and one important reminder: bring an experienced trainer along before choosing your next horse. Support the show

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24:40

Episode 79: Where Have All the Horse Shows Gone?...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/09/20

Send us Fan Mail In this lively episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the vibrant world of local horse shows, particularly in the Southeast. The duo explores the abundance of equestrian events in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, discussing how the sheer number of options can impact both trainers and riders. Key Highlights: •Southeast Show Scene: Karen and Jen reflect on the plethora of shows every weekend, emphasizing the advantages and challenge...

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34:42

Episode 78: It's Not You It's Me--Navigating...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/09/13

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive deep into the sometimes rocky relationships between horses and their riders. They explore what happens when a horse might not be the right fit for a rider or when a trainer makes a less-than-ideal match. The conversation highlights critical aspects such as: •Trainer Responsibilities: The obligations of trainers when a horse shows physical limitations or fails to meet the rider’s expectations, including navigat...

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27:26

Episode 77: We Thought You’d Never Ask! Our Picks for...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/09/07

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive back into the ongoing discussions surrounding the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its leadership challenges. After receiving a surprising phone call from USEF President Tom O’Mara, the duo reflects on their previous conversations about the organization and the reactions they’ve stirred within the equestrian community. The episode kicks off with a humorous recount of Jen’s initial panic upon the c...

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21:24

Episode 76: Reining in the Cost of Horse Shows....

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/08/31

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the pressing issue of accessibility in the equestrian world, specifically focusing on making horse shows more affordable. As they unpack a range of solutions, they tackle some controversial ideas that may stir the pot among equestrians. Episode Highlights: •Rethinking Prize Money: Jen and Karen propose eliminating prize money in the amateur and junior divisions, arguing that it may not incentivize partici...

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42:34

Episode 75: Sissy Wickes--A Lesson In Judging...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/08/23

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner revisit their recent judging episode, which sparked a lively debate. Jen receives a text that feels like a summons to the principal’s office, and it turns out to be from their guest, Sissy Wickes. With a mix of humor and seriousness, they dive deep into what they got right and wrong in their previous discussion about judging in equestrian competitions. Sissy, an accomplished judge and trainer with extensive experien...

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29:49

Episode 74: Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag—Judging...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/08/16

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the intriguing world of equestrian judging with their segment “Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag: Judges Edition.” Drawing on recent discussions surrounding pony finals, the duo explores the complexities and controversies of judging standards, the pressures judges face, and the impact of their decisions on competitors. They kick off the episode with a light-hearted banter about vocal warm-ups and AI-driven f...

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21:10

Episode 73: Blowing Rock vs. Big Box--The Heartfelt...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/08/09

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the charm and community spirit of heritage horse shows, specifically focusing on the beloved Blowing Rock Horse Show. Reflecting on their podcast journey, they discuss the growth in their delivery and editing skills over 70 episodes, while also sharing their candid thoughts on some of their earlier encore episodes. Karen recounts her recent visit to Blowing Rock, a personal favorite, and highlights the uni...

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30:12

From the Vault: Navigating Performance Anxiety in...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/08/02

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker welcome the esteemed Dr. Rhea Merck, a sports psychologist and author, to explore the intricacies of performance anxiety and mental health in the equestrian world. As a veteran of working with student-athletes, Dr. Merck shares her insights on the psychological challenges riders face, especially those stemming from anxiety. Karen and Jen dive deep into topics like the difference between healthy nervous energy and cr...

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29:40

From the Vault: What’s so Great About Pony Finals...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/07/26

Send us Fan Mail In honor of one of our favorite events of the year, we’re trotting out this classic episode! In this lively episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner share their thoughts on the excitement and stress surrounding Pony Finals, particularly for parents and young riders. The duo discusses the pros and cons of the event, offering insights from their own experiences—Jen recounts her time as a spectator and trainer, while Karen reflects on her unique pony-sized perspecti...

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26:32

Episode 72: Investing in Horses--How to Turn a Large...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/07/20

Send us Fan Mail In this exciting episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the intriguing world of horse investment. With the backdrop of the World Cup sparking a lively discussion about soccer (or is it football?), the duo transitions into a captivating conversation about the realities of investing in horses. They explore the differences between purchasing a horse as a genuine investment and acquiring one for personal use with the hope of reselling it for pr...

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22:57

Episode 71: Can the Next USEF Leader Shake off the...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/07/12

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the complexities of leadership within the equestrian community, focusing particularly on the recent departure of Bill Moroney from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Their lively banter explores the mixed reactions from the membership, examining the challenges leaders face in a social media-driven world. The conversation touches on: •The Role of Social Media: Jen and Karen discuss how leaders...

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31:38

Episode 70: Are Exhibitors Shooting Themselves in the...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/07/04

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the fascinating world of horse show photography with special guest Bailey Smith of Bailey Smith Photography. With over a decade of experience, Bailey shares her journey from casually snapping pictures at events to becoming a sought-after professional in the field. The conversation explores: •The Evolution of Horse Show Photography: Bailey discusses how the shift to digital photography has impa...

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24:34

Episode 69: Navigating Disappointment--Our Junior...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/06/29

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into an unexpected journey that intertwines a quest for authentic matcha with the rollercoaster experience of Junior Hunter Finals. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about Jen’s less-than-stellar social skills, particularly when it comes to navigating an Asian market in search of genuine matcha. As they humorously ponder the geographical identity of Japan, the conversation shifts to Jen’s dis...

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23:46

Episode 68: Training Rides—Essential Tool or...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/06/21

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the often misunderstood world of training rides in the equestrian sport. They kick off the conversation with a light-hearted discussion about entertainment choices, touching on everything from Brian Adams to the Magic Mike show, before shifting gears to the essential topic at hand: how training rides can enhance both horse and rider performance. Karen and Jen explore the various reasons why tra...

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18:42

Episode 67: Outsourcing Equestrian Education—Master...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/06/14

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the world of equestrian education, exploring essential skills that young riders can learn outside the barn. With a lighthearted banter, they discuss how trainers might benefit from outsourcing certain tasks to the wealth of resources available online. The episode kicks off by suggesting that some practical horsemanship skills can be mastered through social media and video tutorials. Jen and Karen highlight...

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22:44

Episode 66: Amateur Hour—Debunking Myths and...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/06/07

Send us Fan Mail Join Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this week’s hilariously insightful episode of The Scope podcast, where they dive deep into the wonderful world of adult amateurs. They tackle the misconceptions that plague this often misunderstood group, from the wild belief that all adult amateurs are flush with cash to the assumption that they’re just in it for the fashion (though, let’s be honest, looking good while riding is a bonus!). Expect plenty of laughs as Karen shares her thoug...

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33:24

Episode 65: Under the Influence—Are Equestrian Sports...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/05/31

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner explore the intriguing "Katie Van Slyke Effect," a phenomenon centered around the rising star of equestrian influencer Katie Van Slyke. With over 5 million followers on Tik Tok, and nearly 2 million followers on Instagram and a substantial presence across social media platforms, Katie has captivated audiences with her authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life as a horse breeder...

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28:44

Episode 64: Sissy Wicks’ Passion is Paving the Road...

The Scope Podcast ·

2026/05/24

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of **Scope**, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into a compelling conversation with Sissy Wickes, an esteemed USEF judge and lifelong horse trainer. Sissy is the executive director of the nonprofit foundation, **Road to the Top**, dedicated to mentoring young equestrians as they navigate the financial and competitive hurdles of the sport. The discussion kicks off with an overview of the foundation’s mentorship programs, designed to elevate aspiring...

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