The Plaidcast

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Plaidcast, Piper Klemm is joined by Anne-Sophie Milette of Primi for a conversation exploring the evolving European horse market and the process of finding and importing horses for North American riders.
Originally from Canada, Anne-Sophie moved to Belgium to pursue her career in the equestrian industry and has developed a unique perspective on the differences between European and North American horse markets. She shares how Primi is working to simplify the horse-buying experience through its fixed-price auction model, comprehensive veterinary evaluations, and transparent sales information. Anne-Sophie also discusses the importance of matching horses with the right riders, the challenges of acclimating imported horses to new environments, and Primi's upcoming November sale.
Visit the website at: https://www.primi.horse/ 
theplaidhorse.com
Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.
At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.
Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.
We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Plaidcast, host Piper Klemm sits down with 2026 Washington International Horse Show judges Michael Tokaruk and Patrick Rodes to take listeners behind the scenes of one of the nation's most prestigious equitation competitions.
Michael Tokaruk is an accomplished rider, trainer, USEF "R" judge, and owner of Tokaruk Show Stables, a full-service hunter, jumper, and equitation training and sales operation based in Wellington, Florida. With numerous Grand Prix victories and championship titles to his name, Tokaruk has coached riders to success at the highest levels of the sport and officiated at prestigious competitions, including the ASPCA Maclay National Finals and USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final.
Patrick Rodes is an experienced equestrian professional with more than 35 years in the industry and the founder of Southbound Show Management. Alongside his wife, Jana, he is an owner, rider, and breeder at All Around Farm in Argyle, Texas. His extensive background includes horse show management, hunter and jumper course design, judging, and equestrian facility consulting. Rodes is also involved in the ownership and management of Saratoga Management Group, bringing a wealth of experience in competition operations and the equestrian industry.
Together, Tokaruk and Rodes discuss the unique judging format, challenging course designs, and the importance of testing riders' adaptability through the hunter, jumper, and horse-swapping phases. The conversation highlights standout performances from the week's top junior riders, including champion Emmy Richard, reserve champion Caitlyn Link, and third-place finisher Lizzie Reinhardt.
The judges also share their perspectives on the introduction of handy hunter rounds, strategic riding decisions, and what separates a good performance from an exceptional one. Plus, they reflect on the pony equitation finals, the impact of the flat phase on final standings, and the importance of maintaining traditional horsemanship standards in today's competitive show environment.
theplaidhorse.com
Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.
At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.
Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.
We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail
In this special episode of Plaidcast in Person, host Piper Klemm connects with the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), an organization dedicated to helping Thoroughbred racehorses successfully transition into second careers beyond the racetrack.
The Retired Racehorse Project works to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) in equestrian sports while supporting the trainers, farms, and organizations that prepare these horses for their next chapters. Through educational programs, industry partnerships, and events like the annual Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park, the RRP highlights the versatility, athleticism, and potential of retired racehorses.
This episode shines a light on the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare, the opportunities available to horses after racing, and the people working to create a brighter future for these incredible athletes.
To learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project, visit www.therrp.org.
theplaidhorse.com
Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.
At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.
Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.
We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail
Join host Piper Klemm for a special Plaidcast in Person featuring the team behind the Woodside Show Series at The Horse Park at Woodside in California. Piper sits down with members of the Woodside Show Series team to discuss the show series, its role in the equestrian community, and the importance of creating opportunities for riders and horses to learn, compete, and grow.
The Horse Park at Woodside is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equestrian sport, education, land conservation, and community involvement. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the park welcomes riders of all levels and disciplines through competitions, clinics, and training opportunities. Beyond equestrian activities, the park supports environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation, providing a space for the broader community to connect with nature.
Learn more about The Horse Park at Woodside and its mission at www.horsepark.org.

Want to attend a Plaidcast in Person near you? Check out upcoming events and find out where we'll be next at www.theplaidhorse.com/the-plaidcast/.
theplaidhorse.com
Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.
At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.
Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.
We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of The Plaidcast, Piper Klemm welcomes Katie Armstrong and Dr. Maureen T. Long.
Katie Armstrong is the owner of Building Better Hunters, a business specializing in behavioral rehabilitation of show horses and colt starting. Katie discusses the importance of incorporating Western training foundations into English riding programs and how recovering from a significant injury changed her perspective on horse training. She shares her experience learning from Western professionals, the gaps she sees in foundational training within the English riding industry, and how proper groundwork, clear boundaries, and effective handling techniques can create safer, more confident horses and handlers.
Dr. Maureen T. Long, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, is a professor emeritus at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and an expert in equine infectious diseases. Her research has focused on West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). A board-certified specialist in large animal internal medicine, Dr. Long has made significant contributions to equine health through research, education, and vaccine studies. She is also the co-editor of Equine Infectious Diseases and received the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine's Distinguished Service Award in 2024.
theplaidhorse.com
Thank you so much for joining us today on the Plaidcast. This podcast is a labor of love, and every single episode exists because of this incredible community of riders, trainers, barn managers, parents, and horse lovers who show up in the barn, in the ring, and right here with us.
At The Plaid Horse, our commitment goes far beyond the show ring. We believe deeply in the power of literacy and education and that every rider, at every level, deserves access to knowledge, stories, and ideas that make them a better horseperson and a better human being. Reading matters. Learning matters. And the stories we tell each other in this sport matter more than we sometimes realize.
Whether you are a junior rider picking up your first copy of The Plaid Horse Magazine, a professional trainer looking for inspiration, or someone who simply loves horses and everything this world stands for then this community is for you. You belong here.
We build this together. Every article, every episode, every conversation is an opportunity to learn something new, to feel less alone in the challenges of this sport, and to be reminded of why we fell in love with horses in the first place.
Until next time, keep reading, keep learning, keep riding, and remember that the horse world is better when we build it together. I will see you at the ring!