Mar 25 2025 58 mins
Scott Neuman, Director of Competitions and International Memberships for the American Quarter Horse Association, offers a candid look at the evolving landscape of Western equestrian competitions in this revealing conversation.
Neuman shares his eye-opening research that no horse show manager reported being able to run a profitable event with fewer than 100 stalls booked—a threshold that many smaller venues simply cannot reach. This startling reality frames our discussion about why local shows are disappearing while major events continue to grow.
The conversation traces how America's shift from family farming to corporate agriculture has fundamentally altered Western horse sports. As people moved from rural to urban settings, horse ownership transformed from an affordable backyard activity to an expensive proposition requiring boarding facilities. This economic shift created a cascade effect: higher costs led to demand for better quality horses, which in turn drove competitors toward premium show venues with superior amenities.
Despite these challenges, Neuman highlights innovative solutions the AQHA has implemented, including popular ranch-style events that connect back to Quarter Horses' heritage, beginner divisions that allow weekend leasing, and versatility competitions that appeal to a broad audience. These adaptations are helping maintain the crucial "pyramid" structure of the sport, where a broad base of participants eventually feeds the upper echelons of competition.
Perhaps most fascinating is Neuman's insight into Western riding's international growth, particularly in Mexico, Brazil, and surprisingly, parts of Asia. The "Yellowstone effect" has reinvigorated global interest in ranch activities and Western horsemanship, creating opportunities for American expertise abroad.
Whether you're a competitor, show manager, or equine business owner, this episode delivers crucial perspective on where Western horse sports have been and where they're headed. Listen now to understand the market forces shaping the industry's future.
🐴 This episode is brought to you by Pegasus.
Pegasus is the game-changer horse shows have been waiting for. It’s the first modern, cloud-based platform built just for equestrian events—free to use, no contracts, and ready for any discipline, anywhere.
From fast entries to real-time results, Pegasus makes shows run smoother for organizers and easier for riders to stay informed and on schedule. Check it out at www.thepegasus.app
To stay up to date with the latest from Pegasus, head to LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and subscribe to The Oxer, the #1 weekly newsletter for global equestrian industry happenings. 🗞️