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Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Plaidcast, host Piper Klemm sits down with 2026 Washington International Horse Show judges Michael Tokaruk and Patrick Rodes to take listeners behind the scenes of one of the nation's most prestigious equitation competitions. Michael Tokaruk is an accomplished rider, trainer, USEF "R" judge, and owner of Tokaruk Show Stables, a full-service hunter, jumper, and equitation training and sales operation based in Wellington, Florida. With numerous Grand Prix victories and championship titles to his name, Tokaruk has coached riders to success at the highest levels of the sport and officiated at prestigious competitions, including the ASPCA Maclay National Finals and USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final. Patrick Rodes is an experienced equestrian professional with more than 35 years in the industry and the founder of Southbound Show Management. Alongside his wife, Jana, he is an owner, rider, and breeder at All Around Farm in Argyle, Texas. His extensive background includes horse show management, hunter and jumper course design, judging, and equestrian facility consulting. Rodes is also involved in the ownership and management of Saratoga Management Group, bringing a wealth of experience in competition operations and the equestrian industry. Together, Tokaruk and Rodes discuss the unique judging format, challenging course designs, and the importance of testing riders' adaptability through the hunter, jumper, and horse-swapping phases. The conversation highlights standout performances from the week's top junior riders, including champion Emmy Richard, reserve champion Caitlyn Link, and third-place finisher Lizzie Reinhardt. The judges also share their perspectives on the introduction of handy hunter rounds, strategic riding decisions, and what separates a good performance from an exceptional one. Plus, they reflect on the pony equitation finals, the impact of the flat phase on final standings, and the importance of maintaining traditional horsemanship standards in today's competitive show environment. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Plaidcast in Person, host Piper Klemm connects with the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), an organization dedicated to helping Thoroughbred racehorses successfully transition into second careers beyond the racetrack. The Retired Racehorse Project works to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) in equestrian sports while supporting the trainers, farms, and organizations that prepare these horses for their next chapters. Through educational programs, industry partnerships, and events like the annual Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park, the RRP highlights the versatility, athleticism, and potential of retired racehorses. This episode shines a light on the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare, the opportunities available to horses after racing, and the people working to create a brighter future for these incredible athletes. To learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project, visit www.therrp.org. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Join host Piper Klemm for a special Plaidcast in Person featuring the team behind the Woodside Show Series at The Horse Park at Woodside in California. Piper sits down with members of the Woodside Show Series team to discuss the show series, its role in the equestrian community, and the importance of creating opportunities for riders and horses to learn, compete, and grow. The Horse Park at Woodside is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equestrian sport, education, land conservation, and community involvement. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the park welcomes riders of all levels and disciplines through competitions, clinics, and training opportunities. Beyond equestrian activities, the park supports environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation, providing a space for the broader community to connect with nature. Learn more about The Horse Park at Woodside and its mission at www.horsepark.org. Want to attend a Plaidcast in Person near you? Check out upcoming events and find out where we'll be next at www.theplaidhorse.com/the-plaidcast/. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Plaidcast, Piper Klemm welcomes Katie Armstrong and Dr. Maureen T. Long. Katie Armstrong is the owner of Building Better Hunters, a business specializing in behavioral rehabilitation of show horses and colt starting. Katie discusses the importance of incorporating Western training foundations into English riding programs and how recovering from a significant injury changed her perspective on horse training. She shares her experience learning from Western professionals, the gaps she sees in foundational training within the English riding industry, and how proper groundwork, clear boundaries, and effective handling techniques can create safer, more confident horses and handlers. Dr. Maureen T. Long, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, is a professor emeritus at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and an expert in equine infectious diseases. Her research has focused on West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). A board-certified specialist in large animal internal medicine, Dr. Long has made significant contributions to equine health through research, education, and vaccine studies. She is also the co-editor of Equine Infectious Diseases and received the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine's Distinguished Service Award in 2024. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Jen Bauersachs is one of the most respected hunter riders and horsemen in the country, and together with her husband, Rolf, she owns and operates Spring Hill Farm in Frenchtown, New Jersey. With a specialty in developing young horses, the Bauersachs produce high-level, winning hunters and jumpers that consistently make their mark at the East Coast's most prestigious competitions. Under Jen's guidance, Spring Hill Farm has become known for producing champions and grand champions across the professional, amateur, and junior hunter divisions at shows such as the Devon Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National, the Hampton Classic, and Old Salem Farm. Her own record in the ring reflects that same consistency at the highest levels. Among her many highlights, Bauersachs was champion in the High Performance Conformation Hunter division at the Winter Equestrian Festival aboard Another Love, sweeping the model and under saddle en route to top honors in the grand hunter ring; earned top results at the Capital Challenge with Blink; and led the victory gallop in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Saratoga Women in Business Spectacular aboard Minturn Mile. Known for her patient, correct approach and her eye for a quality horse, Bauersachs has built a reputation not only as a top competitor but also as a trusted developer of talent — both equine and human. Her expertise has increasingly carried into the judge's box as well; she was selected to officiate the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the 80th Pennsylvania National Horse Show, one of the sport's most coveted judging assignments. Based in New Jersey with a winter season in Wellington, Florida, Bauersachs continues to ride, train, and produce top hunters at the sport's premier events. Geoff Teall is one of the country's leading hunter and hunt seat equitation trainers, with more than three decades of experience in the hunter industry as a trainer, judge, clinician, and author. Horses and riders he has developed have earned championships, medals, and ribbons at the sport's most prestigious events, including Devon, the ASPCA Maclay Finals, the Capital Challenge, the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International, the USET Talent Search, and the National Horse Show. A USEF "R" judge in both hunters and hunt seat equitation, Teall has officiated at many of North America's marquee competitions, among them the National Horse Show, the Washington International, the Royal Winter Fair, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the WIHS Equitation Finals. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2006, when he was named both the Chronicle of the Horse Show Hunter Horseman of the Year and the USHJA Volunteer of the Year. Beyond the ring, Teall has been a driving force in shaping the hunter discipline. He is a co-founder of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation and the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) program, has served on the USHJA Board of Directors and Foundation Board, and has chaired US Equestrian's National Hunter Committee. He is also the author of Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation: Developing a Winning Style, a widely respected guide for riders at every level. Teall travels extensively throughout North America and Europe to teach, judge, and conduct clinics, and lives in Tryon, North Carolina. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Rennie Dyball is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author who has written, co-authored, and ghostwritten more than 20 books, ranging from picture books and middle-grade novels to celebrity memoirs and prescriptive nonfiction. A lifelong equestrian, she has built a career that blends her love of writing with her love of horses. Together with co-author Piper Klemm, Dyball created the beloved Show Strides series — middle-grade equestrian novels originally published by The Plaid Horse and now reissued by Andrews McMeel Universal — which has earned multiple Equus Awards for equestrian fiction. Her middle-grade novel Good Boy, Eddie won a Purple Dragonfly Award, and she collaborated with top trainers Carleton and Traci Brooks on With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Her picture books include B Is for Bellies: A Celebration of Every Body, named Best Read Aloud in the Bookstagram Best of 2023, and Fiona and the Peculiar Praise. Dyball began her career at People magazine shortly after graduating from Penn State University, spending some 15 years as a reporter and writer for the magazine and later as an editor for People.com, where she continues to contribute as a freelance book critic. She launched her ghostwriting career in 2008 and has since given voice to a range of celebrity-driven memoirs and autobiographies, including projects with Terry Crews and Rebecca King Crews, Andrea Barber, and fashion designer Christian Siriano, along with The ADHD Field Guide for Adults. Beyond her own books, Dyball works as a freelance editor, a collaborative author, and a college essay coach, mentoring new writers and students alike. An avid competitor in the adult hunter and equitation rings, she lives in Maryland with her family theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Harold Chopping has built his career around developing young horses and competing at the upper levels of the sport. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Harold grew up on a farm where horses quickly became a major part of his life. His early years included everything from riding inexpensive horses with his sister and building their own cross-country jumps to eventually receiving formal training with John Weir at Joker’s Hill. As a junior, Harold gained international experience competing on team trips to Mexico and Cuba, along with provincial teams and Young Riders classes. Those early opportunities helped shape his approach to competition and prepared him for a professional career in the equestrian industry. After moving to the United States, Harold continued pursuing top-level competition and eventually established his training base in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where he has been based for the past 20 years. Today, much of his work focuses on developing young horses, particularly 4- and 5-year-olds, and building them from their earliest training through the show ring. With decades of experience riding, training, competing, and evaluating horses, Harold has seen firsthand how the sport has evolved. His approach emphasizes preparation, patience, confidence, and understanding the increasingly athletic and sensitive horses produced through modern breeding. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer, and USEF "R" judge, and the owner of Tokaruk Show Stables, a full-service hunter, jumper, and equitation training and sales operation based year round in Wellington, Florida. Tokaruk discovered his love of horses as a young rider in his native Canada before moving to the United States and taking a working student position at River's Edge Farm under Ken Berkley and Gary Zook. He rose through the junior hunter, jumper, and equitation ranks, winning classes at Devon and earning ribbons at both the American and Canadian National Equitation Finals, while working alongside some of the sport's most respected professionals, including Scott Stewart, Missy Clark, Bob Braswell, and Anne Kursinski. He went on to attend George Washington University, balancing his studies with riding and training and spending extended time competing and working in Holland. As a professional, Tokaruk captured the WCHR Legacy Cup Hunter Finals in 2005 aboard Polaroid, and he has since amassed roughly 15 career Grand Prix victories and nearly $600,000 in prize money. He has ridden and trained horses to USEF National Horse of the Year honors and coached champions at the highest levels, including the 2017 North American Young Rider jumper title and 2018 Youth Olympic show jumping gold. His students regularly contest the major national indoor equitation finals and have earned hunter and jumper championships at WEF and Harrisburg. Along the way, he has continued his own education with mentors such as Melanie Smith Taylor, Andre Dignelli, Katie Monahan-Prudent, Richard Watson, and Chris Kappler. A USHJA Certified Trainer, Tokaruk is also a sought-after judge, officiating at premier competitions including the ASPCA Maclay National Finals, the USET Talent Search Finals, Capital Challenge, the WEF Equitation Championship, and the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals. Geoff Teall is one of the country's leading hunter and hunt seat equitation trainers, with more than three decades of experience in the hunter industry as a trainer, judge, clinician, and author. Horses and riders he has developed have earned championships, medals, and ribbons at the sport's most prestigious events, including Devon, the ASPCA Maclay Finals, the Capital Challenge, the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International, the USET Talent Search, and the National Horse Show. A USEF "R" judge in both hunters and hunt seat equitation, Teall has officiated at many of North America's marquee competitions, among them the National Horse Show, the Washington International, the Royal Winter Fair, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the WIHS Equitation Finals. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2006, when he was named both the Chronicle of the Horse Show Hunter Horseman of the Year and the USHJA Volunteer of the Year. Beyond the ring, Teall has been a driving force in shaping the hunter discipline. He is a co-founder of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation and the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) program, has served on the USHJA Board of Directors and Foundation Board, and has chaired US Equestrian's National Hunter Committee. He is also the author of Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation: Developing a Winning Style, a widely respected guide for riders at every level. Teall travels extensively throughout North America and Europe to teach, judge, and conduct clinics, and lives in Tryon, North Carolina. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we highlight Dr. Cindra Kamphoff and her work in confidence, grit, and mental performance. Dr. Kamphoff is the author of The Confidence Habit, Beyond Grit, and Beyond Grit for Business. Through her work, she helps athletes, professionals, and individuals strengthen their mindset, build confidence, and perform at their best. Dr. Kamphoff is the founder of the Mentally Strong Institute and leads the Mentally Strong Kids nonprofit organization. Her professional experience also includes four years providing mental training for the Minnesota Vikings. Her books can be purchased here: https://cindrakamphoff.com/store/ For many years Tonya taught in the Sport Psychology Master’s program at John F. Kennedy University in Pleasant Hill, CA. She taught classes including Performance Enhancement A and B, Psychology of Injury, and Camp Development as well as working as a supervisor for applied sport psychology interns. In 2010 Tonya was awarded Teacher of Year in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at JFK University, and in 2013 she was awarded the Alumni of the Year. Tonya received her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz, and her Master’s in Sport Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Tonya is a member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, and APA Division 47 – Exercise and Sport Psychology. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail McKenzie Armour Gramling is a professional body clipper, braider, and the owner of Armour Equine Services, based in the Carolinas. Specializing in clipping, braiding, and full-service grooming, she has built her business around providing riders and their horses with reliable, high-quality care and polished turnout for the show ring. With a strong eye for detail and an emphasis on professionalism, Gramling approaches each horse individually, prioritizing safety and well-being throughout the grooming process. Her work combines the technical skills required for top-level turnout with an understanding of the care and patience that go into working with horses, making her a trusted resource for riders looking to have their horses feeling and looking their best. Beyond her professional grooming services, Gramling is passionate about education and helping others strengthen their own grooming skills. Through clinics offered to barns and individual riders, she shares her knowledge of clipping, braiding, grooming, and overall turnout, giving equestrians the tools and confidence to improve their own horse care and presentation. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Kayleigh Tansey and Piper Klemm discuss My Show Strides School Vacation, the third interactive workbook in the Show Strides universe.  Join The Plaid Horse Kids' Book Club! Regina Welsh is the founder and director of the US Pony Racing. She has been a voice behind expanding the sport of steeplechase racing and making it accessible to the younger generations. The USPR offers opportunities to young riders who may not have access to ponies and provides mounts for the kids to race with. Regina has been a main factor in bringing the Shetland Pony Races to the Washington International Horse Show. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of The Plaidcast, Piper Klemm is joined by guests from across the equestrian world to talk about giving back to the sport, the relationship between horses and humans, and new opportunities for the next generation of riders. Elizabeth Letts Bestselling author Elizabeth Letts joins Piper to discuss her latest historical fiction novel, Fallen for France, and the experiences that shaped the story. Elizabeth shares how her lifelong connection to Morocco and her love of horses influenced the novel, which follows an Arabian mare taken from the Sultan’s palace to France during World War I. Piper and Elizabeth also explore the human-horse connection, the importance of observation and “feel,” and the value of stepping away from our increasingly digital lives to develop patience, empathy, and a deeper connection with horses. Three Mares Kendall Michaud and Carrie Kehring of Three Mares join Piper to discuss their mission to create positive change through equestrian sport. Three Mares acquires like-minded brands and uses profits and product donations to support organizations working to make sports safer, more accessible, and more inclusive. They share how the company supported 15 organizations with more than $151,000 in its first year, their goal of donating $1 million in products and profits over 10 years, and why supporting small businesses and positive stories within the equestrian community matters. Cara Cheska & the WIHS Pony Jumper Championships Cara Cheska joins Piper to talk about the rapid growth of the pony jumper division and the upcoming Washington International Horse Show Pony Jumper Championships, presented by World Wide Technology. Cara discusses how the division is creating new opportunities for ponies and young riders while teaching confidence, strategy, pace, and resilience. She also shares what riders can expect from the championship, where a limited field of 18 small, medium, and large ponies will have the opportunity to compete during Barn Night in a true championship atmosphere. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Meghan Rawlins is a licensed coach, professional horsewoman, and internationally certified course designer, and the owner of Cedar Vista Stables in Victoria, British Columbia. A lifelong rider, she competed in the hunters, jumpers, and eventing from a young age before launching her professional equestrian career in 1993, apprenticing under top professionals — including Claudia Cojocar — as she developed her craft. Rawlins discovered course design early in her professional life, first lending a hand at local Vancouver Island shows in exchange for entries so she could ride more horses. Encouraged by veteran FEI course designer and show organizer Peter Holmes, she pursued her certification through Equestrian Canada and went on to sharpen her eye at the sport's highest levels, including time spent assisting at Spruce Meadows. Today she is certified as both an Equestrian Canada and USEF course designer. In 2022, Rawlins reached a career milestone by earning her FEI Level 3 course design certification — placing her among only a handful of designers in Canada to hold the credential and distinguishing her as the only woman in the country, and one of very few women in North America, to achieve it. That same year she designed the hunter, derby, and equitation courses at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto — Canada's largest and most prestigious horse show — building 15 to 20 courses across its nine days while also assisting with the jumper classes. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail Read Brooke Goodman's Cover Story.  Brooke Goodman is a New York–based fashion model represented by The Management NYC and Karin Models in Paris. Standing 5'10" with brown hair and striking hazel eyes, she brings an elegant, editorial presence to the runway and the lens, pairing classic bone structure with an easy, magnetic confidence in front of the camera. A summa cum laude English graduate of The George Washington University, Brooke balances her modeling career with a lifelong devotion to horses, competing in the jumper ring and working within the equestrian industry. That dual life—equal parts high fashion and horsemanship—gives her a distinctive range, from polished editorial and campaign work to the poised athleticism of equestrian-inspired shoots. Grounded, articulate, and effortlessly photogenic, Brooke is a fresh face who moves seamlessly between the show ring and the fashion world. Brooke Goodman is an Account Executive at The Plaid Horse, where she combines a lifelong passion for horses with a talent for storytelling and connecting brands to the equestrian community. Horses have always been in her blood—her grandparents were renowned breeders of Trakehner sport horses—and her own riding journey began at an eventing barn when she was just eight years old. After years spent traveling and competing in the jumper ring, she now treasures quiet rides and quality time with the horse who gave her everything, Oskar 253. Brooke first discovered The Plaid Horse in 2015 and became a devoted reader, officially joining the TPH team in the spring of 2025 during her final semester at The George Washington University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a BA and top honors in English. Since joining, she has represented The Plaid Horse at premier venues—presenting awards at the Devon Horse Show and speaking to young riders about building a life and career around the sport—while championing education and horsemanship throughout the hunter/jumper world. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode hosted by Tonya Johnston, Metal Skills Coach:  Winn Alden  Winn Alden is an accomplished hunter/jumper professional based in Virginia, where she runs Winn Alden Equestrian, a full-service boarding and show barn offering both horse training and rider coaching. With decades in the sport and a résumé of wins at many of the country's top shows across the hunters, jumpers, and equitation, she has earned a reputation as one of the East Coast's most respected horsewomen. A consistent winner in the show ring, Winn has piloted top mounts to championships and blue ribbons at premier venues. Among her many highlights, she swept multiple features at the Tryon Fall Festival at TIEC in 2019—claiming a Welcome Stake, a Jumper Classic, and a USHJA National Hunter Derby—and captured the Grand Conformation Hunter Championship and the Robert M. Reel Perpetual Trophy at the Lexington Spring Encore aboard Genuine. She also topped the USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Lexington National Horse Show with Attila. In addition to riding and training, Winn is a USEF licensed "R" judge in both Hunters and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation, with a judging schedule that has included numerous IHSA and IEA shows, among them two IHSA regionals. She is also a sought-after clinician, sharing her eye for correct, quality riding with students at every level. Tonya's Tips to Prepare for Inportant Fall Shows Tonya Johnston, MA, is a Mental Skills Coach and author who works with riders all over the world. Tonya specializes in working with equestrian athletes from disciplines such as hunter/jumper, three-day eventing, reining and dressage. Tonya’s book is called “Inside Your Ride: Mental Skills for Being Happy and Successful with Your Horse.” Tonya’s individual clients range from youngsters just starting out in the pony divisions all the way up to professionals competing at international championships. She conducts mental training clinics at private barns throughout the country and also works with high school and university equestrian teams, including the Stanford, Savannah College of Art and Design and USC Equestrian Teams. Tonya has presented mental skills workshops for the USHJA, USEF, CPHA and PCHA associations. Tonya has a monthly podcast called “Tonya Johnston’s Inside Your Ride” that is a part of the Plaid Horse Magazine’s Plaidcast. She has presented at the U.S. Dressage Federation and the U.S. Eventing Association national conventions, as well as the national conference for the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. Tonya had regular columns in Practical Horseman and Eventing USA, which at the time was the official publication of the U.S. Eventing Association. Tonya has appeared in a variety of equestrian magazines including The Chronicle of the Horse, The Equestrian News, The Plaid Horse, Equine Journal, iJump, Horse Showbiz, Equine Wellness, Paint Horse Journal, Riding, and Hoofbeats. theplaidhorse.com Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us. At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here. We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!