Uncut & Real Raw With Clinton Anderson

Clinton sits down with National Reining Horse Association judge and respected reining horse trainer and coach Sam Smith for a conversation that spans decades of horsemanship, the evolution of the reining industry and the opportunities available to ambitious young horsemen today. Sam has spent his career immersed in the western performance horse world, earning a unique perspective on the industry and the people who have helped shape it. He and Clinton take a look back at the history of reining, discussing how the sport has evolved, where it started and the horsemen and influences that helped make it what it is today. The conversation is filled with personal stories and lessons learned the hard way. For young people who dream of making a career working with horses, they offer honest insight into what it takes to turn that ambition into a reality. From developing your skills and building a reputation to finding opportunities and being willing to put in the work, the conversation tackles what it really takes to make a go of it in today's competitive horse industry.

Clinton sits down with Crystal McNutt, owner of McNutt Performance Horses, to talk about her Hall of Fame career, her journey through the performance horse industry and the evolution of her horsemanship. Crystal started riding at just 3 years old and built her career the way many successful trainers do—with passion, grit and a willingness to put in the work. She found her niche training Arabians and half-Arabians, earning numerous national titles and top-ten finishes through the Arabian Horse Association and establishing herself as a respected name in the industry. In recent years, Crystal has taken on a new challenge, shifting her focus to Quarter Horse reiners. Today, she trains and competes on the National Reining Horse Association circuit while coaching amateur riders from her ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this episode, Clinton and Crystal look back at where it all began, the years of hard work it took to build her training business and the courage it takes to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a new direction. Crystal’s story is a testament to the dedication it takes to build a career with horses—and the willingness to keep growing, evolving and challenging yourself along the way.

How do you go from working your way up in the horse industry to building one of the most successful horse-sales operations of your own? Clinton sits down with Alan Chappell, owner of Chappell Horse Sales, for a candid conversation about horses, the horse business and the road that led Alan to where he is today. Alan shares stories from the early days of his career, including the influence his father, George Chappell, played in his career and what it was like working for legendary horsemen Carol Rose and Bobby Lewis. He talks about the lessons he learned, the people who influenced him and what it took to work his way up in an industry where reputation is earned one horse, one customer and one day at a time. The conversation also digs into Alan's work today through Chappell Horse Sales and his perspective on buying, selling and evaluating performance horses. What does an experienced horseman see when he looks at a horse? How do you recognize potential? What makes a horse a good investment? And how important is it to find the right match between a horse and its rider? If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in the performance-horse world, or you're simply a sucker for good stories, you're going to enjoy this one.

Clinton sits down with National Cutting Horse Association $5 Million Rider, Kenny Platt. Kenny has built an impressive career in the western performance horse industry, earning his place among the NCHA’s elite riders. But behind every championship, major paycheck and standout horse is a story filled with hard work, long hours, tough decisions and plenty of setbacks. In this episode, Kenny opens the door on that journey and gives an inside look at what it really takes to build a career at the top of the cutting horse world. The two horsemen dig into Kenny’s journey to success, from the horses and people who have influenced his career to the lessons he’s learned along the way. They talk about the realities of competing at the highest levels, the pressure that comes with success and the mindset required to continually improve when you’re already competing among the best. Kenny also shares his perspective on horsemanship, developing elite performance horses and the importance of staying hungry even after you’ve accomplished goals most people only dream about. Grab a drink and settle in for a conversation between two horsemen who aren’t afraid to talk about the good, the bad and everything in between.

What does it take to become one of the winningest competitors in Cowboy Mounted Shooting history? Clinton sits down with multi Overall World Champion and Overall National Champion Kenda Lenseigne for an honest conversation about the hard work and determination it takes to reach the top of a sport and stay there. Kenda opens up about the sacrifices behind the championships, the horses that changed her life and what she's learned from both winning and losing. The conversation also dives into what separates good horsemen from great ones, the pressure of competing on the world's biggest stages.  Clinton and Kenda compare notes on training philosophies, discuss the importance of staying a student of the horse and share plenty of stories and laughs from their years in the industry. Whether you've followed Cowboy Mounted Shooting for years or have never watched a run, you'll come away with a greater appreciation for what it takes to build a successful career in the equine industry. 

What does it take to build a legacy? Dean Tuftin knows. As the owner of DT Horses, Dean has spent decades building one of the most respected rope horse operations in the country. Success like that doesn't happen by luck. Clinton sits down with Dean to talk about the decisions, challenges, risks and lessons that shaped his journey. Dean shares his rise to success, from his humble beginnings in Canada to being the first team roper to represent his country at the NFR to pioneering the rise of the rope horse industry and creating DT Horses. The conversation goes beyond just horsemanship as Dean and Clinton discuss perseverance, work ethic and what it takes to build something great.

Few horsemen have shaped the industry quite like John Lyons. Known as “America’s Most Trusted Horseman,” John built a legacy on making horsemanship understandable, practical and accessible for everyday horse owners. Throughout the episode, John reflects on the early days of his career, the philosophy that helped shape his program and the importance of keeping training simple and effective. Clinton shares how John influenced generations of trainers and helped pave the way for clinicians to educate horse owners on a larger scale. Together, the two discuss the responsibility that comes with teaching, the changes they’ve witnessed in the industry over the years and the principles that remain timeless no matter how much horsemanship evolves.

Rhen Richard and Miguel Guerrero of Old West Rope Horse Futurities and Sales sit down with Clinton. Known for elevating the standard of competition and opportunity in the rope horse world, Old West has quickly become a premier platform for trainers, breeders and competitors alike. The conversation covers everything from the growth of Old West to what it takes to produce a top rope horse and the realities of competing in today’s industry. 

Barrel racing powerhouse Tricia Aldridge joins Clinton for a candid conversation about her career and training her record-breaking stallion Adios Pantalones. Tricia shares the story behind her rise in the barrel racing world, the mindset that drives her competitive edge and the lessons she’s learned while chasing big goals in and out of the arena. The conversation also dives into her approach to training young horses, developing confidence in horses and the challenges that come with owning and campaigning a superstar stallion.

Clinton is joined by Don Bell, a high-profile ranch broker and one of the most multifaceted figures in the equine world. The conversation covers everything from Don’s early days in the halter horse industry to what it really takes to succeed at the highest levels of the horse business. They dive into judging, trends in the industry, the realities of ranch ownership, and the hard-earned lessons that only decades of experience can teach.