Free Daily Podcast Summary
Horse Show Bestie: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Crysta Brown
Come hang out with Crysta Brown, a APHA and AQHA All-Around horse trainer, and Scott Cooper, her favorite amateur sidekick, as they spill the tea on the all around Quarter Horse and Paint Horse world. Crysta brings the trainer tips and insider know-how while Scott keeps it real with the amateur perspective. Together they share the wins, the flops, the laughs, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that make horse showing such a ride. If you can't get enough of chatting with your besties in the stalls or in the stands, this podcast is your new happy place.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago1h 4m
Overcoming Show Pen Nerves, Coming Back After Loss, and Riding in College with Catherine Goffard
Besties, this episode is giving horse show hangover, late-night John Justin energy, and the kind of post show conversation that somehow makes you laugh, tear up, and feel personally called out all at once.Scott is joined by Catherine Goffard fresh off an incredible APHA World Show, where she and Calvin (Obsessed to be Best) celebrated a showmanship win, reserve finishes, and a Western riding breakthrough that was years in the making. Before they dive into the ribbons, they chat about world show exhaustion, Catherine's night-shift nursing schedule, and why 2 a.m. practice rides are just part of life.Catherine shares her journey from Green Bay horse girl to TCU equestrian athlete, reflecting on how college catch-riding taught her confidence, adaptability, and the value of being part of a team that genuinely cheers for each other's success. That team-first mindset carries through the entire conversation.The pair also unpack Calvin's World Show, bringing along a talented but still-green all-around horse, and the mental challenge of Western riding. Catherine talks honestly about learning to trust, soften, and let go of control, plus the breakthrough ride that came from believing in her preparation. And yes, Calvin's now-famous snack of the arena decorations definitely gets a mention.The heart of the episode is an honest conversation about anxiety, confidence, and trusting both yourself and your horse. Catherine shares practical sports psychology tools she still relies on, including power posing, box breathing, grounding techniques, and focusing on the things she can control when the pressure is high.She also opens up about losing her once-in-a-lifetime horse, Gilly, and how Calvin represents not a replacement, but a new chapter built on patience, healing, and learning to trust again. It's a touching reminder that our greatest horses continue shaping us long after they're gone.By the end, this episode celebrates everything that makes horse showing unforgettable: the exhaustion, the laughter, the barn family, the inside jokes, and the horses that change our lives. It's full of practical mindset takeaways and a reminder that confidence is built one ride at a time, and no one has to do it alone.SponsorsNAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.cbhorsemanship.com
- Jun 25, 20261h 14m
Surviving as a Young Trainer with Kyra Ley
This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry.We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and why online education and virtual lessons are becoming an important part of a sustainable business.The conversation also takes a closer look at the horse show world. We share ideas for making local shows more affordable and welcoming, discuss why community matters just as much as the major events, and talk about the changes we'd love to see across the industry.Of course, we couldn't resist getting into the trainer-client relationship. From setting expectations and building trust to handling payments, communication, and the occasional online critic, Kyra shares honest insights from both the business and horse training sides of the fence.If you've ever wondered what goes into building a successful training program, choosing the right trainer, or balancing horses with entrepreneurship, this episode is full of practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of Horse Show Bestie conversations along the way.Follow Kyra:Instagram: @kyra.leyFacebook: Kyra LeyTikTok: @KyraLey295Website: Ley Performance HorsesSponsorsNAC Equine Services nac-equine-services.comCrysta Brown Horsemanship CBhorsemanship.com
- Jun 11, 20261h 8m
NSBA is Poppin Off! Bill Kaven Breaksdown Exactly What They're Doing To Grow The Industry!
This week on Horse Show Bestie, we're joined by Bill Kaven of the National Snaffle Bit Association, whose work spans two of NSBA's most influential areas: the Judges and the NSBA Yearling Sale.Bill shares an inside look at the NSBA Yearling Sale, how it has grown into one of the industry's premier sales programs, and the opportunities it creates for breeders, buyers, and exhibitors alike. We also discuss NSBA's mission, the role it plays across the horse industry, and how the association continues to expand its reach as an all-breed organization.The conversation explores NSBA's partnerships, incentive programs, and trophy initiatives, along with the ways the organization supports exhibitors across a wide range of disciplines. We also touch on the hunter-jumper world, warmblood registration, and the increasing crossover between different segments of the equine industry.As the Director of Judges, Bill offers valuable insight into the judging side of horse showing. We talk about the realities of judging, the challenges officials face, how judges are educated and evaluated, and the hierarchy that helps maintain standards across the industry. The discussion also tackles one of horse showing's most debated topics: subjectivity. From both the judge's and exhibitor's perspectives, Bill shares thoughtful insights into what competitors should understand about the process.From yearling sales to judging, industry growth to exhibitor education, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the systems and people helping shape the future of horse showing.SponsorsHorse Show Bestie is proudly supported by our sponsors. NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.comCrysta Brown Horsemanship: www.cbhorsemanship.comTakeawaysNSBA's mission is to grow the horse show community through collaboration and support.The NSBA Trophy Program is a unique and iconic aspect of the horse show community, representing collaboration and achievement.NSBA's role as an all breed association allows for warmblood registration and support for unregistered horses. NSBA's diverse programs and initiatives cater to the needs of the horse show community.The challenges and opportunities in judging highlight the importance of correctness and degree of difficulty in evaluating horse performances.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Horse Show Bestie06:02 Riding Goals and Ranch Show12:16 Euro Summit Show Success and Growth17:39 NSBA's Mission and Purpose29:37 Challenges and Opportunities in Judging41:56 Judging Hierarchy and Exhibitor Perspective56:00 NSBA's Inclusive Programs and Initiatives
- Jun 2, 20261h 11m
How YEDA Is Creating Horse Kids Without Buying Horses... and How Trainers Can Benefit!
This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry.From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry.We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face when trying to grow the next generation of riders, and why creating accessible entry points into horses matters now more than ever. The conversation also explores the financial side of the industry, the rising costs associated with participation, and what it takes to create sustainable programs that can continue serving riders for years to come.Along the way, we discuss coaching, mentorship, horse-and-rider matching, judging challenges, youth recruitment, and the often-overlooked work happening behind the scenes to keep equestrian opportunities available for young people. We also take a look at YEDA National Championship Week and the experiences, connections, and memories that make it such a special part of the program.It's a thoughtful conversation about growing the horse industry from the ground up, supporting young riders, and creating more opportunities for horse-crazy kids to become lifelong horse people.Support our sponsors:NAC Equine Services www.nac-equine-services.comCrysta Brown Horsemanship www.CBhorsemanship.com
- May 19, 20261h 16m
Planning Adult Horse Camp Without a Budget
This week we’re catching up on life updates and welcoming Scott back to the podcast before diving headfirst into designing the ultimate adult horse camp. We talk about transitioning horses, the social side of horse shows, and why horse people are all secretly craving more community, connection, and camaraderie in the industry.From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions with fun, low-pressure activities, we’re basically building our dream horse girl summer camp in real time. Expect conversations about team-building, non-horsey activities, late-night hangs, and what it takes to create an experience that feels equal parts educational, social, and genuinely fun.If you’ve ever wished horse showing felt a little less isolating and a little more collaborative, this episode is for you.Support our sponsors!NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com
- May 12, 20261h 3m
Horse Girls, Cameras, and Career Pivots with Kirstie Marie Jones
Kirstie Marie Jones of Kirstie Marie Photography joins us for a conversation that goes way beyond just taking pretty horse photos. From practical photography tips to building a business in multiple disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for horse girls, photographers, and anyone trying to carve out a lane in the industry.We talk about the little things that make a huge difference in photos, like preparing your horse before a shoot, paying attention to light sources, and yes, even cleaning your camera lens. Kirstie also breaks down concepts like the rule of thirds in a way that actually makes sense and explains how thoughtful details can completely change the outcome of an image.The conversation also dives into the evolution of KMP Learn and how education became such a major part of her business. Kirstie shares her background riding across different disciplines, the challenges that come with marketing yourself to multiple audiences, and why versatility has become one of her biggest strengths both behind the camera and in the saddle.This episode is really about keeping a wide perspective in the horse industry. Learning from different trainers, stepping outside one discipline, and being intentional about growth can open more doors than most people realize.Links!NAC Equine: nac-equine-services.comKMP learn: kmplearn.comCrysta Brown Horsemanship: CBhorsemanship.com
- May 7, 20261h 10m
Trainer vs Amateur: What Are Trainers REALLY Thinking? ft. Brian Henry
If you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a training program, this episode is for you. Crysta sits down with Brian Henry to tackle some of the biggest trainer vs amateur debates from the trainer’s perspective.They get honest about client expectations, horse show disappointment, communication issues, green horses and riders, maintenance, show spending, and the emotional realities of horse ownership. Brian also shares what life actually looks like as a professional trainer, and why so many problems in the horse world start with expectations that were never properly discussed.It’s funny, practical, slightly uncomfortable at times, and very much one of those “horse people will understand” conversations.Support us by supporting our sponsor!NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/
- May 1, 202654 min
Fine I'll Do It Myself- A Solo Episode with Crysta
Okay bestie… this one’s a little different.For the first time ever, it’s just Crysta. No co-host, no back-and-forth. And it's just a hair all over the place. But sometimes we have to show up for our bestie when he gets busy at work!This episode is part life update, part info dump on all of Crysta’s current hyper-fixations… and all of it is very on brand.She gets into the real side of building a career in the horse industry right now, including:Why some business models work and others don’tHer favorite training lessonsRider biomechanics and the small habits that are quietly affecting your resultsWhy adaptability matters if you want to stay in the gameThere’s a clear thread through all of it: growth. Sometimes we have to rethink things, take responsibility, and adjust even when it’s inconvenient.It feels like a late-night, post-show conversation. Honest, a little unfiltered, and grounded in real experience.Things might look a little different this week, and that’s the point. Besties show up in every season.We’ll be back together soon. For now, you’ve got Crysta.Support Horse Show Bestie by supporting our sponsor:NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/Links from episode discussion:Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.CBhorsemanship.comCentered Riding by Sally Swift: https://www.amazon.com/shop/crystadbrown/list/CVP9BIZ51OBF?ref_=aipsflist
About Horse Show Bestie
Come hang out with Crysta Brown, a APHA and AQHA All-Around horse trainer, and Scott Cooper, her favorite amateur sidekick, as they spill the tea on the all around Quarter Horse and Paint Horse world. Crysta brings the trainer tips and insider know-how while Scott keeps it real with the amateur perspective. Together they share the wins, the flops, the laughs, and all the behind-the-scenes moments that make horse showing such a ride. If you can't get enough of chatting with your besties in the stalls or in the stands, this podcast is your new happy place.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Horse Show Bestie in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Horse Show Bestie daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Horse Show Bestie as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Horse Show Bestie podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Horse Show Bestie product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Crysta Brown.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Horse Show Bestie release new episodes?
Horse Show Bestie publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Horse Show Bestie cover?
Horse Show Bestie covers topics including Leisure, Hobbies, Kids & Family, Animals, Family, Pets & Animals. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Horse Show Bestie summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.