Since we launched On The Rail Podcast in August 2022, we've proudly released a new episode every Monday without fail - 142 episodes and hundreds of thousands of downloads later. Week after week, we've shown up with new conversations, stories, laughs, lessons, and memories. It's been a wild, fun, humbling ride.

We're so incredibly grateful for the amazing community that's grown along with us - the guests who shared their time and experiences, and all of you listening who've supported us, cheered us on, and reminded us why these conversations matter.

Like anything in life, there are seasons. And right now, we find ourselves entering a new season where we need to take a little pause. It's time to shift some energy toward personal and professional goals that need a little more attention for now.

This isn't necessarily goodbye - it's likely just a temporary break. We're leaving the door wide open for what's next, and we hope you'll be there whenever the time feels right to hit record again.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for riding alongside us. This has been one of the most special journeys, and we're so proud of what we've built together.

We'll see you again - somewhere on the rail.

In this episode of On The Rail Podcast, Abby Wimer, marketing director for the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena in Lyons, Kansas, talks about the realities of managing a horse show facility in a rural area.

Abby shares her background growing up on a cattle ranch in central Kansas and her subsequent career path in the pharmaceutical industry before returning home. She discusses her role in overseeing the operations of the Celebration Centre and Bar K Bar Arena, detailing the various equine and community events hosted at the facility.

Abby highlights the importance of community involvement and support for maintaining and growing the facility, including the unique funding structure. She also reflects on the positive impact her late husband Matthew Wimer had on her work and the horse community.

The conversation touches on the challenges of managing diverse events, adapting footing requirements for different disciplines, and the ongoing efforts to expand and improve the facility. Abby provides advice for show managers and facility operators in similar rural settings, emphasizing the value of community cooperation and continuous learning.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:07 Abby's Background and Journey

03:16 Joining the Celebration Center

04:17 Roles and Responsibilities

05:19 Community and Events

07:34 Memories and Tributes

10:48 Facility Overview and Operations

17:01 Equine Events and Activities

22:27 Managing the Arena

30:52 Weekly Routine and Challenges

36:46 Unique Features of the Facility

37:27 Exciting Retail Opportunities

39:43 Booking and Tourism Grants

42:11 Community and Family Atmosphere

51:27 Future Plans and Improvements

58:44 Advice for Show and Facility Managers

01:08:57 Living the Dream: Personal Reflections

In this comprehensive episode of the On The Rail Podcast, accomplished guests Chelsea Sinclair and Jim Dettmer discuss the often misunderstood world of stallion collection, semen processing, and shipping.

We discuss the intricacies of stallion behavior, training, and management, highlighting the importance of understanding both the mare's and stallion's sides in breeding practices. They share personal stories and valuable insights about best practices, common misconceptions, logistical challenges, and personal experiences in the industry, all while emphasizing the importance of communication and proper handling for successful breeding outcomes.

01:00 Chelsea's Background in Horse Industry

02:17 Jim's Journey in Stallion Management

03:14 Importance of Understanding Stallion Management

04:50 Stallion Collection Process Explained

05:21 Training Stallions for Collection

14:47 Frequency and Logistics of Stallion Collection

19:21 Impact of Regimen on Stallion Fertility

24:54 Processing and Shipping Stallion Semen

43:13 Common Misunderstandings and Best Practices

49:57 Managing Mare Shipments: Strategies and Challenges

53:19 Communication and Logistics in Breeding Management

58:24 Shipping Realities and Impact on Semen Quality

01:03:39 Selecting and Managing Stallions for Breeding

01:14:54 Red Flags and Best Practices in Breeding Management

01:27:57 Personal Stories and Experiences in Breeding Management

01:33:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information