The Whoa Podcast ⋆ About Horses and Horsemanship

Dust n’ Diamonds Mounted Drill Team

November 16, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

Dust n’ Diamonds Mounted Drill Team

Today, we are out at Rancho Rio Equestrian Center with the leaders of the local equestrian drill team, Dust n’ Diamonds Mounted Drill Team. Shawna Pendley is the choreographer and drill master and Marilyn Morphis, “Mo”, is her eyes on the ground. On a side-note — we are outside the main arena before the drill team practice. There’s traffic, planes and even fire engines that tried to invade our interview. Trying to get good sound was definitely challenging. I handled the sound duties and enlisted, (more like drafted), Ranae for interview duties. The three women did an outstanding job.

Dust n’ Diamonds Mounted Drill Team has performed at rodeos, fairs, and special events for nearly 30 years. The team competes at the big drill team competition in Reno. If you’ve ever seen an equestrian drill team, you’re going to love this behind-the-scenes look at the Dust n’ Diamonds Equestrian Drill Team. Could you hear how much Shawna & Mo love this team? Their energy is infectious. And what a wonderful, safe place they provide women to have fun with their horses.

If you would like to help – either financially, to ride or otherwise – contact Mo at (661) 549-1289. I’ll have links, photos and more information at Whoa Podcast dot com.

Links Heard in this Episode

Dust n’ Diamonds Mounted Drill Team Facebook Page

Looking to help. Contact Marilyn Morphis at (661) 549-1289.

Thursday Night Practices, 6 PM, held at:

Ranch Rio Equestrian Center
5320 Peacock Park Ln,
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Join Us on this Journey

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #193

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NRCHA Judge Bill Enk

November 2, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

NRCHA Judge Bill Enk

On a previous show, I talked to Patti Carter, Director of Judges for the AQHA. Today, I share an interview with Bill Enk, Director of Judges for the NRCHA. A lifelong horseman at 77, Bill has a wealth of experience in the horse show world. He’s judged horses almost all his life. He’s been a judge at the AQHA World Show many times and he judged the Road to the Horse. Even if you don’t show, what Bill has to say about horsemanship is important to anyone who rides.

It takes a lot of work and dedication to become and maintain a judges’ certificate. It’s somewhat of a thankless job. I think of all the times I came out of a competition. Sometimes I did well, sometimes not so good. At these times, the horse show judge wasn’t always my favorite person. Bill Enk has been judging horses and riders for over 5 decades. You must be pretty good at judging to stay around that long. And, think of all the things he’s seen in the show ring. Bill is a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has a lot to share and gives generously of his time and expertise.

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #192

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AQHA Horse Show Judging with Patti Carter

October 19, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

AQHA Horse Show Judging with Patti Carter

If there are no judges, there are no horse shows. The judge can make or break a horse show experience. Because they are essential to competition, I thought it would be good to talk with an experienced judge. Patti Carter is the Senior Director of Judges at the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Assn.). AQHA certifies over 800 judges and Patti oversees them all. She is in charge of educational programs, testing programs, and monitoring judges’ performances. In this interview, Patti walks us through her experience growing up in a horse family and learning to judge horses. She tells us about her association with the AQHA, and her duties and responsibilities with horse show judging.

As I compete in different Ranch Class shows, I’m impressed with the knowledge these judges possess. They not only know the rules, but they are very in tune with the horses and riders. Every judge I’ve come in contact with has been pleasant and informative when explaining the rules. The more horse shows I go to, the more I appreciate horse show judging.

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #191

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Listener Stories and Paso Finos

August 24, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

Listener Stories and Paso Finos

After listening to my podcast about the health issues I had with my Quarter Horse mare, Jessie, Vicky Gormanly emailed me to tell me about her Paso Fino, River. We talked about her search for the right horse. Vicky wanted a Paso Fino and, after a long search thought she had found the perfect horse for her. The mare came from a reputable stable, RY Farms. She had ridden the horse, then had her vetted. A friend helped her transport River to her new home at Happy Trails Farms in Danbury, CT. On Vicky’s first ride at the new stable, River showed up lame. This began an odyssey of vet visits and tough decisions.

If you own a horse, you’re going to have situations like this. Vicky was generous to tell us her story and how she came to make the choices she did. Thankfully, Vicky had a trusted friend at her barn, a reputable seller, and a good vet. Today, River and Vicky are happy trail riding the Connecticut/New York area.

More About Paso Finos

The story pique my interest in gaited horses. Were gaited horses trained that way? What were their origins? I connected with Roey Yaloz of RY Farms. They specialize in Paso Fino horses. Roey told be about the origins of the Paso and why their “gait” is the easiest way for them to move. Roey also covered the three categories of the breed and some of their personality traits.

Links heard in this Episode

Happy Trails Farms in Danbury, CT on Facebook

RY Farms on Facebook

Website for RY Farms (Roey Yaloz)

Paso Fino Horse Association

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #190

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Competitive Trail Riding with NATRC

July 27, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

Competitive Trail Riding with North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC)

Are you looking for a little adventure? Give competitive trail riding a try. The North American Trail Ride Conference is a governing body over competitive trail riding (CTR). In this episode, I talk to Sarah Rinne, NATRC’s Executive Director about the sport. Involved with the organization since 1988, Sarah is a wealth of knowledge.

The NATRC sets rules and has guidelines for trail rides. Sanctioned NATRC rides judge riders on horsemanship and horse care. Their competitions place an emphasis on rider and horse safety. The conference establishes levels so riders can compete with others of similar ability. All horses, including mules, are eligible to take part in every ride. A competitive trail ride is not a speed event. Riders have to manage the course and speed to arrive at checkpoints within a certain time frame. Horses have mandatory breaks and veterinary checks to insure they are fit to continue. Riders can also expect to be judged negotiating natural trail obstacles during a ride.

Links to Competitive Trail Riding Heard in this Episode

NATRC Event Calendar

Public Facebook Page for the NATRC

NATRC YouTube Page with lots of good information

Email for more information on the Old West CTR in Tehachapi September 4 & 5

OldwestCTR@gmail.com

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #189

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Checkout My John Harrer & Horses YouTube Channel

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