#149 The Women Behind the Breeds - Stacie Lynch & Michelle Keaffaber

This week we sit down with Chad Zubrod and Jim Day to talk all things 2026 World Percheron Congress. From the history and significance of the event to what exhibitors and spectators can expect in St. Paul in July, we cover a little bit of everything as excitement continues to build toward one of the biggest gatherings in the Percheron world. The Congress returns to St. Paul July 6-11, 2026 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We also bring back the Pennwoods Perspective segment, answer listener mailbag questions!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #150!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear  mailbag, [email protected]

This week we sat down with two of the people who help keep the draft horse industry rolling behind the scenes. We visited with Stacie Lynch and Michelle Keaffaber to talk about everything that goes into serving their breed associations and the people behind them.From registrations and transfers to annual meetings, youth involvement, and the day-to-day conversations with breeders and exhibitors across the country, these ladies truly are part of the backbone of the breed industry. We also talked about how the associations have evolved over the years, the challenges they face today, and what keeps them passionate about preserving and promoting draft horses for the next generation.If you’ve ever wondered what all happens beyond the show ring, this episode gives a great look at the people helping hold it all together.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #149!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional ServicesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected].

In this episode, we sit down with Thiago Boechat and Scott Nebergall to talk all things ICSI in horses and how this advanced reproductive technology is shaping the future of the equine industry. From the science behind the process to what it means for breeders, owners, and competitors, Thiago and Scott break down how ICSI is helping produce the next generation of top horses.Whether you’re deeply involved in breeding or just curious about the innovations changing the horse world, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the most exciting developments in modern equine reproduction.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #148!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional ServicesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected].

On this episode, Kyle and Mark sit down with Jason Gregg and Brian Coleman to talk all things transporting horses. From hauling across the county to traveling throughout North America, these two bring years of real-world experience to the table. Jason shares insight from building horse semi trailers, while Brian talks through what it takes to safely move horses mile after mile.Listen to the end to hear our newest PENNWOODS PERSPECTIVE segment!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #147!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional ServicesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected].

The guys spent some time catching up with Greg Lurvey of Strawberry Lane Percherons. After stepping away for a few years, Greg found his way back to the show ring with a deeper purpose.Today, the hitch travels North America in honor of his late wife, who bravely battled Scleroderma. It’s more than competition now… it’s about carrying on her memory and doing what they loved together.Stories like this are what make this industry special.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #146!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Wismer ClydesdalesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected].

Horse sale season is rolling, and the Mid-America Draft Horse Sale once again proved why it’s one of the most talked-about sales in the industry. The record for the highest-selling draft horse didn’t just fall… it got smashed three different times in the same day.Kyle and Mark sit down with Virgil Yoder, a member of the sale committee, along with Leonard Beachy and Loren Beachy, who now hold the top two spots for highest-selling draft horses at $250,000 and $260,000.We also catch up with Logan Mauch for the latest update on the Classic Series.Big prices, big conversations, and plenty happening in the draft horse world.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #145!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Wismer ClydesdalesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected].

This episode was a true round table conversation with Mark and Kyle, joined by Mark Barie and Justin Hussey. The group sat down to talk openly about how the draft horse industry has changed over the years and what those changes have meant for breeders, exhibitors, and buyers.They dug into how horse sales have evolved, what today’s buyers are looking for, and how technology, marketing, and shifting priorities have reshaped the way horses are bought and sold. It’s an honest conversation with plenty of perspective from people who have seen the industry from multiple angles and lived through the changes firsthand.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #143!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Wismer ClydesdalesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected] Managers meeting will be held 3/11. Two sessions will be offered, times TBD. Show managers, check your email and complete the google form that was sent out 2/17.Show registrations for show taking place up to Labor Day weekend, deadline is 5/15Youth - Faces of the Future: Verify registration info. Submit your photos etc to be featured in the Youth SpotlightClassic Riding Series - memberships are open to Youth (18 and Under) and Classic Riding Series (19 and Over), English, Western or both disciplines.

Dave Carson is a man that has surely made a name for himself in the draft horse industry and beyond. You won't want to miss this episode where Kyle and Mark talk with him about how he got his start with heavy horses and how he made his mark on the agricultural industry not only in Canada, but worldwide.PLUS, executive secretary, Logan Mauch, joins in to give us a Classic Series update!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #143!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Wismer ClydesdalesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag, [email protected].

This episode features the Gordeyko family of Willow Way Clydesdales from Alberta, Canada. A family that has raised Clydesdales for generations and built a program that speaks for itself. From the early years to today, Willow Way has produced more World Champions than you can count, and their influence on the breed reaches far beyond the show ring.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #142!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Wismer ClydesdalesCalgary StampedeDo you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag at [email protected]!

This episode we sit down with two well known judges from the fine harness world, Bret Day and Smith Lilly. They join Kyle and Mark for an honest conversation about how their judging process really works, what they are looking for in the ring, and how decisions get made when things are tight. We also spend some time comparing the fine harness side to the draft horse industry and where the two worlds line up and where they don’t. Good insight, good conversation, and a few moments that might make you rethink how you watch a class from the rail.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #141!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Wismer ClydesdalesDo you have suggestions for future episodes? Do you have ideas of someone we should have join us? Please send us any comments or questions to the Rinehold Tack & Western Wear mailbag at [email protected]!