The Scope Podcast
Two perspectives; one sport. Unfiltered conversations about the equestrian world.
Episodes
82 episodes
Episode 78: It's Not You It's Me--Navigating Horse/Rider Mismatches. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive deep into the sometimes rocky relationships between horses and their riders. They explore what happens when a horse might not be the right fit for a rider or when a trainer makes ...
Episode 77: We Thought You’d Never Ask! Our Picks for the Next USEF CEO. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive back into the ongoing discussions surrounding the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its leadership challenges. After receiving a surprising phone call from USEF Presi...
Episode 76: Reining in the Cost of Horse Shows. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the pressing issue of accessibility in the equestrian world, specifically focusing on making horse shows more affordable. As they unpack a range of solutions, they tackle som...
Episode 75: Sissy Wickes--A Lesson In Judging Principles from the Principal of Judging. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner revisit their recent judging episode, which sparked a lively debate. Jen receives a text that feels like a summons to the principal’s office, and it turns out to be from their guest, S...
Episode 74: Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag—Judging the Judges. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the intriguing world of equestrian judging with their segment “Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag: Judges Edition.” Drawing on recent discussions surrounding pony finals, the du...
Episode 73: Blowing Rock vs. Big Box--The Heartfelt Charm Of Heritage Horse Shows. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the charm and community spirit of heritage horse shows, specifically focusing on the beloved Blowing Rock Horse Show. Reflecting on their podcast journey, they discuss the gr...
From the Vault: Navigating Performance Anxiety in Equestrian Sports with Dr. Rhea Merck. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker welcome the esteemed Dr. Rhea Merck, a sports psychologist and author, to explore the intricacies of performance anxiety and mental health in the equestrian world. As a veteran of work...
From the Vault: What’s so Great About Pony Finals Anyway? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In honor of one of our favorite events of the year, we’re trotting out this classic episode!In this lively episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner share their thoughts on the excitement and stress surrounding Pony Finals,...
Episode 72: Investing in Horses--How to Turn a Large Fortune into a Small Fortune? Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this exciting episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the intriguing world of horse investment. With the backdrop of the World Cup sparking a lively discussion about soccer (or is it football?), the duo tran...
Episode 71: Can the Next USEF Leader Shake off the Social Media Haters? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the complexities of leadership within the equestrian community, focusing particularly on the recent departure of Bill Moroney from the United States Equestrian Federation (US...
Episode 70: Are Exhibitors Shooting Themselves in the Foot with their Digital Cameras? A Horse Show Photographer Speaks Out. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
In this episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the fascinating world of horse show photography with special guest Bailey Smith of Bailey Smith Photography. With over a decade of experience, Bailey shares her j...
Episode 69: Navigating Disappointment--Our Junior Hunter Finals Experience. Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into an unexpected journey that intertwines a quest for authentic matcha with the rollercoaster experience of Junior Hunter Finals.The episode kicks off with a lighthearte...
Episode 68: Training Rides—Essential Tool or Expensive Crutch? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the often misunderstood world of training rides in the equestrian sport. They kick off the conversation with a light-hearted discussion about entertainment choice...
Episode 67: Outsourcing Equestrian Education—Master Essential Barn Skills with YouTube Wizardry. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the world of equestrian education, exploring essential skills that young riders can learn outside the barn. With a lighthearted banter, they discuss how trainers might benefi...
Episode 66: Amateur Hour—Debunking Myths and Misinformation Surrounding Adult Riders. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
Join Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this week’s hilariously insightful episode of The Scope podcast, where they dive deep into the wonderful world of adult amateurs. They tackle the misconceptions that plague this often misunderstood group, fro...
Episode 65: Under the Influence—Are Equestrian Sports Ready for the Next Social Media Superstar? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner explore the intriguing "Katie Van Slyke Effect," a phenomenon centered around the rising star of equestrian influencer Katie Van Slyke. With over 5 million followers on T...
Episode 64: Sissy Wickes’ Passion is Paving the Road to the Top for the Next Equestrian Superstars. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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...
Episode 63: The Shots Heard Round the Horse World—Micheal Barisone and Lauren Kanarek. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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 explo...
Episode 62: Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag—Horse Show Edition. Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union
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...
Episode 61: Nepotism in the Horse World—How Big of an Advantage Do Trainers’ Kids Have? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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, hai...
Episode 60: Derek Braun—The Interview That Disappeared. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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...
Episode 58: Secrets to a Smart Pre Purchase Exam with Dr. Magda Wylie, presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
In this episode of **The Scope Podcast**, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner welcome special guest Dr. Magda Wylie from South Carolina Equine Associates to dive into the intricacies of the pre-purchase exam (PPE) for horses. With Karen’s limited...
Episode 57: Challenging the Elite—WEF Controversies and the USEF's Disconnect
In this episode of *The Scope* Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the latest scandal rocking Wellington International. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about weddings, rompers, and family introductions, bu...
Episode 56: Braider Gate--The Drama Behind the Mane
Join hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this lively episode of *The Scope Podcast* as they dive into the fascinating and controversial world of braiding in the hunter world. Titled "Braider Gate," this episode unpacks the recent drama surroun...
Episode 55: Double Trouble—New Drug Rules Hold Owners and Trainers Accountable
In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive deep into the world of deviled eggs and the complexities of drug regulations in horse shows. With a mix of humor and expert insight, they kick things off discussing ...
