In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of Quarter Horse crosses and what makes these hybrid sport and ranch horses so exceptional!

First, we’re joined by Melissa Baus of Baus Horse Training. Melissa shares her expertise, background, and insights into working with Quarter Horse crosses—discussing their versatility, athleticism, and trainable temperaments.

Then, Justine Griffin stops by to talk about an exciting project currently in her program: a talented Connemara x Quarter Horse cross named Cash she’s training that is currently available for sale! Justine breaks down what makes the Connemara/QH combination so special, the horse's development, and who would be the ideal home for this promising mount.

Whether you're a fan of Quarter Horses, curious about sport pony/horse crosses, or currently looking for your next equine partner, this episode is packed with valuable trainer insights you won't want to miss!

Links:

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control
• Guest: Justine Griffin: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast
• Videos of Cash | Cash's Listing on EquineNow
• Guest: Melissa Baus: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

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What is a Quarter Horse actually worth?

Join professional equine appraiser Sandy Holt and Quarter Horse legend Brad Kearns as they pull back the curtain on the business, beauty, and evaluation of America’s favorite breed. Whether you’re buying your first prospect, insuring a champion, or navigating the bloodlines of the industry's finest, Sandy and Brad combine hard data with decades of arena experience to give you the real numbers. From structural correctness to market trends, get the ultimate insider’s look at what makes a great horse truly valuable.

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control

“A Quarter Horse can do it all,” is a phrase we hear constantly—but this week, we’re putting that versatility to the ultimate test. Join your hosts, Cat and Ashley, as we dive into the extraordinary worlds where the American Quarter Horse isn’t just a partner; they’re the powerhouse behind some of the most unique jobs on the planet.

From the rugged daily grind of the ranch to the adrenaline-fueled slopes and the pages of history, this episode celebrates the breed’s incredible mind and "cow sense" in ways you’ve never imagined.

• Skijoring and Ranch Life with Justin Wheeler: Justin joins us to talk about the transition from a long day of ranch work to the high-speed world of Skijoring—where his horses pull skiers at breakneck speeds. We discuss the trust and training required to keep a horse calm while a human is flying behind them on skis!
• History and Stamina with Ashley Manning: Ever wonder what it takes to charge into a War Reenactment or keep a horse sound over miles of grueling terrain? Ashley shares her experiences balancing the intensity of historical reenactments with the athletic demands of Endurance riding.

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control
• Justin Wheeler
• Ashley Manning

In the horse world, "aesthetic" only gets you so far. When you’re miles deep in the saddle or preparing a foal for the longe line, you need gear that survives the sweat, the dirt, and the daily grind. On today’s episode, we’re sitting down with two powerhouse female entrepreneurs who stopped waiting for the perfect product and decided to build it themselves.

Whitney Lloyd, founder of MarkWest Denim, joins us to share her journey of creating the ultimate American-made riding jean. After years of frustration with denim that couldn’t keep up with the demands of a rider’s lifestyle, Whitney took the leap into manufacturing to prove that "premium" and "performance" belong in the same sentence.

We also talk with Jessica Hanes, the founder of The Longe Line Lady. What began as a personal passion for breeding and the longe line class quickly evolved into a thriving business. Jessica opens up about the financial realities of the show industry and how she turned a need for high-quality, functional rope gear into a brand trusted by horsemen across the country.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Identifying the Gap: How to know when your "frustration" is actually a business opportunity.
• American-Made Standards: The challenges and rewards of keeping production close to home.
• The "Horse Girl" Hustle: Balancing the passion for the animal with the logistics of a growing brand.
• Building from the Ground Up: Practical advice for equine enthusiasts looking to launch their own ventures.

Whether you’re a weekend rider, a seasoned breeder, or an aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is a masterclass in turning passion into a profession.

• MarkWest Denim
• The Longe Line Lady

Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther

Sponsored by our friends at Farnam: Endure Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control

Pull up a mounting block and settle in. This week, we’re hosting the ultimate barn aisle reunion with three of our favorite Quarter Horse Influencers: Katie Van Slyke, Amanda Delgado, and Madelyn Houser.

Since they’ve all been in the podcast saddle before, we’re skipping the basics and getting straight to the heart of the horse industry. We’re catching up on their latest prospects, the highs and lows of the show/breeding season, and the reality of managing a "horse girl" life in the digital age. It’s all the barn talk you love, without having to clean any stalls.

1. Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
2. Amanda Delgado - Instagram | Facebook | Breyer | Website
3. Katie Van Slyke - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Website
4. Madelyn Houser - Instagram | Facebook | Blue Duck Memorial Fund
5. Enter here to win a $50 gift card to Katie Van Slyke's merch store!

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush on this episode of the Quarter Horse Podcast! We’re diving headfirst into the high-octane world of trick riding—a discipline where history meets heart-stopping stunts. From its origins as a survival tactic on the Russian Steppes to the glitz of Dolly Parton’s Stampede and modern rodeo arenas, we explore why the American Quarter Horse is the undisputed king of the stunt world. Join us as we talk to professional performer Shadow Storm about the "high" of the hunt and the reality of life upside down, and veteran trainer Shelly Bicknell, who breaks down the rigorous safety and foundational training required to keep horse and rider "stunt ready." Tighten your cinches—it’s going to be a fast ride!

1. Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
2. Guest: Shelly Bicknell
3. Guest: Shadow Storm
4. Sponsor: http://www.chewy.com/equine

You can't talk about Team Penning without talking about the Quarter Horse. This sport is perhaps the purest test of the breed's intelligence, speed, and 'cowiness.' In just 60 seconds, a team of three riders and their horses have to communicate, strategize, and execute a perfect cut. Where does that incredible skill come from? We're looking back at the foundation of the sport, exploring how the innate ability of the working cow horse gave birth to a competitive arena where teamwork and instinct are what truly win the day.

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Sponsor: Chewy
• Guest: Kimberly Bytwerk
• Guest: Elaine Hunter

Nichole shares the secrets behind Albion's incredible season—including their Regional Championship and 5th-place finish at IHSA Nationals—and breaks down the unique IHSA draw system, how Quarter Horses fit into the competition structure, and the vital lessons riders learn from schooling and showing these versatile horses. Then, Alyssa, a dedicated Quarter Horse enthusiast, gives us a captain's view on adjusting to IHSA, the rewarding challenges of leadership, and the specific qualities that make the American Quarter Horse perfectly suited for collegiate success. Tune in to learn how IHSA is building future horsemen and women, one draw horse at a time!

• Hosts: Ashley Winch and Cat Guenther
• Guest: Nichole McColley - Facebook
• Guest: Alyssa McPherson