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In this special Plaidcast in Person episode, recorded live at the Kentucky Horse Park, host Piper Klemm sits down with Thoroughbred trainer Cherie DeVaux to discuss her journey in horse racing, her historic accomplishments, and her approach to training at the highest levels of the sport.

Based in Kentucky, DeVaux has established herself as a prominent figure in Thoroughbred racing. In 2026, she made history as the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner with Golden Tempo, later capturing the Belmont Stakes with the same colt. She also became the first female trainer to win multiple Grade 1 races on the same day, further cementing her place in racing history.

Throughout the conversation, DeVaux shares insights into her career, the dedication required to compete at the highest level, and her philosophy on developing successful racehorses. Her story highlights perseverance, horsemanship, and the growing influence of women in Thoroughbred racing.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

In this special Plaidcast in Person episode, host Piper Klemm visits Chatham Hall, an all-girls boarding and day school in Chatham, Virginia, to explore the school's equestrian program and the role horses play in developing confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

Known for its strong academic community and commitment to empowering young women, Chatham Hall offers students the opportunity to pursue their passion for horses while balancing academics, athletics, and personal development. Through its equestrian program, riders of varying experience levels can develop their horsemanship skills, strengthen their relationships with horses, and build valuable life skills both in and out of the saddle.

Piper sits down with members of the Chatham Hall community to discuss the school's unique approach to equestrian education, the opportunities available to student riders, and the importance of fostering the next generation of equestrians.

Learn more about Chatham Hall at www.chathamhall.org.

To see upcoming Plaidcast in Person events near you, visit www.theplaidhorse.com/the-plaidcast/.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Plaidcast, host Tonya Johnston, a Mental Skills Coach with a Master’s in Sport Psychology, welcomes internationally recognized equestrian Performance Coach Poppy Blandford for an insightful conversation about mental preparation, building confidence, managing perfectionism, and developing the mindset needed to perform consistently under pressure.

Based in Ireland, Poppy works internationally with equestrian federations, development squads, teams, coaches, and riders to strengthen mental performance and help athletes thrive in competitive environments. Her clients include Olympic and World Equestrian Games athletes, Global Champions Tour team riders, and leading stables throughout Europe and the United States. She also tutors for the Rolex Young Rider Academy and the Wesko Equestrian Eventing Foundation and has delivered workshops for Horse Sport Ireland, British Showjumping, and the FEI.

Throughout the conversation, Tonya and Poppy explore the importance of developing internal resources, embracing discomfort, and shifting perfectionism away from self-criticism and toward productive growth. Poppy shares practical strategies for managing emotions after challenging rides, using her RISE framework to build consistency, and incorporating effective visualization and intentional reflection into training. They also discuss Poppy’s collaboration with World of Show Jumping and the value of sharing real-life experiences with mental coaching.

Tonya also introduces her Inside Your Ride Mindset Journals, designed to help riders reflect on their experiences, track progress, and strengthen their mental skills through structured journaling.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Plaidcast, Piper Klemm is joined by Anne-Sophie Milette of Primi for a conversation exploring the evolving European horse market and the process of finding and importing horses for North American riders.

Originally from Canada, Anne-Sophie moved to Belgium to pursue her career in the equestrian industry and has developed a unique perspective on the differences between European and North American horse markets. She shares how Primi is working to simplify the horse-buying experience through its fixed-price auction model, comprehensive veterinary evaluations, and transparent sales information. Anne-Sophie also discusses the importance of matching horses with the right riders, the challenges of acclimating imported horses to new environments, and Primi's upcoming November sale.
Visit the website at: https://www.primi.horse/ 

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Plaidcast, host Piper Klemm sits down with 2026 Washington International Horse Show judges Michael Tokaruk and Patrick Rodes to take listeners behind the scenes of one of the nation's most prestigious equitation competitions.

Michael Tokaruk is an accomplished rider, trainer, USEF "R" judge, and owner of Tokaruk Show Stables, a full-service hunter, jumper, and equitation training and sales operation based in Wellington, Florida. With numerous Grand Prix victories and championship titles to his name, Tokaruk has coached riders to success at the highest levels of the sport and officiated at prestigious competitions, including the ASPCA Maclay National Finals and USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final.

Patrick Rodes is an experienced equestrian professional with more than 35 years in the industry and the founder of Southbound Show Management. Alongside his wife, Jana, he is an owner, rider, and breeder at All Around Farm in Argyle, Texas. His extensive background includes horse show management, hunter and jumper course design, judging, and equestrian facility consulting. Rodes is also involved in the ownership and management of Saratoga Management Group, bringing a wealth of experience in competition operations and the equestrian industry.

Together, Tokaruk and Rodes discuss the unique judging format, challenging course designs, and the importance of testing riders' adaptability through the hunter, jumper, and horse-swapping phases. The conversation highlights standout performances from the week's top junior riders, including champion Emmy Richard, reserve champion Caitlyn Link, and third-place finisher Lizzie Reinhardt.

The judges also share their perspectives on the introduction of handy hunter rounds, strategic riding decisions, and what separates a good performance from an exceptional one. Plus, they reflect on the pony equitation finals, the impact of the flat phase on final standings, and the importance of maintaining traditional horsemanship standards in today's competitive show environment.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

In this special episode of Plaidcast in Person, host Piper Klemm connects with the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), an organization dedicated to helping Thoroughbred racehorses successfully transition into second careers beyond the racetrack.

The Retired Racehorse Project works to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) in equestrian sports while supporting the trainers, farms, and organizations that prepare these horses for their next chapters. Through educational programs, industry partnerships, and events like the annual Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park, the RRP highlights the versatility, athleticism, and potential of retired racehorses.

This episode shines a light on the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare, the opportunities available to horses after racing, and the people working to create a brighter future for these incredible athletes.

To learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project, visit www.therrp.org.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Join host Piper Klemm for a special Plaidcast in Person featuring the team behind the Woodside Show Series at The Horse Park at Woodside in California. Piper sits down with members of the Woodside Show Series team to discuss the show series, its role in the equestrian community, and the importance of creating opportunities for riders and horses to learn, compete, and grow.

The Horse Park at Woodside is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equestrian sport, education, land conservation, and community involvement. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the park welcomes riders of all levels and disciplines through competitions, clinics, and training opportunities. Beyond equestrian activities, the park supports environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation, providing a space for the broader community to connect with nature.

Learn more about The Horse Park at Woodside and its mission at www.horsepark.org.

Want to attend a Plaidcast in Person near you? Check out upcoming events and find out where we'll be next at www.theplaidhorse.com/the-plaidcast/.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Plaidcast, Piper Klemm welcomes Katie Armstrong and Dr. Maureen T. Long.

Katie Armstrong is the owner of Building Better Hunters, a business specializing in behavioral rehabilitation of show horses and colt starting. Katie discusses the importance of incorporating Western training foundations into English riding programs and how recovering from a significant injury changed her perspective on horse training. She shares her experience learning from Western professionals, the gaps she sees in foundational training within the English riding industry, and how proper groundwork, clear boundaries, and effective handling techniques can create safer, more confident horses and handlers.

Dr. Maureen T. Long, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, is a professor emeritus at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and an expert in equine infectious diseases. Her research has focused on West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). A board-certified specialist in large animal internal medicine, Dr. Long has made significant contributions to equine health through research, education, and vaccine studies. She is also the co-editor of Equine Infectious Diseases and received the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine's Distinguished Service Award in 2024.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Jen Bauersachs is one of the most respected hunter riders and horsemen in the country, and together with her husband, Rolf, she owns and operates Spring Hill Farm in Frenchtown, New Jersey. With a specialty in developing young horses, the Bauersachs produce high-level, winning hunters and jumpers that consistently make their mark at the East Coast's most prestigious competitions.

Under Jen's guidance, Spring Hill Farm has become known for producing champions and grand champions across the professional, amateur, and junior hunter divisions at shows such as the Devon Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National, the Hampton Classic, and Old Salem Farm. Her own record in the ring reflects that same consistency at the highest levels. Among her many highlights, Bauersachs was champion in the High Performance Conformation Hunter division at the Winter Equestrian Festival aboard Another Love, sweeping the model and under saddle en route to top honors in the grand hunter ring; earned top results at the Capital Challenge with Blink; and led the victory gallop in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Saratoga Women in Business Spectacular aboard Minturn Mile.

Known for her patient, correct approach and her eye for a quality horse, Bauersachs has built a reputation not only as a top competitor but also as a trusted developer of talent — both equine and human. Her expertise has increasingly carried into the judge's box as well; she was selected to officiate the USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final at the 80th Pennsylvania National Horse Show, one of the sport's most coveted judging assignments.

Based in New Jersey with a winter season in Wellington, Florida, Bauersachs continues to ride, train, and produce top hunters at the sport's premier events.

Geoff Teall is one of the country's leading hunter and hunt seat equitation trainers, with more than three decades of experience in the hunter industry as a trainer, judge, clinician, and author. Horses and riders he has developed have earned championships, medals, and ribbons at the sport's most prestigious events, including Devon, the ASPCA Maclay Finals, the Capital Challenge, the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International, the USET Talent Search, and the National Horse Show.

A USEF "R" judge in both hunters and hunt seat equitation, Teall has officiated at many of North America's marquee competitions, among them the National Horse Show, the Washington International, the Royal Winter Fair, the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the WIHS Equitation Finals. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2006, when he was named both the Chronicle of the Horse Show Hunter Horseman of the Year and the USHJA Volunteer of the Year.

Beyond the ring, Teall has been a driving force in shaping the hunter discipline. He is a co-founder of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation and the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) program, has served on the USHJA Board of Directors and Foundation Board, and has chaired US Equestrian's National Hunter Committee. He is also the author of Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation: Developing a Winning Style, a widely respected guide for riders at every level.

Teall travels extensively throughout North America and Europe to teach, judge, and conduct clinics, and lives in Tryon, North Carolina.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Rennie Dyball is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author who has written, co-authored, and ghostwritten more than 20 books, ranging from picture books and middle-grade novels to celebrity memoirs and prescriptive nonfiction. A lifelong equestrian, she has built a career that blends her love of writing with her love of horses.

Together with co-author Piper Klemm, Dyball created the beloved Show Strides series — middle-grade equestrian novels originally published by The Plaid Horse and now reissued by Andrews McMeel Universal — which has earned multiple Equus Awards for equestrian fiction. Her middle-grade novel Good Boy, Eddie won a Purple Dragonfly Award, and she collaborated with top trainers Carleton and Traci Brooks on With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard. Her picture books include B Is for Bellies: A Celebration of Every Body, named Best Read Aloud in the Bookstagram Best of 2023, and Fiona and the Peculiar Praise.

Dyball began her career at People magazine shortly after graduating from Penn State University, spending some 15 years as a reporter and writer for the magazine and later as an editor for People.com, where she continues to contribute as a freelance book critic. She launched her ghostwriting career in 2008 and has since given voice to a range of celebrity-driven memoirs and autobiographies, including projects with Terry Crews and Rebecca King Crews, Andrea Barber, and fashion designer Christian Siriano, along with The ADHD Field Guide for Adults.

Beyond her own books, Dyball works as a freelance editor, a collaborative author, and a college essay coach, mentoring new writers and students alike. An avid competitor in the adult hunter and equitation rings, she lives in Maryland with her family

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail

Harold Chopping has built his career around developing young horses and competing at the upper levels of the sport. Originally from Ontario, Canada, Harold grew up on a farm where horses quickly became a major part of his life. His early years included everything from riding inexpensive horses with his sister and building their own cross-country jumps to eventually receiving formal training with John Weir at Joker’s Hill.

As a junior, Harold gained international experience competing on team trips to Mexico and Cuba, along with provincial teams and Young Riders classes. Those early opportunities helped shape his approach to competition and prepared him for a professional career in the equestrian industry.

After moving to the United States, Harold continued pursuing top-level competition and eventually established his training base in Southern Pines, North Carolina, where he has been based for the past 20 years. Today, much of his work focuses on developing young horses, particularly 4- and 5-year-olds, and building them from their earliest training through the show ring.

With decades of experience riding, training, competing, and evaluating horses, Harold has seen firsthand how the sport has evolved. His approach emphasizes preparation, patience, confidence, and understanding the increasingly athletic and sensitive horses produced through modern breeding.

theplaidhorse.com

Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.

At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.

Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.

We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.

Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!