In this episode, Kathy Simmers, author of Jump the Moon and Posey’s Problem: A Pony Tale, joins Regina to discuss the true stories behind her heartwarming books. Kathy also gives us a preview for her new book about Pickles, another real-life pony! Kathy’s journey as an author began after her daughter’s beloved lesson pony, Me Too, was sold out from under her at a horse show. Years later, as an adult, Kathy’s daughter set out on a quest to find the long-lost Me Too and, finally, bring her...

This episode is about entry points into the horse industry: what they’ve been, what they are now, and what they could be. Regina and Heather speak with Emily Ream and Karen Waite. From Ream Performance Horses, Emily Ream is a horse trainer with a long history of successfully working with youth and amateurs from 4-H shows to World Shows at the breed show level. Both guests bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the topic of entry points into our horse industry. Karen, from Michigan...

“Some days, you’re the windshield. And some days, you’re the bug.” In this episode, we get to know Coltin Crystal, who is part of the CCC Show Horses team. Idaho-raised and Idaho-based, the “wild barrel racer child” rodeoed throughout his youth, spent some time jumping horses and finally found his niche with the all-rounders. Coltin talks about his ups and downs as a trainer and the big moments in his career. He also shares his further plans with Heather. At the end of the interview, Coltin...

Did you know it’s against the law to lasso a fish on horseback? You may get fined for riding an ugly horse. It’s against the law for a horse to sleep in a bathtub? Who proposes these crazy horse laws, and what is the rationale?   Regina, Lynn, and Heather discuss bizarre horse-related laws in this fun episode that makes you wonder, “WHY?!”   Ultimately, the co-hosts propose their own “horse laws” that should be written and enforced. What law would you like to suggest?  To learn more...

Hey There!  It's time to talk about Hay!  If you're a horse owner, then this topic is likely very near and dear to your... pocketbook? In today's episode, Heather sits down with Mitch and Taylor Fabus of Fabus Farms in Ovid, Michigan, to talk about the hay business from the farmer's perspective.  We all know how important hay is to our animals, but what can we do to have a good relationship with our hay farmer to ensure the best for our horses?  We'll discuss how even knowing, or not...

In this episode, Regina introduces Lynn and Heather to koumiss (aka kumis, kumiss, kumys)! What is koumiss, you may wonder? Well, it is none other than fermented mare’s milk! Yup. That’s correct. Koumiss is a light alcoholic beverage. It has been described as both sour and sweet. Those who love its taste consider it refreshing! Regina shares her research on koumiss and its availability today. (Disclaimer: we do not encourage you to run out to the barn and take a sample from one of your...

In this episode, Heather interviews Terri Delbridge -- And what a story Terri has! Terri is a carded Arabian judge. She’s been in the center of some of the biggest show pens in the fine horse world, like the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show. Yet, not everyone knows the challenges she’s faced. Terri survived a flesh-eating bacterium that resulted in a 4-month stay at the University of Michigan with a 1% chance of survival. She has endured 20 surgeries and a mountain of physical challenges. She’s...

This episode is crappy. It’s crappy because it’s all about manure. Horse manure. It smells perfect for Regina, Lynn, and Heather but not so much for others. The co-hosts each have their manure management system (Regina won’t stop singing the praises of her Millcreek Spreader). Yet, manure disposal can be a complicated topic for some horse owners. No matter what, it’s something that we all must deal with. Today, we have equipment and knowledge. In the past, large cities like New York had a...

In this episode, Regina sits down with  Traci Bousman. Traci has been the year-end amateur champion with PtHA for the last few years with her special partner, Snoopy (AKA Vested Sensation). However, she had one big goal for 2023. Traci wanted to win the all-around title at the 2023 Pinto World Championship show.  However, on the night of June 17, Tulsa, Oklahoma, was ravaged by storms with winds of over 100 mph. The Pinto World Championship show was in full swing at Tulsa Expo Center and was...

Three years and six months ago, Lynn was referring to the podcast as “that blog thing that Gina wants to do.” Now, the team is celebrating their 3rd ANNIVERSARY! In this episode, Heather asks Regina and Lynn to reflect on how it all started. One thing is clear, the HIP team’s work derives from a strong appreciation and passion for the industry. What’s unique about their podcast is that it is all-encompassing in the industry, not just stock horses, hunter/jumpers, cutters, or driving minis....

This week on the podcast, Heather discusses her first-hand experience with hosting winter clinics at her farm. Based on her desire to keep learning, she recognized a need in the industry and decided to fill it. The clinics she’s hosted have provided DYI-ers access to local trainers who may otherwise be unavailable. Heather’s clinics have sold out. The co-hosts also discuss the pros/cons of clinics, the lure and expense of private lessons, whether trainers should feel obligated to work with...

The foal you’ve been dreaming about and planning for has lost its mother. A foal can become an orphan for a number of reasons, but there is one certainty: an orphaned foal is fragile, and time is of the essence.  In this episode, Lynn interviews Bronwyn Watts of ColdSpring Nurse Mares of Ocala, Florida. ColdSpring Nurse Mares provides an ethical solution in the nurse mare industry, providing a second career for mares who are no longer broodmare sound or are at an age where they cannot carry...

Pre-purchase exams. It’s hard to know what to do… where to do it, and when to do it! What’s the financial risk you’re willing to accept? Are you getting these PPEs done to decide whether you’ll buy the horse, or are you paying for a PPE with an eye towards effective maintenance after the purchase? Heather, Lynn, and Regina share their experiences, concerns, and rationales for why they did/did not order a PPE on the horses they purchased. Always remember: Buying the horse is the least...

A few days after interviewing Vicki Croghan Pflasterer about growing up in the family that owned the versatile paint stallion Fawago King, the stallion was named one of the 2024 APHA Hall of Fame inductees. Regina couldn’t believe her good fortune to capture the story of Fawago King at such an exciting time.  Fawago King, a “sweetheart of a stallion,” was a 1971 sorrel overo stallion best known as a prolific sire of all-around performers.  He was owned and loved by the family of Donald and...

In this installment of the Horse Industry podcast, hosts Regina, Lynn, and Heather delve into the complexities of juggling marriage and a passion for horses. They explore the challenging yet rewarding task of balancing these two significant aspects of their lives. While Lynn enjoys a somewhat smoother experience, thanks to her equally horse-enthusiastic partner Kevin, who also plays the role of driver for distant horse shows, Regina and Heather navigate a more solitary equestrian journey,...

As shared in Frank Holmes' book, "Paint Horse Legends: More Than Color" (Vol. 2), Flying Fawago had a profound impact on the American Paint Horse Association through his show record and the accomplishments of his offspring. Regina shares her research on this amazing stallion who always wanted to be a good boy.  To learn more about this episode :  00:05) - The story of Flying Fawago (11:45) - Flying Fawago’s journey in Canada  (18:51) - Exploring Bloodlines and Winning Titles

Saddle up for a hearty dose of laughter and relatable horse tales as we gallop into the new year with the Horse Industry Podcast! Heather Werkema Smith joins our current hosts, bringing a fresh perspective on equestrian life that's sure to resonate whether you're a seasoned rider or simply horse-crazy at heart. From funding our four-hooved friends to integrating significant others into farm life, we've got stories that promise to entertain and touch the heart of the equine community. To...

For many of us ponies ignited our equine passion, so in these special episodes, we celebrate the real ponies of our past and present. Today our story is titled Driving Lessons, and this episode is about a pony named PS Major that was loved by a girl named Beth Brown. We want to share the story of your Special Pony. Reach out to us at horseindustrypodcast.com. Mentioned in this episode:  Join The HIP VIP Group! (The Horse Industry Podcast's VIPs

Welcome to our very first episode of what we are calling: Ponysodes! For many of us ponies ignited our equine passion, so in these special episodes, we celebrate the real ponies of our past and present. We are so excited to share with you the ponies that have made a difference in our lives. In this first episode, Regina shares the story of her first pony, Buttercup.  We want to share the story of your Special Pony. Reach out to us at horseindustrypodcast.com. Mentioned in this episode:  ...

In this episode, Regina sits down with Polo Player, Augstin Arellano, who is also a model and Eco Entrepreneur. They talk about the sport of polo, his horses, and his advice for horse lovers- you don’t want to miss it.   A huge thank you to our sponsor: Highstride Equine Law!  Mentioned in this episode:  Join The HIP VIP Group! (The Horse Industry Podcast's VIPs) Connect with Augustin

Listeners, today’s show is a bit of a surprise, because Regina has not given Lynn the topic of this particular episode, but she is excited to hear her stance on the topic. And they are both excited to hear yours. Get ready because this episode is all about why Fuzzy Horse Shows Suck, according to Regina.  A huge thank you to our sponsor: Highstride Equine Law!  Mentioned in this episode:  Join The HIP VIP Group! (The Horse Industry Podcast's VIPs

In this episode, Regina sits down with the Hat Girl, Marley Smith. The daughter of Heather Werkema Smith, Marley is making a name for herself in the Horse Industry, and has launched her own line of hats called M Line. Listen in as Marley shares how she got started making her own hats, her favorite parts of the horse industry, and some of her big dreams for the future.   A huge thank you to our sponsor: Highstride Equine Law!  Mentioned in this episode:  Join The HIP VIP Group! (The Horse...

It’s been a while since Lynn and Regina have brought listeners a murder mystery episode. Well, the wait is over because today they are bringing you the story of Kathleen Denson. It's a story full of sex, drugs, money, and more.   A huge thank you to our sponsor: Highstride Equine Law!  Mentioned in this episode:  Join The HIP VIP Group! (The Horse Industry Podcast's VIPs

Growing up, Lynn had a huge impact on Regina when it came to the “big shots”  in the APHA. One of them that always resonated with Lynn and Regina was RB Shield. In this episode Regina had the opportunity to sit down with his daughter, Sonnesa Gooding to talk about RB Shield. When Lynn and Regina started this podcast, it was to capture the stories of the industry and it was so rewarding to learn about this wonderful, great man through the eyes of his daughter, listeners we know you will feel...