#128 Power in the Bloodlines - Part 3: Percherons with Jeff Fiske

In this episode: Jackie Meyers and Sayge Madsen join us with a full preview of the Classic Series World Finals, breaking down what to watch for this year. Then, Shelby Wall stops in to share details on the upcoming 2025 World Clydesdale Show. We wrap things up with a special Pennwoods Perspective segment you won’t want to miss.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #129!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicSummit Professional ServicesDo 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]!

We wrap up the series with the Percheron, and we got Jeff Fiske from Nova Scotia with us to talk shop. From the breed’s rise in North America to the bloodlines and breeding decisions that shaped today’s show ring contenders, Jeff takes us through the highs, lows, and heavy hitters of the Percheron world. We cover everything from style trends to memorable hitches, plus the unique perspective of showing and breeding in Canada. Whether you prefer them black or gray, this episode is all about the horsepower and history behind one of the most versatile draft breeds.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #128!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicSummit Professional ServicesDo 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]!

In this second episode of our three part series, we’re talking Belgians with Corbly Orndorff. Corbly Orndorff joins us to talk about how Belgians came into their own in North America and the major shifts the breed has seen over the years. We get into how the look, style, and expectations have changed—from the farm fields to the bright lights of the show ring. Corbly shares stories, insight, and a whole lot of opinion on what makes a great Belgian and where the breed is headed. There was so much information packed into this conversation, we're having to split it up into a part A and B!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #127!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicSummit Professional ServicesDo 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]!

In this second episode of our three part series, we’re talking Belgians with Corbly Orndorff. Corbly Orndorff joins us to talk about how Belgians came into their own in North America and the major shifts the breed has seen over the years. We get into how the look, style, and expectations have changed—from the farm fields to the bright lights of the show ring. Corbly shares stories, insight, and a whole lot of opinion on what makes a great Belgian and where the breed is headed. There was so much information packed into this conversation, we're having to split it up into a part A and B!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #126!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicSummit Professional ServicesDo 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]!

In this first episode of our three part series, we’re talking Clydesdales with Steve Gregg. Steve walks us through how the breed took root in North America and the people, programs, and horses that helped shape the modern Clydesdale we see in the ring today. From halter to hitch, we dig into how the breed has evolved, what’s stayed the same, and the behind-the-scenes stories only someone like Steve can tell.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #125!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicDo 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]!

In this episode, we’re heading to the Southern Hemisphere to visit with Dean, Esmay, and Montana Rheinberger of Australia! This family lives and breathes draft horses and they’ve built a life around training, showing, and traveling across the country with their horses. We talk about the differences (and similarities) in the draft horse world between Australia and North America, how they balance family life with the demands of the show ring, and what it’s like working with multiple breeds.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #124!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicDo 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]!

In this episode, Kyle and Mark are joined by Ron Mack and Chelsea Ball from the Ohio State Fair, Marissa Cush with the Wilmington Classic, and Nancy Jeske, who brings a wealth of experience in both light horse and draft horse shows. We’re talking all things draft horse—what it really takes to put on a show, the unique challenges behind the scenes, and why it’s all worth it when the teams hit the ring. From heavy lifting (literally) to proud traditions, this roundtable gets into the grit and the heart of managing these unforgettable events.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #123!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicDo 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]!

Kyle and Mark sit down with Richard Derrer, a seasoned farrier whose career has taken him from the cornfields of Indiana where he exhibited one of the all-time premier Clydesdale hitches to the high deserts of New Mexico where he continues his farrier career and cheers on his boys. Whether you're a horse lover, a fellow farrier, or just here for the stories, pull up a stool. You’re in for a good one.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #122!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicDo 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]!

In this episode, Mark and Kyle sit down with Bret Day of Grey Ridge Farm—renowned trainer and horseman—to dive into the nuanced world of horse training. Bret shares his firsthand experience working with light horses. From finesse and agility to sheer strength and presence, we explore what it takes to bring out the best in each type of horse. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer, an aspiring horseman, or just a fan of the equine world, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #121!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicDo 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]!

Exciting news — the Classic Series has officially welcomed a new full-time executive director! Kyle and Mark recently sat down with Sayge Madsen to give her a chance to introduce herself to the draft horse community. She shared her background and gave us a glimpse into her vision for the future. Join us in giving Sayge a warm welcome to the team!PLUS enjoy another PENNWOODS PERSPECTIVE with Chris Cole!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #120!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Saginaw Valley Equine ClinicDo 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]!