The People Behind Morgan Cromer’s $6 Million Cutting Horse Career

The People Behind Morgan Cromer’s $6 Million Cutting Horse Career

The People Behind Morgan Cromer’s $6 Million Cutting Horse Career Kody Porterfield Morgan Cromer, one of the most respected cutting horse trainers in the industry, joins the 817 podcast to share the people, horses, mentors, and hard-earned lessons behind her $6 million cutting horse career. In this episode, Morgan Cromer opens up about her journey in the cutting horse world, from starting with almost nothing to building a lasting career through loyalty, grit, relationships, and opportunity. Kody Porterfield guides this conversation far beyond the winner’s circle. Morgan talks about leaving home at 17, working for Russ and Janet, living in a trailer, driving tractor to make ends meet, developing horses, building trust with customers, and learning how the right people can change the entire direction of your life. You’ll also hear: * How Morgan Cromer got started in cutting horses and built her career from the ground up * The mentors, customers, and friendships that helped shape her success in the cutting horse industry * What it took to keep going through the hard early years, including living in a trailer and working extra jobs * Morgan’s perspective on loyalty, communication, opportunity, and building a respected horse program * The story behind Cool Guitar and what it means to have a special horse at the right time If you love cutting horses, NCHA stories, horse training, Western industry conversations, or honest stories from people who built something the hard way, this episode with Morgan Cromer is one you do not want to miss. #MorganCromer #CuttingHorses #NCHA

From LSU to the Saints: A Louisiana Dream Only God Could Write | Davon Godchaux’s NFL

From LSU to the Saints: A Louisiana Dream Only God Could Write | Davon Godchaux’s NFL Kody Porterfield From Tiger Stadium to the New Orleans Saints, Davon Godchaux’s journey is a Louisiana dream only God could write... and he did! The LSU standout and 10-year NFL veteran shares how faith, discipline, and maturity helped bring his football story full circle. Davon opens up about growing up in Louisiana, choosing to go pro, learning under Bill Belichick, returning home to play for the Saints, and building a new future in the horse industry. You’ll also hear: * Why he knew it was time to “learn how to be a pro” * What playing for LSU and the Saints means to him * Why more NFL games are lost than won * How faith, respect, and accountability shape his life * Why he is investing in horses, ranching, and the next chapter beyond football This is a conversation about football, family, purpose, peace, and earning respect every step of the way. Share The 817 Podcast with a friend! #DavonGodchaux #NewOrleansSaints #LSUFootball

The Difference Between Winners and Losers? One More Try. | Shane Carlon's Success Story

The Difference Between Winners and Losers? One More Try. | Shane Carlon's Success Story Kody Porterfield Shane Carlon's story is proof that success isn't built overnight—it's earned through years of hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and refusing to quit when things get tough. From moving to Texas as a teenager and learning under some of the best horsemen in the industry to becoming one of the leading trainers and sellers of elite cutting horses, Shane shares the lessons, setbacks, and breakthroughs that shaped his journey. This conversation dives into the mindset required to succeed at a high level, the value of preparation, the importance of surrounding yourself with great people, and why the grind is often where the biggest growth happens. You'll Also Hear: * How Shane built his business from the ground up * The sacrifices required to pursue a dream * Lessons learned from top trainers in the cutting horse industry * The importance of preparation and confidence in competition * The role family and support systems play in long-term success * Why simplicity wins when the pressure is highest * The mental habits that separate winners from everyone else * Advice for young trainers looking to make it in the horse industry Whether you're involved in the horse industry, building a business, or chasing a goal of your own, this episode offers valuable lessons on persistence, discipline, and what it really takes to win. This story will inspire you and transform your mindset. #CuttingHorses #HorseTrainer #The817Podcast

I Quit College to Learn From Horse Legends

I Quit College to Learn From Horse Legends Kody Porterfield Frank Merrill's Incredible Journey of quitting college to learn everything he could from Horse Legends. What would make someone walk away from college with only two semesters left? For Frank Merrill, the answer was simple: he wanted an education that couldn't be found in a classroom. In this episode of The 817 Podcast, Frank shares the story of chasing a dream, buying the legendary mare Miss Jim 45, and learning directly from some of the most respected horsemen in Quarter Horse history. From his first horse at five years old to building Winward Stud and eventually serving as President of AQHA, Frank reveals the lessons, risks, relationships, and life-changing decisions that shaped his remarkable career in the horse industry. This is a masterclass in horsemanship, mentorship, leadership, and following a vision when everyone else thinks you're crazy. 🐴 You'll also hear: • The story behind paying $25,000 for a horse when that was almost unheard of • How Miss Jim 45 became one of the most legendary mares in Quarter Horse history • Why mentorship mattered more than formal education • The lesson that helped build Winward Stud • The importance of putting the horse first in every decision • Stories from the golden era of the Quarter Horse industry Subscribe to The 817 Podcast for more conversations with ranchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and the people preserving the traditions that built Texas and the American West. #QuarterHorses #HorseIndustry #Ranching

The INSANE Mental Pressure of Being a Million-Dollar Horse Vet

The INSANE Mental Pressure of Being a Million-Dollar Horse Vet Kody Porterfield What’s it really like carrying the pressure of million-dollar horses, high-stakes decisions, and the emotional weight of doing what’s best for the horse every single day? This week on the 817 Podcast, Dr. Scott Strosniter joins us for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we’ve had yet. We dive into: * The mental pressure behind elite equine veterinary medicine * Million-dollar pre-purchase exams * Failure, stress, and learning through hard moments * The explosive growth of the horse industry in Texas * Family, mentorship, and legacy * The emotional reality of caring for horses and the people behind them * The INSANE future of horse medicine with MRI and CT technology From hilarious stories to deep life lessons, this episode goes far beyond horses. Discover the pressure, purpose, leadership, and building required to reach greatness. Dr. Scott Strosniter also shares powerful insight on fatherhood, mentorship, and why communication matters more than most people realize in the horse industry. If you’re a competitor, trainer, business owner, veterinarian, or just someone chasing excellence... this episode is for you. #CuttingHorses #HorseIndustry #817Podcast