Mane Character Energy is a podcast where horse girls tackle life with laughs, life lessons, and plenty of barnyard chaos. Hosted by self-proclaimed horse girls, Shelby and Dani, we dive into everything from dating disasters and self-care fails to equestrian antics. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just here for the jokes, we’ll make you feel like the main character of your own life—while sharing the wild ride of life, love, and horses!
The hosts discuss Clinton Anderson memes, politicians, and billionaires in a wide-ranging conversation after a hiatus.
18 Jun 2025
Beyond the Barn: Building Identity Outside the Horse World
Hosts DANI and SHELBY discuss the importance of equestrians developing identities and interests outside of the horse world, addressing burnout and embracing new hobbies in this interview.
7 May 2025
Hot Takes & Hard Truths: Season 1 Finale
In the finale of this 1st season of Mane Character Energy, your favorite horse girls, Shelby and Dani, get real about the wild ride that was this year. We’re reflecting on the biggest challenges we've faced—personally, politically, and emotionally—and the lessons we've taken away from them. From navigating the current political climate to redefining what we want in love, we’re unpacking it all. Shelby opens up about her new relationship and the healing power of being shown up for, while Dani teases a new crush who might just be the greenest of flags. Plus, we talk friendship, boundary-setting, and what it means to grow into the main character of your own story—no matter how messy the trail gets. Saddle up for a heartfelt, honest, and unfiltered finale.
Season 2 will start June 18th!
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30 Apr 2025
Hay Checks & Hustles: How We Afford the Horse Life
Ever wonder how horse girls actually afford the horse girl life? In this episode of Mane Character Energy, Shelby and Dani spill the tea on what it really takes to balance budgets with barn time. From ridiculous horse-related expenses we’ve shamelessly justified to the laundry list of jobs we’ve worked just to keep hooves happy, we’re breaking down our current careers, past side hustles, and the real cost of keeping this equestrian dream alive. Expect honest confessions, plenty of laughs, and maybe a few “I can’t believe I did that just for board” moments.
We’re also chatting about how we (sort of) budget, what we splurge on, and what we’ve sacrificed along the way—because let’s be real, horses aren’t cheap. Plus, we share tips for aspiring horse girls trying to make it all work on a tight budget and wrap things up with a fun “If I Won the Lottery” segment featuring our dream horse jobs. Whether you’re hustling for hay money or just curious how the saddle-obsessed make ends meet, this one’s for you.
20 Apr 2025
Pony Tails & Happy Trails: A 4/20 Equestrian Special
In this 4/20-themed bonus episode of Mane Character Energy, Shelby and Dani trade in Easter eggs for edibles and ask the big questions like: If you could hotbox anywhere, where would it be? and Would you still break out the bagel bites even after watching an empty plate in the microwave for nearly 2 minutes?
Things get more horse girl-coded as Shelby & Dani ponder which horse would be the most paranoid if they got high, recounting their horses' most baked-sounding sober behavior, and hypothetically choosing between riding a reining pattern or jumping a full course while a little “elevated.” The duo also debates which equestrian sport was clearly invented under the influence.
It’s a 4/20 special filled with giggles, barnyard mayhem, Dani briefly going non-verbal, and high-flying horse girl energy.
16 Apr 2025
Piaffes & Sliding Stops: Western Vs English
"Which is better, Western or English?" The age old question that surprisingly didn't have more fist fights given how **passionate** people can be about defending their preferred discipline(s).
Join Shelby and Dani as they discuss their respective disciplines, what drew them in to their sports, similar/different challenges they've both faced, have a light hearted Western vs English debate, and their serious thoughts on the Western vs English debate.
If the above list makes you think this episode sounds very organized: don't worry, it's not! Shelby and Dani go on plenty of side quests including but not limited to: tariffs, Shelby and Dani's travel plans getting kerblammied, a hot pot incident, and more!
Thank you for tuning in, we appreciate all of your support!
Have suggestions for topics or suggestions in general for the the pod? Email us at the.mce.pod@gmail.com
9 Apr 2025
We Need To Talk About Horse Tumblr
In this week’s episode, Dani and Shelby reminisce on their origin story of their friendship: Horse Tumblr, where it all began.
Tune in for a real look at the world of online equestrian drama; the good, the bad and the ugly.
The girls discuss major influences from the past, such as the era of George Morris worship and his subsequent downfall, English vs Western debate, elitism in horse sport and how it manifested in their youth and more.
This is an honest and in depth episode that discusses the nuances of online interactions and how it helped shape their perspectives of horses, in both positive and negative ways.
Submit Listener Stories:
Email: the.mce.pod@gmail.com
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Support the podcast:
Subscribe to Patreon (https://Patreon.com/sdequus)
2 Apr 2025
Survival Guide to Barn Drama: We’ve Seen A Thing Or Two
In this episode, Shelby and Dani dive into the world of barn drama! From passive-aggressive arena wars to the never-ending gossip, we’re exploring the social dynamics that make barns feel like high school—just with more expensive accessories.
Join us as they share personal stories from their teenage years in the show horse world, reflecting on barn politics, power struggles, and how the unspoken rules of the arena often lead to drama..
The girls also dive into practical tips for handling conflict and setting boundaries without becoming part of the gossip mill. With some hilarious and relatable stories along the way, listen in to hear them navigate the complexities of barn life and offer advice on staying unbothered while keeping your focus on your own goals. Whether you're dealing with drama or just trying to avoid it, this episode is packed with survival strategies and laughs. Tune in for all the drama (and a few lessons on how to rise above it)!
26 Mar 2025
Horse Girl Confessions: Embarrassing Moments & Learning To Laugh It Off
Ever galloped through the school hallways or leaped over couch cushions pretending to be a show jumper? This episode is a full confession session of our most embarrassing moments as horse girls and just as humans in general—from embarrassing riding fails to the “training methods” that only made sense in our childhood brains.
We’re talking about imaginary dressage tests and the tragic realization that not every pony was our soulmate and them promptly reminding us of the fact that they were not and would like to keep it that way. We’re exposing our dramatic dismounts, and how being a horse girl made us fearless (or at least immune to embarrassment).
Join us as we relive all the quirks in our horse girl worlds that kept us up at night for at least 2 or 3 hours wondering why we did all that 11 years ago! Were we cringe? Yes! But do we have any regrets? Also yes!
19 Mar 2025
Galloping into Gratitude — Finding Joy Even When Life Bucks You Off
Life—much like riding—has a way of throwing us off course when we least expect it. In this episode, Shelby and Dani explore how to navigate setbacks, hardships, and mistakes, both in and out of the barn. Through personal insights and two powerful listener stories, they discuss the importance of setting boundaries, knowing when to move forward, and finding gratitude even in the toughest moments. Whether you're dusting yourself off after a tough ride or a life challenge, this episode is a reminder that joy is still within reach—sometimes, you just have to adjust your reins and keep going. Saddle up and join us for an honest, heartfelt conversation about resilience, growth, and choosing what’s best for youCheck out our other pages:
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13 Mar 2025
A Game of Would You Rather: The Trolley Problem & Silly Little Horse Girl Funds
Trigger Warning: Brief mentions of Death and Suicide
In this episode of Mane Character Energy, Shelby and Dani play a game of Would You Rather, with prompts ranging from dating disasters, equestrian shenanigans, and the age old question of if you prefer to be haunted by the ghost of a Victorian child moving your furniture a little so you're constantly stubbing your toe or being followed by a trench-coat wearing straggler that aggressively whispers "you dropped this" every time you drop something (you know, the important questions in life).
Join the gorls and laugh as they break down the toughest (and strangest) choices. Tune in and play along - you might just learn something about yourself!
5 Mar 2025
Saddle Up Nostalgia: Growing Up As A 90s/2000s Horse Girl
Dust off your Breyer horses, log back into your long-lost Horse Isle account, and prepare for a gallop down memory lane—because this episode is all about the experience of growing up as a horse girl in the 90s and early 2000s. 🐎✨
From dramatic Breyer horse plotlines (prison sentences were handed out, crimes were punished, justice was served) to unrealistic horse movie dreams (why did we all think we’d tame a wild stallion that only we could ride?), we’re diving headfirst into the most iconic, embarrassing, and downright unhinged parts of our childhood obsessions.
26 Feb 2025
Muck Boots & Mental Health: How Horses Help (and Sometimes Hinder) Self-Care
In this episode, we’re exploring how animals—especially horses—can be a huge support in our self-care and mental health journey, helping us manage burnout, insecurities, and the overwhelming stress of everyday life. Horses, with their emotional sensitivity and ability to ground us, can be powerful allies in our mental wellness. But, just like any other responsibility, caring for them can sometimes add its own set of stressors, from barn drama and peer pressure to the weight of expectations and the demands of horse care.
We’ll also dive into how, in addition to the support our animals provide, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and mental health on our own. Sometimes, we need to step away from the barn, take a breather, and focus on nurturing ourselves outside of the animal world. We’ll share our personal experiences of finding balance between the joy animals bring us and the moments when life’s stressors—both in the barn and beyond—can weigh us down.
Whether it’s navigating burnout, managing the pressures of the equestrian world, or finding ways to care for our mental health without relying on animals, this episode is all about learning to take care of ourselves in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming
. So, if you’re an animal lover or just looking for real talk on how to manage life’s stress and find balance, this episode is for you.
Support the podcast:
Subscribe to Patreon (patreon.com/manecharacterenergypodcast)
Follow Us On Insta (instagram.com/manecharacterenergypod)
19 Feb 2025
Rein It In: Establishing Boundaries Like A Boss Mare
In this episode, we dive into the powerful art of setting boundaries in and out of the barn. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just starting your journey, or even if you don't ride horses at all, boundaries are key to maintaining balance, protecting your energy, and fostering healthy relationships with both your horses and the humans around you. Join us as we discuss practical tips for establishing clear limits, saying "no" when it matters, and ensuring your well-being is always a priority, while also being considerate of the well-being of people and animals around us. Tune in for actionable advice and empowering insights on how to master the balance of being an assertive person in every aspect of your life.
Let’s take charge of our spaces—one step at a time!
12 Feb 2025
Saying "Neigh" To The Wrong Partner: Horse Girl Stereotypes & Dating
In this Valentine's Day Special, your favourite horse girl hosts discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of online dating. From mismatched profiles to cringe-worthy conversations, we will discuss ALL of the hilarious moments that come with navigating modern dating... especially as a horse girl... because, let's be real, you KNOW the comments that people make about us...
Join us in sharing our funniest dating stories, talk about the struggles of the "wrong" relationships and how to avoid making the same mistake, all while travelling throughout the journey of seeking self love and finding the way to laugh all the way through it.
Whether you're actively dating, in a relationship or just living your best single life, we are sure this will provide some amazing comedic relief for you.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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