Two Trips and a Drag

Ribbons, Vaulting and Grand Prix: A Night with Mallory Vale

Hosts Triena and Sam chat with Grand Prix rider and breeder Mallory Norton Vale about barn life, a mysterious package of antique ribbons, and raising a daughter who vaults and rides. They cover vaulting horses, managing a busy Ocala farm, traveling to shows like Dinard and Thermal, and balancing parenthood with a competitive riding career.
This episode blends barn anecdotes, travel stories, and practical talk about training, social media, and the realities of life in the show world.

Authentic Hustle: How Jay Built a Boutique Horse Business and an IEA Program

In this New Year episode hosts Trena and Sam welcome Jay Moore to share his path from Montgomery, Alabama to riding in college, working for top trainers, and building his own boutique business, Authentic LLC, in Huntsville.
Jay describes his years at Finley, working for David Beisel and others, coaching IEA teams to zone and national success, and the ups and downs of running a lesson and show program while keeping things authentic and horse-focused.

From Memphis Rescue to Rising Costs — Holiday Confessions

Sam and Trena celebrate the holidays with a mix of heart and humor: a surprise rescue of a blind, deaf senior dog from a veteran, family holiday updates, and funny Memphis escapades.
They also dig into serious industry talk about rising costs for trainers and lesson programs, charity highlights like the NHL teddy bear drive, and everyday barn life, finishing with light anecdotes about Topgolf, possums, and re-watching Ted Lasso.

Roatan, Re-Rides and Foxhounds — Episode 16

Sam returns from a wild cruise trip — no Wi‑Fi, a shocking $100 soda cup, nonstop drinks, a belly‑flop contest, and sunny highlights from Roatan.The hosts also dig into horse show controversies like heavy class schedules, the new re‑ride rule, and judging headaches.They finish with a deep dive into foxhounds and hunting life, plus holiday plans and upcoming guests.

From IHSA to 3‑Star: Adora, Ocala and a Rider's Grit

Hosts Trena and Sam celebrate downloads, trade barn‑party stories and sponsor wishlists before welcoming eventer Sammy McCarthy.
Sammy shares her riding roots (IHSA at Murray State), her long partnership with the mare Adora, training with top coaches, and the unexpected detour of emergency eye surgery during a trip to Ocala.
The episode covers biosecurity concerns after EHV‑1 reports, life with retired horses, Sammy's new warmblood Luke, and plenty of barn anecdotes and travel tales.

Christmas Carriages & Gators: Behind the Scenes at Lawton Stables

Hosts chat with Haley Zimmerman about Lawton Stables on Hilton Head — its holiday traditions, trail and carriage rides, the lively petting zoo and the care that keeps visitors coming back.They share memories from college days, barn stories, local shows and why the farm is a beloved holiday destination for families and riders alike.

Episode 300: Thanksgiving, EHV-1 Alert & Barn Biosecurity Survival Tips

In this 300th episode they cover Thanksgiving plans, podcast updates, and a deep dive into the recent EHV-1 outbreak — sharing first-hand experience from a Finley outbreak, critical biosecurity tips (daily temperatures, true quarantine, and hose/bucket hygiene), and the role of social media in spreading awareness.They also touch on barn life hacks like theraplate therapy, holiday party and gift ideas for trainers, equipment care, USEF rule changes, and nostalgic early-morning horse show moments.

Two-Point Drama, Social Media & Irish Foxhunting Stories

Episode 12 of Two Trips and a Drag celebrates milestones with hosts Trena and Sam and guest Leah Smaller. They discuss the Blessing of the Hounds, hunting attire and helmets, and hilarious foxhunting memories from Ireland.
The conversation also covers Finley college days and alumni connections, showing at WEC and local derbies, working with young and sale horses, and barn life topics like phone use and social media. They touch on new equitation rules (two-point test) and share anecdotes from the show circuit.

Maria Kneipp guest & Pony Finals Shenanigans

Three longtime friends chat about horse shows, old barn stories, trials and sales, a hot-mic judge controversy, and proud parent moments from the sidelines.They swap funny memories from Pony Finals and WEC, discuss horse trials and trials-to-buy, share hiring misadventures, and celebrate small victories on and off the farm.

Episode 10: Building Better Hunters — Raising Safe, Confident Young Horses

Episode 10 features hosts Trena and Sam in conversation with Katie Armstrong of Hunter's Ridge about training young horses. They discuss groundwork, backing, trailer-loading techniques, and the importance of starting horses correctly from weanling through two-year-old school to build safe, confident mounts.
The episode also covers common industry gaps, problem-horse rehabilitation, pricing and programs for yearling and two-year-old schooling, and practical tips for owners and riders to improve horse handling and rider safety.