Two Trips and a Drag

Hosts Sam and Trena banter about cross‑country at the four‑ and five‑star events, praise standout horses like Argyle, and react to the bold, stomach‑dropping jumps that made the courses so intense. They discuss Kentucky Derby and Oaks picks and betting, share a quick mint julep how‑to, celebrate Ferdinand’s new therapy‑farm home, and debate USEF/USHJA funding, support for grassroots shows, Hall of Fame news, and the quirks of naming and teaching in the horse world.

Episode 35, "Two Trips and a Drag," takes listeners to the Kentucky Rolex three‑day with lively commentary on the jogs, the five‑star Grand Prix, and the crowd atmosphere. The hosts walk through course design highlights — multiple water elements, risky angles, frangible pins, and the physical demands on horse and rider — and discuss safety, community volunteerism, and the sport’s direction.

The hosts catch up after a busy weekend judging local horse and hound shows, sharing funny and heartfelt stories about jumps, halflingers, hounds, and cold-weather mishaps. They discuss Kentucky Derby picks and party plans, debate the ethics of fake and weighted tails, reminisce about old show traditions, and trade travel and training tales from the horse world.

This episode covers a heated debate over the new re-ride rule that disrupted a busy horse show, causing logistical headaches for gate staff, judges and competitors. Hosts also recap standout classes, a "haunted" outside line in Memphis, charming young riders, hound show curiosities, and a must-watch dressage freestyle — all topped with funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the weekend.

Trena and Sam catch up in Episode 32: a delayed gelding, highlights from the Fort Worth Nations Cup, and the joys of spring horse shows. They trade barn stories, brainstorm clinic ideas and creative horse names, and vent about rising show office fees and clunky entry systems. They also imagine voice‑activated AI for entries, preview Tryon’s upcoming national, discuss hound shows (including a curiosity about bassets), and tease upcoming guests and events.

Two hosts chat through a lively episode about Easter weekend, pony birthday parties with Teddy the pony, and life at the horse show gate. They debate braiding etiquette and possible braiding restrictions, praise braiders’ care for horses, and discuss tech trends—phones in the barn, AI judging rumors, and course‑mapping ideas—while recapping events like Road to the Horse, the Longines Miami opener, and upcoming showjumping highlights.

In Episode 30 of Two Clips and a Drag, hosts Trena and Sam welcome Harold Walston, the viral in‑gate personality, to talk about his journey from the hunter ring to running the Ranch of Opportunity, an equine program for adolescent girls. They discuss Harold’s background in hunters and jumpers, his work in therapeutic horsemanship, and how social media and TikTok shaped his on‑show fame. The conversation also covers horse show stories, donated horses and tack, the importance of mentors, and the rewarding challenges of using horses to support healing and growth in teens. Light, candid, and full of barn humor, this episode highlights community, purpose, and the power of horses.

Episode 29, "Two Trips and a Drag," features Grand Prix rider and jump builder Brody Robertson discussing his work designing and building show-jumping courses for major events, sponsor jumps, and private clients. Brody and the hosts share stories about event vibes, volunteer support, safety cups and jump theft, the creative process behind themed jumps, and the challenges of keeping courses fair but exciting.

Two hosts trade horse-show stories from a windy, freezing weekend that warmed into fun — announcer mishaps, kids’ pearls of wisdom, pony quirks, and a lighthearted trip to Epcot. They dig into a controversial new USEF drug rule that could suspend horses for a year, debate stall sanitation and cross-contamination worries, and brainstorm practical fixes like live-result screens and better show protocols.

Episode 27, part two of Two Trips and a Drag: the hosts relive a traffic stop in Peachtree City, discuss phone laws and a lecture from Ryan, and celebrate a surprisingly pleasant outcome. The conversation then moves to horse-show stories, a playful trivia game guessing whether names are bands or horses, betting memories, and a recommendation to watch the Snowman story — all wrapped in friendly, humorous banter.

On episode 26 of Two Trips and a Drag, hosts Trena and Sam welcome Trena’s sister Chris to share family memories about riding, Buckle the dog and his daughter Brush, and the idea of a “horse gene.” They discuss riding traditions, including why riders mount from the left, and explain confirmation classes versus breed shows. The episode mixes practical riding tips with funny stories—jukebox pranks, a windblown senior photo, a wedding on horseback—and even a surprise traffic-stop interruption during the recording.

On episode 25 Sam and Trena recap an Epcot spring-break trip, discuss the dramatic rescue of 175 horses flown out of Doha, and share barn updates, hunt week highlights, and a carriage horse headed to a therapy program. The conversation pivots to a detailed proposal for a four-year "trainer college" curriculum—covering English, psychology, Spanish, equine law, marketing, biology, hands-on labs (trailer driving, tractor work, carpentry) and practical electives—plus reflections on changing rules, safety, and how young riders really learn.

Hosts Sam and Trens welcome Victoria Free from Steppin' Free Farms for a lively conversation about barn life, pony and hunter-jumper careers, training philosophies, and running a busy lesson and showing program. The episode mixes practical horse talk—developing young horses, derby successes, and riding tips—with lighthearted stories, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and plenty of laughter.

Two friends trade weekend stories: Mercury in retrograde, wild weather and wind that upended horse jumps, a dramatic Pony Mom ribbon confrontation, and a steward who kept things from spiraling. They also recap fox hunting, a lively hunt ball with bourbon tastings, and behind-the-scenes judging drama. The episode mixes light-hearted banter with practical tips about handling shows, hound and terrier life, and upcoming events — all told with humor and local color.

Hosts trade playful banter about language quirks and a confessed Diet Coke habit before diving into horse-show talk. The episode focuses on the National Horse Show moving to Tryon, weighing conveniences, concerns about facilities and travel, and asking for listener feedback. They also share World Equestrian Games quarantine stories, a surprise five-star winner, jump-design passion, and prep for the Hunt Ball.

Hosts return after a break to chat from WEC Ocala about the five‑star week, stunning stallions, and a challenging equitation class that tested top riders with no‑stirrups and multiple rounds. They debate rule changes in equitation finals, lament the loss of the horse‑swap test, and praise standout riders and course design. Other highlights include a surprising USEF update on mules in the hunter ring, chaotic peacock stories, trailer and tack nostalgia, and upcoming announcing plans.

Hosts celebrate episode 20 while prepping for "Ice-mageddon," swapping stories about horse care, barn bargains, transport risks, and rescue concerns. They discuss podcast tech struggles, judging and USEF frustrations, college riding cuts, and a planned Oregon Trail wagon ride — all with humor and heartfelt worry for animals and the horse community.

Hosts Triena and Sam chat with Grand Prix rider and breeder Mallory Norton Vale about barn life, a mysterious package of antique ribbons, and raising a daughter who vaults and rides. They cover vaulting horses, managing a busy Ocala farm, traveling to shows like Dinard and Thermal, and balancing parenthood with a competitive riding career. This episode blends barn anecdotes, travel stories, and practical talk about training, social media, and the realities of life in the show world.

In this New Year episode hosts Trena and Sam welcome Jay Moore to share his path from Montgomery, Alabama to riding in college, working for top trainers, and building his own boutique business, Authentic LLC, in Huntsville. Jay describes his years at Finley, working for David Beisel and others, coaching IEA teams to zone and national success, and the ups and downs of running a lesson and show program while keeping things authentic and horse-focused.

Sam and Trena celebrate the holidays with a mix of heart and humor: a surprise rescue of a blind, deaf senior dog from a veteran, family holiday updates, and funny Memphis escapades. They also dig into serious industry talk about rising costs for trainers and lesson programs, charity highlights like the NHL teddy bear drive, and everyday barn life, finishing with light anecdotes about Topgolf, possums, and re-watching Ted Lasso.

Sam returns from a wild cruise trip — no Wi‑Fi, a shocking $100 soda cup, nonstop drinks, a belly‑flop contest, and sunny highlights from Roatan. The hosts also dig into horse show controversies like heavy class schedules, the new re‑ride rule, and judging headaches. They finish with a deep dive into foxhounds and hunting life, plus holiday plans and upcoming guests.

Hosts Trena and Sam celebrate downloads, trade barn‑party stories and sponsor wishlists before welcoming eventer Sammy McCarthy. Sammy shares her riding roots (IHSA at Murray State), her long partnership with the mare Adora, training with top coaches, and the unexpected detour of emergency eye surgery during a trip to Ocala. The episode covers biosecurity concerns after EHV‑1 reports, life with retired horses, Sammy's new warmblood Luke, and plenty of barn anecdotes and travel tales.

Hosts chat with Haley Zimmerman about Lawton Stables on Hilton Head — its holiday traditions, trail and carriage rides, the lively petting zoo and the care that keeps visitors coming back. They share memories from college days, barn stories, local shows and why the farm is a beloved holiday destination for families and riders alike.

In this 300th episode they cover Thanksgiving plans, podcast updates, and a deep dive into the recent EHV-1 outbreak — sharing first-hand experience from a Finley outbreak, critical biosecurity tips (daily temperatures, true quarantine, and hose/bucket hygiene), and the role of social media in spreading awareness. They also touch on barn life hacks like theraplate therapy, holiday party and gift ideas for trainers, equipment care, USEF rule changes, and nostalgic early-morning horse show moments.

Episode 12 of Two Trips and a Drag celebrates milestones with hosts Trena and Sam and guest Leah Smaller. They discuss the Blessing of the Hounds, hunting attire and helmets, and hilarious foxhunting memories from Ireland. The conversation also covers Finley college days and alumni connections, showing at WEC and local derbies, working with young and sale horses, and barn life topics like phone use and social media. They touch on new equitation rules (two-point test) and share anecdotes from the show circuit.

Three longtime friends chat about horse shows, old barn stories, trials and sales, a hot-mic judge controversy, and proud parent moments from the sidelines. They swap funny memories from Pony Finals and WEC, discuss horse trials and trials-to-buy, share hiring misadventures, and celebrate small victories on and off the farm.

Episode 10 features hosts Trena and Sam in conversation with Katie Armstrong of Hunter's Ridge about training young horses. They discuss groundwork, backing, trailer-loading techniques, and the importance of starting horses correctly from weanling through two-year-old school to build safe, confident mounts. The episode also covers common industry gaps, problem-horse rehabilitation, pricing and programs for yearling and two-year-old schooling, and practical tips for owners and riders to improve horse handling and rider safety.

Hosts Trena and Sam celebrate Halloween with a lively recap of a horse show costume parade — from Maleficent horns and disco saddle pads to a pony that rolled, farted and stole the spotlight. They dive into industry debates including mane-pulling and controversial drug-testing methods, rising federation costs, trainer certification, and the need to preserve grassroots/local shows. Practical takeaways focus on horse welfare, venue choices, and simple routines to keep horses healthy and happy on the road.

Hosts catch up after a big weekend at the shows, discussing dramatic jump-offs, the growing cost of horse showing, and heated debates over proposed drug-rule enforcement. They also cover fox hunting traditions, barn economics, and why listeners should read and comment on rule changes that could affect the sport.

Join Trena and Sam as they chat live with horse professionals Matt Martin and Camille Maynard while the guests are on the road hauling horses to Aiken. The episode covers lead-line triumphs, show prep, barn breeding updates, hunter and jumper insights, favorite show grounds and meals, and a lot of horse show stories and humor. Listen in for behind-the-scenes tales, Halloween costume talk, and a warm look at how trainers, clients, and young riders prepare and bond with their horses.

Hosts Trena and Sam chat with guest Elizabeth (EB) Blaisdell about her recent reinstatement to amateur status, the highs and lows of judging, and debates over scoring, lead changes, and hunter standards at rated and local shows. The episode mixes practical judging tips and rule discussions with lighthearted anecdotes — from truck troubles and hotel dog smuggling to a surprise kratom incident — and finishes with nostalgic stories about memorable horses and show life.

Hosts Trena and Sam welcome Ashley Bailey of Anchor Way Farm to recap the Gladstone Equitation Finals and the inaugural Adult Amateur Hunter Championships — the "Three-Foot Olympics" — covering course design, swag, and insider show-day stories. They also share fox-hunting tales, setup rituals, superstitions like lucky boots and the sisterhood of the traveling bracelet, and the camaraderie that keeps trainers and riders going through the highs and lows of horse-show life.

Hosts Trena and Sam dive into fox‑hunting traditions—membership, hunt colors, flight order, and what hunt week in Virginia is really like—while sharing personal weekend stories about juniors, hunting horses, and ring life. They also cover horse‑world news and gossip, including high‑profile lawsuits, judging anecdotes from local shows, vaulting highlights, tailgate tales, and a touching story about Dollar, a beloved retired schoolmaster.

Trena and Sam play their new theme song for the podcast, Two Trips and a Drag. And we didn’t get AI to write a summary for this one so you’ll have to listen to see what we talked about.

Hosts Trena and Sam introduce their new podcast, explain the name "Two Trips and a Drag," and trade lively stories from the horse-show world — from favorite venues and sketchy hotels to long hauls and behind-the-scenes chaos. They dig into modern issues like social media’s effects on buying and selling horses, the controversial Western Pleasure/undersaddle canter, and the need for better mentoring and cross-discipline oversight. Expect candid takes, humor, and plans for future episodes about burnout, alternatives to USEF, and guests who can defend or explain divisive practices.