Episode 64: Sissy Wickes’ Passion is Paving the Road to the Top for the Next Equestrian Superstars. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.

Episode 64: Sissy Wickes’ Passion is Paving the Road to the Top for the Next Equestrian Superstars. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432860/fan_mail/new] In this episode of **Scope**, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into a compelling conversation with Sissy Wickes, an esteemed USEF judge and lifelong horse trainer. Sissy is the executive director of the nonprofit foundation, **Road to the Top**, dedicated to mentoring young equestrians as they navigate the financial and competitive hurdles of the sport.  The discussion kicks off with an overview of the foundation’s mentorship programs, designed to elevate aspiring riders to the international level through structured support and guidance. Sissy elaborates on the foundation's origins, born from the need to create opportunities for the next generation of equestrians amidst rising costs and diminishing access in the equestrian world. Key topics include: - **The Financial Landscape**: Sissy addresses the escalating costs associated with equestrian sports and how this impacts access for aspiring riders, particularly at grassroots levels. She candidly questions the sustainability of these expenses and the broader implications for the sport. - **Opportunities for Young Riders**: The conversation highlights the importance of providing a robust pathway for talented athletes transitioning from junior divisions to professional ranks. Sissy emphasizes the need for mentorship and collaboration among established equestrians to foster emerging talent. - **Horsemanship and Business Acumen**: The episode underscores the significance of horsemanship as a foundational skill for riders, alongside essential business knowledge for managing a successful equestrian career. Sissy shares insights into how the Road to the Top program integrates these elements into its curriculum. - **Comparative Analysis with European Systems**: Sissy draws parallels between the U.S. equestrian framework and more established systems in Europe, exploring what the U.S. can learn from their approach to nurturing talent. - **Future Aspirations**: Wrapping up the conversation, Sissy shares her vision for Road to the Top over the next decade, aiming for closer integration with USEF and USET to create a seamless mentorship pipeline for young riders. Tune in to discover how the Road to the Top foundation is working to reshape the future of equestrian sports, ensuring that talent and ambition are met with opportunity and support. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and discussions on the evolving landscape of equestrian sports! Support the show [https://patreon.com/TheScopePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Episode 63: The Shots Heard Round the Horse World—Micheal Barisone and Lauren Kanarek. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432860/fan_mail/new] In this gripping episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive deep into the shocking true crime story surrounding the shooting at Hawthorne Hill, as chronicled in the Netflix documentary. Join Jen and Karen as they explore the tumultuous relationship between renowned dressage trainer Michael Barisone and his client Lauren Kanarek, whose ambition and obsession spiral into chaos. Through candid discussions, the hosts reveal their personal reactions to the documentary, dissecting the complex dynamics between the characters involved. Michael, a former Olympian, finds himself at the heart of a dark narrative involving ego, ambition, and ultimately, violence. Lauren, portrayed as a demanding and controlling client, pushes the boundaries of their trainer-client relationship to dangerous extremes. With humor and insight, this episode promises to engage listeners who are fascinated by the darker side of ambition and the human psyche. Tune in for a riveting discussion that doesn’t shy away from the complexities of truth, perception, and consequence. Don’t miss this thrilling episode of Scope! Follow, like, and subscribe for more great episodes!  Support the show [https://patreon.com/TheScopePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Episode 62: Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag—Horse Show Edition. Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432860/fan_mail/new] In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the fascinating world of equestrian events through a fun and informative lens. Join them as they explore the nuances of horse shows with their signature segment, "Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag," this time with a special focus on the equestrian experience. **Highlights include:** - **Kentucky Derby and Oaks**: The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the iconic races and the quirky misconceptions surrounding them.    - **Weather Woes**: Karen and Jen tackle the impact of inclement weather on horse shows—what constitutes a red flag for cancellation, and how global warming might be changing the game. They weigh the pros and cons of canceling shows due to extreme heat and cold, emphasizing horse welfare. - **Footing Fundamentals**: What’s the deal with footing? The hosts debate natural versus synthetic footing, discussing the importance of safety and comfort for both horses and riders. - **Show Secretary Dynamics**: The episode takes a humorous turn as they discuss the role of show secretaries, examining whether a "mean" secretary is really all that bad. The conversation highlights the balance between professionalism and the pressures of a high-stakes environment. - **Biohazard Concerns**: With recent outbreaks of equine illnesses, Karen and Jen assert the necessity of canceling shows to protect horse health, advocating for strict biohazard protocols. - **Amenities Matter**: Finally, the conversation shifts to the often-overlooked amenities at horse shows. Karen admits to her red flag for shows lacking decent bathrooms and food options, while Jen offers a more balanced perspective on managing costs versus comfort. This episode is packed with insights, humor, and a unique perspective on what it means to be part of the horse show community. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just curious about the world of horse shows, Karen and Jen bring a fresh, entertaining take that you won't want to miss! Tune in to *Scope* for another engaging episode that will keep you informed and entertained! Support the show [https://patreon.com/TheScopePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Episode 61: Nepotism in the Horse World—How Big of an Advantage Do Trainers’ Kids Have? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432860/fan_mail/new] In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the intriguing topic of "nepoquestrianism," a term they cleverly coin to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of growing up in equestrian families. Jen, hailing from a lineage of horse trainers, reflects on her early experiences on a horse farm, while Karen shares her contrasting upbringing with minimal horse exposure. The conversation explores the perceived benefits of being born into the sport, including access to resources and opportunities. Karen argues that early exposure can foster a deeper connection to horses, while Jen challenges the notion that such advantages guarantee success. They discuss the pressures faced by young riders from equestrian families, who often become integral to the family business, and the misconceptions held by outsiders about the lifestyle of trainer’s kids. As they navigate personal anecdotes and insights, the hosts emphasize the importance of balance in a rider's development, suggesting that a supportive environment can nurture both passion and skill, regardless of one’s background. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that unpacks the complexities of equestrian life and the varied paths within it.  Join Jen and Karen for an episode that promises to enlighten and entertain, as they unravel the layers of nepotism in the equestrian world. Don’t forget to follow, like, and subscribe to keep up with more engaging conversations! Support the show [https://patreon.com/TheScopePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]

Episode 60: Derek Braun—The Interview That Disappeared. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2432860/fan_mail/new] In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the unexpected fallout from their recent interview with Derek Braun, the organizer behind the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. Initially excited about the opportunity to discuss the event and its challenges, things took a turn when Braun requested the removal of the episode and all related social media clips.  Jen and Karen reflect on the interview's dynamics, including how questions surrounding ticket prices and spectator turnout led to Braun’s discomfort. They discuss their intentions behind the questions, emphasizing that their goal was to facilitate open dialogue rather than to create a sensationalized narrative.  The hosts candidly express their disappointment over the situation, noting that important conversations about accessibility and the future of equestrian sports were stifled. They explore the complexities of balancing candid discussion with the realities of maintaining professional relationships in the industry. Throughout the episode, Jen and Karen underscore the importance of dialogue in bridging gaps within the equestrian community, advocating for a more inclusive approach to addressing the sport’s challenges. Join Jen and Karen as they unpack this intriguing turn of events, share their thoughts on the responsibilities of those at the top of the sport, and reflect on the importance of listening to diverse perspectives in fostering growth within the equestrian world. Support the show [https://patreon.com/TheScopePodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink]