In this latest episode of the On The Rail podcast, our hosts Liz and Jenna delve into an inspiring conversation with Amy Zabel, founder of the Fit for Halter podcast. Amy shares her journey from a lifelong horse enthusiast to a knowledgeable amateur exhibitor in the halter horse industry and dedicated podcast host. Join us as we explore Amy's horse journey, the inception of her podcast, and her aspirations for contributing to the equine community.
An Unexpected Journey into Equine Passion
Amy Zabel’s love for horses began at the age of 14. Over the years, she amassed extensive experience in the horse industry, from teaching riding lessons and training horses to managing horse farms. However, her career path took a turn as she transitioned into nonprofit leadership. Despite this change, her passion for horses never waned, leading Amy to find ways to meld her professional experience with her equine passion.
"I started subscribing to equine journals and found myself drawn to halter horse ads. This led to a natural progression towards showing my horses, focusing on groundwork, and detailed grooming," Amy said, sharing how she developed her affinity for halter horses.
The Inception of Fit for Halter
The idea for the Fit for Halter podcast came to Amy during a flight from Jacksonville, Florida, to Chicago. With extensive experience in professional coaching, Amy sought a way to give back to the horse community through practical and accessible content. After jotting down numerous topic ideas, she decided to jump into podcasting.
"What really motivated me was the idea of bringing professionals on the show to share their wisdom. I researched the needs of amateur exhibitors and realized that a podcast could indeed serve as a valuable resource," Amy explained.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Community
Launching a podcast is no small feat, and Amy faced her share of challenges. From learning how to use editing software to ensuring correct image sizes for social media, the process has been educational. Despite these hurdles, Amy’s commitment to her mission remained steadfast.
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The Halter Horse Community: A Welcoming Space
Amy harnesses personal narratives to discuss her experiences and the welcoming nature of the halter horse community.
"We've been fortunate to meet some really great and helpful people in this industry. When we show up, we do it for the enjoyment of it, and that makes all the difference," she shared.
A Year of Goals and Future Aspirations
Amy and her husband have set specific goals for their horse showing endeavors. This year, they aim to accumulate points by attending various regional shows while staying closer to home. Long-term, they have broader aspirations for the Fit for Halter podcast.
"We want it to become the primary resource for practical information in the halter industry. Long-term, we plan to provide educational videos and other resources to help amateurs and seasoned exhibitors alike," Amy said.
Encouragement for Aspiring Exhibitors
Her advice to newcomers is simple yet profound: don’t wait for the perfect moment. "Go to shows, even if things aren’t perfect. You don’t know what you'll learn and gain until you get there," Amy encouraged. Both Liz and Jenna echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the valuable experience of simply participating and enjoying the journey.
Discover Fit for Halter
Amy's dedication to providing quality, actionable content for the halter community shines through in each episode of her podcast. For those interested in learning more about halter horses or seeking practical advice, the Fit for Halter podcast is an invaluable resource.
Connect with Fit for Halter
Facebook: [Fit for Halter Podcast](https://www.facebook.com/FitForHalterPodcast)
Instagram: [@fitforhalter](https://www.instagram.com/fitforhalter) -
Email: fitforhalter@gmail.com
Join Amy on her mission to bring practical content and community to the amateur halter exhibitor.
Final Thoughts
As Amy Zabel aptly summarizes, "We're all about productive positivity, providing more information, closing the gap between what people don’t know and what’s actually happening." With this spirit, the Fit for Halter podcast aims to demystify the halter horse industry, making it more accessible and enjoyable for all. Listen to the full episode to discover more about Amy's journey, her goals, and how she's helping to build a more welcoming and knowledgeable halter horse community.
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At Ride Fit Life, Jenna specializes in working with individuals across all facets of the equestrian world - be it amateurs or seasoned professionals, trainers, weekend enthusiasts, or devoted hobbyists. With a deep understanding of the diverse landscape of horsemanship, Jenna is equipped to address the distinct challenges you encounter.