#157 2026 World Finals Preview #1 - Belgian & Percheron Six-Horse Hitch Drivers

Your 2026 World Finals coverage starts now! We are less than a month away from show time and the excitement is building for the show in Kansas City. Listen in to preview #1 as we chat with some of the Belgian & Percheron six-horse hitch drivers.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #157!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Do 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, [email protected]

What does it really take to put together a World Champion hitch?Freeman Yoder and Ross Honsberger join Kyle and Mark for a conversation about what goes on behind the scenes of a top-level hitch. From selecting the right horses and putting a team together to training, fitting and getting every detail just right, there’s a lot more to building a championship hitch than what you see in the show ring.Here is part TWO!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #156!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Do 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, [email protected]

What does it really take to put together a World Champion hitch?Freeman Yoder and Ross Honsberger join Kyle and Mark for a conversation about what goes on behind the scenes of a top-level hitch. From selecting the right horses and putting a team together to training, fitting and getting every detail just right, there’s a lot more to building a championship hitch than what you see in the show ring.In Part 1, the guys dig into the foundation of a great hitch, what they look for in a horse, and the years of work it takes to get a team ready to compete at the highest level.And this conversation is just getting started. Part 2 is coming next.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #155!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Do 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, [email protected]

The inaugural season of the Classic Riding Series is officially underway, and this week we're joined by Nancy Jeske and Kelsey Gilbert to take an in-depth look at where the series stands and where it's headed. As two passionate advocates for riding draft horses, Nancy and Kelsey discuss what's gone well in year one, the challenges that still need to be addressed, and the opportunities that lie ahead.From judging and class structure to exhibitor feedback and long-term growth, this conversation is all about building a stronger future for the Classic Riding Series. If you care about the continued success of riding draft horses and want a behind-the-scenes look at the conversations shaping the sport, you won't want to miss this episode.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #154!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Do 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, [email protected]

One of the most accomplished draft horse drivers to ever climb onto a wagon, Craig Grange joins us for an unforgettable conversation. With championships across all of the major draft horse breeds and a career that has influenced generations of exhibitors, Craig has truly seen it all.We sit down to hear how it all began, the people and horses that shaped his journey, and the stories behind a lifetime spent at the top of the draft horse industry. From memorable wins and lessons learned to the evolution of the show ring, Craig shares decades of experience, wisdom, and plenty of laughs along the way.Whether you're a longtime draft horse enthusiast or just getting started, this is an episode packed with history from one of the true legends of the industry.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #153!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Do 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, [email protected]

Listen in to the Town Hall that the Classic Series board of directors recently held. This was an opportunity for the membership to ask questions and get answers! They have plans to make these a regular event so keep your eyes open for future town halls!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #152!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do 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, [email protected]

This week, we sit down with experienced farrier Loren Mast, whose lifelong involvement in the draft horse industry has given him a unique perspective on hoof care and soundness. Loren specializes in corrective shoeing, and we discuss how proper hoof balance can impact a horse's movement, longevity, and performance.From evaluating conformation to solving common hoof problems, Loren shares practical advice, stories from years under horses, and the importance of treating each horse as an individual. Whether you're a farrier, horse owner, exhibitor, or simply interested in learning more about what happens beneath the hoof, this episode is packed with valuable insight from someone who has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #151!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do 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, [email protected]

This week we sit down with Chad Zubrod and Jim Day to talk all things 2026 World Percheron Congress. From the history and significance of the event to what exhibitors and spectators can expect in St. Paul in July, we cover a little bit of everything as excitement continues to build toward one of the biggest gatherings in the Percheron world. The Congress returns to St. Paul July 6-11, 2026 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We also bring back the Pennwoods Perspective segment, answer listener mailbag questions!Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #150!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC. The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional Services Calgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do 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, [email protected]

This week we sat down with two of the people who help keep the draft horse industry rolling behind the scenes. We visited with Stacie Lynch and Michelle Keaffaber to talk about everything that goes into serving their breed associations and the people behind them.From registrations and transfers to annual meetings, youth involvement, and the day-to-day conversations with breeders and exhibitors across the country, these ladies truly are part of the backbone of the breed industry. We also talked about how the associations have evolved over the years, the challenges they face today, and what keeps them passionate about preserving and promoting draft horses for the next generation.If you’ve ever wondered what all happens beyond the show ring, this episode gives a great look at the people helping hold it all together.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #149!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional ServicesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do 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, [email protected].

In this episode, we sit down with Thiago Boechat and Scott Nebergall to talk all things ICSI in horses and how this advanced reproductive technology is shaping the future of the equine industry. From the science behind the process to what it means for breeders, owners, and competitors, Thiago and Scott break down how ICSI is helping produce the next generation of top horses.Whether you’re deeply involved in breeding or just curious about the innovations changing the horse world, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the most exciting developments in modern equine reproduction.Thank you to our sponsors of Episode #148!Shipshewana Harness & Supplies Glenwood Snacks Pennwoods Equine Products INC.  The Draft Horse Journal Summit Professional ServicesCalgary Stampede Heavy Horse Show Do 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, [email protected].