Horse Industry Podcast Horse Industry Podcast

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 beloved pony home. Kathy knew that this remarkable story about Me Too needed to be told and Jump the Moon was published.

Just like Jump the Moon, Posey’s Problem: A Pony Tale is based on a real pony. As we all know, when a kid outgrows their pony, the pony is usually sent off to another kid. The pony doesn’t have a choice. Kathy wondered, “What is it like from the pony’s perspective?” As Kathy says, Posey has left a piece of her heart with each kid.

This episode - and Kathy’s books - will touch your heart. 

Link: https://www.readjumpthemoon.com/

Listen in to learn more : 

(07:28 - 08:09) Beloved Pony's Impact on Family

(09:57 - 11:21) The Plight of Show Ponies

(15:57 - 17:04) Inspiring Message of Not Giving Up

(23:00 - 24:16) Kathy’s Emotional Investment in Characters

(26:09 - 27:28) Interpreting the Girl With Long Hair

Links: 

Children's Picture Book | Jump The Moon (readjumpthemoon.com)

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

“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 shares some excellent advice that everyone should take to heart! You’ll want to request more episodes with Coltin when the interview is done! 
Listen in to learn more about : 
(09:52 - 10:38) Diverse Specialization in Equine Training
(17:10 - 19:09) Hunter Shows and USCF Experience
(22:09 - 23:14) Learning From Everyone
(30:17 - 31:26) Youth Quarter Horse Show Enrollment Trends

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 about: 

(12:44 - 13:28) Lasso Fishing Challenge for Listeners

(15:56 - 17:12) Origin of Maple Syrup Discovery

(20:22 - 21:35) Donkey in Bathtub Sparks Law

(28:54 - 29:40) Strange Laws in Colorado and Ohio

Links - 

https://www.cowgirlmagazine.com/silly-horse-laws/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/we-found-weird-laws-about-food-from-every-state/

http://www.idiotlaws.com/its-illegal-tofish-from-horseback/

https://newrider.com/threads/strange-horse-laws.118441/

https://charlestonanimalsociety.org/nokillscshelter/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/4-CITY-OF-CHARLESTON.pdf

https://www.nytimes.com/1975/12/05/archives/ordinance-on-horse-diapering-stirs-debate-in-charleston-sc.html

https://charlestondaily.net/weird-south-carolina-laws/

http://equerry.com/html/fun/eq_humor-shl.htm

https://www.horseandman.com/horse-stories/in-arizona-it-is-illegal-to-have-your-donkey-sleep-in-a-bathtub/05/23/2021/

http://patrickmackezyk.weebly.com/arizona-itrsquos-illegal-to-have-your-donkey-sleep-in-a-bathtub.html

http://equerry.com/html/fun/eq_humor-shl.htm

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 knowing, what size trailer can fit into your driveway can significantly impact your hay farmer's day.  Mitch Fabus shares the science behind hay growing and discusses how different chemicals, weather, and equipment affect hay growth and prices. 

Before you get upset over how much you pay for that next wagon load, listen to this episode and walk away with a greater understanding and appreciation for your hay farmer!

To learn more about: 
(02:05 - 03:28) Farm Self-Sufficiency and Bedding Choices
(09:35 - 11:23) Selecting Grass Varieties for Hay Fields
(13:18 - 14:13) Horse Feed Preference
(17:47 - 18:48) The Science of Growing Hay
(21:54 - 22:47) Pricing Policy for Agricultural Products
(25:00 - 25:50) Value Over Price in Agricultural Sales
(29:44 - 31:29) Managing Weeds in Alfalfa Fields
(35:41 - 37:40) Monitoring Horse Hay Safety
(39:29 - 40:44) Measuring Hay Moisture Content
(53:05 - 54:00) Effective Hay Delivery and Storage Tips

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 lactating mares). 



Perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to take a swig of koumiss someday. If you do, you must share what you think!



To learn more about: 

(10:12 - 11:49) The History and Culture of Koumiss

(21:41 - 23:05) Kyrgyzstan Promotes Traditional Koumiss Tourism