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 59 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Clay Cavinder hosts Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, a education show with 59 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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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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  Episode #57

  Building Something that Lasts: Khari Randolph and the Mississippi Ranch Horse Association

  May 1, 20261h 2mS0

  <p>In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with close friend and horseman Khari Randolph, the founder of the Mississippi Ranch Horse Association. Together, they dive into what it really takes to create new opportunities in the horse industry and how thinking outside the box can open doors for the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen.</p> <p>Khari shares the story behind starting the Mississippi Ranch Horse Association, the challenges and wins along the way, and how the organization has grown to support ranch horse competition and community across the state. The conversation also explores the...

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  Episode #56

  Mindset, Grit, and Raising a Horse-crazy Kid with former MLB pitcher Roy Oswalt

  Apr 3, 20261h 2mS0

  <p>In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with former Major League Baseball star Roy Oswalt — known for his fierce competitive spirit, calm command on the mound, and career spent performing under pressure.</p> <p>But today, Roy isn’t just talking baseball — he’s diving into life after the big leagues and his role as a supportive dad to a horse-obsessed daughter.</p> <p>Together, we explore:</p> The mindset required to perform under intense pressure Handling nerves and failure — whether you’re pitching under stadium lights or showing horses The transition from professional athlete to the normal w...

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