Horse People Podcast

• #52 - Horse Illustrated’s Editor in Chief, Holly Caccamise: Crafting Stories, Keeping Print Alive & The Horse‑Person Spark

  In this episode, Gideon sits down with Holly Caccamise, editor in chief of Horse Illustrated and Young Rider magazines, and co‑host of the Horse Illustrated Podcast. Holly shares her journey from equine science to publishing, her passion for print in a digital age, tips for getting started in the horse world, and why the Mongol Derby left her in awe.Key topics we discussed:Why Holly left the lab for editorial life, and how she climbed the ladder from Thoroughbred Times to leading two beloved horse magazines.The enduring power of print in the horse world and how readers, especially kids, cherish holding a magazine in their hands.Horse Illustrated’s recipe for engagement: breed profiles, human‑horse stories, and “the angle” that hooks readers.Practical advice for new riders, start on the ground, understand horsemanship basics, and pick a barn that fits your personality.Trends in equine media: podcasts are an area of opportunity, video versions of interviews are gaining traction, and AI may not cut it for horse stories or imagery.Bonus:Holly's favorite breed? Appaloosa mares “they just clicked with my brain.”Social media links for the guest:Social media links for Horse People Podcast:Instagram: @HorsePeoplePodcastLinkedIn: Horse People PodcastIf you love heartfelt horse stories and want a behind‑the‑scenes look at horse media, subscribe to Horse Illustrated (print or digital) and give our podcast a follow. And if you're inspired to start riding or become a writer, go check out Pony Club or reach out to your local barn, you never know where your horse journey will take you.Follow and subscribe for more cross-discipline horse content and stories!!

  --------  

  1:08:29

  --------

  1:08:29
• #51 - Recruiter by Day, Breyer Queen by Night: The Double Life of Kristy Donaldson

  This episode features Kristy Donaldson, a high-volume recruiter at Chewy by day and a full-blown horse and Breyer model enthusiast by night. Kristy’s world is a fascinating blend of real horses, collectible horses, YouTube creativity, and early morning barn rides before work. We talk about her journey into dressage, her obsession with Breyer models, and how she balances the two worlds like a pro.Key topics we discussed in 6 bullet points:The world of Breyer model horses and how Kristy grew a collection of over 300The surprising resale value of rare models and the collector economy behind themStarting a YouTube channel and what content horse people actually want to seeRiding at 6 a.m. and juggling shows with a full-time job at ChewyWhy horse people secretly (and not so secretly) hire other horse peopleThe misunderstood beauty and grind of dressage for adult amateursBonus fact:Kristy once scored a bullseye on her very first horseback archery attempt, combining her two passions—horses and archery—into one epic moment.Social media links for the guest:YouTube: Blue Eyed BreyersInstagram: @blue_eyed_breyers and @spartographer07Social media links for Horse People Podcast:Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcastLinkedIn: Horse People PodcastSubscribe to the show and leave us a review and if you’ve got a model horse collection you’re proud of, shoot us a message—we want to hear your story.

  --------  

  47:11

  --------

  47:11
• #50 - From Horseback Riding in Central Park to Equine Startup Ideas: Shelley Golan’s Horse Girl Reawakening

  Intro:This episode is with Shelley Golan, a senior director at a leading fintech company, lifelong horse lover, and multi-time entrepreneur. Shelley shares her journey of reentering the horse world as an adult amateur after a long hiatus: a story that weaves through startups, motorcycles, autoimmune disease, and the pipeline of drawing horses as a kid to becoming a horse person. It’s about choosing joy, reclaiming identity, and doing things for no other reason than because they mean something to you.Key topics we discussed:How Shelley went from urban agriculture founder to startup accelerator leader to fintech exec and why supporting founders still lights her upGrowing up horse-crazy in Manhattan, learning to ride in the now-closed Claremont Stables and yes, galloping through Central Park at 10 years oldThe adult amateur’s return to riding: the courage to restart, the right trainer fit, and how motorcycles reawakened her horsemanship muscle memoryThe unspoken barriers in lesson barns from saddle soreness to aging school horses and the case for a new model between leasing and buyingWhat it really takes (mentally, physically, emotionally) to become a stronger, more confident rider in your 30s and how intentional strength training changed her seatBonus: We coin the term “horse virus” instead of “horse bug”, because, let’s be honest, it lies dormant and then flares up like clockworkSocial media links:Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcastLinkedIn: Shelley GolanIf you’ve ever felt the horse virus stir in your bones even a little hit that subscribe button and share this episode with someone who’s been “thinking about getting back into riding.”

  --------  

  1:21:02

  --------

  1:21:02
• #49 - How Research Is Reshaping Horse Nutrition and Laying the Groundwork with Scott Cieslar

  In this episode of Horse People, I sit down with Scott Cieslar, founder and CEO of Mad Barn, to talk about how he's building something pretty rare in the world, a business rooted in research first. Scott is laying the groundwork for a smarter, science-backed approach to equine nutrition. We dive into everything from why salt is wildly underrated to how a simple hay test could change your horse’s health. If you care about performance, longevity, and doing right by your horse, this one’s for you.Key topics we discussed:Why Mad Barn is investing in foundational research instead of chasing trendsWhy most horse owners misunderstand hay quality, and how earlier cuts actually provide more nutrients than later onesHow horses use oxygen differently, and what that means for training and recoveryThe role of salt, forage, and minerals in avoiding common health issuesWhat Scott’s big-picture vision is for Mad Barn and equine nutrition worldwideSocial media:Instagram: @madbarnequineWebsite: madbarn.comSubscribe to Horse People and get 5% off at Madbarn.com with code HORSEPEOPLE. Your horse could probably use some vitamins and minerals!

  --------  

  1:08:09

  --------

  1:08:09
• #48 - Hall of Fame Cowboy Meets the World’s Toughest Horse Race

  In this episode of Horse People, I’m joined by Josh Edwards aka Cowboy Josh a rodeo legend, entrepreneur, dad, and 3rd place Mongol Derby finisher. We talk about what it means to hang up the saddle after a career in the arena, chase freedom on the Mongolian steppe, and keep going after hard things even when you’ve already got the belt buckles to prove yourself. From the rodeo halls of fame to a quiet moment of clarity in the middle of nowhere, Cowboy shares a raw, honest look at a life well ridden.Oh! And how to win the derby:)Key topics we discussed:What life after rodeo looks like, and why Josh says retirement came at the perfect time.Getting drugged up a Mongolian hill by SJO , horse in tow, tied to her saddle. The Mongol Derby: the heartbreak, the donkeys, the glory, and what it taught him about letting go of control.Why finishing third meant more than winning, and how that ride became a cornerstone of his cowboy legacy.The powerful role of rodeo brotherhood and the unseen emotional moments that defined the Derby for him.Instagram: @horsepeoplepodcast

  --------  

  1:26:47

  --------

  1:26:47

More Leisure podcasts

Trending Leisure podcasts

About Horse People Podcast