I Quit College to Learn From Horse Legends #12

Frank Merrill's Incredible Journey of quitting college to learn everything he could from Horse Legends. What would make someone walk away from college with only two semesters left? For Frank Merrill, the answer was simple: he wanted an education that couldn't be found in a classroom. In this episode of The 817 Podcast, Frank shares the story of chasing a dream, buying the legendary mare Miss Jim 45, and learning directly from some of the most respected horsemen in Quarter Horse history. From his first horse at five years old to building Winward Stud and eventually serving as President of AQHA, Frank reveals the lessons, risks, relationships, and life-changing decisions that shaped his remarkable career in the horse industry. This is a masterclass in horsemanship, mentorship, leadership, and following a vision when everyone else thinks you're crazy. 🐴 You'll also hear: • The story behind paying $25,000 for a horse when that was almost unheard of • How Miss Jim 45 became one of the most legendary mares in Quarter Horse history • Why mentorship mattered more than formal education • The lesson that helped build Winward Stud • The importance of putting the horse first in every decision • Stories from the golden era of the Quarter Horse industry Subscribe to The 817 Podcast for more conversations with ranchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and the people preserving the traditions that built Texas and the American West. #QuarterHorses #HorseIndustry #Ranching