Send us a text As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time for equestrians to reflect and set intentions that will elevate their riding experience and horse care practices. In this episode, we delve into five transformative New Year’s resolutions tailored specifically for horse lovers. 1. **Purge, Clean, and Repair Equipment and Tack**: Learn the importance of starting fresh by decluttering your tack room or tack trunk. We’ll discuss how regular maintenance can extend the life ...

Send us a text In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker take a closer look at a compelling statement made by their recent guest, Ronny Riemer, the esteemed German riding instructor. Ronny stirred the pot with his assertion that he doesn’t have clients—he has students—and emphasized that his primary concern lies not in the happiness of these individuals, but rather in the care of their horses and his role as an exceptional athletic coach. As ...

Send us a text Join cohosts Karen and Jen in this exciting episode as they sit down with Ronny Reimer, known online as The German Riding Instructor. Ronny shares his unique insights into the newly formed United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC) and his unofficial title as the “ultra supporter.” Dive into a rich discussion about how European equestrians cultivate a community-centered atmosphere at horse shows. Listen in as he describes how, as co-founder of the Local Champio...

Send us a text ### Scope Podcast - Listener Q&A In this engaging episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen and Jen dive into an array of listener questions that cover essential topics in the equestrian world. - **OTTBs vs. Warmbloods:** Tune in as they discuss the pros and cons of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds vs. warmbloods. - **Decline in Horsemanship:** Karen and Jen explore some possible reasons behind the perceived decline in horsemanship skills. ...

Send us a text Join hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker in this exciting episode of the **Scope Podcast**, where they dive into some of the most common questions Jen receives as a horse trainer. In this episode: - **Karen** poses typical inquiries like “How much does a Junior Hunter cost?” and “How do I teach my horse to change leads?” - **Jen** shares her insights and experiences from the world of equestrian sports, providing practical advice and tips for listeners. - The duo then turn...

Send us a text In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, Jen Barker dives into the world of equine transportation with a special guest, her brother, John Barker an experienced truck driver and self-proclaimed "equine relocation specialist" for Johnson Horse Transportation. Join Jen and John as they explore the ins and outs of shipping horses, sharing invaluable insights for horse owners looking to prepare their animals and equipment for a smooth transport experience. John candidly reveal...

Send us a text Join hosts Jen, a seasoned professional horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a dedicated horse show parent and former client of Jen's, as they dive into the fascinating world of horse training and client relationships in this week’s episode. In a fun and insightful game they call “Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag,” Jen presents various scenarios to Karen, who helps determine whether each situation is a red flag (a serious concern), a green flag (a positive indicator), or a...

Send us a text 'Tis the season! Karen and Jen have made their lists and checked them twice...listen to find out who has been naughty and who has been nice! Also, Karen and Jen discuss great gifts for clients and sweet surprises for trainers--and even get some help from Adriane Potter of The Tack Room in Camden South Carolina. You won't want to miss any of the recommendations! Websites and Coupon Codes below: The Tack Room www.tackroomonline.com Use code SCOPE10 for 10% off Weather Or No...

Send us a text **Want to see the red flags in all of their glory? This episode is also available on The Scope Podcast’s YouTube Channel!!** https://youtu.be/lNkNBJMJ3r4 Join hosts Jen, a seasoned horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a dedicated horse show parent and one of Jen's former clients, for a thought-provoking episode of The Scope Podcast! In this entertaining new segment, "Red Flag, Green Flag, or Pink Flag," the duo dives into some controversial practices in Equestrian Sports.&nb...

Send us a text Join hosts Karen and Jen in this insightful episode as they dive into the world of catch riding, working students, and the dynamics of working off riding lessons in equestrian sports. They explore the nuances of these important topics, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities available for young riders and their families. - **Young Riders:** Karen and Jen discuss the realities of very young children and the physical demands of working off riding lessons. They highlig...

Send us a text Join hosts Jen, a lifelong equestrian professional and rider, and Karen, a dedicated parent of an equestrian trained by Jen, as they dive into an essential conversation about accessibility in horse sports. In this episode, Jen presents a **five-prong plan** designed to open the doors of equestrian sports to new riders without the immediate pressure of purchasing or leasing a horse. Jen breaks down each point of their plan, focusing on the importance of preserving lesson barns,...

Send us a text Karen and Jen discuss the USHJA Trainer Certification Program and explore why it hasn't gained traction. They delve into the reluctance of well-known professionals to embrace the certification and suggest ways to encourage lifelong professionals to take the certification test and lead live teaching sessions. Karen, who is both a certified personal trainer and a certified athletic trainer, highlights the fact that these professions require not only certification but cont...

Send us a text Join Karen and Jen as they dive into the complexities of balancing client needs with the demands of life on the road. In this insightful episode, they explore the challenges faced by busy trainers who are frequently away at horse shows, leaving some clients behind. What happens when a trainer can't be there for every lesson? Should they find a substitute instructor to step in, and if so, how should pricing be handled? Jen and Karen discuss the expectations of clients lef...

Send us a text Before they get to the episode Karen and Jen begin with a hilarious exchange about a potential guest; Xavier Legette, horse lover, wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers Football team and former South Carolina Gamecock. X, have your people call our people! Now on to the show… Building on their previous discussion about the tensions between equestrian professionals and amateur clients, Karen and Jen shift the focus to the positive aspects that unite them. Listen in as th...

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Jen, a seasoned horse trainer and rider, and Karen, a devoted horse show parent and former client of Jen's, delve into the complex relationship between professional horse people and their amateur clients. They tackle the often contentious divide that exists in the equestrian world, exploring the feelings of elitism that some professionals exude and the frustrations that arise from clients feeling sidelined in their horse’s training and care. Karen int...

In this powerful episode, Jen and Karen sit down with Andrew Ellis, an equestrian known for his roles as a horse show manager, announcer, and starter. Andrew shares his gripping story of resilience and recovery following a devastating riding accident at the age of 13 that not only changed the course of his life but also set him on a path of addiction. As Andrew recounts his journey, he opens up about how the accident led to a long hospital stay and the emotional turmoil that followed, which ...

Join Karen and Jen for an insightful episode that dives deep into the world of horse sales. With Jen drawing on her experience in selling and buying horses as well as opinions collected from other trainers, she sheds light on the common pitfalls and unprofessional behaviors that potential buyers often exhibit--like "kicking tires,' failing to follow up after a trial, or riding a horse for too long despite knowing it's not the right fit. Karen, bringing her perspective as a parent who ha...

In this thought-provoking episode, Jen and Karen dive deep into the whirlwind of controversy sparked by Jen's recent statements. Last week, Jen suggested that trainers should have a say in their riders' attire for the show ring and the social media images they share. The commentary ignited a firestorm of reactions from listeners, many voicing concerns that Jen's views may contribute to the already overwhelming pressure to present a perfect image in the equestrian world. Using social med...

Karen and Jen discuss the often overlooked role of clients in shaping a barn's brand. They explore the intricate relationship between branding and client expectations, from the necessity of custom tack trunks and horse clothes, to the financial contributions for horse show exhibitors parties. Tune in to hear how a rider's attire in the show ring not only reflects personal style but also serves as a visual extension of the barns brand. The conversation highlights the importance of social...

In this enlightening episode Jen and Karen welcome a special guest; Luke Tanner, Karen's son. As one of the few boys in a sport traditionally dominated by females at the amateur level, Luke shares his unique perspective on the equestrian community. Join the conversation as they explore Luke's experiences competing in horse shows, where he enjoyed a warm reception free from typical body comparisons and mean-spirited rivalry. Luke found himself frequently recognized with sportsmanship awards, a...