Horse Show Bestie

If you’ve ever walked out of the pen like “that felt SO good” and then looked at your score like 🤨 …this one’s for you.

We sat down with Don Beard (aka a real judge) and got into what’s actually happening on the other side of the clipboard.

We’re talking:
what the scores mean
why “pretty” doesn’t always mean effective
what judges are actually rewarding vs what riders think they’re rewarding
and yes… why that run you loved maybe didn’t mark like you expected

We also get into the bigger picture stuff:
how patterns are selected, how ranch + pleasure horses have evolved, and what it actually takes to make it in this industry without losing your standards (or your mind).

It’s honest, theres no shortage of hot takes, and very much a “listen before your next horse show” situation.

Alright bestie, this episode is one of those “wait… why are we not doing this already?” conversations 👀
We sat down with David Reichert, the founder of UDJC, and got into some real talk about what’s actually broken in the American horse show industry… and more importantly, what we can do about it.
If you’ve felt like showing has gotten too expensive, too exclusive, or just straight up disconnected from what riders actually need to grow… you’re gonna feel very seen in this one.

Also… quick warning 😅
David is a little spicy. He does not sugarcoat, and he’s definitely not trying to win a popularity contest.

But honestly? That’s kind of the point.

His blunt, say-it-like-it-is approach is exactly why he’s able to call out the real problems in the industry without dancing around them. And more importantly, it’s why he’s actually doing something about it instead of just talking in circles.
So if you like your conversations honest, a little bold, and actually productive… you’re gonna appreciate this one.
🎧 Episode Overview
David breaks down how UDJC is flipping the script on traditional horse showing by focusing on affordability, accessibility, and actual community (not just saying the word “community” and doing nothing with it 🙃).
We get into:
Why the current system is pricing people out
How judging has gotten way too complicated (and honestly… not that helpful)
What the European club model is doing right
And how we can rebuild the sport from the ground up instead of waiting for the top to fix it
It’s practical, a little spicy, and very much a “let’s rethink everything” kind of episode.
What You Can Do (Yes, You)
This isn’t just a “cool ideas” episode. There are real ways to take action:
Go volunteer or support a local show or club
Start asking for better judging feedback (and normalize it)
Support and promote smaller, community-based events
Stop waiting for the industry to change and start contributing to it
🔗 Resources + Guest Links
UDJC: https://udjc.org
NAC Equine Services: https://nac-equine-services.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/nacequineservices
If you’ve been feeling frustrated with the industry lately, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale… and also a bit of a kick in the pants in the best way.
Because the takeaway is pretty simple:
no one is coming to fix this for us… but we can fix it ourselves.

In this episode, Scott Cooper and Crysta Brown share their insights on horse training, trail riding, and the importance of confidence and trust in horsemanship. They discuss practical tips, personal experiences, and the mental aspects of developing a strong rider-horse relationship. Scott Cooper shares his journey of recovery, community involvement, and the importance of honesty and diversity in the horse industry. Crysta Brown explores how to stay connected without a horse, the value of community, and strategies for engaging younger generations.

Bestie… the duo is BACK.
Crysta and Scott are finally back on the mic together.

They get into what has been going on lately, from changes in the industry to the reality of making decisions for your horse when it actually matters. Not in a heavy way, just real talk about the stuff you are probably already thinking about but maybe not saying out loud.

There is also some Sun Circuit talk, a little people watching energy, and a reminder that the horse show world is just as much about who you are around as what class you are in.
Overall it feels like a catch up with people who get it. Go listen, then text your bestie because you will definitely have something to say 👀🐎

Bestie, today’s episode is a little different and kind of wild. Scott starts off by sharing the story of a ski accident he had recently that left him with some pretty serious injuries and a long road to recovery. He talks through what happened, what the recovery process has looked like so far, and how moments like that really make you think about the risks we take in both skiing and riding.

From there, the conversation shifts into something a lot of horse people can relate to… injuries and the comeback that follows. Scott brings on guest Jessi Lueth who has gone through her own injury and recovery journey, and they talk about the mental side of getting back on your feet, leaning on the people around you, and finding the grit to keep going. It’s a really honest conversation about resilience, setbacks, and the kind of support that makes a comeback possible. 💛