The Business of Horses with Solo Select

Melanie Smith interviews Jay Winborn about his journey from riding Polo horses all over the world and Red Bull marketing into association leadership at NRCHA and NCHA, and how that experience shaped new strategies for promoting cutting and cow horse events.

They discuss practical marketing moves—storytelling, webcasts, video campaigns, and high‑visibility ads—along with event changes like the move to Fort Worth, cross‑discipline collaboration, and sponsorship strategy.

The conversation also covers industry growth, incentives and sales trends, youth and experiential programs to attract new participants, and the importance of making the sport welcoming and accessible.

“Rocket fuel.”

That’s what Solo Select’s Melanie Smith calls the firepower behind Zak 24’s new ownership group.

World Champion calf roper Shad Mayfield and the Barrilleaux family—operating as C&S Equine—have officially acquired Zak 34—the $429,000 Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion and 2026 Reserve World’s Greatest Horseman.

The powerful son of $16 million sire Woody Be Tuff will continue to stand right here at Solo Select alongside his legendary sire.

"This was something that we didn't have in the plan," Solo Select's Melanie Smith said. "But this horse came here, they saw it, and we had some great conversations about what the future could look like. This horse's career is about to get a rocket booster behind it."

What's Next for Zak 34

• Frozen Semen for Export: Solo Select will continue processing and storing frozen semen on Zak 34 for international breeders in Brazil, Europe, and Australia.
• Return to the World's Greatest Horseman: Chris Dawson will take the reins once again to chase the title.
• Fresh Semen at Solo Select: Immediately following the World's Greatest Horseman, Zak 34 returns home to Solo Select to stand for fresh semen.
• Solo Select Open House: Join us the Saturday before Thanksgiving for our annual Open House! Meet Shad Mayfield, the Barrilleaux family, and get a firsthand look at Zak 34.

Book Your Breeding Contract Today

Breeding contracts to Zak 34 are officially open through the Solo Select online portal. New clients can complete their booking online in under three minutes, or reach out directly to our stallion management team.

Freddy Carmona and Butch Wise, two of the bloodstock agents behind Solo Select Racing's yearling program, sit down to walk through this year's 51-horse consignment for the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

The depth runs deep. Full or half siblings to five individual champions. Ten out of grade one winners. One half to an All American Futurity winner, six more to All American finalists. Four are related to 56 individual stakes horses between them, and more than half the consignment comes out of stakes-producing mares.

Carmona and Wise also cover what Solo Select Racing's fitting program does before a horse ever sees the ring, and why the walking videos on the consignment are worth a look before sale day.

413 yearlings total sell across two sessions, Sept. 4-5 at 2 p.m., every one eligible for the 2027 Triple Crown Futurities at Ruidoso. Last year's sale grossed $26.8 million and averaged $70,000 a yearling.

See all 51 Solo Select Racing consignments at https://www.soloselecthorses.com/ruidoso-sale-horses

Melanie Smith interviews Dr. James Latimer (Hubbard Feeds) about feeding and growing equine athletes, with a focus on forage-first strategies and practical, biology-based nutrition.

Key topics include hay testing, ration balancers and minerals, gestation and lactation needs, weaning and growth feeding rates, starch/sugar balance for performance, and managing metabolic horses.

The episode emphasizes individualized plans, one-on-one consultations with Hubbard’s nutrition team, and upcoming in-person opportunities at Solo Select’s open house.

El agente y cofundador de Fastrack, Freddy Carmona, se sienta a conversar con Emmanuel Villareal, una figura muy influyente en la compraventa de caballos de carreras Cuarto de Milla y propietario, junto a su esposa, de Rooster QH Sale.

Juntos analizan el estado actual del mercado, comparten los consejos de Emmanuel sobre cómo elegir el caballo ideal para cada perfil de cliente y repasan sus múltiples experiencias como comprador asiduo en las subastas de Fastrack.

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Proxima venta de Fastrack es el 16 de Agosto, exclusivamente ONLINE.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘂𝘀:

Fastrack Office: (940) 371-7272

Butch Wise: (405) 640-2234

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗛 - Freddy Carmona: (214) 687-2528 #yourhomeforSPEED

Fastrack is proud to announce major, seller-friendly updates to our consignment structure. Changes include a reduced consignment fee of $500, a lowered commission rate of 5%, and a new option to bypass upfront fees completely by submitting registration papers and signed transfers at the time of entry.

In this episode, Fastrack co-founders Butch Wise and Freddy Carmona discuss these exciting new rules, evaluate the current state of the Quarter Horse racing market, and address the industry's primary challenges.

Reminder: next sale Aug 16, consignment deadline July 20.

The exact same day the LBR Hangem Syndicate was announced, every single available share was officially spoken for. The momentum behind him is massive.

A lot of people hear "syndication" but don't actually know what it entails. In this short episode of The Business of Horses, we break down the tangible benefits for the listeners.

Melanie Smith and Don Ham discussed other matters:

-LBR Hangem will still be standing to the public. Based on how fast the syndicate sold out, public breeding contracts are expected to go incredibly fast. Here is the link to the WAITLIST: https://bit.ly/LBR-Hangem-2027-Waitlist Do not wait. Put your name on the waitlist right now to ensure you get all the information on exactly when and how the breeding contracts will be released.

-Email Melanie Smith if you want to be considered for a share in the syndicate: mel@soloselect.com

-Follow LBR on social media -Come watch him at Summer Spec on 7/10: first out in the 5th set of the Open Classic.

-The Solo Select Owners Club -Discover an entirely new, seamless way to manage your Solo Select contracts for the upcoming breeding season. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!

-The Solo Select Open House planned on November 20-21, 2026

At 13 years old, Trystan Crow has already earned more than $360,000 in the cutting pen. But this episode isn't really about the money. It's about the people behind it, the lessons learned along the way, and what it takes to raise a young horseman with both talent and work ethic. Trystan Crow, Mary Crow, and Don Ham join us for a conversation every young cutter and every horse parent needs to hear.

Join host Melanie Smith as she sits down with seasoned fitters Dustin Price and Evan Moffitt to take you behind the scenes of Solo Select’s premier full-service fitting programs.

Whether prepping elite racing Quarter Horses or top-tier western performance horses, Dustin and Evan break down the exact science and daily dedication required to maximize a horse's sale value.

-Discover Dustin and Evan's backgrounds, how they climbed the ranks in the industry, and the mentors and lifelines that helped them along the way.

-Explore the specific differences between conditioning and prepping a racehorse versus a performance or rope horse.

-The "NASCAR Crew" Advantage: Learn how Solo Select's large-scale systems allow the team to operate like a high-speed pit crew. By having a structured program in place, fitters can hyper-focus strictly on doing their jobs and working their horses.

-The Power of Foot Traffic: Understand why being part of a massive program makes a huge difference in drawing buyer foot traffic and getting eyes on your horses.

-Get an inside look at the daily routines that build champions, from the stud barn to round-pen work and dedicated walking regimens.

-Hear why correct conditioning, expert handling, professional marketing, catalog presence, and perfect timing are the ultimate keys to driving up sale value.

Listen and learn how Solo Select's approach ensures every horse reaches its ideal buyer and achieves its peak potential in the sale ring.

This is where high sellers take shape.

Trust Solo Select Full-Service Fitting Programs

http://soloselecthorses.com/sale-fitting

More info:

Western Performance Fitting Program

Evan Moffitt: 817-773-4253

Ty Smith: 405-317-9363

Solo Racing Fitting Program

Matt Witman: 405-613-0047

Butch Wise: 405-640-2234

Entrevista en Español -

Hoy, el agente de Fastrack, Freddy Carmona, conversó con Miguel Vargas y Christopher Villatoros, dueños de Fall Classic, ganador del Heritage Place Futurity G1 de $1,158,940 en Remington Park el sábado 30 de mayo de 2026.

En esta entrevista platican sobre su gran victoria y también comparten lo que piensan sobre las subastas de Fastrack. Respondieron a preguntas como:

• ¿Qué ventajas tiene una subasta completamente en línea?
• ¿Qué tan transparentes son los perfiles de cada caballo?
• ¿Por qué las ventas en línea son parte del futuro del mercado de los caballos Cuarto de Milla de carreras?
• ¿Cuál es la ventaja de poder comprar y vender durante todo el año, sin tener que esperar a las subastas tradicionales?

Si todavía tienes dudas sobre utilizar la plataforma de Fastrack para comprar caballos, ¡esta es una excelente plática para entenderla mejor y animarte a participar!

𝗟𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼́𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗹 𝟭𝟰 𝗱𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Clic aqui para ver el catalogo

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙖 𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙥𝙤:

Fastrack Office: (940) 371-7272
Butch Wise: (405) 640-2234
SPANISH - Freddy Carmona: (214) 687-2528

#yourhomeforSPEED

In this episode, Melanie Smith sits down with Australian agent Tish Healey to dive into the intricacies of international breeding, breaking down the logistics and regulations involved in exporting semen from the Solo Select stallion roster to Australia.

They explore the rapidly expanding Australian Western performance horse market, discussing the massive growth in cutting, campdrafting, and roping, alongside the rising use of ICSI. Melanie and Tish also highlight how Solo Select’s world-class stallions and promotional efforts are actively bridging the gap to support breeders on both sides of the globe.

Plus, you won't want to miss some major announcements! The pair discusses Solo Select stepping up as the main sponsor for the upcoming 2026 Australian Open Cutting Futurity, and they reveal the details of a very special, exclusive sale offering incredible deals designed specifically for Australian breeders.

Tune in to learn what it takes to navigate the global breeding industry and hear how the Western performance market is thriving down under!

¿Quieres saber más sobre Fastrack, la nueva plataforma 100% en línea para comprar y vender caballos Cuarto de Milla de carreras?

Freddy Carmona, Bloodstock Agent y Fastrack Agent, recibe a Sammy Mendoza de invitado para platicar sobre su experiencia comprando un caballo en la plataforma durante la venta del 11 de abril de 2026.

• ¿Qué le gustó a Sammy y qué no le gustó?

• ¿Cómo fue el proceso de compra paso a paso?

• ¿Qué ventajas tiene una subasta completamente en línea?

La próxima venta de Fastrack es el 14 de junio de 2026.

Fecha límite de inscripciones (Consignment deadline): 31 de mayo.

#yourhomeforSPEED

"I wanted to be a winner."

It all starts with a powerful mindset, but what does it really take to reach the top of the Western performance industry—and more importantly, stay there? If you think you can't make it in the cutting horse world because you don't come from money, or because you weren't born into a performance horse dynasty... you are WRONG.

Kenny Platt and his family’s story is living proof, and it will give you the exact motivation you need to get right back in the saddle and chase those dreams.

This episode is packed with actionable insights on:

>How to make it as a professional horse trainer

>How to manage a successful training operation

>How to build a team that sustains growth and success

>How to navigate finances and customer expectations

...And why you should always be grateful for the struggle. PLUS: Hear the legendary story of the famous Moms Stylish Player, walk through the incredible rise of LBR Hangem, and so much more!

“We won’t see another horse like that in a long time. Whether he belongs to me or someone else is irrelevant, this horse is a generational horse, he is just different”. — Ty Smith, co-owner of LBR Hangem

The entire team behind LBR Hangem—Don Ham, Todd Carpenter, Melanie Smith, and Ty Smith—sat down to record this episode right after the horse won the Open 5/6 at the Super Stakes. It was a run that put Shotty in the NCHA Hall of Fame, forever sealing his legacy in one of the toughest sports in the Western industry.

This is the story of a VERY special horse that has conquered the hearts of the entire cutting industry. We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did.

"He never did anything just a little bit, he was always 100% and I think he does the same thing on a cow, the moves he makes are always 100% and he was that way his whole life." — Don Ham, Shotty’s breeder and co-owner

Part 2 of 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟐-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐱 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧 is for the owners who don’t just want to start a colt, they want to see it all the way through.

Because getting a horse to the championship pen doesn’t start at three, it starts the moment you decide who you trust with your 2-year-old.

In this episode, we break down what the trainer–client relationship really looks like when the goal is long-term success. The level of trust it takes to hand over a young horse, the consistency, communication, and decision-making that happen behind the scenes, and the difference between clients who help build great horses—and the ones who unknowingly hold them back.

If you’re thinking about sending a colt to a trainer, or you want to give your horse the best possible shot from day one, this is the side of the industry you need to understand.

Because the best programs aren’t built overnight and they’re never built alone.

Most people only see the finished product.

The futurity runs. The earnings. The champions.

What they don’t see is everything that happens at the very beginning. In Part 1 of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 - 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟐-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫-𝐎𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬, Ty Benson and Max Morin dive deep into the most defining—and unforgiving—stage of a horse’s career: the 2-year-old program. This is where careers are built from the ground up, where mistakes are expensive, and where the difference between good and great is decided long before the show pen.

From evaluating raw prospects to managing mental pressure, physical development, and long-term soundness, this episode breaks down the real work behind elite horses. Not the highlight reel—the foundation.

Because great horses aren’t made when the world is watching.

They’re made when it’s quiet, early, and everything still matters.

“𝗪𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼.”

In this episode, Melanie Smith of Solo Select Horses joins Recipient Farm Manager Kimberly Howard to take you behind the scenes of running a successful recipient mare program. With a herd of over 2,500 mares, every decision matters.

Melanie and Kimberly break down the logistics, planning, and daily dedication required to turn a tiny embryo into a future champion. “If we can improve our chances by just 1% every time we do something, those small gains quickly start to add up,” they explain.

With a dedicated team that carefully calculates every move, they ensure both the embryo and the recipient mare are as healthy as possible.

This episode offers an insider’s look at how much time, care, and attention go into understanding exactly what recipient mares need for a successful pregnancy. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform and discover what it really takes to play the game at the highest level and give every embryo the best shot at greatness.

🎧 Find the episode now on any of your favorite podcast platforms.

Melanie Smith recaps the 2026 AQHA Convention, explaining how AQHA is governed, how committees and directors work, and how rule changes are proposed and voted on.

She encourages members to get involved, outlines practical steps (committee applications and proposal deadlines), and explains why attending the convention matters for influencing policy.

The AQHA 2-Year-Old Rule has shaped breeding, marketing, and futurity timelines for decades — but is it time for a serious conversation about change?

In this episode of The Business of Horses, Melanie Smith sits down with industry leaders Tricia Aldridge, Carol Rose, and Brooke Wharton for a candid and forward-thinking discussion about how the AQHA 2-Year-Rule impacts stallion owners, mare owners, breeders, futurity programs, and the long-term soundness of the modern Quarter Horse.

Together, they break down:
• The intent behind the rule
• How it affects the industry today
• The economic ripple effects across programs
• What reform could mean for the future of the industry

This is not surface-level commentary. It is a real, informed conversation from women who are actively shaping the direction of the industry.

If you care about the future of the American Quarter Horse and the sustainability of our programs, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

To find out more about how you can get involved or find out information on the AQHA Convention, click here:
https://www.soloselecthorses.com/post/the-aqha-two-year-rule-how-it-works-the-impact-and-your-role

“𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻—𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁?”

After our first episode focused on the logistics side of Breeding 101, Melanie Smith returns—this time from a more consultative perspective—to dive into how to truly build your breeding plan.

In this episode, she breaks down how to structure your program, define your goals, and identify the most effective paths to achieve them—whether you’re breeding to compete, to sell, or to create long-term genetic value.

🎧 Find the episode now on any of your favorite podcast platforms.