Good Horses: Stories of the American Quarter Horse

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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