In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay sits down with former Major League Baseball star Roy Oswalt — known for his fierce competitive spirit, calm command on the mound, and career spent performing under pressure.

But today, Roy isn’t just talking baseball — he’s diving into life after the big leagues and his role as a supportive dad to a horse-obsessed daughter.

Together, we explore:

• The mindset required to perform under intense pressure
• Handling nerves and failure — whether you’re pitching under stadium lights or showing horses
• The transition from professional athlete to the normal world
• How to support a child’s passion without taking over
• The surprising parallels between riding horses and elite athletic performance

Whether you’re a rider, athlete, parent, or competitive soul, this conversation is packed with humor, perspective, and wisdom.

Tune in — and take the reins.

In this episode, Clay sits down with Sara Holt, an equine feed sales representative for Nutrena Feeds, to talk all things horse nutrition, customer relationships, and the real-world challenges of feeding performance horses. Sara shares her journey into the equine feed industry, what it’s like working in the field with horse owners and barns every day, and how she helps clients choose the right feed for their program. Whether you're managing a large facility or just want to better understand what’s going in your horse’s feed bucket, Sara offers practical insights that will help you make more informed decisions.

Contact Sara at sara_holt@cargill.com

Nutrenaworld.com

Proelitehorsefeed.com

In this episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder sits down with Katie Schroeder, owner of Equiflight, a premier international horse transport company. Katie takes us behind the scenes of what it really takes to move horses across the globe—by air. From health certifications to flight logistics and in-flight horse care, she shares the fascinating details of an often-overlooked corner of the equine industry. But the conversation goes well beyond horse travel. Katie also opens up about the grit and perseverance it takes to run a successful business, how she built Equiflight from the ground up, and the life lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you're an equestrian, entrepreneur, or just love a good story about passion and persistence, this episode has something for you.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by none other than Craig Cameron – renowned horseman, clinician, and Texas Cowboy Hall of Famer. Craig shares the story of his journey through the world of horses, from his early cowboy beginnings to becoming one of the most respected voices in horsemanship today.

We dive into his philosophy on truly communicating with horses, what it takes to be an effective teacher in the saddle, and the timeless values that define the cowboy way of life. It’s a conversation full of insight, grit, and passion – straight from one of the greats.

Saddle up and enjoy the ride!

In this milestone recap episode, Clay takes a reflective ride through episodes 42 to 50 of Taking the Reins. From world-class horsemen and savvy industry pros to inspiring personal journeys and cutting-edge science, this recap is packed with highlights, lessons, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you're new to the show or a longtime listener, this episode is your perfect catch-up and reminder of just how many directions a life with horses can take you.

Revisit standout moments with guests like Cole Cameron, Dr. Marty Adams, and Lindsey Valdiviez. Hear how buying the right horse, chasing big dreams, and even detouring off-course can all lead to something greater. Plus, Clay reflects on the impact these conversations have had on him—and what’s ahead for the podcast.

Saddle up for a powerful roundup of stories, wisdom, and purpose-driven horsemanship!

In our 50th episode of Taking the Reins, Clay Cavinder is joined by Cliff Williamson — a lifelong horseman, global thinker, and seasoned advocate for the livestock industry. From growing up on a Hunter/Jumper and Foxhunter operation in Virginia to serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, Cliff brings a worldly, boots-on-the-ground perspective that blends horsemanship with policy expertise.

Now working in legislative and regulatory affairs with the American Horse Council, Cliff dives into the critical issues shaping the future of the equine industry.

💡 In this episode:

• 🌍 Hear how exporting livestock, foaling out 30+ mares a year, and navigating international regulations have shaped Cliff’s journey.
• 📊 Learn surprising stats about the horse industry’s economic footprint.
• ⚖️ Understand what horse owners need to know about current legislative and regulatory challenges.

From barn aisles to global perspective, this conversation connects the everyday horse world with the big-picture forces driving it forward. If you care about the future of the horse industry — this is one episode you can’t afford to miss.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we're joined by Dr. Marty Adams, Equine Nutritionist with Cargill Animal Nutrition, for a deep dive into the science—and the common sense—behind feeding horses well. Whether you're a seasoned horse owner or just getting started, Dr. Adams breaks down what every horse owner should know about feed selection, balanced diets, and how to read those confusing feed tags with confidence.

We’ll cover the essentials of equine nutrition, tackle common feeding mistakes, debunk a few myths, and explore how to make informed decisions at the feed store. If you’ve ever stared at a feed bag label and wondered what it really means—this episode is for you.

📌 Topics Include:

• What to look for (and avoid) on a feed tag
• How nutritional needs change across age, discipline, and health status
• Truths about supplements and marketing hype
• Tips for comparing feeds and building better rations
• Current trends and innovations in equine nutrition

Don't miss this conversation with one of the industry's leading experts—it’s packed with practical advice and insights to help you take the reins on your horse's health.

In this episode of Taking the Reins with Clay Cavinder, we sit down with Dr. Samantha Brooks, equine geneticist at the University of Florida, to explore how science is shaping the future of horse ownership, training, and breeding. From managing non-sweaters in the summer heat to decoding the genes behind behavior, temperament, and performance potential, Dr. Brooks brings complex science down to the barn aisle. Whether you're buying your next horse, planning a breeding, or just curious about what makes horses tick, this episode delivers practical insights with a genetic twist.