The Scope Podcast

Send us Fan MailRed Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag: Horse Show Parent EditionKaren opens with her most memorable horse show parent faux pas, a celebratory shriek when Luke made the test in a medal final, and Jen's legendary "act like you've been here before" look. From there, it's a parent edition of Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag, with Jen bringing the trainer's view and Karen bringing the parent's.They weigh in on coaching from the rail, approaching the judge or show office about a placing, parents grooming and tacking up to save fees, asking about results right after a class, bringing snacks for the whole barn (and where not to put the Costco Pringles), filming every round and asking the trainer to review them all, and explaining other barn kids' results to fellow parents.Expect a surprising amount of agreement, one heated snack debate, and a new sound bite from Jen: "I won't tell you how to parent your kid, don't tell me how to train the horses."Whether you ride, train, or cheer from the rail, this one's for every horse show parent.Support the show

Send us Fan MailEarly voting is breaking records, and Jen and Karen are talking about where politics and the horse world overlap. No endorsements, just honest conversation. They cover New York City's vote to phase out Central Park's carriage horses by 2028 and what it means for the horses and the people who earn a living with them. They also dig into the two paths Congress is weighing on horse slaughter, the SAFE Act and the BUILD America 250 Act, and why the issue is more nuanced than it first looks. Then it's on to data centers buying up farmland, including a Kentucky show stable fighting one across the road. Finally, the TIME Act, which could make it easier for international horses to compete here ahead of LA 2028. Plus: who needs to get Snoop Dogg on the phone?Support the show

Send us Fan MailRed Flag, Pink Flag, Green Flag: The Show Barn EditionJen and Karen are back with a fan-favorite format, this time tackling policies you'll mostly find at show barns. Several of today's topics came straight from Jen's trainer group chat, so expect some real grassroots opinions (the clean version, anyway).Karen hears each policy cold and gives her gut reaction, and the two don't always agree. They cover:Minimum horse show requirements — and whether trainers should charge a fee when riders miss themTack room setup fees — plus whether clients should get a say in the décor, or just payOnboarding fees and required supply lists — matching scrims, dress sheets, tack trunks and the cost of looking like a teamFees for showing with another trainer — one policy that surprised them both30- to 60-day notice periods for leaving a barnTrainer-and-client-only riding rules — why safety and horse welfare come firstKaren also shares the barn policy (or lack of one) that made her most uncomfortable as a parent, and why reading the contract and asking questions up front saves everyone surprises.Do you agree with their flags? Let us know, and don't forget to follow, like and subscribe!Support the show

Send us Fan MailShould your lease contract include a social media clause? Jen Barker and Karen Tanner reopen the social media can of worms, picking up where their barn branding episode left off. This time the spark is a trainer's post asking how professionals balance kids sharing their riding journey with protecting a horse's reputation, and its owner's.Karen has been on both sides, leasing horses for her son and leasing out a horse they owned. Jen brings the trainer's view. Together they cover:Why posting falls, stops and refusals on a leased horse can hurt an owner's ability to lease or sellHow owners follow their leased-out horses online, and what would raise a red flagWhy the trainer should be the go-between for owner and lesseeWhy a few seconds of a "fail" rarely tells the whole storyWhy trial vlogs are a bad idea, as more owners refuse to send horses on trial and buyers dig through streaming footageLesson barns, and a 12-year-old's TikTok critique of a lesson horse that landed on the owner's For You pageWhether horse show media teams should ask permission before posting unflattering clips, and how equestrian sport compares to a missed field goalAlong the way there's some lessor/lessee confusion, a Taylor Swift reference, and a rare moment where the hosts agree on where to draw the line. Bottom line: think about the owner, the trainer, and the horse before you hit post.Catch the earlier branding episode if you missed it, and follow and subscribe for more from Scope.Support the show

Send us Fan MailJen Barker and Karen Tanner unpack the US Equestrian Federation’s appointment of Sonja Keating as its next CEO. They discuss whether the decision represents meaningful change, question the transparency of the search process, and debate whether members should have a greater voice in selecting leadership. The conversation also explores unity across disciplines and between stakeholders, and what Keating can do to earn the membership’s trust—while offering her a fair chance to lead.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Scope, Jen Barker surprises co-host Karen Tanner with a very personal question: what turns a casual riding family into a fully committed equestrian one? They unpack the unexpected pull of competition, the realities of growing a lesson program, and whether being upfront about the costs and expectations of leasing, owning, and showing can scare away potential riders. Jen and Karen also explore ways to make competition more accessible—from in-barn shows and grooming contests to low-stakes opportunities that help riders and families discover their goals. Plus, they begin planning the ultimate at-home horse show, complete with parent competitions and craft cocktails.Support the show

Send us Fan MailKaren Tanner and Jen Barker decode the hidden language of horse-sale ads in this hilarious episode of Scope. From “game” ponies and “specific homes” to “barn favorites,” “in your pocket,” and horses with "playful puppy personalities,” they translate familiar sales phrases into the practical truths buyers need to hear. Along the way, they share plenty of laughs—and one important reminder: bring an experienced trainer along before choosing your next horse.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this lively episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the vibrant world of local horse shows, particularly in the Southeast. The duo explores the abundance of equestrian events in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, discussing how the sheer number of options can impact both trainers and riders.Key Highlights:•Southeast Show Scene: Karen and Jen reflect on the plethora of shows every weekend, emphasizing the advantages and challenges that come with such accessibility. While many options cater to diverse skill levels and budgets, the abundance can lead to scheduling conflicts and over-saturation.•Types of Shows: They categorize the different types of horse shows available, from multi-discipline events and grassroots schooling shows to independent charity shows, and state-sanctioned competitions. Listeners gain insight into what each type offers, including the benefits of community-supported events.•Culture and Climate: The hosts discuss why the Southeast has become a hub for equestrian activities, attributing it to favorable weather, cultural traditions, and the availability of land. They invite listeners to share their experiences in other regions to compare the equestrian culture across the U.S.•Community and Tradition: Highlighting events steeped in tradition, like the annual Horse Show in the Woods, Karen and Jen celebrate the community spirit that surrounds many grassroots shows, contrasting them with more competitive, high-stakes environments.•Listener Engagement: The episode concludes with a call for audience interaction, encouraging listeners to share their local horse show experiences and thoughts on the variety of options available in their areas.Join Karen and Jen as they navigate the equestrian landscape, balancing the joys and challenges of horse showing, all while celebrating the rich community that makes it possible! Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe for more insightful discussions.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive deep into the sometimes rocky relationships between horses and their riders. They explore what happens when a horse might not be the right fit for a rider or when a trainer makes a less-than-ideal match.The conversation highlights critical aspects such as:•Trainer Responsibilities: The obligations of trainers when a horse shows physical limitations or fails to meet the rider’s expectations, including navigating the difficult conversations about potential solutions.•Adjusting Goals: The importance of flexibility in expectations and how riders, especially those with a strong desire to succeed, can adapt their goals to better match their horse’s abilities.•Financial Considerations: The often unspoken financial implications of horse ownership, leasing, and the realities of potential losses when a horse doesn’t work out.•Communication and Teamwork: Emphasizing the necessity of open dialogue among trainers, riders, and parents to develop effective strategies and foster a collaborative environment.Join Karen and Jen as they share personal anecdotes, insights, and practical advice for navigating the complexities of horse riding, ensuring that both horse and rider can find their best path forward together. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to resonate with anyone involved in the equestrian world!Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive back into the ongoing discussions surrounding the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its leadership challenges. After receiving a surprising phone call from USEF President Tom O’Mara, the duo reflects on their previous conversations about the organization and the reactions they’ve stirred within the equestrian community.The episode kicks off with a humorous recount of Jen’s initial panic upon the call, leading to a candid dialogue about their opinions on the USEF’s current handling of various situations. They express their commitment to sharing honest perspectives while acknowledging the need for fairness in their critiques. This leads to a broader discussion about the search for a new CEO, as the hosts explore an exhaustive list of qualifications that seem almost impossible to meet.Amidst light-hearted banter, the conversation shifts to potential candidates for the CEO role, including the merits of having a veterinarian or someone from collegiate athletics lead the organization. They consider the appeal of candidates like Ellie Morris, who represents a fresh approach, but ultimately question her qualifications for the CEO position.Throughout the episode, Jen and Karen emphasize the importance of effective governance in the equestrian world, all while maintaining their signature humor. They also touch on the need for a leader who understands social media dynamics, as well as the realities of running a multi-million dollar organization.Listeners can expect a mix of insight, laughter, and engaging dialogue as the hosts encourage feedback and ideas from their audience. Tune in to this lively episode for a unique perspective on the future of USEF and what it means for the equestrian community at large.Support the show