December 17, 2025 • 19 mins
Actor. singer, inventor and horseman extraordinaire. Riley Smith is riding quite the wave of success. We’ll catch up with the multi-talented star, and then we go live with our cat correspondent, Deborah Cribbs!
EPISODE NOTES: IHome on the Very Diversified Range with Actor and Horse Lover, Riley Smith
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EPISODE NOTES: IHome on the Very Diversified Range with Actor and Horse Lover, Riley Smith
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rappaport-to-the-rescue-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667849/support.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
This is his Pet Life Radio. Let's talk Pets.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Rappaport to the Rescue with award winning animal advocate, best
selling author, journalist and pet products creator Jill Rappaport.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Hi, I'm Joe Rappaport and welcome to Rappaport to the Rescue.
Today we'll be talking with actor, musician, fellow lifelong horse lover,
and Horses for Mental Health ambassador Riley Smith. Riley is
such an interesting guy. He grew up on a courterhorse
farm in Iowa. He's a former American Quarterhorse Youth World Champion,
(00:40):
and he's appeared in over fifty films and television roles
over the years, and recently playing Nancy Drew's dad on
the CWS Nancy Drew. He co starred in HBO's True Blood,
and he played a musician, Marcus Keen on Nashville. He
is a fan favorite, and I bet men any of
you know his role as Dean Tallon in Disney's Motocross
(01:04):
film from two thousand and one. Of course you remember
that his horseback riding skills are legendary. He's the father
of a wonderful darling little girl named Shiloh and a
doggy dad to Finn. We will hear all about his
incredible career when we come back.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
You know the expression cats have nine lives, Well, what
if you can give them one more? The Give Them
Ten movement is on a mission to help give cats
an extra life. How with spee and neoter, Spain or
nootering your cat helps them live a longer, healthier life
and it helps control free roaming cat populations too. Learn
(01:45):
more about the benefits of spee and neoter and meet Scooter,
the neotered cat at Give Them ten dot org. That's
give them ten dot Org.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
Let's talk bets on Petlife Radio dot com.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Welcome back to Rappaport to the Rescue Ajoel Rappaport. You
heard my intro, Riley Smith. I couldn't even believe all
the things you've done, and I said, considering your age,
it's pretty incredible actor, a musician, accomplished horseman. We were
both two of the first ambassadors for horses for mental health,
and you are a star in the quarter horse world,
(02:29):
and of course I have quarter horses, so I loved
you right from the beginning. So great to have you
on the show.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Riley, Thank you for having me. I mean I guess
your intro just means I'm old, I've been doing it
a long time.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
No, it means you're talented and you're very accomplished, starting
at a very young age.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, you know, well I was. I started right out
of high school. A month after I graduated high school,
I moved to New York and started to give it
a whirl, and then things took off really quickly, and
then now it's been a long journey. I call myself
a journeyman actor entertainer.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Well, what I love is you're so diversified. A little acting,
a little singing, a little riding. What haven't you done?
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Well, she's a lot that I still want to accomplish.
But you know, it's interesting how one thing kind of
naturally led to the next. You know, honestly, I started
getting acting roles where I got to play a singer,
and then that kind of turned into singing, and then
I did get a lot of acting roles where I
(03:32):
got to ride horses, because only so many actors know
how to ride horses. And it's not good if you
say you know how to and you have no experience.
That can be really dangerous. And so yeah, it was
like it was great how one thing just kind of
led to the other. I call it plinko. You know
the game from Price is Right. You know, you start
with the chip at the top and it bounces around
(03:52):
and you never know where you're gonna end up at
the bottom, if it's a million dollars or bankrupt or
five hundred. But really it's about that journey. That's what
everyone gets excited about when they watch the game, because
once you land at the bottom of the game's over.
So I'm just enjoying those those moves. One moves to
the next, and it moves me to the next, and
you never know where it's going to go.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
And all those moves have been so different from movies,
TV music talk about some of those hit moves that
you've landed.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
I find that you can't really plan out your career.
A lot of people want to plan it out and
I'm going to do this, and then that's going to
do this, And really the biggest blessings come when you
least expect it and it's not planned out. You know,
sometimes you don't even know that it's going to be
the thing that's going to set you off catapult you.
I mean, when I first started off, I got really
(04:40):
lucky with a lot of teen movies.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
And let's talk about those mentioned some of your hits.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Well, I mean, you know, if you see this helmet
right up here, that's a motocross helmet, that's from a
hit Disney movie called Motocross, which to this day, when
I leave the house every day, no matter ninety five projects,
it's the one thing I get recognized for on a
daily basis, and is crazy to me because when I
did that movie, I was young, and I was just
(05:05):
happy to be doing a movie, and I had no
idea that it was going to be one of those
that people talked about for thirty years twenty five years,
so it'll be talked about forever, which is it's cool
because when you start off in the business, you just
hope that you could do a movie that's going to
impact you know, a generation, let alone your lifetime. And
that was one of those where I was just happy
(05:27):
to have a movie. And now here we are, all
these years later, still talking about it. But I've been lucky.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
You know.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
I did a movie called Radio with Ed Harris and
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
And I remember that movie.
Speaker 5 (05:37):
I loved it.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Thank you Yeah, that was a big movie based on
a true story that had a really great story behind it,
you know, and a good meaning. And that's one of
those that I'm very proud of and it was just
a powerful message. I will always be very proud of
that and the work that we did in that show.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
And Dennis Quaid, I'm sure you know this is a
very plished horseman. He's in my book. People we know
horses they love, and I bet you had that in common.
You're two very hot.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Tellus, thank you. Yes, No, I did know that about Dennis.
And Dennis also as a band, plays music, so we
have a lot of parallels there. It's just been one
of those careers that just keeps blowing me to you know,
I don't know where it's going to go, and I've
learned to kind of let go and just enjoy the ride,
no pun intended, really.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
And speaking of ride, because after all, this is rappaport
to the rescue. It's animal based and the animals we
love and who rescued who, so to speak, you are
an incredible horseman, really an accomplished rider. And let's talk
about all the awards and the honors in the quarter
horse world.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Wow. Well, I owe all that to my father. He's
I call him the Tiger Woods of quarter horses. He's
a very accomplished horse trainer. Judge. So, I grew up
on a courterhorse ranch in Iowa. Was riding before I
could walk. I have my first pony's name was Pepper,
and I got thrown off of Pepper and broke my
collar bone. And you know, I had been riding as
(07:07):
long as I was a lot, so horses have always
been in my blood and I love them. I believe
in them, and I've always tried to support them. But yeah,
I got involved in the showing aspect of it when
I was about seven or eight. I really got competitive
and I won the American quarter Horse Congress, which is
the largest single reach.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
O unbelievable. That's the oscars of the horse world.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
And I was I was doing the small fry western horsemanship.
We just walk in trot. Then I graduated up to
I did a lot of halter showing, and I dabbled
in roping, which now I love roping. I have a
roping cow dummy in my backyard and I go out
there and just do that to relax. But I you know,
I won the aqh YA American Corners US Association. I
(07:53):
won the World Championship a couple times in that, and
I've won the Congress since the Small Fry in eighty seven,
I've won that. I mean, I don't even know ten times.
Maybe I've got a lot of trophies.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
That's amazing.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Most importantly, it was the horse. I mean, as long
as you stay out of their way and let them
do what they're born to do, which I was taught
to do, the horses are the real star.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
That's right. I love how you say the horses are
the real star. Why did you get involved with horses
for Mental Health? Because this is not about showing, it's
not about glory. It's just about paying homage to how
wonderful they are and how they help us so much emotionally.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Well, the reason I really got involved in this is
a story I haven't talked about much in my life,
but I chose to do it. For the first time
with Horses for Mental Health was when I was in
eighth grade, so I believe I was like twelve thirteen.
I woke up one morning and I had had mono
and I was sick, and I went down to the
kitchen table to eat, and I went to put the
(08:50):
spoon to my mouth for cereal, and I literally just
it went like this, and it was the weirdest thing.
I couldn't get my hand to go to my mouth,
even though my brain was telling it too. And I
saw my mom look concerned right away. She took me
to our doctor and I remember, and this is about
the last thing I remember. But he said, I think
I've only read about it. It's very rare. I've never
seen anybody have it. But I think you have this
(09:12):
autoimmium disease called gillam Beret and Gillian barrs kind of
how it looks that spelled out. And he said, we
need to send you to the University of Biba hospital
and they did cat scans and everything, and they found
a big, a big fout in my brain and sure enough,
I had gambret and I went completely paralyzed. I was
I was laid up in a bed for about two
(09:34):
or three months. I believe. I don't remember a lot
of it. And then after that it was kind of
what people told me, and I had to relearn how
to walk and talk again. My speech went really slurred.
I lost all motion in my face and then he
started to droop. And then I do remember coming out
of it a little bit because I got lucky. Most
people don't fully heal from this, a lot of them
(09:54):
to stay paralyzed for life. I had to have a walker,
which was hard. In eighth grade, you know, kids didn't
understand that I got picked on, and it was about
a year to fully recover. And then even after that
for a good I mean all the way through high school.
I remember if I would get too tired or run down,
my speech would get slurred and my fingers would get tingly.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
And what isn't it horses? A horse that helped you.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah, So my mom and dad had an idea to
put me on the back of one of our oldest
mares that was just really great for us. And I
had a gelding as well named Famous Brick, And they
would put me on these horses and just let me
ride around pet them. And really they attribute a lot
of my healing to that. And like I said, I
don't remember a lot of it, but I remember when
(10:41):
I came out of it, I was so connected to
the horses, even more than i'd ever been well.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
And there's the reason you wanted to get involved with
horses for mental health because they are exactly so therapeutic
on so many levels, which is why I'm an ambassador
as well. And you also have a dog. We should
mentioned a dog, dude.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Love, Yeah, Fenn. He's if I open the door right now,
I'll come running in he's He is a large miniature
Australian shepherd. And you know they Australian Shepherds are the best.
We grew up with them on the ranch and they're
great cattle dogs, hurting dogs, but they're amazing, you know,
like my daughter and he are best friends. He protects her.
(11:22):
I mean even if I go to jump at her
like jokingly, like hey come me here, He'll jump up
and like literally get in between us. He's so so protective,
so smart, and they are the best dogs and so
highly recommend if somebody's looking for a good, smart, loyal dog,
Australian shepherds are my pick.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
Yes, but go to a shelter to find one that's right.
That's my message.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
There are plenty that need homes.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
And I know the other great love in your life
is your daughter, Shiloh. Yes, right, and you actually came
up with a device to protect her. I did.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Sometimes the best creations or inventions come from a true,
honest need. And I was taking Shiloh all the time
to zoos and aquariums and parks and things like that,
and I was like, how do I put an air
tag on my child? And everything that was on the
market that I could find was like these bulky keychains
or clothes pins. And so I got with a family
(12:21):
friend and we made it. It's called the Pocket Buddy.
We sell them on Amazon right now. It's comfortable, and
it's breathable, and your air tag is going to be
secure and most importantly discreet.
Speaker 3 (12:32):
It's amazing that you came up with this invention, and
I just wanted to thank you. I know that your
daughter is under the weather today and we're so kind
to take the time out. Oh.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
I just want to thank you for having me, and
I want to thank you for spreading the word on
taking care of animals and looking care and looking after animals.
I think it's a wonderful thing that you're doing. And
I'm a big fan of yours.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
Oh well, listen, You're incredible and I always ask my singers,
sorry to do this to you want to give us
a few bars of one of your favorite.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Songs, and I can't stop thinking about you. I'm on five, No,
I can't stop thinking about you. I'm on five.
Speaker 7 (13:15):
Any other day man, I be okay, birds and nine,
I'm drinking and I can't stop thinking about you.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
Cannot come. Who there you go?
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Wow? And I really believe that was directed right to me,
right it was?
Speaker 4 (13:37):
It was well.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Thank you so much. I wish you and your family
two legs and four legged members the most beautiful, healthy,
wonderful holiday season. And I hope your daughter Shiloh gets
well soon.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Thank you so much. You two happy holidays. It was
great talking see you.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
Thanks for having me on Oh it was my pleasure.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
And you want to stay tuned Riley, because coming up,
I'm on location in New York City with our cat
correspondent Deborah Cribs.
Speaker 7 (14:08):
The stockings have been hung, the presents wrapped and under
the tree, and soon Christmas will be here.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Happy holiday season.
Speaker 7 (14:17):
From pet Life Radio, Let's Talk Pets.
Speaker 3 (14:21):
Let's talk past it, Let's done Pets.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Talk Radio, Headline.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Radio, Petlight Radio dot Com.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
With cat Chat with Deborah Cribbs, founder of the Give
Them ten movement.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
Look who's back all the way from Ohio. My cat
correspondent Deborah Cribbs has joined me here once again at
best Friend's Pet Adoption Center here in Soho. I know
you were so blown away last time. Who's your new friend?
Speaker 5 (14:55):
This is April and April has one eye, April spine.
April's healthy, April's active. She's so friendly. I mean, look
at her, she's just kind of hanging out with us
as you literally just met her minutes matter. And she's
a kitten, right, she's under one year, so she's a
kitten and she is so friendly.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Looking her high. Oh she's loving you. It may has
to go home with a little care package from New York.
Speaker 5 (15:21):
Though. You know what I always say, Jill, My husband says,
no way, I no more. God.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Well, when they love you like this, you really have
the magic touch. And it's so great here and so
great to have you shine a light on this amazing
so so thank you.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
I love it here.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Okay, now I am in front a best Friends Pet
Adoption center here in Soho. Sid Deborah, your first time here,
what were your thoughts and feelings?
Speaker 5 (15:45):
Well, Jill, I've been to a lot of shelters and
I have to say, this is a.
Speaker 8 (15:50):
Really really good one. I've spent time in the lobby
watching the public come in and the way that they're
greeted h and there's been some emotion in the lobby today.
The way that people were helped is really really amazing.
This is a good shelter, really good shelter, and a
really great team from what I can see.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
And a very happy, clean, lovely environment, very very clean.
Speaker 8 (16:15):
I can tell that my nose always nose. And the animals,
you know, I know cats still, and these animals, these
cats are actually happy cats. Now. I believe that they'll
be even happier when they go to their next place,
of course, but these cats are really happy and well
cared for. Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
And we were running a little late today. I have
never met Deborah until today. I was so excited about this.
I feel like it's very symbolic and spiritual that we
met here with this campaign that I'm doing. And I
was doing a big interview with Good Day New York
Uptown and Deborah and her very handsome husband Alex were
sitting in the lobby waiting for me. I felt terrible
(16:55):
about being late, but you are so happy being entertained
you got to see a trance brand new animals being
brought in, and you.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Didn't mind at all.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
You were in heaven.
Speaker 8 (17:04):
Absolutely. It's always interesting to see how shelter in another
area operates. And they didn't know anything about my background,
but they didn't realize that I'm sitting here watching and judging.
But I gotta say, there's nothing bad to say about
this place. There's absolutely no question. The animals are happy,
even the dogs. I can tell these dogs are super happy.
(17:25):
And I was watching dog walker volunteers take the doggies
out to walk on the cold New York streets. They
were so happy.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
And it is a pleasure to be with you in person, Jill.
Of course, I know they are.
Speaker 8 (17:39):
So happy to be here, except that it is super
cold in New York.
Speaker 6 (17:42):
And we should say, if for our listeners all over
the world, if you're hearing all the New York sounds,
the ambiance, all the trucks, Hey, we're in the middle
of Manhattan and soho right we are, and it's about
it feels like fifteen degrees.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
We're freezing. But I wanted to be here with you
after your experience, had best friends standing in front of
this incredible facility and you're getting ready to go back
to Ohio. What was the message? What's the takeaway from
this trip and these animals?
Speaker 7 (18:08):
Wow?
Speaker 8 (18:09):
I think the burden takeaway is that there are people
who are good to animals everywhere, and if we all
just cooperate and collaborate, we will all be better off
and so will the animals.
Speaker 5 (18:23):
That's my takeaway.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Oh that's say, Hey, the best note to end on.
And I'm so happy to finally have met you, Hey.
Speaker 4 (18:32):
My cat correspondent, extraordin their Democrats, And thank you all
for listening to this edition of Rapaport to the Rescue,
and please have the most beautiful, healthy and safe holiday
season and try to open up your heart and.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Home to an animal in need. It will be the
best gift you will ever give yourself.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Let's Talk Pets every week on demand only on pet
Line Radio dot Com MHM
This is his Pet Life Radio. Let's talk Pets.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Rappaport to the Rescue with award winning animal advocate, best
selling author, journalist and pet products creator Jill Rappaport.
Speaker 3 (00:20):
Hi, I'm Joe Rappaport and welcome to Rappaport to the Rescue.
Today we'll be talking with actor, musician, fellow lifelong horse lover,
and Horses for Mental Health ambassador Riley Smith. Riley is
such an interesting guy. He grew up on a courterhorse
farm in Iowa. He's a former American Quarterhorse Youth World Champion,
(00:40):
and he's appeared in over fifty films and television roles
over the years, and recently playing Nancy Drew's dad on
the CWS Nancy Drew. He co starred in HBO's True Blood,
and he played a musician, Marcus Keen on Nashville. He
is a fan favorite, and I bet men any of
you know his role as Dean Tallon in Disney's Motocross
(01:04):
film from two thousand and one. Of course you remember
that his horseback riding skills are legendary. He's the father
of a wonderful darling little girl named Shiloh and a
doggy dad to Finn. We will hear all about his
incredible career when we come back.
Speaker 2 (01:22):
You know the expression cats have nine lives, Well, what
if you can give them one more? The Give Them
Ten movement is on a mission to help give cats
an extra life. How with spee and neoter, Spain or
nootering your cat helps them live a longer, healthier life
and it helps control free roaming cat populations too. Learn
(01:45):
more about the benefits of spee and neoter and meet Scooter,
the neotered cat at Give Them ten dot org. That's
give them ten dot Org.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
Let's talk bets on Petlife Radio dot com.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Welcome back to Rappaport to the Rescue Ajoel Rappaport. You
heard my intro, Riley Smith. I couldn't even believe all
the things you've done, and I said, considering your age,
it's pretty incredible actor, a musician, accomplished horseman. We were
both two of the first ambassadors for horses for mental health,
and you are a star in the quarter horse world,
(02:29):
and of course I have quarter horses, so I loved
you right from the beginning. So great to have you
on the show.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
Riley, Thank you for having me. I mean I guess
your intro just means I'm old, I've been doing it
a long time.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
No, it means you're talented and you're very accomplished, starting
at a very young age.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, you know, well I was. I started right out
of high school. A month after I graduated high school,
I moved to New York and started to give it
a whirl, and then things took off really quickly, and
then now it's been a long journey. I call myself
a journeyman actor entertainer.
Speaker 3 (03:04):
Well, what I love is you're so diversified. A little acting,
a little singing, a little riding. What haven't you done?
Speaker 1 (03:12):
Well, she's a lot that I still want to accomplish.
But you know, it's interesting how one thing kind of
naturally led to the next. You know, honestly, I started
getting acting roles where I got to play a singer,
and then that kind of turned into singing, and then
I did get a lot of acting roles where I
(03:32):
got to ride horses, because only so many actors know
how to ride horses. And it's not good if you
say you know how to and you have no experience.
That can be really dangerous. And so yeah, it was
like it was great how one thing just kind of
led to the other. I call it plinko. You know
the game from Price is Right. You know, you start
with the chip at the top and it bounces around
(03:52):
and you never know where you're gonna end up at
the bottom, if it's a million dollars or bankrupt or
five hundred. But really it's about that journey. That's what
everyone gets excited about when they watch the game, because
once you land at the bottom of the game's over.
So I'm just enjoying those those moves. One moves to
the next, and it moves me to the next, and
you never know where it's going to go.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
And all those moves have been so different from movies,
TV music talk about some of those hit moves that
you've landed.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
I find that you can't really plan out your career.
A lot of people want to plan it out and
I'm going to do this, and then that's going to
do this, And really the biggest blessings come when you
least expect it and it's not planned out. You know,
sometimes you don't even know that it's going to be
the thing that's going to set you off catapult you.
I mean, when I first started off, I got really
(04:40):
lucky with a lot of teen movies.
Speaker 3 (04:42):
And let's talk about those mentioned some of your hits.
Speaker 1 (04:44):
Well, I mean, you know, if you see this helmet
right up here, that's a motocross helmet, that's from a
hit Disney movie called Motocross, which to this day, when
I leave the house every day, no matter ninety five projects,
it's the one thing I get recognized for on a
daily basis, and is crazy to me because when I
did that movie, I was young, and I was just
(05:05):
happy to be doing a movie, and I had no
idea that it was going to be one of those
that people talked about for thirty years twenty five years,
so it'll be talked about forever, which is it's cool
because when you start off in the business, you just
hope that you could do a movie that's going to
impact you know, a generation, let alone your lifetime. And
that was one of those where I was just happy
(05:27):
to have a movie. And now here we are, all
these years later, still talking about it. But I've been lucky.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
You know.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
I did a movie called Radio with Ed Harris and
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Speaker 3 (05:35):
And I remember that movie.
Speaker 5 (05:37):
I loved it.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
Thank you Yeah, that was a big movie based on
a true story that had a really great story behind it,
you know, and a good meaning. And that's one of
those that I'm very proud of and it was just
a powerful message. I will always be very proud of
that and the work that we did in that show.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
And Dennis Quaid, I'm sure you know this is a
very plished horseman. He's in my book. People we know
horses they love, and I bet you had that in common.
You're two very hot.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
Tellus, thank you. Yes, No, I did know that about Dennis.
And Dennis also as a band, plays music, so we
have a lot of parallels there. It's just been one
of those careers that just keeps blowing me to you know,
I don't know where it's going to go, and I've
learned to kind of let go and just enjoy the ride,
no pun intended, really.
Speaker 3 (06:27):
And speaking of ride, because after all, this is rappaport
to the rescue. It's animal based and the animals we
love and who rescued who, so to speak, you are
an incredible horseman, really an accomplished rider. And let's talk
about all the awards and the honors in the quarter
horse world.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
Wow. Well, I owe all that to my father. He's
I call him the Tiger Woods of quarter horses. He's
a very accomplished horse trainer. Judge. So, I grew up
on a courterhorse ranch in Iowa. Was riding before I
could walk. I have my first pony's name was Pepper,
and I got thrown off of Pepper and broke my
collar bone. And you know, I had been riding as
(07:07):
long as I was a lot, so horses have always
been in my blood and I love them. I believe
in them, and I've always tried to support them. But yeah,
I got involved in the showing aspect of it when
I was about seven or eight. I really got competitive
and I won the American quarter Horse Congress, which is
the largest single reach.
Speaker 3 (07:26):
O unbelievable. That's the oscars of the horse world.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
And I was I was doing the small fry western horsemanship.
We just walk in trot. Then I graduated up to
I did a lot of halter showing, and I dabbled
in roping, which now I love roping. I have a
roping cow dummy in my backyard and I go out
there and just do that to relax. But I you know,
I won the aqh YA American Corners US Association. I
(07:53):
won the World Championship a couple times in that, and
I've won the Congress since the Small Fry in eighty seven,
I've won that. I mean, I don't even know ten times.
Maybe I've got a lot of trophies.
Speaker 3 (08:03):
That's amazing.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Most importantly, it was the horse. I mean, as long
as you stay out of their way and let them
do what they're born to do, which I was taught
to do, the horses are the real star.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
That's right. I love how you say the horses are
the real star. Why did you get involved with horses
for Mental Health? Because this is not about showing, it's
not about glory. It's just about paying homage to how
wonderful they are and how they help us so much emotionally.
Speaker 6 (08:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Well, the reason I really got involved in this is
a story I haven't talked about much in my life,
but I chose to do it. For the first time
with Horses for Mental Health was when I was in
eighth grade, so I believe I was like twelve thirteen.
I woke up one morning and I had had mono
and I was sick, and I went down to the
kitchen table to eat, and I went to put the
(08:50):
spoon to my mouth for cereal, and I literally just
it went like this, and it was the weirdest thing.
I couldn't get my hand to go to my mouth,
even though my brain was telling it too. And I
saw my mom look concerned right away. She took me
to our doctor and I remember, and this is about
the last thing I remember. But he said, I think
I've only read about it. It's very rare. I've never
seen anybody have it. But I think you have this
(09:12):
autoimmium disease called gillam Beret and Gillian barrs kind of
how it looks that spelled out. And he said, we
need to send you to the University of Biba hospital
and they did cat scans and everything, and they found
a big, a big fout in my brain and sure enough,
I had gambret and I went completely paralyzed. I was
I was laid up in a bed for about two
(09:34):
or three months. I believe. I don't remember a lot
of it. And then after that it was kind of
what people told me, and I had to relearn how
to walk and talk again. My speech went really slurred.
I lost all motion in my face and then he
started to droop. And then I do remember coming out
of it a little bit because I got lucky. Most
people don't fully heal from this, a lot of them
(09:54):
to stay paralyzed for life. I had to have a walker,
which was hard. In eighth grade, you know, kids didn't
understand that I got picked on, and it was about
a year to fully recover. And then even after that
for a good I mean all the way through high school.
I remember if I would get too tired or run down,
my speech would get slurred and my fingers would get tingly.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
And what isn't it horses? A horse that helped you.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Yeah, So my mom and dad had an idea to
put me on the back of one of our oldest
mares that was just really great for us. And I
had a gelding as well named Famous Brick, And they
would put me on these horses and just let me
ride around pet them. And really they attribute a lot
of my healing to that. And like I said, I
don't remember a lot of it, but I remember when
(10:41):
I came out of it, I was so connected to
the horses, even more than i'd ever been well.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
And there's the reason you wanted to get involved with
horses for mental health because they are exactly so therapeutic
on so many levels, which is why I'm an ambassador
as well. And you also have a dog. We should
mentioned a dog, dude.
Speaker 1 (11:01):
Love, Yeah, Fenn. He's if I open the door right now,
I'll come running in he's He is a large miniature
Australian shepherd. And you know they Australian Shepherds are the best.
We grew up with them on the ranch and they're
great cattle dogs, hurting dogs, but they're amazing, you know,
like my daughter and he are best friends. He protects her.
(11:22):
I mean even if I go to jump at her
like jokingly, like hey come me here, He'll jump up
and like literally get in between us. He's so so protective,
so smart, and they are the best dogs and so
highly recommend if somebody's looking for a good, smart, loyal dog,
Australian shepherds are my pick.
Speaker 3 (11:42):
Yes, but go to a shelter to find one that's right.
That's my message.
Speaker 1 (11:47):
There are plenty that need homes.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
And I know the other great love in your life
is your daughter, Shiloh. Yes, right, and you actually came
up with a device to protect her. I did.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Sometimes the best creations or inventions come from a true,
honest need. And I was taking Shiloh all the time
to zoos and aquariums and parks and things like that,
and I was like, how do I put an air
tag on my child? And everything that was on the
market that I could find was like these bulky keychains
or clothes pins. And so I got with a family
(12:21):
friend and we made it. It's called the Pocket Buddy.
We sell them on Amazon right now. It's comfortable, and
it's breathable, and your air tag is going to be
secure and most importantly discreet.
Speaker 3 (12:32):
It's amazing that you came up with this invention, and
I just wanted to thank you. I know that your
daughter is under the weather today and we're so kind
to take the time out. Oh.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
I just want to thank you for having me, and
I want to thank you for spreading the word on
taking care of animals and looking care and looking after animals.
I think it's a wonderful thing that you're doing. And
I'm a big fan of yours.
Speaker 3 (12:52):
Oh well, listen, You're incredible and I always ask my singers,
sorry to do this to you want to give us
a few bars of one of your favorite.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Songs, and I can't stop thinking about you. I'm on five, No,
I can't stop thinking about you. I'm on five.
Speaker 7 (13:15):
Any other day man, I be okay, birds and nine,
I'm drinking and I can't stop thinking about you.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
Cannot come. Who there you go?
Speaker 3 (13:31):
Wow? And I really believe that was directed right to me,
right it was?
Speaker 4 (13:37):
It was well.
Speaker 3 (13:38):
Thank you so much. I wish you and your family
two legs and four legged members the most beautiful, healthy,
wonderful holiday season. And I hope your daughter Shiloh gets
well soon.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Thank you so much. You two happy holidays. It was
great talking see you.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
Thanks for having me on Oh it was my pleasure.
Speaker 4 (13:56):
And you want to stay tuned Riley, because coming up,
I'm on location in New York City with our cat
correspondent Deborah Cribs.
Speaker 7 (14:08):
The stockings have been hung, the presents wrapped and under
the tree, and soon Christmas will be here.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Happy holiday season.
Speaker 7 (14:17):
From pet Life Radio, Let's Talk Pets.
Speaker 3 (14:21):
Let's talk past it, Let's done Pets.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Talk Radio, Headline.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Radio, Petlight Radio dot Com.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
With cat Chat with Deborah Cribbs, founder of the Give
Them ten movement.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
Look who's back all the way from Ohio. My cat
correspondent Deborah Cribbs has joined me here once again at
best Friend's Pet Adoption Center here in Soho. I know
you were so blown away last time. Who's your new friend?
Speaker 5 (14:55):
This is April and April has one eye, April spine.
April's healthy, April's active. She's so friendly. I mean, look
at her, she's just kind of hanging out with us
as you literally just met her minutes matter. And she's
a kitten, right, she's under one year, so she's a
kitten and she is so friendly.
Speaker 3 (15:15):
Looking her high. Oh she's loving you. It may has
to go home with a little care package from New York.
Speaker 5 (15:21):
Though. You know what I always say, Jill, My husband says,
no way, I no more. God.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Well, when they love you like this, you really have
the magic touch. And it's so great here and so
great to have you shine a light on this amazing
so so thank you.
Speaker 5 (15:34):
I love it here.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Okay, now I am in front a best Friends Pet
Adoption center here in Soho. Sid Deborah, your first time here,
what were your thoughts and feelings?
Speaker 5 (15:45):
Well, Jill, I've been to a lot of shelters and
I have to say, this is a.
Speaker 8 (15:50):
Really really good one. I've spent time in the lobby
watching the public come in and the way that they're
greeted h and there's been some emotion in the lobby today.
The way that people were helped is really really amazing.
This is a good shelter, really good shelter, and a
really great team from what I can see.
Speaker 3 (16:10):
And a very happy, clean, lovely environment, very very clean.
Speaker 8 (16:15):
I can tell that my nose always nose. And the animals,
you know, I know cats still, and these animals, these
cats are actually happy cats. Now. I believe that they'll
be even happier when they go to their next place,
of course, but these cats are really happy and well
cared for. Absolutely.
Speaker 3 (16:34):
And we were running a little late today. I have
never met Deborah until today. I was so excited about this.
I feel like it's very symbolic and spiritual that we
met here with this campaign that I'm doing. And I
was doing a big interview with Good Day New York
Uptown and Deborah and her very handsome husband Alex were
sitting in the lobby waiting for me. I felt terrible
(16:55):
about being late, but you are so happy being entertained
you got to see a trance brand new animals being
brought in, and you.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
Didn't mind at all.
Speaker 3 (17:03):
You were in heaven.
Speaker 8 (17:04):
Absolutely. It's always interesting to see how shelter in another
area operates. And they didn't know anything about my background,
but they didn't realize that I'm sitting here watching and judging.
But I gotta say, there's nothing bad to say about
this place. There's absolutely no question. The animals are happy,
even the dogs. I can tell these dogs are super happy.
(17:25):
And I was watching dog walker volunteers take the doggies
out to walk on the cold New York streets. They
were so happy.
Speaker 5 (17:33):
And it is a pleasure to be with you in person, Jill.
Of course, I know they are.
Speaker 8 (17:39):
So happy to be here, except that it is super
cold in New York.
Speaker 6 (17:42):
And we should say, if for our listeners all over
the world, if you're hearing all the New York sounds,
the ambiance, all the trucks, Hey, we're in the middle
of Manhattan and soho right we are, and it's about
it feels like fifteen degrees.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
We're freezing. But I wanted to be here with you
after your experience, had best friends standing in front of
this incredible facility and you're getting ready to go back
to Ohio. What was the message? What's the takeaway from
this trip and these animals?
Speaker 7 (18:08):
Wow?
Speaker 8 (18:09):
I think the burden takeaway is that there are people
who are good to animals everywhere, and if we all
just cooperate and collaborate, we will all be better off
and so will the animals.
Speaker 5 (18:23):
That's my takeaway.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
Oh that's say, Hey, the best note to end on.
And I'm so happy to finally have met you, Hey.
Speaker 4 (18:32):
My cat correspondent, extraordin their Democrats, And thank you all
for listening to this edition of Rapaport to the Rescue,
and please have the most beautiful, healthy and safe holiday
season and try to open up your heart and.
Speaker 3 (18:48):
Home to an animal in need. It will be the
best gift you will ever give yourself.
Speaker 2 (18:55):
Let's Talk Pets every week on demand only on pet
Line Radio dot Com MHM
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