Fit for Halter Podcast

059 | Horse Hauling with MJK Quarter Horses

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.  

058 | AQHA Leveling Changes and Halter

In this episode, we dive into the recent AQHA rule changes that are making an impact—especially for halter exhibitors. Joined by AQHA leaders Scott Newman and Sydney Reynolds, along with industry advocate Kelley Wainscott, they break down what these updates mean, why they’re happening, and how they impact the leveling and competition structure. This episode gives you the clarity you need straight from the source.
From the goals of the leveling program to the exciting new incentives—like cash awards for top World Show finishers—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Hear how these changes are shaping the future of halter classes and helping more exhibitors find their place in the pen.
Kelley Wainscott brings valuable perspective from her work on AQHA’s Show Committee, shedding light on how these changes aim to give more people a fair shot in the ring.  With the halter division often serving as a gateway into the show world, these updates are about inclusivity, progression, and helping every exhibitor find their path to success.
Find more information at: www.aqha.com

057 | LK Tack Shop with Kim & Karli

LK Tack Shop has been a staple in the Chicagoland area for 36 years.  We get to meet the mother-daughter team, Kim and Karli Franklin, who own and operate LK Tack Shop in Monee, Illinois.  They stock boots, supplies, tack, supplements, blankets, and the latest in Western fashion.  They like to say "if we don't have it, you don't need it"!
We discuss the ins and outs of running a family business and how the shop has created a community for local equestrians.  They talk about their favorite products and best sellers along with how to care for your show halter.
www.lktack.com 

056 | APHA Judge, Leader & Trainer - Kelly Chapman

Kelly Chapman took time at a recent show to share her insight as a trainer, judge, and lifelong horse woman.  She's been an APHA professional horsewoman for more than 30 years, holds multiple judges cards, and was named the Paint Professional Horsewoman of the year in 2018.  Kelly and her husband Rob operate Chapman Horse and Livestock, they have 2 children, and she enjoys the traveling that comes with being a judge. 
Kelly shares her training philosophy and how she works with her clients to improve showring presence and confidence.  We dig into her experience as APHA Immediate Past President and her perspective on the future of the halter division.  Listen to learn more about her confidence in APHA as a business leader in the stock horse industry.

055 | DIY Rockstar Duo

In this crossover episode, we meet JJ and Jamie Ross, better known as the "Ross twins".  They are consistently at the top of the APHA Honor Roll with their all-around geldings, Call Me a Cowboy and DaddySleepsToMuch.  These twin sisters travel together, have distinct roles when they hit the show grounds, and finish each others sentences.  
JJ and Jamie explain their weekly rhythms and the discipline required to stay in shape. They share their grooming tips, workouts, travel habits and a few tips for other DIY amateurs.  They share dozens of transferrable tips for the halter pen.
This is an episode of firsts for Fit for Halter: our first in-person interview, first recording at a show (it's a bit noisy!) and first performance guests.  Thanks for joining this community!

054 | Lonestar Nurse Mares

In this episode I’m joined by Maryann and Alex, the owners and founders of Lonestar Nurse Mares, a unique business that provides nurse mares—surrogate mothers—to orphaned foals in need. When a young horse loses its mother, survival can be uncertain. That’s where Lonestar steps in, offering not just a lifeline, but a nurturing connection that can mean the difference between life and loss.
We talk about how this work started, the challenges and ethics around nurse mare programs, and the incredible moments that come from uniting mares and foals in such a vital way.
Contact information 24/7 - 814.282.0831 or cocolinqh@gmail.com 

053 | Stable Savers

In this episode we meet Chase Parrish, entrepreneur and founder of Stable Savers.  Chase Parrish has been around horses his entire life and comes from a family that’s heavily involved in the pleasure industry.  He knows what we need to bring out the best in our horses!
Chase created Stable Savers to help horse owners save money on the products we use on a regular basis.  He launched Stable Savers about a month ago and is building his team of well-known brands.  Stable Savers is a membership club that offers year round black Friday style discounts with products that we use throughout our barns.
www.stablesavers.com

052 | Bisel Quarter Horses

In this episode, we meet Justin Bisel of Bisel Quarter Horses.  He was raised in a halter horse family and in the early 2000’s to 2019 he was fully immersed in the horse world as a trainer.  He transitioned somewhat recently to the financial world as an advisor and today, he’s taking a few outside training horses including halter horses. 
Justin brings a great mix of skills as a trainer, a WCHA carded judge, and APHA and AQHA specialty halter carded judge.  He shares insights on the conditioning, feeding, and breeding aspects of the halter industry.  You’ll get to see Justin and his wife Ashton in show pen this year!
Bisel Quarter Horses on Facebook

051 | ProElite Feeds

In this episode, Russell Mueller, Senior Marketing Manager with ProElite Feeds, brings us a master class on nutrition, performance, and the latest in industry trends.  He is an equine nutritionist and marketing specialist with a life-long career in the horse feed business.
Outside of work he's an amateur stock horse exhibitor so he has a deep understanding of what it takes to fuel top-performing horses.  He breaks down the science behind ProElite’s high-quality formulas and how they help horses reach their full potential.
Learn more about their products at https://proelitehorsefeed.com/

050 | Halter Down Under

Scott Meyers is from New South Wales, Australia and has been involved with horses most of his life.  He’s the owner of Meyers Quarter Horses and has been part of the quarter horse scene for about 35 years.  Former AQHA judge and current President of the Halter Breeders Group who is working on building the halter-bred horses in Australia with a show model that looks similar to the Breeders Halter Futurity.  
He has a beloved band of broodmares and stands two Quarter Horse stallions.  He shares his experience with raising high-level halter horses, the importing process, and how he sees the future of halter in Australia and America evolving.