Hello everyone! Welcome to a new episode of On the Rail Podcast. In this episode, we had the pleasure to interview Stephanie Lynn, the Executive Director of the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA). We discussed various topics ranging from the recent NSBA World Championship Show to the growth and initiatives of NSBA. Without further ado, let's dive into the key insights and highlights from our episode.
Housekeeping and Giveaways
As usual, we kicked off the episode with some housekeeping. Our recent giveaways, thanks to I Ride Equestrian, have been highly successful, generating lots of excitement among our listeners. A big congratulations to Tracy Metz Bertstein, our latest giveaway winner, who left us a glowing review on Facebook.
Introducing Our Special Guest: Stephanie Lynn
We were thrilled to have Stephanie Lynn from NSBA on our podcast. Stephanie has been working with NSBA since 2015 after an extensive career as a horse trainer and judge. Her wealth of experience and dedication to the industry made for an enlightening conversation.
Moving the NSBA Office to Weatherford, Texas
Stephanie talked about the recent relocation of the NSBA office from Gurney, Illinois to Weatherford, Texas. The move aimed to bring NSBA closer to the epicenter of equestrian activities, providing better opportunities for staff development and connecting more deeply with the horse community.
Managing the NSBA World Championship Show
One highlight of our discussion was the recap of the 2024 NSBA World Championship Show. Stephanie commended the Tulsa facility for their partnership, which significantly contributed to a smooth and well-coordinated event. This year's World Show saw new classes and innovative changes, including split ranch classes and walk-trot classes. These additions have been well-received and reflect NSBA's commitment to evolving and responding to participants' needs.
Qualification and Growth Strategies
Stephanie shed light on the qualification process for NSBA events, highlighting the importance of supporting local shows. She addressed the balance between fostering new class participation and ensuring the local equestrian community thrives. The introduction of new classes often stems from observing trends and demands within the community.
Expansion and Facilities
We also delved into the future growth of NSBA events at the Tulsa facility. With limited space for expansion, Stephanie discussed the potential significant financial investments required and the careful considerations involved in planning future growth.
Breeders Championship Futurity (BCF)
The BCF program has seen considerable success and growth since its inception in 2005. Stephanie gave a detailed overview of the program, including the recent full development of the color BCF and the exciting introduction of the ranch BCF starting in 2024. These programs provide long-term benefits and opportunities for participants, making them highly attractive.
Introduction of the NSBA Open Show Horse Association (NOSHA)
One of the most forward-thinking initiatives discussed was the formation of NOSHA. This association aims to bridge the gap between local open horse shows and larger national events. It allows participants to qualify for the NOSHA World Championship Show by competing at any local open horse show, thus supporting grassroots equestrian activities.
The NOSHA World Championship Show
Held in Cloverdale, Indiana, the NOSHA World Championship Show has grown significantly since its inception. With family-oriented activities, educational sessions, and excellent awards, the event fosters a sense of community and inclusivity among participants.
Challenges and Future Outlook for the Stock Horse Industry
In closing, Stephanie shared her insights on the challenges and future of the stock horse industry. She emphasized the importance of making horses accessible to urban populations and the transformative power of equestrian sports in people's lives. Despite financial and social media challenges, she remains hopeful about the industry's potential for growth and positive impact.
Conclusion
Our conversation with Stephanie Lynn was truly insightful, offering a deep dive into the operations, challenges, and future initiatives of the NSBA. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of NSBA and appreciate the dedication of its leadership. If you’re interested in getting involved with NSBA or learning more, you can reach out via email at registration@nsba.com or office@nsba.com.
Like what you heard? Don’t forget to leave us a review and subscribe to On the Rail Podcast for more engaging conversations with industry leaders. See you next time!
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