In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Katie Schroeder, owner of Equiflight, a premier international horse transport company. Katie takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to move horses across the globe—by air. From health certifications to flight logistics and in-flight horse care, she shares the fascinating details of an often-overlooked corner of the equine industry. But the conversation goes well beyond horse travel. Katie also opens up about the grit and perseverance it takes to run a successful business, how she built Equiflight from the ground up, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you're an equestrian, entrepreneur, or just love a good story about passion and persistence, this episode has something for you.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by none other than Craig Cameron – renowned horseman, clinician, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer. Craig shares the story of his journey through the world of horses, from his early cowboy beginnings to becoming one of the most respected voices in horsemanship today.

We dive into his philosophy on truly communicating with horses, what it takes to be an effective teacher in the saddle, and the timeless values that define the cowboy way of life. It’s a conversation full of insight, grit, and passion – straight from one of the greats.

Saddle up and enjoy the ride!

In this milestone recap episode, Clay takes a reflective ride through episodes 42 to 50 of Taking the Reins. From world-class horsemen and savvy industry pros to inspiring personal journeys and cutting-edge science, this recap is packed with highlights, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is your perfect catch-up and reminder of just how many directions a life with horses can take you.

Revisit standout moments with guests like Cole Cameron, Dr. Marty Adams, and Lindsey Valdiviez. Hear how buying the right horse, chasing big dreams, and even detouring off-course can all lead to something greater. Plus, Clay reflects on the impact these conversations have had on him—and what’s ahead for the podcast.

Saddle up for a powerful roundup of stories, wisdom, and purpose-driven horsemanship!

In our 50th episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder is joined by Cliff Williamson — a lifelong horseman, global thinker, and seasoned advocate for the livestock industry. From growing up on a Hunter/Jumper and Foxhunter operation in Virginia to serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, Cliff brings a worldly, boots-on-the-ground perspective that blends horsemanship with policy expertise.

Now working in legislative and regulatory affairs with the American Horse Council, Cliff dives into the critical issues shaping the future of the equine industry.

💡 In this episode:

• 🌍 Hear how exporting livestock, foaling out 30+ mares a year, and navigating international regulations have shaped Cliff’s journey.
• 📊 Learn surprising stats about the horse industry’s economic footprint.
• ⚖️ Understand what horse owners need to know about current legislative and regulatory challenges.

From barn aisles to global perspective, this conversation connects the everyday horse world with the big-picture forces driving it forward. If you care about the future of the horse industry — this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by Dr. Marty Adams, Equine Nutritionist with Cargill Animal Nutrition, for a deep dive into the science—and the common sense—behind feeding horses well. Whether you're a seasoned horse owner or just getting started, Dr. Adams breaks down what every horse owner should know about feed selection, balanced diets, and how to read those confusing feed tags with confidence.

We’ll cover the essentials of equine nutrition, tackle common feeding mistakes, debunk a few myths, and explore how to make informed decisions at the feed store. If you’ve ever stared at a feed bag label and wondered what it really means—this episode is for you.

📌 Topics Include:

• What to look for (and avoid) on a feed tag
• How nutritional needs change across age, discipline, and health status
• Truths about supplements and marketing hype
• Tips for comparing feeds and building better rations
• Current trends and innovations in equine nutrition

Don't miss this conversation with one of the industry's leading experts—it’s packed with practical advice and insights to help you take the reins on your horse's health.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Brooks, equine geneticist at the University of Florida, to explore how science is shaping the future of horse ownership, training, and breeding. From managing non-sweaters in the summer heat to decoding the genes behind behavior, temperament, and performance potential, Dr. Brooks brings complex science down to the barn aisle. Whether you're buying your next horse, planning a breeding, or just curious about what makes horses tick, this episode delivers practical insights with a genetic twist.

This week, Clay sits down with Alex Pittman, accomplished livestock judge and collegiate judging team coach, for an insightful conversation about the art and science of judging. They dive into the similarities and differences between judging horses and other livestock, exploring how evaluation criteria and industry expectations shape each field.

Alex also shares her perspective on coaching the next generation of judges, discussing the psychology behind training students to evaluate animals with confidence and precision. The episode touches on current industry trends, as well as the politics and behind-the-scenes dynamics that influence both the livestock and horse judging industries.

Whether you're passionate about judging, coaching, or just curious about how decisions are made in the show ring, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the industry’s respected voices.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, Clay sits down with Dr. Jessica Graves – a lifelong horse lover, former undergraduate coordinator at Mississippi State University, and now the Director of International Capacity Development for the M4 Institute. Jessica shares her inspiring journey of embracing life’s unexpected turns and how stepping through open doors can lead to incredible opportunities. Together, Clay and Jessica talk about navigating career changes, trusting the process when plans shift, and the amazing ways life can surprise you when you follow your passions.

Tune in for an encouraging conversation about growth, resilience, and saying “yes” to the opportunities that can change your life!