The Path to Success with Pete Kyle
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy, Al sits down with Pete Kyle—AQHA Professional Horseman, judge, former AQHA Chief of Shows, and the horseman behind Kyle Performance Horses. Pete talks about the men who raised him and the values they imprinted—work ethic, humility, and service—and how those principles shaped his path as a trainer, coach, and businessman. Al and Pete dive into service leadership and what it really means to give back to the industry—on a committee, from the judge’s card, or in the barn with amateurs and youth. Pete shares takeaways from his time at AQHA, why...
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A Story to Tell: An Interview with Waylon Long
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, Al Dunning is joined by Non-Pro world champion, 2L Trucks founder, and storyteller Waylon Long for a wide-open conversation about a life shaped by horses, hard work, and a few wild turns. Waylon traces his Texas beginnings—4-H clinics, first cuttings, and the “yellow mare” that launched a five-year tear—through wins at Fort Worth, Washington International, and Congress on the way to a Non-Pro world title. Al and Waylon dig into horsemanship that lasts: why great runs start with feel and timing, how “it’s more about your hands...
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Preparing for Greatness with Chris Dawson
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, Al Dunning is joined by 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion and NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider, Chris Dawson for a powerful and insightful conversation about the preparation, pressure, and process behind one of the biggest wins of his career. Chris reflects on the months leading up to the Futurity, the mental and physical aspects of getting a horse like Life By The Drop ready for the spotlight, and what it takes to stay focused in the face of high stakes. Al and Chris dig deep into training philosophies, the emotional highs and lows of the...
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Million Dollar Management with Mandy Brumley
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, host Al Dunning sits down with Mandy Brumley, the dynamic force behind Brumley Management Group and one of the most influential figures in the world of reining event production. Known for producing premier events like the Reining by the Bay, Cactus Reining Classic, High Roller Reining Classic, and The Run for a Million, Mandy has redefined what it means to create world-class experiences for exhibitors, sponsors, and fans alike. Mandy shares her journey from a horse-obsessed teen to a visionary producer whose events consistently top the...
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The Loomis Legend: A Conversation with Bob Loomis
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, host Al Dunning sits down with reining legend Bob Loomis, a true icon in the world of precision riding. With a career spanning more than five decades, Bob has made an indelible mark on the sport of reining, earning widespread recognition for his unmatched skill, training expertise, and dedication to the horses he works with. Bob shares his journey from his early days in Nebraska to becoming a leading trainer and influential figure in the reining community. He discusses the evolution of the sport over the years, how it has grown and changed, and...
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The Ultimate Showman with Tim Smith
The Almosta Cowboy
In this exciting episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, host Al Dunning sits down with Hall of Fame rider and cutting horse legend, Tim Smith. With a career that spans decades and includes over 100 championship titles, seven World Championship titles, and NCHA rider earnings exceeding six million dollars, Tim is one of the most respected figures in the sport of cutting. Tim takes us on a journey through his early days growing up on a farm in Minnesota and his introduction to cutting, thanks to his older brother Mike. From his first major win in 1979 at the California Cutting Horse Association...
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The Family Business with Matt and Amanda Kimes
The Almosta Cowboy
In this special episode of The Almosta Cowboy, Al Dunning is joined by Matt and Amanda Kimes, the passionate couple behind Kimes Ranch and Kimes Ranch Jeans. With deep roots in the horse community, Matt and Amanda share the incredible journey of how their family business grew from a simple dream into a widely recognized brand that’s deeply woven into the fabric of the equestrian world. Throughout the episode, the Kimeses open up about what it truly means to run a family-owned business — the challenges, rewards, and the unique bond that ties together family, community, and business. As they...
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Reining in Results: Steve Ross on Building a Winning Business
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, host Al Dunning sits down with Steve Ross, an NRHA Judge, commentator, and renowned horse trainer. They begin by exploring Steve's background and journey into the reining world, before shifting gears to dive deep into his approach to running a successful horse training business. Steve shares valuable insights into his business model, including how he matches horses with riders, his philosophy on mentorship, and the strategies he’s used to develop a thriving sales program at SR Reining and Performance Horses. The conversation also touches on some...
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Versatility For Success with Brad Barkemeyer
The Almosta Cowboy
In this episode of The Almosta Cowboy, Al Dunning sits down with his past assistant and fellow horse trainer, Brad Barkemeyer, for an in-depth conversation about building a successful career in the equine industry. Brad shares his journey as a horse trainer, reflecting on how his time working with Al shaped his approach to training and horsemanship. Together, they explore the importance of versatility in a horse training program—discussing everything from building quality, broke horses that are both functional and competitive, to developing lasting relationships with sponsors and customers....
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Rider Fit: A Conversation with Fitness Professional, Terry Orcutt
The Almosta Cowboy
Join NCHA Million Dollar rider and Hall of Fame horse trainer Al Dunning in this inspiring episode of The Almosta Cowboy. Al sits down with his longtime personal fitness coach, Terry Orcutt, to discuss the transformative power of fitness for equestrians. With a professional horse trainer career spanning over 50 years, Al shares his incredible journey of recovery after a devastating injury in the 1980s that threatened to end his career. With Terry's guidance, Al not only overcame the odds but also redefined his approach to fitness and wellness. In this episode, they explore the vital role of...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Almosta Cowboy Podcast, Al Dunning is joined by 2024 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Champion and NRCHA Two Million Dollar Rider, Chris Dawson for a powerful and insightful conversation about the preparation, pressure, and process behind one of the biggest wins of his career. Chris reflects on the months leading up to the Futurity, the mental and physical aspects of getting a horse like Life By The Drop ready for the spotlight, and what it takes to stay focused in the face of high stakes.
Al and Chris dig deep into training philosophies, the emotional highs and lows of the show pen, and how top-tier competitors approach major events like the NRCHA Futurity and the upcoming Western Derby. Chris also shares how his experience co-hosting Cow Horse Full Contact has been unexpectedly eye-opening and personally impactful, shaping his perspective on the industry and the people in it.
From lessons learned in the practice pen to unforgettable moments in the arena, this episode is full of raw honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. A must-listen for anyone passionate about cow horse competition and the mindset of a champion.