Good Horses: Stories of the American Quarter Horse

Todd Crawford is a 13-time AQHA world champion, a $3 million NRCHA rider and an AQHA Professional Horseman, but his story starts in Pennsylvania with a veterinarian dad, farm chores and the kind of daily repetition that makes great horsemen.

We sit down with him to trace how a kid from a vet-and-farm background turns horsemanship into a championship career. Along the way, we dig into the horses, mentors and hard-earned choices that shape what Todd calls a truly good horse.

We talk through the stops that shaped him, including Findlay College and the influence of Dale Wilkinson and Clark Bradley, plus the early “pay your dues” years that taught him how training operations actually run.

The horse stories are the heart of it: Hickorys Holly Cee, the breeding decisions trainers are forced to make, and the unforgettable run-up to Smart Crackin Chic's Snaffle Bit Futurity win, complete with doubt, last-minute adjustments and pressure that could have derailed the whole week.

We also dig into what Todd looks for in a winner, how big atmospheres like The World’s Greatest Horseman feel from the saddle and why he’s stayed in a tough business for decades.

If you enjoyed today's episode, check out the video version of today's episode on the AQHA YouTube channel.

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A legendary mare can be measured in trophies, checks and champions, but that’s not the full story of Dashing Phoebe. We start with the hard facts that made her famous: a Dash For Cash daughter who dominated as a 2-year-old and 3-year-old, stacked wins in tough company and retired with a race record that still turns heads in American Quarter Horse racing. Then we follow what happened next, when the racetrack speed gave way to the long game of breeding and legacy.

We sit down with Kirk Goodfellow, her last owner and the person who knew her beyond the headlines. He tells the story of seeing her come through a sale, taking a leap into a horse-centered life and bringing home the mare he couldn’t forget. From her conformation to her calm, generous temperament, he explains why she wasn’t just valuable, she was beloved. You’ll hear how quickly she became the go-to horse for kids, grandkids and everyday rides, and why that bond still hits him years later.

We also dig into what makes a truly great broodmare: reliability, soundness, trainability and the ability to throw quality year after year. Dashing Phoebe earned the AQHA Dam of Distinction title and produced a deep list of winners and stakes horses, with a female line that keeps powering modern Quarter Horse pedigrees. If you care about AQHA history, Quarter Horse breeding or the human side of the sport, this one stays with you. Subscribe, share this with a horse person in your life, and leave a review with your favorite Hall of Fame horse and why.

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Twenty-six AQHA world championships sounds like a finish line, but Lainie DeBoer treats it like a trail of relationships, one great American Quarter Horse at a time. We talk about the moment it started, a camp pony named Hank's Smoky Jet, and why that early feeling of safety and confidence still defines what she looks for in a show partner today.

From there, we follow the real career path: the unexpected Montana job that pulled her into AQHA, the first time Congress felt overwhelming, and the culture shock of discovering a community that rallies around horses and horse people. Lainie shares the behind-the-scenes details that never make the highlight reel, like how a spooking issue at the in-gate turned into a full training plan involving muffins, repetition and a whole lot of patience.

We also go deep on the horses that shaped her program: Regal Intentions and the owner partnership with her mom Margaret, "Lucy" (A Chanceof Blueskies) and the lesson that great horses do not need to be over-schooled, GI Jazz and learning to tune out distractions, plus "Dillon" (DGS Dont Tell Tales) and the idea that every horse has a different “secret sauce.” Along the way, Lainie explains what a “good horse” really means to her, how she mentors the next generation and why trust is the most practical safety tool a trainer can give a rider.

If you care about AQHA hunters, Quarter Horse training, horsemanship, show-ring mindset or simply what it takes to earn a horse’s trust, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a horse friend and leave a review, then tell us: which horse taught you the biggest lesson?

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There are some names in the horse world that don’t need much introduction, and Al Dunning is one of them.

From AQHA world championships to a career that has influenced generations of horsemen, Al’s story is easy to measure in wins and awards. But behind all that is a story shaped by the horses that taught him, challenged him and ultimately built the program he’s known for today.

In this episode of Good Horses, Al walks through the horses that marked different points in his journey, like Expensive Hobby, Stormy Pink and others that came along at just the right time.

Because at the end of the day, the best programs aren’t built on hype. They’re built on good horses.

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Karen Evans Mundy didn’t become the winningest all-around amateur in AQHA history with one great run, or even one great horse. She built that record over years, alongside exceptional partners that included Ask Me For Details.

In this episode, Karen talks about the horses behind those eight titles. The ones with heart. The ones that made her adjust, learn and work harder than anyone saw from the stands. She shares how each partnership required something different and why true all-around success is always about the horse first.

This episode reminds us that while records may stand in the books, it’s good horses, and the work you put in with them, that make history.

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Casey Deary’s career has been shaped by an unwavering belief in letting good horses show you who they are, and few trainers have had the privilege of listening to horses like his.

From Americasnextgunmodel to Down Right Amazing, Casey reflects on the horses that defined pivotal moments in his career and the ones that continue to raise the bar in his program. He talks about what separates truly great horses in the show pen, the pressure of competing at reining's highest level and the trust it takes to let a horse step up when it matters most.

Throughout the conversation, Casey shares how his faith has remained a steady foundation by keeping wins in perspective, guiding the hard days and reminding him that every great horse and opportunity is part of a bigger plan.

This is a story of championship horses, defining runs and a career built on trust between horse and rider, and beyond the arena.

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In this episode of Legends Remembered, we share the unexpected story of Casey’s Ladylove.

Casey’s Ladylove was originally purchased as a ranch and show horse for the family's children, meant to be a steady, honest partner, not the foundation of a breeding program.

No one could have predicted that she would go on to become one of the most influential mares in the performance horse world.

Through the generations she produced, Casey’s Ladylove proved that the most impactful broodmares are often the ones no one planned for, just good horses who quietly change everything.

Today, her legacy lives on through some of the sport’s most recognizable names, including Adios Pantalones, DM Sissy Hayday, French Flash Hawk, the legendary Frenchmans Guy, and MP Meter My Hay.

This is the story of a good horse who was ultimately destined for greatness.

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With more than $4 million in lifetime earnings, and multiple NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity and World's Greatest Horseman titles, Corey Cushing is one of the most accomplished cow horse trainers of our time. But at the heart of his success is a simple philosophy: be better each day.

In this episode, Corey talks about the once-in-a-lifetime horses that shaped his career and keep him motivated. He shares the lessons he has learned and why staying committed to incremental improvement matters just as much as the big wins.

If you love stories about exceptional horses, lifelong learning, and the mindset behind greatness, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

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With more than 30 AQHA world championships to his name, Bobby Lewis has earned his place among the greatest rope horse trainers of all time. Raised in New Mexico, he grew up rodeoing and riding his dad’s racehorses, a foundation that set the stage for a remarkable career.

Over the years, Bobby has swung a leg over some of the best horses the industry has ever seen, and his talent for bringing out their full potential has made him a household name in the roping world.

In this episode, Bobby shares stories of the great horses he’s ridden and reflects on how they helped shape his remarkable legacy as a trainer and breeder.

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Some horses leave their mark on the track or in the breeding shed. Mr Jess Perry did both. In this episode of our Legends Remembered series, we honor the 1994 AQHA Racing Champion Two-Year-Old Colt who went on to become one of the most influential sires in American Quarter Horse racing history.

Dr. Glenn Blodgett reflects on Mr Jess Perry’s journey from standout runner to a stallion whose offspring reshaped the sport. It’s a look back at a legacy that still runs strong today.

Know a horse or person whose story should be remembered? The legacy of great horses like Mr Jess Perry lives on because people took the time to tell it. Nominate your pick for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame today at aqha.com/nominate.

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For Martha Josey, every milestone, every buckle, and every history-making run begins with the horses. Before she became one of the most celebrated names in barrel racing, she was a Texas girl with a passion for Quarter Horses sparked by her dad and a determination that would carry her from amateur rodeos to the world’s biggest stages.

In this episode of Good Horses, Martha shares the stories of the horses that defined her career — the ones that taught her, and ultimately carried her into the history books.

With stories of unforgettable runs, once-in-a-lifetime horses, and the lessons she’s learned from every ride, Martha reflects on a lifetime spent chasing dreams down the alley and the horses that made it all possible.

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Some horses don’t just shape the industry, they redefine it. High Brow Cat is one of those rare legends. In this episode, we continue our Legends Remembered series, honoring the horses whose influence earned them a place in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

Jack Waggoner shares High Brow Cat’s incredible journey to becoming the all-time leading sire in across all disciplines. Take a look back at the stallion’s remarkable legacy.

Know a horse or person whose story should be remembered? The legacy of great horses like High Brow Cat lives on because people took the time to tell it. Nominate your pick for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame today at https://aqha.com/nominate.

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Bud Lyon didn't set out to become a ranch horse icon, but the horses had other plans. In this episode, Bud opens up about the tough road to becoming a professional trainer, the horses that taught him the most, and how he found himself at the forefront of the ranch versatility world, breaking records and raising the bar. He shares the honest moments behind the spotlight, including the setbacks, sacrifices, and turning points that shaped his path. It’s a story of timing, talent, and trusting the horse to show you where you’re meant to go.

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Sit down with NCHA Multi-Million Dollar Rider and AQHA World Champion Adan Banuelos, a horseman who is known for excellence in the cutting pen. From the early days growing up under the influence of his legendary father Ascencion Banuelos to the unforgettable horses that helped shape his journey, Adan shares the highs, the challenges, and the deep connection he builds with every horse he rides.

Listen as he shares how “good horses” shaped not just his career, but his character. This one’s for anyone who knows what it really means to believe in a horse.

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Sit down with the unstoppable Erin Taormino — the first woman to ever win the prestigious NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman title. Recorded just weeks after her historic victory, Erin reflects on the horses that carried her to the top, the lessons they taught her, and the unwavering confidence she had to build in both herself and her horses.

Erin takes us back to her roots, starting in 4-H and competing as an all-around rider. From showmanship to western riding, those early years laid the foundation for the versatile, gritty horsewoman she is today. She shares the stories of the horses that shaped her — those that tested her patience, those that made her better, and those that became once-in-a-lifetime partners.

This episode is for anyone who appreciates what it takes to chase a dream.

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Some horses leave a mark that lasts for generations — Frenchmans Guy is one of them. In this episode of Good Horses, we launch our new series, Legends Remembered, where we honor the horses whose impact earned them a place in the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame.

Join AQHA Chief Foundation Officer Chris Sitz as she visits with Bill and Debbie Myers at their South Dakota ranch to reflect on the legacy of Frenchmans Guy. From his elite bloodlines to his impact on barrel racing and roping, we celebrate the stallion’s journey to the AQHA Hall of Fame and the people who believed in him.

Know a horse or person who deserves recognition? The impact of legendary horses like Frenchmans Guy lives on because their stories are told. If there’s a horse or individual you believe has shaped the industry, take the next step — nominate them for the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame at aqha.com/nominate.

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Before the viral videos and the social media stardom, Katie Van Slyke was just a girl learning about life from the back of a horse.

In this episode, Katie takes us back to the beginning, sharing the "good horses" that shaped her into the horsewoman and person she is today. From the quirky ones that kept her humble to the steadfast partners who carried her through milestones, Katie shares heartfelt and humorous stories of the American Quarter Horses who taught her life’s greatest lessons.

Get ready for an inside look at the horses who built Katie Van Slyke. This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s a tribute to the horses that make us who we are.

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Jason Martin and Charlie Cole of Highpoint Barrel Horses share the incredible stories of the barrel horses that have carried them to 11 National Finals Rodeo qualifications — an achievement that many only dream of.

The NFR is the ultimate stage in rodeo, but the true story lies in the journey it takes to get there. Jason and Charlie reflect on the dedication and vision it takes to build strong partnerships with the horses that have the shaped their journey, including Slick By Design, FQH A Sharp Move ("Boomer"), Feel The Sting, and more.

This episode offers an inspiring look at how their passion and belief in these remarkable horses have taken them from where they started to the bright lights of Vegas and beyond.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jason Martin and Charlie Cole of Highpoint Performance Horses to talk about the horses that have defined their legendary careers. From the early days of building their program to the show ring successes that cemented their place at the top, they share stories of the incredible American Quarter Horses that made it all possible.

With a combined total of over 69 AQHA World Champion titles and five AQHA Superhorse titles to their name, Jason and Charlie share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to achieve greatness, one horse at a time.

Hear about the challenges, the triumphs, and the unforgettable moments that shaped their journey to becoming icons in the horse world.

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In this episode, two-time Hall of Fame horseman J. D. Yates takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable career with American Quarter Horses. This isn't just a story of his accomplishments; it's a deep dive into the horses that made his success possible. From his early days growing up in a rodeo family to his unprecedented wins at the National Finals Rodeo and AQHA World Championship Show, J. D. shares the challenges and triumphs he experienced with each horse. He reveals what it truly took to get to the top, highlighting the unique traits of his trusted American Quarter Horse partners and how they drove him to greatness in the arena. Whether you're an aspiring horseman or simply a fan of the sport, this episode offers an exclusive look into the horses that shaped the legacy of one of rodeo’s most iconic figures.

Want to know even more about the horses discussed in this episode? Visit https://www.aqha.com/podcast/jd-yates to explore their pedigrees, performance achievements, breeding history, and much more.

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