Since we launched On The Rail Podcast in August 2022, we've proudly released a new episode every Monday without fail - 142 episodes and hundreds of thousands of downloads later. Week after week, we've shown up with new conversations, stories, laughs, lessons, and memories. It's been a wild, fun, humbling ride.We're so incredibly grateful for the amazing community that's grown along with us - the guests who shared their time and experiences, and all of you listening who've supported us, cheered us on, and reminded us why these conversations matter.Like anything in life, there are seasons. And right now, we find ourselves entering a new season where we need to take a little pause. It's time to shift some energy toward personal and professional goals that need a little more attention for now. This isn't necessarily goodbye - it's likely just a temporary break. We're leaving the door wide open for what's next, and we hope you'll be there whenever the time feels right to hit record again.From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for riding alongside us. This has been one of the most special journeys, and we're so proud of what we've built together. We'll see you again - somewhere on the rail.
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142. The Pulse of Rural Horse Shows: A Look Inside Bar K Bar Arena
In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, Abby Wimer, marketing director for the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena in Lyons, Kansas, talks about the realities of managing a horse show facility in a rural area. Abby shares her background growing up on a cattle ranch in central Kansas and her subsequent career path in the pharmaceutical industry before returning home. She discusses her role in overseeing the operations of the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena, detailing the various equine and community events hosted at the facility. Abby highlights the importance of community involvement and support for maintaining and growing the facility, including the unique funding structure. She also reflects on the positive impact her late husband Matthew Wimer had on her work and the horse community. The conversation touches on the challenges of managing diverse events, adapting footing requirements for different disciplines, and the ongoing efforts to expand and improve the facility. Abby provides advice for show managers and facility operators in similar rural settings, emphasizing the value of community cooperation and continuous learning.00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:07 Abby's Background and Journey03:16 Joining the Celebration Center04:17 Roles and Responsibilities05:19 Community and Events07:34 Memories and Tributes10:48 Facility Overview and Operations17:01 Equine Events and Activities22:27 Managing the Arena30:52 Weekly Routine and Challenges36:46 Unique Features of the Facility37:27 Exciting Retail Opportunities39:43 Booking and Tourism Grants42:11 Community and Family Atmosphere51:27 Future Plans and Improvements58:44 Advice for Show and Facility Managers01:08:57 Living the Dream: Personal Reflections
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141. Behind the Scenes of Stallion Collection & Processing
In this comprehensive episode of the On The Rail Podcast, accomplished guests Chelsea Sinclair and Jim Dettmer discuss the often misunderstood world of stallion collection, semen processing, and shipping. We discuss the intricacies of stallion behavior, training, and management, highlighting the importance of understanding both the mare's and stallion's sides in breeding practices. They share personal stories and valuable insights about best practices, common misconceptions, logistical challenges, and personal experiences in the industry, all while emphasizing the importance of communication and proper handling for successful breeding outcomes.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions01:00 Chelsea's Background in Horse Industry02:17 Jim's Journey in Stallion Management03:14 Importance of Understanding Stallion Management04:50 Stallion Collection Process Explained05:21 Training Stallions for Collection14:47 Frequency and Logistics of Stallion Collection19:21 Impact of Regimen on Stallion Fertility24:54 Processing and Shipping Stallion Semen43:13 Common Misunderstandings and Best Practices49:57 Managing Mare Shipments: Strategies and Challenges53:19 Communication and Logistics in Breeding Management58:24 Shipping Realities and Impact on Semen Quality01:03:39 Selecting and Managing Stallions for Breeding01:14:54 Red Flags and Best Practices in Breeding Management01:27:57 Personal Stories and Experiences in Breeding Management01:33:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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140. Horse Protection Act Updates
In this episode, we welcome back Kyle Elliot, a professional flat-shod Tennessee Walking Horse trainer from Shelbyville, Tennessee. The discussion primarily revolves around recent developments related to the Horse Protection Act (HPA) and its implications for the entire horse industry. Kyle shares his perspective on the HPA regulations, their history, and the broader impact on various horse breeds. The conversation highlights the challenges and confusion surrounding the enforcement of the HPA, issues about funding, scar rules, and the complexities of self-policing within the horse industry. Concerns are raised about the uncertainty this brings to smaller horse shows and the potential changes needed to adapt to future regulations. The episode also touches on the broader horse industry's need for unity in addressing these regulatory changes.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:48 Background on the Horse Protection Act (HPA)01:17 Kyle's Experience and Insights02:05 Recent Developments and Industry Impact02:40 Challenges and Confusion in the Industry03:20 Historical Context and Legal Battles05:14 Regulatory Enforcement and Industry Reactions11:17 Future Implications and Ongoing Concerns20:24 Inspection Protocols and Feasibility Issues26:24 Liability and Management Concerns38:19 Inspection Setback and Legal Challenges39:15 Confusion and Delays in Implementation40:12 USDA's Role and Public Response42:20 Concerns Over Enforcement and Fairness43:37 Potential Impact on Horse Shows44:29 Legal Authority and Inspection Procedures45:58 Scar Rule and Its Implications48:19 Future of Horse Industry Regulations01:02:05 Final Thoughts and Industry Unity
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139. Horse Show After Hours with Liz & Jenna
In this episode of the On The Rail Podcast, we get into an unstructured and candid conversation about our personal experiences with horse showing. We discuss the reasons they love showing horses, the challenges we face, and how our perspectives have evolved over time. We also touch upon topics such as finding the right trainer, setting personal boundaries, and dealing with show anxiety. The episode offers listeners an introspective look into the complexities of horse showing and valuable tips on navigating the equestrian world.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:39 Why We Show Horses04:14 Personal Journeys in Horse Showing08:27 Taking a Break and Burnout18:00 The Magic of Horses30:01 Finding the Right Trainer34:09 Understanding the Importance of Homework in Horse Training37:03 The Value of Trusting Your Gut39:30 Respect and Boundaries in Trainer Relationships42:17 Finding the Right Trainer and Barn Atmosphere44:26 Challenges and Lessons in Horse Training52:23 The Importance of Communication and Transparency57:33 Balancing Expectations and Enjoying the Journey01:02:36 Future Plans and Reflections
Welcome to On The Rail, the podcast exclusively for stock horse show amateurs, by amateurs. Join our passionate co-hosts as we explore every facet of the industry we all love, with engaging interviews featuring top competitors, seasoned professionals, and the Associations themselves. From behind-the-scenes insights to discussions on showing, economic impacts, and more, we cover it all. Saddle up and tune in every Monday to join our fellow amateurs on this exciting journey!
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