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Send us Fan Mail The Congress is coming, everyone is stressed, and frankly—we needed to laugh. This week, Ali sits down in the barn with longtime friend and horseman Shaun Sellers for a completely unfiltered conversation about his journey from the elite hunter world to the stock-horse industry, preparing a young buckskin mare for Congress, and why his approach to horse showing is anything but conventional. Shaun shares how he develops confidence in young horses, why horse welfare will always come before a class, and how keeping things fun can make you a better horseman. They also get into show-ring nerves, questionable fashion choices, pheromone cologne in the longe line, sparkly jackets, badly behaved personal horses, unexpected puppies, and the reality that sometimes it simply isn’t your day. Behind all the chaos is an important reminder: horse shows will always be there, we’re riding glorified farm animals, and if you’re still having fun—you’ve already won. Fair warning: this episode contains adult language, barn humor, and absolutely no shortage of opinions. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail Something new is happening in the AQHA hunter world… and we are HERE for it. Ali sits down with Lainie DeBoer and Sarah Chabot to break down AQHA English Versatility—from how the idea started and the two-year process of developing it to the brand-new English Versatility Challenge headed to the AQHA World Show. We’re talking about why the hunter division needed another opportunity, what judges are actually looking for, how the pattern works, who can enter, the VS Code Red Versatility Series, major prizes, $50,000 currently up for grabs at the World Show Challenge, and why this class could open entirely new doors for hunter under saddle horses, riders, breeders and stallion owners. And before you start picturing your HUS horse staring down a three-foot fence… relax. 😂 The inaugural World Show pattern is designed to be inviting, with rails on the ground, no jumps—and yes, there are even cookies waiting for the horses at the end. More importantly, this isn't just about adding another class. It's about trying something different, listening to exhibitors and creating new opportunities for the horses we love. Could English Versatility be a glimpse at the future of the AQHA hunter division? We think you're going to want to lean into this one. Want to see what the class looks like? Click Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WppJvyVcvrA Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail Micah Howard and I are DIY Amateurs, which is basically a cute way of saying we spend an absolutely irresponsible amount of money to do most of the work ourselves. We ride our own horses. We haul to weekend shows. We obsessively analyze videos. We occasionally require professional adult supervision. And then, for reasons neither of us can fully explain, we also think it’s a perfectly reasonable idea to roll into places like the Congress, NSBA World and AQHA World Show and say, “Yeah… I can probably do this.” In this episode, Micah and I get into the very glamorous reality of doing this yourself — figuring out quirky horses, finding trainers who will tolerate our independent streaks, learning when to ask for help, getting humbled at weekend shows and then showing up at the big ones like we belong there. We talk about the $500,000-horse problem, horse show politics, intimidating barns, expensive rigs, aging amateur bodies, showmanship theatrics, financial decisions that would concern a licensed professional and the deeply unhealthy emotional relationships we have with our horses. At one point, OnlyFans enters the financial planning discussion. Things deteriorate from there. But somewhere between the inappropriate jokes and questionable financial decisions, we actually get serious about something that matters: you do NOT need the fanciest horse, trailer, trainer or bank account to belong in this industry. Sometimes you buy what you can afford. Sometimes you make the horse yourself. Sometimes you get your ass kicked at the weekend show. Sometimes you make the finals at the World Show. And sometimes you do all four with the same horse. So this episode is for the DIY Amateurs. The weekend warriors. The people riding after work. The ones who pull their own trailer, saddle their own horse, watch the video 47 times, ask someone smarter than them for help and then go home and try again. We may not have a giant machine behind us. We do, however, possess a truly concerning amount of confidence. And apparently, that’ll get you pretty damn far. This episode is sponsored by ME!!! Guys, we have merch now! https://ali-hubbell-shop.fourthwall.com/ Click the link and happy shopping :) Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail The Horse Girl Group Chat is back...and this one might spark a few debates. 👀 This week on Kanter Kulture, Ali is joined by Patty Bogosh and Kelley Martin for one of the most honest conversations we've had yet. We kick things off with a fun round of Would You Rather: Horse Girl Edition, but it doesn't take long before we dive into one of the biggest topics in the horse industry: Why are some horse shows thriving while others are struggling? We talk about: • Why super circuits continue to grow • The real cost of showing horses (and where the money actually goes) • Flat fees vs. traditional entry fees • Prize money, exhibitor incentives, and what actually makes people want to attend a horse show • Why some local weekend shows can't fill stalls • The intimidation factor of AQHA competition • Whether social media is helping—or hurting—new exhibitors • Creative ideas that could help welcome more people into our industry Along the way, Patty and Kelley share how they each found their way into the Quarter Horse world, proving that none of us simply woke up one day as Level 3 Amateur exhibitors. Every journey has included stepping stones, setbacks, heartbreak, and plenty of lessons. This isn't about complaining. It's about having real conversations, sharing different perspectives, and asking how we can make our industry stronger for everyone who loves showing horses. We don't claim to have all the answers—but we hope this episode gets you thinking. 🎧 After you listen, we'd love to hear your take. What would you change about today's horse show experience? If you're enjoying these conversations, be sure to subscribe to Kanter Kulture, leave a review, and share the episode with a fellow horse girl. ::: Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail What if horse shows didn't leave you exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why you spent so much money? This week, I'm recapping my weekend at the Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association's Little Buckeye—and honestly, it reminded me why I fell in love with horse shows in the first place. One trip through the pen. Four judges. A horse show bill of just $356. Great competition, incredible prizes, amazing food, and somehow... I came home on Monday actually feeling rested instead of completely burned out. In this solo episode, I'm sharing what made this show so different and why I think there are lessons here for the entire stock horse industry. We also dive into: Why the "show once to four judges" format worked so well for me.Whether we've made horse showing more complicated than it needs to be.My thoughts on Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and why so many exhibitors feel intimidated.Why I think Green Horse eligibility deserves another look.An idea that could make showing more encouraging for new exhibitors and young horses.Why weekend horse shows still matter—and why I think they're an important part of keeping our industry strong.This isn't about saying every horse show should look the same. Super circuits absolutely have their place. But after this weekend, I couldn't stop thinking about one question: What if making horse shows more enjoyable is just as important as making them bigger? I'd love to hear your thoughts. What makes you want to keep showing—and what would make the experience even better? If you see me at a horse show, please come say hello. Meeting listeners is one of my favorite parts of doing this podcast. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail The horse industry has changed dramatically over the last twenty years—but are those changes helping us grow or quietly shrinking our community? In this episode of Kanter Kulture, Ali sits down with horse trainer, educator, and industry advocate Crysta Brown for an honest conversation about the future of horse showing, the barriers keeping new people out of the sport, and what we can do to make horses more accessible without sacrificing excellence. Together, they dive into everything from the rise of week-long horse shows and the disappearance of local stepping-stone opportunities to the challenges facing young trainers, the intimidation factor that drives people away, and whether our current system is sustainable long-term. Crysta shares her thoughts on creating better "on-ramps" into the industry, developing future horsemen and horsewomen, supporting local clubs, and why horse professionals may need to rethink traditional business models. The conversation also explores confidence, imposter syndrome, mentorship, financial realities, and the difficult decisions many exhibitors face when balancing horses with real life. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a weekend exhibitor, a trainer, or someone wondering how to get started in the horse world, this episode offers a thoughtful look at where we are—and where we could go next. Topics discussed: • Why local horse shows matter • The disappearing path from beginner to competitor • Youth programs, 4-H, and industry growth • Trainer burnout and sustainability • Building a horse business in today's market • Confidence, intimidation, and imposter syndrome • Why mentorship matters • Accessibility versus exclusivity in horse showing • Creating better opportunities for newcomers • The future of the Quarter Horse industry Because the future of our industry depends on more than great horses—it depends on making sure people have a place in it. Chapters 00:00 Welcome & Why This Conversation Matters 01:00 Crysta's Viral Post About Horse Shows 03:00 Have We Lost the Stepping Stones? 06:00 Why Horse Showing Feels Out of Reach for Many Families 08:00 Yellowstone, Katie Van Slyke & Public Perception of Horses 10:00 The Missing On-Ramp Into Quarter Horses 12:00 Volunteerism, Local Clubs & Industry Growth 15:00 Intimidation and Why People Quit Showing 16:00 The "Spicy Meatball" Debate About Amateur Divisions 18:00 Young Trainers & The Need for Mentorship 22:00 Confidence, Self-Doubt & Industry Pressure 27:00 Learning to Stop Caring What Others Think 29:00 What Do You Actually Want From Horses? 30:00 Ali's Real-Life Horse Show Dilemma 37:00 Why Professional Opinions Matter 39:00 Trainer Burnout & Why Horse Trainers Don't Charge Enough 42:00 The Business Side Nobody Teaches Horse Trainers 45:00 Marketing, Social Media & Building a Sustainable Business 48:00 Crysta's New Horseman Development Program 50:00 Building Better Pathways for Future Exhibitors 55:00 Final Thoughts on the Future of the Industry Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Kanter Kulture, I sit down with AQHA amateur exhibitor John Whitney for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had yet about what it REALLY takes to level up in the all-around industry. We dive into: • going from Level 1 → Level 2 → Level 3 competition • the truth about “horse show politics” • why consistency matters more than quick success • campaigning horses the RIGHT way • building young horses over time • confidence, mental toughness, and showmanship strategy • balancing horses, careers, money, and family life • why some amateurs continue improving… and others plateau John shares his journey from cleaning stalls and riding difficult horses in 4-H to competing at the highest levels of AQHA competition, all while balancing corporate life, family, and the realities of amateur showing. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the Level 3 pen, frustrated trying to “move up,” or questioned whether you belong in certain arenas… this episode is for you. This conversation is packed with reality checks, motivation, strategy, and the kind of horse show talk we all have standing in the aisle at midnight after a class. And honestly? Some of the things John says about “politics” in the horse industry might completely change the way you look at competition. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail Just in time for Mother’s Day, we’re wrapping up our 3-part mom series with the final episode — and this one is for every horse show mom, trainer mom, barn mom, and woman trying to raise tiny humans while still chasing big goals. Ali sits down with Jamie English to talk about the real-life juggle of motherhood, marriage, horse training, showing, pregnancy, childcare, living quarters trailers, ponies, screen time, and raising kids inside the chaos of the horse show world. Jamie shares what it was like having her son later in life, riding through pregnancy, returning to the saddle after a C-section, managing a training business with a toddler, and learning that kids don’t have to stop your life — they can become part of it. From packing bubbles and must-have toys to finding good help, communicating with clients, making time for your marriage, and teaching kids to adapt, this episode is honest, funny, relatable, and full of real talk from women who are figuring it out one horse show at a time. Because horse show kids? They’re just built different. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail KROSS KANTER is officially here. In this first episode, I sit down with Alicia Owens — a multiple World and National Champion in the Morgan and Saddlebred industry — to kick off a series that goes beyond just one discipline. This conversation is equal parts insightful and unfiltered. We get into: The surprising similarities (and differences) between disciplinesWhat each side of the industry doesn’t understand about the otherThe reality of amateur vs trainer relationshipsThe true cost of horse showing—and what it’s actually worthAnd the one thing every horse person has… a heart horseThere are a lot of laughs, a few reality checks, and plenty of moments that will make you think, “wait… that’s exactly how I feel too.” This isn’t just another episode.  It’s the start of something bigger. Welcome to KROSS KANTER — different disciplines, same obsession. 00:00 – Introducing KROSS KANTER02:30 – Meet Alicia Owens (Morgan & Saddlebred world)06:00 – “Why are our industries so similar?”10:00 – Discipline differences (and confusion 😂)18:00 – Amateur vs Trainer dynamics (real talk)28:00 – What it actually costs to show horses38:00 – Academy vs ownership debate50:00 – What makes a great horse (and rider)1:05:00 – The reality of horse show culture1:20:00 – “Heart horses” and emotional connection1:35:00 – Funny horse show stories + chaos moments1:50:00 – Final thoughts + what KROSS KANTER will be Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you reach the top… and then have to walk away? In this episode of Kanter Kulture, I sit down with legendary AQHA showman Kip Riley—a World Champion whose journey in the horse industry is anything but ordinary. From stepping away from horses for over 20 years… to coming back and dominating at the highest level… to ultimately losing a once-in-a-lifetime partner—Kip shares the raw, unfiltered truth about what it really takes to succeed in the show pen. We talk about:  The mindset behind winning at the highest level  The pressure of being “the one to beat”  Why success isn’t always sustainable  The devastating loss that changed everything  Walking away from competition—and finding purpose again  What riders don’t understand about judges  How to actually stand out in the showmanship pen This episode is for anyone who has ever:  Felt the pressure to perform  Questioned their place in the industry  Or wondered what comes after the dream Because sometimes… the story doesn’t end at the top. 🎙️ Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever felt like something is “off” with your horse but couldn’t quite explain it… this episode is for you. I sat down with an equine sports medicine veterinarian at Unionville Equine Associates to have the kind of conversation horse owners actually need—unfiltered, honest, and incredibly eye-opening. We’re talking about what vets really think (but don’t always say), how to better understand your horse as an athlete, and what goes into keeping them performing at their best. We get into:  The subtle signs your horse is trying to tell you something is wrong  What “maintenance” actually means (and where people get it wrong)  The truth about injections, PRP, and performance care  Why your vet is not judging your budget decisions  The biggest communication mistakes horse owners make  How supplements can sometimes do more harm than good  The importance of having a vet, trainer, and farrier working as a team  How AI technology is changing the way we detect lameness Plus, I walk through everything I’ve done with my own horse and get real-time feedback—which turned into a conversation every horse owner needs to hear. This episode will genuinely change the way you look at your horse’s performance, health, and care. And this is just Part 1… 👀 00:00 – Why we’re having this conversation   02:00 – What horse owners do that drives vets crazy (and what they don’t judge you for)   05:00 – The truth about cost, care, and realistic expectations   10:00 – Supplements: what works vs what’s a waste   15:00 – When you should call your vet (earlier than you think)   20:00 – What makes a great vet-client relationship   25:00 – Performance horses as athletes: what we’re missing   30:00 – Why “just inject the hocks” isn’t always the answer   35:00 – AI & lameness detection explained   40:00 – My horse Zeus: real case discussion   50:00 – Planning your horse’s performance season the right way This episode is sponsored by DAC Vitamins and Minerals. Not all vitamin E is created equal—and what matters most is absorption. Their new LQ E Natural W.S. uses nano-dispersed technology, which means smaller particles, better absorption, and more consistent results—especially for performance horses or horses needing support. If you’re just maintaining, their powdered version works great.  But if you need results—this is the one. Check it out at feeddac.com. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with the leadership team behind the Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association to talk about something many of us in the stock breed world are quietly wondering: Why are horse show numbers decreasing? We dive into the realities behind running an amateur horse show today — rising costs, financial management, sponsorship strategy, communication challenges, exhibitor feedback, and the delicate balance of creating competitive opportunity while maintaining community. But what stood out most wasn’t the logistics. It was the intention. The Ohio Amateur Quarter Horse Association has built a show culture rooted in inclusivity, rookie and Level 1 opportunities, engagement across age groups, and — most importantly — fun. Their leadership team has been intentional about listening to exhibitors, evolving with the times, and creating an experience that working amateurs actually want to be part of. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what it takes to sustain and grow an amateur horse show in today’s climate — and why community may be the most important strategy of all. If you care about the future of amateur showing, this episode is worth your time. This episode is sponsored by: Basic Equine Health. Kanter Kulture is proud to partner with Basic Animal Health, a trusted name in equine supplements and wellness products designed to help your horse look, feel, and perform at their best. From digestive and hindgut support to calming formulas for travel and show days, Basic Animal Health offers targeted solutions backed by quality manufacturing standards and thoughtfully formulated ingredients. Whether you’re hauling across the country, prepping for the show pen, or simply prioritizing your horse’s daily wellness, their product line supports intentional, results-driven care for serious horsemen. I only align with brands I genuinely trust in my own barn — and Basic Animal Health has become part of that routine. Explore their full line of horse products here:  👉 https://basicanimalhealth.com/collections/horse-products Use code ALIHUBBELL for 10% off sitewide. Thank you to Basic Animal Health for supporting Kanter Kulture and helping us continue bringing meaningful conversations to the equestrian community. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail This episode is an honest conversation sparked by one simple prompt — and it quickly became much more than that. We talk openly about the realities of moving up levels and affording the sport, and what that actually looks like beyond what social media shows. We get into trainer communication, collaboration, and ego — why healthy programs rely on clarity, not control, and how amateurs can advocate for themselves without burning bridges. We also talk about confidence and negativity, how comparison quietly creeps in, and why proximity to professionals doesn’t define success. There’s an honest look at evolving identity in the show pen — from pleasure to ranch, taking breaks, coming back after kids, and learning when to push forward versus when it’s time to pause. We touch on style and trends, not as rules to follow, but as tools — and unpack what no one really prepares you for when you start taking horses seriously: the emotional cost, the pressure, and the internal conversations no one sees. This isn’t an “ask me anything” episode.  It’s a grounded, real conversation for amateurs, trainers, and anyone trying to do this sport with intention. Because clarity matters — and the horse always comes first. 🎧 Listen with an open mind. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail There’s a version of motherhood we all think we’re supposed to live up to — and then there’s the real one. In this episode of Kanter Kulture, I sit down with Marissa Ledford — one of the iconic “Dalton sisters,” an AQHA competitor, a successful horsewoman in her own right, and a mom who is very much in the thick of it. This conversation is raw, honest, funny, and refreshingly unfiltered. We talk about what it actually looks like to be a mom and a horse girl — not the highlight reel, not the polished version, but the behind-the-scenes reality of trying to manage it all without losing yourself in the process. We get into: The mental load of motherhood and horses — and learning to manage your own expectationsThe emotional rollercoaster of kids who want to show horses… and the fear of what happens if they don’tNavigating school decisions (homeschool vs public school) and letting go of the judgment around bothMarriage, dating, and how to keep the spark alive when kids, careers, and chaos take overIdentity shifts after becoming a mom — including appearance, confidence, bras, bodies, plastic surgery, and the pressure to “bounce back”Giving yourself permission to evolve — as a woman, a mom, and a competitorThere’s no pretending here. No sugarcoating. No “perfect balance” myth. Just two moms having a real conversation about loving their kids deeply, loving horses fiercely, and learning how to exist somewhere in between. If you are: A mom trying to hold onto youA horse girl navigating motherhoodA woman who wants kids someday and wonders what that life really looks likeThis episode is for you. 🎧 Now live wherever you listen to podcasts. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796

Send us Fan Mail Motherhood Meets Horse Life: A 3-Part Podcast Series Being a mom is hard.  Being a horse girl is hard.  Being both? That’s a whole different level of chaos, grit, and humor. In this three-part podcast series, we’re getting real about what it looks like to juggle motherhood and life in the horse world — whether you’re an amateur, a professional, or a trainer whose job doesn’t stop just because your body is doing something wild. This series is for: Horse girls who became momsMoms who never stopped being horse girlsTrainers who rode through pregnancyRiders who wondered “how the hell do you do both?”🎙 Episode 1: Trainer Moms Tell All Guests: Blair Townsend & Samantha Aderhold This first episode kicks things off with humor, honesty, and zero sugar-coating. Blair and Samantha — both professional horse trainers — share the good, the bad, and the ugly of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the realities of trying to ride, work, and train while growing a human. We talk about: Riding while pregnant (yes, really)The physical and emotional changes nobody warns you aboutTrainer guilt, barn responsibilities, and setting boundariesLaugh-out-loud moments and very real “why did nobody tell me this?” storiesIt’s raw, funny, slightly unhinged, and extremely relatable — especially for women who live a physically demanding horse life. This episode sets the tone for the series and opens the door to deeper conversations in Episodes 2 and 3, which explore motherhood in the horse world from additional perspectives you won’t want to miss. 👉 This is a series meant to be listened to start-to-finish. Support the show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560033977796