Ten years ago, it started with a Facebook conversation and a long drive across Texas.

Today, the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Association (AHPA) is one of the most influential discipline programs in the breed, awarding major prize money, growing participation, and helping shape the future of Hunter Pleasure horses nationwide.

In this episode of the We LOVE Arabian Horses Podcast, Paul sits down with Samantha Hilliard (President) and Chelsea Wesson (Vice President), founding members of AHPA, to celebrate their 10-year anniversary and reflect on how a simple idea turned into a powerful movement.

They share:

• How AHPA was born

• Why they chose accessibility over breeding restrictions

• The story behind the iconic saddle silks

• Jackpot classes at Scottsdale, Youth & Midsummer

• A $100,000 Nationals futurity

• How hunters went from “leftover” to “in demand”

• And what’s next for the next decade

If you love hunters, or simply love seeing passionate people lift the entire breed, this one will give you goosebumps.

Because sometimes progress doesn’t shout.

It shows up quietly… and then changes everything.

Marketing is not just websites and social posts.

It is the feeling someone gets the first time they meet an Arabian horse.

In this second marketing roundtable, Paul sits down with industry leaders Hillary Hoffman and Lindsay Rinehart to explore what comes after the tools and technology. Instead of talking infrastructure, this conversation dives into messaging, emotion, and the invitations that truly welcome people into our barns.

They unpack why “versatility” is an inside word, why families need connection more than competition, and how the Arabian horse can be positioned not simply as a show horse, but as the horse that grows with you through every stage of life.

From ice cream socials to barn visits, from therapy and belonging to brand alignment across the breed, this episode challenges all of us to rethink how we present the Arabian horse to the world.

Because people do not fall in love with facts.

They fall in love with how something makes them feel.

If we want more families, kids, and newcomers in our community, we must lead with heart.

Listen in and join the conversation about building a clearer, warmer, more human story for the Arabian horse.

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✅ Invite someone new to the barn this week

In this episode of the We LOVE Arabian Horses Podcast, Paul Kostial, host, chats with Lauren Dickoff, Social Media Manager for the Global Champions Arabian Tour (GCAT), for an inside look at one of the most exciting international show circuits in the Arabian horse world.

Lauren shares GCAT’s vision for the 2026 season, including upcoming shows across the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, new host cities, rotating international venues, and the return of the prestigious World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Paris.

They discuss the growth of the Americas Division with stops in Scottsdale, Miami Beach, and Las Vegas, the addition of performance and riding classes, GCAT’s spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, and how the tour continues to elevate Arabian horses on a truly global stage.

Whether you’re an owner, breeder, exhibitor, or lifelong fan, this episode offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how world-class Arabian competition is being shaped for the future.

Learn more and follow the tour at GCArabiansTour.com.

For more than seven decades, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has stood as one of the most influential and celebrated events in the Arabian horse world.

In this episode of the Arabian Horse Lover’s Podcast, Paul Kostial chats with Melissa Schalles, Executive Director of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona, to go inside the legacy, leadership, and global reach behind the 71st anniversary of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.

Melissa shares how Scottsdale has grown into an 11-day destination experience, welcoming over 200,000 in-person attendees and hundreds of thousands of online viewers from around the world. The conversation explores exhibitor-driven schedule improvements, the introduction of the West Coast Sport Horse Championships, more than $1 million in prize money, family-friendly experiences, and why Scottsdale continues to be known as the greatest show on earth.

Whether you are an exhibitor, breeder, longtime fan, or discovering Arabian horses for the first time, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Scottsdale a global cornerstone of the breed.

The AHA Academy Riding Program has become one of the most important entry points into the Arabian horse world, and in this episode, we take a closer look at why it works so well.

Hillary Hoffman and Susan Racey join the podcast to explain how the AHA Academy Program helps riders of all ages get started in a structured, welcoming, and educational environment. They share how the program supports lesson barns, trainers, and local clubs while giving new riders a clear path to learning, showing, and long-term involvement with Arabian horses.

This conversation explores how Academy lowers barriers, builds confidence, encourages sportsmanship, and creates a positive first experience that keeps riders coming back. Whether you are a parent, trainer, youth rider, or someone curious about getting involved with Arabian horses, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.

In this episode of the We LOVE Arabian Horses® Podcast, Paul sits down with legendary horsewoman Martha Rattner for a wide-ranging and deeply insightful conversation about Working Western disciplines, Ranch classes, and the rapid growth of In-Hand Trail in the Arabian horse world.

Martha shares her personal journey from Saddle Seat roots to becoming a passionate advocate for Western versatility, Ranch Riding, and In-Hand Trail. She explains how these divisions are opening doors for new participants, longtime owners returning to the show ring, and horses of all ages, from young prospects to seasoned veterans.

The discussion explores why Ranch and In-Hand Trail classes resonate with today’s exhibitors, how they lower barriers to entry while still rewarding good horsemanship, and why pattern-based disciplines build confidence, partnership, and longevity for both horse and handler. Martha also reflects on mentorship, the importance of making the sport inviting, and the responsibility horsemen have to inspire the next generation.

This episode is packed with history, heart, and practical wisdom for anyone who loves the Arabian horse and believes in creating more ways for people to participate, learn, and stay connected to the breed.

In this episode of the We LOVE Arabian Horses Podcast, we sit down with Brooke Landon of Landon Equestrian for a thoughtful, candid conversation about the future of the Arabian horse, seen through a younger lens.

Fresh off competing at the Team Penning & Ranch Sorting World Championships, Brooke shares what stood out most, from massive entry numbers and multi-round eliminations to the power of objective, time-based competition. She explains why discipline-based events attract riders of all ages, how cost and accessibility influence participation, and why these formats create opportunity for horses that may not fit a single traditional show-ring mold.

The conversation expands into youth engagement, social media storytelling, marketing lessons from other breeds, and the importance of making young riders feel seen, supported, and valued. Brooke also offers honest insight into breeding decisions, rider accountability, and what it will take to keep the Arabian horse relevant, competitive, and growing in the years ahead.

This episode is a must-listen for breeders, trainers, youth parents, and anyone thinking seriously about the long-term health and evolution of the Arabian horse community.

In this episode of the We LOVE Arabian Horses® Podcast, we sit down with Shannon Upstone, affectionately known as the “Mare Whisperer,” to talk about one of the most meaningful and delicate aspects of breeding, mare care and foaling.

From growing up with Arabian horses to building decades of hands-on experience foaling mares, Shannon shares her philosophy that successful foaling begins with trust, patience, and relationship. She walks us through preparing mares before foaling, recognizing red flags during delivery, supporting maiden mares, and setting foals up for success from their very first moments.

This conversation is filled with practical wisdom, real-world experience, and thoughtful insights for breeders at every stage, whether you are preparing for your first foal or refining your program with years of experience behind you. A must-listen for anyone passionate about breeding, broodmares, and the future of the Arabian horse.