Show Notes
WARNING: This episode has curse words that are unbleeped
If you’ve ever side-eyed a forced holiday party, felt weird pressure to buy “the perfect gift,” or secretly thought December might be the best time to buy a horse… this episode is for you. Crysta Brown and Scott Cooper settle in after a few to many cold ones for an honest, unfiltered conversation that starts with Christmas chaos and somehow (very naturally) lands in the heart of what really matters in the horse world. Scott proudly claims his role as the resident Christmas Grinch, calling out the consumerism, the early decorations, and the pressure to perform holiday cheer. Crysta shares her own creative holiday hacks, from thoughtful gifts to custom wrapping paper, and reflects on past Christmases where meaning mattered more than money. From there, the conversation shifts barn-side. They break down why December is actually a smart time to buy horses, how breeders and trainers are navigating year-end realities, and why proven stallions still matter when it comes to long-term success. They also get real about the social dynamics of horse shows, the emotional toll of the industry, and how generosity and community are what keep people going when inspiration feels thin. This episode is equal parts horse business talk, life perspective, and that reassuring reminder that you’re not the only one craving simpler traditions, better boundaries, and a more supportive horse community. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the season or the industry, this one will feel like a deep breath and a reminder that you’re not alone.
In This Episode, We Talk About Why Scott is unapologetically a Christmas Grinch The pressure of gift giving and why it drains the joy out of the holidays Thoughtful gifts, thrifted wins, and meaningful traditions Why December can be prime time for buying horses Breeding strategy, proven stallions, and smart long-term planning The social side of horse shows (the good, the awkward, and the hard) Why community, generosity, and connection matter more than ribbons Finding balance between horses, business, and real life Giving back to create a healthier, more inclusive horse world
More from Horse Show Bestie
Besties, welcome to something new! Scott is flying solo for this mini episode with a very horsey weekend recap, some show-pen perspective, and his first-ever DIY full-body clip on Chip. He kicks things off with the California Championship Quarter Horse Show and a reminder that the things we build up in our heads are often much less intimidating once we actually experience them. The competition is real, the amateurs are talented, and you still belong there. Then it’s clipping time. Scott shares what he learned tackling Chip’s first full-body clip, from prepping the coat and navigating tricky skin folds to accepting that a few clipper lines are absolutely not worth spiraling over. There’s also a questionable dinosaur mane, strong opinions about mayonnaise, a post-clip bath, and some thoughts on upcoming fall shows and possibly heading to Western Nationals. A quick reminder from Scott: confidence usually shows up after you start, not before. Go to the show. Try the thing. Clip the horse. The lines will grow out. Support Our Sponsors NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/ Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.CBhorsemanship.com
Besties, what if the judge in the middle of the pen isn’t sitting there waiting for you to mess up? What if they’re actually riding every step with you, hoping you give them something good to reward? In this episode, Crysta sits down with judge, trainer, and longtime horsewoman Nancie Wright to talk about what really happens on the other side of the judge’s card. Nancie shares how just ten childhood riding lessons turned into a lifetime with horses, how mentors and unexpected opportunities helped her build a career, and why she eventually fell in love with judging. Then we get into some of the biggest horse show myths. Going first does not automatically ruin your chances. Judges have not secretly decided they don’t like your horse. And sadly, the $5,000 jacket is not a cheat code for winning. Nancie breaks down what judges are actually looking for in patterns and rail classes, why the rule book is one of the best free training tools we have, and how to use your scores as a roadmap instead of a report card on your worth. She also explains why a correct zero is worth celebrating, how judges reward quality one maneuver at a time, and why your job is simply to put the best ride you can in the pen that day. And because we are Horse Show Bestie, we also talk about the part of showing that has nothing to do with ribbons. Helping the new exhibitor fix their number. Lending a saddle pad. Helping a kid with their mane. Answering the question they were nervous to ask. Basically, being the person who makes someone want to come back. Because everybody starts somewhere. And maybe the judge isn’t rooting against you after all. Maybe they’re hoping you give them something really good to write down. ✨ Support Our Sponsors NAC Equine: https://www.nac-equine-services.com/ Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.CBhorsemanship.com
Besties, it’s time to talk bits. Because apparently, there is a lot more going on in that little piece of metal than “my horse likes this one.” Scott and Crysta sit down with legendary bit maker Chuck Letchworth to talk about what a bit actually does, why the first signal matters, and why better communication, not more pressure, is what creates a softer, more confident horse. Chuck breaks down the details that actually change what a horse feels, from shank angle and purchase to mouthpiece shape, curb material, width, and balance. He also gets into why choosing a bit simply because it worked on your last horse is probably not the strategy we thought it was. Then we get into the training behind the equipment: giving a horse time to understand a new bridle, rewarding the smallest correct response, making lead changes part of everyday life, and why intimidation is not a substitute for training. Scott learns a very important lesson about the missing rope on his trail bit, Crysta finally gets answers about square mouthpieces, and both hosts leave with a slightly different perspective on what their hands are actually saying. If you’ve ever stood in front of a tack-room wall wondering why one bit costs more than your first car, why your horse braces before you even make contact, or whether the problem is actually the bit, this episode is for you.
This week, we’re talking horses, money, social media, and the occasional existential crisis. 💅🏼 We get into what actually makes a horse valuable, why good trainers and breeders are worth paying for, and the not-so-glamorous realities of investing in horses. We also dissect riding videos, hand position, back cinches, safety, and the risks that come with showing and training. And because apparently horses aren’t enough to keep us busy, we talk mental health, self-care, and learning to advocate for yourself when life gets a little too much. Basically: horse girl problems, but with receipts.
Horse Show Bestie is back with a little bit of horse show chaos, a little existential questioning, and a healthy amount of “why are we like this?” Crysta and Scott get into everything from childhood experiences, religion, community, and finding your place in the horse world to how the horse training industry has changed over time. They talk about the importance of grassroots events like fairs and livestock shows, the mentors who shape us, and why having a supportive equestrian community matters more than we sometimes admit. Then, naturally, things turn into horse show logistics. Scott recaps his latest show experience, including the preparation, competition, prizes, and all the glamorous realities of getting horses where they need to go. They also get into European hauling culture, international horse show travel, and why traveling with horses is basically an extreme sport with a trailer. Crysta shares stories from Rotterdam and a recent clinic, while the two compare notes on busy schedules, their horses, and the strange phenomenon of desperately wanting a break from the horse world while simultaneously making the horse world your entire personality. Basically: horses, travel, competition, community, personal growth, and two besties trying to have a life outside of the horse show.