Shows
Two Trips and a DragMercury, Mud, and Mayhem: A Wild Weekend at the Horse ShowTwo friends trade weekend stories: Mercury in retrograde, wild weather and wind that upended horse jumps, a dramatic Pony Mom ribbon confrontation, and a steward who kept things from spiraling. They also recap fox hunting, a lively hunt ball with bourbon tastings, and behind-the-scenes judging drama.
The episode mixes light-hearted banter with practical tips about handling shows, hound and terrier life, and upcoming events — all told with humor and local color.
2026-02-2633 minTwo Trips and a DragThe national Horse Show moves to Tryon & Hunt Ball Gowns — Ep. 22Hosts trade playful banter about language quirks and a confessed Diet Coke habit before diving into horse-show talk.
The episode focuses on the National Horse Show moving to Tryon, weighing conveniences, concerns about facilities and travel, and asking for listener feedback.
They also share World Equestrian Games quarantine stories, a surprise five-star winner, jump-design passion, and prep for the Hunt Ball.
2026-02-2336 minTwo Trips and a DragThey Took the Horse Swap Away: The Equitation Final ControversyHosts return after a break to chat from WEC Ocala about the five‑star week, stunning stallions, and a challenging equitation class that tested top riders with no‑stirrups and multiple rounds.
They debate rule changes in equitation finals, lament the loss of the horse‑swap test, and praise standout riders and course design.
Other highlights include a surprising USEF update on mules in the hunter ring, chaotic peacock stories, trailer and tack nostalgia, and upcoming announcing plans.
2026-02-1342 minTwo Trips and a DragIce-Mageddon & Horse Drama: Episode 20 ShenanigansHosts celebrate episode 20 while prepping for "Ice-mageddon," swapping stories about horse care, barn bargains, transport risks, and rescue concerns. They discuss podcast tech struggles, judging and USEF frustrations, college riding cuts, and a planned Oregon Trail wagon ride — all with humor and heartfelt worry for animals and the horse community.
2026-02-1352 minTwo Trips and a DragRibbons, Vaulting and Grand Prix: A Night with Mallory ValeHosts Triena and Sam chat with Grand Prix rider and breeder Mallory Norton Vale about barn life, a mysterious package of antique ribbons, and raising a daughter who vaults and rides. They cover vaulting horses, managing a busy Ocala farm, traveling to shows like Dinard and Thermal, and balancing parenthood with a competitive riding career.
This episode blends barn anecdotes, travel stories, and practical talk about training, social media, and the realities of life in the show world.
2026-01-1346 minTwo Trips and a DragAuthentic Hustle: How Jay Built a Boutique Horse Business and an IEA ProgramIn this New Year episode hosts Trena and Sam welcome Jay Moore to share his path from Montgomery, Alabama to riding in college, working for top trainers, and building his own boutique business, Authentic LLC, in Huntsville.
Jay describes his years at Finley, working for David Beisel and others, coaching IEA teams to zone and national success, and the ups and downs of running a lesson and show program while keeping things authentic and horse-focused.
2026-01-071h 02Two Trips and a DragFrom Memphis Rescue to Rising Costs — Holiday ConfessionsSam and Trena celebrate the holidays with a mix of heart and humor: a surprise rescue of a blind, deaf senior dog from a veteran, family holiday updates, and funny Memphis escapades.
They also dig into serious industry talk about rising costs for trainers and lesson programs, charity highlights like the NHL teddy bear drive, and everyday barn life, finishing with light anecdotes about Topgolf, possums, and re-watching Ted Lasso.
2025-12-3149 minTwo Trips and a DragRoatan, Re-Rides and Foxhounds — Episode 16Sam returns from a wild cruise trip — no Wi‑Fi, a shocking $100 soda cup, nonstop drinks, a belly‑flop contest, and sunny highlights from Roatan.
The hosts also dig into horse show controversies like heavy class schedules, the new re‑ride rule, and judging headaches.
They finish with a deep dive into foxhounds and hunting life, plus holiday plans and upcoming guests.
2025-12-2245 minTwo Trips and a DragFrom IHSA to 3‑Star: Adora, Ocala and a Rider's GritHosts Trena and Sam celebrate downloads, trade barn‑party stories and sponsor wishlists before welcoming eventer Sammy McCarthy.
Sammy shares her riding roots (IHSA at Murray State), her long partnership with the mare Adora, training with top coaches, and the unexpected detour of emergency eye surgery during a trip to Ocala.
The episode covers biosecurity concerns after EHV‑1 reports, life with retired horses, Sammy's new warmblood Luke, and plenty of barn anecdotes and travel tales.
2025-12-0851 minTwo Trips and a DragChristmas Carriages & Gators: Behind the Scenes at Lawton StablesHosts chat with Haley Zimmerman about Lawton Stables on Hilton Head — its holiday traditions, trail and carriage rides, the lively petting zoo and the care that keeps visitors coming back.
They share memories from college days, barn stories, local shows and why the farm is a beloved holiday destination for families and riders alike.
2025-12-0252 minTwo Trips and a DragEpisode 300: Thanksgiving, EHV-1 Alert & Barn Biosecurity Survival TipsIn this 300th episode they cover Thanksgiving plans, podcast updates, and a deep dive into the recent EHV-1 outbreak — sharing first-hand experience from a Finley outbreak, critical biosecurity tips (daily temperatures, true quarantine, and hose/bucket hygiene), and the role of social media in spreading awareness.
They also touch on barn life hacks like theraplate therapy, holiday party and gift ideas for trainers, equipment care, USEF rule changes, and nostalgic early-morning horse show moments.
2025-11-241h 02Two Trips and a DragTwo-Point Drama, Social Media & Irish Foxhunting StoriesEpisode 12 of Two Trips and a Drag celebrates milestones with hosts Trena and Sam and guest Leah Smaller. They discuss the Blessing of the Hounds, hunting attire and helmets, and hilarious foxhunting memories from Ireland.
The conversation also covers Finley college days and alumni connections, showing at WEC and local derbies, working with young and sale horses, and barn life topics like phone use and social media. They touch on new equitation rules (two-point test) and share anecdotes from the show circuit.
2025-11-171h 02Two Trips and a DragMaria Kneipp guest & Pony Finals ShenanigansThree longtime friends chat about horse shows, old barn stories, trials and sales, a hot-mic judge controversy, and proud parent moments from the sidelines.
They swap funny memories from Pony Finals and WEC, discuss horse trials and trials-to-buy, share hiring misadventures, and celebrate small victories on and off the farm.
2025-11-1159 minTwo Trips and a DragEpisode 10: Building Better Hunters — Raising Safe, Confident Young HorsesEpisode 10 features hosts Trena and Sam in conversation with Katie Armstrong of Hunter's Ridge about training young horses. They discuss groundwork, backing, trailer-loading techniques, and the importance of starting horses correctly from weanling through two-year-old school to build safe, confident mounts.
The episode also covers common industry gaps, problem-horse rehabilitation, pricing and programs for yearling and two-year-old schooling, and practical tips for owners and riders to improve horse handling and rider safety.
2025-11-041h 10Two Trips and a DragEpisode 9: Halloween at the Horse Show — Costumes, Chaos & CandyHosts Trena and Sam celebrate Halloween with a lively recap of a horse show costume parade — from Maleficent horns and disco saddle pads to a pony that rolled, farted and stole the spotlight.
They dive into industry debates including mane-pulling and controversial drug-testing methods, rising federation costs, trainer certification, and the need to preserve grassroots/local shows.
Practical takeaways focus on horse welfare, venue choices, and simple routines to keep horses healthy and happy on the road.
2025-11-011h 03Two Trips and a DragDrug Rules, Rising Costs and Fox Hunts: Inside Episode 8Hosts catch up after a big weekend at the shows, discussing dramatic jump-offs, the growing cost of horse showing, and heated debates over proposed drug-rule enforcement.
They also cover fox hunting traditions, barn economics, and why listeners should read and comment on rule changes that could affect the sport.
2025-10-2158 minTwo Trips and a DragHauling Horses, Halloween Plans, and Lead Line Dynasty — Two Trips in the DragJoin Trena and Sam as they chat live with horse professionals Matt Martin and Camille Maynard while the guests are on the road hauling horses to Aiken. The episode covers lead-line triumphs, show prep, barn breeding updates, hunter and jumper insights, favorite show grounds and meals, and a lot of horse show stories and humor.
Listen in for behind-the-scenes tales, Halloween costume talk, and a warm look at how trainers, clients, and young riders prepare and bond with their horses.
2025-10-1456 minTwo Trips and a DragEB's Amateur Return: Judging, Rules and Horse Show ConfessionsHosts Trena and Sam chat with guest Elizabeth (EB) Blaisdell about her recent reinstatement to amateur status, the highs and lows of judging, and debates over scoring, lead changes, and hunter standards at rated and local shows.
The episode mixes practical judging tips and rule discussions with lighthearted anecdotes — from truck troubles and hotel dog smuggling to a surprise kratom incident — and finishes with nostalgic stories about memorable horses and show life.
2025-10-081h 06Two Trips and a DragThree-Foot Olympics, Fox Hunts & the Traveling BraceletHosts Trena and Sam welcome Ashley Bailey of Anchor Way Farm to recap the Gladstone Equitation Finals and the inaugural Adult Amateur Hunter Championships — the "Three-Foot Olympics" — covering course design, swag, and insider show-day stories.
They also share fox-hunting tales, setup rituals, superstitions like lucky boots and the sisterhood of the traveling bracelet, and the camaraderie that keeps trainers and riders going through the highs and lows of horse-show life.
2025-09-251h 04Two Trips and a DragFox Hunting 101: Colors, Flights & Hunt Week SecretsHosts Trena and Sam dive into fox‑hunting traditions—membership, hunt colors, flight order, and what hunt week in Virginia is really like—while sharing personal weekend stories about juniors, hunting horses, and ring life.
They also cover horse‑world news and gossip, including high‑profile lawsuits, judging anecdotes from local shows, vaulting highlights, tailgate tales, and a touching story about Dollar, a beloved retired schoolmaster.
2025-09-231h 02Two Trips and a DragEpisode 2 with new the theme song!Trena and Sam play their new theme song for the podcast, Two Trips and a Drag. And we didn’t get AI to write a summary for this one so you’ll have to listen to see what we talked about.
2025-09-0159 minTwo Trips and a DragFirst Ride: Two Trips and a Drag Launches with Horse-Show ConfessionsHosts Trena and Sam introduce their new podcast, explain the name "Two Trips and a Drag," and trade lively stories from the horse-show world — from favorite venues and sketchy hotels to long hauls and behind-the-scenes chaos. They dig into modern issues like social media’s effects on buying and selling horses, the controversial Western Pleasure/undersaddle canter, and the need for better mentoring and cross-discipline oversight. Expect candid takes, humor, and plans for future episodes about burnout, alternatives to USEF, and guests who can defend or explain divisive practices.
2025-08-2952 min