Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder

Investing in the Future with Helen Hardy

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Helen Hardy, the Manager of Youth Development at the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Helen shares her journey to one of the most impactful roles at AQHA and offers insight into the importance of youth programming for the future of the association and the industry as a whole. From grassroots involvement to national leadership, we explore how engaging and empowering young horsemen and horsewomen today helps shape a stronger tomorrow. Whether you're a seasoned AQHA member or just getting involved, this episode is packed with inspiration and purpose.

Lessons from the Saddle to the Stethoscope: Pursuing Your Dream with Lindsey Valdiviez

In this empowering episode, Dr. Lindsey Valdiviez shares her incredible journey from the world of horseback riding to becoming an internal medicine resident. Growing up showing horses and competing in equestrian at the NCAA level at Baylor, Lindsey faced many obstacles along the way—yet each challenge only fueled her determination to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. She reflects on how the lessons she learned in the saddle—resilience, discipline, and focus—helped her conquer the tough moments in her life. If you’ve ever faced setbacks or wondered if you can truly achieve your dreams, this episode will inspire you to keep pushing forward, no matter the hurdles. Tune in for a powerful story about perseverance, grit, and the unwavering belief that your dreams are always within reach.

Finding the Right Horseman: Navigating Equine Purchases with Keyton Stone

In this episode of Taking the Reins, we sit down with Keyton Stone of Big Ridge Performance Horses in Baldwyn, MS. Keyton shares his expert insights on the critical role a reputable horseman plays in the equine purchasing process. From avoiding scams to identifying red flags that lead to dishonest dealings, we dive deep into how to navigate the sometimes tricky world of buying horses. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the equine world, this episode provides valuable advice to help ensure your next horse purchase is a success. Tune in to learn how to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.
Facebook: Big Ridge Performance Horses

Mastering Horsemanship: Bridging Minds and Manes with Cole Cameron

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Cole Cameron, a nationally recognized horsemanship clinician who made waves by winning the prestigious Road to the Horse in 2021 and claiming a runner-up spot in 2023. Cole shares his insights on what truly matters when it comes to communicating with horses, emphasizing the importance of clear, consistent signals and building trust with your equine partner. He also dives deep into the psychology of teaching horses, offering a fascinating look at how understanding a horse’s mind can lead to better training and stronger connections. Whether you’re an experienced rider or just getting started, Cole’s expertise will give you new perspectives on your horsemanship journey.
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will help you understand not just the how, but the why behind working with horses!

TTR the Recap 4!

In this episode of Taking the Reins, host Clay Cavinder provides a brief recap of episodes 31-40, reflecting on the key moments, insights, and progress made throughout the previous episodes. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the journey so far, as Clay delves into the highlights and takeaways from the past discussions. Additionally, Clay offers a preview of what's to come, giving listeners a glimpse into the exciting future of the podcast. Tune in for an engaging reflection and an exciting look ahead!

A Balancing Act: Life as a Collegiate Equestrian with Kate Rushton and Pam Adam

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Pamela Adam and Kate Rushton, both talented riders for the Mississippi State IHSA Equestrian team. Together, they jump into the unique challenges and nuances of balancing life as a collegiate equestrian and being students. From early mornings in the barn to managing the demands of academic life, Pamela and Kate share their personal experiences and insights into what it truly takes to excel both in the arena and the classroom. Tune in for an honest and engaging conversation about the highs and lows of being a student-athlete in the world of collegiate equestrian sports.
Full video can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vb5ZJzI7VS4

Every Second Counts: The Fast-paced World of Barrel Racing with Barry and BJ Thomas

In this episode of Taking the Reins, my guests and I discuss the intriguing world of barrel racing. Barry Thomas, along with his son BJ, own and operate Hazelwood Ranch in Mississippi, where they breed and train high-end speed event horses. Together, we dive into the ins and outs of the barrel racing industry, exploring the art of training top-tier horses, the challenges of running a successful ranch, and the unique bond between horse and rider. Barry and BJ share their wealth of knowledge, offering valuable insights into what it takes to excel in the world of competitive barrel racing, from selecting the right bloodlines to fine-tuning the training process. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or simply a fan of the sport, this episode offers an inside look at the dedication and passion required to succeed in one of the most thrilling disciplines in the equine world.
 
Full video can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8l_mQtsicGQ
 

The Galloping Gavel: Legal Insights for the Equine World with Jane Calamusa

In this episode of Taking the Reins, host Clay Cavinder sits down with equine lawyer Jane Calamusa to explore the fascinating world of equine law. Jane shares her expertise on the legal issues horse owners, and trainers face, from contract disputes to liability concerns. Whether you’re navigating horse sales, breeding agreements, or handling accident claims, Jane provides valuable insights to help protect your interests in the equine world. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on how the law intersects with the equestrian lifestyle!
 
Full video can be viewed on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/0y5aWvgBPr8
 

The Mess and the Loveless with Libby Hallett

Join us for an inspiring episode of Taking the Reins featuring Libby Hallett of Libby and the Loveless, a talented young musician and passionate horse enthusiast hailing from Austin, TX. In this episode, we explore Libby's journey through the world of horses and her deep-seated love for these majestic animals. More importantly, we delve into her exciting new venture: recording her very first country music album.
Libby shares her experiences, challenges, and the growth she's encountered along the way, painting a vivid picture of her artistic journey. Plus, she offers insider tips on the must-see attractions in Texas, giving us a glimpse of what makes Austin so special.
As a special treat, the episode opens and closes with a sneak peek of her captivating new song, "The Mess." Tune in for an enriching conversation filled with passion, music, and a love for the great outdoors!

From the Ground Up: Mastering Hoof Care with TJ Carr

In episode 36 of Taking the Reins, we explore the vital topic of hoof care with expert farrier TJ Carr. Based in Mississippi, TJ offers invaluable insights into how proper hoof maintenance is essential for a horse’s health, comfort, and performance. Skilled farriers like TJ play a crucial role in ensuring our horses remain sound and capable of performing at their best. In this episode, he shares practical advice on best practices for hoof care, along with important life lessons that resonate beyond the barn. This conversation is an essential resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of equine well-being.
Full video can be viewed on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lvXBJ4VS99c