On The Rail

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.

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 Introduction
01:07 Abby's Background and Journey
03:16 Joining the Celebration Center
04:17 Roles and Responsibilities
05:19 Community and Events
07:34 Memories and Tributes
10:48 Facility Overview and Operations
17:01 Equine Events and Activities
22:27 Managing the Arena
30:52 Weekly Routine and Challenges
36:46 Unique Features of the Facility
37:27 Exciting Retail Opportunities
39:43 Booking and Tourism Grants
42:11 Community and Family Atmosphere
51:27 Future Plans and Improvements
58:44 Advice for Show and Facility Managers
01:08:57 Living the Dream: Personal Reflections

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 Introductions
01:00 Chelsea's Background in Horse Industry
02:17 Jim's Journey in Stallion Management
03:14 Importance of Understanding Stallion Management
04:50 Stallion Collection Process Explained
05:21 Training Stallions for Collection
14:47 Frequency and Logistics of Stallion Collection
19:21 Impact of Regimen on Stallion Fertility
24:54 Processing and Shipping Stallion Semen
43:13 Common Misunderstandings and Best Practices
49:57 Managing Mare Shipments: Strategies and Challenges
53:19 Communication and Logistics in Breeding Management
58:24 Shipping Realities and Impact on Semen Quality
01:03:39 Selecting and Managing Stallions for Breeding
01:14:54 Red Flags and Best Practices in Breeding Management
01:27:57 Personal Stories and Experiences in Breeding Management
01:33:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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 Welcome
00:48 Background on the Horse Protection Act (HPA)
01:17 Kyle's Experience and Insights
02:05 Recent Developments and Industry Impact
02:40 Challenges and Confusion in the Industry
03:20 Historical Context and Legal Battles
05:14 Regulatory Enforcement and Industry Reactions
11:17 Future Implications and Ongoing Concerns
20:24 Inspection Protocols and Feasibility Issues
26:24 Liability and Management Concerns
38:19 Inspection Setback and Legal Challenges
39:15 Confusion and Delays in Implementation
40:12 USDA's Role and Public Response
42:20 Concerns Over Enforcement and Fairness
43:37 Potential Impact on Horse Shows
44:29 Legal Authority and Inspection Procedures
45:58 Scar Rule and Its Implications
48:19 Future of Horse Industry Regulations
01:02:05 Final Thoughts and Industry Unity

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 Overview
01:39 Why We Show Horses
04:14 Personal Journeys in Horse Showing
08:27 Taking a Break and Burnout
18:00 The Magic of Horses
30:01 Finding the Right Trainer
34:09 Understanding the Importance of Homework in Horse Training
37:03 The Value of Trusting Your Gut
39:30 Respect and Boundaries in Trainer Relationships
42:17 Finding the Right Trainer and Barn Atmosphere
44:26 Challenges and Lessons in Horse Training
52:23 The Importance of Communication and Transparency
57:33 Balancing Expectations and Enjoying the Journey
01:02:36 Future Plans and Reflections