Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder

Most people, at one time or another, have dreamed of owning, riding, or enjoying horses in some capacity. Many who do experience the joys of being around horses will agree horses have a way of bringing a calm to their lives. Taking the Reins podcast is an enjoyable way to discover the impact horses have on the people who love them. In this podcast, listeners will learn about all things equine while listening to engaging experiences of other horse enthusiasts along the way. If you are a horse owner or simply enjoy the nostalgia that horses bring to our lives, this podcast is for you! Join us as we explore all that horses have to offer and learn from some of the best horsemen and women in the equine industry.

Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder is a education podcast hosted by Clay Cavinder, with 60 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Clay Cavinder hosts Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, a education show with 60 episodes published.

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  Episode #61

  The Journey to Becoming a Bloodstock Agent with Josh Stevens

  Oct 2, 202651 min

  In this episode of Taking the Reins, we sit down with Lexington-based bloodstock agent Josh Stevens to explore what it really takes to build a career in one of the most competitive corners of the horse industry. Josh shares his journey from getting started with horses to carving out a path as a trusted advisor in the high-stakes world of buying and selling equine athletes. We dive into what a bloodstock agent actually does day-to-day, how he evaluates horses, and the pressure that comes with helping clients make major investment decisions. Along the way, Josh opens up about the wins that validated his approach—and the tough lessons that shaped how he does business today. Whether you're interested in the sales side of the industry, looking to build your own career with horses, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions happening in the sales ring, this episode delivers insight you won’t want to miss.

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  Episode #62

  Bluegrass Grit: Starting a Thoroughbred Farm in Kentucky with Meredith Krupp

  Sep 4, 202646 min

  In this episode of Taking the Reins, I sit down with Meredith Krupp, owner and operator of Pine Branch Thoroughbred Farm in Lexington, Kentucky — right in the heart of horse country. Meredith shares her journey into the Thoroughbred industry, what inspired her to take the leap into starting her own operation, and what it really takes to build a farm from the ground up in one of the most competitive equine regions in the world. We dive into the day-to-day realities of running a Thoroughbred farm — from managing horses and clients to navigating the business side that often goes unseen. Meredith also opens up about the challenges she faced early on, the risks she’s taken along the way, and the moments that made it all worth it. Whether you’re involved in the horse industry or just curious about what goes on behind the gates of a Lexington Thoroughbred farm, this episode offers an honest look at the grit, vision, and dedication it takes to make it in this world.

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  Episode #60

  Horsepower & Higher Ed: Dr. Amy Lawyer on Equine Careers in Kentucky

  Aug 7, 202653 min

  What happens when you combine the horsepower of Kentucky’s equine industry with the strategy of a top-tier business school? In this episode of Taking the Reins, I sit down with Dr. Amy Lawyer, Director of the Equine Studies Program at the University of Louisville, to explore one of the most unique academic programs in the country—an equine program housed within a college of business. Dr. Lawyer shares how Louisville is preparing students for real-world success in the horse industry by blending hands-on equine experience with business acumen. We dive into the wide range of career opportunities available in the horse capital of the world, from farm management and bloodstock to marketing, sales, and beyond. Whether you’re a student, industry professional, or just passionate about horses, this episode highlights how education, location, and opportunity intersect in powerful ways in Kentucky’s thriving horse country. Tune in to learn how the next generation of equine professionals is being shaped—and why the business side of horses matters more than ever.

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  Episode #59

  Building the Next Generation of Racing: Annise Montplaisir & The Mission of Amplify Horse Racing

  Jul 3, 202653 min

  Horse racing has a deep history — but its future depends on who steps up to carry it forward. In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Annise Montplaisir, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Amplify Horse Racing, an organization dedicated to connecting young people with real careers in the Thoroughbred industry. From racetrack internships to educational outreach, Amplify is opening doors many didn’t even know existed. Clay and Annise dive into how the racing industry actually works behind the scenes, why workforce development matters more than ever, and the misconceptions that keep talented young people from considering careers with horses. They also talk about the opportunities — not just for riders, but for veterinarians, marketers, farm managers, media professionals, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a horse person curious about racing, a student searching for direction, or someone who wants to understand the business side of equine industries, this conversation pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood sectors of the horse world. The future of the industry isn’t just about faster horses — it’s about educated people who care enough to lead it forward.

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  Episode #58

  Judges, Jokes, and Judging Myths with Jonathan Meilleur and Mark Russell

  Jun 5, 202647 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with Jonathan Meilleur and Mark Russell to pull back the curtain on horse show judging. From hilarious moments in the ring to common misconceptions horsemen have about judges, this conversation delivers laughs, honesty, and real insight.</p> <p>The guys share stories from their judging experiences, explain what they’re actually looking for when horses enter the ring, and clear up myths that just won’t die in the horse world. Whether you show, judge, train, or just love good horse stories, this episode offers an entertaining and eye-opening look...

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