From 2008-2011, Bryan McLain worked with Equine VIP to produce 24 episodes. Traveling across the country to film episodes for a wide array of horse champions, enthusiasts, celebrities and more.
Jane Smiley
Pulitzer prize winning author Jane Smiley and her trainer, Ellen Eckstein, share information with Equine VIP about their books and commitment to horses. Don't miss Jane's comments about the thoroughbred research involved in writing "Horse Heaven". Ellen's book "Bringing It Together" is a fascinating approach to a lighter and happier Dressage horse -- something we strive for in all disciplines of riding.
Varian Arabians
Have you ever wondered what it takes to get into the "Cowgirl Hall of Fame"? Meet Sheila Varian and hear her story on Equine VIP. Sheila was the first amateur, the first woman and had the first Arabian (her mare Ronteza) to take the title for the Open Reined Cow Horse Championship Today you can find Sheila running her world class breeding program for Varian Arabians. Ms Varian has won too many honors and awards to list, but is known for winning the Open Reined Cow Horse Championship at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California. She was the first amateur, the first woman and had the first Arabian (her mare Ronteza) to take that title. Sheila has trained and ridden horses to National Championships in Halter, English Pleasure, Park & Stock Horse. Her breeding program is nationally and internationally known for its quality of horse.
Monty Roberts
Best selling Author, Monty Roberts, discovered listening to horses while observing wild mustangs in the Wild at a very young age. Monty shares that knowledge wtih Equine VIP to encourage true partnership between horses and humans. Queen Elizabeth urged him to write a book about his nonviolent horse-training methods. That book became The Man Who Listens to Horses.
Kerry Kuhn
Kerry Kuhn calls his method for successful training "Practical Horsemanship" and after watching his interview you'll understand why. Don't miss his hair raising ride on a mustang others have given up on. EquineVIP met up with Kerry at one of his clinics to talk about how he helps people understand their horses -- and horses understand their riders.
Lyle Lovett
Musician, Lyle Lovett, is passionate about his reining cow horses. Dedicated to the sport, Mr. Lovett took some time to speak with EquineVIP about his interest in riding and horses.
William Shatner
Mr. Shatner's compelling advice will be sure to catch Equine fans attention, no matter what discipline of riding they follow. www.equineVIP.com brings you the behind the scenes coverage!
Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are aptly named for riding beautiful paint horses. The drill team has performed at Hollywood's prestigious Christmas parade, Nascar events and Folsom's Pro Rodeo. Equine VIP followed the ladies thru a practice where they show off some fancy footwork.
Sarah McLachlan
Equine VIP brings you behind the scenes coverage of the Grammy winner performing at William Shatner's 20th Annual Hollywood Horse Show. Ms. McLachlan's performance helped to raise awareness and money for AHEAD With Horses, Camp Max Straus and other local children's charities.
David Yurman
Equine VIP interviews jewelry designer David Yurman, showing off his reining horse “Cluck”. David tells us about his passion for horses and riding. David’s interest in reining brings him to the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) – and annual charity the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Kristin Dickerson
Channel 8 Morning News Anchor, Kristin Dickerson, is one busy lady waking up Tulsa every morning. Yet, Kristin took time to saddle up and help the local Make A Wish Foundation
Christi Proctor
Texas based Interior Designer, Christi Proctor, joined other celebrity riders at the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF) annual event to help children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oklahoma. Christi demonstrates her riding style and competitive spirit on www.equineVIP.com while helping the charity.
Andrea Baxter
Andrea Baxter, a promising event rider walks Equine VIP through the ups and downs of upper-level competition in this episode. Andrea has been competing at the Advanced level on 2 horses, Estrella a home bred and Skywalker IV, owned by Thom Schulz. Both horses were successfully named to the USEF Developing Rider squad. Andrea and Estrella competed in the 2010 Rolex 3 Day Event.
Jason Neff
Equine VIP covers the feature length documentary about the first generation of female jockeys. These women pioneers fought for the right to ride as professional jockeys. 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of their equal rights victory and their first historic races as professionals. As in other sports, female jockeys overcame numerous struggles and ridicule to break down barriers in the sport of Kings.
Debbie McDonald
"First Lady of American Dressage", Debbie McDonald, has too many accomplishments to mention. McDonald and the Hanoverian mare, Brentina, began by winning the Individual and Team Gold medals at the 1999 Pan American Games. In honor of this achievement, Ms. McDonald was named the 1999 Equestrian of the Year by the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) and the US Olympic Committee (USOC). Later McDonald become the first American rider to win the Dressage World Cup, win a team silver and team bronze at the 2002 and 2006 World Equestrian Games and team bronze and individual fourth at the Athens Olympics. Not one to rest of her laurels, Ms. McDonald, was named the U.S. Equestrian Federation's Developing Dressage Coach, a role designed to identify and cultivate future US Dressage competitors.
Brad Johnson
Brad has over 30 films to his credit including an Emmy nomination and has been named one of People Magazine's Most Beautiful People. Johnson's diverse career keeps him in front and behind the camera but his heart clearly sits on top of a horse. The two time Wrangler Award winner was the PRCA Rookie of the Year tie down roper. Brad has now aimed his skill and passion to Cutting Horses on his family ranch in Colorado.
Dan Roberts
Dan Roberts is a cowboy songwriter, singer and musician. Dan shows off his riding skills for the Cariety Foundation and Equine VIP in this episode. Dan is best known for winning both the "Male Vocalist of the Year" and the "Entertainer of the Year" by the Academy of Western Artists. He has written Number One hits for several country music stars, including his good friend and some-time co-writer Garth Brooks. The first big-hit for Dan Roberts was when Brooks recorded their song, "The Beaches of Cheyenne".
Ramon & Sandi
What happens when two top notch professional trainers -- from two very different riding disciplines -- join up? The synergy created by the unique preciseness of Dressage and the hot blooded energy of the Charro makes for great horse training. Who best to show you how it works but Sandi Chohany ("S" Judge and competitor) and Ramon Becerra (famous charro trainer) as they meld their skills in training.
Peruvian Pasos
Years ago the Peruvian Paso had to cover vast haciendas in Peru -- so they were bred for endurance and smooth, comfortable riding. These attributes are demonstrated for Equine VIP by the "Pasos" of D Ranch. Maidy Drefuss, owner of D Ranch, is proud of the six National Titles her horses took home in 2011. Her quest to find the best Peruvians for her breeding program is a combination of genes from the sire and dam, the finest care and nutrition and patient, gentle training.
Morgan Cromer
Morgan Cromer comes from both English and Western riding disciplines. Morgan may be new to Equine VIP fans, but she is certainly well respected in the cutting horse world. Morgan shows the determination you need to become a winner!
Randy Travis
Randy Travis was turned down by every major record label, but that didn't stop this incredible talent from finding his way to the top of the music charts and an acting career. Equine VIP interviews Mr. Travis about his horses and work with the Carity Foundation Charity.
Locash Cowboys
Chris Lucas and Preston Brust, the duo from LoCash Cowboys joined up with other celebrities for a cutting event held to raise funds for the Carity Foundation. Watch the video to learn why Preston earned the nick name "White Knuckles." Although new to cutting horses, Preston and Chris quickly learned the importance of trusting your horse.
Joey + Rory
Joey+Rory's debut album The Life Of A Song quickly spawned a Top 30 hit with "Cheater Cheater" and the pair won the a ACM Award for Top New Vocal Duo. Rory's songwriting has produced chart-topping songs for Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Randy Travis and Reba. In this episode of Equine VIP watch Joey Martin cut it up and ride for the Carity Foundation.
Joe Nichols
Country singer, Joe Nichols, is helping Equine VIP kick off its annual "partner appreciation" month. Take a peek at Equinevip.com to hear what Joe has to say about his wife's passion for horses. Equestrians of all riding disciplines couldn't do it all without partners to help out. Equine VIP decided to dedicate the entire month to these unsung heroes!
Jay Novacek
Dallas Cowboy tight end, Jay Novacek, knows his way around the field -- both football and on top of a cutting horse. His fulltime job of playing professional football kept him busy, but when his playing days ended, Jay passion for horses stepped in. The "big guy" opens up to Equine VIP about horses, while raising money for the Carity Foundation.