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 State University, is an Academic Specialist and director of the Undergraduate Education Department of Animal Science. In her role with Michigan State University Extension, she coordinates the Adult Equine Extension program and is the Director of Leadership Development for My Horse University.  In addition, she oversees the Youth Equine Extension program and is active with eXtension Horse Quest.  Emily, Karen, Regina, and Heather discuss what they see in the industry. One of the key challenges they discuss is the demands of being a student-athlete and managing their horse show responsibilities with coaches’ expectations. Also, where do we send those interested in getting to know horses? Should amateurs be able to judge? How do we get youth involved in 4-H, in open horse shows, in equine-focused summer camps, and so on? You are not going to want to miss listening to this episode! Do you have an idea that you can share? We all have to be part of finding the solution to the decreasing numbers in the horse industry. Thank you to Emily Ream and Karen Waite for joining us and having this critically important discussion! Good news… this is not the end of this discussion. We plan to return to this regularly.  Listen in to learn more :  (08:53 - 10:07) Decline in Horse Population Trend (13:53 - 14:48) Athletics and Agriculture (18:43 - 19:41) Seeking Opportunities in the Horse Industry (22:17 - 23:26) Hands-on Horse Experience for Beginners (30:47 - 32:08) Youth Equestrian Program Growth (38:38 - 39:47) Youth Interest in Equestrian Careers (44:58 - 46:54) Inspiring Small Steps for Industry