If you have been listening and following the podcast since the beginning you know that something I am very passionate about and have talked about on previous episodes is promoting the younger generations in the equine industry and helping them find their voices to help create change for the better. It is incredible to see the amazing things youth are doing today and are involved with because of the horse. It is said over and over again, but they are the future of our industry. In today's episode I got to talk to someone who is making such an impact on the industry and the youth in the reining world through helping them with leadership development, helping them to form lasting connections and friendships to build their networks, and so much more.
Sara Honegger is the Director of Marketing, Youth & Affiliate Programs at the National Reining Horse Association. As a first generation cowgirl she was bit by the horse crazy bug at a very young age and has been involved ever since and has become a very accomplished and respected professional in the equine industry.
It was so much fun getting to connect and talk with her again after the time we spent together in Cremona, Italy last year at the NRHA European Futurity where I was able to assist her with the Youth Reining World Cup where we got to see youth from 15 different countries not only compete on such a large stage, but make amazing connections and form lifelong friendships with each other because of their love for the sport and the horse. We talk some more about this in the episode about how rewarding it was to see and so much more.
Another topic we discuss in the episode is how the youth participation across disciplines has dropped over the last few years and what she has seen from working with these generations on what they want to see to want to stay involved with horses. As well as the creative ways NRHA has been able to make showing more affordable for parents and increase youth involvement. As Sara will say on the episode and Billy Smith said on my episode with him, it is important to get kids involved at a young age and provide them with safe, fun experiences that will make them want to stay in the industry.
Sara was also inducted into Cowgirl Magazine's 30 under 30 list for the class of 2023 that she is honored by the recognition and in awe of the connections, friends, and the amazing program Cowgirl Magazine has built over the last four years. It has not only spotlighted amazing women in the western industry like Sara, but created such a great network of women who support each other and cheer each other on through their life and career.
That also shows what it truly means to be an Educated Cowgirl, someone who has a strong work ethic, is authentic, and true to who she is, but also willing to teach others what they know and be open to learn from them in return to make the industry even better!
Season 1, Episode 19
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