Shows
Equestrian Adult AmateurHow Teamwork Wins Championships: With Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, & Carleton Brooks I Ep 29This week on the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, I sit down with three of the biggest names in the hunter ring: Nick Haness, Traci Brooks, and Carleton Brooks.
Together, we talk about what it takes to build a winning program — from horse selection and team dynamics to mentorship, mental preparation, and behind-the-scenes organization.
Nick opens up about what allows him to focus fully in the show ring, trusting that everything behind the scenes is taken care of. Traci and Carleton dive into their detailed approach to planning, communication, and developing top hunters and clients across th...2025-07-2938 minEquestrian Adult AmateurBuilding Brands & Balance: Ina Forssén on POMME, Amiko and Friends, and Real Life In the Saddle I Ep 28In this episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, Alexis and I sat down with the incredibly inspiring Ina Forssén—the founder of equestrian fashion brand POMME and co-founder of Amiko and Friends. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, struggled to balance your barn life with your real life, or felt the pressure to fit into traditional equestrian style boxes, this conversation is for you.
Ina has been riding since she was a kid and always had a passion for fashion alongside horses. She wanted something more modern, colorful, and expressive than what...2025-07-2443 minEquestrian Adult AmateurStereotypes & Pressures Of The Horse Community | Ep 27Alexis and I are back—with a new recording location but the same honest conversations you’ve come to expect from us.
In this episode, we dove into some of the real-life challenges we’re facing with our horses, especially Alexis’s gelding who’s been dealing with some tough hoof issues. That naturally led us into the hot topic of farrier fees, expectations, and the controversy surrounding the value of their work. I also shared a few listener comments that added even more depth to the conversation.
We got real about the struggle of balancing...2025-07-1630 minEquestrian Adult AmateurLet's Be Honest | Ep 26In this episode, I opened up about something really personal: the backlash and negativity I’ve been facing online and in my local equestrian community. As someone who’s always approached content with creativity and humor—often poking fun at myself and the culture around us—it’s been disheartening to see how easily that can be misunderstood or twisted.
I talked about the weight of rumors, judgment, and the frustration that comes with feeling like you’re constantly defending yourself while just trying to build something meaningful. I’ve worked hard to grow a business I believe in, an...2025-07-1139 minEquestrian Adult AmateurEquestrian Marketing 101 | Ep 25In this episode, I talked about some of the real challenges equestrian brands—especially in the apparel and clothing space—are facing right now when it comes to marketing. For a long time, our industry has relied heavily on reputation and word of mouth. But with the way technology and consumer behavior have evolved, that just isn’t enough anymore.
I pointed out how, unlike other industries (like cookies—yes, cookies!), equestrian brands often look and sound the same online. There’s a lack of originality and a real missed opportunity to create distinction. We’re not just selling...2025-07-0829 minEquestrian Adult AmateurEquestrians, what is behind the highlight reel? | Ep 24In this episode of The Equestrian Adult Amateur , hosts Alexis and Kelly provide a heartfelt update on their lives, sharing the latest happenings with their horses and how they’ve recently settled into a busy yet fulfilling routine. They dive deep into the challenges faced in the equestrian community, particularly the unrealistic expectations and pressures exacerbated by social media.
Kelly opens up about the constant comparison to elite riders and trainers, emphasizing the need to uplift the stories of everyday riders—those who balance jobs, families, and financial limitations—bringing a more relatable perspective to the sport. They pas...2025-06-2537 minEquestrian Adult AmateurCalling All Adult Amateurs w/ Leslie Segars | Ep 23In this episode of our podcast, I’m Kelly Berry, and I’m thrilled to welcome my co-host, Alexis, along with our special guest, Leslie Segars. Leslie is the trainer and owner of a barn specifically catered to adult amateurs, and she shares her inspiring journey in the horse world, highlighting her passion for creating a supportive environment for fellow riders.
Leslie emphasizes the importance of having fun in this sport. She reminds us that there’s no pressure to compete if it’s not something we truly enjoy. Our conversation focuses on fostering genuine connections with our hors...2025-06-1731 minEquestrian Adult AmateurDevon Deets & Season 2 Highlights | Ep 22In this heartfelt episode of The Equestrian Amateur, I take you along on my recent trip to the beautiful Devon Horse Show, a place that holds a special significance for me. As I filmed season two of *Inside the Gate*, I encountered a whirlwind of highs and lows that shaped my experience. I’m so excited to share the relatable and down-to-earth stories of both top riders and amateur athletes, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the real struggles and joys of the equestrian sport.
I also introduce the two incredible amateur riders featured in this season, Piper an...2025-06-0938 minEquestrian Adult AmateurSocial Stigmas & Horse Dramas | Nina Cua | Ep 21In this engaging episode, hosts Kelly and Alexis welcome guest Nina to share stories from her first meeting with Kelly and her fascinating journey into the world of social media. Nina discusses her passion for horses and how she started posting horse-related content, quickly gaining a dedicated following in just a year. As a certified equine massage therapist, she delves into the benefits of equine massage, a profession she embraced after researching techniques to improve her own horse's health.
Nina also shares her future aspirations, which include expanding her business to incorporate additional therapies like acupuncture and...2025-06-0444 minEquestrian Adult AmateurHorse Expenses...No Husbands Allowed | Ep 20 Welcome back to *The Equestrian Adult Amateur*! In this episode, Kelly and Alexis dive into the sometimes pricey world of equestrian gear and horse care. They start by chatting about the costs of owning horses, especially when it comes to supplements and health care, which can really add up. They also discuss riding pants and how it can be hard to justify spending a bunch of money on something that’s just going to get dirty.
But don't worry—they highlight the importance of sun shirts, especially as riders get older. Protecting our skin from the sun becom...2025-05-0527 minEquestrian Adult AmateurLIVE Podcast | Taylor Land | Inside The Inagte Premier | Ep 19In this episode of *The Equestrian Adult Amateur*, Kelly and Alexis are thrilled to welcome professional show jumper Taylor Land! This conversation was recorded at the premiere of a docuseries, Inside The Ingate, that features Taylor, which Kelly's media agency had the incredible opportunity to shoot.
The hosts chat about their recent experience at a horse show where they watched Taylor compete and picked up some fantastic tips from her training style. Taylor emphasizes the importance of mixing up training routines and using clever hacks to keep horses engaged and at their best.
Things get...2025-05-0122 minEquestrian Adult AmateurDocuSeries & Horse Shows | Ep 18In this episode, I recount my recent experience at the Winter Equestrian Center in Ocala, where I had the wonderful opportunity to film a docuseries focused on equestrians and their real journeys. We are eager to capture diverse stories that reflect the unique challenges and triumphs in our community, and I believe this series will help fill an important gap in equestrian storytelling.
We discuss how horse shows can often appear intimidating, yet we emphasize that every competitor, regardless of skill level or location, shares similar emotions and struggles during these events.
We engage in...2025-04-2243 minEquestrian Adult AmateurEquine Acupuncture & Chiropractic W/ Amanda Cerniglia | Ep 17In this episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Cerniglia, a veterinarian who specializes in acupuncture and chiropractic care for animals, particularly horses. We were excited to dive into Amanda's extensive background and experience in alternative therapies and how they can benefit our beloved pets.
During our conversation, Amanda explained the principles of acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote balance and treat various health issues. She shared how she assesses a horse's health by checking their pulse and tongue, helping to identify any imbalances that...2025-04-0750 minEquestrian Adult AmateurFlying High with Taylor Land | Ep 16In this inspiring episode, we sit down with professional showjumper Taylor Land, who shares her remarkable journey in the equestrian world. From a young age, Taylor has had a profound love for horses, and her path has been filled with challenges, injuries, and setbacks that have only fueled her determination to succeed.
Taylor emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-belief, encouraging young riders—and especially little girls—to pursue their dreams with confidence and tenacity. As she competes in three-star events, she reflects on her experiences and expresses excitement about where her journey will lead next. Throughout our...2025-03-2438 minEquestrian Adult AmateurForage First w/ Triple Crown Feed | Ep 15In this enlightening episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Stacy Anderson, a seasoned feeding consultant for Triple Crown Nutrition. With over 13 years of experience, she shared invaluable insights into the world of equine nutrition and the critical role it plays in maintaining healthy horses. We discussed the importance of forage and how to find the right forms and amounts of feed tailored to each horse’s unique dietary needs.
Stacy emphasized the pitfalls of falling for supplement scams and relying too much on information found online. She made it clear that it’s best to seek...2025-03-1138 minEquestrian Adult AmateurHorse Mama's & New Adventures with Aly Black | Ep 14In this exciting episode, we dive into the transformative journey of motherhood and the joys of balancing it with our passion for horses.
We’re thrilled to have Aly Black as our guest, who shares her inspiring story of becoming a mom and how it has shaped her equestrian life. Aly opens up about her experiences during pregnancy and how she approached the challenges of maintaining her connection to the equestrian world. She shares heartfelt insights into how she knew from the start that riding would always be a part of her life, even if it looked di...2025-03-0441 minEquestrian Adult AmateurHorse Finances & Husband Dilemmas | Ep 13Hi everyone! In this episode, I sit down with my amazing co-host Alexis for the first time in two months, and there's so much to catch up on! Alexis has recently welcomed her beautiful baby into the world, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
We dive into her journey of adapting to motherhood while juggling her passion for horses. As we chat, Alexis shares her highs and lows from these past couple of months, and I’m in awe of her strength and resilience. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how valuable our friendship is, especi...2025-02-2035 minEquestrian Adult AmateurA Modern Approach to Horse Training with Alison Sims Courtney | Ep 12In this engaging episode of the podcast, Kelly and I interview Alison Courtney, an accomplished equestrian trainer and coach. Alison shares her unique approach to working with adult amateur riders while helping them navigate their budgets effectively. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals that align with one's financial situation and encourages an open-minded attitude when working with green horses.
Alison's journey in the equestrian world is truly inspiring. She talks about her upbringing in Georgia, her dual pursuit of a degree in occupational therapy, and how her passion for teaching blossomed through mentorship and varied...2025-02-131h 01Equestrian Adult AmateurReading Comments & Personal Discoveries || Ep 11In this heartfelt episode, we, Alexis and Kelly, explore our contrasting approaches to managing the chaos of our busy lives. While one of us thrives on structure and rules, the other embraces the unpredictability of life, and we unpack how our mindsets affect our productivity, especially in terms of horse care and achieving success in our equestrian endeavors. Our conversation delves into the nerves that come with being involved in the equestrian world.
Kelly shares her upcoming role as an announcer at the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association banquet, expressing all the anxious feelings that come with such...2025-02-0334 minEquestrian Adult AmateurEquestrian Adult Amateur Round Table: GHJA FinalsIn this lively episode, we dive into the fun and relatable experiences of adult amateur riders in the equestrian world. We kick things off with a humorous discussion about the hilarious skits called "The Equestrian Adult Amateur," where we poke fun at the quirks and challenges we all face as we navigate this sport.
Tune in as we share laughter and insights, and our listeners will surely relate to those “Are you talking about me?” moments! We dive deep into what it takes to prepare for a horse show, acknowledging that sometimes, adult amateurs may need a litt...2025-01-2019 minEquestrian Adult AmateurHorse Trainers & Adult Amateurs | Amanda Steege | Ep 10In this exciting episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Amanda Steege at the Winter Series in sunny Ocala, Florida! As a renowned figure in the hunter/jumper community, Amanda shared her incredible journey, growing up in Massachusetts surrounded by horses thanks to her parents' influence as trainers. From excelling in pony hunters to junior hunters and equitation rings, Amanda's early achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career. We talked about her successful establishment of Ash Meadow Farm in Califon, NJ, and Ocala, FL, where she focuses on developing young talents and coaching amateur riders.
2025-01-1350 minEquestrian Adult AmateurLocal Horse Shows | Cheryl Sims | Ep 9In this heartfelt interview, Cheryl Sims opens up about her daughter's remarkable journey in the equestrian world and her dedicated involvement with the Wills Park equestrian center. Cheryl shares insights into the challenges and successes of developing the equestrian park, emphasizing its importance as a safe haven for children and a positive outlet that keeps them engaged and out of trouble.
Listeners will learn about the Wills Park Foundation's mission to protect the equestrian facility from redevelopment, as well as the ongoing efforts to refurbish and improve the park with t
he help of donations...2024-12-3027 minEquestrian Adult AmateurThe Horse Whisperer | Kevin Hunter | Ep 8In this captivating interview of the Equestrian Adult Amateur, equestrian trainer Kevin Hunter unveils his deep-seated passion for horses and the vital significance of commencing with groundwork before embarking on the journey of riding. He eloquently emphasizes the necessity of consistency in training and the invaluable lessons gleaned from fellow practitioners. The interviewer expresses heartfelt gratitude for Kevin's insights and extends a warm invitation for him to conduct a clinic at their abode come spring.
Known as "The Cowboy", this horse whisperer and trainer harmonizes with a diverse array of horses, prioritizing the cultivation of relationships and...2024-12-1737 minEquestrian Adult AmateurHow Has Horse Showing Changed? | Ep 7In this compelling episode, we sit down with Megan Thiel, the president of the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association (GHJA), as she shares her inspiring journey growing up with horses and carving out a successful career in the equestrian world. Megan emphasizes the significance of true horsemanship and discusses her ambitious goals for the GHJA, including enhancements to the show jumping community in Georgia and the future of equestrian sports .
Megan reveals the realities of the sport, discussing its financial demands and how passion fuels perseverance among those who remain devoted to it. She paints a vivid picture of t...2024-12-1133 minEquestrian Adult AmateurDoes Barn Family Really Matter? | Ep 6Join your hosts, Alexis and Kelly, as they dive into the heart of the equestrian community and how it shapes their lives as adult amateur riders. In this episode, they reflect on how they met through this shared passion, riding at different barns while keeping their friendship strong. They chat about the importance of finding a supportive trainer and a positive barn vibe, plus how tough it can be when you bring your horse home and leave the safety net of your equestrian crew.
Alexis and Kelly share their own stories of loneliness and anxiety when riding...2024-12-0231 minEquestrian Adult AmateurAdult Ammy Life: Finances, Insecurities, Communitity with Carly Durst | Ep 5In this heartfelt episode, guest Carly Durst reflects on her incredible journey through the world of horses, from her childhood fascination with riding to her adventures in eventing and the jumpers. After experiencing burnout at 14, Carly took a break from the saddle, focusing on her career and entrepreneurial ventures. However, her love for horses never faded, leading her back to riding as an adult, where she discovered renewed passion and purpose. Join guest Carly, and hosts Kelly, and Alexis of the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast as they explore the pivotal moments of her equestrian journey, including how to find...2024-11-1959 minEquestrian Adult AmateurDana Karen Founder of Green Pony | Ep 4In this captivating episode of the Equestrian Adult Amateur podcast, hosts Kelly and Alexis explore the world of equestrian grooming with Dana Karen, the visionary founder of Green Pony. Dana shares her inspiring journey in creating her eco-friendly product line, emphasizing the philosophy behind her all-natural, water-based grooming solutions. The conversation delves into Dana's new ear grooming product set to launch this spring, showcasing her commitment to rigorous product testing and the importance of using safe, non-toxic ingredients for horses. Listeners will learn about the extensive 15-year research journey that led to the development of Green Pony Fly Spray...2024-11-0546 minEquestrian Adult AmateurWhat is a Pre-Purchase Exam? | Ep 3In this enlightening episode of our podcast, hosts Kelly and Alexis dive deep into the world of pre-purchase exams (PPE) for horses with renowned veterinarian Dr. Fernando Marques, who specializes in equine sports medicine. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role a PPE plays in ensuring the health and soundness of a horse before purchase, highlighting the value of a thorough examination that includes reviewing medical history, conducting physical exams, and possibly running additional tests like X-rays and bloodwork. Listeners will glean insights into how the purpose of the horse—be it for sports, leisure, or other uses—can influence the...2024-10-2944 minEquestrian Adult AmateurBarn/Life Balance, does it exist? | Ep 2In this enlightening and uplifting episode, hosts Kelly and Alexis tackle the challenge of balancing their equestrian lifestyle with personal relationships, work commitments, and family life. They share their heartfelt experiences navigating the unique demands of competitive horse showing , all while emphasizing the importance of communication and understanding in every aspect of life. Join them as they discuss the intricate dance of managing their time between friends, spouses, and horses , offering insights into how relationships evolve as priorities shift over time. They candidly address the misconceptions non-horse people may have about the significant time and financial commitment involved in...2024-10-0737 minEquestrian Adult AmateurBuying & Selling Horses | Ep 1
Welcome to the Equestrian Adult Amateur Podcast, where we get real and honest about the joys and challenges of pursuing our horse girl dreams! Join us as we dive into the everyday realities of life, work, and relationships, all while nurturing our passion for horses. Each week, we tackle a variety of engaging topics—from equine nutrition and veterinary care to navigating barn relationships and mastering the art of horse showing. We’ll share tips and tricks to help you thrive in the barn and beyond, while connecting with a community of like-minded adult amateurs who understand the u...2024-10-0131 min