Be Your Best Horsemanship

In this episode, I talk about the importance of developing a clear training strategy for every horse you have in your program. Goals are important, but you can’t just put a goal on the calendar and expect it to happen—you have to build a plan and continually refine it along the way. Tune in as I share why regular check-ins, honest evaluation, and time spent in the saddle are what bring clarity to...

Each year, I always pick a word to guide my focus and my efforts for the coming season. This year, my word is: believe. Join me for this episode as I share the inspiration behind this choice and how making simple mental shifts can change your outlook, self-belief, and follow through on your goals and plans. Whether you are a trainer, horse enthusiast, or are just looking for a little motivation to...

In this episode, I'm talking about my first time welcoming interns into my training program. From training young horses to learning the ins and outs of facility management, responsibility, and work ethic, this episode is about more than riding—it’s about mindset, commitment, and understanding what it truly means to make a living training horses.

Challenging conditions have a way of exposing holes in your foundation—both in your horsemanship and your mindset. Those who are willing to saddle up on the days that others might not be have a unique opportunity to accelerate their growth in meaningful ways. Tune in as I share a story from the training pen this week where my interns and I braved the elements on a day with less-than-ideal weather...

In this week’s episode, I'm recapping my recent trip to Las Vegas for the World Series of Team Roping Finale. The week didn’t end with a win—or a big paycheck—but it also wasn’t a loss. It was an opportunity to learn. Tune in as I share some reflections on my preparation, how I showed up in the arena, and why I can still be proud of the way I competed. I also tip my hat to the NFR competitors...

During the ten days of the NFR in Las Vegas, we all get to watch the product of a year-long—and often lifelong—journey to the Thomas & Mack. What we don’t always see is the small army behind each competitor who helps make that run possible. In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Lorissa Jo Merritt— sister of Katelyn Scott and sister-in-law to Halyn Lide, who both qualified for this yea...

In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Chrissie Pariseau, DVM, MS, DABVP (Equine Practice), cVMA with Merck Animal Health to share some perspectives on the current EHV-1 outbreak. Join us as Dr. Pariseau unpacks the myths and facts about EHV-1 and EHM, including her professional recommendations for monitoring symptoms, testing for the virus, protecting healthy horses in your herd, and caring for...

In this week’s episode, I’m talking about the importance of playing to your horse’s strengths. One of the biggest responsibilities we have as horsemen and women is to be good leaders — and a big part of leadership is recognizing the strengths of those we lead. Just like people, every horse has a different set of strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Our job is to identify what those are and set...

In this week’s episode, I’m talking about one of the simplest—and hardest—skills to master in horsemanship: the pause . The pause is the brief moment of release and reward that tells your horse, “You did it right.” It’s the part of the process that builds confidence, clarity, and understanding between horse and rider. But it’s also the step that many of us—myself included—tend to rush through. Tun...

In this week's episode, I am joined by Nikki Eggert, owner and operator of Never Stop Believing Performance Horses based out of Sauk Rapids, MN. Nikki is a recent graduate of our ⁠ Foundations Certification Program ⁠ and a true example of how self-image and belief can transform your life and horsemanship. Nikki shares her journey through the Certification Program — a process she describes as “...

In this week's episode, I am joined by Paige Whittaker, who is a recent graduate of our Foundations Certification Program . When I first met Paige at a clinic in Quinton, VA, it was clear she was a student of the game. She didn’t just show up to improve her horsemanship—she showed up with a desire to grow in every area of her life. Over the past few years, Paige has continued to invest in hers...

The power of committing to the process cannot be overstated. In horsemanship and in life, we’re often conditioned to look for quick results—but the most meaningful transformations are the product of committing to a long-term process. In this episode, I'm sharing an exciting announcement about the launch of our Foundations & Colt Starting Certification Programs —a new opportunity designed t...

In this episode, I talk about a saying I’ve carried with me for many years — never give up and you’ll never fail. It’s a reminder that as long as I keep moving forward, I’m never truly failing. Join me as I share a few thoughts on faith, persistence, and the importance of letting yourself and your horse take risks and make mistakes. The only way to build confidence is to stay in the fight and give...

In this episode, I am joined by professional barrel racer and 2025 National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Katie Scott, as she shares her journey from multi-event cowgirl to first-time NFR qualifier. Katie unpacks her life and career leading up to her 2025 WPRA season, as well as the guiding principles that kept her focused, patient, and present when it mattered most.

The changing of seasons always brings about a period of reflection for me. We are entering into a busy fall season both personally and professionally, and while it's easy to look at my calendar and feel overwhelmed, I have to remind myself that being busy is a blessing. In this episode, I'm sharing some reflections from our first clinic of the fall season, some lessons and 'ah-ha'...

In this week’s episode, I share some reflections from my recent trip to the Riata Buckle roping and how shifting my self image played a key role in my performance. Even without as many competitive runs this year, I’ve learned how powerful it is to mentally rehearse and prepare myself to compete at a high level. I’ll talk about the areas of personal development I’ve been focused on, how I’ve worked...

In this episode, I’m talking about the growing shortage of colt starters in our industry and why it matters for horse owners, breeders, and trainers alike. As more colts are being bred and fewer people are starting them, the demand for skilled colt starters has never been higher. I share some of my thoughts on where the opportunities are heading for those willing to put in the work, along with wha...

In this episode, I share some thoughts sparked by watching the Pendleton Roundup this week—one of the most unique rodeos out there with its grass arena. What stood out to me was how some riders’ performances looked just as solid on grass as they would in dirt. That kind of consistency doesn’t come by accident. It’s the result of a heightened awareness of horsemanship. In this segment, I share tips...

"I’m so far ahead with this horse" - said no one, ever. The truth is, none of us feel 100% “ready” all the time—whether it’s bringing a horse to a clinic, entering a competition, or even stepping into a new opportunity in life. In this episode, I share why confidence isn’t about waiting until everything feels perfect, but about being willing to step outside your comfort zone and learn in...

In performance events and horsemanship, there’s a big difference between being in “training mode” and being in “competition mode.” The challenge for many of us—myself included—is figuring out how to balance the two. In this episode, I talk about the mindset shift that happens when you step into a competitive setting and how to structure your practices so your training prepares you for the pressure...

Success in competition doesn’t come from wishing or expecting. It comes from preparation—and part of that preparation is hauling, entering, and putting yourself in real-world situations often enough to build confidence. In this week's episode, I'm sharing some stories from a recent roping I entered that reminded me how important it is to set realistic goals for both myself and my horses, a...

Summer training brings its own unique set of challenges. From heat and humidity to flies and mosquitoes, the extra stress on our horses can chip away at their focus and trainability. In this episode, I’m sharing some tips for keeping your horse soft, focused, and in the right frame of mind, even when conditions aren’t ideal. From simple adjustments in your training routine to the fly control gear...

In speed events, being able to accelerate and maintain forward momentum through a turn can make all the difference. In this episode, I'm sharing some recent experiences with horses I'm currently training, and the foundational skills we’ve been focusing on to help them stay balanced, responsive, and confident while carrying speed through a turn. Whether you’re working a barrel pattern or tr...

After almost 300 weeks in a row of putting out new podcast episodes, I missed one. And you know what? That’s life. But here's the thing—missing a week doesn’t mean the streak is broken for good. It just means it's time to start again. In this episode, I’m sharing a few stories from the road, some of the unexpected hiccups that knocked me off my routine, and why learning to reset and restar...

In this episode, I'm joined by a very special guest who has become a friend and inspiration in both life and business. Nate Horner with Horner Equine joins us for this episode as we dig into the mindset and habits that it takes to run a successful cattle and horse operation, as well as a thriving veterinary clinic. As a self-proclaimed 'recovering perfectionist,' Nate shares the strategies that ha...