Snap Judgment Free Reign - Tooth & Claw
Jan 29, 2026
Pardis Madhavi, an Iranian American medical anthropologist and author who rode through Iran’s hidden riding culture. Troy Walters, a Fruita farmer and storyteller who grew up with the true tale of Mike the Headless Chicken. They recount galloping women defying morality policing and secret stables in Tehran. They also tell a sideshow-era family saga about a famous headless chicken and its strange fame.
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Buck Off Near Morality Police
- Pardis ignored warnings and rode out of the arena onto an olive-shaded road, exhilarated and speeding.
- Motorcycles spooked the horse and she was bucked off, narrowly avoiding arrest when morality police sped past.
Lecture Interrupted, Exiled From Iran
- While lecturing at Tehran University Pardis was stormed by morality police, then later expelled and stripped of citizenship.
- She was forced onto a plane and told never to return, which shattered her sense of belonging.
A Decade Away From Riding
- After exile Pardis stopped riding for about ten years despite a birthday ride gift from her brother.
- A stormy California beach ride ended with her being thrown and she then abstained from horses for a decade.
