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What happens when a law enforcement officer and his teenage son discover the world of draft horses? In this heartwarming episode, we're joined by Chris Holley and "Little Chris" from North Carolina as they share their remarkable journey from complete novices to confident teamsters.

Chris, who serves with the Gaston County Sheriff's Office, had never handled draft horses before attending a Brabant Association event where his son first fell in love with these gentle giants. Their story takes off when they attend a customer appreciation barbecue at Haste Draft Horses, where Henry places team lines in Little Chris's hands for the first time. As Chris beautifully puts it, "I saw a different kid" in that moment.

We explore how multiple visits to Kentucky transformed both father and son, culminating in Little Chris becoming a "youth apprentice" at a driving clinic. The progress is remarkable—from nervously handling horses initially to confidently driving teams of Percherons, Belgians, and Halflingers down steep hills independently.

Beyond the technical skills, this conversation reveals something more profound: how draft horses create community. The Holleys describe coming to Kentucky as "visiting family," having formed deep connections with people across the country who share this passion. Their story exemplifies how these magnificent animals bring together people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

Whether you're an experienced teamster or someone who's never touched a harness, this episode demonstrates that the draft horse community has room for everyone. As Chris and his son have discovered, sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.

Ready to experience this community yourself? Join us at our annual customer appreciation event this October 23-25. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and openness to discover the transformative world of draft horses.

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Meet Victor, a 16-year-old agricultural entrepreneur who's defying odds and building a farming legacy from the ground up. In this heartwarming conversation, we explore how a young man with determination and community support is carving his path in an industry often dominated by corporations and aging farmers.

Victor shares his remarkable journey from joining FFA (Future Farmers of America) to securing personal loans for purchasing his first herd of cattle. Despite early setbacks—losing calves and having to sell underperforming stock—his persistence has paid off. Today, he manages a growing operation with seven mother cows, a bull, and several calves, alongside his prized 1988 Case International tractor purchased through a youth FSA loan.

What makes this story truly special is the rural Kentucky community rallying behind him. Without owning land, Victor has creatively negotiated arrangements to farm others' property, secured equipment borrowing privileges, and gained invaluable mentorship from the Showalter family, who run a local butcher shop and 240-head cattle operation. Their guidance has been instrumental in his development as a young farmer.

Beyond cattle, Victor balances his agricultural pursuits with choir singing, volleyball with friends, and his new YouTube channel "Hidden Valley Cattle," which recently hit 100 subscribers. His wisdom resonates throughout our conversation: "Pick your friends wisely," "keep yourself busy," and "have a personal relationship with the Lord"—advice that reflects maturity beyond his years.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an agriculture enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stories of youthful determination, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the future of farming. Subscribe, share, and join us for our upcoming barbecue event on October 23-25 at Haste Draft Horses and Mules in Liberty, Kentucky!

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A childhood dream sparked by watching Bonanza, a revolutionary trap design born from wilderness frustration, and a century-old wagon connecting five generations—Kim Harris's story weaves together the threads of innovation, perseverance, and honoring heritage in ways that both surprise and inspire.

From the high plains of Conrad, Montana, Kim shares his journey from custom swathing farmer to inventor of the groundbreaking Centerfire Trap, a design that addressed problems trappers had faced for over 200 years. With candid humor and heartfelt sincerity, he reveals how his obsession with improving wolf trapping led to sleepless nights and eventually, a revolutionary product that changed the industry.

But it's Kim's lifelong dream of owning blue roan draft horses and restoring his grandfather's 1916 Peter Shuttler wagon that truly captures the heart. After preserving this wagon since childhood, Kim details his meticulous restoration project with Doug Hansen of Hansen Wagon Wheel, including plans to recreate his grandfather's journey hauling grain to town—a goal set decades ago in junior high school.

The conversation flows through Kim's experiences acquiring multiple draft horse teams, raising six children, and building connections across geographical boundaries. His story illuminates how these magnificent animals have created lasting friendships and community, including the annual October gathering that brings draft horse enthusiasts together in Kentucky.

Beyond the practical aspects of working with draft horses, this episode explores deeper themes of legacy, family connections, and preserving traditional skills in a rapidly changing world. As Kim reflects, "Everything out there might be different, but it's all the same in here," pointing to the universal values that connect us despite our different backgrounds.

Whether you're a draft horse owner, trapping enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stories of purpose and passion, this conversation offers both practical insights and emotional resonance. Join us for this remarkable journey spanning generations, geography, and the enduring bond between humans and horses.

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Embark on an unforgettable journey to the sunny South with me, Steven Haste, as we saddle up with Life with QuanK and Tay from the Top of the Line Horse Club. Experience the thrill of transitioning from traditional walking and saddle horses to the sleek and speedy standardbred and American saddlebred mixes. Feel the adrenaline of "King of the Road" racing events and discover what inspired Tay's early passion for horses. Amidst the excitement, we pay tribute to the legendary Rico, whose love for horses has left an indelible mark on their community. Long Live Rico !! Top of the Line !!

Meet Omar, aka 740SKI, an aspiring singer whose Southern charm and humor light up our conversation. Get the scoop on his hilarious YouTube pranks, including a side-splitting moment with his pregnant girlfriend, and learn about his dreams of expanding his channel beyond horses. Balancing a trucking job and family life, Omar brings laughter and insights into Southern culture, from tornado warnings to crawfish boils. This chat is a rollercoaster of comedy and camaraderie that will leave you smiling.

Venture into standardbred horse training, where hands-on techniques and high-speed trotting offer exhilarating experiences. Explore the traditions of mule riding and the unique community built around these remarkable horses. We touch on the practical side of equestrian life, offering advice on horseshoeing for asphalt and navigating the trucking industry's challenges. With heartfelt connections to family and community, we share stories of friendship, plans, and staying grounded while reaching for the stars.

Follow Quann on social media - Links are listed below. Subscribe to his YouTube channel also.

https://www.youtube.com/@lifewithquann

https://www.instagram.com/quankeyes_/?igsh=ZzZpanY1azZnN2Jr&utm_source=qr

https://www.snapchat.com/add/qkeyes0?invite_id=4wExSLG6&locale=en_US&share_id=de_ArpI4SiaV73imLhYJWQ&xp_id=1&sid=c6d6327ce36843f8981abaade5c85eb2

740ski Music

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYRej1gu-qLMULdKzvdEoAA

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Harness Up with Haste dives into the journey of returning home, bridging the gap between personal and equine experiences. This episode focuses on the importance of training, community engagement, reflections on horsemanship, and the new adventures ahead for Dwayne Noel.

• Dewayne shares his journey back to Kentucky and its significance
• Challenges faced as a horseman in Wyoming
• Training techniques for developing a dependable draft horse
• Emotional connections between horses and their handlers
• Insights on the importance of clinics for building horsemanship skills
• Introduction of Dewayne’s coffee venture reflecting shared values
• Encouragement for listeners to pursue their interest in draft horses

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Ever wondered how a small-town passion for horses turns into a legendary Kentucky Derby win? Join us for an intriguing conversation with Herbert "Herbie" Reed, father of Eric Reed, the trainer of Rich Strike, the stunning 148th Kentucky Derby champion. Herbie shares heartwarming and humorous tales from the Reed family history, painting a vivid picture of Eric's early equine enthusiasm and his precocious talent with thoroughbreds. As Herbie reflects on his own adventurous upbringing and the journey from Powell County to the bustling horse-racing culture of Lexington, his stories of resilience and passion provide a colorful backdrop to Eric's success.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the Reeds' inspiring narrative. We journey through Kentucky's rich tapestry of horse racing culture, guided by stories from a seasoned trainer who has dedicated four decades to the racetrack. He sheds light on the evolution of the industry, the camaraderie among horse grooms, and the familial bonds that make this community so unique. From tales of tobacco barns transformed into horse stables to the thrill of race day, we capture the essence of what makes horse racing in Kentucky an enduring cultural phenomenon.

In this episode, we also celebrate the love and life lessons intertwined with horse racing. From a six-decade-long marriage filled with humor and wisdom to the importance of picking horses by instinct rather than statistics, we share personal anecdotes that resonate with the joys and challenges of the racing world. As we uncover the simpler, resilient lifestyle of Eastern Kentucky and pay tribute to the Kentucky horse racing culture, our stories invite listeners to appreciate the deeper connection between life and the vibrant horse racing tradition.

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Unlock the secrets of the western lifestyle and discover the captivating stories behind the people who live it on the Harness Up Podcast. I'm Stephen Haste, back in the saddle after a busy season of training and selling draft horses and mules, here to share the exciting plans we have for this year's lineup. Tune in to hear updates straight from our shop in Kentucky and to get a sneak peek at the fascinating guests who will be joining us, ranging from horse trainers and rodeo stars to brand inspectors and livestock commissioners. This episode is your gateway to a year filled with insights and adventures from the heart of horse country and beyond.

I'm especially thrilled to announce a special series recorded in Arizona, made possible by my good friend Ernest from the Navajo Reservation. This series promises a deep dive into the local culture and equine industry, offering unique perspectives that will captivate any enthusiast of the western way of life. We’re planning an engaging journey through the rich stories of Arizona’s equine community, with episodes rolling out by mid-February or early March. As always, your feedback and guest suggestions are the lifeblood of our show, so saddle up and join us on this trail of discovery.

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What if we told you that the secret to mastering the rugged Western lifestyle lies in the craftsmanship of a saddle? Join us for an engaging episode of "Harness Up" where we chat with Bo Wagner from Connolly's Saddlery in Billings, Montana. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this family-owned business, which has been perfecting the art of saddle-making since 1912. Bo shares his family's journey since taking over the shop in 1995, emphasizing their dedication to traditional techniques and high-quality gear that caters to rodeo enthusiasts and a diverse range of equestrian needs. We also pause to honor the victims and heroes of 9/11 with a moment of silence, reflecting on that day's profound impact.

Explore the rising popularity of rodeo events and the essential role quality gear plays in the ranching lifestyle as we highlight young bull riding stars like Jacoy Hale and Dakota Lewis. Discover the stark contrasts between ranching in the rugged West and farming in the East, and gain appreciation for the resilience required to succeed in these environments. We also delve into the challenges of preserving multi-generational ranches amidst rising operational costs, and stress the critical role farmers and ranchers play in feeding America. Lastly, we showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of Herman Oak leather saddles and the customization available for various riding disciplines, featuring a stunning tooled barrel saddle made for the YRA. Don't miss the chance to learn more about Connolly's Saddlery's exquisite products and their commitment to quality.

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Find us online at DraftHorsesAndMulesForSale.com