Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder

In this episode of Taking the Reins, I sit down with Meredith Krupp, owner and operator of Pine Branch Thoroughbred Farm in Lexington, Kentucky — right in the heart of horse country.
Meredith shares her journey into the Thoroughbred industry, what inspired her to take the leap into starting her own operation, and what it really takes to build a farm from the ground up in one of the most competitive equine regions in the world.
We dive into the day-to-day realities of running a Thoroughbred farm — from managing horses and clients to navigating the business side that often goes unseen. Meredith also opens up about the challenges she faced early on, the risks she’s taken along the way, and the moments that made it all worth it.
Whether you’re involved in the horse industry or just curious about what goes on behind the gates of a Lexington Thoroughbred farm, this episode offers an honest look at the grit, vision, and dedication it takes to make it in this world.

What happens when you combine the horsepower of Kentucky’s equine industry with the strategy of a top-tier business school?
In this episode of Taking the Reins, I sit down with Dr. Amy Lawyer, Director of the Equine Studies Program at the University of Louisville, to explore one of the most unique academic programs in the country—an equine program housed within a college of business.
Dr. Lawyer shares how Louisville is preparing students for real-world success in the horse industry by blending hands-on equine experience with business acumen. We dive into the wide range of career opportunities available in the horse capital of the world, from farm management and bloodstock to marketing, sales, and beyond.
Whether you’re a student, industry professional, or just passionate about horses, this episode highlights how education, location, and opportunity intersect in powerful ways in Kentucky’s thriving horse country.
Tune in to learn how the next generation of equine professionals is being shaped—and why the business side of horses matters more than ever.

Horse racing has a deep history — but its future depends on who steps up to carry it forward.
In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Annise Montplaisir, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Amplify Horse Racing, an organization dedicated to connecting young people with real careers in the Thoroughbred industry. From racetrack internships to educational outreach, Amplify is opening doors many didn’t even know existed.
Clay and Annise dive into how the racing industry actually works behind the scenes, why workforce development matters more than ever, and the misconceptions that keep talented young people from considering careers with horses. They also talk about the opportunities — not just for riders, but for veterinarians, marketers, farm managers, media professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re a horse person curious about racing, a student searching for direction, or someone who wants to understand the business side of equine industries, this conversation pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood sectors of the horse world.
The future of the industry isn’t just about faster horses — it’s about educated people who care enough to lead it forward.

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Jonathan Meilleur and Mark Russell to pull back the curtain on horse show judging. From hilarious moments in the ring to common misconceptions horsemen have about judges, this conversation delivers laughs, honesty, and real insight.
The guys share stories from their judging experiences, explain what they’re actually looking for when horses enter the ring, and clear up myths that just won’t die in the horse world. Whether you show, judge, train, or just love good horse stories, this episode offers an entertaining and eye-opening look at how decisions are made—and why they’re not always what people think.
Funny, informative, and refreshingly real—this one might change how you watch the next class.

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with close friend and horseman Khari Randolph, the founder of the Mississippi Ranch Horse Association. Together, they dive into what it really takes to create new opportunities in the horse industry and how thinking outside the box can open doors for the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen.
Khari shares the story behind starting the Mississippi Ranch Horse Association, the challenges and wins along the way, and how the organization has grown to support ranch horse competition and community across the state. The conversation also explores the past, present, and future of ranch horse events in Mississippi—and where the industry is headed.
Whether you’re looking for a pathway into the horse business, interested in ranch horse competition, or simply enjoy hearing real stories from people building something meaningful from the ground up, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and a forward-looking perspective on the horse world.
Facebook: Mississippi Ranch Horse Association

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with former Major League Baseball star Roy Oswalt — known for his fierce competitive spirit, calm command on the mound, and career spent performing under pressure.
But today, Roy isn’t just talking baseball — he’s diving into life after the big leagues and his role as a supportive dad to a horse-obsessed daughter.
Together, we explore:
The mindset required to perform under intense pressure
Handling nerves and failure — whether you’re pitching under stadium lights or showing horses
The transition from professional athlete to the normal world
How to support a child’s passion without taking over
The surprising parallels between riding horses and elite athletic performance
Whether you’re a rider, athlete, parent, or competitive soul, this conversation is packed with humor, perspective, and wisdom.
Tune in — and take the reins.

In this episode, Clay sits down with Sara Holt, an equine feed sales representative for Nutrena Feeds, to talk all things horse nutrition, customer relationships, and the real-world challenges of feeding performance horses. Sara shares her journey into the equine feed industry, what it’s like working in the field with horse owners and barns every day, and how she helps clients choose the right feed for their program. Whether you're managing a large facility or just want to better understand what’s going in your horse’s feed bucket, Sara offers practical insights that will help you make more informed decisions.
Contact Sara at sara_holt@cargill.com
Nutrenaworld.com
Proelitehorsefeed.com

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Katie Schroeder, owner of Equiflight, a premier international horse transport company. Katie takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to move horses across the globe—by air. From health certifications to flight logistics and in-flight horse care, she shares the fascinating details of an often-overlooked corner of the equine industry. But the conversation goes well beyond horse travel. Katie also opens up about the grit and perseverance it takes to run a successful business, how she built Equiflight from the ground up, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you're an equestrian, entrepreneur, or just love a good story about passion and persistence, this episode has something for you.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by none other than Craig Cameron – renowned horseman, clinician, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer. Craig shares the story of his journey through the world of horses, from his early cowboy beginnings to becoming one of the most respected voices in horsemanship today.
We dive into his philosophy on truly communicating with horses, what it takes to be an effective teacher in the saddle, and the timeless values that define the cowboy way of life. It’s a conversation full of insight, grit, and passion – straight from one of the greats.
Saddle up and enjoy the ride!

In this milestone recap episode, Clay takes a reflective ride through episodes 42 to 50 of Taking the Reins. From world-class horsemen and savvy industry pros to inspiring personal journeys and cutting-edge science, this recap is packed with highlights, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is your perfect catch-up and reminder of just how many directions a life with horses can take you.
Revisit standout moments with guests like Cole Cameron, Dr. Marty Adams, and Lindsey Valdiviez. Hear how buying the right horse, chasing big dreams, and even detouring off-course can all lead to something greater. Plus, Clay reflects on the impact these conversations have had on him—and what’s ahead for the podcast.
Saddle up for a powerful roundup of stories, wisdom, and purpose-driven horsemanship!