The Plaidcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special episode, Piper Klemm joins Camron Adibi as a guest on The Centaur Podcast. They discuss Piper's background, The Plaid Horse and educating the next generation of equestrians. 

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Welcome to The Plaidchat- an extension of The Plaidcast where we expand upon conversations in our sport and discuss the most recent issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine. Today, Piper speaks with Plaid Horse Magazine online editor Marley Lien-Gonzalez about the April and May/June issues of The Plaid Horse magazine. We also speak with the December/January Education Issue cover story, Adelle Alletto. Listen in and share with your friends!

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Marley Lien-Gonzalez is Blog Editor of The Plaid Horse and passionate equestrian college student studying Journalism. As a junior, she was a working student for a top-level training and sales barn and competed in the equitation and jumper rings. Since then, she’s transitioned to freelance grooming but still rides frequently, and she enjoys traveling across the country to work at different horse shows.
• Guest: Fifteen-year-old Adelle Alletto is a talented junior rider making her mark in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings with her incredible group of horses. Adelle is determined and has a quick ability to learn; she's always focused on improving as a rider and horsewoman and achieving new goals. After a successful competition season at WEC - Ocala this winter, resulting in several major equitation wins and hunter championship titles, she's now setting her sights on the 2025 Devon Horse Show and Junior Hunter Finals this summer. 
• Read the April Issue of The Plaid Horse Magazine
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• Sponsors: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, BoneKare, Great American Insurance Group and Plaidcast LIVE

Piper speaks with show jumping riders Kristen VanderVeen and Alise Oken, who will be representing the US at the FEI World Cup Finals in Basel, Switzerland on April 1-6, 2025. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Kristen VanderVeen is one of the most accomplished American show jumpers over the past decade. At rank 60 worldwide on the LONGINES FEI List, she's the 6th highest-ranking U.S. Show Jumper and third highest-ranked U.S. female rider. Kristen is one of only 4 U.S. Show Jumpers who has won over 100 FEI competitions/Ranking Classes- sharing that accomplishment with McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Laura Kraut. Kristen has been extremely successful in grand prixs through the 5* level and has represented the U.S. in World Cups in Paris and Germany. Kristen will soon be heading to Basel, Switzerland, to represent the U.S.A. in the World Cup.
• Guest: Alise Oken is a 33-year-old show jumper from Charlotte, North Carolina. As a junior, Alise competed in the FEI North American Youth Championships and, in 2010, won the team silver medal. Alise competed in her first senior Nations Cup in 2014, and since then, has been a member of the U.S. Jumping Team that won bronze in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO3* in Lisbon and a part of the U.S. team that finished third in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden. In 2024, Alise competed for Team U.S.A. at the Longines League of Nations CSIO5* in Abu Dhabi and was a member of the fourth-place U.S. team at the FEI Nations Cup™ in Rome. Most recently, Alise was named to compete at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
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Piper speaks with two of the judges from the 2023 ASPCA Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show, Wendy Peralta and Danny Robertshaw. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Wendy Peralta is the owner and operator of Seabreeze Farm Inc. located in Geneva, Florida. Seabreeze is a well known and respected training facility for top-level equestrian competition located in Central Florida. Wendy and her husband train and manage students and horses to compete at the nation’s finest shows. Wendy is also the of mother two professional children, Nikko and Trevor Ritter and her daughter Catalina Peralta rides for the University of Georgia. Wendy has had a great career showing hunters and jumpers throughout the years. Wendy was the Chef d’Equipe for the Zone 4 Young Riders Teams, winning a Gold medal in the National Junior Jumper Team Competition, and earned the designation of Gold Star Jumper Coach at the 2017 USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships. Wendy also coached the winner of the USET Talent Search East in 2007 and was awarded the best trainer trophy for that year. She also co-trained the winner of the Taylor Harris Insurance Services Children’s Medal Finals in 2015. Wendy serves on governing committees for the USEF and is the current president of the Central Florida Hunter and Jumper Association. She is a large R judge and has officiated at such shows as the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Zone 3 Washington International Horse Show, and most recently, judged the 2023 ASPCA Maclay Finals.
• Guest: Danny Robertshaw is a USEF “R” licensed judge and serves as a committee member for both US Equestrian and the USHJA and most recently was one of the judges of the 2023 ASPCA Maclay Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. As a trainer and rider, Danny piloted some of his era’s most celebrated show hunters to championships. In 1989, riding Protocol, Danny became the first rider to earn championships in the Regular Working Hunters at Devon, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the National Horse Show, and the Royal Winter Fair in a single season. In 2001, Danny received the USEF’s Emerson Burr Trophy as the year’s Equestrian of Honor for the Hunter division, and in 2010 the USHJA gave him the Lifetime Achievement Award. Today, Danny and his partner Ron Danta operate Danny & Ron's Rescue which was started after Hurricane Katrina where they personally care for injured and abused animals until they are ready for adoption.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
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• Sponsors: LAURACEA, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and Good Boy, Eddie

Piper speaks with amateur rider Rachel Boggus about her experience as a working mother while also chasing big dreams and competitive goals. Another amateur rider, Kiera Phlipot joins to talk about her journey with her horse from an unbroke four year old to winning the Amateur Owner Hunter USEF Horse of the Year title. Jessica Jones, CEO/Owner of Equestrian Gardens also joins to talk about bringing beauty to our horse shows while also competing in the amateur ring herself. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Rachel Boggus is a 42 years old adult amateur rider that lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rachel is also a doctor, specifically an anesthesiologist who specializes in interventional pain management. while also holding 4 different jobs in order to pay for her riding and being a wife and mother to Vivienne, her 1 year old baby girl. Rachel owns one horse, Chevito, who does the adult amateur hunters with her trainer Abby Blankenship at Three Ships LLC. 
• Guest: Kiera Phlipot is a 36 year old Amateur rider based in Manchester, Michigan who rides with Dorothy Campbell of Just A Folly Farm. Kiera and her husband Alan live on their private 10-stall farm. Kiera currently owns 2 horses, Red Roc (‘Paddy’ 14yrs), and his full sibling younger 3 year old brother. Kiera’s recent accolades include 2022 USEF Horse of the Year 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunter 18-35, 2022 USHJA National Leading Amateur Rider & Leading Amateur Horse for the National Hunter Derbies. Most recently, Kiera placed 3rd Overall at the USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Finals, 9th in the USHJA Gladstone Adult Equitation Final, and 5th in the THIS Adult Medal Finals 25+.
• Guest: Jessica Jones is the the CEO/Owner of Equestrian Gardens, where she combines her passion for riding, wellness and gardening with over 25 years of corporate executive experience. Equestrian Gardens specializes in creating bespoke outdoor living designs and decor tailored to your equestrian property or event. With a diverse portfolio ranging from exquisite horse show barn setups to VIP events and landscape designs for prestigious competitions such as the USHJA International Derby, Equestrian Gardens delivers unparalleled expertise in equestrian property design and real estate staging. Jess was an accomplished hunter/jumper rider as a junior and now as an adult with wins such as the 2019 Child/Adult Jumper Grand Champion at HITS and recently the 2022 HITS Adult Amateur Reserve Champion.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
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• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and Good Boy, Eddie

Tonya Johnston, Mental Skills Coach speaks with equestrian fitness coach Nina Hammarström.  Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.  

• Host: Tonya Johnston, Visit her Website, Facebook and buy her book Inside Your Ride
• Guest: Nina  Hammarström is a fitness and Health coach who has specialized in equestrians since 2005. She is a showjumping rider who has competed up to the two-star Grand Prix, trains young horses and works with riders and their horses. Nina is passionate about her clients growth and development and she has an app and online programs for riders.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and Good Boy, Eddie

Piper speaks with Julie Winkel about her young horse trainer school and her trainer symposium that brings together seasoned and young trainers to share knowledge and experience for the next generation of trainers. Michael Meller of MMM Horseman also joins to talk about training the young jumpers in this country.  Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Julie Winkel is one of the foremost trainers, judges, clinicians and educators in the country. Julie is an R-rated judge since 1984 and has presided over many of the country’s most prestigious horse shows. Julie has designed courses and judged the ASPCA Maclay Finals, the Dover/USEF Medal Finals, the Platinum Performance/USEF Talent Search Finals-West and the New England Equitation Championships. Julie is a committed volunteer to the sport and has served on many committees and task forces. Julie also co-authored the book Judging Hunters and Equitation: WTF? (Want The Facts?) with Tricia Booker. 
• Guest: M. Michael Meller is a lifelong horseman who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in the sport of show jumping. He has helped find and produce some of the top horses in the sport and works closely with owners and riders to achieve top results both nationally and internationally. He is also the founder of the M. Michael Meller Style Award, which recognizes athletes who are not just top riders but also horsemen giving back to the sport and the animals that they love. Presented by Michael, the “Doc Spirit” Award in honor of Dr. John R. Steele is presented annually to horses that best exemplify the heart and athleticism necessary to be competitive at the highest levels of show jumping. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Austin Hardware, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and Good Boy, Eddie

Piper and Traci Brooks of Balmoral Farm, Inc. are joined by top hunter rider John French, Dr. Shelley Onderdonk and Adam Snow to discuss how to keep our horses happy and healthy while horse showing. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse and Traci Brooks
• Guest: For decades, John French has proven to be one of the most accomplished hunter riders in this sport. John received the 2012 WCHR Lifetime Achievement Award and has held the title of World Hunter Rider multiple times. John was also inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 2020. John most recently won the Platinum Performance/USHJA Hunter Derby Finals Championship in Lexington, Kentucky aboard Paradigm. 
• Guest: Shelley Onderdonk was born and raised in San Mateo, California. She is a graduate of Yale and the University of Georgia, and has continued her medical education through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and The Chi Institute. Shelley’s integrative veterinary practice, active since 1998, incorporates the best of western medicine, acupuncture, manual therapy, equine sport science, and rehabilitation for the benefit of her patients.
• Guest: Adam Snow played polo professionally for 34 years, achieving the highest rating of 10 goals in 2003. Career highlights include winning two US Open titles, competing in the Argentine Open in 1998 and 2004, winning many Best Playing Pony prizes for his horses, and twice being named Player of the Year. Adam was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame in 2014. Retired from tournament polo, Adam now gives back to the sport via coaching, mentoring, writing, as well as announcing polo games for television. Shelley and Adam have co-authored two books, Winning with Horses and Polo Life: Horses, Sport, 10 & Zen.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors:  Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and  Good Boy, Eddie

Piper speaks with top trainer and judge Geoff Case of Horseshoe Bend Sales about how to try a horse, what to look for and how to navigate the buying process better. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Geoff Case is a rider, trainer and large “R” judge. As a rider, Geoff has represented the United States in International competitions. As a trainer, Geoff has had many students become Year End Hunter Champions, USET Finals Champions and won many ribbons at Medal and Maclay Finals. Geoff is also a large “R” judge that has officiated at most major horse shows including The National Horse Show, the Winter Equestrian Festival, the West Coast Junior Hunter Finals and The Hampton Classic Horse Show.
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors: Purina Animal Nutrition, America Cryo, Alexis Kletjian Jewelry, LAURACEA, BoneKare, Austin Hardware, Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and Good Boy, Eddie

Piper speaks with top rider, trainer and judge Michael Tokaruk about his experience judging at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. 

• Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse
• Guest: Michael Tokaruk is a top rider, trainer and judge who also runs a training and sales business, Tokaruk Show Stables, out of Tennessee and Wellington, Florida. Michael worked with top professionals such as Scott Stewart, Missy Clark, Bob Braswell and Anne Kursinski as a junior rider. Michael has multiple grand prix wins, international and national hunter derby wins to his credit along with continuing his professional education by working with professionals such as Chris Kappler, Andre Dignelli, Katie Monahan-Prudent, and Melanie Smith Taylor. Michael has judged at some of the prestigious horse shows including the 2021 USET Talent Search Finals East and most recently the 2022 ASPCA Maclay Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. 
• Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
• Subscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine
• Sponsors:  Show Strides Book Series, With Purpose: The Balmoral Standard and  Good Boy, Eddie