The Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship

Dr. Madison Seamans is one of those rare individuals you can't help but like for the moment you meet him. Then, the longer you are around him, the more you figure out how smart he is. It's a rare find in today's world.

Dr. Seamans has been practicing vet medicine four nearly four decades. You see a lot of "stuff" in that time, some you just can't help but learn from. He squeezes everything out of those experiences. Part of it is use in his veterinary practice, sharing his knowledge with other, Some he sprinkles throughout his writing and cowboy poetry. And, for those with a visual bent, he saves some for his art.

This is a very easygoing conversation about some of the new information coming from the annual meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioner conference. Staying current on equine medicine is a tough challenge. So much new information comes out every year. And, we find out Dr. Seamans knows our local vet, Dr. John Tolley.

This year, Madison Seamans gets his first book, "Never Trust a Sneaky Pony", published by Trafalgar Square Books. In this book, you'll learn a little bit about horse medicine, but mostly he'll entertain you with the stories.

Dr. Madison Seanmans' Website

Contact Dr. Seamans

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

As a leadership coach, Danielle Aamodt wants us to strive to be our best selves. Danielle's superpower is in translating study-driven leadership practices. She breaks down the principles of leadership so everyone understands their job. When people are working toward a common goal, teamwork is essential to success. By relating the team aspect to horses in a herd, she can illustrate how to best accomplish common goals.

Danielle Aamodt uses her communication skills to share her knowledge by offering consulting and online courses on a wide range of leadership and communication. Topics include leadership, Balanced Team Culture, Conflict Resolution, sportsmanship, and the art of hiring the right person.

Enso Equine Services

Contact Danielle: [email protected]

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Horses in Ukraine have gotten a raw deal. Ukraine, in Eastern Europe, is a beautiful country about the size of Texas. Wikipedia says Ukraine is a unitary republic with a free-market economy. (While I'm not sure what that means exactly, as an American, it sounds pretty good to me.)

Then, Russia decided it wanted to own the Ukraine, and a war broke out. The conflict places thousands of horses in the middle. Well, all animals really. Many humanitarian groups have stepped up to help. One of them, Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation, is dedicated solely to helping horses.

Before the war, Ukraine was one of the largest grain exporters in the world. Hay was relatively inexpensive. With some fields destroyed, no fuel for farm equipment, and a lack of Ag human resources, grain and hay production have plummeted. People are struggling for their own survival and caring for their horses has to take a back seat.

Stables in the war zone have been damaged or destroyed, leaving many horses without proper care. The number of stressed and injured horses has strained the veterinary medical supply chain, too.

The UEF is working to fill those needs. With money donations, they've contracted to supply feed and medical supplies.

The brutal winter is approaching quickly in Eastern Europe. Without proper food and housing, many horses will perish. The UEF needs the world's help now. From what I've learned about the UEF, they have the support of large equestrian organizations, including Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) and national equestrian federations. The extended international team comprises volunteers from England/France, Germany and Estonia. If you can help, and there are many ways to do so, please check out the links below. Horses enrich our lives so much. Sometimes it's necessary to step up and return the favor.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/helpuahorses

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/helpukrainehorses/

Ride for Ukraine 100-hour challenge https://ride-for-ukraine-100-hours-challenge.raisely.com/the-challenge

Main UEF-CF website https://helpukrainehorses.eu/

Donation page https://helpukrainehorses.eu/en/donate/

How important is a newly graduated veterinarian to an established practice?I worked as a animal care technician in the 1970s and was lucky to see a few new grads added to the practices I worked at. They always brought a new energy to the practice, not to mention new styles and techniques. The established doctors gave them the experience of working outside an academic environment in exchange for the latest in veterinary practice. It is a great deal for both sides.

The Golden Triangle of people important to your horse’s welfare are your veterinarian, farrier, and trainer. It’s essential you choose each one of these with care and consideration. I look for an experienced and knowledgeable veterinarian. I also wanted someone who offers more than one line of treatment when available. Last, I want a vet who understands the age and value of our horses and how we use‌ them, and adjust treatment options to fit our specific needs. Veterinary knowledge and diagnostic technology are advancing in leaps and bounds. Staying current with that knowledge not only helps your horse live a healthier life, but helps you when deciding on your horse’s care.

The three-man practice at Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital is a well-rounded team of professionals. They are plain-spoken, easy to understand, and stay current on the latest innovations in veterinary medicine. Dr. Tolley, Dr. Gonzalez, and Dr. Ordonez possess all the outstanding qualities I believe make for a good veterinarian.

[caption id="attachment_3418" align="alignleft" width="296"] Old Bakersfield Vet Hospital Sign[/caption]

https://www.bakersfieldlargeanimal.com/

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

You'd think as big as an agricultural, beef-producing county as Kern is, there would be rodeos all the time. And, in reality, there are. We've got the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo Association producing bull riding, youth, and PRCA rodeos. There's the Glenville Rodeo and the Sheriff's Posse Rodeo. We have a Bakersfield Youth Rodeo Club. But, with all that, there was no community college rodeo. That is until adjunct professor, Andrea Prise, formed the Bakersfield college Rodeo Team.

If you've listened much to the podcast, you already know I am one of the least knowledgeable people when it comes to rodeo. But, I wanted to learn more, and I've attended many classes at Bakersfield College over the years (a story for another time). I tracked down Andrea and the Bakersfield College Rodeo Team President, Chloe Griffiths for a chat. We met in a study room at BC and had a great time talking rodeo.

Andrea and Chloe told me that support for the rodeo team was impressive. She's getting help from a local stock contractor, Tinoco Bulls, and the Funny Farm. She's also gotten a good response outside the ag industry with a local plumbing contractor, HPS Plumbing, providing the team with jackets to make them feel like real professionals.

Andrea talked about how valuable it can be for youth riders to compete at the college level. Not only can they hone their skills and get valuable experience, but they get an education too. Chloe is a perfect example. She was going to move away to find a college to rodeo at until she learned about the Bakersfield College Rodeo Team.

Contact Coach Andrea Prise

Connect with BC Rodeo on Facebook

Check out BC Rodeo on Instagram

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

We chat about many topics in this episode. The importance of journaling and how it can help focus. We talk about the power of creative visualization. Gabby is very open and willingly shares stories of her life and experience.

Gabby holds online Yoga for Equestrians every Wednesday night at 7 PM central.

GMD Training Website

Facebook

Rolling My Third Eye Podcast

Instagram: GMDTraining

Email: [email protected]

EcoGold Saddle Pads

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Cristobal's philosophy extends beyond the horse and into all aspects of life. He comes to share his knowledge about horses and life in his clinics. Cristobal is also available for private lessons.He is only in this country for a short time. Take this opportunity to see his work.

Wild Horse Diaries - Amber McGee

The Wild Hope Website

Event Page for Cristobal Scarpati Tehachapi Clinic

Scarpati Horsemanship

Cristobal Scarpati Facebook

EcoGold Saddle Pads

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Samantha Shanks-Husbands knows the importance of rider confidence. Once a rider loses confidence, especially an older rider, it is extremely difficult to get it back. Samantha works with equestrians of all ages and skill levels. Her techniques help riders focus on what is important. Breathing is especially important in her program. Samantha feels that proper breathing can lead to a calmer horse as well as relax a nervous rider. Another technique she uses is creative visualization. Seeing the outcome of your ride in your mind's eye, before the ride even occurs, can improve a rider's confidence.

Another key to building rider confidence, Samantha believes, is groundwork. Working with your horse from the ground allows you to get to know and build a bond with your horse. Samantha talks about not being in a hurry to get on your horse if you are not a confident rider.

Two of the influences Samantha credits for her interest are Mark Rashid and Philippa Unwin

Samantha's Website

Contact Sam via email: [email protected]

if you would like to book a free chat: go.preparetowin.co.uk/initial

Samantha's Facebook Page

Video for the Confident Rider Course

EcoGold Saddle Pads

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Johanna Sheehe has a lifelong passion for horses. Growing up on a farm, Johanna began riding around age 5. Her experience is in the English disciplines. For most of her life, she has been around Arabians, half Arabians, and national show horses. Recently, she has learned to jump horses.

But Johanna also has a passion for equine law and blended the two together. Her Florida law firm, Sheehe & Associates, P.A. , has 45 years of experience in insurance litigation. The firm’s attorneys handle equine law, first- and third-party insurance claims, and insurance coverage issues for clients at every level of state and federal court.

Attorney Johanna Sheehe is a litigator at the firm, with experience representing corporations, insurance companies, and homeowners.

She is an excellent resource for sharing her expertise in equine law. Johanna has been a featured guest in regional and national webinars. She has articles and interviews in Daily Business Review, Risk & Insurance, and Lawyer Monthly. Johanna has provided equine law expertise in Arabian Horse Times and Elite Equestrian .

She is also an Adjunct Faculty at the Florida International University College of Law in the Legal Skills and Values Program. Johanna sits on the board of a charity organization named Give Back for Special Equestrians.

EcoGold Saddle Pads

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Domenico Sumonte considers himself more of a horse-Man than a horse trainer. I'm lucky enough to have an arena at the End of The Road Ranch where I can work my horses. One trainer that works out of this barn is Domenico Sumonte. In between working our horses, Dom and I struck up a friendship. In our casual conversations, I quickly learned Dom has experienced an exciting life with horses. I wanted to learn more about his life and philosophy.

Dom is a self-taught horseman. He builds a relationship with a horse first. One technique Dom uses is to get the horses out on the trail first. The ag fields around the ranch provide a great working area. There is farm equipment, trash, and other things that help him "sack out" his horse.

Riding is an adventure for Dom. Dom has ridden horses on the ancient roads of Rome. He has ridden in the mountains of Chile. One of Dom's favorite rides was the Pacific Crest Trail between Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert.

I really love these conversations with interesting horsemen. Thanks Dom.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

On the last week of February 2022, we traveled to the South Point Casino for the Along for the Ride Symposium Andrea Fappani, Shawn Flarida, and Nick Dowers. The brainchild of Andrea Fappani, this first-time event, brought together the leading money winners in reining with the express purpose of sharing ideas about horse training. The symposium featured the colt starting technique of 2-time Road to the Horse Champion, Nick Dowers. Nick started two colts up to their first ride. Watching and asking questions were Andrea Fappani and Shawn Flarida. Spectators not only asked questions, they got to see and hear how these very experienced horsemen reacted to each other.

The three-day event comprised day-long sessions from 8am until 4 PM. There were a few special guests, such as Arron Moses, champion Western Pleasure trainer. We got to see horses of varying ages and what they expected at different stages of their training. Nick Dowers, who competes n the Cow Horse world, demonstrated how he started his horse on cattle. Friday and Saturday evenings there were live Along for the Ride podcasts. These roundtable discussions were open to a variety of topics.

This was a unique event that provide quality information. I hope Andrea Fappani and the sponsors (the title sponsor was Teton Ridge) will host the event again. The crowd really seemed to enjoy the personal connection they made with all the people involved.

Be sure to check out Andrea Fappani's podcast here!

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Sandy Collier has an amazing life with horses. She was the first woman to win the Snaffle Bit Futurity. Her peers have inducted her into the Cowgirl Hall of Fame and the NRCHA Hall of Fame. Horse and Rider named her one of the Top 50 Riders of All-time in All Disciplines. In the last few years, she has judged at Road to the Horse and the Snaffle Bit Futurity. Along with cutting horse champion, Barbra Schulte, they team up offering clinics to improve horse show performance.

It's fascinates me that someone as knowledgeable as Sandy is looking to learn more. When I mentioned the Along for the Ride Symposium in Las Vegas with Andrea Fappani, Nick Dowers, and Shawn Flarida, Sandy said she was attending. It is inspirational knowing that after decades of riding and teaching, Sandy Collier has a thirst for more knowledge.

Sandy Collier's Website

Be Unstoppable with Sandy Collier and Barbra Schulte

Sandy Collier Facebook Page

Along for the Ride Las Vegas Symposium Information

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Sami Hernandez is a longtime horsewoman, trainer, and horse show judge headquartered at her Diamond Crest Stables in Bakersfield. Along with her husband, George, they have a ton of horsemanship experience teaching people and training horses. I really enjoy talking to both of them. Perhaps I can get George on the show in the future. You’d like him. While they deal with horses working at a higher level, they also work with novice and intermediate horses and riders too. They are very easy to talk to.

Sami invited me to her barn. I feel so at home with the dogs barking, chickens clucking, and horses nickering. At times you might even hear the rain pounding on the metal roof. We set a table up right there in the alleyway, put the mics and recorder up, and sat around talkin’ horses. I hope you enjoy it too.

I wanted to learn more about horse shows and showmanship. My horse and I plan on participating in horse shows this year and Sami not only shows, she helps people show, AND she judges. She is a wealth of information.

Thanks to Sami Hernandez and the folks at Diamond Crest Stables for having me out. I enjoyed this conversation and hope you did too.

Facebook Page Diamond Crest Stables in Bakersfield

Facebook Page Sami Hernandez

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

I want to offer a Christmas Greeting for 2021. We had a pretty good year of shows. We began by talking with Dan Dauphin about bits. Dan has since begun his own podcast and is killing it with loads of great content. I hope you’ll check out his Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast.

We talked to my friend, Joanne Galbraith, who at 82 is still actively riding and full of stories growing up with horses. I really enjoy talking with some of the more - how to say it - riders in their golden years. People like Nancy McKnight who taught hundreds of children about horses through the Pony Club organization. And we visited Michelle Gilles, horsewoman and trainer, working to promote women and Horses.

We explored new disciplines like Horseback Archery and competitive trail riding. My conversation with the owner of Billy Cook Saddle, Adam Trenk, about saddle making in today’s market had some great history about this respected company.

We explored travel with Kate Pilcher and mounted drill teams with Dust n Diamonds. And, we learned more about show judging with AQHA and NRCHA judges Patti Carter and Bill Enk.

There were these and many more episodes you may want to check out if you haven’t heard them all.

I’ve got plans for more interviews for 2022. As of this recording, COVID Omicron is on the rise. We have plans to travel and record episodes with trainers and at events. We may have to wait and see how it all plays out. The whole situation makes me so much more thankful that I have and can enjoy my horses. When I’m out on the trail with my horse, the rest of the world simply fades into the background.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or ideas for the show, know you can send an email to [email protected]. I answer every single one.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

We could all use a little vacation. Wouldn’t a horseback adventure be great? Sometimes it seems the civilized world has taken a temporary leave of common sense. But over the last 18 months, if you have a horse, you know there is one sure place to escape, the saddle. Kate Pilcher found her happy place when she escaped to Kenya. It was such a life-changing experience; she wanted to share it with others. Then she found a great adventure ride in South America, another one in France, and Ireland. People were having horseback adventures around the globe. Kate put all these trips and more together and started a business called Globetrotting. She puts people and horseback adventures together.

Kate tests every ride she offers on her website. Each posted adventure has most of the details you need to know to prepare for the trip. In the rides I looked at, I could see the breed of horse they trip used, the type of tack, the time in the saddle. Also, what riding ability, the accommodations, time in the saddle helps you choose the best ride for you. One feature I particularly liked was inclusions and exclusions for each trip. For example, one trip in France excluded alcoholic drinks, except for wine at lunch. It’s this attention to details that makes Globetrotting stand out in preparing for your horse adventure. There are always going to be surprises on any trip you take. It's a part of travel. Globetrotting takes a lot of the guesswork out of planning a trip.

As an armchair traveller, I really enjoy talking to people about world travel experiences with horses.

Globetrotting Horse Holidays

Globetrotting Horse Holidays on Facebook

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Today, we are out at Rancho Rio Equestrian Center with the leaders of the local equestrian drill team, Dust n' Diamonds Mounted Drill Team. Shawna Pendley is the choreographer and drill master and Marilyn Morphis, “Mo”, is her eyes on the ground. On a side-note — we are outside the main arena before the drill team practice. There’s traffic, planes and even fire engines that tried to invade our interview. Trying to get good sound was definitely challenging. I handled the sound duties and enlisted, (more like drafted), Ranae for interview duties. The three women did an outstanding job.

Dust n' Diamonds Mounted Drill Team has performed at rodeos, fairs, and special events for nearly 30 years. The team competes at the big drill team competition in Reno. If you’ve ever seen an equestrian drill team, you’re going to love this behind-the-scenes look at the Dust n' Diamonds Equestrian Drill Team. Could you hear how much Shawna & Mo love this team? Their energy is infectious. And what a wonderful, safe place they provide women to have fun with their horses.

 If you would like to help - either financially, to ride or otherwise - contact Mo at (661) 549-1289. I’ll have links, photos and more information at Whoa Podcast dot com. 

Dust n' Diamonds Mounted Drill Team Facebook Page

Looking to help. Contact Marilyn Morphis at (661) 549-1289.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

On a previous show, I talked to Patti Carter, Director of Judges for the AQHA. Today, I share an interview with Bill Enk, Director of Judges for the NRCHA. A lifelong horseman at 77, Bill has a wealth of experience in the horse show world. He’s judged horses almost all his life. He’s been a judge at the AQHA World Show many times and he judged the Road to the Horse. Even if you don’t show, what Bill has to say about horsemanship is important to anyone who rides. 

It takes a lot of work and dedication to become and maintain a judges' certificate. It's somewhat of a thankless job. I think of all the times I came out of a competition. Sometimes I did well, sometimes not so good. At these times, the horse show judge wasn't always my favorite person. Bill Enk has been judging horses and riders for over 5 decades. You must be pretty good at judging to stay around that long. And, think of all the things he's seen in the show ring. Bill is a wealth of knowledge and experience. He has a lot to share and gives generously of his time and expertise.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

If there are no judges, there are no horse shows. The judge can make or break a horse show experience. Because they are essential to competition, I thought it would be good to talk with an experienced judge. Patti Carter is the Senior Director of Judges at the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Assn.). AQHA certifies over 800 judges and Patti oversees them all. She is in charge of educational programs, testing programs, and monitoring judges' performances. In this interview, Patti walks us through her experience growing up in a horse family and learning to judge horses. She tells us about her association with the AQHA, and her duties and responsibilities with horse show judging.

As I compete in different Ranch Class shows, I'm impressed with the knowledge these judges possess. They not only know the rules, but they are very in tune with the horses and riders. Every judge I've come in contact with has been pleasant and informative when explaining the rules. The more horse shows I go to, the more I appreciate horse show judging.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

After listening to my podcast about the health issues I had with my Quarter Horse mare, Jessie, Vicky Gormanly emailed me to tell me about her Paso Fino, River. We talked about her search for the right horse. Vicky wanted a Paso Fino and, after a long search thought she had found the perfect horse for her. The mare came from a reputable stable, RY Farms. She had ridden the horse, then had her vetted. A friend helped her transport River to her new home at Happy Trails Farms in Danbury, CT.  On Vicky's first ride at the new stable, River showed up lame. This began an odyssey of vet visits and tough decisions.

If you own a horse, you're going to have situations like this. Vicky was generous to tell us her story and how she came to make the choices she did. Thankfully, Vicky had a trusted friend at her barn, a reputable seller, and a good vet. Today, River and Vicky are happy trail riding the Connecticut/New York area.

The story pique my interest in gaited horses. Were gaited horses trained that way? What were their origins? I connected with Roey Yaloz of RY Farms. They specialize in Paso Fino horses. Roey told be about the origins of the Paso and why their "gait" is the easiest way for them to move. Roey also covered the three categories of the breed and some of their personality traits.

Happy Trails Farms in Danbury, CT on Facebook

RY Farms on Facebook

Website for RY Farms (Roey Yaloz)

Paso Fino Horse Association

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Are you looking for a little adventure? Give competitive trail riding a try. The North American Trail Ride Conference is a governing body over competitive trail riding (CTR). In this episode, I talk to Sarah Rinne, NATRC's Executive Director about the sport. Involved with the organization since 1988, Sarah is a wealth of knowledge.

The NATRC sets rules and has guidelines for trail rides. Sanctioned NATRC rides judge riders on horsemanship and horse care. Their competitions place an emphasis on rider and horse safety. The conference establishes levels so riders can compete with others of similar ability. All horses, including mules, are eligible to take part in every ride. A competitive trail ride is not a speed event. Riders have to manage the course and speed to arrive at checkpoints within a certain time frame. Horses have mandatory breaks and veterinary checks to insure they are fit to continue. Riders can also expect to be judged negotiating natural trail obstacles during a ride.

NATRC Event Calendar

Public Facebook Page for the NATRC

NATRC YouTube Page with lots of good information

Email for more information on the Old West CTR in Tehachapi September 4 & 5

[email protected]

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Equine emergency preparedness is so not a glamorous topic. And, it doesn't matter if you live in California with our fires and earthquakes (there was a 3.0 last night) or in the Midwest, or in a different country. Bad things will happen. No one wants to think about the disaster that may happen. No one wants to picture what will happen to their horse if they are unprepared. But as powerful as horses are, they can be extremely fragile in many situations. In past episodes, we've talked to veterinarians about medical emergencies. We talked to people at Large Animal Technical Rescue. On today's show, we talk to Julie Atwood about Equine Emergency Preparedness.

It's a good thing that people like Julie Atwood of the HalterProject.org are out there. Julie thinks of all the things that could go haywire and develops lists and strategies to lessen their impact. The Halter Project began in 2013 as a grassroots effort to help people better prepare for both disasters and emergencies. I took this from the Halter Project's mission statement:

FIRST RESPONDER ANIMAL AWARENESS & RESPONSE: HALTER Project provides support to first responders for training and equipment to assist animals in emergencies.

INDIVIDUAL & COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS: The HALTER Project is committed to inspiring and enabling individual and community preparedness for people and their animals.

I encourage to check out the links and build a plan to protect your horse and other pets.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Kelly McKnight emailed me to say his mother, Nancy, would be a delightful guest on the podcast. Nancy McKnight is 89 years old and spent much of her adult life helping children learn horses and horsemanship through her affiliation with the US Pony Club. The mission statement of the Pony Club is:

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. is an educational organization which builds the foundations of teamwork and sportsmanship through riding, mounted sports, care of horses and ponies, while developing and enhancing leadership, confidence, responsibility, and a sense of community in its youth and adult members.

Nancy's father was a dealer in farm machinery. Farmers were trading in their horses for modern implements. Nancy's father would take the horses in trade, give them to Nancy and her sister to work with a while, then sell them. When Nancy had children of her own, she wanted them to share her love of horses. To fill in her horsemanship knowledge, Nancy turned to the United States Pony Club and its teachings. She began a chapter of the organization in Northern California. Later, when she moved to Willamette, Oregon, she began a chapter there.

Nancy taught countless children about horses. She has wonderful memories and stories to tell about her experiences teaching children through Pony Club.

[caption id="attachment_3222" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Nancy remains active riding a different type of horsepower.[/caption]

Thanks to Kelly of McKnight Farms for contacting me about his mother. She is a very special woman.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Brett Wright has a cow/calf operation in Oklahoma. Three years ago he changed things up. Instead of using motorized vehicles to move his cattle, he switched to horses. The results impressed him. Brett looked for ways to improve his horsemanship and recently attended a Martin Black cow-working clinic.

Brett is a listener of the Whoa Podcast. He emailed me wanting to talk about being a rancher and his life with horses. His passion for his work really impressed me. It's fascinating to hear about the life of a rancher. Brett has had several fresh adventures including a pack trip along the Lewis and Clark Trail. In the middle of the trip, Brett found himself invited to a cattle drive.

If you would like to learn more about Brett or life as a rancher in Oklahoma, it is easy. Brett Wright blogs about the ranching life on ISpeakCow.com and produces inspirational videos on his YouTube Channel. Reading his blog and watching his videos offers insight into the life of the people who produce the food for our dinner table. It's good to learn more about their operation.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening.

When I think of horseback archery, I think of Robin Hood and Medieval Times. I didn't realize people were practicing it today. We did a podcast on Cowboy Mounted Shooting a few years ago, and that was fun. While riding through nearby Rancho Rio Equestrian Center, we noticed them setting up the arena for an event. I keep a watch for happenings here because it is one of my favorite stables. We can ride right along the Kern River. But I hadn't heard of this.

When I asked around, I discovered that clinicians, Elizabeth Tinnan and Heather Lomax, were holding a horseback archery and bridle-less riding clinic for about 10 students. I grabbed my portable recorder and began asking questions. Elizabeth Tinnan told me that horseback archery was growing fast in the US. There were two national organizations, including the Mounted Archery Association of the Americas, and many smaller clubs around the country. Elizabeth is from middle Tennessee and rides with the Chattahoochee Horse Archers at Tennessee Valley Archery. I had not realized that there was a group less than an hour away. Judy Osborne told me about the Poseidon Horse Archers who meet at Hidden Creek Ranch.

Heather Lomax owns Hidden Creek Ranch and teaches bridle-less riding among other disciplines. She discovered mounted archery fit in nicely with this type of riding. It takes two hands to fire an arrow, so one needs a horse that knows how to carry a rider with little direction.

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Billy Cook Saddles have been around since 1953. Saddle making has always been a mystery to me. It's a craft, a skill. Working leather has so many aspects: tanning, cutting, stamping, sewing. A saddle maker needs to know all of these skills. He needs to know how to choose the leather too.

When Billy Cook passed away in 2019 at the age of 89, it looked like his saddle business might die too. That business included several loyal employees, many who were skilled artisans. Rutilo Orsonio had worked with Billy Cook Saddles for 40 years. Jody Rames had been with Billy for nearly 30 years.

Adam Trenk, a business attorney, got a Billy Cook saddle when he was 12. He had fond memories of the saddle and, when he heard of the death of Billy, asked about the future of the company. The family did not have an interest in continuing the business, and the employees could not afford to purchase it. The Billy Cook line of saddles had a bleak future. Adam, a horseman, thought he could help. After some negotiations, he purchased the company, keeping as many of the employees as possible. Four months later. the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the business closed for safety reasons.

Today, Billy Cook Saddle Company is back in operation. They manufacture a full line of handmade saddles. You can even have a custom saddle made to your specifications. Of course, there is also a full line of leather tack. New to the business is a line of belts and handbags.

Listen to my interview with proprietor, Adam Trenk, as he tells us about the company.

Genuine Billy Cook Website

Genuine Billy Cook on Facebook

Genuine Billy Cook on Instagram

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Michelle Gilles, horsewoman and trainer, knows women are the backbone of the horse industry. Based in the Central Valley of California, Michelle trains horses, holds clinics, and shows in reined cow horse. Growing up with horses, Michelle trained under some very impressive trainers including Les Vogt, Charles Wilhelm, and John Ward. She's learned not only about horses, but the business side of being a horse trainer.

Michelle and I met back in 2015 during the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge. Our paths crossed again last year when I began showing in Ranch Riding shows. We've been trying to get together for an interview and finally found time in our schedules.

Two programs Michelle created are  designed especially for women. Her "Ride Like a Girl - The Original" Facebook Group helps women getting back into horses, women with confidence issues, or women needing to improve their relationship with their horse. By holding clinics and training session, Michelle helps these women (and men too) expand their horsemanship.

Michelle Gilles wants to put a spotlight on women working in the horse industry. They could be photographers, professional riders, working cowgirls, or women who represent the true American Cowgirl ethic. By promoting excellent role models, Michelle believes the horse world will attract more girls.

Michelle's Website

"Ride Like a Girl - The Original" Facebook Group

Michelle's Facebook Page

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Joanne Galbraith is still going strong at age 82. Of course, you would guess that's she has been around horses all her life. She worked at feedlots and ranches and held her own with men. She passed along a love of horses to her kids. And she loves competing. Joanne rides in Gymkana events on her good horse, Ricky.

I first met Joanne several years ago when I was looking for a horse. While I didn't purchase a horse from her, I could tell she had a trained eye for horseflesh. Her End of the Road Ranch hosted an Obstacle/Trail Trial Playdays. When I need an arena to train my mustang, Scratch, Joanne offered hers. There I met her husband, Dale, an excellent horseman and an even better storyteller. On a couple of visits, Dale told me stories of working on ranches as a young boy after his parents died in a house fire. Sadly, I never got to interview Dale for the podcast.

Last year I competed in several Ranch Riding shows at the End of the Road Ranch and rekindled my friendship with Joanne Galbraith. Her energy is endless. Her enthusiasm for horses and competing never fades. She possesses a lifetime of stories working in the horse industry, and I wanted to record a few. Joanne sat down with Ranae and me on a picnic table on the edge of the ranch's trail course.

Equipped with several covered stalls, Joanne's ranch is a pleasant spot for overnight travelers. It's out in the country enough to be quiet, but close enough to the two major highways through town. Joanne also handles horse trailer sales and can help you find the perfect trailer for your needs.

Google info on Galbraith Trailers and Horse Hotel

Galbraith Trailers on Facebook

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Dan Dauphin knows the mechanics and physics of bits. Honestly, I put a snaffle in my horse's mouth and don't think little more about it. What goes on in there is a giant mystery to me. Oh, I know that when I pull on the right rein; he goes right. But, I can't really see what's going on down there and can only imagine what's happening in that giant cavern in his head. Dan Dauphin study the build and mechanics of not only the horses' mouth, but the bits and how the two interact. The bit is a communication device. Used with your seat and leg aids, it's how you talk to your horse.

Dan breaks everything down in a video session titled "More than a Bit of Information". (https://www.dauphinhorsemanship.com/mercantile/) Dan spent 6 months researching the information in this video. He talked to equine dentists, veterinarians, and other specialists learning the variety of ways bits exert pressure to send signals.

The more time I spend around horses, the more I want to become a better rider for my horse. This takes effort. Sometimes it means researching videos and trainers to find an answer. Sometimes it requires setting long-held beliefs aside and be open to new ideas. It's difficult and embarrassing to analyze your riding looking for ways to improve. When something goes wrong, many riders are too quick to blame the horse. I encourage you to take advantage of knowledgeable trainers like Dan. Look at the information he provides and decide what is right for you and your horse.

Dauphin Horsemanship Website

DVD / Download Bit Video Series

Dauphin Horsemanship on Facebook

Bits, Spurs, & Common Sense Facebook Group

Dauphin Horsemanship YouTube Channel

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Early in my horsemanship journey, I volunteered at Equine Affaire in Pomona. So it must have been around 2006 or 2007, while moving from one exhibit to another, that I saw this man giving a demonstration about massaging a horse.  Well, at least that's what it looked like to me. Over the course of the weekend, and the years I continued to volunteer; I saw Jim Masterson a couple of times. My duties as a volunteer always moved me around, so I never got to see Jim's entire presentation from start to finish. The way he place his hands on the horse appealed to me. Being a tactile person, I love to put my hands all over my horses.

But I was doing it because it felt good to me.  It wasn't until years later that I realized Jim was doing it to elicit a very specific response from the horse. The Masterson Method developed to help relieve tension that builds up in a horse's body.

I kept bumping into the Masterson Method in my work with horses and this podcast.  There was a practitioner set up when I covered the Skills of the Rancho.  And, I had seen a practitioner at another equine expo. A few years later, when I saw a man doing bodywork on a horse, I asked him to explain what the purpose.  I met Will Friday and had him on the show to talk about The Jim Masterson Method and equine nutrition.

There is a lot of information on the Masterson Method website. I suggest you definitely checkout the video on the "Bladder Meridian". Use it on your horse. The results will amaze you and you'll build a stronger bond with your horse.

Whisper's Masterson treatment: https://youtu.be/vupS3D75MVY

Masterson Method Bladder Meridian: https://youtu.be/krSx3Kz2BW4

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Equine nutrition is a complicated subject, so I went out and found someone who has been studying it for quite some time.Will Friday has been on the show before talking about the Masterson Method, a blend of massage and chiropractic.  Will works on some very expensive performance horses.  As part of his program, he has taught himself the ins-and-outs of equine nutrition.  I've been working my horse, Scratch, pretty hard as we prep for Ranch Riding shows.  I'm using Scratch, because my 20-year-old mare, Jessie, has had some lameness issues.  I invited Will Friday up to Bakersfield to talk about nutrition and see if the Masterson Method help my mare.

As it turned out, we spent the day together.  Will spent about 2 hours adjusting Jessie.  The Masterson Method is fascinating.  You can see the horses release tension right before your eyes.  Will began with an assessment, then methodically worked from nose to tail, adjusting every part of that horse.  When he finished with Jessie, he did the same with Scratch.  The difference between the two horses was fascinating.  Each horse had different areas where they stored tension.  Will worked his hands all over Scratch.  Both horses seemed to love the attention.

Once we finished, we headed to the house and sat down to discuss the horses' nutritional needs.  Will, you might remember, was the one who recommended we get a hay analysis.  Will plugged the data from the hay analysis into an equine nutrition program.  Instantly we had information on where our program was strong and where we had holes.  Will recommended two products: Wild Gold Camelina Oil and Custom Equine Vermont Blend.  Our horses began the supplements October 15, 2020 and I eager to see the results these products bring.

If you want these products for your horse, check out Will's Website.  Use the promo code "WHOA" and get free shipping in the continental US.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

[caption id="attachment_3118" align="alignright" width="300"]

Diane Lane (left) stars as “Margaret Blackledge” and Kevin Costner (right) stars as “George Blackledge” in director Thomas Bezucha’s LET HIM GO, a Focus Features release. Credit : Kimberley French / Focus Features[/caption]

I must admit, I hadn't heard of BooBoo Stewart before this interview.  But, after spending a little time with him, I'm very impressed.  With the pandemic keeping the movie theaters closed, when I got an inquiry from Focus Features asking if I would like to pre-screen the new Kevin Costner/Diane Lane movie, Let Him Go, I jumped at the chance.  It's one perk of having a podcast.  You might remember we got to interview the French filmmaker, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, about her movie The Mustang.

After we saw Let Him Go, we got to interview BooBoo Stewart, who played Peter in the movie.  Speaking to Booboo was very easy to talk to.  I didn't know much about his career, but a check of IMDB told me he was in the Twilight Saga.  What was even more impressive is that he began his career at age 10, got a record contract at 12, and his first on-camera work was as a stunt person!  Booboo is an artist, a martial artist champion, and he loves playing music.

Booboo was born and raised on a ranch, loves horses, and has a paint horse named Rimrock. It's a fun, casual conversation I hope you will enjoy.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Local extension agents have many names.  Some locales call them farm advisors, some cooperative extension agents. Whatever your county may title them, they are a free source of valuable knowledge.

When I wanted to perform a hay analysis on a load of hay I bought for our horses, I needed a hay probe.  When I looked on Amazon, hay probes were priced over $150. That made the whole exercise way too expensive.  I reached out to my extension agent, Julie Finzel, and she said, "Sure, I can help."  Julie located a hay probe from another farm advisor, picked it up, and delivered it to my house.  We chatted while I took my samples, and her range of knowledge about livestock and farming amazed me.

When I asked Julie for a sit-down interview to talk about pests and livestock, especially horses, she was accommodating.  What do you do if you have mice getting in your feed?  Squirrels can be a big problem in many areas. Is a skunk a health danger?  I asked Julie about these and many other varmints, and she was very informative.

The real takeaway from this podcast, however, is how much helpful information you can glean from your extension agent.  Most counties across the US have them, I believe, and their advice is always free.  If you're struggling with a livestock or farm problem, check out your local farm or extension agent.  And, even if you don't have a specific problem, Julie's Face Page is loaded with terrific articles.

Links heard on the show

UCCE Kern/Tulare Livestock Page

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

M squared photography

Laura Snell knows a lot about the Devils Garden Mustangs and their Herd Management Area.  She is a Livestock and Natural Resource Advisor for Modoc County.  Laura works with the US Forest Service helping with research and management of the herd. I thought the BLM managed the wild mustangs, then learned several agencies involved.  The Devils Garden is on Forest Service Land and is the largest herd managed by the Forest Service.  There are approximately 2,000-2,500 horses on this land.  While this is by some estimates 10 times the amount of horse than the area can sustain, not that long ago that 4,000 horses roamed this area.

Devils Garden Mustangs have roamed this land for over 100 years.  The horses are from ranches that occupied neighboring areas.  The area was a source for Calvary horses, and they introduced some draft horse bloodlines.  They are sure-footed, stockier horses that are used to living in a rough environment.

We've produced many episodes about mustang and mustang programs.  Joe Misner uses mustangs as part of a wild horse program in a Sacramento Correctional Program. Spring Creek Basin Mustangs have TJ Holmes to administer PZP to maintain population control.  If you're interested in more stories about mustangs, please check out those podcasts.

Forest Service Devils Garden Site

Fall in Love with a Devils Garden Mustang

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

This week we are looking back at an episode I produced 8 years ago.  If you listened to last week's episode, you heard my interview with Lane Selz.  Lane and I met through my farrier Sean McRoberts.  While still in high school, Lane qualified for a permit to ride in the PRCA.  I got to follow Lane's pro Rodeo career.

While I research last week's episode, I came across a recording I did when Lane was just starting out assisting Sean.  I've edited the old show down quite a bit.  It shows the changes in both the podcast and Lane.  Back then, we called the podcast the DUH Podcast because I was/am a big fan of the Downunder Horsemanship Method. I used to open the show with a motivational or funny quote.  We left that in too.

Throughout the broadcast you can hear the natural sounds from my backyard: cars driving by, birds chirping, nippers and files.  My philosophy then was to bring the listener realism and experience.  I don't think I pulled it off.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a working cowboy in 2020?  My friend, Lane Selz, day-works for several ranches in the area.  He describes life in today's ranching world.

When I first met Lane, he was still in high school.  He was so good at riding bulls in high school, he earned his permit to ride in PRCA.  From there, Lane spent a few years riding on the professional circuit, traveling to rodeos across the country.  Lane returned to Bakersfield, CA to open up his own farrier service business after working for several prominent farriers locally, including Ernest Forsberg and Sean McRoberts.

But Lane grew up wanting to be a cowboy.  In Central California, where we both live, there are several big ranches.  Lane contracts with many of them as a day-worker.  When the ranch needs extra help, they call in day-working cowboys. As extra help, Lane never knows what job he might get for the day.  It could be sorting, branding, or gathering.  It's not a total mystery, Lane can usually predict what work needs done by the time of the year.  They may brand in the fall, calve in the spring, etc.

I talked to Lane about what it's like for today's working cowboy in California.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

I had been practicing yoga for about 5 years when I got my first horse at age 51.  The year was 2005.  My goal was to ride a lot and, although I considered myself fit, my body was feeling the aches and pains of daily horseback riding.  Changing my yoga routine to compensate for the muscles I was using as an equestrian really helped me get through the initial period of intense riding.

Yoga helped so much, I tried talking my yoga instructor into letting me develop a class specific to equestrians. She wasn’t into horses, and I didn’t know enough people with horses to inspire a special class.  My plans for a “Yoga for Equestrians” class fizzled out.  Recently I brought up in casual conversation among my horse friends that I was once a yoga instructor.   Then they asked if I would be interested in teaching a class.  That got me to thinking about yoga again.  

While I’m too busy to add a yoga class to my plate, I found a qualified horsewoman who has developed a “Yoga for Equestrians” program.  Gabrielle Diakon is a yoga instructor with a passion for horses.  Gabrielle has constructed yoga workout videos especially designed for those of us who ride.  Now, in these times of COVID quarantines, yoga online seems the perfect solution.

Check out Gabrielle's website and Facebook page below to learn more.

GMD Training Website

Facebook

Instagram: GMDTraining

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

How much do you worry about the quality of feed and nutrition of your horse?  I confess, I let my horses get a little "extra" fat this last winter.  It wasn't until I took Scratch in for a routine dental and vaccination and we got on the scale.  He was 1,014 lbs.  Now, I'm not exactly sure what his ideal weight ought to be, but I KNOW it's not 1,000 lbs.  It's difficult to get a horse to lose weight.  You can't just feed less.  Horses need food going through their system constantly to stay healthy.  That's just how that works.

I was looking for ways to support my horse nutritionally when I came across my friend, Will Friday's,  new website.  You might remember Will from a previous episode we did on The Masterson Method.  Will has an interest in feed and nutrition and consults many of his clients.  I enlisted Will to help me with our horses nutrition.  Will offered two very important charts to reference.  The first in the NRC chart for horses.  This lists the amounts of nutrients horses require. The second is an average analysis of alfalfa hay.

Both tables are important when trying to figure out what your horse needs.

We talked about a lot of charts and databases offering nutritional information.  After I spoke with Will, I did a little research and found Equi-analytical’s website.  There is a cool little page with feed analysis.  The link is on the episode page.https://equi-analytical.com/common-feed-profiles/interactive-common-feed-profile/

Here is a link to a good video for taking a hay analysis sample:  https://youtu.be/sJMyvYyYZek  

Since I purchase my hay for the year from one supplier, I think I’ll spend the $18 and get a hay analysis this year.  I’ll let you know what I find out.  

On Equi-analytical’s website you will also find a Nutrient calculator:  https://nrc88.nas.edu/nrh/

General info from Equi-analytical:  https://equi-analytical.com/

Links to Performance Equine Bodywork

Website:  https://www.performanceequinebodywork.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PerformanceEquineBodywork/

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Jason Irwin is a horse trainer and clinician in Bruce County, Ontario, Canada.  I received an email saying that I needed to interview Jason.  There are a lot of very talented horse trainers out there and many of them don’t get the attention they deserve.  I think Jason is one of them.  Jason and I spoke on the phone and I discovered that last year they invited him to the big Equine Affaire Shows on the east coast.  The Western States Horse Expo scheduled him to present in June.  Of course, everyone’s 2020 schedule got thrown into the tumbler.  Jason, along with his wife Bronwyn, hold horsemanship clinics throughout the year.  

Jason Irwin's love affair with horses began with his Dad at their horse and livestock, NorthStar Livestock.  It was there he learned how to pick up horses in the States, bring them home to Canada, train, then sell them.  Jason developed his eye for a horse pretty enough to catch your eye and willing enough to accept training.  Jason worked with hundreds of horses.  He learned from books, tapes, and practical experience.  As Jason put it, "I could read about a technique in one of the horse magazines and take it out the next day and try it on 10 different horses.  You find out quick what works and what doesn't."

Jason & Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship

Find Jason & Bronwyn on Facebook

Jason Irwin's family ranch: NorthStar Livestock

Find NorthStar Livestock on Facebook

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Hi everyone.  I hope you are doing well.  This COVID pandemic has really turned everyone's world upside down.  Somehow, I think horse people take these things a little better.  When you sit on a 1,000 lb animal, sometimes things go wrong.  It's you and the horse and you learn to deal with them.  We get manure under our fingernails and horse slobber on our shirts.  We clean water troughs brimming with algae.  We know the smell of Numotizine, Furacin, and that purple stuff you spray on cuts and wounds.  We hear the COVID is tough.  I sure wouldn't want to mess with it, but I'm still thinking my immune system is ready.

It's been challenging getting guests booked during the last two months.  I've produced podcasts through it all so far, but now I need to take a little COVID Hiatus.  I have commitments from two really cool people in the horse industry.  I hope to get those interviews done, edited and posted.  I just don't know when.  If you want to keep in touch, hit the subscribe button wherever you get our show.  They will notify you when I release a new episode.

I hope to produce shows when I find a good topic and a cooperative guest.  Meanwhile, all 200+ episodes are right here for you to enjoy.  I hope you have a listen.  If you have an idea for a show or just want to say "HI", email [email protected].  Thanks for all your support.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Tiffany McLaury's name might sound familiar.  She is the daughter of Buster and Sheryl McLaury.  Buster and Sheryl spent many years working on and managing ranches.  In 1984, they met Ray and Carolyn Hunt and their view of horsemanship changed.  Tiffany grew up learning about training horses and starting colts from not only her parents, but many other well-known trainers.

About a month ago listener Jeanie Marie Andreatta wrote m.  Jeanie is deep into horses. Her business Tumbling J Mohair Tack hand crafts Mohair cinches. Jeanie also teaches at Equi911.  So when she writes me with a suggestion for a guest, I listen. Jeanie is friends with Tiffany McLaury a horse trainer and colt starter in Paducah Texas.  Tiffany knows a lot about horsemanship growing up learning from her father and mother, Buster and Cheryl McLaury. She’s real easy to talk to and our conversation wanders all over the place - well all over the place on the topic of horses.  We could have gone on another hour, but we know you have chores to do. Here’s my conversation with Tiffany McLaury.

Tiffany's Facebook Page

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

I heard some people call barefoot horse trimming natural hoof care.  A quick search on Wikipedia says there is early evidence of mule shoes in Rome as far back as 400 BC.  Now you would think in 2,000 years of equine husbandry, we would have figured out what is best for the horse's foot.  I'm not sure we have.  If you ask two different farriers and a veterinarian the best way to trim a hoof, I would not be surprised if they came up with four different answers.  It's like politics or religion.  There are a lot of opinions about barefoot horse trimming out there.

When I ran into a riding friend I had not seen in a while, he told me he had been studying barefoot horse trimming.  Perfect, here was someone I could talk to openly and honestly about the subject.  We sat down between the row of horse stalls at the stable he boards his horses.  We began with his attraction to the business, then discovered the key points of interest to him, and discovered a few tips about barefoot horse trimming along the way.

I learned there are not only a lot of opinions, but there are a lot of different breeds of horses and bone structures out there.  Add to that the variety of the way we use our horses and the combinations are endless.  There just isn't one solution that fits all horses.

Craig's Facebook Page

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

In my world, equine transportation means loading up my horse in the trailer and driving for a few hours.  But I've often wondered what it was like for a horse being transported across the country or even around the world.  What is equine transportation mean to them?  What is it like for horses that qualify to get to the Olympics to compete, racehorses, or perhaps even a prize bull who moves from one ranch to another country?  I remembered the first time I flew in a plane.  It was kind of scary.  The power you feel on takeoff, the pressure changes, and the bumpy landings are unnerving.  I had an adult to explain everything was all right, but what about an animal?

On today’s show is Bastain Schroeder of EquiJet, an equine transportation company.  EquiJet helps horses and livestock get from one place to another by plane. And it’s not just horses, EquiJet has even transported kangaroos and Zonkies!  Bastain didn't set off to be in the equine transportation industry.  His career path was much different.  Bastain discovered he had a knack for details and logistics.  His love of horses helped him too.  These are all key ingredients to do what it takes to navigate the maze of rules, regulations, and quarantines required to get an animal from one place to another.  On today's show we'll look at what it is like for a horse to travel by plane.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Just a quck message between regular podcasts.

Carmalee Scarpitti loves learning.  In 2003, it turned her world upside down when she was in an accident with a drunk driver.  Badly injured, Carmalee was in a wheelchair for months.  Therapy worked to a point, but she need more help.  She found a therapeutic riding center, Horses for Hope, and began with one therapeutic riding session a week.  Her legs got stronger, her core strength improved too.  Her progress was so impressive, she took the leap and got her own horse, Macy.

Carmalee Scarpitti wanted more and searched the internet for articles and videos on horsemanship.  her thirst for information was insatiable.  She kept studying, riding, and getting stronger.  By a lucky draw, while on a trail ride, Camalee won a year membership to Julie Goodnight's Horsemaster Academy.  The program ignited her desire to learn more.  She found the program very helpful and wanted to share her experiences with other people.  Carmalee completed the Horsemaster Academy in just under a year and no is looking forward to teaching.

"Paying back" is a philosophy Carmalee is very passionate about.  Whether it the horsemanship knowledge she's learned over the years, her local 4-H Club, or the therapeutic riding center, Horses for Hope,  that help her get her legs back, Carmalee Scarpitti feels it is essential to share her experience.

Horses for Hope Therapeutic Riding Center

Julie Goodnight's Website and Link to the Horsemaster Academy

Julie Goodnight Facebook page

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

April Hardeman is a horsewoman that has lived as a military wife in Germany for the last three years.  Wanting a job in the horse industry, April she started Make It Rein, a consulting company helping equine businesses negotiate the quagmire of online technology.  In today's' podcast, April offers advice to someone in or thinking about starting an equine business.  She explains the different types of social media.  What is an SEO media.? What are the real "social" types of social media?

To help people learn more about using social media, create content, and other topics related to online business, she team up with Laura Langfitt to produce the Rein In Your Herd Podcast.  Laura has her own business called Unbridled Content marketing.  Laura uses stories to help business create an engaged community.  Recent podcast episodes like the  one titled "Taking Messy Action" deal with  insecurities all creators face.  They also interview guests who work in the equine industry.  Their podcasts go live the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month.

Follow Us on  Online:

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://reininyourherd.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/reininyourherd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReinInYourHerd/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/reininyourherd/

About the Co-Hosts:

Laura Langfitt - https://unbridledcontentmarketing.com/

April Hardeman - https://makeitrein.com/

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Something completely unexpected happened to John Toli.  John is a regular listener of the podcast and his story involves respected horseman Buster McLaury.  The whole story began with a vacation/horse clinic trip John took with his wife Lisa.  John didn't want to tell the story because he met a horseman and wanted to brag about.  He wants to tell his story to inspire others to say "yes" to opportunity.   John took a chance and reached out to Buster to help him train his horse.  What he didn't know was that it would lead to such a special friendship.

John wants people to know that we all have insecurities and doubts.  He wants you to know how his life was enriched when he didn't give in to those insecurities.

And that's the wonderful thing about producing this podcast.  Listeners from all over the world have reached out to me to share their thoughts and ideas.  The horse has brought us together.  By sharing our knowledge and experience with one another we grow.  We grow not only has horse men and women but as humans.  Thanks for sharing.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

I received an email from listener Mercedes Tucker who told me how much TJ Clibborn helped her with her mustang Bud.  She said he was a good guy, knew his stuff, and thought he would make a great guest. She was right.

TJ Clibborn has been working with horses for 40 years.  He lives in Wisconsin and operating his business called A True Partnership.  In 2009, he teamed up with the Mustang Heritage Foundation and since then has competed in 15 Extreme Mustang Makeover training challenges. He has trained 13 top ten finalists, one reserve champion and one grand champion. He has also trained champions in disciplines of jumping, cutting and western pleasure.

I caught up with TJ right after he finished with his horses on a snowy morning at his ranch in Deerfield.  Sometimes you can get a feel for a trainer by how easy and comfortable they are to talk to. TJ is one of those people generous with both his time and his knowledge.

With four decades of experience, TJ Clibborn, can talk on any horse topic.  We cover the Jeffrey Method, a style of horse training from Australia.  TJ saw Kel Jeffrey gentle a horse when he was a boy and knew he wanted to train horses.

Most trainers will tell you they learn the most from their most difficult horses.  So, I asked TJ about his.  He went on at length describing the horse, his problems and things he would do different.  Then, we talk about trail trials and  training.  Lastly, TJ offers a bit of advice for our listeners.

TJ's Facebook Page A True Partnership Website

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Here it is 2020 and since it’s January, let’s talk about goals. As I look over the outline of what I want to talk about, it sounds like I’m complaining. That’s the thing with goals. There are stumbling blocks one has to get over completing them. I’m simply letting you know what mine were.  Now I wasn’t going to even set horsemanship goals this year.  had set no horsemanship goals until I got an email from a listener, “Hey John, what projects are you working on?”

And it really got me thinking about what I wanted to do with the horses this year.

Over the course of my horse ownership years, I have competed little in the show ring. If you’ve listened awhile you know this, but if you’re new to the show, it’s important you know I didn’t grow up around horses, I came to them in my 50s.

The reason I haven’t competed with horses is #1 because it’s expensive. I think if you grow up around horses you get used to their cost over the years. It becomes another expense. When you get your first horse at 51, and you have to build the pens, get the feed, the supplements, the tack, the vet bills, and all the other minutiae that goes along with it at once, it’s a bit intimidating. Then, I spent the first couple of years learning about horsemanship, and how to ride, and competing wasn’t in the picture because I wasn’t competent to compete in anything.

Then, we - that’s Ranae and I - got a little bolder and tried a trail trial, then a trail class. Those weren’t bad. We looked into some other show stuff Working Equitation, Reining, cow work and three things popped up. The cost of entry was higher. The level of performance was higher. And the rule books were thicker. Me and rulebooks don’t get along. They make my hair hurt. My eyes glaze over, my memory takes a hike, I get lost.

We began doing ETI trail Trials a few years back. One, they are relatively inexpensive. Two, they occur over the course of a 1-2 hour trail ride so we ride along for a quarter of a mile, do an obstacle, then ride along for another ¼ mile. And three, the rules are simple. Yeah, I blew some points for not knowing to call out cinch check before going up or down a hill, but you learn those things quickly and they get easier.

Okay. Goals for this year. The last two years at a Mule and Horse Show, I competed in the Ranch Riding classes with my mustang Scratch at a show in Tehachapi. I did it mainly because Scratch was born in the Tehachapi mountains and roam the area as a wild horse for 9 years and the show invited us to take part. In the show ring, Scratch loses all sense of speed control and direction. He gets a little amped up with the other horses around, and we lose our connection.

At this stage in my life with horses, competing isn’t about the placement. I need to measure how I’m doing with Scratch. Am I helping him? Can he do this? Not every horse can. What do I have to do to help him feel comfortable? I know he can live out his life just riding along the trail, and maybe it’s hubris but I think he can be better. He’s a tough little horse who is smart, and I’d like to see if I am the person who can develop that toughness and smartness. And, along the way, I learn more about horses and horsemanship and that’s gotta be a good thing.

So what are your goals? What do you plan to do with your horse this year? I remember one year, early on in my horsemanship, I logged all the time I spent in the saddle. I had a GPS wrist watch and an Excel spreadsheet and wanted to reach 150 hours that year. Just having that goal, got me up early to spend time on my horse. It’s those little things that can keep you motivated. Set some goals.

And, I have goals for the podcast too.  I’ve reached out to Backcountry Horsemen and ETI.  I hope Ken McKnabb will come on to talk about laying down a horse. I’ve always wondered about this and recently noticed Ken has a video on it. I’m trying to get some experts in horse transportation on the show to talk about getting your horse from one place to another. Trainer TJ Clibborn has verbally committed to come on and talk about training mustangs and his life as a trainer.  One other guest I am hoping to have on the show is Arien Aguilar, who is an extraordinary trainer with some unique ideas and methods. And, I would love to find some stories to illustrate sonically like the episode I did last year on Comanche.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Krystal Kelly knows how to live a global life with horses.  She has been to many countries teaching horsemanship.  She's been to rich countries and poor countries.  She's traveled to places where horses are popular.  She has traveled to places teaching first-time riders.  But, her true passion is connecting women with horses and adventures.  It's why she created Equestrian Adventuresses.  Her mission is,  "To empower women around the world to pursue their passion for adventure with horses."

We talked to Krystal about a year ago on the podcast.  She told us about her experiences in Bhutan and in running in the Mongol Derby.  Since then, she has been working on this Equestrian Adventuresses project.  She has a Facebook group connecting women worldwide.  There is a  YouTube Channel chronicling her adventures.  She offers online courses on travel.  And, you can listen to the Equestrian Adventuresses Podcast.  She organizes equestrian riding adventures.  And has a team of like-minded women around the world that share her passion for horses and travel.

Since the focus was women and horses, Ranae handles the host duties this week.  She did a great job.  I know you will enjoy her conversation with Krystal Kelly of Equestrian Adventuresses.  Enjoy!

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

I first interviewed Jonathan Field over four years ago.  Earlier this year I had heard he performed a TEDex talk in San Juan.  It was one of those deals where you tell yourself, "I've got to listen to that sometime."  Time kept getting away from me and I put it off a couple of times.  Finally, I had some extra time and did a Google search and found it.  It was an inspiring talk,  You can listen to it here:  Jonathan Field Finding Your Sweet Spot in Life.

Jonathan Fields holds clinics all across the country and just released his 2020 schedule.  There are five different levels of Jonathan's courses and I wanted to learn about the difference between.  Through this conversation, we learn what's important about Jonathan Field Horsemanship.  He talks about philosophy and provides insight on what he focuses on during the camps and clinics.

Of course, it wouldn't be a conversation with a trainer if I didn't ask for some free advice.  Jonathan gives us some exercises we can do with our horses over the colder months to build our relationship with our horses.  It's very simple.  If it's too cold to get out and work their body, you can always work their mind.  Jonathan offers some simple ways to accomplish this.  And, talking about free stuff, Jonathan Field has a program he calls 31 in 13.  If you sign up for this free program, you get 31 free videos over 13 months.  They are 3-4 minute videos that talk about different training bits,  It's a great way to build your horsemanship skills.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

It’s been an interesting couple of months for me.  In 8 weeks I’ve taught some horse owners basic horsemanship, competed in a trail trial, and then judged others competing.

As I went through this unplanned process, I got to see the three phases of competing from several points of view.  There are three components in competition (without a cow), there’s you the rider, the horse, and the judge. To score well, you all have to be in sync.

Our local stable was holding a Halloween arena trail trial.  They would like to see their boarders become more involved with their horses.  Naturally, if the horse owners work and build a better connection with their horses, they’ll enjoy them more, and the result, they will be happier customers for the stables.  It’s interesting and a little sad, how many people who have horses at stables, that lose interest in them.

Anyway, they asked for my help with the trail trial - which it thrilled me to do - and as part of this program, stable management had set up an afternoon of easy horsemanship training class for the people who board their horses.  We were to teach some basic ground maneuvers - side-passing, backup, sending - so the owners could take part in the in-hand portion of the trail trial.

A dozen people showed up with their horses and with three instructors, we broke them up into groups of four.  I was teaching the sending exercise, and we went through the process. There are a lot of ways to teach horses to do different things and I will not go into my technique here.  The fascinating part is how the owners interact with their horse. While there were some very good horsemen out there, there were also quite a variety of techniques. Some people were constantly talking to their horse.  Some were a little timid in how they directed their horse. Some asked their horse to move forward while they stood in front of the horse. It got me to thinking about how I interact with my horses.

It’s hard to remember where I started from.  I think in the beginning I was a little too demanding of my horse.  I wanted to establish dominance and get that horse to do what I wanted.  I hope this has slowly evolved into more of a partnership. One where I can get the horse to think it was his idea to do this and I can get out of his way and let him do it.  I want my horse to be responsible for his own feet and I also want him to know it’s his responsibility to take care of me while I’m in the saddle. I steer him into only places I know are safe and won’t tolerate and bucking, kicking up or spooking.  I don’t talk too much to my horse j- usually two or three-word phrases in a soothing tone. I’m under the impression that the less I say the more he’ll listen when I do say something. Unless it’s singing along with the songs on my iPod while riding, which I never do.... kinda. 

Two weeks after this training session, Ranae and I headed south for an ETI trail trial at Hansen Dam in southern California.  We love these trail trials because they aren’t very expensive; they are usually a good 2-3 hour trail ride through some very fun and interesting trails, and the people are fun to be around.  We realize it’s less about where we place in the group and more about how we compare it to our past rides. Scratch usually starts off a little on the muscle walking fast and on alert even though we got there early to have an extended warm-up in the arena.  Dusty has some issues crossing a tarp or bridge right off the bat. He eventually does it, it the discussion that precedes that costs him points. Having Ranae along is a wonderful asset. We talk about our respective problems and what might work best. Scratch doesn’t want to stand still while waiting his turn for an obstacle, so in between two obstacles that were about half a mile apart we stopped and “simulated” an obstacle.  When he moved from our imaginary staging area, I worked him then asked him to stand quietly. Two or three repetitions and he understood. Ranae worked on keeping her eyes up and across the bridge instead of looking down at Dusty and he improved. It was a beautiful day for a ride in Southern California. Thankfully this was before the fires in late October. BTW, I’ve been wanting to do a story on some of those horses and owners, but I’m not sure how to approach it.  We did a show on emergency preparedness, but I’m certain nothing compares to fear and panic many of those people experienced. I love to tell their story without feeling like I’m intruding on their tragedy. If you have ideas, I’d love to hear them.

So anyway, the third part of the trilogy was acting as a scribe and judge for the Halloween trail trial at the stables.  We attended two judges meetings and learned the criteria. Then I scribed for Ranae. She judged the first half of the in-hand course.  Next, I judged the first five obstacles of the Novice/Youth division, and finally, scribed for another judge in the Open division. 

As judges, we all saw things a bit differently.  When I was the scribe, I pretended to score the contestant, then compare my score with the judges.  It was interesting to see the differences. But the revelation was how much difference the judging can make.  The more one competes, the more important it is to know how severely your judge will score. What do they like to see?  What small detail will they ding you for? As this was a fun show, they gave us a certain criterion. But, if there was money or a buckle on the line, I’m sure the judging would have been a bit stiffer.

Have they have asked you to judge an event?  Did you like it? I love to hear how you felt about judging?

The important thing I learned from these three situations is that I got to see how other horses and their owners reacted.  It taught me a little more about horsemanship. Trying to help people learn how to do a basic maneuver forced me to look back on how I taught my horse something I now take for granted.  Learning to be a judge even at an informal event gave me a little empathy for judges at other types of competitions. It was all about gaining a little more knowledge about horses and horsemanship.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Janet Barrett wrote a fascinating book about Comanche, the sole surviving horse of the Battle of Little Big Horn,  The story begins with Captain Myles Keogh an Irish immigrant who was a soldier for hire.   After riding for the Pope in Italy, he came to America to fight in the Civil War.  After much research, Janet pieced together the life of Captain Keogh and the story of how he gained Comanche.   Titled, Comanche and his Captain, The Warhorse and the Soldier of Fortune, the book is available on Amazon.

You may remember Janet from a previous podcast about They Called Her Reckless, the story of a Korean Warhorse.  A dedicated author, Janet tells the story of Comanche after delving into volumes of research, stories, and anecdotes about the Battle of Little Bighorn.  Because the only survivors were Indians, the details of the actual battle are often difficult to determine.  That's not to disparage Indian storytellers, only to say that the details they relayed were heard weeks after the actual battle, then passed on through newspaper editors who were trying to sell papers.   But, Janet cuts through all that and lays out a wonderful story of a Mustang horse named Comanche.

Comanche and his Captain, The Warhorse and the Soldier of Fortune

They Called Her Reckless

Total Saddle Fit, Shoulder Relief Cinch

Janet Barrett email

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Will Friday is a Masterson Method Certified Practitioner.  I ran across Will Friday at the Skills of the Rancho this summer.  The Skills celebrates the tradition of the Californio Bridlehorse.  I was walking around the stables when I saw this man doing what looked like a cross between chiropractic and massage on a horse in the breezeway.  I stood and watched for a while and found the procedure fascinating.  As Will skillfully tugged, pulled, and laid his fingers on the horse, I could see the horse relax.  In our short conversation that day, Will said he was trying to let the horse release tension and soreness in his body using the Masterson Method.

The Masterson Method, developed by horseman Jim Masterson, is a systematic way of releasing tension and soreness in horses.  The procedure can last between 1 and 2 hours as the practitioner places fingers along the horse's body looking for areas of tension and soreness.

I contacted Will at his company Performance Equine BodyWork.  He invited me to a Parelli clinic that was being hosted by one of his clients at the 3L Ranch.  Owners of the ranch, Maurice Thibault and Susan Nelson, invited me to come up and observe the clinic and watch Will work on some of their clinic horses.  Both Maurice and Susan are 4-Star Parelli Professionals.

Here are the links from the show:

Performance Equine Bodywork Facebook

The Masterson Method Website

3L Ranch

Parelli Professionals

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Recently I attended a Working Ranch Cattle Clinic and before we began on the cattle, we went over learning basic maneuvers.  It surprised me how much I learned reviewing these very basic exercises.  While working on the simple things like small circles, yielding hind and forequarters, and backing up, I notice a lot more details.  How much pressure was I using?  Was I making contact in the same place for every cue?  did my horse have a "good" side and a "bad" side.

Yes, I know it sounds simple,  Sometimes you have to work at the basics to get better at feel and timing.  When we worked the cattle, we had a much better experience.   My horse was more responsive, and it was easier to put him exactly where he needed to be.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

I got a very thoughtful email from a listener.  Christian lives in Germany with his wife and three children. It sounds like he has a demanding white-collar job.  He was very complimentary of the podcast - one of his favorites was the episode with cowboy Bill Mooney - He encouraged us to keep producing them. Thanks Christian. I’ve had several emails back and forth with Christian.  His English is very good. Through the emails I’ve learned a little about his life and horsemanship in Germany. He gave me permission to share some of his story.

Horsemanship in Germany is different.  According to Christian,  women and girls dominate the horse industry. Now, I'm not saying that like it's a bad thing, only to show that Christian had a few more hurdles to get to where he is today.  His family was not wealthy, either.  For him to pursue his passion for horses as a teenager was definitively a challenge.

And, when you pursue a dream, sometimes luck has a way of finding you too.  After college, Christian worked for an international company that sent him to their plant in Evanston, Wyoming.  While there he visited a ranch where he found himself on the back of a horse once again.

This is Christian's story.  I hope you enjoy it.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

It's a bit of a shame that we even have to talk about safety on the trail.  Once upon a time, it was you and your horse.  If you did a good job with your horse, you were safe.  Nowadays, there are outside factors.  Besides the usual dogs, as the open areas get gobbled up with developments, it forces many of us to ride in more urban areas.  That puts us into contact with more people who don't know or care about horses.  As homelessness increases, we encounter tents and encampments.  People come out begging for money.  Or as we ride along the river, they are along the bank bathing or doing dishes.  The site of someone splashing around in the water unsettles many horses.

I've found that a little preparation goes along way from preventing disaster.  Having a few basic tools at your fingertips can solve many problems.  Pepper Spray is a powerful deterrent for unwanted advances from both people and dogs.  Carrying a $2 whistle helps you alert others nearby that you may need help.  Ensure that your cell phone is on your person and NOT in a saddlebag in case you get unseated from your horse.  And, there are many more "little" things you can do to improve your safety on the trail.

Our local boarding stable, Rancho Rio Equestrian Center,  is being proactive about safety on the trail.  They've hired trainer Elmo Sheeran.  Elmo is a retired Sheriff Deputy who has trained many mounted police forces.  Teaching civilian rider is quite different.  The main difference, according to Elmo, is civilians need training in moving away from danger.  Law enforcement moves carefully toward danger.  Elmo will teach a class on Safety on the Trail at the equestrian center later this year.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Listener Anna Supp sent us this email in the hopes it would provide inspiration for others.

If you have a story to share with others in our horse-loving community,  we would love to hear it. It can be about anything - your favorite trainer, your biggest "ah ha" moment, or the story of your horse.  Email to [email protected] and I'll do the rest.

Hi John,

I discovered your podcast recently, and thanks to an 11 hour drive that day, got to listen through for most of the trip.

I thought I’d share with you a story, whether you’ll read it or have any interest in it, I have no idea. But perhaps there’s a piece of it you may want to share with someone that needs inspiration. My story is about coming back from an injury and redefining myself as a horse(wo)man in the wake of an accident.

I’m 32 years old, and my horsemanship background is a little unique. I grew up very poor, in a family that did not (nor was able to) support my passion for horses, but I always found a way to be around them. Occasional rides on friends horses, hanging around barns to work for rides, and devouring every book I could get my hands on eventually found me with the opportunity to exercise a backyard horse for my teenage years, and then through good grades and good fortune I was able to go on to college for Equine Business, eventually changing to Agricultural Business Management, and ride on an IHSA team. This college program was really the foundation of my formal riding education, even though I’d spent years researching and learning through trial and error on my own. I went on to manage a summer horse camp, trail and lesson program, eventually building a show program. After graduating college, I moved on to a career outside the industry but continued to coach an Interscholastic Equestrian Program team, lead a 4H club, and teach lessons on the side. It was exhausting but deeply fulfilling.

As my outside career progressed, I pulled back from teaching, and spent a few years on the paying side of the industry, leasing a horse, riding with a trainer, and competing in the jumpers. I had a lot of fun being the customer, but I found myself slightly unfulfilled in that role. Along came marriage and a baby, and another job change, and I pulled back even farther. After having my daughter I gave lessons again occasionally at another barn, but I felt more and more disconnected. As I closed in on my daughter’s first birthday, I was lessoning and leasing half-heartedly, and I had just made the decision to begin pursuing an MBA along with my full-time career.

Three weeks before my daughter turned one, and five before the start of my MBA program, I was letting a young horse catch his breath after a warm up, when a car pulled into the parking lot. I remember the blinding flash of light as the sun hit the windshield just right; the mane disappearing out from underneath me, and then the realization that I could not get up. Throughout the ambulance ride, I was certain it couldn’t be anything serious, but as I lay in the ER, I overheard the diagnosis over the nurse’s radio, and I vowed then and there I was done riding. I had broken my pelvis in four places, including the base of my spine. After surgery, it was six days in the hospital before I could l lift myself out of bed.

By the time I got home, the shock had worn off, and the first thing I did was rope a friend into driving me back to a barn. My daughter learned to walk by holding onto my crutches, and within a few months I was able to drag myself onto a mounting block and onto a horse. That’s when the real pain started. Physically I was fine, secured with plenty of hardware. Mentally, though, I was broken. Trying to push through riding, I began having panic attacks, nightmares, anxiety, and eventually depression. The thing I loved most in life had become a source of fear and pain.

For anyone who has ever been in this place, here’s what you need to know: this story can have a happy ending. It takes perseverance, pro-activeness, and self-advocacy.

1. Do not worry about anyone else but yourself. I have always been very conscious of the feelings of others, so this was hard. The first and hardest thing I had to do was leave the barn where the accident had happened and ride somewhere else. As much as I didn’t want to hurt the feelings of the trainer, or risk damaging their reputation in any way (especially since it was in no way her fault), being in the same atmosphere was too much for me. I moved back to a barn I had ridden at earlier in the area and had always felt safe, and got a few rides under my belt, and slowly started to feel progress.
2. Don’t expect your progress to be linear. I would make progress and then have setbacks. Within my first half dozen rides, I sat a few small spooks, that set me back, and each time I wondered if I should just give up. If I would go too long between rides, I would start to wonder if I would have the nerve to get back on. These setbacks became fewer and farther between over time, and less impactful.
3. Surround yourself with cheerleaders, whatever that takes. I am so fortunate to have a lot of good horse people in my life, that I’ve accumulated from my various adventures. Every time I felt like I couldn’t do it, I reached out to one of them, and they cheered me on from every corner. Their belief in me sometimes is all that pushed me forward. I didn’t want to let them down as much as I didn’t want to let myself down.
4. Remember why you fell in love in the first place. Despite the progress I was making, I was still struggling. About 9 months after the accident, I had the opportunity to travel to Arizona for school, and decided on a whim to spend two extra days there, by myself, at a dude ranch. By good fortune, the one I found on google was just reopening, so I got a lot of one on one time with the wranglers there. By the second day, I was loping through the desert, and doing some team penning with the other guests. The spark had been reignited.
5. Find something that makes you hungry to keep going. I came home from Arizona, and after riding hunter jumpers for most of my adult life, I went at the recommendation of a friend and took a reining lesson. In the first fifteen minutes I found myself laughing for the first time in a very long time, and by the end of the hour I was hooked. I haven’t looked back. Around the same time, I stumbled across the documentary “Down the Fence,” and as corny as it sounds, it changed my life. It fueled a new fire, stronger than ever. I knew it was the challenge that I needed. I watched it again, and again, and started making phone calls. I now own two quarter horses, riding several times a week at multiple places, reining and working cows. While wrapping up my MBA is still taking a good chunk of my time, I plan to compete this coming year.

Most importantly, my now two-year-old daughter has fallen in love with horses and riding as well. I don’t struggle to get out of bed. I’m back and more determined and focused than I’ve ever been. My next goal in life is to meet Doug Williamson, and while I don’t know how I’m going to do that yet, I’m sure that I’ll make it happen. Watching him tell his story, the challenges he’d faced, and his straightforward determination changed the way I thought of myself. I know there have been many who were not as fortunate as I have been, to be able to return from an injury. At the same time, there have been others who have had it so much worse than I and didn’t let it stop them from pursuing their dreams. To steal the phrase from Doug, I’ve been given the chance to ride a few more good horses, and I don’t intend to waste a minute of it.

Anna

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

What does it take to prepare for a horse show?  We're not sure.  We're amateurs at this.  But, what we can tell you is how we prepared for our horse show.

Ranae and I work together.  We each have our strengths.  Ranae is better at seeing my mistakes while riding.  She helps me with posture, where my hands are, and keeps me looking good while in the saddle.  I'm good at helping her with the cues she gives Dusty.  If she is clear and decisive with him, he works much better for her.  We have an agreement that whatever we say to each other while practicing stays out on the trail.

Some people are great at horse shows.  They read the rule book, talk to the judges, check their scorecard after every appearance.  I wish sometimes I were more like that.  Reading the rulebook is like reading a software license - it makes my hair hurt.  Judges intimidate me.  And, I always forget to go back and check my scorecard.

But, going to horse shows is a good way to meet friends and share good places to take our horses that don't require filling out a horse show entry.  Are you a horse show person?  Do you like to compete?  If you have any tips or tricks, share them on the show.  I bet there are people out there that would love to hear your story.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

I had been hearing news about an equine disease vesicular stomatitis that was quarantining horses in Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.  Looking for more about the disease, I contacted my vet, Dr. John Tolley of Bakersfield Large Animal Veterinary Hospital.  I recorded this interview on a Thursday, and I write this the following Tuesday.  The number of quarantined premises have doubled.

If you look up the words "vesicular" and "stomatitis" on Google, you'll find vesicular means blister.  Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mouth.  Vesicular stomatitis usually presents in horses with blisters in the mouth, lips, and coronary bands.  The disease spreads several ways, but most commonly through flies and mosquitos.  Some of those flies can move 150 miles in a day.  I wasn't able to find a good answer about a vaccine for VSV.  It is a summer disease and spreads up from the gulf in Texas.

Dr. Tolley gives us the details on vesicular stomatitis.  He talks about suspected origins and why the Federal government keeps a close eye on the number and location of animals affected.  Good horse-keeping practices and staying away from horses afflicted with the disease are currently the main preventative measures.

To find out more about vesicular stomatitis check out these websites:

American Association of Equine Practitioners Website

A Comprehensive Article from Science Direct

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Do you go down rabbit holes?  Let me explain.  A rabbit hole is where you get an idea or suggestion and when you follow it, it takes you one place, then another, and then another.  Rabbit holes can be fun or a complete waste of time.  And yes, sometimes they can be both.  I'm not afraid to chase them.  Sometimes you can discover or rediscover new things.

Let me tell you about a recent rabbit hole I followed. A notification arrived from YouTube telling me that the Clinton Anderson Channel posted a new video.  Often I don't have an opportunity to check them out. I spend much of my YouTube viewing time watching audio or video editing tutorials.

The title of this video caught my eye, it was something like Natural Horsemanship vs Real or competitive horsemanship.  I'm not sure why, when I went to check on the exact title for this podcast, it was no longer available less than a week later. (https://youtu.be/H37xLVxINQQ ) In it Clinton was comparing natural horsemanship to the horsemanship you need to have in the competitive arena.  Now, he wasn't running natural horsemanship down, but he wasn't talking about it in glowing terms either.  This series of videos that Clinton produces I believe is meant to inspire and I think he was trying to motivate his followers, of which I am one, to step up their horsemanship.  This wasn't the first time I had heard the term natural horsemanship used as almost a negative term.

When I thought about this, I could not remember where I first heard the term.  It had to be around 2005 when my cable service picked up RFD-TV and they had a two-hour block of horse training shows.  I remember, thinking highly of the term natural horsemanship.  I didn't know what it meant, except perhaps working with what came natural to the horse.  But, I knew it was approaching the horse differently, and I very much needed a different approach.

From Clintons video, I went to Google and typed in the term.  There was a slew of articles about the topic.  One trainer stating emphatically her method was NOT natural horsemanship.  I read her reasoning, and it kinda made sense.  I won't try to explain it here, I'll just muck it up.  If you would like to read her explanation go here: The Willing Equine

There was a link to Wikipedia.  I read on.  The complaints about natural horsemanship are:  It is not new or unique.  True, people have been using the techniques for a while.  It is  over-marketed.  Again, that's true.  As with anything being sold, let the buyer beware.  I was thankful the term came along because it lead me to believe there was another way.  That there was a better way to communicate to the horse what I needed him to do.  It was a starting point to learn from.  It was a suggestion that much more could be gained than I was getting from my horse.

I hung around this search page for a while reading different opinions, when I came across an article written by Tom Moates, The Myth of Natural Horsemanship.  Now, here was a name I recognized.  Tom had been on the show.  It's a good one, I recommend you listen.  Here's the link:   Tom Moates on the Whoa Podcast.

In his article, Tom says natural horsemanship casts a wide net that at most means very little and likely means nothing at all.  Parelli coined it in a book he wrote (although I doubt that is the first use of the term) and the public latched on.  Tom breaks down the main issues he has with the term natural horsemanship one by one and does a fine job of supporting his hypothesis.  He concludes "that natural horsemanship is if anything a shift in the language of horsemanship. How people change the language of horsemanship at large and share ideas as an attempt to impart ways of improving the horse/human relationship is where some consistency may be found under this heading.  But the frequent application of the term "natural horsemanship" to all kinds of people and methods muddies the waters."

The term has been around for a long time now.  I am thankful it came around and got me thinking about different ways to interact with my horse even though I may not have been able to tell you exactly what was natural about what I was doing.  Terms - labels- of any kind, if one tries to define them exactly, can be extremely confining and limiting if you keep them that way.  For me, natural horsemanship, is just one of the many stepping stones I needed to learn to get me across that river of knowledge dealing with horses.

Anyway, it finally lead me to Tom's book, A Horse's Thought, which I got in the Kindle format, and reading it has given me some new things to work on.  This rabbit hole was worth it.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

If you listen to or watch the news, you have seen the stories about the horse racing fatalities at Santa Anita this year.  The number reached 30.  Some horses died on the practice track, while some of them died while racing.  They write the stories leading us to believe there has been a spike in horse racing fatalities this year.  The New York Times did a story pointing a finger at the new track owners.  The article examined if the owner coerced trainers into racing horses before they were ready.

Earlier in the season as people looked for answers, an article in the Paulick Report, and racing magazine, journalist Natalie Voss looked into the possibility that the drug bisphosphonate was a factor.

Jeff Goertzen of the Southern California News Group wrote a good article explaining horse racing fatalities at Santa Anita (published in the Mercury News June 30. 2019)

Natalie Voss has been a journalist in the equine industry for years.  she is the features editor for the Paulick Report and also has bylines in Chronicle of the Horse, The Horse magazine, The Blood-Horse, Quarter Horse News, American Racehorse among others.  She has won journalism awards for her writing in the racehorse industry.  When I requested an interview, she was quick to respond.  She speaks clearly in a language laypeople can understand.  She has a love of horses and cares about her industry.  Her insights into the horse racing fatalities were invaluable to producing this episode.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

The phrase that best describes Mary Ann Brewer's philosophy with her horses is "Relationship Based Horsemanship".  She founded her company, In the Company of Horses, to integrate equine-assisted therapy and learning to help people with a variety of problems.  She works with corporations and she works with people struggling with the loss of a loved one or people dealing with drug and alcohol problems.

Mary Ann developed her philosophy of relationship based horsemanship because she feels people need to be honest to the horse.  She tells people, "Your outside needs to match your inside".  Sometimes, she says, people have the belief that they must dominate their horse, even if they don't have a dominate personality.  According to relationship based horsemanship, it's okay to be who you really are.  And, Mary Ann tells us the horses really respond to this honesty.   

Check Out Relationship Based Horsemanship with Mary Ann Brewer

Her company has several programs.  visit InTheCompanyofHorses.com

At MaryAnnBrewer.com you'll find Mary Ann's horsemanship and mentoring programs.  To talk to her directly, call (609) 330-2444 or email her at [email protected]

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

My 19-year-old Foundation Quarter Horse mare, Jessie, has been struggling with lameness since the first of the year.  You can find out the background from a post in early May here: Lameness and My Mare Jessie

After going through the lameness evaluation process and taking it up to the point of an MRI, we decided on a treatment program.  Jessie would get one gram of Bute morning and night.  We would shoe her front feet with egg-butt shoes to increase her break-over angle.  Additionally, we packed her sole with a gel product to protect her feet.  The last part of her treatment program involved riding her 3-5 times a week.

Well, it's difficult to tell.  The vet stated that her lameness score went from a "3" to a "2".  The doctor wanted us to move forward to the MRI.  Jessie is an aged horse not used in competition.  We enjoy trail riding and trail trials.  We generally do both activities at a walk.  There is no guarantee the MRI would provide a definitive diagnosis.  The most prudent approach seems to enjoy her for as long as we are able.  I suppose we could breed her.  She has good bloodlines, a good mind, and the lameness is a genetic defect.  It's something to consider.

For now, we have changed her medication from Bute to Equioxx.  I'll still take her out for exercise 3-5 times a week.  If she doesn't improve, I may try swim therapy.  There is a place in town that offers it may help.

I'll keep you updated on our progress.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Whoa Podcast listeners are great!  I asked you to share your experiences and you come through again and again.  A few weeks back, I got an email from listener Kim Kelly.  Kim had always wanted to enter a horse show, but fear and insecurity held her back.  She kept chipping away at her goal, however, taking little steps and this year entered her first horse show.  It was a challenge she overcame, and she has some tips for those with similar aspirations.

Find the right horse.  Kim worked with the horse she had.  The stress of training and conditioning revealed the horse had a navicular problem.  In her search for another horse, Kim enlisted the help of her trainer.  Together they found the right horse for Kim to take to her first horse show.

Get yourself in shape.  Training takes physical effort from both horse and rider.  By her own admission, Kim was 30 lbs. overweight.  Over the winter to prepare for the show season, she shed those 30 lbs. making it easier for both her and her horse.

Go to a horse show.  Before she competed, Kim went to two horse shows.  She got the feel of the show arena, watched the competitors, and felt the energy generated at a horse show.

Know the rules.  Kim read the rules for the classes she was competing in.  This prevented her from making "silly" mistakes such as petting your horse during the competition.  There are basic patterns she would see in the show pen and, by reading the rules, she could practice those patterns.

Give yourself plenty of time to fill out paperwork. Face it.  We all hate to fill out paperwork.  But, it has to be done to enter a horse show.  Kim suggests getting your paperwork and membership applications in early.  There is nothing like the panic of not knowing whether you are qualified to compete.

To learn more about Ranch Horse Shows check out:

American Ranch Horse Association

To hear about our experience with Working Equitation Working Equitation Training

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

What vaccinations do you give your horse?  How often do you give them?  What happens if your horse has a reaction to one of his vaccinations?  These are questions I put to our listeners. As part of the dialogue we, got to hear from people in many parts of the United States.  Some folks prefer giving their horses the 5 and 6-way combination shots.  Some people spread the vaccinations over two weeks, lessening the chance or strain of a reaction.

However you add it up, your horse needs help from some nasty diseases out there.  There is a lot of good information on the website of The American Association of Equine Practitioners.  While there is no standard protocol for a vaccination schedule that fits every horse, the Association recommends a set of core vaccinations for most horses.  Eastern/Western Equine Encephalomyelitis, Rabies, Tetanus, and West Nile Virus fall into this core category.

Then there are the Risk-based vaccines.   Use these vaccines if your horse has a risk to exposure (not all horses do).  These include rabies, equine influenza, leptospirosis, strangles  and a few others.  Check out the information on their website to see which shots work best for your horses.

We want you to be a part of the show.  Tell us about your horse.  Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique.  Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone.  Or, contact me and we'll set up a time to talk by Skype or phone.  Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Recently I asked listeners how they get their horse in condition, or legged up, after a winter's layoff.  It's been a long, cold, and wet winter in much of the country.  Here in California, we had snow in the nearby mountains and, as I write this, it's Memorial Day weekend.  We have only used our horses a few times in the last several months.  With peak riding time around the corner, it's time to get your horse "legged up".

Sam Finden lives in Townsend, Montana working, riding horses, and writing novels.  I asked listeners how they get their horse in condition, or legged up, after a winter's layoff.  An avid hunter, Sam uses his horses to ride and pack in on his hunting trips.  He starts with short trips at the beginning of the season.  Sam works his horses up to peak condition for rifle season in the fall.

• Keep it a positive experience.  Your horse would rather sleep in instead of work.
• Start with groundwork 15-20 minutes to get their bodies and mind back thinking about you.
• After groundwork use short rides at the walk and trot to help both horse and rider get in shape.
• Pay attention to your tack.  Your horse's weight and body condition may have changed over the winter.  Make sure your tack is in good conditions and still fits properly.

We've invited Sam  on the show twice before.  He knows how to tell a story.  After he published his first novel, Saddle My Good Horse, we talked about Sam's journey to Montana.  We caught up to Sam a few years later and talked about his horses and his writing.  You can see more of Sam's work at Samfinden.com

I'm not the best community builder.  I need your help for that.  I'm not the best at conversation. Let's change it up together.  I hope you will join me.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  Email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

I've been asking you to share your stories about making medical decisions with your horses.  Kellie Auld from California sent me this email of a story she wanted to share about her mare, Little Girl.

Kellie bought Little Girl as a 2-year-old.  Her registered name is Skip to My Leaguer.  Together they went all over California competing in little shows and eventing.

Kellie and Little Girl had a good relationship.  When Little Girl was 11, the two took part in an eventing clinic at their boarding stable.  Little Girl had worked hard during the clinic and Kellie wanted to get her out for a hand-walk on the trail the next day to stretch her legs.  This was a trail they had been on many times.  Both of them knew about the free range peacocks living in the area.  About 1/2 mile down the trail they ran into a male "paint" peacock.  A big blue-and-white peacock.  This was a first.

Little Girl is a high-energy horse, and she went into survival mode.  Kellie had to hang on to the lead rope while trying to disengage her horse.  The ground was hard, rocky, and uneven.   They had only walked out about 10 minutes when this happened, but they took nearly 30 minutes to get back.  So much for a relaxing walk.  They both came back in a sweat.  Poor Little Girl was lathered up.

Little Girl had a compound fracture in her right hind splint bone and had bruises on all 4 feet despite being shod and wearing protective boots.  She was lame all the way around.  X-rays and ultrasounds on all four feet showed nothing other than the fracture.  The vet prescribed a month of stall rest followed by a month of hand walking.  Little Girl finally got turned out for some light trotting.  Ice treatments, poultices, DMSO, and water treatments usually followed.

Her splint calcified and resolved and her feet returned to their natural state.  Finally, the vets gave the okay for tack-walking and lunge-line work.  She was not back to 100%, so Kellie took it slow.  Little Girl looked good except for the right front lameness.  Six months and two follow-up vet exams passed and still there was no improvement.  The vet advised Kellie to stay consistent with her exercise.  Don't increase the workload.

After another month, the lameness worsened.  Kellie sought a second opinion.  Of course, it was another thorough exam involving x-rays, blocking, and everything that goes with it.  This vet said the only way to see what was really going on was with an MRI.  Without insurance, it would have to come out of Kellie's pocket.

About this time, Kellie got another job and moved.  The move put her closer to a well-known equine podiatrist and lameness specialist with a standing MRI.  The cost of the MRI was $2700, but Kellie had to know what was going on with Little Girl.  She put everything on credit cards that were already under the strain of the first rounds of vet exams.

It was a full year after the initial injury that Kellie finally got an answer through the MRI.  In all the commotion and chaos with the peacocks, Little Girl had come down so hard on that right front hoof she had internally lacerated her deep digital flexor tendon with her navicular bone.  She had slightly chipped her navicular and bruised her bursa.  This diagnosis meant stall rest for 6 months (no hand walking) and then light hand walking and stall rest for another 6 months. Telling a fit, high energy 12-year-old they have to stay locked up and can't go outside was an extreme challenge.

Little Girl is now 15 and Kellie faces a tough decision.  She has done everything the vets prescribed.  Three different farriers and special shoes haven't made the difference she hoped for.  Does she retire Little Girl from riding for good?  While Kellie would be okay if Little Girl spent the rest of her life with light trail riding and groundwork, the pain is clear even in those activities.

In Kellie's words, "I am heartbroken for my own selfish reasons for I put money and time into 4 vets, thousands of dollars (I really don't have).  Now my horse tells me she wants to keep riding and having fun, but she just can't. I feel for everyone who has to battle with lameness. There is no right answer sometimes. There is just us doing the best we can at the moment.  Little Girl is happy, loving, and sound enough to be a pasture pony now. The day may come when she is not.  We will cross that bridge when we get there. For now, I love on her and let her be, even though when I go out there she still wants to play games. She doesn't understand why we don't go for trail rides, because she likes them just as much as me, if not more."

I'm not the best community builder.  I will need your help for that.  I'm not the best at conversation. Let's change it up together.  I hope you will join me.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Women are coming back to horses after raising a family.  There is a lot of life left after your children leave the nest.  Many people use these "Golden Years" to follow their dreams of once again owning a horse.

Long-time listener Susan Hoskins raised eight children.  As they gradually left home to lead their own lives, Susan saw the writing on the wall.  She would need something to fill the void - both of time and passion - that her family left behind.  Coming back to horses is a dream come true.

But, things are always easier the second time around.  Mother Nature imposes some physical restrictions on the second half century of life.  While it was not always easy, Susan overcame many of those challenges.  She shares her tips on this episode.

I'm not the best community builder.  I will need your help for that.  I'm not the best at conversation. Let's change it up together.  I hope you will join me.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Hearing the words colic, navicular, founder, or strangles strike fear into every horse owner.  Colic happens when a horse's intestinal tract gets blocked.  In most cases a vet can open/dissolve/remove the blockage with a variety of different techniques.  When those fail however, one of the few remaining solutions is colic surgery.  Alyssa Severeid had to make the tough decision about whether to have the vet perform colic surgery on her horse.  The surgery is expensive.  Little did Alyssa know the decision wasn't just about the surgery.  The after care was not only hard on her physically, but emotionally.  What would you have done in her shoes?  After you hear her story, would you still do the same thing?

While we have never met in person, Alyssa and I have known each other through our podcasts.  She produced and hosted the Earn Your Spurs podcast and She Rides to Win podcast.  From Montana, Alyssa grew up around horses.  Her father is a respected trainer.  She knows horses and gives us insights about her horse and his situation you won't find elsewhere.  Our interview gets emotional.  It's easy to see how much this horse meant to Alyssa and why it was important to move forward with the surgery.

I'm not the best community builder.  I will need your help for that.  I'm not the best at conversation. Let's change it up together.  I hope you will join me.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

The topic is:  How do YOU decide medical issues involving your horse.  How much weight do you place on quality of life issues?  How much do you place on usability of your horse?  And, finally, how much weight do you place on the cost of evaluation and treatment?

I want you to tell me about your stories and situations, so here is my story.  My Foundation Quarter Horse mare Jessie means everything.  I got her in 2007, when I was 53.  She was 7 years old, had 90 days of professional training put on her, and had had 2 foals.  She was and is a perfect fit.

We spent our first 3 years working through the Downunder Horsemanship Beginner and Intermediate Series (Riding with Confidence and Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground back then).  With Clinton's help, I learned most of what I know about horsemanship on Jessie.  We competed in  trail classes and team sorting.  We rode everywhere, and she was a rock star.  She is strong-willed, but I always felt safe on her.  One key moment with Jessie I remember happened in the saddle.  We were loping over some uneven ground and I lost my balance and was way off to one side.  I felt her kind of dip down and move underneath me to keep the situation from getting worse.  She picked me up, and it's a moment in horsemanship I will not forget.

My logbook entry.

On one of our rides she stepped into a gopher hole and bumped her shoulder.  She limped for about a month, but finally improved and we were riding again.  I keep a diary or logbook of sorts for the horses and there is an entry in March 2014 of a "sign of limp @ trot in right front.  Not severe."  In April I noted a right rear lameness, and by May there were no more notations.

My next entry (for lameness) was in February 2016.  On one of our regular rides on the Kern River we stopped at a local bar for a beer and burger.  It was about a 3-mile ride out.  After standing tied while we ate, we got mounted for the ride home and Jessie was noticeably limping.  The limp got worse, and I gave her Bute as an anti-inflammatory.  After talking with the farrier, we thought she might have a sole bruise.  I applied a sole toughener product to her hooves.

While things improved, she continued with occasional lameness.  In April 2016,  a vet evaluated her situation.   Ultrasound, nerve blocking, and x-rays offered no definitive diagnosis.  The next level of testing was an MRI at a cost of about $2,000.  There was no guarantee it would determine exactly what was going on either.  I declined the additional testing.  The vet recommended modified shoes, Prevocox, and stall rest.  Jessie has never worn shoes and I didn't take the shoeing recommendation either.  The cost of this exam was around $500.

There is a place here in Bakersfield, Equine Spa & Wellness Center, that uses swim therapy.  I had tried to do a podcast with Mia the owner, but I botched the audio and we never got back together.  Then, she sent me a promotional email about a summer special - a month of swimming for $700.  We had two trips planned for late June and early July.  This would be the perfect time to send Jessie to therapy.

They started her off with one minute walking on the first day.  By the end of the month she was trotting underwater for 15 minutes.  She also was on the hot-walker and another device, the Equi-vibe (I think).

Anyway, by the time we got back, she was in great shape.  There was no noticeable limp or any sign of lameness.  I took her on a trail ride in the nearby mountains and she went up and down the grades like a billy goat.

After a wet winter, a friend invited us to ride the foothills near her home.  It was January 2019, and a group of us set off and rode for about 2 hours.  It was the first ride Jessie had had in at least a month.  Problems showed up after the first hour and got worse on our way back to the ranch.  She was quite sore the next day.

Over the next few months she would get better, then relapse.  We walked on most of our rides and never far at that.  The limp continued.  Sometimes I saw it on the right.  Sometimes I saw it on the left.  Finally, realizing it wasn't getting better, I tried another vet.

It was a carbon copy of the what the first vet had done 3 years earlier.  First, try to identify the lameness.  Then, block the spot he thinks was lame.  Here, it was the left front.  Once numb, Jessie showed lameness in her right front.  Then there were x-rays that showed healthy navicular bones.  After two hours of examination, The vet said the same as the first.  It looked like navicular, but wasn't.  However, he would treat it like it was.  We would use the egg-butt shoes, and Bute.  Only instead of stall rest, his suggestion was to work her.

This made sense.  When I looked back over my notes, I noticed all of her lameness episodes showed up early in the year after a layoff.  The work Jessie did at Equine Spa was low-impact but intense.  She got conditioned and improved.

So far it is too early to tell.  The special shoes with the gel insoles were $165.  I purchased 200 grams of Bute for about $100.  The second vet exam was $1,000, but included vaccinations for all of our horses.

The Bute has made her visibly more comfortable and I am happy about that.  We get to ride at least 4 times a week.  Jessie was clumsy on the new shoes at first.  They really change the angle of her feet.  She's getting better.  More importantly, I am doing something instead of nothing, and I am getting to ride her again.  And I get comfort in both of those things.

I'm not the best community builder.  I will need your help for that.  I'm not the best at conversation. Let's change it up together.  I hope you will join me.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Yes, I miss producing the podcast.  Sure, I have other things to do to fill the time (like riding my horse).  But, it simply got to difficult to schedule guests, record the interview, edit the interview, put together the open and close, publish it to the Stitcher, Spotify, iTunes, I Heart Radio, Google Play, and all the other places these go, then promote it on social media.  So, let's change it up.

I'm calling this new version Whoa Podcast 2.0.  We'll still talk horses and horsemanship, but the podcasts will be more frequent.  If I can work it out with an expert or trainer or other interesting horse person, I will certainly have them on the show.  The regular version, however, will be shorter.  You may ask, what will we talk about?

There are hundreds of decisions we have to make as horse owners.  What to feed? When do you change the bit you're using?  What sport do I want my horse to do? Where do I keep him?  What happens when they get too old to ride?  When will I know he's too old to ride?

Most of the time we fumble our way through these decisions.  then we wonder if we made the right choice.  This is the stuff I want to talk about.  I want to share with you the choices I make with my horse, but more importantly I want you to share what YOU do with YOUR horse.  What criteria do you use?

Of course, you need to take part for this will work.  We can use the Whoa Podcast Facebook page to communicate.  You can always email me at [email protected].  And, if you want to share your thoughts, talk about your horse and share your knowledge, we can connect on Skype, I record our conversation and play it on an upcoming podcast.  My Skype name is JohnJHarrer.

This was a big deal for me.  My 19-year-old mare, Jessie. came up lame after a ride earlier this year.  It was not the first time.  We performed a lameness exam in 2016 which was inconclusive.  What would be your course of action?  While I don't want to bring economics into the picture, there is not an endless supply of money.  Do you have an emergency horse medical budget?

Next week I'll give you Jessie's full story with all the details.  I'll tell what we did and give you an early progress report.  If you have had a mysterious health issue with your horse, I would love to hear it.  Get in touch with me.

The following week, let's talk about conditioning your horse.  It's been a long, cold, wet winter in many parts of the country.  How do you bring your horse back into riding shape?  Do you feed them more or are they fat from a winter of inactivity?  Let me know.

I'm not the best community builder.  I will need your help for that.  I'm not the best at conversation. Let's change it up together.  I hope you will join me.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

[caption id="attachment_2585" align="alignright" width="300"] Matthias Schoenaerts stars as Roman Coleman in Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s THE MUSTANG, a Focus Features release. Credit: Tara Violet Niami / Focus Features[/caption]

We talk to French filmmaker and director of the just-released movie, The Mustang, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre.  If you’re a listener to this show, we know you love horses. However, many of you have had some tough horses to deal with. It doesn’t matter whether your horse is a wild mustang or one of the domestic breeds, one thing we’ve probably all had to deal with is our relationship with the horse.  The Mustang takes this relationship to the limit with a prison inmate and a tough-as-nails wild horse.

Back in August of 2017, we interviewed Joe Misner who runs the RCC Wild Horse Program for the Sacramento Sheriff’s office.  We talked about the symbiotic relationship between the BLM Wild Horse Management and the prison system. In taking responsibility for the care and training of horses, these inmates learn not only horsemanship, but how their attitude, actions, and body language affects the world around them in both the horse world and the human world.  The recidivism rate for inmates in the program is substantially lower than those in other programs. You would think more prisons would take advantage of this.

In the movie The Mustang, a hardened, angry criminal - just looking to do his time and get out - is paired with a wild horse freshly plucked by the BLM and thrown into his own prison system. Now, it might be argued that neither the prisoner or the horse did anything other than what nature taught them to do, but they both found themselves in the same predicament - stuck behind the prison fences.  Could they rely on one another to help them work their way through this situation?

[caption id="attachment_2584" align="alignleft" width="300"] Bruce Dern stars as Myles in Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’s THE MUSTANG, a Focus Features release. Credit: Tara Violet Niami / Focus Features[/caption]

Director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre spent years researching and working on the script for this movie.  We sat down over Skype on a recent afternoon and talked about what it was like making this movie. The Mustang was released last Friday and I know you will enjoy watching it. Also, check out the BLM website about their Wild Horse & Burro Program. Far too many horses in this country will spend their entire lives behind the fences of holding facilities.

Our library contains well over 200 episodes now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  Find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Sadly, the world we ride in is changing.  We need to take precautions to be safe when we ride.  It's called self-defense for a reason.  It's up to us to take responsibility.  Dogs, pedestrians, automobiles, or people with problems can be a menace on the trail.  Do you know how to handle a troubling situation?

Many years ago at an equine expo I saw a program by Scott Hanson about safety on the trail.  A 90-minute session on what to do if someone tried to attack you while you were horseback.  At the time I didn't think there was much chance of that.  Then, a couple of years ago we encountered someone who released their dog on us.  It came from completely out of the blue.  He released his dog in our direction, then rode his bicycle in the opposite direction.  Ranae and I had practiced some of the principles we learned from the class.  I had pepper spray.  Ranae knew to get in head-to-tail tight to me and my horse, Jessie.  I sprayed the dog in the face.  He turned and ran after his owner.  Had we not prepared, who knows what could have happened?

When I saw a flyer for another Self-Defense for Trail Rider class scheduled at our local Rancho Rio Stables, I wanted to cover the event.  Elmo Sheeran, the instructor, trains many mounted law enforcement officers on how to protect themselves and their horses in police situations.  Elmo offers some great advice.  If you ride on the trail, get yourself a $12 can of pepper spray and a $2 whistle.   Believe it or not, these two simple, inexpensive items take care of most situations you come across.  But, don't just put them in your cantle bag and forget them.  Take them out and practice once in a while.  A little preparation goes a long way.

I produce a short video of the event for my YouTube Channel.  You can see it HERE

We have well over 200 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Life has been a bit hectic of late.  Many months ago I received an email suggesting I have an Australian by the name of Squatter Coffey on the show.  As I do with all your suggestions, I try to contact the person and see if they want to be on the show.  Squatter did agree to come on the show, but we couldn't find a convenient time.

You see, Squatter Coffey lives way out in a "rural" area of Australia.  The time difference would have one of us up in the middle of the night.  We agreed that we would get together when his season changed.  It's just now turning spring in Australia and Squatter, who owns and operates a bush trail riding company, is entering his good riding season.

Squatter Coffey has been riding horses so long he doesn't remember "learning" how to ride.  He has just always ridden.  Squatter grew up in a family of horses.  His 6 siblings are all in the horse business.  Squatter raced horse, worked on stations and has done just about everything you can do on a horse.

While it's sometimes difficult to find something to talk about, Squatter and I share a common love of horses and horsemanship.  He has some good stories and he shares his experiences on the show.  I hope you enjoy Squatter Coffey.

We have well over 200 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

We first met Adriane DeWolfe at a playday with fellow Downunder Horsemanship friends.  it was great getting together with like-minded people to work on our collective horsemanship skills.  Adriane was there with her horse Toaster, a mustang.  Ranae had brought Dusty and I was working with Scratch.  It was clear that Adriane was a serious horsewoman.   She worked equally hard on both technique and philosophy.  Toaster responded well.  Later, we learned it was her first time out with Toaster.  

While we continued to follow each other on Facebook, it would be some months before we saw Adriane DeWolfe again.  Ranae and I thought we would try our hand at Extreme Cowboy Racing.  There was a race being held about a 90-minute drive away at Shades of Gold Ranch.  Adriane and Toaster were entered in the novice division.  When they took the course we saw they had come a long way in a very short time.

Adriane kept challenging herself and her horsemanship to get better.  It was always a smooth trail.  There were many ups and downs.  In 2018, she continued Extreme Cowboy Racing and qualified for the National Competition in Glen Rose, Texas.  She and Toaster will compete in November of 2018.

Adriane DeWolfe bid and won Toaster at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center Wild Horse Training Facility auction.  And, her journey to Glen Rose when she pulls into the arena for the EXCA National Finals, has been a long one.  It's an inspiration to all recreational horsemen and women.  With a little dedication, a lot of hard work, and the love of a good horse, you can reach your goals.

We have well over 200 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Last year we had the privilege of attending the Best Horse Practices Summit in Durango, Colorado.  While we couldn’t make it this year, we wanted to see what they had in store.

Maddy Butcher joins to talk about who will be presenting this year and what they will be talking about.  This is a very special event that focuses on scientific evidence designed to inspire you to reach for higher levels of your horsemanship.

Find out more about the Best Horse Practices Summit 2018.

One of the presenters at this year’s Summit is Rebecca Gimenez/Husted of Technical Large Animal Rescue.

Rebecca instructs a wide variety of professionals and the public about being prepared for large animal emergencies.  She hands out a few tips on things you can do to keep your horse safe.

On a side note, after this interview, Ranae and I ran a fire drill to see how long it took us to get the trailer hooked up and our three horses loaded into our two horse warm blood trailer.  We made it in less than 12 minutes on the first run.  And, it did uncover some problems and other details we need to work on to improve our preparedness.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram– just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Cowboy Dressage, Western Dressage, and Working Equitation are all just a little bit different.  Their goals are very similar:  have your horse negotiate a course using basic horsemanship maneuvers.  The scoring is based on your smoothness and accuracy in cueing your horse.

We had an opportunity to experience an "Introductory Cowboy Dressage" Clinic at a local stable here in Bakersfield, Rancho Rio Equestrian Center.  The instructor is a 6-Star Certified Parelli instructor by the name of Dave Ellis.  The clinic was limited to 10 horse and rider teams and Ranae and I had the opportunity to audit the clinic.  We got to watch as Dave Ellis described the maneuvers then help the participants negotiate the course.

In between sessions, we had an opportunity to chat with Dave and get the history of Cowboy Dressage and its founder, Eitan Beth-Halachmy.

Cowboy Dressage World website

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

Today I’ll be talking more about podcasting than horses, so if you tune out, I’ll understand. We wanted to get you a podcast update on what is happening at Whoa Podcast for 2018.  It’s our 6th year and, what started out as a conversation between Ranae and me about Downunder Horsemanship kept growing and growing.  I wanted it to be a place where regular folks could share their “equine experience” thus enhancing all of our knowledge.

Not knowing anything about podcasting, I dove in head first.  I liked the technical aspects of producing the show.  The hard part was talking and interviewing.  My voice isn’t exactly made for radio as they say.  My interview style is stilted and a bit stiff.  Over the years these improved.  In 2017, I made it my goal to produce a show each and every week.  I succeeded.

Producing a show week for the last year has been a daunting task.  Lining up guests, doing the research, scheduling, then editing takes a chunk of time.  Not to mention the writing and time on social media to promote the show.  Some of the shows weren’t as “groomed” as I would have liked them to be.  With just me as chief cook and bottle washer, sometimes quality suffered over the deadline to get a show published.  I tried to recruit other people into the task, but there’s no money and little fame for many podcasters.  But, don’t cry for me Argentina, I did and do it because I thoroughly enjoy the entire process.

By offering a wide range of guests, talking about all aspects of horses, we covered a lot of ground.  We’ve interviewed veterinarians, farriers, dressage riders.  Through the podcast, Ranae and I have experienced Extreme Cowboy Racing, Working Equitation, Trail Trials, and much more.

And, I’m proud that we were able to give the non-professional speakers a chance to share their horsemanship knowledge on the show.  Folks like Bernice Ende riding across the country and Dennis Dueker and his therapeutic riding ranch, and Alan Day talking about Mustangs.

We took you along with us all over the place.  From the Ojai Valley Cowboy School, to a cutting lesson and out to Colorado to experience the Australian sport of Campdrafting.  You followed us along to the home of Doc Bar, the Horsemen’s Reunion, Cavalia, and the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge.  We even took you to Mongolia and talked about what it would be like to ride one of those Mongolian horses through the countryside.

Maybe the topics were too broad because we covered polocrosse with Paul Johnson, Western dressage with Jennifer Collman, roping with Denny Watkins, and working cow horse with legendary trainer Doug Williamson.

When I began the podcast in 2012 I did not know much about horses.  I still don’t.  But, I know a lot more than I did 6 years ago.  If you’ve been listening, you do too.  It was through the podcast that I learned about a wild, privately managed herd of mustangs and got to start my own - and first - wild horse at the age of 61.  I survived the ordeal.  Actually, because of all I learned on the show, I accomplished the task without any bodily injury.  My pride got hurt a few times, but my bones remain intact.

My goal was to never ask for money from my listeners.  I had hoped some sponsor would come along and help.  Maybe there was an outside chance for a syndication deal.  But, I was doing the podcast for me and all the people who owned horses because they loved them, not necessarily because they knew a lot about them.

I listen to many other podcasts.  When I heard RadioLab can spend $100,000 on a single episode, I was astonished.  Of course, they have an army of editors, writers, production assistants, and reporters for their show, the whoa podcast has me and Ranae.  Yes, I have expenses, whew, a hundred grand - I could do a lot with that!  We started a Patreon Page where listeners could help out with expenses if they chose.

This part of the “business” of podcasting is my biggest weakness.  I’m simply uncomfortable asking for money and don’t like to do it.  Not that what we’ve produced isn’t valuable.  It has been and I’ve gotten so much out of it.

To make money through advertising the podcast needed to get to 20,000 downloads a month.  While we came close a couple of times, we could not sustain those numbers to attract advertisers.

All this is the long way around telling you that the podcast will slow down in 2018.  We have a couple of commitments and look forward to a few shows, but there will not be one every week.  The episodes that have tickled my creative fancy the most were the two with old-time buckaroo, Bill Mooney and the story Bobby Kerr and Tom Hagwood had to tell.  They weren’t the most downloaded episodes, put preserving those stories, presenting them to you so you can share them, has made them very fun to produce.  I’m working on another project to find stories - perhaps in a shorter format - to bring to you in the future.  We’ll see if I can make that happen.

In the meantime, the old episodes will still be available, all 175 of them.  You can find them at WhoaPodcast dot com.  We hope you’ll stay in touch, too.  If you subscribe to one of the services, you’ll get a notification if or when we produce another episode.  I want to personally thank you for sharing this journey with us, supporting the show through all the growing pains.  Ranae and I hope you got something valuable out of it.  We know we did.  If there is one underlying theme to our show, it’s been to follow your dream - no matter what it is - wherever it goes.  If you can’t see the whole path, go as far as you can and from there you’ll learn which direction to turn next.  Thanks again for listening and sharing this podcast with your friends and riding buddies.  Until next time, Go have some fun with your horses.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

I began following Clinton Anderson and Downunder Horsemanship before he titled his program the Method.  It was 2005, I was 51 and was helping my wife get through a tough time with her horse.  I had never owned a horse of my own, but the techniques I learned through the DVD programs gave me the confidence to get my first horse.  Truth be told, I owned a stick and string, halter, and Gaining Respect and Control on the Ground, before I even began looking for my first horse.

Because I'm a bit on the frugal side, I volunteered for and work at three Walkabout Tours.  One of them was the first Tour-cation event in Las Vegas.  After the last of the work was completed on Sunday night, I couldn't sleep and went down to the casino at the South Point.  Clinton came in later with a few friends at sat down to play Blackjack.  Moving quickly to his table, I had the best time losing $60 as Clinton kept the dealer, other players, and even the pit boss smiling.  (Well, I don't believe pit bosses are allowed to smile.)

Later, I would document my progress with my American Quarter Horse, Jessie on our YouTube Channel and generate over a half a million views!

The Whoa Podcast was originally titled the DUH Podcast as an homage to Downunder Horsemanship.  We later changed the name because people thought we were affiliated with the company.  We are NOT!  When we were approaching our 100th episode I contacted Downunder Horsemanship and invited Clinton to be on the show.

As we wind up the 5th year of the podcast, we rerun one of my most exciting moments in this podcast experience.

Merry Christmas and here's to an exciting 2018!

• Downunder Horsemanship
• Downunder Horsemanship TV
• No Worries Club
• Clinton Anderson Academy
• Facebook - Downunder Horsemanship
• Twitter - Downunder Horsemanship
• YouTube - Downunder Horsemanship

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Sign up.  Occasionally, I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Support the Whoa Podcast with this Amazon Link.

FJ "Jewel" Thomas is an avid horsewoman, an author of both novels and children's books, and a wonderful friend of the Whoa Podcast.  We spoke with FJ after the release of her first novel, Lost Betrayal, nearly two years ago.   Since then she has written two children's books, a couple of more novels, and is working on a screenplay.  Her latest children's book, Pedro's Problemo, is illustrated by a ten-year-old.  It's a cool little story for kids.

Because FJ has been around horses her entire life, her stories include details about horses and horsemanship that are accurate and realistic.  She writes what she knows - horses.

In addition to her other endeavors, FJ continues to bring awareness of women's issues with her blog Cowgirls with Curves.  Her site offers tips for women in horsemanship, fitness, diet, and exercise.  She is very aware of the motivation some women need to pursue their horsemanship goals.

And, FJ Thomas is an avid horsewoman.  She rides. competes, offers clinics, and is a judge in the show world.  I'm not sure how she finds time for everything.  This girl has a motor and is an inspiration.

Amazon Link to F.J. Thomas Novels

Amazon Link to Jewel Thomas Children's Books

Cowgirls with Curves Website

Cowgirls with Curves Facebook

Talking in the Barn - Blog

FJ Thomas Facebook Page

Jewel Thomas Facebook Page

On Twitter as:

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Sign up.  Occasionally, I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram- just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Vicki Wilson was invited to the all-woman 2017 Road to the Horse Championship.  An establish show jumper and an accomplished horsewoman in her home country, Vicki Wilson always seems to be looking for a new challenge.  The RTTH competition pits horsemen and women against unbroken colts and judges how much they can accomplish in three days.  Traveling from New Zealand, Vicki was determined to showcase her horsemanship skills.  The horse she chose, "Kentucky", moved suddenly as she dismounted the first day.  The quick move triggered an old injury and Vicki's shoulder dislocated.  Any good competitor relies on good physio and pure adrenaline to get them through a competition.

Vicki Wilson continued the competition and went on to win the championship.  More importantly, she will be traveling back to the US to compete at the 2018 Road to the Horse.

In looking at the YouTube videos of the RTTH we came across the bodywork clinic Vicki demonstrated and were amazed at the difference she could make in two horses in a very short time.  Vicki told us that a good horse doesn't simply wake up one day and decide to do something bad.  There is usually a cause of the problem.  Her "Sore Horse" presentation really opened our eyes.  Give it a look:

Vicki Wilson Horsemanship Facebook Page

Wilson Sisters Horsemanship

Kaimanawa Heritage Horses

Double Dan Horsemanship

Road to the Horse

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

I first learned of Magen Warlick when I was a member of Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship No Worries Club (NWC).  Clinton has an Academy that trains horsemen and women in his Downunder Horsemanship Method.  It's a tough deal and only a few make it to the end.  Magen was one of those few.  After nearly 10 years as an NWC member, I dropped out and lost track of many of the Downunder folks.

Earlier this year, if you've been following along the podcast, Ranae and I participated in several California Extreme Cowboy Race Events.  We met a lot of nice folks and a few we competed with made it to the National Finals in Texas.  As we followed along with that event online, we noticed Magen Warlick's name in the Futurity and Professional Division.  It was a grueling week of competition and Magen came out on top.

Because of our interest in EXCA I wanted to have Magen Warlick on the show to talk about her experience.  I also wanted to know if she could give us a few tips on how to better compete with our horses.  She came through on both counts.

Magen Warlick Horsemanship on Facebook

Magen Warlick Website

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

The Wreck at Trout Creek with Skeeter and Bill by Bill Mooney.

Bill Mooney buckaroo'd on the Spanish Ranch for 4 years, I believe, in the 1970's.  The Spanish Ranch, part of the Ellison, was a big outfit, running to a million and a half acres.  Being a buckaroo can be tough work.  You ride many different horses and there is a wide variety of work to do.  Most days are spent horseback.  As a matter of fact, Bill once wrote that he mounted a horse 320 days one year.  To learn more about Bill's career as a cowboy, listen to our first podcast with him.

As with many cowboys, there is a favorite horse, or a favorite story, or even a favorite boss.  Bill Mooney had all these and a whole lot more.  In the episode of Tales from the Moon Man (My nickname for this series - I just made it up right now.  Pretty quick aren't I?), Bill tells the story of the Wreck at Trout Creek with Skeeter and Bill.

Long-time listeners will notice I've added a little music for dramatic effect.  It would be great to have your input on how you feel it adds or detracts from the story.

If you enjoyed this story and want to read more from Bill Mooney, follow him on Facebook.  I guarantee it's a good read.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Tommie Turvey is an equine extremist.  During this Thanksgiving week, we're off enjoying time with family and working on the next podcast with buckaroo Bill Mooney.  Bill has a great story to tell about the wreck at Trout Creek.  But you'll have to wait for that great story.  I went back into the archives for a repodcast of my interview way back in 2014.  Tommie has had a fascinating life working at a bunch of different places.  He was generous with his time and I love this story.  Tommie's life and work with horses have grown since this interview.  He's been working on commercials, TV shows, and performing live.  You can check out the latest stuff at TommieTurvey.com

We hope you enjoy this repodcast with equine extremist Tommie Turvey.  Be sure to check out Tommie's Facebook Page here.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Wranglers Challenge is Lindsay McKenna's new book. As a writer, Lindsay McKenna created a whole new genre called Military Adventure Romance.   We wanted to do something this year to raise awareness and support for veterans.  As a veteran, Lindsay McKenna knows many of the struggles veterans face after their service.  And, she is quite aware that there are many forms of PTSD.

Most of you know I listen to quite a few books on Audible.  Lindsay has several there (Lindsay McKenna has written over 200 books and sold over 23 MILLION copies worldwide!).  Almost all the ratings were 4 and 5 stars.  Many of Lindsay's book deal with veterans and their reintegration back into society after their military service.

We talk much more than her new book, Wranglers Challenge.  Lindsay has an amazing life and she tells many tales of her experiences including those with horses.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Sam Finden was on the show a few years ago after he published his first book, Saddle My Good Horse.  Sam is a good guy and we hit it off immediately.  He writes what he knows - horses, hunting, and living in the country.  An avid fan of the outdoors, Sam is loving life in Montana.

A lot has happened in the almost two years Sam has been on the show and I wanted to catch up with our friend.  Sam has married and written two more books - Lone Wolf and Big Cat Challenge since we last spoke.  Part of a series, the books deal with life in the wilderness and have a Christian influence.  If you're looking for good winter reading or a Christmas gift for someone special, I urge you to check out Sam's books.

I met Abigail Boatwright at the first event I covered as a freelance writer/photographer in Colorado three years ago.  At the time Abigail was covering the event for the AQHA Journal.  Now, along with friend and freelance writer/photographer Kate Bradley Byers, they produce the Freelance Remuda Podcast.  On the show, they talk about the many aspects of being a freelancer.  There are a lot of great tips, tricks, and information pertinent to anyone wanting to make a living as a freelance journalist.

Because of my experience as a podcaster and a freelancer, the women invited me on the show to talk about my experience.  We add a snippet of that interview in this episode of the Whoa Podcast.  If you are or want to, work as a freelancer, I encourage you to check out the Freelance Remuda Podcast and the Freelance Remuda Facebook Group Page.

Sam Finden Website

Sam Finden Facebook

Freelance Remuda

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Krystal Kelly emailed us to tell us she was the only FEI Level II Show Jumping Coach in the US.  We thought that sounded impressive and wanted to learn more.  We wrote her back and the more we talked the more we discovered the exciting life Krystal Kelly was living.  Horses are definitely a large part of her life, but she also loves to travel.

Krystal is living in England these days, but she travels to the US often to give clinics and speak on empowering women.  We talked about many things.  She knows about horses and the Mawari horses.  Krystal tells her story of the Mongol Derby she rode in.  Isn't it amazing how many times the Mongol Derby and riding in Mongolia has come up in the show this year?

We love the aspect of adventure horses can bring to your life.  It's worked for Ranae and I, even in riding the trails of the Kern River.  Krystal has traveled all over Asia, and the world for that matter, using her love of horses as her ticket to meeting people who share her passion.

Krystal Kelly has a travel company where she can share her travel experiences with other women.  It's called KrysKolumbusTravel and she has yoga experiences and adventure experiences all over the world.  And, if you want to learn more about her exciting life, check out her blog Krystal-Kelly.com

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

The BHP Summit is in the books.  Organizers and participants called it very successful.  Ranae and I enjoyed the educational seminars, the teaching clinics, and the town of Durango.  The weather was near perfect and every participant we talked to had only good things to say.

There were many excellent academic presentations.  One early morning elective even had us holding a horse's brain in the palm of our hands.  Learning how a horse learns from a scientific perspective was the focus of the BHP Summit.

We made some new friends, Brian and Charlene Stephenson of East Point Horspice in Nebraska.  What began for them as a horse hospice has grown into a therapeutic riding center and horse retirement home.  We got a chance to talk with them and they are doing some wonderful work.

Another person we had the opportunity to meet was Leticia Glen of Natural Horseman Saddles.  She sat down with me to talk about saddle fit and design.

Film crews surrounded every presentation and we understand that videos of the BHP Summit will be available in 2018.  Check out Best Horse Practices for details.  One video I would highly recommend is the session with Randy Reiman and Bryan Neubert.  These cowboys are great storytellers and their tribute to Bill and Tom Dorrance is priceless.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

For a first-time event, the Norco Horse Affair appeared to be a success.  The vendor booths were full.  The clinic arenas were well attended.  The weather in Norco, CA was perfect.

While we only got to attend the first day, a Friday, we wanted to share our experience and observations.  I got to haul my camera out and take a few photos of the people and places around the grounds

We ran into riding friends.  There were familiar clinicians like Matt Sheridan and Jerry Tindell.  And, awesome entertainment from the Darden Sisters.  Plus, we met with local author Chuck Morris.  It was a good time.

 Janet Barrett has written a wonderful account of a Jeju pony "drafted" by the U.S. Marines Fifth Regiment's Recoilless Rifle Platoon. From the racetrack of Korea, Reckless grew into a real-life hero of the Korean War.  On today's show, Janet joins us to share some of the stories about this amazing little horse. We get to know about the background of the men who took a chance on Reckless.  We also gain some insight into how Reckless returned that trust.

Janet's has written the book, They Called Her Reckless - A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse.  It is a fascinating true story of how a horse bonded with her Marine "herd" to become an integral part in the Battle of Outpost Vegas of the Korean War.

Janet not only tells the story of Reckless' war heroics, but she also paints a wonderful portrait of her personality that endeared her to generals, officers,  and enlisted men alike.  The book covers the life of Reckless based on extensive interviews with over 60 Korean War veterans.  The book is a wonderful read.  Janet is a great storyteller and wonderful interview.  More importantly, Janet offers background on the Korean War, sometimes referred to as The Forgotten War.

Returning home to Camp Pendleton in California, Reckless attended ceremonies for the Marine Corp.  She continued receiving promotions and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant before her retirement.  A statue of Reckless charging up a hill stands at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia.

If you have a soft spot for heartwarming horse stories, you will love the story of Reckless Korean war horse Marine hero.

Links for this show:

Janet Barrett

Tom Moates is an equestrian journalist.  You may have read one of his articles in Eclectic Horseman, The AQHA Journal, Ranch & Reata, or Western Horseman magazine.  If you have, you may have noticed his special insight into the trials and tribulations of a beginning horseman.  It's because Tom Moates came late in life to horses.  His journey is very similar to mine.  Tom writes frankly about his challenges, wrecks, and the learning curve we all must endure if we choose to coexist with our equine partners.

Luckily for Tom Moates, he came across trainer Harry Whitney.  That name was unfamiliar to me, but then I'm new to the horse world too.  Tom credits Harry's teaching with really improving his horsemanship.  So much so, that Tom has written several books based on the notes and journals he kept while attending Harry's clinics.

Tom's 5-book series, Journey into Honest Horsemanship, includes his most popular title A Horse's Thoughts.  The series covers what Tom has learned over the years of working and writing about horses.

Tom Moates Website

Tom Moates Facebook

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Bill Mooney cowboyed on the some of the biggest ranches in the Great Basin.  He began at the Circle A, then was a buckaroo for the Spanish Ranch as he worked for Bill Kane, the notable cow boss for the Spanish Ranch.  He learned the ropes and worked the ranches in the 70's.  Bill Mooney has cowboy stories to tell.  You can find him on Facebook here: Bill Mooney.

Check out some of his stories and you will be hooked.  Now in his 60's, Bill still cowboys for local ranches.  I was surprised to learn he still helps out at branding.  While it's a little tougher flanking a cow, it sounds like Bill takes his turn at the groundwork.

It's my hope Bill Mooney will share more of his stories on the podcast.  It's great hearing them for the guy who has lived them.  We hope you enjoy this episode of the Whoa Podcast.  We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Ranae and I are headed to Durango in October for the Best Horse Practices Summit.  This intimate horse expo brings together experts from all aspects of horse behavior and is sure to add to our horse knowledge.  The BHP Summit is limiting attendance to 200 people ensuring everyone gets the focus and attention they need.  We are looking to take away valuable horsemanship tools from the Summit and hope to meet you there.  You can register here.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

"Training through Understanding" is the motto of Jim Thomas' Bar T Horsemanship.  Jim feels if you understand what your horse needs to learn, then give it to him, you will improve your relationship.

And, Jim Thomas ought to know.  Jim has started scores of mustangs for the BLM and competed in many Mustang Makeovers.  He travels the country year around teaching people how to build a stronger bond with their horse.

As one of the speakers at the Best Horse Practices Summit in Durango, Colorado, October 8-10, Jim will be sharing what he has learned about Evidence-Based Horsemanship.  More importantly, Jim hopes you be able to take the principles learned at the Summit and put them to work Immediately for you.

Ranae and I are headed to Durango in October for the Best Horse Practices Summit.  This intimate horse expo brings together experts from all aspects of horse behavior and is sure to add to our horse knowledge.  The BHP Summit is limiting attendance to 200 people ensuring everyone gets the focus and attention they need.  We are looking to take away valuable horsemanship tools from the Summit and hope to meet you there.  You can register here.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

We welcome Matt Sheridan to his third visit to the show.  Matt is a 5th generation horseman and knows his stuff.  As part of the Norco Horse Affair 2017, Matt is presenting several topics to horsemen attending the event.  On this show, he discusses the moving the horse from the hackamore to the bridle and the challenges trainers will face.  Matt is also planning a session on "Bits and Biting", explaining the different mouthpieces and how the horse is expected to respond to them.

As a special treat, there will be a basic Ranch Roping segment hosted by Matt.  People will get the opportunity to pick up some tips to improve their Ranch Roping.

For those who show, Matt offers some tips on how to impress the judges.  Matt has held his judges' card for years.  He is an experienced showman.  Because he has been on both sides in the show ring - competitor and judge - his insights carry extra weight in helping you become a better showman.

Matt participates in our first Ask the Trainer segment by answering a question sent to us by Bobby Chastain.  If you have a question for a trainer, send it to [email protected].

Matt Sheridan's Website

Matt Sheridan Performance Horsemanship Facebook Page

King Feeds

Norco Horse Affair 2017

Ranae and I are headed to Durango in October for the Best Horse Practices Summit.  This intimate horse expo brings together experts from all aspects of horse behavior and is sure to add to our horse knowledge.  The BHP Summit is limiting attendance to 200 people ensuring everyone gets the focus and attention they need.  We are looking to take away valuable horsemanship tools from the Summit and hope to meet you there.  You can register here.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

TJ Holmes has been visiting the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs since 2002.  In 2007, she began documenting the herd.  She is essentially the herd's historian.  She keeps track of births, deaths, band structure and so much more.  If something happens in the Spring Creek Basin Mustang herd, TJ Holmes has probably documented it.

Working as a volunteer for the BLM, TJ Holmes acts as an advocate for the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs.  Because she knows the horses so well and on an individual basis, she is an integral part of the herd management.  TJ implements the herd's PZP program on the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs.  PZP is a birth control protocol that has kept the Mustang levels at a manageable level. Much of the PZP methods used on Mustangs was taught to TJ by her mentor, Jay Kirkpatrick of the Science and Conservation Center.

Friends of the Mustangs

Mustang Heritage Foundation

Horses of the Little Book Cliffs

Become a BLM Volunteer

As an accomplished photographer, TJ chronicles the progress of the Spring Creek Basin mustangs on her blog, SpringCreekBasinMustangs.

Ranae and I are headed to Durango in October for the Best Horse Practices Summit.  This intimate horse expo brings together experts from all aspects of horse behavior and is sure to add to our horse knowledge.  The BHP Summit is limiting attendance to 200 people ensuring everyone gets the focus and attention they need.  We are looking to take away valuable horsemanship tools from the Summit and hope to meet you there.  You can register here.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Kalley Krickeberg was raised on a cattle farm in Illinois.  From using the horses on the farm, she moved up to riding and training OTTB in playing polo.  As a farm girl, Kalley was active in 4H before moving on to other disciplines.  Kalley rode dressage, jumping, and reining.  She also trained and rode horses in cutting and learned how to train a horse at liberty.

Kalley Krickeberg calls her program the "Balanced Horse Training".  She brings what she has learned from the many disciplines she has studied together to build a solid horsemanship program.  Because of her variety of experience, Kalley is not "locked in" to one set of rules or mantra and can look for the solution that best fits the horse.

Increasing the Degrees of Difficulty

According to Kalley, there are four ways to increase the degrees of difficulty:  Position, Length of Time in Position, Speed, and Environment.  Kalley explains how to use the ways to improve your horse.

As a Contributing Editor & Equine Advisor to the APHA magazine, Chrome, Kalley provides advice in her column "Keepin It Fresh".

You can follow Kalley Krickeberg on Facebook at Kalley Krickeberg Training Barn and at her website KalleyKrickeberg.com

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Joe Misner has competed in 13 Extreme Mustang Makeovers.  He placed in the top ten in 9 of those competitions.  And, Joe Misner loves teaching what he has learned about wild horses.  Joe is dedicated to helping America's wild horses and prisoners looking to change the path of their life.

Joe Misner is the manager of the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center Wild Horse Program.  He has developed a horsemanship program for inmates of the Sacramento Sheriff's Department.  The prisoners learn to train wild mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management.  The horses are auctioned off and the proceeds go to the Mustang Heritage Foundation.  It's a win-win situation for both the inmates, wild mustangs, and Joe Misner.

The Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center's next adoption sale is October 14 at 9 am.  Find out all the information at Friends of R3C dot com.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Do you love horse expos?  There is a new one on the West Coast, the Norco Horse Affair.  Norco is a city in Riverside  County, California that, by city ordinance “shall reflect a desired Western theme”.   In 2006, Norco received a federal trademark to call their home Horsetown USA.   The streets are set up with horse trails.  Storefronts and restaurants have hitching posts and pens for people who ride through town.

Fran Klovstad owns Thrifty Horse in Norco.  She teamed up with Liza Rogers to create the Norco Horse Affair, October 6-8 at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center.  They have a full schedule of clinicians, trainers, and presenters for the whole family.  Everything from dressage to western, and trick roping to freestyle and liberty, will be on display.  On Saturday night, October 7, there will be a Ladies Rodeo Night and there are plans for an All American Horse Competition.

The best part is, they are charging $15 for a car load.  So pack up as many friends as you can into one vehicle and plan on a weekend of horses and horsemanship.

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

Lester Buckley was not a trainer I was familiar with. Listener Robin Kane has been helping out getting guests for the show and she is hosting a clinic with Lester Buckley in Willits, Ca. at Berry Creek Ranch, August 18 - 20.  It's great to learn from every trainer, and I wanted to find out Lester's story.

We got a hold of Lester via Skype while he was waiting on a load of hay to arrive.  Lester lives in Kentucky and, boy, does he have a story to tell.  Lester worked on the King and Parker ranches.  One is in Texas, the other in Hawaii.  Both are very large cattle operations.  Lester gained a great deal of experience from riding on these to ranches and he talks about it on the show.

Lester attributes a lot of his early experience to riding horses at the ranch of Delwin Burch, cutting horse trainer and breeder.  The experience he gained there led him to learn more from Ray Hunt.  After earning a degree in equine science from Sul Ross State University in Texas he began working and training horses.  Lester also competed in cutting and captured the Reserve World Champion APHA Open Superstakes.

Wanting to learn more about classical horsemanship and precision movement, Lester Buckley turned to the German Equestrian School where he learned from some of the top trainers in Europe.

Lester Buckley Website

Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'll see if we can contact them and get you an answer.  Email [email protected] or call on our message line (661) 368-5530 (toll charges may apply).

It's been a busy summer and in listening to some of the old shows, I came across this interview with Doug Williamson in 2015.  Doug was 73 at the time.  Now, he's 75 and he's like an Energizer Bunny.  He just keeps going and going!  Doug has trained 42 AQHA champions.  He's been a horseback nearly all his life.

It's one of the best parts of doing the podcast, I got to watch Doug work and ride a couple of horses, then he took a break.  We sat in his office surrounded by plaques, ribbons, trophies, and newspaper clippings.  Doug was proud of the things he has accomplished on a horse.  Doug has trained 42 AQHA champions.  But, he was also generous with his time and patiently answered some of my personal questions about horse training.  This interview with Doug Williamson remains one of my favorites.

There's a horsemanship group called Golden State Horsemanship Club.  We had met up with some of the members when they hold their annual equestrian get-together at the Bar SZ Ranch Memorial Day Weekend.  (We experienced it three times and I would encourage you to check it out.)  Mike and Cynthia were embarking from Northern California for a 2-week horse vacation.  They are podcast listeners and wanted to stop over in Bakersfield and check out some of our riding areas.  It was great to get to ride with them and show off just a few of the wonderful places we get to ride.  We took them out to Ethel's Old Corral and shared lunch and a beer.  Good times.

It's been a busy summer and in listening to some of the old shows, I came across this interview with Doug Williamson in 2015.  Doug was 73 at the time.  Now, he's 75 and he's like an Energizer Bunny.  He just keeps going and going!  Doug has trained 42 AQHA champions.  He's been a horseback nearly all his life.

It's one of the best parts of doing the podcast, I got to watch Doug work and ride a couple of horses, then he took a break.  We sat in his office surrounded by plaques, ribbons, trophies, and newspaper clippings.  Doug was proud of the things he has accomplished on a horse.  Doug has trained 42 AQHA champions.  But, he was also generous with his time and patiently answered some of my personal questions about horse training.  This interview with Doug Williamson remains one of my favorites.

There's a horsemanship group called Golden State Horsemanship Club.  We had met up with some of the members when they hold their annual equestrian get-together at the Bar SZ Ranch Memorial Day Weekend.  (We experienced it three times and I would encourage you to check it out.)  Mike and Cynthia were embarking from Northern California for a 2-week horse vacation.  They are podcast listeners and wanted to stop over in Bakersfield and check out some of our riding areas.  It was great to get to ride with them and show off just a few of the wonderful places we get to ride.  We took them out to Ethel's Old Corral and shared lunch and a beer.  Good times.

Why do we need a horse summit to learn how they think?  Well, consider any relationship.  The more you know what the other side needs and how they operate, the more you can build the relationship through those needs.  Science has made huge strides in learning what actually goes on in a horse's brain.  It's not anecdotal.  It's evidence based.  Dr. Stephen Peters is a neuroscientist working on the science of how horses think, feel, and learn.

Dr. Stephen Peters is a neuroscientist working on the science of how horses think, feel, and learn.  Dr. Peters teamed up with the famed horse trainer, Martin Black, and together wrote the book Evidence-Based Horsemanship.  Back in May of 2014, we interview Martin Black about the book and you can hear it here.  The theories Dr. Peters investigates are gaining acceptance throughout the horse industry.

Maddy Butcher is the founder and editor of many equine related websites including Best Horse Practices-dot-com and HorseHead-dot-info.  She sees real merit in theories of evidence-based horsemanship and, through her Best Horses Practices website, is producing the Best Horse Practices Summit.  The horse summit will be in Durango, Colorado, October 8-10 and will feature both academic speakers and horse trainers and behaviorists.

Maddy Butcher calls the horse summit a "TED talk for horse owners".  “We wanted to offer something to horse owners and riders valuable to their interactions, and ideally improve the lives of horses,” she said.

Ranae and I are working on plans to attend the horse summit.  While Durango, Co is quite a distance from our home, we think the principles and techniques we learn will make a lasting contribution to our horsemanship knowledge.

You can register for the Best Horse Practices Horse Summit here.  If you register before August 1, you will not only save money, you will be entered into a drawing for highest quality wool felt saddle pad from 5 Star Equine Products!

Dr. Robert Miller graduated from Colorado State University and settled down in Thousand Oaks, California where he founded Conejo Valley Veterinary Clinic.  After 31 years in practice, he retired.  Dr. Miller is widely known as an expert in ethology, the study of animal behavior. More than 30 years ago he noticed the effect of imprint training on newborn foals.  While he retired from veterinary practice 30 years ago, he is far from idle.  Colleges, equine conventions, and horse organizations have asked him to speak and share his knowledge.   Dr. Robert Miller has visited every continent giving lectures about animal behavior.

While still going strong on the lecture circuit, at age 90 he has won too many awards to mention here.  He was the Western Horseman Magazine, Horseman of the Year in 2012, he's in the Western States Expo Hall of Fame, and was named Equine Continuing Educator of the Year in 2012 by Western Veterinary Conference.

The author of 23 books and working on his 24th, Dr. Miller has written two books about the revolution in horsemanship and what it means to the industry.  His videos Early Learning and Understanding Horses are must-haves for every horse owner and breeder.  To find more of Dr. Robert Miller's video and books go to RobertMMiller.com.

On this week's show, we talk to Downunder Horsemanship Professional Clinician Diego Gaona.  As many of you may know, I am a big fan of Downunder Horsemanship.  My foundation in horsemanship is based on the skills I learned from watching the dvds of Clinton Anderson.  As a member of the No Worries Club, I followed the progress of many of the students of the Clinton Anderson Academy and I remember the year Diego Gaona, Jeff Davis, and Luke Lundahl joined the Academy.

The Academy could likely be compared to a horsemanship boot camp.  It's 70 weeks long and a big commitment to undertake.  Very few students make it to graduation.  Diego Gaona made it to the end of his Fundamental certification and decided he wanted more and became a Certified Professional Clinician.  Currently, I believe he is only one of five certified at the professional level.

Diego Gaona also gives advice on improving your horsemanship based on his training.

We also give you an update on a test ride we took with our endurance riding friends Paul and Dona Schilling.  We traveled to San Antonio Lake in Central California and did a short horse camping trip.  We took the horses on a short 3 mile ride the first afternoon.   The next day we rode almost 12 miles.  We had heart monitors for the horses so we could monitor their fitness level.

The Varmints Podcast is hosted by Paul Csosmo and Donna Hume.  The Varmints Podcast "is an education/comedy podcast that's all about animals! And who better to teach you than two nerds named Paul and Donna? They aren't exactly animal experts. More like animal enthusiasts. Anyway, every week they do a whole bunch of research to educate themselves and you the listener on all things that creep, crawl, slither, fly, hop and swim on this planet one animal at a time."

They invited me to guest host their episode on Horses.  Admittedly, I am not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to horses.  My sphere of knowledge is rather limited.  But, fellow podcasters have to stick together.  

The Varmints Podcast is a fun show.  I hope you will check out some of their other episodes.

We talk to Dr. John Tolley of Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital - Large Animal Division.  Dr. Tolley covers the basic veterinary needs of your horse.  As a horse owner, you know horses can be expensive.  If you know what to expect, you may be able to prevent unnecessary costs.  In this episode, Dr. Tolley covers vaccination protocols, worming protocols, feed and nutrition and a whole host of topics about horse-keeping.   If you own a horse you will want to listen to this episode.  We get down to brass tacks in some areas talking about prices for pre-purchase exams and lab tests.

If you are thinking about getting a horse, learning about basic veterinary needs of your horse will eliminate surprises.  Learning your options about feed, worming and dental programs can ensure you enjoy your horse for a long time.

We also recap our experience we chronicled in a previous podcast about Extreme Cowboy Racing.  For being our first year competing, we made an improvement over the course of the season, we had a lot of fun competing, and we met a lot of great people.

Ranae finish 2nd in the State Final competition with Dusty.  She learned a lot about her horse and how to negotiate the various obstacles.

Scratch and I had a unique final experience that I talk about in the show.  Scratch ended up 2nd in the State standings.

We take a little break from horses this week to share our trip with Nashville.  We experienced the sights, sounds, and music of Nashville.  On our first day, we met up with Lyft driver, musician, and carpenter, Bob Tyler, who suggested we go to Edley's Barbecue and if we were looking for some music to check out the 5 Spot.

Thursday we checked out the Country Music Hall of Fame and lunch at Tootsie's Bar downtown. Afterward, we walked around downtown and over the Cumberland River Pedestrian Bridge and saw the Tenessee Titans football stadium.  Later, we had an awesome dinner at Rudie's Seafood and Sausage. We learned that Rudie's also makes a fantastic pie!

Later that evening we had tickets to see the Gatlin Brothers and Ricky Skaggs at the old Ryman Theatre.  We even got to tour the backstage dressing rooms after the show.

The intersection of Broadway and 4th is as crazy as Las Vegas.  There is live music at almost every bar and dive, and there are bars and dives everywhere.  We hung out and listened to music at Robert's Western World, then headed over to Wanna B's for some karaoke - to listen to, not to perform.

[caption id="attachment_2137" align="alignleft" width="300"] Stacy Mitchart[/caption]

A very cool place for me to find was the area called Printer's Alley.  This is the bars in this area are more into the blues.  At Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie we had the opportunity to hear the Stacy Mitchart Band, and Dr. Yes Band featuring Matt Cummings.  Stacy Mitchart was kind enough to let me share some of his music on this podcast.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip and we'll get back to horse stuff next week.

Cowboy Bill Cummins grew up in post-depression era Ohio with his father and four brothers.  His mother died when he was 15.  He nearly lost his fingers and thumbs when he was nine.  Bill dreamed of one day becoming a singing cowboy in the same vein as Gene Autry and the wit and wisdom of Will Rogers.

Bill worked with his family's horses on their farm and a local stable owner noticed he had a special knack working with the horses.  Although he was only 15, the stable owner hired Bill to manage his stable and run his tourist trail riding business during the summers of Bill's high school years.  One year a traveling horse stage show came to town.  Bill befriended the two main riders and trainers, Montana Joe and California Sam.  Meanwhile, the stable owner had a palomino stallion he thought would back a good stage performer.

The scene was set when the two trainers worked with the young horseman and his palomino and the result was Smilin' Cowboy Bill Cummins and his horse King.  For five years the duo performed for audiences doing tricks and singing songs.  While Bill got to live his dream of being a singing cowboy, he got to perform for people all over the midwest.

Bill later went on to pursue a career as a civil engineer.  Then, later in life, in went into publishing and write several books.  At age 86, Cowboy Bill Cummins is an inspiration.

CAI Publishing - King and the Cowboy

Casey Horg, Bakersfield bit and spur maker, spent a lot of time working on ranches with a lot of different horses.  And, he met a lot of knowledgeable cowhands, rode some good and not-so-good horses.  During some of the downtime as a cowboy, Casey learned a little about bit making.  As with many arts, Casey picked up pieces of knowledge here and there.  Slowly, he added to his knowledge and toolbox.  With each bit he made he learned a little more and got better at his craft.  Now, there is a waiting list for a Casey Horg Bit.

Casey will display his silver works and bits as one of the vendors at the upcoming Early Californio Skills of the Rancho in Santa Maria, July 2017.  You can find out more about Casey Horg and the Early Californio Skills of the Rancho by clicking the links below.

Casey Horg

Early Californio Skills of the Rancho

I first met Barbra Schulte early in my horsemanship career.  While volunteering at Equine Affaire in Pomona, California, Barbra was giving a cow clinic.  It must have been around 2007 or 2008, and here was this soft-spoken woman talking about how to cut cows out of the herd.  Being "green as grass", I certainly did not know much about cutting, nor did I know many of the personalities in the horse.   Barbra began talking about the different cow personalities and how one would be better to cut than the other.

Barbra talked about the different cow personalities and how one would cut easier than the other.  My head was on a swivel as I looked at the herd, then back at Barbra, back to the herd.  How could she tell them apart?  Her skills really impress me and by the end of the session, I had a slight understanding of herd dynamics.

Almost 10 years go by and I get to interview the Mustang Man, Bobby Kerr.  Bobby tells this wonderful story about he ran away from his home and schooling in Canada to a horse trader in Illinois because he wanted to cowboy.  Bobby told me the man's name was Cletus Hullings and he learned a lot about horses and cutting from the man.  Fascinated with the story Bobby told, I looked up Cletus Hullings and he had four daughters and one of them was Barbra Schulte!

Barbra Schulte has a lot of knowledge about cutting, cows, horses and performance and I had to get a few tips about competing in an arena.  She is an author, clinician, equine consultant, and performance coach and a member of the Cowgirl Hall of Fame!  It's quite an informative interview.  Check out Barbra's website, BarbraSchulte.com and her Facebook Page for all the wonderful advice she has to offer.

There are a group of cowboys and horsemen that are trying to keep the traditions used on livestock and horses during the mission era of California, the early Californio traditions.  It's a slower way, but it's better for the horses and livestock.  Bruce Sandifer of the Californio Bridlehorse Association relayed a saying I thought summed it up nicely, "Do nothing today, that won't make tomorrow better".

For the last five years, these cowboys get together to practice these early Californio traditions at an event called the Early Californio Skills of the Rancho.  This year the event will be held July 6-9, 2017 at the Elks Rodeo Grounds in Santa Maria, California.

We talk to Bruce Sandifer and Elena Juarez about the event that is a great place for people to learn more about these early Californio traditions.

Ranae and I hope to make it at least one day.  There are going to be some great vendors like Casey Horg Bit Maker, Greg Gomersall Saddlery, and a free concert by Mike Beck.  It's going to be a fun time!

Do you know what your horse's normal temperature is supposed to be?  How about his heart rate or respiration?  Do you know how to take your horse's pulse?

In an emergency, this information can help your vet assess the situation much more quickly and save valuable time in getting your horse treatment.  This week we present a rebroadcast of a 2015 seminar we attended about emergency treatment.  We discovered there are many wives tales out there about how to dress a wound, what to do when you suspect colic or founder.  Dr. Jeff Hall of the Zoetis Corporation presents a comprehensive overview of how to handle many situations.

The seminar was recorded in a banquet room - sorry for the background noise - but we think the information is important enough to warrant airing this show.

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Jeremy Dunn is a rancher, horse trainer, knife builder, reata braider, and has quite a few more skills developed from a life on the ranch.  And, he really enjoys backcountry camping and would like to teach more people how to access the wilderness with their horses.

Many of you know I competed as a rookie in the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge with a horse named Scratch.  One of the judges and organizers of that event was Jeremy Dunn.  Over the course of the competition, we became friends with Jeremy, his wife Brandie and their two children Sage and Steele.  The Dunns live on a remote ranch, the Broken Arrow, in Rosamond bordered on three sides by the mighty Tejon Ranch.  They raise cattle, chickens, a milk cow, have a garden and live the ranch life.  Jeremy trains outside horses and Brandie offers clinics on homemade cheese making.

I learned a lot from Jeremy about horsemanship during the Trainers Challenge and even more afterward.  He impressed upon me the fact that horses need a job.  His clinics are designed to measure the ability of horse and rider and improve from there.

We talk about ranching, horses, and knife making.  Jeremy Dunn and I have teamed up to host a clinic this May.  It is a morning of instruction and an afternoon of trail riding.  We want people to learn then immediately put what they learn into practice.

JB Cattle Company

Jeremy Dunn Facebook

Brandie Dunn Facebook

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Endurance Riding?  How did we get here?  I love following leads wherever they go.  It's not an admirable trait, I know, but I can't help it.  Keith Swenson had me envisioning myself riding a horse across the Mongolian Steppe in an episode a month ago.  Then, a listener suggested we interview Tim Finley about his experience in the Mongol Derby.  During that conversation, Tim told us how he got into endurance riding and what a great sport it was.  While we thought a hundred miles was way farther than we wanted to go in one stretch on a horse, Tim explained there were also "limited distance" and "beginner" rides.

Next, Ranae and I were discussing the episodes and she suggested we talk to our friends, Dona and Paul Schilling, about their endurance riding experience.  What a great idea!  We knew Dona and Paul had been doing long rides for some time and would be an excellent source of information.

So, we're going to take a break this week from the professional trainers and clinicians, (although they've been fun, haven't they?) and we talk with regular horse folks.  Paul and Dona stable their horses at a local stable, have day jobs and deal with horses just like most of the listeners of this show.  They offer a "real-life" perspective on endurance riding.  We discuss equipment, what it takes to condition the horse and what it takes to condition the rider.  And, they talk about some of the common pitfalls beginning riders fall victim to.  They even share a few of their own.

AERC American Endurance Riding Conference

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Van Hargis is a master horseman who not only knows how to clearly communicate with horses but can also pass that knowledge on to other humans.  Yep, you guessed it, another Texan.  Van competed in the Road to the Horse competition in 2005 and 2006.  He does clinics across the country at many of the horse expos and fairs, and he holds clinics wherever anyone needs him.

Van Hargis and I have something in common besides horses.  Van hosts the Ride Every Stride Podcast with his friend and fellow podcaster, Laura McClellan.  Laura hosts a podcast called The Productive Woman to complete the chain.

Van has a couple of unique offerings that can definitely up your horsemanship.  His Top Hand program is inexpensive and easy-to-use.  If you're interested in finding out more about Van Hargis and the information he has to offer, check out VanHargis.com.

Van Hargis Website

Facebook Van Hargis

Ride Every Stride Podcast

Video Van Hargis

The Productive Woman Podcast with Laura McClellan

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

A few weeks ago I interviewed Keith Swenson of Stone Horse Expeditions, a horseback adventure company operating in Mongolia.  Keith talks about the wonders of Mongolia and how you see them on horseback.  It's a good show, you can listen here: Play Stone Horse Podcast.  I received several emails from people telling me how much they enjoyed hearing about Mongolia.  One listener and friend, John Zeliff, emailed to suggest I interview Tim Finley who competed in something called the Mongol Derby.  While I hadn't heard of Tim or the Derby, I headed to the interweb for a little research.

Wow!  The Mongol Derby is the longest horse race in the world.  One thousand kilometers or 621 miles across Mongolia.  A group called Adventurists, who raise money to help environmental issues organizes the event and want to have fun doing it.  While about 40-50 riders start the race, only a little more than half finish.  They are riding Mongolian horses.  Each horse rides 25 miles.  Each rider picks one of the horses from a string.  We learn the mechanics of the race from Tim Finley.

Tim Finley had a career as an Air Force Captain with a tour in Iraq and was part of the Honor Guard.  As with many servicemen, Tim struggled with PTSD from his experiences.  Because the Air Force is unlike the other armed forces, getting help is more difficult.  Horses turned out to be a great outlet for him, particularly when he found a horse at a killers sale.  Tim worked with apparel maker Nine Line bringing awareness to returning veterans committing suicide after returning home.

Tim is out of the Air Force now and wrote a book he hopes to publish soon about his experience with horses.  And, now he's working on another about the Mongol Derby.  This year he plans to ride in several endurance competitions.

If you're looking to try endurance riding, Tim recommends checking out the American Endurance Riding Conference on Facebook and the AERC Website

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Hey, everybody, Ranae retired from her 9-5 job and now we have a little more freedom.  The first trip was planned some time ago to Austin, Texas.  We heard how Texas was a great place for bar-b-que.  We also heard Austin was known for live music.  We wanted to see for ourselves.

We learned the Lonestar Polocrosse Club was hosting a match in nearby Coupland, Texas about 40 minutes outside of Austin.  We have never seen a polocrosse match, but many of the participants use Australian Stock Horses and had met them at our Colorado Campdraft in 2013.  We got to see Kellee Campbell, Kiki Pantaze, and Paul Johnson for the first time in three years.  We also met some excellent players at the A level, Garret and Braxton Hamlin.  I took my recorder and got a few minutes of audio, but it was extremely windy.

Then the rest of the trip was mostly eating, sightseeing, and walking.  We found a little comedy improv club called The Hideout and say a show.  We had dinner at the Roaring Fork restaurant.  We looked for music at Threadgills.  Our tour of the LBJ museum was fascinating.  We put a couple of other presidential libraries on our to-do list.  In Austin, there are the bats at the Congress St. bridge.  That is an amazing site.  Seeing 750.000 bats fly out shortly after sunset from such a tiny area was amazing.

All-in-all it was a great kickoff to Ranae's retirement.  We'll have more horse stories in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned.

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Growing up in Australia a young Warwick Schiller was hungry for horse news and studied Western Horseman magazine like he was cramming for a final.  He says that even today if you show him a cover from the 70's he can likely tell you one of the articles inside.  Yet he began his working career as a banker.  It was on a sabbatical from banking that Warwick came to America and found a job working for a reining trainer.  Working with a reining trainer gave Warwick the foundation he needed to become a clinician.  Now, Warwick Schiller travels the world giving clinics and demonstrations on his unique style of horsemanship.

I really enjoy talking with Warwick.  He studies everything.  Philosophy, efficiency, psychology are just a few of the areas Warwick explores to learn more about horsemanship.  Warwick Schiller will be one of the speakers at the Best Horse Practices Summit in the fall of 2017.  Best Horse Practices explores the principles of Evidenced-based Horsemanship.

Warwick Schiller has a new TV program on Farm & Ranch TV (available on ROKU) called The Principles of Horsemanship.  It's here where Warwick talks about the difference between learning techniques and principles.  Using these principles, Warwick believes you can develop the techniques that work for you to build your horsemanship.

Links Heard on the Show

Warwick Schiller Website

Warwick Schiller Facebook

Farm & Ranch TV

Principles of Training

 Don Murphy Facebook

Evidence-based Horsemanship

Best Horse Practices

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Do you have a bucket list?  Have you ever thought of taking a horseback expedition? How about a desire to travel to exotic places?  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ride a Mongolian horse?  After all, the Mongols were one of the first horse cultures.  

When I began doing this podcast I never dreamt it would go around the world. Through the internet, the show has downloads in over 80 different countries. It is amazing and, just between you and me, I hope some of those listeners aren't trying to learn English from me.

When Keith Swenson emailed me from Mongolia wanting to talk about his horse expedition rides I was immediately captivated. I’m not sure what your picture of Mongolia is, but mine was a cold, dark, barren place I had seen in a “b” movie.   After talking with Keith and visiting his website and YouTube Channel I had a totally different picture.  I really needed to know more about his company, Stone Horse Expeditions.  Stone Horse has expeditions to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Mongolia Wilderness, Khan Khentii Mountains, as well as excursions to the Gobi Desert.

If you are exploring using the Trans-Siberian Railway you can take advantage of their Train to Ger and experience authentic Ger hospitality and culture.

Stone Horse Expedition Website

Stone Horse on Facebook

Stone Horse on Instagram

Stone Horse on Pinterest

Stone Horse on Twitter

Stone Horse on YouTube

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

Most people know Tom Hagwood because he won three straight events in Fort Worth including the Mustang Million.  But, what many people may not know about Tom is how he came to his first BLM mustang.  It was out of necessity.  It was 2008 and the economy was in the dump.  People weren't paying to have their horses trained.  Tom Hagwood needed to work, but didn't have a horse.  He picked up a little mustang from the BLM.  After thirteen rides, he put the horse to work.  

The horse not only impressed Tom, but he impressed others as well.  When one of Tom's friends suggested he enter a mustang competition, Tom scoffed.  But friends convinced him he was good enough to make some money at it and Tom gave it a try.  In a classic story of rags to riches, Tom Hagwood won the Mustang Million on a horse named Merv.

I caught up with Tom at his ranch in Powell, Wyoming with his wife Arianne, and daughter Tommi Jean.  We talked about the secrets to winning a mustang competition, horsemanship, and life in general.  He also tells me how to perfect his signature turnaround.

Tom Hagwood Facebook Page

Have you heard of the Bar Bar A Horsedrinker?  While it’s been a wet winter here, it’s been a terribly cold winter in many parts of the country.  Yes, we’ve had to deal with muddy stalls, but we haven’t had to deal with frozen water pipes or icy water troughs.  In rambling through the world wide web, I came across the Bar Bar A Horsedrinker and it got me to thinking how good we have it most of the time here in California.  

The Bar Bar A Horsedrinker has a cool design that allows livestock to drink, then drains the water away.  The result is cooler water in the blazing hot summer months and no frozen tanks or water lines and warmer water in the winter months.  As the rest of the country starts to thaw out, I thought you might want to check this out.  I contacted the makers of the Bar Bar A Horsedrinker, who then connected me with Buck Strayhorn, horsemen, trainer, and spokesman for the company.  Buck was kind enough to talk with me from his home in Northern Utah.  

Carson James did NOT grow up owning his own horse.  He wanted to learn more about horsemanship and got on-the-job training on ranches from Oregon to Montana to Arizona.  It was there he got the knowledge of some of the least known, but most experienced horse trainers there are by working on those cattle ranches.  He also learned a lot from a book by Ray Hunt his parents gave him.  He read and re-read, Think Harmony with Horses over and over until he knew the main principles inside and out.

In addition, Carson James spent many years working as a horse trainer in Florida in the winter focusing on performance horses.  Then, in the summertime, he worked on the big cattle outfits out west.  This gave him a unique opportunity to blend what he learned from the ranches with what he learned from the performance horse trainers.  Each group has a little different style and goal to training and, by alternating between the two, Carson James had a well-rounded education in horsemanship.

How can western dressage help your horsemanship?  Jennifer Collman has over twenty years experience training horses.  Jennifer is the manager of a training and instruction program overseeing 60 students and 20 horses. Western dressage is so important to her, she uses it as a foundation for her training techniques.

In response to a listener email, I sought out an expert in western dressage and came across Jennifer's name.  A quick email and soon we were talking on the phone.  Jennifer is on the Competition Committee for the Western Dressage Association of America.  She also was a founding member of North American Western Dressage, a great source of educational material about western dressage.

Much of our conversation is about general horsemanship principles and how techniques in dressage can help the "average" horsemen understand their horse better.  Communication is a two-way street.  Many times we are focused on getting our horse to understand us, but how often are we listening to him?

Dressage uses a training pyramid to take you through steps of improving your relationship with your horse.  Jennifer takes us through those steps and briefly explains the purpose and reason for each of them.  While you may not understand them completely after our conversation, I hope it will get you to thinking about horsemanship from another angle.

Jennifer Collman Website

Jennifer Collman Facebook

North American Western Dressage

Western Dressage Association of America

It's your turn to get you involved.  Tell me about your horse.  What's his/her name?  What do you like most about him?  Is there something you know now about horsemanship that you wished you had learned a long time ago?   What would you like to do?  I've set up a Google Voice Line at (661) 368-5530.  Call and tell us a little about you, your horse, and your goals.  Be sure to leave your name and with luck, I'll share your thoughts with other horse owners and we'll all learn.

There is a "Join Our Email" list at the top of this page.  Signup.  Each week I'll send you something useful you can use to build a better relationship with your horse. Thanks!

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at [email protected]

Thanks for listening,

The origins of the Whoa Podcast about #horses and how it evolved over the years. 

Brandi Lyons knows how fear can limit your horsemanship goals.  That's one reason why she calls her website Lyons No Limits.  Brandi works in all disciplines. In this conversation, we talk about problems the average riders faces and what they can do to improve their relationship with their horse.

Andy Johnson lives in Missouri.  While operating a feedlot, he noticed the cows moved easier when he used low-stress cattle handling.  Andy could even use it while on horseback.  Once he had the cows working well, he started working with horses.  Andy Johnson quickly found out how much he didn't know.  He signed up for a three-day clinic at Downunder Horsemanship in Texas.  At the end of the clinic, Clinton Anderson asked Andy if he would like to join his Academy of elite trainers.  Two years later Andy graduated from the Academy.

Unfortunately, life has twists and turns and Andy had to leave Downunder Horsemanship.  He's hung out his horse training shingle at his ranch in Missouri with his wife Chrissy.  Andy Johnson travels the country giving clinics, hosts them at his ranch, and brings in outside horses to train.  It's a family affair with Chrissy who is a CHA certified instructor.

Andy Johnson has a great story to tell.  He also has some wonderful horse training tips which he shares on this show.  I hope you will give it a listen.

Andy Johnson Horsemanship Webpage

Facebook Group AJH Unlimited

Facebook Page Andy Johnson Horsemanship

Please do me a favor.  There is a join our email list at the top of this page.  Signup.  I promise not to bombard you with emails, but it helps tremendously and shows your support for the Whoa Podcast.  Thanks!

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   My name is  John Harrer.  I began the podcast in 2012 because I wanted to learn more about horses and horsemanship.  Talking with great horseman and women about their lives with horses and the history of horsemanship is my passion.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com  and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Dennis Dueker once thought giving pony rides to disable children was a waste of time.  Then, he got to see the healing power of horses first hand.  It not only changed his mind, it motivated him to establish Dueker Ranch Horse Therapy.  The story began shortly after Dennis retired from General Motors when he was asked by a friend to volunteer at a horse therapy facility in California.  When the Dueker family moved to Arizona, Dennis saw a golden opportunity to establish a horse therapy in his hometown of Payson.

Wanting to do it right, Dennis studied and got his accreditation from PATH Intl, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.  He also found Horses Help, a horse therapy center in Phoenix where he could volunteer.

Through his volunteer work, Dennis noticed that many families in need could not afford the benefits of horse therapy.  He set up Dueker Ranch as a 501c3 charity and provides his horse therapy for free.

Dueker Ranch GoFundMe Page

Dueker Ranch Website

Dueker Ranch Facebook Page

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)

Horses Help, Phoenix, AZ

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   My name is  John Harrer.  I began the podcast in 2012 because I wanted to learn more about horses and horsemanship.  Talking with great horseman and women about their lives with horses and the history of horsemanship is my passion.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com  and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

0

Bonus conversation

Lindsay McKenna has led a full life, and it's still going strong.  She broke a wild horse at age 12, took flying lessons at 17, and joined the Navy in 1964. And, those are only a few of her accomplishments.  Because of her military service, Lindsay McKenna is sensitive to military experiences.  She writes what she knows, and she knows about veterans and PTSD.  She has written so many novels dealing with military and mercenary subjects, she earned the nickname “Top Gun of Women’s Military Fiction.”

Because of her military service, Lindsay McKenna is sensitive to military experiences.  She writes what she knows, and she knows about veterans and PTSD.  She has written so many novels dealing with military and mercenary subjects, she earned the nickname “Top Gun of Women’s Military Fiction.”

But Lindsay McKenna knows about horses too.  Her new books, the Wind River Valley series, deal with horses and ranching life.  Because Lindsay has been around horses all her life, has even owned her own ranch where she bred and raised Arabians, I wanted to have her on the show.

Lindsay is a wonderful storyteller.  A funny thing about the interview.  I have recorded over 100 different shows now and, as many of you know there has been an occasional glitch.  Most have been minor problems with volume or a poor phone line.  This podcast took two tries.  Lindsay McKenna tells the story of being struck by lightning when she was nine.  It's an amazing tale.  After our first conversation, when I went to edit the audio, as soon as gets to the part in the tale where the lightning strike takes place, there's nothing but static.

Two days later I request another interview.  Lindsay graciously agrees.  We have another great conversation.  Near the end, I ask her to once again relate the lightning bolt story.  No more than thirty seconds in, the line goes dead.  We reconnect several times with the same result.  You'll hear part of what happens on the podcast.

Lindsay McKenna Website

Lindsay McKenna Facebook

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   My name is  John Harrer.  I began the podcast in 2012 because I wanted to learn more about horses and horsemanship.  Talking with great horseman and women about their lives with horses and the history of horsemanship is my passion.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com  and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

The Legacy of Legends, a tribute to the horsemanship principles of Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance is happening March 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2017 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth.  The Legacy of Legends was co-founded by Ray’s wife Carolyn and Buck Brannaman.

According to an article in Western Horseman, Ray Hunt knew a lot about horses and was a pretty good cowhand by the time he was 30 years old.  As a consequence, he started colts, shod horses, and day-worked ranches in the Hollister, CA area.  But then a horse entered his life that opened his eyes to a new way of thinking.

The horse, a 4-year-old gelding named Hondo, had a bucking problem.  Ray was quoted in the magazine article with his dry sense of humor, "I wanted to show him in a hackamore class,” he said, “but about the time I turned a cow down the fence, I'd come back in the saddle bronc event, and you can't show a horse in two events at the same time.  All I knew to fix the problem was what the cowboys said - just get a bigger club.”

Ernest Forsberg has spent his life around horses.  He is a calf roper, team roper, farrier, and storyteller.  When Ernest Forsberg told his uncle he wanted to be a calf roper, his uncle challenged him to rope 100 cows a day.  At age 12, Ernest accepted the challenge.  Growing up in Southern California gave Ernest Forsberg many opportunities to ride horses and work cows.  And, those 100 cows a day?  Well, those carried him to the National Finals Rodeo four times.  His first visit to the NFR was when he was 20 years old.

A January 1964,  Desert Sun (a California newspaper), touted the fact that 20-year-old Ernest Forsberg was returning to defend the title he earned when he was 19.  The 24th annual Palm Springe Mounted Police Rodeo boasted of $7500 in prize money and was held at the Polo Grounds in 1964.

Ernest left rodeo to pursue a career as a farrier.  In 1984, Forsberg joined the Senior Pro Rodeo Association.  He continued to dominate in team roping and in 2005 was inducted into the SPRA Hall of Fame.

At 67, Ernest Forsberg still competes in team roping and has a thriving business as a farrier.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   My name is  John Harrer.  I began the podcast in 2012 because I wanted to learn more about horses and horsemanship.  Talking with great horseman and women about their lives with horses and the history of horsemanship is my passion.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com  and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

On today’s show, we talk to someone in our own backyard, Bakersfield California.  Stephen Goldwater’s Emporium Western Store has been a downtown fixture for over 100 years.

While it’s not exactly certain who initially established the store in 1909 - let’s face it, those records are hard to find -my research discovered Abraham Chain and Samuel Cohen owned the store in 1926.  

Arnold Rojas in his books about the early Vaqueros talked about the how the early cowhands got paid on a monthly basis and frequently bought a pair of new jeans around payday.  Many of the hard working vaqueros couldn’t afford to have their jeans washed and cleaned.  At the time, denim would shrink when washed and the vaqueros bought the size that fit them.  Then, at the end of the month, they came in for a new pair and threw the old ones away.  If you are not familiar with the Vaquero books, they tell the story of the early cowhands in the central valley.  If you are familiar, you may enjoy learning that Mr. Rojas’s wrote many of his books in the back room of the Emporium Western Store.

Its’ a cool experience walking through the Emporium Western Store.  Jeans of all colors, styles, and sizes are stacked along the walls.   There is an incredible selection of boots and when I asked about a particular style, I was told the back room holds about 2,000 pairs.  

While the store had been in at least two other locations, the current location was originally built to be a bank.  There is an ample parking lot where the store will regularly stage live music events.  The walls are covered with memorabilia of years of service to the community.  Many celebrities have stopped into the store to shop over the years including Buck Owens.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  From feeding or supplementation to bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots, we cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk about the Western/ Cowboy lifestyle in movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  We are on Google Play too!  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com  and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Have you  seen Bobby Kerr at a rodeo?  The events at a rodeo happen fast.  From bull riding to team roping, from barrel racing to the saddle broncs.  Because everything happens in the blink of an eye, it’s a tradition at many rodeos to break up the intensity with entertainment.  That’s where the Mustang Man, Bobby Kerr comes in.  First, fans get a chance to catch their breath.  Then he takes it away again with what he does with his horses and dogs.  Performing over 100 times a year, Bobby travels across the country entertaining rodeo fans everywhere.

Bobby came to town for the Tehachapi Mountain Rodeo, a PRCA event.  Since Bobby works with mustangs. My friend and rodeo announcer Dal Bunn knows about my experience starting my wild Oak Creek horse, Scratch.  That's why Dal invited Scratch and me to meet Bobby at the rodeo grounds.  I rode with Bobby in the morning.  He gave me some pointers on a few sticky points I struggle with in Scratch’s training.  Later, I sat down with Bobby and talked about his journey through horsemanship.

From his first experience with the 4 B Wild West Show, how he ran away at age fourteen, and then how his friend and bit maker, Jeff Payne got him interested in the Mustang Makeover Bobby Kerr tells the story of his life with horses.

Bobby Kerr makes horsemanship look easy.  His horses glide and go wherever he asks.  Listening to Bobby tell his story led me to believe there is no secret to his magic.  He wanted to be a cowboy and ride a horse since he was twelve.  A cowboy gets the job done, some way, some how, often with little money and a lot of imagination and ingenuity.  It’s fitting that he is now linked to the American Mustang.  The two have survived the harsh environment of the west by making magic together.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows, and we talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com  and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

On the road again.  This time we head out to Horse Expo Pomona for the three-day event held on Super Bowl Weekend.  Horse Expo Pomona had a fantastic lineup of Clinicians including Clinton Anderson, Jonathan Field, Pat Parelli, Craig Cameron, Warwick Schiller, Brandi Lyons, Mary Kitzmiller and many more.  There were seminars and presentations going on at four different venues throughout the day.

There was live music by Kristine Wriding and three buildings filled with vendors catering to the horse and rider.

While I could only stay for the first day of Horse Expo Pomona, I was able to interview some of my favorites.  Jonathan Field talks about a free video series he is introducing on his website, 31 in 13.  Jonathan is an effective clinician and a wonderful interview.  We spent a good 15 minutes talking about my project horse Scratch before we got into a general discussion about his horsemanship.  Check out JonathanFieldHorsemanship.net for more details.

Clinton Anderson was making his return to Horse Expo Pomona after an almost 10 year absence.  Clinton has big plans for a show idea coming up in 2017.  While he would not reveal any of the secrets of the new production, if you listen to the words he says, rearrange the letters, you'll exactly what he is up to (that's a joke unless you figure it out, then let me know).

My friend Laura Rene Johnson was competing in the Ultimate Super Horse Challenge and we got and insight into the tension that these competitors feel.  Laura did a great job with her horse Star.

I had heard, from many of you actually, that Warwick Shiller is an effective horseman.  While he used to be a reining horse trainer, Warwick now travels extensively sharing his horsemanship knowledge.  He is very active on Facebook and is available to answer questions.  Check out the group Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship or WarwickSchiller.com.

Craig Cameron is out to have a good time.  He's as much an entertainer as he is a horseman.  His down-home style and simple explanations of his exercises are the reason he is one of the top clinicians out there.  We even got to talk to one of Craig's apprentices, Anton Hagstrom.  Anton is from Sweden and is learning a lot from Craig.  Check out CraigCameron.com.

It takes a lot of time an money to put on the podcast.  I've been willingly footing the bill on both for four years now.  My equipment is wearing out.  My travel budget is shrinking.  If yo want to help, there is a simple way to do it.  I've partnered with Patreon.  You can contribute any amount.  Anything you would care to send along would be greatly appreciate.  Thanks.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

I've never met FJ Thomas in person.  Our mutual interest in horses and writing brought us together on the internet.   From the moment our Twitter feeds crossed I knew FJ Thomas was cowgirl I would enjoy meeting one day.  FJ has a "motor".  She's going all the time.  As owner of Fairweather Farms She has many irons in the fire and if she sees a need she works to try and fill it.

FJ Thomas noticed how large animals are the last to be helped in natural disasters.  She helped out with a local disaster and then she worked it into a novel that got published.  Lost Betrayal is a story of horses, love and natural disaster.  She's is currently working on getting her children's book illustrated and published for a scheduled release in the summer of 2016.  FJ is also a horse show judge and trainer.  She trains horses and people.

FJ has a lot of things on her mind and she says them.  She is an avid blogger with her Musings from the Leadrope and Talking in the Barn blogs. And she is a regular contributor to the Everybody Needs A Little Romance – (Romance Writers Blog)

Seeing a need for the voice of plus sized horsewomen everywhere, FJ Thomas started Cowgirls With Curves, a website to help encourage and support women of all sizes and their horsemanship.

She's been interviewed by Texas Ranch & Rodeo Weekly, The Earn Your Spurs Podcast, and the Horse Hour Podcast.

TWITTER:  @F_J_Thomas --

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/f_j_thomas/

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/fJTHOMASAUTHOR1

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES ON FACEBOOK

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES ON INSTAGRAM

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES ON TWITTER

It takes a lot of time an money to put on the podcast.  I've been willingly footing the bill on both for four years now.  My equipment is wearing out.  My travel budget is shrinking.  If yo want to help, there is a simple way to do it.  I've partnered with Patreon.  You can contribute any amount.  Anything you would care to send along would be greatly appreciate.  Thanks.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Cavalia Odysseo has arrived in Irvine, California.  We missed the Cavalia performance when it was in Southern California 9 years ago so when the publicist for Cavalia Odysseo invited us to media day and a preview of the show, Ranae and I jumped at the chance.  The 125' Big Top was set up in an open field in Irvine in Orange County.  The show had taken this open field and transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility.  Stables for 65 horses plus all the feed, pellets and bedding, a kitchen that prepares 600 meals a day, plus the gift shop, food concessions, and stage which includes a 3 story "hill" the horses make their grand entrance.

We got to check out the grounds and meet the horses and trainers and grooms.  Everyone at Cavalia Odysseo is proud of the work they do and very welcoming to guests.  The patiently answered all our questions and showed us where the horses warm up and how some of the backstage mechanisms operated.

Four or five days later the place was ready for a performance.  We got front seats in a truncated but very exciting show.  There were gymnasts, urban stilts, and horses, lots of horses.  An amazing performance of liberty using nine horses.  Yes NINE horses.  No whips or crops or anything other than hand signals and voice commands.  This was the highlight of the show until, near the end of the performance, the flood the stage and create a lake.  For the next 10 minutes we watch a high level dressage performance.  Horse and rider were one.  There were even flying lead changes through the water.

If you live in the Southern California area, you won't want to miss Cavalia Odysseo.  Tickets are affordable and the show is so fabulous you will be talking about it for months.  You can find out more at the Cavalia Odysseo website.

It takes a lot of time an money to put on the podcast.  I've been willingly footing the bill on both for four years now.  My equipment is wearing out.  My travel budget is shrinking.  If yo want to help, there is a simple way to do it.  I've partnered with Patreon.  You can contribute any amount.  Anything you would care to send along would be greatly appreciate.  Thanks.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

When she heard of my experience in the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge she invited me on her most excellent podcast the Earn Your Spurs podcast.  Alyssa's podcast is all about "Unleashing Your Inner Cowboy".  Through her show, Alyssa interviews many of the most exciting people in the rodeo and cowboy industry.  To be asked to participate in her show is really an honor.  She released her Earn Your Spurs Interview with me last week and now gave me permission to share it with my listeners.  You get to hear about my experience training Scratch, my wild horse, from Alyssa's perspective.  Her questions and easy going interview style is what makes her show so popular.  Please check out Earn Your Spurs in iTunes and on Facebook.  If you have time, please leave a comment on Alyssa's Earn Your Spurs page to let her know you heard the show.  And be sure to check out the Earn Your Spurs Group on Facebook.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

There was a lot more coverage of this year's Vaquero Heritage Trainers' Challenge.  Several local newspapers and photographers had some great pieces and photos of the event.  One reporter, Key Budge, covering the event for the Tehachapi News produced several audio interviews of the trainers of the VHTC.  Key was kind enough to supply me with those interviews so I could share them with you.  The interviews were conducted early in the competition and the trainers of the VHTC have some wonderful insights about the horses and competition.

We used seven of Key's interviews for this show.  He talks to David Jeffers, the winner of the event.  Erika Underwood came in second and talks about the challenges of training the new colt.  Shaula Carboni is from Italy and has worked for a mustang rescue organization.  Steve Perron is a two-time competitor of the event.  Shane Flanigan traveled from Utah to get an Oak Creek Horse and participate.   Dal Bunn watched all three days of the event as the emcee/announcer and has a sharp eye and analysis of these horses and trainers of the VHTC.  Finally, Key talks to me about my experience with Scratch.  I learned a lot from the experience.  Yeah, we made some mistakes, but that's sometimes the best way to learn.

Tehachapi News Coverage

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Boone Campbell Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

M.A.R.E is an acronym for Mastering Abilities Riding Equines.  MARE Therapeutic Riding Center has been helping people with special needs and disabilities for 25 years!  Recently, I heard the facility was hosting a big 25 year celebration event.  Then, I realized this very special place is right in my backyard and I have yet to visit the place.  I contacted Debra Durkin and she agreed to give me the history and tour of such a fantastic facility.

They have a wonderful set of horses and even a more dedicated staff.  MARE has a huge staff of volunteers and offers therapeutic riding sessions 44 weeks a year.

The organization is celebrating 25 years with a huge gala called Diamonds to Denim happening on the grounds of the MARE Therapeutic Riding Center.  The event happens on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 5 PM.  Headlining the event will be equestrian demonstrations in both dressage and reining.  There will also be dinner served, along with a silent auction, live music, and dancing.

To learn more about the Diamonds to Denim event click this LINK.

Diamonds to Denim 25 Year Celebration

M.A.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Center website

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

A Quick Update on Our Progress

Scratch and I have been working hard. We've ridden almost every day. We are working on a liberty routine that I don't think will be ready, but we'll keep trying.

On today's show I give you a quick update and talk about next week's show. Thanks for your support!

Storytelling has always fascinated me.  History, particularly oral history, fascinates me too.  What better way to hear a story than from the person telling it?  While I know I'm not the best storyteller, I have an idea for another podcast (or transform this show into something else) and I would like your help.  There are many great old stories cowboys tell.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear them as a podcast?  A storytelling show takes a bit more effort than an interview show, however, and I wonder if there is anyone out there who would like to collaborate on such an adventure.  I explain the rough concept in this show.  If you are interested, I hope you contact me at [email protected].

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Boone Campbell Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

We are 2 months in to the competition and Scratch is making progress.  It has not been without its ups and downs.  Get an update on Scratch's progress and hear what happened at the Tehachapi Mountain Festival Parade.

We are working hard to make a decent showing at the event.  There are many very good trainers.  I hope if you are near the southern California area, you will consider stopping by and cheering us on.

Storytelling has always fascinated me.  History, particularly oral history, fascinates me too.  What better way to hear a story than from the person telling it?  While I know I'm not the best storyteller, I have an idea for another podcast (or transform this show into something else) and I would like your help.  There are many great old stories cowboys tell.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear them as a podcast?  A storytelling show takes a bit more effort than an interview show, however, and I wonder if there is anyone out there who would like to collaborate on such an adventure.  I explain the rough concept in this show.  If you are interested, I hope you contact me at [email protected].

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

As you know, I'm working with a Wild Horse of Oak Creek for the upcoming Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge October 9-11, in Tehachapi, Ca.  My horse is Scratch and we've had some ups and downs in the eight weeks we've been together.  We have also accomplished many things.  Scratch trailers well.  Scratch has had a veterinary checkup thanks to Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital.  He has been saddle and ridden.  We are up to about our 17th ride.

This show is a VHTC update on Scratch and I talk about some of the ups and downs of this experience and how we keep working toward our goal of having a safe and trusted saddle horse.  We will be competing against seven other very competent trainers.  One of the more challenging aspects of this experience is to try and put those feelings aside and concentrate on the horse I have and what I can teach him.

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Producing a weekly show as a one man project is a big task.  I've done it for over 100 episodes now.  Recently, I acquired a horse to train for the summer.  Instead of chasing guests, setting up interviews, editing, posting, and other marketing chores, there are changes for the summer.

I invite you along to follow my training progress of Scratch, a gelding from the Oak Creek Wild Horse herd.  I have Scratch until October.  We are competing in the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge.  You might remember the shows I produced from last year's event (listen to them Here and Here).  Scratch was in the wild on June 13th.  I picked him up the 14th.  It's my goal to have him broke and gentled so anyone can ride him anywhere.  This is the first horse I've started.  I'll be using much of the techniques I learned watching my Downunder Horsemanship DVD's.  While I'm not sure how Scratch and I will fair - there are a lot of great trainers in the competition - it won't be from lack of effort.

Caring for a horse for 4 months is costly.  I've received some sponsor-ships and I could use a couple more.  Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital is going to perform a dental exam on Scratch and give him his vaccinations.  Downunder Horsemanship has donated a halter and lead rope for my training progress.  It's great to get there help.

With all this going on it was necessary to make changes for the summer.  There will be fewer guests on the show.  I may not be able to produce a show every week.  I hope you understand.  Training Scratch is a great opportunity to learn more about my horsemanship and I intend to maximize the experience.

Follow along my progress with Scratch at Oakcreekhorse.blogspot.com

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

As part of a recent client education series Dr. John Tolley of Bakersfield large Animal Veterinary Hospital gave a talk on equine dentistry.  There was a slide presentation by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) that went along with the talk.  While the slides did enhance the talk, the information on equine dentistry is still valuable as stand alone audio.  One thing I've learned over the years is that we pick up information a little at a time.  There is a lot of info contained in this talk to enhance your knowledge of what is going on in your horse's mouth.  The basics are covered.  Equine dentistry can be confusing, but Dr. Tolley offers very clear explanations of teeth growth, problems, and preventive measures.  Dr. Tolley also describes signs you can look for to know if your horse is in need of equine dentistry.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Maddy Butcher Gray knows learning about horses and horsemanship is really a lifelong pursuit.  Maddy Butcher Gray is the owner and founder of NickerNews and BestHorsePractices, websites dedicated to horses and horse owners.  She is a free-lance journalist, having written for the Boston Globe and The Wall Street Journal.  She has covered sports, travel, and breaking news.  Now, Maddy Butcher Gray has compiled a book,  A Rider's Reader:  Exploring Horse Sense, Science, & Sentiment.  It is a collection of articles, blog posts, and new writing designed to help the horse and its owner.  Along the way you learn about Maddy Butcher Gray's life and her horses.  Maddy writes about training issues with Jolene, her mule.  She writes about moving to Iowa, then Utah.  She writes about the trainers and horsemen she has met along her journey.

A Rider's Reader is filled with anecdotes and bits of wisdom from many of the preeminent horsemen and women of our time.  The tribute to Tom and Bill Dorrance at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is writing that is not only useful, but entertaining.  The stories other trainers tell about these two are heart warming and inspiring.

I think you are going to hear a lot about Evidence Based Horsemanship in the coming years.  Maddy Butcher Gray  has a whole section in A Rider's Reader dedicated to the topic.  Her explanation is clear and easier to understand.  As this philosophy becomes more developed, we are going to see a lot more practical information coming to light.  Maddy goes into some detail on the work Dr. Stephen Peters and Martin Black have done in this area.

Please take a moment to check out Maddy Butcher Gray's NickerNews and BestHorsePractices.  I think you will find them useful tools on your road to good horsemanship.

A Rider's Reader Facebook Page

NickerNews Facebook Page

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

It was a meetup with the Downunder Brumbies at the Bar SZ Ranch in San Benito, California.  This was our second time with the meetup group of Downunder Horsemanship Brumbies.  A meetup group is just a lot of horse owners who share and interest and love of Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship Method.  About 40 people gathered for this meetup over Memorial Day weekend at the Bar SZ Ranch.  As a special treat, Certified Downunder Horsemanship Clinician Jeff Davis came out to California to help us with our horses.

The Whoa Podcast has done shows with the Brumbies and also on the Bar SZ.  (We've even done a video).  This year I worked less and enjoyed my wife, horse, and dog a little more.  Yes, we took Buster.  He had a great time.  On this show I'll give you my impressions of the meetup and how things went with my horse Jessie.  The event was a great success and the Brumbies are already planning the 2016 Bar SZ meetup.  You can check out things at http://2016springequestrianretreat.yolasite.com/  Also, if you are looking to start your own meetup group, contact the Brumbies on Facebook.  They can give you tons of help.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Mary Kitzmiller has learned from some of the best trainers in the horse industry.  After getting a good foundation from a number of great trainers, she began to develop her own style of horsemanship.  Mary Kitzmiller started training and competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeovers and found the challenges of training mustangs really refined her horsemanship.  Mary competed in five Mustang Makeovers and in 2013 competed in the Mustang Million and came in 3rd winning $50,000 making her the top women in earnings in the Mustang programs.

In 2013, 2014, and 2015 Mary Kitzmiller competed in the wild card division of Road to the Horse and place in the top three all three years.  She co-hosts a monthly segment on the Horse Radio Network.  Mary Kitzmiller is currently working on creating a comprehensive multi-media learning system and teaching clinics throughout the country.  Mary has taught or is scheduled to teach in Mexico, Poland, Netherlands, and Germany.  She is scheduled to participate in Considering the Horse Colt Starting Competition in Poland later this year.

Mary Kitzmiller Horsemanship

Mary Kitzmiller Facebook

Extreme Mustang Makeovers

Road to the Horse

Horse Radio Network

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Do you know what to do with the wide range of horse emergencies?  We know that if you own a horse there are going to be horse emergencies.  How do you clean a wound?  What is the proper way to take your horse's heart rate?  What should every equine first aid kit contain?  These are the type of questions you need the answers to handle all sorts of horse emergencies.

Our local veterinary hospital, Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital, occasionally holds client seminars.  We were invited to the most recent one held at a banquet room here locally.  The topic was handling horse emergencies and the guest speaker was Dr. Jeff Hall, DVM.  Dr. Hall works for Zoetis Pharmaceutical, a veterinary medical supply company.  In his systematic approach, Dr. Hall offers some great advice when you are faced with an emergency situation.  Dr. Hall also tells us about a new product we should consider including in our horse emergencies kit.  Dormosadan® gel is a mild sedative that can be very useful to remove tension from many emergency situations.

We hope you find these educational podcasts informative and valuable.   I would really love hearing your feedback.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

Last year I booked Tommie Turvey for an interview.  I was excited.  Tommie is a big name in the horse industry.  We had a wonderful, hour-long interview.  Tommie described his life with horses an his experiences do everything from Medievel Times to Euro Disney to Movies and TV.  Once the interview was posted however, you could not hear my side of the interview.  Now, I know what you are thinking, "What could be better than an interview where you can't hear John?".  Yeah, me too!  But, the show didn't flow.  The pauses where I was asking questions were just too annoying.

To make a really long story a little shorter, I kept working on the audio.  Yes, it's been a year, but I'm tenacious and I know you would want to hear this show.  I finally found the problem and I'm re-posting the show.  I've edited out most of the comments that had dates back in 2014.  Those have all passed.  Don't sign up for them.  Tommie Turvey won't know what you are talking about them.  Anyway, I hope I edited them all out.

And, I take another shot at adding music to the show.  One of my favorite albums is Nathan from Nathan Cavaleri.  I'm not the best music reviewer, but I really want to add a bit of something outside of horses in the show.  I whope you enjoy it.  Either way, feel free to let me know.  My email is [email protected]

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

The more I learn about the Early Californios the more I am impressed with their horsemanship.  There is a show coming up in Santa Barbara that, if you are anywhere close, you will surely want to see.  The Early Californio Skills of the Rancho Show is taking place June 5th-7th at the Earl Warren Showgrounds and admission for spectators is FREE!  On today's show we have  Bruce Sandifer who has been a student of the Early Californios for some time.  Bruce explains some of the origins of this unique style of horsemanship. The Early Californios evolved a little differently than the cowboy horsemanship that was going on in other parts of the country.  The traditions and equipment they use are kept alive by the California Bridlehorse Association.

The event in Santa Barbara will him in conjunction with a working equitation show organized by the USWEA.  What is really cool about this show is that the equitation judges will grade the Early Californio tradition riders in their equitation.  Then, the cow people (sorry, not sure what they are called) will judge the working equitation riders in their cow work.  It is guaranteed to be a lot of fun.

Along with the show there will be all kinds of vendors - bit makers, tack, clothing, even a bootmaker.  If you are like me, you really don't need a reason to visit Santa Barbara, but just in case you do, this is it!

Skills of the Rancho Facebook Event Page

California Bridlehorse Association

Bruce Sandifer's Website

United States Working Equitation Association

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

Wouldn't it be cool to have a custom made saddle?  But, what would it involve?  What's the difference between a custom saddle and a production saddle?  You know me.  When I want answers I go to the experts.  On this week's show I head over to Granite Station Saddlery.  When I arrived, Granite Station Saddlery was a beehive of activity.  The owner and saddle maker, Jack Smith managed to find some time to squeeze me into his busy schedule.   We sat down in his office and talked about custom saddles and how you can better take care of all your tack.

Granite Station Saddlery is located right here in Bakersfield.  They have made over 1400 custom saddles.  After the interview I got a tour of the place.  There were some spur straps being oiled on the counter.  I asked Jack about them.  I thought he just made saddles.  As it turns out, they make all kinds of leather products.  He showed me the careful attention he and his craftsmen put into their work.  He explained why the leather he used was so much better and the difference in quality.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

There are a lot of podcasts out there for you to listen to on a weekly basis.  It's sometimes hard to pick a good one.  Last year I met a fellow horse podcaster and we struck up a friendship.  Alyssa Barnes, the host and producer of the Earn Your Spurs Podcast, has a goal to help you unleash your Inner Cowboy.  I thought as a special bonus, we could share our shows to each others' audience.  I know you will enjoy Earn Your Spurs.   Alyssa's guest on this episode is Kaila Mussel, the first woman to earn a PRCA card in Saddle Bronc riding.  Kaila talks about the challenges she has faced competing a sport dominated by men.

Alyssa is also producing a unique online experience, The Cowboys Champions Summit.  She is gathering a group of trainers, rodeo stars, and just down right great horsemen to share motivation, inspiration, and insights to the horse world.  Check out the Cowboy Champions Summit by clicking the photo to the right or this link: Cowboy Champion Summit Link.

Enjoy the Earn Your Spurs show, and let me know what you think!

When we started the podcast back in January 2012 it was a way of sharing the knowledge about horsemanship Ranae and I have learned from Downunder Horsemanship.  One hundred episodes later, I asked Clinton Anderson to come on the show.  He agreed.  Now, I've listened to easily a thousand hours of Clinton Anderson's voice through the TV show, DVD's, and in person at the Walkabout Tours.  It could also be said that I've had more than a thousand conversations with Clinton Anderson.  Every time I've ridden or done groundwork with a horse, Clinton has be in my ear telling me to "Slide, Stab, Step", "Move his feet", "Heart attacks are free!".  I'll be honest with you, it seemed a bit weird to have him to actually talk to in real life.  By the way, I'm much more eloquent in my imaginary conversations ;>).

When I found out I had scored the Clinton interview, I had no way of knowing ahead of time which direction the conversation would go.  I've heard him casually talk about personality types.  Clinton Anderson is an ESTJ.  The "E" stand for extrovert.  I'm a less strong ISTJ.  The "I" stands for introvert.   On a different rating system he is a red, a quick talker.  Although I have no interest in personality labels, I had to check.  I'm a green, a slow talker.  I knew one thing - he'd being doing most of the talking.  I prepared a number of questions on a wide variety of topics.  While I'm no expert on the Method, I've watched enough Clinton Anderson to know the answers to all the horse questions.  Was there a way to get to the non-horse Clinton Anderson?   The interview is  a wild and fun ride.  There were a lot of questions left behind.

One doesn't have to like the politics of Sir Issac Newton to enjoy gravity.  Just because Ben Franklin may have been a wino and a womanizer doesn't mean electricity or the post office are bad things.  Whatever you think of Clinton Anderson personally doesn't matter as much as the Method will make you safer around your horse.  You'll also have more fun.  Back in 2008, I made a video about part of my journey.

Thanks Clinton for coming on the Whoa Podcast and teaching us horsemanship.  Maybe after another 100 episodes I can ask about your favorite music or tv show...you know, the important questions.

• Downunder Horsemanship
• Downunder Horsemanship TV
• No Worries Club
• Clinton Anderson Academy
• Downunder Horsemanship on Facebook
• Downunder Horsemanship on Twitter
• Downunder Horsemanship on YouTube

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

We done a number of shows on mustangs.  We talked to Alan Day about his book The Horse Lover.  We previewed the documentary about mustangs, Unbranded.  And, we spoken with trainers who have successfully worked mustangs like Matt Sheridan.  But, I really didn't know too much about mustangs and their plight in the U.S.  It was easy to get a hold of the Mustang Heritage Foundation for information.

The Mustang Heritage Foundation was formed to foster adoptions of BLM mustangs in holding pens.  It is estimated that there are 50,000 horses being cared for by the BLM.  I contacted Kyla Hogan, promotion director of the Mustang Heritage Foundation, to get more information about their adoption programs.  We also get some great information about the Extreme Mustang Makeover events around the country.  The Extreme Mustang Makeover is a wonderful showcase to highlight the great qualities of these amazing horses.

Kyla told me about an excellent young trainer, Madison Shambaugh, who had competed successfully at the Virginia Extreme Mustang Makeover.  I was able to contact Madison and ask her about her mustang, Terk.  Madison also generously shared some of her training and horsemanship tips.

Mustang Heritage Foundation

Extreme Mustang Makeover

Madison Shambaugh Horsemanship

Bobby Kerr's Freestyle for the Third Win!

Madison Shambaugh's YouTube Channel

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

Reined cow horse and working cow horses have always been a big mystery to me.  I've watched a couple of competitions, even photographed a few.  The things these cowboys have their horses do are amazing.  In Bakersfield, where this podcast is based, we have a very special trainer.  Doug Williamson is 73.  He has been around horses and cows his entire life.  From riding Thoroughbred racehorses at age 10 to winning the Snaffle Bit Futurity TWICE!  Doug Williamson is an AQHA Professional Horseman having trained 42 AQHA Champions.  Doug has also won a million dollars in National Reined Cow Horse and is a Hall of Fame Rider.  Although Doug Williamson specializes in Reined Cow Horses now, he has done just about everything you can imagine from the back of a horse.  He was a pretty good team roper for quite some time.

When I called Doug Williamson to ask for an interview, he graciously agreed and invited me to his ranch just south of town.  Doug has a great facility and a lot of horses in training.  Not only did I get a great interview, I got to watch him work three of his prospects.  Throughout the whole process Doug was giving me hints and tips about how to become a better horseman.

Doug Williamson will be featured in an upcoming documentary about Reined Cow Horses called Down the Fence.  I sat down with Doug in his office surrounded by wonderful photos of all the champion horses he has trained.  He give us a little bit about the story of his life and I even get him to offer some horsemanship tips.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Thanks you for you support!

The Whoa Podcast is independently produced.

Your help defers some of the costs of producing, storing, and distributing the show.

Click the Buy Now button  contribute $5 to the Whoa Podcast[wpecpp name="Support the Whoa Podcast" price="5.00" align="center"]

Owning a horse is a great experience.  The beauty and majesty of a healthy horse is a great to behold.  But how do maintain horse health?  As a new horse owner what costs are associated with horse health?  We wanted to answer these questions and more.  We needed a reliable source of information and we enlisted the help of our local expert on horse health, our veterinarian Dr. John Tolley.  Dr. Tolley is a partner at Bakersfield large Animal veterinary Hospital.  He is a very experienced veterinarian and a horse owner.  We talk about horse feed requirements.  We talk about supplementation.  We talk about vaccinations and worming protocols.  We talk about dentistry.  Just about everything concerning horse health is covered in a general conversation.

Dr. Tolley says he will come back and share more thoughts on horse health.  If you have a topic you would like to see us cover, please shoot me an email.

Dr. Tolley joined Bakersfield Veterinary Hospital's large animal practice in July 1983. He grew up in northern San Diego county and attended the University of Arizona, where he majored in agriculture and animal science and graduated with distinction. He then earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. He was a member of Phi Zeta, the veterinary medicine honor society.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.