Beasley Equine Podcast

Young Grit: a conversation with Ty Eldridge

A 4 a.m. wake-up, a four-hour haul, and a seventh grader who ropes with the poise of a seasoned header—meet Ty Eldridge from Harrisburg, Arkansas. We sit down with Ty to explore how a 12-year-old turns school days, barn chores, and practice nights into solid runs, quiet confidence, and a bond with a five-year-old gelding named Skid Rock. It’s a story about discipline that doesn’t need drama, mentorship that works in the practice pen, and the kind of horse care that shows up when the gate opens. Ty walks us through his events—team roping on the head side, breakaway, ribbon roping, and goat tying—and the training rhythm he leans on: live cattle for timing, the dummy for fixing habits, and daily saddle time that keeps his horse responsive without burning him out. We talk through jackpot nerves, competing against adults, and the mental routine that steadies your hand in the box. He opens up about losses and small wins, the lightbulb moment in Searcy when breakaway finally clicked, and why humility and patience beat shortcuts and hype. We also get practical about equine health and performance. Ty shares how quality hay and a simple GI routine keep Skid Rock feeling good on the road, and we break down a stress-aware approach—prioritizing forage, friends, and freedom—that helps hauled horses stay settled. From starting young horses to representing sponsors like Cactus Ropes with integrity, Ty’s perspective is refreshingly grounded. He’s chasing a saddle, dreaming of a gold buckle, and keeping the work honest—proof that grit, good mentors, and better horsemanship can carry a young athlete a long way. If this conversation leaves you inspired, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves rodeo or youth sports, and leave a quick review telling us your best pre-competition ritual.

Rodeo Dreams: From Junior Champion to Broadcast Booth

Meet Cailey Divine, a remarkable 17-year-old who embodies the perfect balance of academic excellence and rodeo prowess. Already taking college-level courses while serving as her FFA chapter president, she's set to graduate with an associate's degree before even finishing high school—all while competing at championship levels in breakaway roping, barrel racing, and pole bending. From her earliest days on horseback to winning rounds at prestigious events like Oklahoma's Richest Breakaway Roping, Cailey's journey reveals the extraordinary dedication required to excel in both academics and rodeo. Her strategic approach to time management—completing homework during long drives to competitions—demonstrates wisdom beyond her years. With multiple sponsorships from industry leaders like Prefert, Heel-o-matic, and Smarty Rodeo (where she now serves as a trainer), Cailey has established herself as a rising star in the rodeo world.  What truly sets Cailey apart is her crystal-clear vision for the future. After exploring various career paths, she's set her sights on agricultural communications with the goal of becoming a rodeo broadcaster—a dream sparked by meeting professionals in the field. Her perspective on the unique supportive culture within rodeo provides heartwarming insight into why this community remains special: "Someone's horse is sore? Jump on mine. Blow a tire? We're coming to get you." Behind her success stands incredibly supportive parents who've built practice arenas, driven countless miles, and maintained her rigorous schedule. Cailey's advice rings true for anyone chasing dreams: find your passion, surround yourself with supportive people, and never let others' opinions derail your journey. Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover how determination, family support, and clear goals can create extraordinary results at any age.

The Making of a Champion: Time Management, Family Support, and Determination

Youth, passion, and rodeo excellence take center stage as we welcome Carson, an eighth-grade competitor who's quickly making a name for himself in junior rodeo. Fresh off an impressive showing at the Wildfire competition where he secured buckles in both Steer Dobbin and Breakaway, Carson shares the journey that's brought him to this point. The chemistry between Carson and his trusted horse Pistol forms the cornerstone of his competitive success. Their partnership—built through countless hours of practice and mutual understanding—has yielded multiple victories and no less than three second-place finishes at recent events. With disarming honesty, Carson walks us through his pre-competition routine, from trailer packing to horse preparation, while offering a glimpse into how he manages the inevitable nerves that come before entering the box. Family emerges as the foundation of Carson's rodeo pursuits. His father serves as both life coach and technical instructor, while sister Logan partners with him in team events. As he prepares to balance eighth-grade academics with his ambitious rodeo schedule, Carson offers wisdom beyond his years about time management challenges and his goals for the upcoming season. Whether discussing his professional inspirations or sharing fishing tales from ponds and ocean piers, Carson's genuine enthusiasm for both competition and camaraderie shines through. For parents and young riders alike, this conversation provides valuable insights into nurturing passion while navigating the practical demands of youth athletics. Subscribe to the Beasley Equine Podcast for more conversations with rising stars and industry veterans who share their journeys and wisdom from the arena to the barn and beyond.

Rodeo Life Through Young Eyes

Ever wonder what it takes to be a rodeo champion before you're even in double digits? Eight-year-old Logan gives us a refreshing glimpse into the world of youth rodeo with a maturity and focus that belies her tender age. Logan, who rides an eight-year-old horse aptly named Stanley, opens up about her impressive rodeo repertoire. She competes in barrels, poles, goats, flags, healing, breakaway, daubing, and goat tying—practically everything a peewee competitor can enter. With disarming honesty, she shares her preference for barrel racing simply because "I just like it. You get to go fast." Her passion for speed delivered results when she recently clocked an impressive 15-second run. The conversation reveals the special bond between young riders and their equine partners. Logan speaks warmly about Gonzo, her recently retired horse with whom she shares a special connection. When asked what superpower she would give her horses, her answer speaks volumes: "I would give Gonzo to stay alive forever and never turn too old to ride, and I want Stanley to go really fast. Like Superman." These heartfelt words highlight the deep relationships formed between children and their competition horses. Despite her young age, Logan has already collected impressive accolades, including two saddles won in consecutive years. Now she's set her sights on winning her first buckle and possibly even a trailer at upcoming competitions. All this while balancing third grade, daily horse care, and training sessions where she makes sure to "make them sweaty." Her secret to staying organized? "My mom tells me what to do," she admits candidly—a universal truth for successful kids everywhere. Want to hear more about youth rodeo from those who live it every day? Subscribe to the Beasley Equine Podcast for more conversations with inspiring equestrians of all ages. Have you ever competed in youth sports at a high level? Share your experiences in the comments!

Building Wildfire Ranch: A Southern Illinois Equestrian Destination

The journey from coal miner's son to respected farrier and ranch operator unfolds in this captivating conversation with Ricky, whose story proves that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. Growing up in Painesville, Eastern Kentucky, Ricky's early exposure to horses was limited until a life-changing encounter with his future wife Jade through youth rodeos. Their connection, strengthened by their shared experience with type 1 diabetes, would eventually lead to the creation of Wildfire Ranch - now a thriving equestrian destination in Southern Illinois. Diagnosed at just four years old with a blood sugar level of 989, Ricky narrowly survived what could have been a fatal episode. This health challenge has shaped his approach to life, work, and now parenthood. "It's inconvenient, but ain't impossible," he reflects, embodying the resilient spirit that drives his success as both a skilled farrier and business operator. Wildfire Ranch stands as testament to vision and hard work. What began as a simple request to till a small practice area for barrel racing has evolved into an impressive facility featuring a covered arena, nearly 100 stalls, on-site lodging, a café known for excellent fried fish, and family-friendly amenities including putt-putt golf and playgrounds. The ranch draws participants from across the country for youth rodeos, barrel races, and other events, creating a community where "kids can make memories." Alongside running the ranch, Ricky continues to develop his farrier skills, traveling regularly with established professionals to shoe 25-40 horses during multi-day clinics. His advice to aspiring farriers? "Don't quit. When you start, it's going to be miserable, but it gets easier the more horses you do and the more you educate yourself." As he balances the demands of his craft, the ranch, and an eight-month-old daughter, Ricky's story reminds us that with determination, continuous learning, and strong community support, extraordinary things are possible - even when facing significant challenges. Check out Wildfire Ranch on Facebook to discover upcoming events and everything they offer at this unique Southern Illinois equestrian destination.