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In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I’m joined by Maxi Witrak — a comedian, actor, and lifelong horse girl whose story perfectly blends humor, heart, and honesty. Maxi grew up riding horses in Seattle before moving to Los Angeles, where she built a career in comedy and acting. We talk about how her mom first introduced her to the horse world, the many disciplines she explored growing up — from Arabians and Morgans to hunter-jumper and Western — and why she still dreams of owning a cutting horse someday. She opens up about a formative and traumatic childhood experience of having her pony sold, how that moment shaped her emotionally, and why horses continue to teach empathy, responsibility, and care for something bigger than yourself. We also dive into the contrast between performance nerves on stage versus in the show ring, and how she ultimately realized her path was always meant to be in art and performance rather than professional riding. Maxi shares what it’s like to be an equestrian in the comedy world, how leaning into horse-related humor on social media helped her grow a following, and the challenges of maintaining realness as an audience gets bigger. We talk candidly about dealing with online criticism — especially when it comes from people close to you — and her advice for anyone trying to build a personal brand online. And yes… we absolutely get into the story of an LA trail ride with bottomless mimosas that went wildly off the rails. This episode is funny, vulnerable, and incredibly relatable for anyone navigating creativity, visibility, and staying gro tunded while chasing big goals. WATCH

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I’m taking a step back to reflect on a year that stretched me in ways I didn’t expect — personally, professionally, and within the horse world. 2025 was hard. I struggled, I questioned myself, and I watched so many other adult amateurs go through similar seasons. I even managed to break my ankle in a ball pit while playing with my nephew — a reminder that life doesn’t always slow down when you need it to. But through all of it, I’ve chosen to see 2026 as a year of opportunity, growth, and intention. I talk openly about the evolution of my brand, KB Media Equine, and why taking the risk to produce a docuseries felt scary — but ultimately became one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. We dive into what it really means to think bigger than your fear, face insecurities head-on, and stop shrinking your dreams to feel safe. This episode also touches on real conversations happening in the horse world — including trainer-client dynamics, unspoken power struggles, and my long-term goal of building a community that feels honest, supportive, and grounded in shared experience. I reflect on my two horses, the lessons 2025 forced me to learn, and the direction I’m intentionally stepping into for 2026. At its core, this episode is an invitation: ✨ to dream louder ✨ to pursue the goals you’ve been putting off ✨ and to reconnect with why horses matter so deeply to us Thank you for being here and for supporting this podcast. I’m endlessly grateful for this community, and I’d love to hear what you’re calling in for the year ahead — share it in the comments and let’s move forward together.

In today’s episode, I’m catching you up on a very full couple of weeks — from local horse shows to scary moments, derby fun, and prepping for GHJA Finals with Ollie and Sunny. I talk about my love for local shows and our most recent derby event, plus how I use forage-based diets to keep my horses feeling their best. If you’ve been here awhile, you already know how much I swear by Standlee — their Timothy pellets and compressed bales have been total game-changers, especially for picky eaters. We even did a photo shoot with them recently, which was so much fun! Before the show, I had a pretty frightening moment while hacking Ollie — he tripped hard and almost fell, and it took the wind out of both of us. Because of his past EPM struggles, anything like that sends my anxiety through the roof. The next day, Sunny and I showed… and let’s just say I briefly forgot how to ride 😅 But we pulled it together and ended up placing 4th in the hack. Both boys made me proud, as always. I also talk a bit about vulnerability, communicating openly in this sport, and how important it is to share the real moments — the wins, the fear, the frustration, and everything in between. If you’re an adult amateur juggling life, overbooking yourself (hi, it’s me 🙋🏼‍♀️), and still doing your best with your horses every day, you are absolutely not alone. Let me know your thoughts on Standlee, how your show season went, and what goals you're setting for next year. I love hearing from this community, and I’m so grateful we get to do this together. 🫶 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and share your own horse show stories with me! WATCH Here Standlee 

In this episode, we’re recording right from the horse show grounds—Hannah isn’t with us today—so it’s Alexis and her horse stepping into a flat class together. Alexis opens up about the nerves that come with putting a horse in the ring for good, confidence-building experiences, even when you’re not totally sure what’s going to happen. We talk about how differently we ride now compared to when we were juniors: more grace for ourselves, less pressure to be perfect, and a deeper focus on creating positive moments for our horses. We dive into the unique pressure that comes with riding seasoned horses, the expectations adult amateurs carry, and how much support from the community means in this sport. Alexis also shares the real-life balancing act of being a mom and a rider—and how learning to ask for help has become part of her growth both inside and outside the arena. This episode is a celebration of the real equestrian life—the nerves, the joy, the community, the parenting juggle, and the constant balancing act of chasing your passion while caring for the horses you love. It’s a reminder that we’re all doing our best, and none of us are doing it alone. Watch

In this episode, we chat with a Product Marketing Manager from Garmin about their groundbreaking new wearable for horses — the Garmin BLAZE Smart Heart Rate & Health Monitor. They share the behind-the-scenes story of how this revolutionary product came to life — from testing on horses across different disciplines to uncovering new insights about equine health and fitness. The BLAZE tracks your horse’s heart rate, temperature, activity levels, and recovery, helping riders make data-driven decisions about training and wellbeing. We also get a sneak peek at Garmin’s next innovation, the Garmin™ Wearable GPS, which takes equine health monitoring even further with features like sleep tracking, fitness metrics, and recovery data. If you’re passionate about horses, tech, or performance tracking — this episode is a must-listen! 👉 Check out their amazing product! https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/1277934/ Xoxo, Kelly

In this episode, Alexis and I dive into a topic that so many riders can relate to — dealing with toxic trainers in the equestrian world. We’ve all either experienced it ourselves or watched someone else go through it, and it’s time to have an open, honest conversation about it. We share our personal experiences and unpack what really makes a trainer “toxic,” from emotional manipulation to poor communication and blurred boundaries. We also talk about the responsibility that both trainers and clients share in keeping relationships professional and healthy — and why setting boundaries, being honest, and communicating clearly matter so much in this sport. We even touch on whether horse trainers should be regulated, how to find the right fit for you, and how to protect your mental health and peace in a sometimes chaotic industry. At the end of the day, we both believe that training should be something you enjoy — not something that causes stress — and, as we like to say, communication is lubrication. WATCH

In this special one-year anniversary episode, we celebrate a full year of being on air and building an incredible equestrian community! Joining us for this milestone conversation is Kali Crosby, a gifted animal communicator who helps her clients connect with their animals on a deeper level to uncover what they truly need. Kali shares how she discovered her unique ability to speak with animals, the process she uses to tune into their emotions, and how her work has transformed relationships between horses, pets, and their people. From solving behavioral challenges to helping owners better understand their animals’ emotional and physical needs, Kali’s insights are both fascinating and heartwarming. We reflect on the journey this podcast has taken over the past year—every story, laugh, and connection that’s brought our community closer together. It’s a celebration of growth, purpose, and the magic that happens when passion meets authenticity. We love you guys and happy 1 year together!  Watch

In this episode, I sit down with Brad DiMaggio from Scrapyard Media to talk all things filmmaking, pre-production, and the chaos of shooting in the performance boating world. Brad and I first met while working for a mutual client — and let’s just say, things got a little wild when we got kicked out of a boat race mid-filming! From there, we dive into what makes great content actually work: planning, teamwork, and the power of good pre-production. We also chat about our shared experiences filming the Devon Horse Show, dealing with unpredictable weather, troubleshooting on the fly, and why great audio can make or break a story. Brad shares how Scrapyard Media started, their goals for the future, and what it’s like balancing creative vision with real-world logistics. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to pull off a big production—or just want some behind-the-scenes laughs from the field—you’ll love this one.

In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, I sit down with Courtney, who opens up about the emotional journey with her mare, Frida. When Courtney first brought Frida home, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, even though the mare had passed a pre-purchase exam. Over time, that intuition proved true. Frida was later diagnosed with multiple neck injuries, including internal stenosis and a fractured bone. Courtney shares the long and difficult road of seeking answers, advocating for her horse, and ultimately making the decision to pursue multiple surgeries to help Frida breathe and live comfortably again. This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with hope, a reminder that sometimes, listening to your gut can make all the difference!

Hosting a live episode of The Plaidcast during the Inside the Ingate Season Finale Watch Party was such a special moment for me. There’s something about being surrounded by my local horse people community — sharing stories, laughter, and memories — that reminds me why I love doing this! For this episode, I had the chance to talk with Cheryl Simms, the Horse Show Manager at Wills Park Equestrian Center, and Piper Klemm, Publisher of The Plaid Horse. Wills Park has been a vital part of the Atlanta horse community for decades, and hearing Cheryl share its history and her vision for its future was truly inspiring. We discussed how the park has evolved, the renovations and fundraising efforts that sustain it, and Cheryl’s mission to ensure it remains affordable, welcoming, and community-driven. Piper brought great insight into why it’s so important to preserve spaces like this — places where riders can grow, connect, and feel at home in the sport. For me, this conversation really highlighted the heart behind what we do. Wills Park isn’t just a showgrounds — it’s a reflection of how much love and dedication go into keeping equestrian life alive at every level.

In this heartfelt episode, Alexis opens up about the challenges of being a new mom while also balancing life as an adult amateur rider and equestrian enthusiast. She shares the guilt she often feels for not being able to spend as much time with her horses as she once did and reflects on how motherhood has shifted her priorities and daily rhythms. Alexis also discusses the difficulty of finding joy outside of being a mom, reminding herself and listeners of the importance of prioritizing their own happiness and well-being. She speaks candidly about feelings of inadequacy and guilt, but also emphasizes the importance of giving oneself grace during this season of life. Throughout the episode, Alexis encourages other moms in the equestrian community to find small, meaningful ways to keep horses in their lives, even if it looks different than before. She also invites listeners to share their own experiences, advice, and encouragement, highlighting the strength of community and shared understanding. WATCH

In this episode, Alexis and I finally got to catch up after being apart for a bit! We started with some updates, including hair, a new Garmin watch, and the fact that Alexis has been getting very little sleep, before diving into what’s new in our horse lives. Alexis opened up about how challenging it’s been to ride regularly since becoming a mom, and what it felt like to ride her friend’s very well-trained horse. She shared how fun it was, but also how nerve-wracking it can be riding someone else’s horse when you don’t want to mess anything up. Of course, we couldn’t resist a little barn talk, everything from horse trailer prices (and my “trailer anxiety” story) to a horse-shaped pipe cleaner that turned out to be a total fail. We even touched on footing. If you’re an adult amateur balancing real life with barn life, this episode will feel all too familiar. 🐴💬

In this episode, I reflect on the incredible experience of premiering Season 2 of Inside the Ingate at the Devon Horse Show. From seeing the show on the big screen to watching riders and viewers react, it was a moment full of pride, nerves, and excitement. I dive into the mission behind the series—showcasing the behind-the-scenes world of equestrian sports, giving riders and participants the chance to tell their own stories, and exploring the challenges, nerves, and triumphs that often go unseen. I hope you guys enjoy!

This week on The Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, we’re at the Wills Park Benefit Show and sitting down with some incredible guests who are shaping the equestrian community in unique ways! Brooke Bryant (Dillard’s) talks about why Dillard’s sponsors events like this one and shares the hottest trends for fall. Kelly from Harbin Agency breaks down the importance of equine insurance, how it protects both horse and rider, and why it’s more affordable than you may think. Heather Steinman (Strays 4 Days) shares her inspiring journey rescuing cats, the challenges strays face, and the joy of rehoming them. Matt (South State Bank) gives insights into banking for equestrians, budgeting tips, and his personal connection to Wills Park. It’s a fun, insightful, and heartwarming look at how fashion, finance, and animal rescue all connect within the equestrian lifestyle.

This week has been a whirlwind! Episode 3 of Inside the Ingate premiered at the Will’s Park Benefit Show, and I’m so grateful for the incredible support this community has shown. In this episode, you’ll also see Nick and Matthew in the International Derby at the Devon Horse Show; their rides reminded me of the importance of patience, partnership, and listening to our horses. I also open up about my own training journey with my horse. Riding hasn’t been easy lately. Between old fears, PTSD, and the pressure I put on myself, I’ve had to really focus on giving my horse positive rides even when I feel anxious or insecure. This podcast is about honesty, growth, and remembering why we ride in the first place. I hope sharing my journey reminds other adult amateurs that you’re not alone! 💙