Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Christine Koeppen - is a native Coloradan, mother, barrel racer, hunter, and a strong advocate for protecting the Western way of life she was raised in and now passes on. She has dedicated her life, education, and career to agriculture and conservation, firmly believing that the two must flourish together. Her roots are in horses. She came up in the barrel racing world, where she developed grit, timing, and a deep understanding of partnership in the arena—lessons that carried into every aspect of her life. That foundation shaped her perspective on animals, land, and work ethic. She eventually made her way to Texas on the back of a barrel horse, where she was first introduced to hounds. In them, she recognized the same spark she had seen in a young colt learning to follow a cow or turn a barrel. Just as a good horse comes alive when asked to do what it was born to do, hounds come alive when released on a fresh track. For her, running hounds is not about the kill—it is about the challenge, conservation, and the bond between dog, handler, and rugged country. It is also where she has learned some of her most meaningful and hard-earned lessons, alongside her family. Professionally, Christine serves as a veteran Account Manager for The Fence Post and Equine Brand Manager for Cowgirl Magazine. In these roles, she partners with brands, producers, and horsemen to elevate the voices of agriculture and the equine industry. Her work is grounded in supporting the people, businesses, and traditions that sustain this way of life. She and her family are building a life their boys can carry forward—one rooted in hard work, stewardship, and respect for tradition. In 2024, she joined Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management in the effort to protect science-based wildlife management in Colorado, reflecting her belief that conservation requires active participation. This life is part of her legacy, and she stands for it without hesitation.
Find out more here
themountainsidepodcast.com
🔻Watch more of The Mountain Side Podcast Episodes here 🔻
youtube.com/watch?v=lb1jkuZfXuo&list=PLUVu632r4xm5lsI8x7BVdmpTQdQn7FHy0
Important Links
thefencepost.com
cowgirlmagazine.com
cotwoutdoors.com
savethehuntcolorado.com
Sponsor Links:
UNCHARTEDSUPPLYCO.com ➡️ alnk.to/3U4yO7W 🔗
Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS10 to receive 10%off UNCHARTED SUPPLY products!
SABObroadheads.com
Mountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!
00:00 Meet Christine Koeppen
01:00 Podcast Growth and Purpose
02:04 Security and Public Threats
08:10 Bots and Manufactured Outrage
13:24 Wildlife Commission Frustrations
20:05 Ranch Life vs City Politics
24:12 Rodeo Roots and Texas Move
28:39 Barrel Racing Career Path
31:02 Hounds and Hunting Lifestyle
34:19 Working Dogs and Vet World
36:39 Heeler Needs and Bond
37:00 Male vs Female Heeler Traits
37:17 Velcro Dog Rip Story
38:23 COVID Pup and Training
39:13 Toy Control Off Leash
40:12 Heeler Protection Instincts
41:19 Intact Dogs and Loyalty
42:16 Vet Trauma and Nipping
43:12 Heeler Bite Reputation
45:34 Mischief and Destruction
48:14 Rip Name and Yellowstone
49:37 Western Culture Posers
51:43 Yellowstone Boosts Industry
54:28 Hounds Working vs House
55:32 Hounds and Hairless Cat
58:19 Treeing Lions With Hounds
01:01:07 Purpose for Animals and People
01:02:19 Outdoor Therapy and VA
01:04:07 Motivation and Gratitude
01:10:11 Faith and Perspective Shift
01:12:27 Life Shifts and Gratitude
01:13:03 Podcast Lessons in Humility
01:13:46 Everyone Has a Savage Side
01:15:14 Faith Perspective and New Circles
01:15:58 Why Long Form Matters
01:18:40 Chasing Views and Viral Clips
01:22:17 Charlie Kirk Wake Up Call
01:31:32 Truth Seeking and Fact Checking
01:36:01 Social Media Pullback
01:38:35 Kids Today and Bullying Online
01:43:39 School Shooting and Parenting
01:49:51 Hunting Respect and Misconceptions
01:51:05 Wolf Hunting Outrage
01:51:50 Wolves In Crowded Colorado
01:53:04 Myth Of True Wilderness
01:54:32 Reintroduction And Mortality
01:56:26 Truth In The Internet Age
01:59:16 Faith And Raising Kids
02:00:24 YouTube And Dark Rabbit Holes
02:03:53 Grace And Cutting Negativity
02:07:06 How She Started Hunting
02:13:20 Suicide Prevention Resources
02:17:32 Community And Real Friendship
02:22:00 CRWM Updates And Plugs
02:24:58 Final Thanks And Signoff
Christine Koeppen - is a native Coloradan, mother, barrel racer, hunter, and a strong advocate for protecting the Western way of life she was raised in and now passes on. She has dedicated her life, education, and career to agriculture and conservation, firmly believing that the two must flourish together. Her roots are in horses. She came up in the barrel racing world, where she developed grit, timing, and a deep understanding of partnership in the arena—lessons that carried into every aspect of her life. That foundation shaped her perspective on animals, land, and work ethic. She eventually made her way to Texas on the back of a barrel horse, where she was first introduced to hounds. In them, she recognized the same spark she had seen in a young colt learning to follow a cow or turn a barrel. Just as a good horse comes alive when asked to do what it was born to do, hounds come alive when released on a fresh track. For her, running hounds is not about the kill—it is about the challenge, conservation, and the bond between dog, handler, and rugged country. It is also where she has learned some of her most meaningful and hard-earned lessons, alongside her family. Professionally, Christine serves as a veteran Account Manager for The Fence Post and Equine Brand Manager for Cowgirl Magazine. In these roles, she partners with brands, producers, and horsemen to elevate the voices of agriculture and the equine industry. Her work is grounded in supporting the people, businesses, and traditions that sustain this way of life. She and her family are building a life their boys can carry forward—one rooted in hard work, stewardship, and respect for tradition. In 2024, she joined Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management in the effort to protect science-based wildlife management in Colorado, reflecting her belief that conservation requires active participation. This life is part of her legacy, and she stands for it without hesitation.
Find out more here
themountainsidepodcast.com
🔻Watch more of The Mountain Side Podcast Episodes here 🔻
youtube.com/watch?v=lb1jkuZfXuo&list=PLUVu632r4xm5lsI8x7BVdmpTQdQn7FHy0
Important Links
thefencepost.com
cowgirlmagazine.com
cotwoutdoors.com
savethehuntcolorado.com
Sponsor Links:
UNCHARTEDSUPPLYCO.com ➡️ alnk.to/3U4yO7W 🔗
Mountain Side listeners use Discount code TMS10 to receive 10%off UNCHARTED SUPPLY products!
SABObroadheads.com
Mountain Side listeners receive $10 off & Free Shipping on all SABO Broadheads!
00:00 Meet Christine Koeppen
01:00 Podcast Growth and Purpose
02:04 Security and Public Threats
08:10 Bots and Manufactured Outrage
13:24 Wildlife Commission Frustrations
20:05 Ranch Life vs City Politics
24:12 Rodeo Roots and Texas Move
28:39 Barrel Racing Career Path
31:02 Hounds and Hunting Lifestyle
34:19 Working Dogs and Vet World
36:39 Heeler Needs and Bond
37:00 Male vs Female Heeler Traits
37:17 Velcro Dog Rip Story
38:23 COVID Pup and Training
39:13 Toy Control Off Leash
40:12 Heeler Protection Instincts
41:19 Intact Dogs and Loyalty
42:16 Vet Trauma and Nipping
43:12 Heeler Bite Reputation
45:34 Mischief and Destruction
48:14 Rip Name and Yellowstone
49:37 Western Culture Posers
51:43 Yellowstone Boosts Industry
54:28 Hounds Working vs House
55:32 Hounds and Hairless Cat
58:19 Treeing Lions With Hounds
01:01:07 Purpose for Animals and People
01:02:19 Outdoor Therapy and VA
01:04:07 Motivation and Gratitude
01:10:11 Faith and Perspective Shift
01:12:27 Life Shifts and Gratitude
01:13:03 Podcast Lessons in Humility
01:13:46 Everyone Has a Savage Side
01:15:14 Faith Perspective and New Circles
01:15:58 Why Long Form Matters
01:18:40 Chasing Views and Viral Clips
01:22:17 Charlie Kirk Wake Up Call
01:31:32 Truth Seeking and Fact Checking
01:36:01 Social Media Pullback
01:38:35 Kids Today and Bullying Online
01:43:39 School Shooting and Parenting
01:49:51 Hunting Respect and Misconceptions
01:51:05 Wolf Hunting Outrage
01:51:50 Wolves In Crowded Colorado
01:53:04 Myth Of True Wilderness
01:54:32 Reintroduction And Mortality
01:56:26 Truth In The Internet Age
01:59:16 Faith And Raising Kids
02:00:24 YouTube And Dark Rabbit Holes
02:03:53 Grace And Cutting Negativity
02:07:06 How She Started Hunting
02:13:20 Suicide Prevention Resources
02:17:32 Community And Real Friendship
02:22:00 CRWM Updates And Plugs
02:24:58 Final Thanks And Signoff
