Loading...

PODCAST

Horse Show Bestie

Come hang out with Crysta Brown, a APHA and AQHA All-Around horse trainer, and Scott Cooper, her favorite amateur sidekick, as they spill the tea on the all around Quarter Horse and Paint Horse world. Crysta brings the trainer tips and insider know-how while Scott keeps it real with the amateur perspective. Together they share the wins, the flops, the laughs, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that make horse showing such a ride. If you can"t get enough of chatting with your besties in the stalls

kids & family pets & animals

All Episodes

00:22:37

Minisode: Scott Talks Horse Show Intimidation

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/10/06

Besties, welcome to something new! Scott is flying solo for this mini episode with a very horsey weekend recap, some show-pen perspective, and his first-ever DIY full-body clip on Chip.He kicks things off with the California Championship Quarter Horse Show and a reminder that the things we build up in our heads are often much less intimidating once we actually experience them. The competition is real, the amateurs are talented, and you still belong there.Then it’s clipping time. Scott shares what he

en

01:10:00

Pressure Is a Privilege: The Judge's Perspective with...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/09/23

Besties, what if the judge in the middle of the pen isn’t sitting there waiting for you to mess up? What if they’re actually riding every step with you, hoping you give them something good to reward?In this episode, Crysta sits down with judge, trainer, and longtime horsewoman Nancie Wright to talk about what really happens on the other side of the judge’s card.Nancie shares how just ten childhood riding lessons turned into a lifetime with horses, how mentors and unexpected opportunities helped her

en

01:19:14

Bit Happens: Chuck Letchworth on Better Bits, Better...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/09/14

Besties, it’s time to talk bits. Because apparently, there is a lot more going on in that little piece of metal than “my horse likes this one.”Scott and Crysta sit down with legendary bit maker Chuck Letchworth to talk about what a bit actually does, why the first signal matters, and why better communication, not more pressure, is what creates a softer, more confident horse.Chuck breaks down the details that actually change what a horse feels, from shank angle and purchase to mouthpiece shape, curb

en

01:10:49

You Are the Rule, Not the Exception

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/09/08

This week, we’re talking horses, money, social media, and the occasional existential crisis. 💅🏼We get into what actually makes a horse valuable, why good trainers and breeders are worth paying for, and the not-so-glamorous realities of investing in horses. We also dissect riding videos, hand position, back cinches, safety, and the risks that come with showing and training.And because apparently horses aren’t enough to keep us busy, we talk mental health, self-care, and learning to advocate for

en

01:20:54

Scott and Crysta Share Too Much Information

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/08/11

Horse Show Bestie is back with a little bit of horse show chaos, a little existential questioning, and a healthy amount of “why are we like this?”Crysta and Scott get into everything from childhood experiences, religion, community, and finding your place in the horse world to how the horse training industry has changed over time. They talk about the importance of grassroots events like fairs and livestock shows, the mentors who shape us, and why having a supportive equestrian community matters more

en

01:33:29

The Horse Show Opinions No One Asked For

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/07/30

Episode SummaryScott is officially in his DIY horse dad era, and it turns out retirement is a lot more complicated than just hanging up the show clothes. This week, he shares what life with Chip looks like now that he's riding more independently, figuring out the day-to-day management himself, and settling into life at a hunter-jumper barn. From farrier appointments and vet chats to warm-ups, cooldowns, turnout schedules, and the shocking number of things you suddenly have to buy, Scott discovers

en

01:04:06

Overcoming Show Pen Nerves, Coming Back After Loss,...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/07/10

Besties, this episode is giving horse show hangover, late-night John Justin energy, and the kind of post show conversation that somehow makes you laugh, tear up, and feel personally called out all at once.Scott is joined by Catherine Goffard fresh off an incredible APHA World Show, where she and Calvin (Obsessed to be Best) celebrated a showmanship win, reserve finishes, and a Western riding breakthrough that was years in the making. Before they dive into the ribbons, they chat about world show

en

01:14:11

Surviving as a Young Trainer with Kyra Ley

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/06/25

This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry.We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and why online education and virtual lessons are becoming an important part of a sustainable business.The

en

01:08:19

NSBA is Poppin Off! Bill Kaven Breaksdown Exactly...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/06/11

This week on Horse Show Bestie, we're joined by Bill Kaven of the National Snaffle Bit Association, whose work spans two of NSBA's most influential areas: the Judges and the NSBA Yearling Sale.Bill shares an inside look at the NSBA Yearling Sale, how it has grown into one of the industry's premier sales programs, and the opportunities it creates for breeders, buyers, and exhibitors alike. We also discuss NSBA's mission, the role it plays across the horse industry, and how the association continues

en

01:11:38

How YEDA Is Creating Horse Kids Without Buying...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/06/02

This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry.From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry.We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face

en

01:16:47

Planning Adult Horse Camp Without a Budget

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/05/19

This week we’re catching up on life updates and welcoming Scott back to the podcast before diving headfirst into designing the ultimate adult horse camp. We talk about transitioning horses, the social side of horse shows, and why horse people are all secretly craving more community, connection, and camaraderie in the industry.From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions with fun, low-pressure activities, we’re basically building our dream horse girl summer camp in real time

en

01:03:12

Horse Girls, Cameras, and Career Pivots with Kirstie...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/05/12

Kirstie Marie Jones of Kirstie Marie Photography joins us for a conversation that goes way beyond just taking pretty horse photos. From practical photography tips to building a business in multiple disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for horse girls, photographers, and anyone trying to carve out a lane in the industry.We talk about the little things that make a huge difference in photos, like preparing your horse before a shoot, paying attention to light sources, and yes, even cleaning

en

01:10:08

Trainer vs Amateur: What Are Trainers REALLY...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/05/07

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a training program, this episode is for you. Crysta sits down with Brian Henry to tackle some of the biggest trainer vs amateur debates from the trainer’s perspective.They get honest about client expectations, horse show disappointment, communication issues, green horses and riders, maintenance, show spending, and the emotional realities of horse ownership. Brian also shares what life actually looks like as a professional trainer, and

en

00:54:49

Fine I'll Do It Myself- A Solo Episode with Crysta

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/05/01

Okay bestie… this one’s a little different.For the first time ever, it’s just Crysta. No co-host, no back-and-forth. And it's just a hair all over the place. But sometimes we have to show up for our bestie when he gets busy at work!This episode is part life update, part info dump on all of Crysta’s current hyper-fixations… and all of it is very on brand.She gets into the real side of building a career in the horse industry right now, including:Why some business models work and others don’tHer

en

01:03:48

Posting Anonymously to Protect Our Reputation

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/04/24

Your Horse Show Besties are back in your ear, catching you up like you missed a few group chats.Scott’s on the mend and ready to get back into the saddle, so we get into what that actually looks like... the weird in-between phase, the mental side of coming back, and how much patience it really takes.We also went down a few rabbit holes you’ll probably have opinions on. Things like not picking fights you can't win, what’s actually fair when it comes to day fees at shows, and the ongoing amateur vs

en

01:21:21

The Judge Is Not Out to Get You (Probably) - Talking...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/04/07

If you’ve ever walked out of the pen like “that felt SO good” and then looked at your score like 🤨 …this one’s for you.We sat down with Don Beard (aka a real judge) and got into what’s actually happening on the other side of the clipboard.We’re talking:what the scores meanwhy “pretty” doesn’t always mean effectivewhat judges are actually rewarding vs what riders think they’re rewardingand yes… why that run you loved maybe didn’t mark like you expectedWe also get into the bigger picture stuff:how

en

01:01:13

Flipping Horse Shows Upside Down: Saving The Horse...

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/04/03

Alright bestie, this episode is one of those “wait… why are we not doing this already?” conversations 👀We sat down with David Reichert, the founder of UDJC, and got into some real talk about what’s actually broken in the American horse show industry… and more importantly, what we can do about it.If you’ve felt like showing has gotten too expensive, too exclusive, or just straight up disconnected from what riders actually need to grow… you’re gonna feel very seen in this one.Also… quick warning

en

01:15:07

Trail Rides, AQHA Convention, and a Scott update!

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/03/25

In this episode, Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown share their insights on horse training, trail riding, and the importance of confidence and trust in horsemanship. They discuss practical tips, personal experiences, and the mental aspects of developing a strong rider-horse relationship. Scott Cooper shares his journey of recovery, community involvement, and the importance of honesty and diversity in the horse industry. Crysta Brown explores how to stay connected without a horse, the value of community,

en

01:16:34

Just The Two of Us: Crysta and Scott Reunited

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/03/17

Bestie… the duo is BACK.Crysta and Scott are finally back on the mic together.They get into what has been going on lately, from changes in the industry to the reality of making decisions for your horse when it actually matters. Not in a heavy way, just real talk about the stuff you are probably already thinking about but maybe not saying out loud.There is also some Sun Circuit talk, a little people watching energy, and a reminder that the horse show world is just as much about who you are around as

en

01:04:10

Coming Back From Injury with Jessi Lueth

Horse Show Bestie ·

2026/03/08

Bestie, today’s episode is a little different and kind of wild. Scott starts off by sharing the story of a ski accident he had recently that left him with some pretty serious injuries and a long road to recovery. He talks through what happened, what the recovery process has looked like so far, and how moments like that really make you think about the risks we take in both skiing and riding.From there, the conversation shifts into something a lot of horse people can relate to… injuries and the

en

40 results

Similar Podcasts

Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids

Atomic Audio

Storytime for Kids

Storytime for Kids

Doxology Go

Matt Doan

Big Fat Positive: Pregnancy and Parenting (BFP)

Laura Birek, Shanna Micko

Plugged In Entertainment Reviews

Focus on the Family