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 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

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

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

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

In this episode of the On The Rail Podcast, we get into the intricacies of saddle making with custom saddle maker Joey Wenger from East Berlin, Pennsylvania. Joey shares his journey from growing up in a horse show family to becoming a renowned saddle maker. He discusses the challenges he faced starting his business, the learning curve of working with leather and tools without any prior experience, and how he gradually perfected his craft. Joey also provides insights into the importance of saddle trees, the process of designing custom saddles, and the evolving trends in the industry, particularly the rise of ranch saddles. This episode offers a thorough look at the dedication, craftsmanship, and innovation required to excel in the saddle making business.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:22 Joey's Background and Early Years02:20 Starting the Leather Business03:39 Challenges and Learning on the Job06:12 Family Support and Initial Struggles10:54 Transition to Saddle Making20:22 Developing Custom Saddle Trees29:49 Saddle Making Process and Custom Orders38:56 Innovations in Saddle Design39:22 The Rise of Ranch Saddles42:39 Leather Tooling and Craftsmanship46:48 Challenges in the Saddle Industry50:33 The Impact of Rising Costs55:43 Future Trends and Opportunities57:17 Personal Reflections and Family Life01:01:25 The Importance of Quality and Customization01:08:20 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of the On The Rail Podcast, we welcome Brooke Dixon, a ranch horse trainer based in Gunnar, Texas at the DG Ranch. Brooke shares her journey from growing up in Delaware with a horse trainer father to becoming a professional trainer herself. She discusses her training philosophy which emphasizes understanding horses as individuals, ensuring they are confident, and meeting them where they are. Brooke highlights her transition from all-around horse shows to specializing in ranch riding, giving insights into her training routines, client relationships, and the importance of not putting too much pressure on oneself. She also shares her experiences working alongside her fiancé, Clint Thomas, and their goals for their business, Clint + Brook Performance Horses.00:00 Welcome to On the Rail Podcast00:47 Meet Brooke: From Delaware to Texas01:19 Brooke's Early Horse Training Journey02:35 Supreme Champion: Brooke's Dad's Legacy06:13 Balancing Sports and Horses13:12 Training Philosophy and Approach14:23 The Importance of Slowing Down28:40 Building a Training Business with Clint32:41 Navigating Horse Locations33:22 Building Client-Trainer Relationships36:49 The Versatility of Ranch Horses39:28 Breeding and Training Ranch Horses45:35 Lessons from Training Horses50:07 Common Mistakes and Misconceptions58:43 Future Plans and Contact Information

In this episode of the On The Rail Podcast, we converse with recurring guest Chase Parrish and his brother Cody Parrish.They discuss their family background in the horse industry, Chase's transition from football to becoming a Marine and starting Stable Savers, and Cody's experiences running the family horse training business.The brothers talk about lessons learned, the importance of integrity and patience, their experiences with the pony business they started as kids, and the qualities of a good client and horse trainer.Additionally, they reflect on their family’s strong Christian values and how that has shaped their success and approach to life and business.Related Links/Products:-The ultimate membership for horse owners who like saving money! Be sure to use code ONTHERAIL20 for 20% off your membership of Stable Savers!00:00 Welcome to the On the Rail Podcast01:32 Meet Chase Parrish: Marine and Horse Enthusiast03:09 Introducing Cody Parrish: Life as a Horse Trainer06:25 The Evolution of the Horse Industry10:23 Lessons Learned from Growing Up in the Horse Business14:29 The Pony Business: Childhood Memories and Lessons23:47 Challenges and Advice for Young Trainers39:47 Family Values and Integrity in Horse Training42:40 Challenges of Balancing Family and Horse Training44:30 Faith and Values in Sustaining a Family Business46:56 Raising the Next Generation with a Love for Horses51:52 Lessons Learned from Running Stable Savers01:02:39 Qualities of a Good Client and Team Player01:09:13 Contact Information and Final Thoughts

In this episode of On the Rail Podcast, we discuss the evolution of the Western Pleasure horse industry with Bret and Chase Parrish. Bret details his lifelong journey with horses, bred from family roots and personal passion, while Chase shares his dual life growing up in a horse-centric family while pursuing his dream of playing football. The conversation navigates through the development of family values, training techniques, mentorship, and the introduction of Chase's Stable Savers initiative aimed at making horse-related expenses more manageable. The episode offers an insightful look into the intersections of family, business, and passion in the horse industry. This is Part 1 of a two part series.Related Links/Products:-The ultimate membership for horse owners who like saving money! Be sure to use code ONTHERAIL20 for 20% off your membership of Stable Savers!00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:07 Guest Introductions: Meet Chase Parrish02:56 Guest Introductions: Meet Bret Parrish04:01 Bret Parrish's Journey in the Horse Industry13:05 Evolution of Western Pleasure Training27:34 Building a Family Business in the Horse Industry31:56 Chase Parrish's Path from Horses to Football35:19 Football and Horse Riding Success36:22 Balancing Family, Business, and Horses38:29 Reflections and Regrets39:59 Venturing into Horse Breeding41:49 Key Principles in Breeding49:20 Challenges and Trends in the Horse Industry53:12 Introducing Stable Savers58:47 Future of Stable Savers01:03:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of On The Rail Podcast we get into the fascinating journey of Kathryn Baumann, the owner and trainer at County Line Farm in Marengo, Illinois. Kathryn shares her path from growing up in a family immersed in the equestrian world to becoming a professional horse trainer. She talks about the challenges she faced during her transition from amateur to pro, and how she maintains a successful training and lesson program amidst personal challenges like back surgery and pregnancy. Kathryn also discusses the importance of fitness in her life, how CrossFit has improved her riding skills, and the impact of hormonal issues on her health. As she prepares for her former horse's induction into the Pinto Hall of Fame, Kathryn offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring trainers. Tune in to hear about her dedication, resilience, and passion for the equestrian sport.00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement01:41 Kathryn's Early Experiences with Horses03:05 Showing and Competitions10:31 Transition to Professional Training20:49 Building a Training Program28:19 Lesson Program and School Horses34:46 Cost of Western Riding Lessons36:14 Challenges of Maintaining Lesson Horses40:41 Marketing and Word of Mouth44:02 Adopting Technology for Scheduling50:38 Balancing Fitness and Riding01:00:50 Future Goals and Reflections