Fit for Halter Podcast

Ever find yourself standing at the rail thinking… “I’m a pleasure rider… but I keep watching the halter.”? 👀 That’s exactly how Alexis Gooding found her way into the halter world. Coming from a strong pleasure background, Alexis shares what it was like to step into a completely different side of the industry — from asking all the questions to understanding the idea of form to function. In this episode, we talk about: 🐴 What surprised her most about halter horses 🐴 The biggest differences between pleasure and halter 🐴 The myth that “the fattest horse wins” 🐴 How learning conformation changes the way you see every horse 🐴 Why understanding halter can actually make you a better horseman Whether you’re a pleasure rider curious about halter, or a halter exhibitor who loves hearing how others find their way into the discipline, this conversation is full of great perspective. 🎧 Listen on Amazon, Apple, iHeart Radio or Spotify!

In this episode, I’m joined by Guy Williams of Venning Quarter Horses, coming to us from the Hunter Valley of Australia. We talk about: ✨ What actually separates an elite halter horse ✨ Why “big and fat” isn’t the same as fit ✨ How fitness, cross-training, and mental well-being show up in the pen ✨ And why loving the job matters more than the perfect pedigree Guy brings a thoughtful, honest perspective shaped by his background in racing, showing, and horsemanship. Whether you’re gearing up for the 2026 show season or just trying to make better decisions for your horse, this episode will challenge the way you think about halter horses in the best way.

If you’ve shown your halter horse in Michigan, there’s a good chance this guest has called your name over the loudspeaker. On this episode of Fit for Halter, we're joined by Mike Huntoon — halter horse enthusiast, accomplished show announcer, and trainer with a voice many exhibitors instantly recognize. If you love halter horses, horse show culture, or just a good “how I got here” story… this is for you! Mike shares his early days growing up with horses, how a backyard Paint stud and a few key mentors pulled him into the halter world, and the story behind his very first horse show as an announcer.

I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Kaylynn Wilson — who along with her husband Gene, are known for quality, longevity, and undeniable impact in the halter horse industry. For decades, the Wilsons have bred, owned, and shown some of the most recognizable horses in the country. Their program has produced standouts known for balance, bone, beauty, and that unmistakable presence that turns heads in any pen. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ How their individual journeys with horses began ✨ The moment halter horses captured Gene’s attention ✨ Their love story that started… on a stud farm visit  ✨ The legendary horses that shaped their program ✨ What matters most in their breeding decisions today ✨ Soundness, balance, and the importance of choosing the right stallions ✨ The hands-on philosophy behind evaluating crosses and seeing stallions in person

This week on the Fit for Halter podcast, Amy sits down with Sally Griffin — a lifetime APHA director, dedicated leader, and lifelong Paint Horse enthusiast who has done it all — from amateur halter exhibitor to rule maker, show organizer, and advocate for the next generation. Sally shares her incredible journey that began in the 1970s as a youth and amateur exhibitor, showing standout halter horses and earning APHA Champion Certificate #1. Today, she continues to shape the association she loves — co-creating the Margarita Classic Paint Horse Show in memory of Charlie Sasser, leading key APHA committees, and championing programs like Novice Amateur, Novice Youth, and Walk-Trot to keep the Paint Horse community strong and inclusive.

Meet Melanie Fransen, an amateur halter exhibitor whose story is equal parts heart, hustle, and humor. From growing up “basically born in a barn” to sharing the show pen (and plenty of laughs) with her mom, Melanie brings the fun side of showing to life. In this episode, recorded live at the Fall Color Classic in Lansing, MI, Melanie shares: - How a “fill-the-class” moment turned into a halter passion - The thrill of her successful futurity season — and the surprise Sportsmanship Award that meant the most - Balancing a busy career, travel, and life with a barn full of horses - What it’s really like showing alongside her mom (spoiler: total opposites!) It’s an upbeat, real, and relatable conversation about finding joy, teamwork, and balance in the show world.

By request, Stephanie Sickafoose is back on on the podcast — and this time, she’s taking it a step further.  She takes us on a detailed journey through her daily program. From 4:30 a.m. mornings to long trotting across rolling hills after a full day’s work, Stephanie’s routine is all about structure, commitment, and results. Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed as an amateur in the halter pen? Hear how she’s built a program that works — one that’s earned her respect and results in the pen.

This week on Fit for Halter, we’re chatting with someone who truly does it all. Sydney Miller is a non-pro, mom of littles, and alongside her husband, runs Miller Quarter Horses — a successful hunter under saddle training operation now based in Boerne, Texas. While her husband focuses on the performance side of the industry, Sydney has carved out her own lane (and love!) in the halter pen — recently wrapping up a successful futurity season. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Finding balance between family, business, and the show world ✨ What it’s like running a barn as a husband-and-wife team ✨ Her unique perspective on both the hunt seat and halter worlds ✨ And how she’s creating space for joy in every season of life Find Sydney and Miller Quarter Horses on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/millerquarterhorses

From growing up in a family of horsemen to building her own successful training program, Cathy Sasser has lived a life centered around great horses — and even greater people. In this episode, Cathy shares her journey in the halter horse industry, the pivotal moment that reshaped her career, and the philosophy that guides her barn today. She shares how she defines success beyond the trophies and why investing in the next generation of exhibitors and trainers is key to keeping our industry strong. We talk about: -Her journey into halter and the pivotal moments that shaped her career -The philosophy behind her training program and what she looks for in a horse -Why mentoring youth and newcomers is essential for the future of halter -Her thoughts on legacy, growth, and where the industry is headed

This week on Fit for Halter, I’m joined by Stephanie Sickafoose, an amateur exhibitor who’s had an incredible season in the halter pen. From her DIY prep at home to big wins with her standout yearling filly — a daughter of a young stallion already making waves — Stephanie’s story is full of grit, lessons, and memorable moments. She also shares how her background, breeding program, and even a world champion stallion trace back to her own journey of persistence and passion for the horses.