Horse&Rider's The Ride
by Horse&Rider Magazine
The Ride brought to you by Horse&Rider is a bi-weekly podcast co-hosted by Horse&Rider Editor Nichole Chirico and Digital Editor Devin Conley. In each episode, Chirico and Conley sits down with some of the industry’s top trainers, clinicians, and professionals to share inspiring stories, training philosophies, and the importance of living your best Western horse life. Want more? Website: horseandrider.com Facebook: @HorseandRider Instagram: @horseandridermag Twitter: @horse_and_rider Email: horse
Episodes
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Ep. 143: Rick Brown on Faith, Perseverance & Finding His Way Back to the Saddle
After a 2014 horse accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, reiner Rick Brown was told he might never ride again. More than a decade later, he returned to the Congress freestyle reining pen aboard Shez Not Done At All, sharing a story of recovery, faith and the determination to get back…
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Ep. 142: Jack Medows on Developing Perfect On Ice & Finding the Right Young Horses
In this episode of The Ride, Medows talks about his transition from the all-around into reining and the horse that ultimately inspired him to pursue the discipline seriously. He also discusses developing horses at home in Missouri, learning through trial and error and why he believes there isn't...
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Ep. 141 Winning a World Show Title with Jordan Martin
Jordan Martin has only been a professional for a few years, but has made a huge mark in the ranch horse industry after she won multiple world titles at the APHA World Show and the IRHA Triple Crown Challenge that took place this summer. In this episode of The Ride, Nichole Chirico talks with…
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Ep. 140: Nathan Piper on the Road to Success & The Run For A Million
In this episode of The Ride, Nathan Piper looks back at his journey into reining. He discusses the mentors who shaped his training philosophy, the importance of returning to the basics, and why adapting to each horse is one of the most rewarding parts of being a trainer. He also shares how his…
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Ep. 139 Gina Schumacher: Forging Her Own Path in Reining
In this episode of The Ride, Nichole and Emily have a chance to talk with one of reining's most famous non professional riders, Gina Schumacher. In this episode Gina talks a little bit about her career in Europe, why she decided to move to the United States, and what it's been like training…
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Ep. 138 Cindy Henderson and Ranch Sorting in Australia
On this episode of The Ride host Emily Carey sits down to talk with Cindy Henderson an Australian rider who is part of the Ranch Sorting National Championships Australia. This episode is brought to you by Tribute Equine Nutrition. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear…
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Ep. 137: Abbie Phillips' Cow Horse Journey
In this episode of The Ride, host Emily Carey talks with NRCHA professional Abbie Phillips on her journey as a reined cow horse trainer, and what it was like winning events like The Run For A Million's Cow Horse Challenge. This Episode of The Ride is brought to you by Farnam Endure Gold Killer…
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Ep. 136: Tanner Sperle on Everything Happening Behind the Pens at a Ranch Sorting
Tanner Sperle never planned on making ranch sorting his career, but a flyer on a bulletin board and a paint horse that wouldn’t take a bridle changed everything. In this episode of The Ride, Sperle shares how he went from a kid south of Denver to helping run some of the biggest Cinch RSNC events…
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Bonus Episode: Introducing Performance Report by Horse&Rider
As a special bonus episode of The Ride Podcast by Horse&Rider, we’re giving listeners a preview of the brand-new Performance Report by Horse&Rider special issue, Made in America: The Evolution of the Western Performance Horse, which is arriving in mailboxes now.
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Ep. 135 How Lee and Holly Francois Weathered Adversity and Kept Winning
In this episode of The Ride, Lee and Holly join host Emily Carey to reflect on the journey that shaped both their family and their career in the cutting pen. From Lee’s early days learning from legendary horsemen to Holly’s transition from the cattle industry into the horse world, the pair shares...
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Ep. 134 Michael Cooper's Journey to Hall of Fame Cutting Horse Trainer
In this episode of The Ride Emily talks with NCHA Hall of Fame trainer Michael Cooper on his journey to becoming one of the industry's top cutting horse trainers. This episode is brought to you by Tribute Equine Nutrition. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear from you!...
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Ep. 133 Ben Beckett and Qualifying for The Run For A Million
In this episode of The Ride, Nichole sits down to talk with reining professional Ben Beckett to discuss growing up in the industry, and qualifying for The Run For A Million in Las Vegas for the first time. This Episode of The Ride is brought to you by Farnam Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito...
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Ep. 132 Jordan Williams and Winning the World's Greatest Horseman Event
In this episode Emily sits down to talk with Jordan Williams, an NRCHA professional who won his first World's Greatest Horseman title at the 2026 NRCHA Celebration of Champions. This episode is brought to you by Tribute Equine Nutrition. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to...
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Ep. 131: Inside Equine Reproduction with Dr. Ben Espy
In this episode we sit down with Dr. Espy to talk about his path into equine medicine and what life behind the scenes of a reproduction veterinarian really looks like. He also shares practical advice for mare owners considering breeding—from traits to evaluate when planning a cross to how to...
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Ep. 130 Amy Wheatley on Life Inside the Ranch Sorting Pen
In this episode of The Ride, Amy shares how she first found ranch sorting, the moments that hooked her on the sport, and what it was like stepping into a media role. She reflects on the riders and stories that have stuck with her, the insight she’s gained from being so close to the action, and…
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Ep. 129 Peter DeFretias on Becoming a Million Dollar Rider
In this episode, we sit down with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Peter DeFreitas to discuss the program behind the success. Peter shares his approach to raising and training horses for futurities and aged events, what it meant to surpass the million-dollar mark, and how the sport of reining has...
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Ep. 128: Kody Ward and Ranch Sorting
In this episode of The Ride, Nichole talks with Kody Ward, where they talk about his background in ranch sorting, his love for ranch sorting futurities, and some of the special horses he's had over his career. This episode is brought to you by Tribute Equine Nutrition. Be sure to follow us on...
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Ep. 127 Cow Horse Competitor Tuli Dowers
In this episode of The Ride, Emily talks with Tuli Dowers. Tuli had an explosive year in NRCHA competition and talks a little about the horses she had the opportunity to compete on, and what it's like being the daughter of legendary trainer Nick Dowers. This episode is brought to you by Ride TV.…
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Ep. 126 Shannon Quinlan Hill's Rise in the Ranch Horse Events
In this episode of The Ride, Emily and Nichole talk with Shannon Quinlan Hill, a professional who recently had tremendous success in the ranch horse classes at the All American Quarter Horse Congress despite having emergency surgery days before. We talk about how she found her niche in the…
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Ep. 125: The International Ranch Horse Association with Sandy Jirkovsky
In this episode of The Ride, Emily talks with American Paint Horse Association’s director of judges and professional horsemen Sandy Jirkovsky. Recently she has become involved in the new International Ranch Horse Association, which is growing the international reach and impact of ranch horse...
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Ep. 124 Horse Trailer Safety with Brad Heath
Brad Heath is the founder of Double D Trailers and author of The Honest to Goodness Truth About Horse Trailers. He is a leading expert on trailer safety and the inventor of the patented SafeTack Reverse design, created to make loading and unloading safer for both horses and handlers. With more…
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Ep. 123 NRCHA's Million Dollar Non Pro Debbie Crafton
In this episode of The Ride, Nichole and Emily chat with Debbie Crafton, a non-pro who competes in NRCHA and just reached $1 million in lifetime earnings. This episode is brought to you by Ride TV. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear from you! Email Nichole and Emily…
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Ep. 122 Steve Meadows and the Evolution of Ranch Horse Events
In this episode of The Ride, Nichole and Emily chat with AQHA Professional Horseman Steve Meadows and talk about the evolution of ranch horse events and why it's appealing to so many people. This episode is brought to you by Ride TV. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear...
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Ep. 121: Ellexxah Maxwell and Transitioning to the Ranch Classes
Ellexxah Maxwell has done it all in the AQHA all-around world, earning World Champion titles, major wins in multiple events, and even the distinction of becoming AQHA’s All-Time Leading Youth. But her story doesn’t stop there. She’s recently stepped into the ranch classes and shown that her…
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Ep. 120 Matt Palmer and His Path to Reining
In this episode of The Ride, Nichole and Emily sit down to talk with NRHA professional Matt Palmer. Matt talks about his journey to the reining pen, and how his background in baseball helped his mindset when it comes to competing in the show pen. This episode is brought to you by East of Wall. Be...
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Ep. 119 Getting to Know Aubree Coker
In this episode of The Ride Podcast, Emily sat down with Aubree Coker, a young ranch sorter who is climbing the ranks in the Cinch RSNC, and earning herself World Championships and more than $60,000 in lifetime earnings along the way. The Palm City, Florida, sorter grew up riding, but is truly...
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Ep. 118 Getting Involved in Ranch Sorting With Joel Lesh
In this podcast co-host Emily Carey sits down for an in-person interview with Joel Lesh at the Cinch RSNC World Finals that took place in June. Joel shares how he got involved int he sport and what the future looks like for it. This episode is brought to you by Purina. Be sure to follow us on...
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Ep. 117 Meet Emily Carey
In this podcast Nichole Chirico is joined by the Equine Network's newest hire, Emily Carey. In this podcast you get to meet Emily, who will join Nichole on co-hosting duties going forward, and learn a little bit more about her personal horse life. This episode is brought to you by Purina. Be sure...
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Ep. 116 Luca Fappani on Going Professional
In this podcast Nichole Chirico is joined by Luca Fappani, a young reining professional who has taken the industry by storm after an explosive first couple of years as a professional rider, where they talk about growing up in the reining industry, his dad and mentor, Andrea Fappani, and what it…
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Ep. 115 Devin Warren and His Approach to Reining
In this podcast Nichole Chirico is joined by reining trainer Devin Warren where they talk about Warren Performance Horses and his journey as a trainer, coach, and breeder. This episode is brought to you by Purina. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear from you! Email...
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Ep. 114 Kaci O'Rourke on Becoming the First Woman to Win the NRHA Futurity
In this podcast Nichole Chirico is joined by reining trainer Kaci O'Rourke where they talk about her journey to becoming a professional, and what it was like to win the 2024 NRHA Level 4 Futurity, becoming the first woman in history to win the event. This episode is brought to you by Ride TV. Be...
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Ep. 113 The Release of our Ranch Riding Masterclass with Bud Lyon
In this podcast Nichole Chirico is joined by multiple world champion ranch riding and reining trainer Bud Lyon to discuss the launch of our new Ranch Riding Masterclass. They also discuss Bud's recent involvement in the Along for the Ride symposium that took place in Las Vegas. Did you miss the...
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Ep. 112 Get to Know Trainer of the Year Winner Eric Priest
In this podcast Nichole Chirico sits down to talk with Eric Priest, the winner of this year's Trainer of the Year, with prizes provided by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., makers of Cosequin. Eric and Nichole talk about his passion for reining horses and working with non-pro…
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Ep. 111: Learn About Legendary Stakes
In this podcast Nichole chats with Shane Plummer, co-founder of Legendary Stakes. Hear from Shane D. Plummer—co-founder of Legendary Stakes—about how Legendary Stakes is changing the game for Western performance horse competitions. Legendary Stakes is a revolutionary platform that offers...
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Ep. 110 Producing Events and Training Horses with Nicole Westfall
In this podcast Devin Conley chats with Nicole Westfall, a cow horse competitor who recently gave up her non-pro status to train performance horses full time. This episode is brought to you by Turner Performance Horses and the League of Legends Sale. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and…
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Ep. 109: Turner Performance Horses and the League of Legends Sale
In this podcast Devin Conley sits down to talk with Turner Performance Horses about the history of their program, the League of Legends Sale, and breaks down how their sale works and what buyers can expect when they attend their sale. This episode is brought to you by Turner Performance Horses…
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Ep. 108 Performance Horse Health with Dr. Patrick Young
In this podcast Nichole Chirico sits down to talk with Dr. Patrick Young an equine veterinarian who specializes in performance horse sports medicine. In this episode Nichole and Dr. Young talk about caring for performance horses and what inspired Dr. Young to create EOR Strips. This episode is...
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Ep. 107 Get To Know Allison Wiens
In this episode, Devin talks with Allison Wiens about her social media journey, foray into the cutting world, and how Allison and her husband are trying to change the way you look at beef producers. This episode is brought to you by My New Horse. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We...
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Ep. 106 Learn About Ranch Sorting with Logan Wolfe
On this episode of The Ride Podcast, Devin talks with Logan Wolfe of the Ranch Sorting National Championships. Wolfe breaks down the sport, how it's scored, how to get involved, and why it's a great option for all levels of riders. This episode is brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim Equine...
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Ep. 105 Tips from the team at No Where But UP Performance Horses
On this episode of The Ride Podcast, Devin talks with Cody Crow and Garrett Ashby of No Where But UP Performance Horses about getting started in the show pen, finding your community, and balancing life and horse showing. This episode is brought to you by Cosequin. Be sure to follow us on Facebook...
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Ep 104 Learning to Ride and Compete with Shyanne Smith
In this podcast Nichole Chirico and Devin Conley speak with trainer Shyanne Smith about introducing young children to horses and learning how to compete. Smith is a world champion rider and is the daughter of Jason and Julie Smith, who own and operate Jason Smith Show Horses where they specialize...
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Ep. 103: Luke Gingerich On Freestyle Reining and Liberty Training
In this podcast Nichole Chirico and Devin Conley speak with Freestyle Reining expert, and Liberty trainer, Luke Gingerich. Luke is an AQHA Congress Freestyle Reining Reserve Champion, has performed at some of the top Freestyle Reining Expo events in the country, and is also an in-demand…
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Ep. 102 Getting Involved in Reining with Shane Brown
In this podcast Nichole Chirico and Devin Conley speak with NRHA Professional Shane Brown about reining and how to get involved as a non-pro rider. This episode is brought to you by EOR Strips. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear from you! Email Nichole and Devin at...
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Ep. 101: Horse Showing with Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses
In this podcast Nichole Chirico speaks with professional trainer Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses, to discuss his horse showing strategy, Highpoint Performance Horses, and how to prep a horse for the show pen. This episode is brought to you by SmartPak. Be sure to follow us on…
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Ep. 100 Connecting With Your Horse With Stacy Westfall
In this podcast Nichole Chirico and Devin Conley speak with professional trainer Stacy Westfall, and discuss her horse journey, and how she continues to connect with her horses by trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. This episode is brought to you by Cosequin. Be sure to follow...
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Ep. 99 The Horse Sale Industry With Troy Goeckeritz
In this podcast Devin Conley sat down with the founder of Gold Buckle Horse Sale, Troy Goeckeritz, to discuss where the idea came from for this online sale platform, and how the Gold Buckle Pro strategy helps horse owners buy and sell with confidence and peace of mind. This episode is brought to...
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Winning Insights: Melisa Pearce and How Horses Help Us (Part 4)
On this episode of The Ride's Winning Insights Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse talks about how horses help us in the last part of this four-part series. This episode is brought to you by Touched by a Horse. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We want to hear from you! Email…
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Winning Insights: Melisa Pearce and How Horses Help Us (Part 3)
On this episode of The Ride's Winning Insights Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse talks about how horses help us in a four-part series. Tune in for the other parts of this series and follow along at HorseandRider.com through the month of February for our Mental Health Awareness Month to learn…
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Winning Insights: Melisa Pearce and How Horses Help Us (Part 2)
On this episode of The Ride's Winning Insights Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse talks about how horses help us in a four-part series. Tune in for the other parts of this series and follow along at HorseandRider.com through the month of February for our Mental Health Awareness Month to learn…
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Winning Insights: Melisa Pearce and How Horses Help Us (Part 1)
On this episode of The Ride's Winning Insights Melisa Pearce of Touched by a Horse talks about how horses help us in a four-part series. Tune in for the other parts of this series and follow along at HorseandRider.com through the month of February for our Mental Health Awareness Month to learn…
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About this show
The Ride brought to you by Horse&Rider is a bi-weekly podcast co-hosted by Horse&Rider Editor Nichole Chirico and Digital Editor Devin Conley. In each episode, Chirico and Conley sits down with some of the industry’s top trainers, clinicians, and professionals to share inspiring stories, training philosophies, and the importance of living your best Western horse life.
Want more?
Website: horseandrider.com
Facebook: @HorseandRider
Instagram: @horseandridermag
Twitter: @horse_and_rider
Email: horse
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Horse&Rider Magazine
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