Horse People Podcast

This episode is with Marissa Wells, who just became a 10-goaler in arena polo, a dream she's had since childhood. We talk about what that moment felt like, the years of consistency it took to get there, and what comes next. Marissa is great, a good friend and my first ever guest!!We get into everything from $800 horses to bodybuilding prep to what kind of horses are actually best for arena.Follow Marissa on[Instagram] and [Tik Tok]Key topics we discussed:The moment Marissa found out she hit 10 goals and what it meant after a lifetime of dreaming about it.Why consistency matters more than talent at the top levels of polo.Her surprising take on training horses for arena versus grass.How bodybuilding and polo have started to overlap in her life—and why she could never do arena on prep.What it means to be a role model now and the advice she gives to the next generation of young girls in polo.

This episode with Jim is great, he's a one of a kind story teller with a one of a kind story and there's so much about this episode that will leave you nodding your head and thinking about the horses that changed your life. Jim shares stories that feel more like scenes from a novel: escaping the Iranian revolution, chasing foxes in a scarlet hunt coat, and riding reindeer with native people in the Mongolian wilderness. From Tehran to Norco to Patagonia, horses have been the throughline in his life. We talk about how deep that bond runs, what it means to ride with feeling, and why he still whispers to his mares before bed.Key topics:Growing up between Iran and the US with horses always at the centerHis father's escape from revolutionary Iran on horseback with Kurdish tribalsBuilding a new life in California and returning to horses through foxhuntingRiding adventures across Mongolia, Patagonia, and beyondWhat it means to be a sensitive rider and why he always chooses maresFollow us on Instagram @horsepeoplepodcast and hit the follow button on Spotify to make sure you don't miss the next one!

Intro:This episode's a little different. I was at this years Breeders’ Cup. One of the biggest races in the world!! Big shoutout to the media relations team for letting me be around the barns at Del Mar. I just was walking around, casually met the folks who make the sport run every day, and had some quick, honest conversations. These are the people who muck stalls at 4:30 a.m., ride babies before the sun comes up, and know every twitch and snort of the horses they care for.It made me think about what this podcast has become. At the core of it all is the same question: why do we love horses the way we do?Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Eddie Figueroa talks about staying calm in the starting gate and yelling at jockeys when he needs toLisa Conway shares how grooming horses is like being a mechanic with a lot more emotionRaul Alejandro explains how exercise riders have to know their horses and also have a mental stopwatchGot to talk to Steve Asmussen, who grew up in a racing family and still believes it all comes down to love of the horseWhat it feels like to be back behind the barns, hearing stories from the real heartbeat of horse racingSUBSCRIBE for more cross discipline content and stories about the people behind the horse industry.

This one is personal. I got to ride with Gianna Aycock and Colby Coltrain during the Mongol Derby, and by the first night in training camp they basically adopted me. These two became my Derby older brother and sister, gear gurus, morale squad, and a big reason I made it to the finish line. In this episode, we finally sat down to unpack their whole journey, how Gianna went from riding anything she could as a kid in New Mexico to riding 12 horses a day prepping for the Derby, and how Colby, the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, went from college baseball to welding fences to racing ponies across Mongolia.They're some of my favorite humans, and this conversation is everything I love about horses and horse people, real talk, good stories, and a lot of heart. We get into the nitty gritty of how they prepped for the world’s toughest horse race, what nearly broke them (and what didn’t), and why Gianna’s doing it again in 2026.Key topics we discussed:The backstory: how Gianna first fell into horses and how Colby got pulled into the world alongside herGearing up for the Derby—what equipment they optimized, what they regretted, and the art of ultra‑light packingThe emotional and physical highs and lows during the race: illness, navigation challenges, horse draws, and how they stuck togetherLessons from the trail: reading terrain, trusting horses, managing scarcity, and the power of small acts of kindnessHow the Derby changed them: in gratitude, relationship to food, presence, mindset—and why Gianna is doing it again in 2026

This episode is with Ross Colbert, lifelong horseman, investment banker, polo junkie, and 70-year-old finisher of the Mongol Derby. And not just any finisher. Ross crossed the line dead last. But what happened in those 10 days is the stuff you don’t hear about in the press releases. He got lost in the mountains, had his horse chased by dogs, was thrown, walked solo for miles, slept alone by a river, and still managed to roll into camp with his horse sound and his head high.We talk about the years he spent dreaming of Mongolia, what it took to prep, what gear saved his ass (literally), and how he avoided the saddle sores that plagued most of the field. Ross also shares what it felt like to come home, how the Derby rewired his perspective on business, resilience, and what he’s still capable of. It’s one of the most honest and human accounts of the Derby you’ll hear.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Ross’s early involvement with horses, growing up on a farm, riding, polo, and how that shaped his relationship with horses and risk.How the idea of doing the Mongol Derby was planted from meeting his wife, her research on Genghis Khan and the Silk Road, eloping in Mongolia, seeing the Derby, and holding that dream over the years.The training and preparation: building endurance, lots of saddle time, attending a Derby boot camp, gear, avoiding saddle sores, etc.The race itself: checkpoints missed, stone bruised horse, getting thrown, losing tack, walking sections, getting lost in high terrain, nights alone, mindset through setbacks.The aftermath: finishing last but finishing strong, what came home with him beyond the race (resilience, optimism, what he now knows about himself and what he’s capable of), reflections on business, horses, and what’s next.If you liked this episode, hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next wild Derby story or horse‑person journey. And if you feel moved, share it with someone who needs a boost of grit or has ever wondered what’s possible when you keep going.Follow @horsepeoplepodcast for more cross discipline stories and content.

Intro:Madeleine Bunbury knew what she wanted early on, and it wasn’t what anyone else expected. After bombing her high school exams and getting kicked out, she found her way to a classical art school in Florence where she trained to paint portraits, then as soon as she could started painting horses instead. In this episode, we talk about how she went from couch-surfing in exchange for paintings to traveling the world with a homemade easel and a dream.She paints every horse from life, often life-size, and always with the same goal: to capture something deeper than a photo ever could.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:The very non-linear path from failed science student to classically-trained artist living out of a suitcase and painting horses for a living.What “site size” painting means and why she never paints from photographs, only from horses standing right next to the canvas.The heartbreak and hilarity of trying to get high-strung sport horses to stand still for hours in the blazing sun.Her mission to document the 18 native British horse breeds before they disappear, starting with a life-size Suffolk Punch on a three-meter canvas.Building the dream: her plans for a studio barn where horses walk in one side and come out the other as art, surrounded by velvet drapes, Persian rugs, and dramatic lighting.Subscribe to the Horse People Podcast for more cross-discipline content. And if you want to follow Madeleine’s adventures across the world, give her a follow: @bunbury_equine_artWant to learn more about her exhibition in Virginia, here's the link: National Sporting Library and Museum

Intro:Lisa Lazarus is the CEO of the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). From NFL negotiations to equestrian rulebooks in Switzerland, Lisa’s career has taken her across sports, continents, and now into the heart of American horse racing reform. We talk about what it means to rebuild trust in an industry that’s often under fire, how to change deeply embedded cultures without losing the soul of the sport, and what it actually takes to reduce fatalities by 37 percent in just three years.Follow @horsepeoplepodcast for more cross-discipline content and stories.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Lisa’s winding career path from international sports law to leading HISAThe real metrics behind reducing equine fatalities and why transparency mattersThe cultural shift underway in horse racing and why trust is the hardest partBalancing federal oversight with racetrack realities across the U.S.Why bringing younger generations into the sport is non-negotiableSubscribe to Horse People Podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss the conversations that matter to the future of our industry. And if you’ve got a friend who works at a track, send them this episode.Follow Lisa and HISA updates on their website: https://hisaus.org/

This one’s with Sheryl Sick, the Pacific Northwest Circuit Governor for the USPA and someone I’ve always looked up to in polo. She’s got a tech sales career that funds her weekends chasing the white ball and a story that includes everything from working at a seafood cannery in Alaska to hauling her own horses 10 hours into Canada. She’s proof you can build your own way into this sport, and she’s generous about how she did it.Key topics we got into:How she found polo in college and sold her graduation bike to chase the sportThe grooming gig that earned her custom boots and a foot in the doorManaging a full-time tech job, a polo circuit, and a herd of horses without losing her mindHer thoughts on growing the game, getting more kids and women in, and why arena polo’s a gateway drugThe five Ps - preparation prevents piss poor performance.Hit that subscribe button if you haven’t already. And if you’ve been thinking about getting back into riding or finally trying polo, take Sheryl’s advice and just start showing up.Follow Sheryl on [Instagram]Find more about the role at USPA [here]

This episode is so good. I sat down with Jutta Putz, a branding consultant and strategist who's carved out a niche helping equestrian businesses and startups go global. From growing up in a tiny Austrian town to building her career in Kentucky’s Thoroughbred heartland, Jutta’s story is one of persistence, clarity, and a deep love for horses. We talk about how she turned that passion into a career, and how you can too.Key topics we discussed in 5 bullet points:Why branding is more than just logos, and how clarity can make or break your horse businessThe moment Jutta realized the Thoroughbred world was missing a huge opportunity in visibilityHow wearable tech and AI are reshaping equine health and what’s coming by 2030Personal branding for jockeys and equestrian professionals: what it really meansHow to turn your equestrian side hustle into a full-time job with real strategy and intentionBonus:Jutta moved from Austria to Kentucky after mailing out applications to 20 horse farms and receiving a life-changing internship from one hand-written letter.Connect with Jutta on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jutta-putz/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juttaputz/?hl=enWebsite: https://jpbrandplus.com/Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you’re building something in the horse world or thinking about it, send this episode to someone who needs to hear it.

On this episode of the podcast, I have the distinct pleasure to sit down with UK stud veterinarians Kate and Tim, the husband-and-wife duo who kept horses (and wayward riders) in one piece during the 2024 Mongol Derby. We swap memories about wild ponies, mystery meat stew, and the not so surprise reveal that Tim moonlights as a racing-pigeon enthusiast and advocate. Plus, we track their jump from globe-trotting vet work to running their own breeding farm in Newmarket.Key topics we discussed:How Kate talked Tim onto a flight to Mongolia and what shocked them most on arrival.The unfiltered day-to-day of a Derby vet: twelve-hour shifts, storm chasing, and handing out time penalties with a smile.Food culture on the step, including the infamous offal bowl and why Skittles sometimes save lives.Life after the Derby: setting up a thoroughbred breeding business, balancing farm chores with late-night foal checks, and Tim’s first polo lesson.Racing pigeons explained by a guy who owns fifty of them and still finds time to check heart rates on horses.Follow along Tim and Kate's journey:Facebook:@burden_lee_equine_ltd@burden_lee_equine_ltdLike what you heard? Hit subscribe so you never miss a barn-floor conversation; if this episode made you crave adventure, consider supporting the Mongolian charities that keep the Derby running strong.

In this episode, Gideon sits down with Holly Caccamise, editor in chief of Horse Illustrated and Young Rider magazines, and co‑host of the Horse Illustrated Podcast. Holly shares her journey from equine science to publishing, her passion for print in a digital age, tips for getting started in the horse world, and why the Mongol Derby left her in awe.Key topics we discussed:Why Holly left the lab for editorial life, and how she climbed the ladder from Thoroughbred Times to leading two beloved horse magazines.The enduring power of print in the horse world and how readers, especially kids, cherish holding a magazine in their hands.Horse Illustrated’s recipe for engagement: breed profiles, human‑horse stories, and “the angle” that hooks readers.Practical advice for new riders, start on the ground, understand horsemanship basics, and pick a barn that fits your personality.Trends in equine media: podcasts are an area of opportunity, video versions of interviews are gaining traction, and AI may not cut it for horse stories or imagery.Bonus:Holly's favorite breed? Appaloosa mares “they just clicked with my brain.”Social media links for the guest:Social media links for Horse People Podcast:Instagram: @HorsePeoplePodcastLinkedIn: Horse People PodcastIf you love heartfelt horse stories and want a behind‑the‑scenes look at horse media, subscribe to Horse Illustrated (print or digital) and give our podcast a follow. And if you're inspired to start riding or become a writer, go check out Pony Club or reach out to your local barn, you never know where your horse journey will take you.Follow and subscribe for more cross-discipline horse content and stories!!

This episode features Kristy Donaldson, a high-volume recruiter at Chewy by day and a full-blown horse and Breyer model enthusiast by night. Kristy’s world is a fascinating blend of real horses, collectible horses, YouTube creativity, and early morning barn rides before work. We talk about her journey into dressage, her obsession with Breyer models, and how she balances the two worlds like a pro.Key topics we discussed in 6 bullet points:The world of Breyer model horses and how Kristy grew a collection of over 300The surprising resale value of rare models and the collector economy behind themStarting a YouTube channel and what content horse people actually want to seeRiding at 6 a.m. and juggling shows with a full-time job at ChewyWhy horse people secretly (and not so secretly) hire other horse peopleThe misunderstood beauty and grind of dressage for adult amateursBonus fact:Kristy once scored a bullseye on her very first horseback archery attempt, combining her two passions—horses and archery—into one epic moment.Social media links for the guest:YouTube: Blue Eyed BreyersInstagram: @blue_eyed_breyers and @spartographer07Social media links for Horse People Podcast:Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcastLinkedIn: Horse People PodcastSubscribe to the show and leave us a review and if you’ve got a model horse collection you’re proud of, shoot us a message—we want to hear your story.

Intro:This episode is with Shelley Golan, a senior director at a leading fintech company, lifelong horse lover, and multi-time entrepreneur. Shelley shares her journey of reentering the horse world as an adult amateur after a long hiatus: a story that weaves through startups, motorcycles, autoimmune disease, and the pipeline of drawing horses as a kid to becoming a horse person. It’s about choosing joy, reclaiming identity, and doing things for no other reason than because they mean something to you.Key topics we discussed:How Shelley went from urban agriculture founder to startup accelerator leader to fintech exec and why supporting founders still lights her upGrowing up horse-crazy in Manhattan, learning to ride in the now-closed Claremont Stables and yes, galloping through Central Park at 10 years oldThe adult amateur’s return to riding: the courage to restart, the right trainer fit, and how motorcycles reawakened her horsemanship muscle memoryThe unspoken barriers in lesson barns from saddle soreness to aging school horses and the case for a new model between leasing and buyingWhat it really takes (mentally, physically, emotionally) to become a stronger, more confident rider in your 30s and how intentional strength training changed her seatBonus: We coin the term “horse virus” instead of “horse bug”, because, let’s be honest, it lies dormant and then flares up like clockworkSocial media links:Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcastLinkedIn: Shelley GolanIf you’ve ever felt the horse virus stir in your bones even a little hit that subscribe button and share this episode with someone who’s been “thinking about getting back into riding.”

In this episode of Horse People, I sit down with Scott Cieslar, founder and CEO of Mad Barn, to talk about how he's building something pretty rare in the world, a business rooted in research first. Scott is laying the groundwork for a smarter, science-backed approach to equine nutrition. We dive into everything from why salt is wildly underrated to how a simple hay test could change your horse’s health. If you care about performance, longevity, and doing right by your horse, this one’s for you.Key topics we discussed:Why Mad Barn is investing in foundational research instead of chasing trendsWhy most horse owners misunderstand hay quality, and how earlier cuts actually provide more nutrients than later onesHow horses use oxygen differently, and what that means for training and recoveryThe role of salt, forage, and minerals in avoiding common health issuesWhat Scott’s big-picture vision is for Mad Barn and equine nutrition worldwideSocial media:Instagram: @madbarnequineWebsite: madbarn.comSubscribe to Horse People and get 5% off at Madbarn.com with code HORSEPEOPLE. Your horse could probably use some vitamins and minerals!

In this episode of Horse People, I’m joined by Josh Edwards aka Cowboy Josh a rodeo legend, entrepreneur, dad, and 3rd place Mongol Derby finisher. We talk about what it means to hang up the saddle after a career in the arena, chase freedom on the Mongolian steppe, and keep going after hard things even when you’ve already got the belt buckles to prove yourself. From the rodeo halls of fame to a quiet moment of clarity in the middle of nowhere, Cowboy shares a raw, honest look at a life well ridden.Oh! And how to win the derby:)Key topics we discussed:What life after rodeo looks like, and why Josh says retirement came at the perfect time.Getting drugged up a Mongolian hill by SJO , horse in tow, tied to her saddle. The Mongol Derby: the heartbreak, the donkeys, the glory, and what it taught him about letting go of control.Why finishing third meant more than winning, and how that ride became a cornerstone of his cowboy legacy.The powerful role of rodeo brotherhood and the unseen emotional moments that defined the Derby for him.Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcast

What happens to America’s wild horses after they're rounded up? Why is the politics around public lands and wild horses so heated? And what does it look like when horses are given their freedom back?In this moving and wide-ranging episode, we sat down with Scott Beckstead, a lifelong animal advocate, law professor, and Chief Equine Program Officer at the Wild Horse Refuge the world’s largest sanctuary of its kind, spanning 30,000 acres in Northwest Colorado.Scott walks us through:The daily joy (and responsibility) of overseeing 200+ wild horses living free on the rangeThe legacy of Picasso - the most iconic Mustang in America - and the horses that carry his bloodline todayHow trauma shapes behavior in wild horses and what it means to let them heal on their own termsWhy wild horses are native to North America despite what the critics sayThe controversial role of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and how Scott’s team has formed a surprising partnership to give horses a second chanceFertility control, land politics, and why building one refuge per state could be the game-changer we all need🐴 Want to help? Chip in a piece of $777 to own an acre and we can become a founding donor at wildhorserefuge.org - make sure to mention "horse people podcast" when contributing!

In this heartfelt episode of Horse People, we sit down with Sam Bregman: lifelong horseman, current Bernalillo County District Attorney, and newly announced candidate for Governor of New Mexico. Sam opens up about how horses have shaped his outlook on leadership, resilience, and what truly matters in life.From the barn to the campaign trail, Sam reflects on the powerful life lessons horses continue to teach him. He shares how their quiet wisdom has helped him navigate the messiness of both personal struggles and public service, offering moments of clarity in times of chaos.We explore how these incredible animals ground us in the present, remind us of the world’s beauty, and teach us to find joy in simplicity — whether you're working through big decisions or just mucking a stall on a quiet morning.Takeaways:Horses offer a unique lens through which to view life and leadership.Their presence helps us reconnect with what truly matters.In moments of stress or uncertainty, horses can bring clarity and calm.Life is complicated — horses remind us it doesn’t always have to be.Appreciating simple, joyful moments can be a powerful form of resilience.Whether you’re in the arena or the governor’s office, Sam reminds us: horses don’t just carry us — they keep us grounded.Hear more about Sam's announcement: [here]

Episode OverviewIn this episode, Dr. Fred Barrelet, a retired veterinary surgeon, shares his lifelong passion for horses, spanning his early love of riding, his work in endurance events, and his remarkable experiences in Mongolia. Fred offers insights into the ever-evolving horse-human bond, the challenges facing equestrian sports today, and why placing horse welfare front and center is more important than ever.Timeline of episode:Fred’s Path to Equestrian ConsultancyVeterinary background and transition to international event workMemorable career highlights, including involvement with royal carriagesEndurance Riding & Equestrian EvolutionGrowth and regulation in endurance competitionsThe historical importance of Newmarket for racing and breedingThe Human-Horse Bond7,000 years of partnership and why it still mattersCultural nuances: “rough love” in Mongolia vs. Western training methodsSocial License to OperateIncreasing scrutiny of horse welfareEfforts to maintain public trust and ethical standards in all disciplinesAdventures in MongoliaMongol Derby background and its intense demandsVeterinary care vs. rider care: unexpected challengesTrust-building and cultural respect when handling Mongolian poniesPersonal Favorites & ReflectionsWhy eventing stands out for FredAdmiration for both Thoroughbreds and heavy horse breedsHorses as symbols of freedom and solaceEquestrianism is under social pressure: responsible welfare practices are key.Approaches to horse training vary worldwide but center on respect and trust.Fred’s experience highlights the importance of balancing tradition with modern standards.Mongolia’s horse culture offers a unique look at the tough realities—and deep loyalties—of herder life.Notable TakeawaysEquestrianism is under social pressure: responsible welfare practices are key.Approaches to horse training vary worldwide but center on respect and trust.Fred’s experience highlights the importance of balancing tradition with modern standards.Mongolia’s horse culture offers a unique look at the tough realities—and deep loyalties—of herder life.

In this engaging conversation, Fred Berry shares his journey from a tobacco farm in North Carolina to becoming a successful plaintiff's lawyer. He discusses his passion for fox hunting and the challenges he faced while participating in the Mongol Derby, a grueling endurance race across Mongolia. Fred reflects on the lessons learned from both his legal career and his experiences with horses, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the deep connection between humans and horses.TakeawaysHe is a plaintiff's lawyer who thrives on challenges.Fox hunting has been a significant part of his life.The Mongol Derby was a spontaneous decision for him.He faced physical challenges during the Derby but persevered.Fred emphasizes the importance of horsemanship in the Derby.He reflects on the camaraderie and experiences shared during the race.The connection between humans and horses is profound and historical.Fred believes in adapting to challenges and learning from them.He finds joy in the simple moments spent with horses.

In this episode of The Horse People Podcast, I sit down with Tom Morgan, the visionary founder of the world-renowned Mongol Derby, often hailed as the "world's toughest horse race." We dive deep into Tom's entrepreneurial journey and how his passion for adventure and horses led to the creation of this iconic event.Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode: The Birth of the Derby: How the idea came to life and the challenges of organizing a race inspired by Genghis Khan’s postal system. Advice for New Riders: Tom’s wisdom on preparing physically and mentally for a grueling race like the Derby. Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Memorable moments, unexpected challenges, and what keeps the Derby going strong. What’s Next for Tom: His thoughts on the future of equestrian adventure sports and his upcoming projects.Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a budding adventurer, or just a fan of incredible stories, this episode will inspire and entertain.Follow Tom Morgan and the Mongol Derby: Instagram: @mongolderby and @tom_adventurists Website: The EquestrianistsConnect with the Horse People Podcast: Instagram: @HorsePeoplePodcastEnjoy the episode, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast wherever you listen! 🐴