The Thicket

What does it take to build a top show-horse program — and a life — around two heartbeats? In this candid conversation, horseman and coach Reid Thomas (Reid Thomas Performance Horses) shares how he went from teaching lessons at 14 to leading a world‑class English/Western/ranch all‑around program. He breaks down the “underground” world of judged horse shows, how he pairs riders with the right horses, why welfare and ethics come first, and what it really costs (time, money, emotion) to chase buckles and world titles. You’ll hear: The philosophy: precision over time, two heartbeats, and “preserve and protect” Matching riders to horses (and when to sell, buy, or pivot) Coaching youth vs. adult amateurs and the mental game required The grind: 20‑day shows, 3–4 hours of sleep, five arenas at once Vet care and rehab tech (shockwave, laser, spa) for equine athletes Building a team that scales quality, not chaos Life with exotics and conservation with partner Eric Practical advice for new riders on getting a rock‑solid foundation If this episode helped you, tap Subscribe, rate the show, and share it with a horse‑loving friend.This episode is brought to you by BKKPRS. BKKPRS (Bookkeepers) helps businesses with bookkeeping, accounting, accounts receivables/payables, payroll, and fractional CFO services. Learn more at https://bkkprs.com.