Fit for Halter Podcast

083 | Learning to See Horses Differently with Alexis Gooding

Ever find yourself standing at the rail thinking… “I’m a pleasure rider… but I keep watching the halter.”? 👀 That’s exactly how Alexis Gooding found her way into the halter world. Coming from a strong pleasure background, Alexis shares what it was like to step into a completely different side of the industry — from asking all the questions to understanding the idea of form to function. In this episode, we talk about: 🐴 What surprised her most about halter horses 🐴 The biggest differences between pleasure and halter 🐴 The myth that “the fattest horse wins” 🐴 How learning conformation changes the way you see every horse 🐴 Why understanding halter can actually make you a better horseman Whether you’re a pleasure rider curious about halter, or a halter exhibitor who loves hearing how others find their way into the discipline, this conversation is full of great perspective. 🎧 Listen on Amazon, Apple, iHeart Radio or Spotify!

082 | From Ponies to Pen: Halter Horses with Guy Williams

In this episode, I’m joined by Guy Williams of Venning Quarter Horses, coming to us from the Hunter Valley of Australia. We talk about: ✨ What actually separates an elite halter horse ✨ Why “big and fat” isn’t the same as fit ✨ How fitness, cross-training, and mental well-being show up in the pen ✨ And why loving the job matters more than the perfect pedigree Guy brings a thoughtful, honest perspective shaped by his background in racing, showing, and horsemanship. Whether you’re gearing up for the 2026 show season or just trying to make better decisions for your horse, this episode will challenge the way you think about halter horses in the best way.

081 | From Baseball to Halter: Mike Huntoon

If you’ve shown your halter horse in Michigan, there’s a good chance this guest has called your name over the loudspeaker. On this episode of Fit for Halter, we're joined by Mike Huntoon — halter horse enthusiast, accomplished show announcer, and trainer with a voice many exhibitors instantly recognize. If you love halter horses, horse show culture, or just a good “how I got here” story… this is for you! Mike shares his early days growing up with horses, how a backyard Paint stud and a few key mentors pulled him into the halter world, and the story behind his very first horse show as an announcer.

080 | Building a Legacy: Inside the Program of Gene & Kaylynn Wilson

I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Kaylynn Wilson — who along with her husband Gene, are known for quality, longevity, and undeniable impact in the halter horse industry. For decades, the Wilsons have bred, owned, and shown some of the most recognizable horses in the country. Their program has produced standouts known for balance, bone, beauty, and that unmistakable presence that turns heads in any pen. In this episode, we dive into: ✨ How their individual journeys with horses began ✨ The moment halter horses captured Gene’s attention ✨ Their love story that started… on a stud farm visit  ✨ The legendary horses that shaped their program ✨ What matters most in their breeding decisions today ✨ Soundness, balance, and the importance of choosing the right stallions ✨ The hands-on philosophy behind evaluating crosses and seeing stallions in person

079 | A Legacy of Leadership with Sally Griffin

This week on the Fit for Halter podcast, Amy sits down with Sally Griffin — a lifetime APHA director, dedicated leader, and lifelong Paint Horse enthusiast who has done it all — from amateur halter exhibitor to rule maker, show organizer, and advocate for the next generation. Sally shares her incredible journey that began in the 1970s as a youth and amateur exhibitor, showing standout halter horses and earning APHA Champion Certificate #1. Today, she continues to shape the association she loves — co-creating the Margarita Classic Paint Horse Show in memory of Charlie Sasser, leading key APHA committees, and championing programs like Novice Amateur, Novice Youth, and Walk-Trot to keep the Paint Horse community strong and inclusive.