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Workshop Speakers

Clinicians

Brandee Bratton

Horsewoman, competitor, and the mind behind The Edge Method™. She sold her horses in 2000 and dove headfirst into the world of elite athletics — coaching triathletes, physique competitors, and world-class lifters. She didn’t just play in the gym ... she dominated it, earning pro titles, national + world records, and the nickname “The Muscle Mender” for her ability to fix movement, rebuild strength, and push athletes past their limits. Now? She’s back in the saddle ... and she’s rewriting what horsemanship looks like. No recycled drills. No “good-enough” mindset. Just science-backed strategy + western backbone, fused into one system that actually works. Learn about the Equestrian Edge Horsemanship and The Edge Method.
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SCHEDULE

Friday January 23rd

10:30am Maner Conference Workshop (Bison) Room: The Edge Performance, Connection & Recovery-The fundamentals of the system


Saturday January 24th

10:30am Maner Conference Workshop (Shawnee) Ballroom: The Edge Performance, Connection & Recovery-The fundamentals of the system


Sunday January 25th

11:30am Maner Conference Workshop (Shawnee) Ballroom: The Edge Performance, Connection & Recovery-The fundamentals of the system

Clinicians

Coffee Talk

Join Ron McDaniel in Maner Conference Room for Coffee Talk, a casual but entertaining exchange with special guests.
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TBA

Clinicians

Daniel Dauphin

Daniel Dauphin: Horsemanship/Podcaster: Adult Onset Horsemanship & The Bit Course: Understanding Why & How Bits Function. Raised in Louisiana, Daniel had a passion for horses from an early age. Daniel spent about 6 years, in total, apprenticing under 3 different Cutting Horse trainers and to date has started horses amassing winnings of well over $1 million in cutting including finalists in major aged events, and the only horse from Louisiana to ever make the NCHA World Championship Futurity Finals. Daniel passionately uses his knowledge and experience to help others become safer, smarter, and more comfortable and confident in their own horsemanship. He has worked with worked with many different breeds and riders of all ages & disciplines, from beginners to college equine behavior and training classes, to world champs, and even continuing education for pros at large lesson barns. Daniel spent 3 years making a 5-and-a-half-hour video on bits and bitting. It has been very well received and is used as a teaching tool in over 25 Equine Sciences/Studies programs in various US universities.
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SCHEDULE

Friday January 23rd

3;00pm Maner Conference Workshop (Bison) Room: The Bit Course Overview

Clinicians

Kansas Thoroughbred Association

1) Q&A on how to become an Owner or Breeder of a KS Bred racehorse.
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SCHEDULE

Friday January 23rd

1:00pm Maner Conference Workshop (Bison) Room:   Q&A on how to become an Owner or Breeder of a KS Bred racehorse


Saturday January 24th

12:00pm Legendary RACING Horsemen Panel

2:00pm Maner Conference Workshop [Sunflower) Room: Meet a Jockey, Alex Birzer 


Sunday January 25th

1:00pm  Maner Conference Workshop [Sunflower) Room: OTTB, learn about meaningful second careers for ex racehorses, from trainers perspectives

Clinicians

Legendary RACING Horsemen's Panel

Catch unforgettable stories from Mine That Bird owners Mark & Tawnya Allen, alongside Keith Crupper, the bloodstock agent who sold Bird to Mark—and maybe even jockey Calvin Borel, who rode Bird to victory in the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Plus, hear from Joe Merrick of the legendary AQHA Merrick family, owners of Hall of Famer Easy Jet, as he shares amazing recollections and behind‑the‑scenes tales. This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime discussion you won’t want to miss! Discussion generously arranged by the Kansas Thoroughbred Association.
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SCHEDULE

Saturday January 24th 

12:00pm Legendary RACING Horsemen Panel


Peach Madl, Kansas Thoroughbred Association Executive Director: Host


Eric Hamelback, CEO of National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association: Discussion Facilitator


Mark & Tawnya Allen, the proud owners of 'Mine That Bird', a thoroughbred horse that won the 2009 Kentucky Derby at odds of 50-1. The horse's remarkable victory has been celebrated by fans and has even been the subject of a movie titled '50 – 1'. 


More about Mine That Bird:  The 2009 Kentucky Derby winner, followed his stunning upset victory with a runner-up finish in the Preakness Stakes behind Rachel Alexandra and a third-place showing in the Belmont Stakes. Trained later by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, he retired as a 4-year-old and spent most of his post-racing years at Double Eagle Ranch in New Mexico, where he became a beloved attraction for fans and tourists. Briefly serving as the Kentucky Derby Museum’s resident Thoroughbred in 2013, he has remained close to his owners, continuing to embody the spirit and resilience that made him a racing legend.


Keith Crupper, Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC, Paris, KY, bloodstock agent who introduced Mark to Bird. The Crupper family has a long family history of enjoying pedigreed horses and racing.


Joe & Sherry Merrick, Joe Merrick, of Sayre, Oklahoma, is the youngest son of legendary quarter horse breeder Walter Merrick, whose innovations produced Hall of Fame horses like Easy Jet and reshaped the American Quarter Horse industry. Carrying forward that legacy, Joe has built his own reputation as a horseman, trainer, and adventurer, bringing both quarter horses and thoroughbreds to tracks such as Canterbury Downs since 1986, and contributing to the Professional Bull Riders Association by helping establish its bull registry. 


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