**Disclaimer: Liz's audio is not great for this episode, we are working on getting her a new mic. Thanks for the understanding!**
In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, we facilitate a roundtable discussion about the state of horse welfare in the stock horse show industry. The conversation includes insights from professionals, amateurs, and a veterinary medicine expert.
The panelists touch on the importance of self-policing within the industry, the pressures faced by trainers, and the necessity of better educating the public about our equine care and practices. They also explore the need for more stewards, the role of associations in consistently enforcing welfare rules, and the potential for involving amateurs in stewardship.
The episode highlights the multifaceted nature of horse welfare and the steps required to foster a more humane and transparent industry.
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00:00 Welcome to the On the Rail Podcast
01:07 Housekeeping and Giveaways
02:05 Introducing the Roundtable Guests
02:49 Colton Crystal's Background
03:11 Chelsea's Journey in the Horse Industry
03:43 Angelica Siegel's Return to the Industry
04:21 Suzi's Veterinary Perspective
05:31 Amanda Delgado's Unique Path
06:10 Western Dressage and AQHA
07:31 Discussing Horse Welfare Rules
11:02 Tail Testing and Industry Challenges
29:51 Public Perception and Industry Standards
51:22 Understanding Misconceptions in the Horse Industry
52:26 Welfare Challenges in Breed Shows
56:07 Open Communication with Clients
57:30 Balancing Competitive Goals and Horse Welfare
01:01:12 Health and Wellness Concerns
01:03:32 The Importance of Policing Ourselves
01:06:16 The Issue with Riding Two-Year-Olds
01:14:13 Enforcing Welfare Rules in Associations
01:25:29 Educating the Public and Industry Members
01:35:06 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
