The Freelance Remuda: Navigating the Equine Media Frontier
by Abigail Boatwright & Kate Bradley Byars
The Freelance Remuda is a podcast co-hosted by seasoned freelance professionals Abigail Boatwright and Kate Bradley Byars exploring the trials and triumphs surrounding life as an equine media professional. The show also shares valuable tips from equine media editors and creatives doing what they love. Find us online: freelanceremuda.com, on Facebook and Instagram @freelanceremuda.
Episodes
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Episode 60: The Next Era
Welcome to our milestone episode 60! In our first segment, we have important news to share about our Freelance Remuda podcast—you don't want to miss it. In our second segment, we have a great interview with Tayler Bicandi, Chief Social Strategist with Incanto Sports Group. She's an equine media…
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Episode 59: Unpacking Media Package Pricing with Chelsea Lothrop
Welcome to Episode 59, where we are unpacking media package pricing! The rise of private media hasn't slowed, and more freelancers are finding their niche helping clients shine at horse shows. Today, we have Chelsea Lothrop of Chelsea Lothrop Photography with us, who covers English events for...
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Episode 58: Reinventing with Ross Hecox
In today's episode, Abigail & Kate talk about our summer activities—work related and otherwise— and then visit with Ross Hecox, who we've both worked with in various capacities. We talk about his career and shifting with the times, and we really appreciated his insights on the state of…
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Episode 57: Selling a Dream: How Marketing Promotes All Avenues of the Horse Industry
We have a nice long episode for you today! Kate and Abigail discuss their hectic recent weeks, including a fun story-gathering trip and Freelance Remuda retreat together in South Dakota, then we chat with Solo Select Horses founder Melanie Smith about how she uses marketing to promote her…
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Episode 56: What's Happening with Equine Event Media
In today's episode, Kate and Abigail talk about our experiences with equine event media policies, we have a great conversation with event photographer Stacy Judd, and we end by a short discussion about publication freelancer contracts and guidelines. We hope our conversation today offers insights...
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Episode 55: Elevating the Equine Image
Welcome to our first episode of 2025! Kate and Abigail discussed goals and upcoming projects for The Freelance Remuda, and then we sat down with marketing expert Chelsea Sutton. Chelsea's unique skill set includes solid business and marketing knowledge, plus a deep background in equine events....
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Episode 54: Small Biz Success
In Episode 54, we're chatting about small businesses and defining your version of success! Abigail and Kate discuss their experiences and challenges in balancing horse show life with freelance work, and then dig into interviews with two social media and marketing experts: Kelly Giardano of Avenue...
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Episode 53: Social Media Smarts with Lydia Kyle
In Episode 53, we're chatting about social media! Our extended interview is with social media consultant Lydia Kyle, where she gives LOTS of great advice. And in our intro segment, we're announcing our upcoming Freelance Remuda Cowboy Country Workshop.
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Episode 52: The Book Episode
In Episode 52, Abigail and Kate are talking about equine books! First, Kate and Abigail discuss Abigail's experiences writing her first book, which is coming out this summer. Next, we chat with Rebecca Didier, managing editor and graphic designer at Trafalgar Square Books, the leading publisher…
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Episode 47: FULL EPISODE Considering Content Creation
In this episode we are digging into marketing: freelancing as a marketing professional, and promoting your services and brand authentically. We discuss how we're handling summer schedules and upcoming pitching season, and dive deep into conversations with Ashton Kirkeide and Mackenzie Kimbro....
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Episode 51: Reel Talk with Video Creators
In Episode 51, Abigail and Kate visited with two movers and shakers in the equine video and Western television media scene! First, we talked to Lily Rhodes, a digital marketer and social media manager who creates content we love for equine brands. Next, we chatted with Karlee Peterson, an…
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Episode 50: Where Equine Media Meets AI
In Episode 50, we're talking with two equine media professionals about AI – Artificial Intelligence – and how it is changing the way we create! We visit with photographer Shelley Paulson about how she's seen AI affect photographers and the images being generated. In segment two, we visit with...
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Episode 49: The State of Equine Media, from Print to Digital
This is our last episode of 2023, and today Kate Bradley Byars and Abigail Boatwright discuss our thoughts on the current state of equine media—print, digital, social media and more. We are then joined by the king of equine podcasts, Glenn Hebert for an insightful chat about where podcasting is...
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Episode 48: Making Connections to Craft a Career
In today's episode, you'll hear conversations with "Cowgirl Comedian" Chelsea Edsall and quintessential freelancer Lizzie Iwersen. Both of these amazing women are carving their own career paths out of opportunities that present themselves through friendships and connections they have made in the...
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Episode 47: Considering Content Creation
In this episode Kate and Abigail are digging into marketing: freelancing as a marketing professional, and promoting your services and brand authentically. We discuss how we're handling summer schedules and upcoming pitching season, and dive deep into conversations with freelance marketing pro...
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Episode 46: Self-Marketing for Success
In this episode, Kate and Abigail discuss some recent adventures with work, and in the main segment we visited with author Liz Hughey about her children's book series featuring mule packing. We also share a preview of the self-marketing for freelancers panel that we are co-moderating at the...
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Episode 45: Learning, Growing & Gaining
In Episode 45, Abigail and Kate explore how to get the most out of learning opportunities: workshops, online courses and other means to improve your craft and broaden your niche. We talked with photographer Chris Dickinson about his photography journey and his sought-after photography retreats…
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Episode 44: Behind the Image, the Photographer Episode
Welcome to Episode 44 of The Freelance Remuda. In this episode, Abigail and Kate talk about Kate's recent trip to the Art of the Cowgirl and Abigail's current book project. We also interviewed two photographers: rodeo photographer Christopher "Click" Thompson, and equine/wildlife/fine art...
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Episode 42: Finding Your Audience
Welcome to another episode of The Freelance Remuda! Today, Kate and Abigail kick us off by discussing how we found the right audience for each of our businesses. Next, we talked with equine portrait photographer Rachel Griffin about how she established her business in a new location and how she's...
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Episode 41: The Juggle Struggle
In today's episode, Kate and Abigail discuss what working at max capacity looks like, and how we figure out what the ideal workload is for ourselves. We also interviewed Jessie Jarvis, founder and CEO of ag and western job site Of the West about finding a job in the agricultural world; and...
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Episode 40: Broadening Media Platforms with Nichole Chirico
Welcome to the 40th episode of the Freelance Remuda Podcast! You may notice a few changes starting with this episode, mainly a new format. We're experimenting with recording several segments for one episode, and we'd sure love your feedback! Whether this is your first episode with us or your…
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Episode 39: Talking with Catie Staszak
Today Abigail and Kate talked with Catie Staszak, a multimedia equine sports journalist. She has been an announcer and color commentator at major showjumping events and has appeared on television for a variety of sports television networks. She's also written for many major equine magazines.…
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Episode 38: Crash Course on Event Coverage
If you're wanting to get your feet wet in freelancing for equine media, event coverage is an excellent place to start. There is a real need for more writers to cover the vast number of horse shows occurring all over the place for magazines and websites. HOWEVER, event coverage is a unique form of...
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Episode 37: Discussing Graphic Design with Avery Shifflett
We talk a lot about writing and photography on this podcast, but another important role in equine media is graphic design. Graphic artists are critical to producing eye-catching logos, layouts, infographics and websites…the list is endless. Here to talk with us today is Avery Shifflett from Denim...
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Episode 36: Talking Children's Books with Lindsay Keller
Lindsay Keller is the daughter in the mother-daughter duo behind The Bell Mare Book Company. Together with her mother Marilyn Domer, Lindsay has created several children's books surrounding the cowboy way of life. With authenticity born from their own ranching lives, Lindsay and Marilyn have...
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Episode 35: New Year, New Goals
2020 threw us a collective curveball, am I right? Thanks to a global pandemic transforming the way we worked this year, and uncertainty on many fronts, those of us carving out careers as equine media professionals have met our share of challenges this past year. But amid the chaos, there have…
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Episode 34: Shooting Millions of Photos with Olie Moss
In today's podcast episode, we talked with Olie Moss, the founder of Olie's Images and Equine Photo School. Olie is a veteran equine event photographer, covering mainly roping competitions and barrel races. He's shot events all over the West, including The Patriot and Wrangler Team Roping...
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Episode 33: Freelancer Laws with Milt Toby
Milt Toby is an attorney and the president of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, an organization dedicated to helping independent non-fiction writers. Milt also serves as legal counsel for the American Horse Publications, and is a frequent presenter on publishing contracts…
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Episode 32: Reflections on 2019 and the Changing Media Landscape
We are staring down the end of the year—and of the decade! In this episode, Kate and Abigail sat down to talk shop for the first time in a while. We recapped 2019, discussed some changes we're seeing in equine media and how to roll with the punches, and talked about our goals for 2020. Thanks for...
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Episode 31: Perfect Pitching from AHP 2019
Recorded during the Elevate Your Pitch session moderated by the Freelance Remuda and fellow freelancer Jennifer Bryant, this episode walks through the hows and why of making a successful pitch to equine media content gatherers.The episode will go through four points: Precise, timely, thorough and...
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Episode 30: Connecting with Equine Brands with Kelly Artz
Kelly Artz is the founder and CEO of Entrigue Consulting, a dedicated full-service marketing company. Her company speclizes in helping brands connect with brand ambassadors—businesses sponsoring riders, for example. Kelly's company offers a variety of services to small businesses, particularly in...
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Episode 29: Writing for the Brand with Jessica Hein
Jessica Hein is the Senior Director of MemberCare & Publications for the American Paint Horse Association. She brought a lifetime of agricultural and equine experience to her role at APHA, and during her tenure at the association, she has moved up through the ranks of its multiple publications to...
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Episode 28: Social Media Marketing with Jamie Samples
In this episode, hosts Abigail Boatwright and Kate Bradley Byars talk to Jamie Samples, the creator of Yellow Barn Media which is a full-service marketing firm geared toward equine businesses. This Michigan native thrives on helping companies attract and develop loyal customers, and she does it…
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Special Episode Part 2: Build & Sustain your Freelance Business
This is Part 2 (of 2) of Abigail Boatwright's session for freelancers at the 2018 American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Veteran freelancers Tracy Gantz and Jennifer Bryant joined her in discussing ways to kick off your freelance business and keep it going…
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Special Episode Part 1: Build & Sustain Your Freelance Business
Abigail Boatwright moderated a session for freelancers at the 2018 American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Abigail and veteran freelancers Tracy Gantz and Jennifer Bryant talked about ways to get your freelance career starting off on the right foot, and ways…
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Episode 27: Contract Work with Patty Tiberg
Patty Tiberg is a cornerstone in the niche publication industry. Rising through the ranks at Cowboy Publishing and on through Morris Media Network, Patty is the vice president of the company's Equine Enthusiast Group, which houses such publications as Barrel Horse News, Quarter Horse News, Reined...
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Episode 26: Taking the Next Step
The Freelance Remuda Podcast launched in January, and since then, we have produced two episodes each month that focused on the equine media industry. We interviewed guests including established editors and young up-and-coming media entrepreneurs, inviting them to share their expertise with you…
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Episode 25: Corporate Cowgirl Carly Kade on Self Publishing
Arizona author Carly Kade's first book, "In the Reins," has been an Amazon best seller for more than 10 weeks, is an EQUUS Film Festival Literary Award Winner for Best Western Fiction and earned her a loyal group of followers. Married with a full-time job as Manager of Strategic Talent for a...
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Episode 24: Developing Your Writing Niche with Jen Paulson
This episode of The Freelance Remuda Podcast features Jennifer Paulson, the editor-in-chief of Horse & Rider magazine, one of the leading Western training magazines on newsstands today. The magazine provides practical training tips from professional trainers, horsekeeping advice and insight into...
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Episode 23: Saddling Up to Podcast with John Harrer
John Harrer and his wife Ranae host the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship. Podcasts about horses are few and far between, and the Whoa Podcast was an early entry into the medium. Over the last five years and more than 120 episodes in, the Harrers have carved a place in the podcast space....
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Episode 22: Building a Fan Following with Kirstie Jones
Kirstie Jones, of Kirstie Marie Photography, started out taking photos of her horses as a hobby. A lifelong horse lover, she competed at breed shows growing up and on TCU's equestrian team. After college, she started her photography business as a side gig and quickly gained a loyal client base....
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Episode 21: Time Capsule Journalism with Ryan T. Bell
Since 2009, Ryan T. Bell has made a living as a freelancer travelling to Russia, South America, Canada and around the U.S. gathering stories and photographs about the Western way of life. He has been published in Western Horseman, and also in magazines like Outside, Town & Country and National...
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Episode 20: Evolving with Shelley Paulson
Shelley Paulson is an accomplished equine photographer based in Minnesota. A horse lover herself, Shelley's unconventional background includes studying to be an opera singer, an Apple support technician, a web designer and now a photographer and filmmaker. Today, she captures beautiful images for...
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Episode 19: Keeping it Legal with James Decker
This is the second part of our business tax and legal series. Today, we'll be talking to James Decker, a lawyer based in the West Texas town of Stamford. James provides advice to clients about business and property ownership, including agriculture, estate planning and probate, real estate, oil…
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Episode 18: Taking Stock of Taxes with Renee Sneed
Renee Sneed is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner. But Abigail first met her when she joined Texas A&M's Equestrian Team and they were teammates. She has a background showing Paints and QH and after excelling in collegiate competition and graduating with a BBA and…
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Episode 17: 7 Ways to Boost Income as a Freelancer
Real talk: there will always be times where you need to increase your income, and when you're a freelancer, your income can fluctuate wildly. Lately we have been talking about what we do when we need to hit a certain financial goal, or a sudden expense comes up, or a contract falls through....
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Episode 16: Building Rapport with Katie Navarra
Katie Navarra published her first article 16 years ago, and today is an established freelance writer living on the East Coast but contributing to multiple national publications. She has written two children's books for Story Publishing and like most in the equine media industry, she grew up...
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MINISODE: Q&A from the AHP Media Conference
Welcome to our special minisode where we share the Q&A portion of our session at the American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference "Recharging and Reinventing your Freelance Business" in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you missed out on the part one of the session, revisit Episode 15!
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Episode 15: Recharging & Reinventing your Freelance Business from AHP (Part I)
Recorded live at the AHP Equine Media Conference June 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Session blurb: Experienced freelancers and The Freelance Remuda podcast co-hosts Abigail Boatwright and Kate Bradley Byars will discuss ways to revitalize your freelance writing or photography business. This…
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About this show
The Freelance Remuda is a podcast co-hosted by seasoned freelance professionals Abigail Boatwright and Kate Bradley Byars exploring the trials and triumphs surrounding life as an equine media professional. The show also shares valuable tips from equine media editors and creatives doing what they love. Find us online: freelanceremuda.com, on Facebook and Instagram @freelanceremuda.
Hosted by
Abigail Boatwright & Kate Bradley Byars
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