Meet Melanie Fransen, an amateur halter exhibitor whose story is equal parts heart, hustle, and humor. From growing up “basically born in a barn” to sharing the show pen (and plenty of laughs) with her mom, Melanie brings the fun side of showing to life. In this episode, recorded live at the Fall Color Classic in Lansing, MI, Melanie shares: - How a “fill-the-class” moment turned into a halter passion- The thrill of her successful futurity season — and the surprise Sportsmanship Award that meant the most- Balancing a busy career, travel, and life with a barn full of horses- What it’s really like showing alongside her mom (spoiler: total opposites!) It’s an upbeat, real, and relatable conversation about finding joy, teamwork, and balance in the show world.

By request, Stephanie Sickafoose is back on on the podcast — and this time, she’s taking it a step further.  She takes us on a detailed journey through her daily program. From 4:30 a.m. mornings to long trotting across rolling hills after a full day’s work, Stephanie’s routine is all about structure, commitment, and results. Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed as an amateur in the halter pen? Hear how she’s built a program that works — one that’s earned her respect and results in the pen.

This week on Fit for Halter, we’re chatting with someone who truly does it all. Sydney Miller is a non-pro, mom of littles, and alongside her husband, runs Miller Quarter Horses — a successful hunter under saddle training operation now based in Boerne, Texas. While her husband focuses on the performance side of the industry, Sydney has carved out her own lane (and love!) in the halter pen — recently wrapping up a successful futurity season. In this episode, we talk about: ✨ Finding balance between family, business, and the show world ✨ What it’s like running a barn as a husband-and-wife team ✨ Her unique perspective on both the hunt seat and halter worlds ✨ And how she’s creating space for joy in every season of life Find Sydney and Miller Quarter Horses on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/millerquarterhorses

From growing up in a family of horsemen to building her own successful training program, Cathy Sasser has lived a life centered around great horses — and even greater people. In this episode, Cathy shares her journey in the halter horse industry, the pivotal moment that reshaped her career, and the philosophy that guides her barn today. She shares how she defines success beyond the trophies and why investing in the next generation of exhibitors and trainers is key to keeping our industry strong. We talk about:-Her journey into halter and the pivotal moments that shaped her career-The philosophy behind her training program and what she looks for in a horse-Why mentoring youth and newcomers is essential for the future of halter-Her thoughts on legacy, growth, and where the industry is headed

This week on Fit for Halter, I’m joined by Stephanie Sickafoose, an amateur exhibitor who’s had an incredible season in the halter pen. From her DIY prep at home to big wins with her standout yearling filly — a daughter of a young stallion already making waves — Stephanie’s story is full of grit, lessons, and memorable moments. She also shares how her background, breeding program, and even a world champion stallion trace back to her own journey of persistence and passion for the horses.

What do you do when life throws you a curveball and the path you’ve been on isn’t possible anymore? This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Subrina Hobart, whose journey in the show pen took an inspiring turn. Subrina started out in the pleasure arena, but when health challenges made riding unsafe, she wasn’t ready to give up her love of horses or showing. Instead, she discovered a brand-new passion in the halter pen.  In this episode, Subrina opens up about: 💫 Her first steps into the paint horse world 💫 The challenges that made her step out of the saddle 💫 How she found joy, community, and competition through halter 💫 The horses and family moments that continue to inspire her

This week on the podcast, we meet the team from Iron Horse Ranch —a powerhouse in breeding, training, and showing halter horses.   Tawni Jones Ledbetter and her team share what it takes to manage over 127 horses, build a successful show program, and—most importantly—create a ranch culture rooted in teamwork, trust, and shared meals around the table.   From early mornings and long days in the barn, to celebrating wins (and each other) in and out of the show pen, this episode is a reminder that true success is about more than trophies—it's about the people and horses who make it all possible. Hear the story behind Iron Horse Ranch, their approach to halter horses, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.  

Decades in the halter horse industry. A once-in-a-lifetime horse that sparked a world-class breeding program. Countless champions, memories, and lessons learned along the way.   In this episode, Kathy Pettit shares her remarkable journey — from saving for her first horse as a determined 17-year-old, to working with some of the most influential trainers in the business, to raising and showing horses that have left their mark in the arena.   ✨ Kathy’s story is one of grit, passion, and vision — and right now, she’s gearing up to head to the World Show with one of the very best she’s ever raised.   You won’t want to miss her wisdom, her stories, and her love for this sport.   Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/6jZZmJub0MY?si=pTuWa20WnfFvu4iZ

Behind every winning halter horse program is someone making sure everything runs like clockwork. In this week’s episode, meet Natasha “Tosh” Bothwell — the right hand to top halter trainer Andy Staton. From sunrise feedings to late-night prep, Tosh shares what it’s really like to work 12–15 hour days at major shows like Congress and the World Show. Hear how Tosh keeps a top program running smoothly at the shows while staying passionate about the halter horse world. We talk about:✨ The reality of life as a trainer’s assistant✨ Balancing horse care, client service & show schedules✨ Why the behind-the-scenes role is her dream job  

This week on the podcast, we’re heading to Australia to meet Melissa Eeles — a respected amateur halter horse exhibitor, breeder, and program builder with a passion for confirmation and class. From working at the largest equine hospital in the Southern Hemisphere to preserving legendary bloodlines like Statutory and Mighty Awesome, Melissa shares her journey, her breeding goals, and what it’s really like to raise and show halter horses across Australia’s vast and challenging landscape. ✅ How Melissa’s early mentors shaped her halter career✅ The traits she prioritizes in breeding top-tier horses✅ The unique challenges (and perks!) of showing in Australia✅ Her perspective on bloodlines old and new

Meet Ami & Kendall Bennett — a dynamic mother-daughter team who share not just their halter horses, but the road trips, early mornings, late nights, and the heart and hustle that come with this sport. From Ami’s first halter horse to their current string of champions, their story is one of family teamwork, passion, and balance. You’ll hear how they choose horses with the perfect temperament for kids, the special backstory behind their world show yearling, and how even their riding horse with “quirks” has a place in the show lineup. * How they got started in halter horses* What it’s like to share horses across generations* Selecting the right trainer-student combo* The sweet, behind-the-scenes stories of their 2025 show string* Tips for making showing a true family affair

Meet Aynslee Gavey: founder of The Arena Admin, a virtual assistant service tailored specifically for horse business owners and western entrepreneurs. Running a business in this world takes grit, hustle, and a whole lot of heart — and The Arena Admin is all about taking the weight of the administrative chaos off your shoulders so you can focus on doing what you do best. Aynslee has created a business that understands the lifestyle and the workload of equine professionals. Learn more about: 🔹 How her passion for horses + business mindset led to The Arena Admin🔹 Why most horse pros need a VA (even if just for an hour)🔹 The kinds of tasks she takes off your plate🔹 What makes equine-specific support different  

This week, we sit down with Kathy Smallwood of Kathy Smallwood Quarter Horses — a renowned breeder and trainer whose halter babies shine in the pen and leave a lasting legacy. Hear how Kathy’s passion began at a very young age, how she evolved her program through decades of dedication, and how she’s preparing the next generation of champions for the fall futurities. We talk daily prep, confidence-building in young horses, breeding insights, and what it really takes to peak at the right time. Whether you're raising your first foal or fine-tuning your show calendar, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.

This week we’re shifting from the show pen to the camera lens to explore the artistry behind great equine photography. Whether it’s an ad, horse and rider sessions, horse show candids or those amazing black background shots, guest Brittany Callahan of Brittany Callahan Photography plays a huge role in how our horses are seen and remembered. Tune in as Brittany shares: *Her journey from the show pen to the photography world*How she captures a horse’s true personality*The gear she swears by*Tips for preparing your halter horse for a photo shoot*Plus a few wild behind-the-scenes moments you won't want to miss Find her on Facebook here!

What if you could connect your tail extension in seconds or use the same tail extension for more than one horse?  This week we’re joined by RJ Tail Designs, the creators of a revolutionary quick connect tail system for show horses.  This little detail makes a big difference in the show pen.  They created a system that saves time and protects your horse's real tail on those long show days while still accomplishing the full and beautiful tail we’re looking for in the pen.  We look at how it works and why it’s a game-changer for trainers and amateur exhibitors.

What happens when passion turns into profession? On this week’s Fit for Halter Podcast, we’re joined by two rising stars in the halter world who just made a major move—turning in their amateur cards to step into the ring as professional trainers. Leighton Wetzel of WC Show Horses and Logan Lorenz of Lorenz Quarter Horses share their journey and give us a glimpse of the next generation of leaders in the halter industry. We’re talking about what pushed them to take the leap, what life as a new trainer really looks like, and the lessons they’ve learned on the business side of the barn. 💥 Bonus: Dalton Collins joins the conversation and asks the questions other amateurs are wondering too.

Have you ever wished you could search, filter, and compare breeding stallions based on what your mare really needs—from height and bloodlines to color genetics and more? This week, we're talking to the brilliant mind who made that possible. Meet Natashya Vince, the founder of Stallion Compare—a powerful, data-driven platform created out of her own curiosity and passion. With a background in web design and a love for horses, she built the ultimate tool for mare owners to make informed breeding decisions. From detailed genetic panels and four-generation pedigrees to robust filtering by breed, location, and discipline—Stallion Compare is changing the way we select stallions. Natashya shares her journey, her vision, and how this platform levels the playing field for ALL stallions, not just the famous ones. www.stallioncompare.com

If you’ve ever struggled to find a pair of jeans that truly fits and functions when you’re riding, you’re going to love this episode. We sat down with Whitney Lloyd, founder of MarkWest Denim, to talk about the jeans she couldn’t find — so she made them herself. After years in the saddle and just as many years frustrated with the options on the market, Whitney set out to design the perfect pair of riding jeans for women. No fashion background — just horse sense, grit, and an eye for detail. The result? Eight rounds of saddle-tested prototypes and performance features made with real cowgirls in mind.  From a hidden, secure phone pocket to the flattering fit that still works after a full day of showing, Whitney is solving the problems no one else was. www.markwestdenim.com

From show pen to stitch line, we’re talking all things custom cowboy hats with the talented Heather Werkema Smith of Initial Impressions by HWS! Heather joins us to share how her lifelong love of horses, shaped by her amazing family, led her on a winding journey through the show world—and ultimately into the art of designing one-of-a-kind cowboy hats. What started as a side hustle has become a thriving business built on bold creativity, precise craftsmanship, and a passion for helping people express themselves through custom hats. Hear how Initial Impressions by HWS helped fund her family's showing dreams, how she blends tradition with trend, and what truly makes a cowboy hat yours. This episode is packed with information for Western fashion lovers, horse show families, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of turning their side hustle into something beautiful.

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Ashley Koeller of MJK Quarter Horses—a trusted name in horse transportation from coast to coast. Ashley shares how she and her husband Mike built a business and team of drivers rooted in care, communication, and commitment to the horses in their trailer. We dive into what it takes to earn trust in the hauling world, logistics, gear, and emergency prep, stories from the road and life on the move, and tips for prepping your horse for a smooth haul.