Blogpost: Perfecting Saddle Fit Skills

Analyzing traffic to our website and the direct questions we get from you, the end-user, we see significant interest in tack and equipment and its appropriate use and adjustment. I love this because it tells me that you are looking out for your horse’s best interests and are committed to being the best partner your horse could have. Show Notes for Perfecting Saddle Fit Skills   Julie Goodnight’s Online Academy: online horsemanship library   Annual Saddle Fit Assessment Article: annual saddle fit assessment   Julie Goodnight’s Podcast: Ride On with Julie Goodnight   Julie Goodnight’s Peak Performance Saddles: Saddles   Thirty Second Tack Check Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYNPVAtwukk

Podcast Show notes for Ride On with Julie Goodnight: Riding without reins   To post a Google Review for Julie Goodnight: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122?hl=en&visit_id=638691238344864984-3495844838&p=search_more_reviews&rd=1#best_practice   Sign up for Julie’s newsletter & podcast: http://juliegoodnight.com/NEWS   Real help to horsemanship dilemmas https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/goodnight-academy/   December 2024 Blog: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/december-blog-2024/   Audio Version of December Blog-”Blogpost Riding without the reins: Ride On with Julie Goodnight – Julie Goodnight Academy   Free Video: Turning w/o the Reins https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/december-blog-2024/   Sequencing the aids: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/artificial-aids-training-tool-or-crutch/ Sequencing Cues: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/winter-workouts-ride-right-with-julie-goodnight/ Reinforce Cues: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/communication-and-control-full-video/ Consistency Counts https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/consistency-counts/ Ground Work: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/lead-line-leadership-full-video/   2025 Events: https://juliegoodnight.com/events-2/   Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @juliegoodnight.   Monarch-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/monarch-performance-trail-1752/   Wind River-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/wind-river-trail-saddle-1750/   Teton-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/teton-trail-saddle-1760/   ­­­­­­­Julie Goodnight Neck Rope-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/neck-rope-for-bridle-less-riding/   Lead Line Leadership https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/lead-line-leadership-full-video/     Foal Handling https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=Foal+Handling Submit Questions for What the Hay Q&A: [email protected]    

Riding Without Reins: It’s not as hard as you think! Most riders can’t imagine having full control of a horse without holding the reins, let alone without a bridle. But it’s not as challenging as you might think. There’s nothing hard about riding without the reins except stopping, turning, and backing! ­­­­­­­Julie Goodnight Neck Rope https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/neck-rope-for-bridle-less-riding/ Consistency Counts https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/consistency-counts/ Horse Behavior: The meaning behind audible expressions https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/horse-behavior-the-meaning-behind-audible-expressions/ October 2024 Blog https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/october-2024-blog/ Artificial Aids: Training Tool or Crutch? https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/artificial-aids-training-tool-or-crutch/  

n this newest episode of my podcast, we’ll dig into the weeds about how horses learn, how we shape behavior, and the important intangible skills horses should learn early on. As an example, I’ll explain the secrets to teaching untrained horses to stand quietly and patiently while tied.   And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment at the end of this episode, I’ll answer your questions about the difference in curb and snaffle bits, about switching bits, about the different types of bitless bridles and hackamores, and when it’s safe to ride without a bit.   Show Notes: Long Story Short-How Rip Got His Name How Horses Learn “Kindergarten for Horses”- https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=Kindergarten+ Advance & Retreat- https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=Advance+and+Retreat Advance and Retreat-https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/advance-and-retreat/ Focus on me, focus on nothing- https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/cultivating-a-connection-with-horses/ Investigative behavior- https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/3-leadership-activities/ De-spooking-https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/managing-fearful-behavior-in-horses/ Online Resources Link to Join Now- https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/join-now/ Raised with Manners- https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/horse-master-raised-with-manners/ Ready to Ride-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/membership-product-for-ftgu-4-ready-to-ride-colt-starting-full-video/ Speak the Language (Horse Behavior)- https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/horse-behavior-dvd/ Equipment Rope Halter How to fit a rope halter-https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/videos/video-training-tips/how-a-rope-halter-should-fit/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/julie-goodnight-tip-of-the-month-for-may/ Tie a rope halter- https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/halter-instructions/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQjaYTNs6fE Myler Bits from Julie’s Store: MB-33 HBT- https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-33-hbt-myler/ MB-33 Eggbutt w. hooks https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-33-eggbutt-with-hooks-myler-bit/ MB-04 HBT-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-04-hbt-myler-bit/ MB-04 Eggbutt-https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-04-eggbutt-with-hooks-myler-bit/   What The Hay Q & A Bits-Curbs vs Snaffle Bitless & Hackamores    

Today’s podcast topic is an extension of my blog about the emergency dismount. I’ll talk about how to stay safe in emergency situations. We’ll start by looking at what constitutes an emergency with a horse, what “over the threshold” behavior looks like and what its causes are, and most importantly, what you can do as a rider or horse handler to keep yourself safe in sticky situations and how to ride your horse back into control. Show Notes: Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join  Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter   HOW MUCH DOES A YOUNG HORSE REALLY KNOW https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/how-much-does-a-young-horse-really-know/  CHRONIC PAIN/SHUTDOWN https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/when-horses-shut-down/ ULCERS https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/dr-getty-urges-dont-let-your-horse-develop-an-ulcer/ WHAT CAUSES A HORSE TO SPOOK https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/managing-fearful-behavior-in-horses/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/sit-the-spook/ PHYSICAL PAIN https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/rearing-to-go/ SADDLE FIT https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/saddle-fit-guide/ SADDLE PLACEMENT https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/top-3-saddle-fit-pains/ APPROPRIATE BIT https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/talk-about-tack-is-a-snaffle-really-comfortable/ BEHAVIOR https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/behavior/ HORSE & RIDER SUITABILITY https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/to-buy-or-not-to-buy/ SPOOK, SPIN, & BOLT https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/riding-skills-how-do-i-get-a-secure-seat-to-ride-out-spooks/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/issues-from-the-saddle-how-to-deal-with-a-spooky-horse/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/issues-from-the-saddle-what-to-do-with-a-horse-that-bolts-runs-off-with-rider/ BALK or REFUSE https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/confidence-on-the-trail/ RIDE THROUGH DIFFICULTIES https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/think-forward-ride-yourself-out-of-rough-spots/ Control the Nose: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/back-from-the-brink-managing-emotional-meltdowns-in-horses/ Change Direction: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/fresh-start/ Deep Seat/Anchored heels: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/goodnights-principles-of-riding-series-streaming-video-set/ Open Pelvis: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/riding-skills-time-length-help-to-open-pelvis/ Ride Proactively: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/proactive-riding-take-the-drivers-seat/ One Rein Stop: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/stop-in-an-emergency/ Disengagement: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/julie-goodnight-tip-of-the-month-for-march-2/ Pulley Rein: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/the-pully-rein-stop/ Emergency Dismount: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/stop-in-an-emergency/ Resources  Online: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/  

Last month, I talked to Dr. Sarah Matlock, a professor of Equine Behavior at Colorado State University, about her fascinating research into using positive reinforcement to gentle mustangs, the challenges associated with it, and the importance of understanding horse behavior and motivation.   This month, we continue our conversation about the impact of positive reinforcement on training wild mustangs, as well as its limitations. She explains the unique challenges associated with gentling mustangs, as well as the importance of understanding horse behavior and motivation.   In Long Story Short, I'll tell you about a surprising experience I had while training a 5-year-old greenbroke mustang that was adopted from the BLM. And in What the Hay? Q&A, I’ll answer listener questions about a horse that panics when he’s out alone on the trail, a Paint that’s easily distracted⁠, and a mare that just trots faster and faster when asked to canter.   Show Notes: UltraShield® Green Natural Fly Repellent: https://absorbine.com/collections/fly-control/products/ultrashield-green-fly-repellent   Sarah Matlock contact: [email protected] Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join  Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter   From What the Hay? Q&A Resources on Calming Your Horse: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/calm-your-horse  Canter with Confidence Training Video: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/canter-with-confidence Resources for Cantering Confidently: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/cantering-confidently Julie's New Course on Everything Your Need to Know About Riding the Canter with Dr. Kate Fenner: https://www.kandooequine.com/canter Resources for Focusing: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/focusing Resources for Distracted Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/distracted-horses Resources on High-Headed Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/high-headed-horses   

In this episode, I’m talking to Dr. Sarah Matlock, a professor of Equine Behavior at Colorado State University, about her fascinating research into using positive reinforcement to gentle mustangs. We’ll talk about Dr. Matlock's personal journey with horses, and how that led her to a career in equine sciences. Then we’ll delve into Dr. Matlock's exciting work studying the impact of positive reinforcement through clicker training on wild mustangs. She explains the concept of "gentling" mustangs and the challenges associated with it, as well as the importance of understanding horse behavior and motivation. In my new segment, Long Story Short, I'll tell you about an important lesson I learned from my dad when it comes to recognizing horse behavior, and the importance of people taking responsibility for their actions—instead of blaming their horse. And in What the Hay? Q&A, I’ll answer listener questions about how to keep weeds in the arena at bay, and using tie-downs on trail rides.   Show Notes: Sarah Matlock: [email protected] Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join  Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter   From What the Hay? Q&A Resources on Tie-Downs/Martingales: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/tie-downs-martingales Resources on High-Headed Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/high-headed-horses   

This is part two of last month’s episode about the new era of horsemanship. (If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to part one from last month!) In this month’s episode, we’ll continue our conversation about science-based, non-forceful training methods, busting old mythology, and changing narratives around the way we talk about horses. I’ll leave you with the 10 principles of horse training, as stated by equine behaviorists, that give us important guidelines to follow when we’re working with horses.   In my new segment. Long Story Short, I'll tell you about taking my son on his very first trail ride—and the terrifying moment I had in the middle of it. And in What the Hay? Q&A at the end of the episode, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a Standardbred with an out-of-character behavior in his stall, and a mom who is unsure about letting her daughter join her school’s equestrian team after witnessing training methods that troubled her.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: “A Horse by Nature: Managing Emotional and Mental Stress in Horses for Improved Welfare” by Mary Ann Simonds: https://maryannsimonds.com Equine Science Society: https://www.equinescience.org  Troxel Helmets for Kids: https://www.troxelhelmets.com/collections/kids (Use code GOODNIGHT at checkout to get 15% Off!) Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter

Today I'll be talking with my good friend and assistant trainer, “T” Cody, about the new revolution in horsemanship that's currently taking place. We'll take a glance back at the history of horsemanship, and how the recreational horse flourished in the mid 1900s. Then we’ll talk about the impacts⁠—both good and bad⁠—that natural horsemanship has had, and what we have to look forward to now.   In my new segment. Long Story Short, I'll tell you about the riding instructors who had an early influence on my riding career. And in What the Hay? Q&A, I'll answer your questions about a 9-year-old horse with sudden trailer anxiety, the mechanics of treeless saddles, and keeping horses barefoot year-round when you trail ride in the Rocky Mountains.

On this episode, I’m excited to have a very special guest on the show⁠—equestrian fitness and wellness coach, Ifa Simmonds! We'll talk about fitness specific to riders, the importance of your overall well-being,confidence, and how to kickstart your personal fitness journey. Plus, Ifa will share his advice for what we can do—starting RIGHT NOW, in the off-season—to prepare to meet your riding goals this year. I'll also be sharing one of my many stories from the early days of my horse training career in my brand my new segment, "Long Story Short." This time, I'll tell you a story about a huge turning point for me at a clinic I was teaching decades ago. It was so impactful (a lightbulb moment so-to-speak) that it opened a huge door for furthering my understanding of horse behavior, and more importantly, the interaction between horses and their riders. And in my “What the Hay? Q&A” at the end of the episode, I’ll answer questions from listeners about coming back to horse sports after a 10-year break, a rider who’s polluting her mind with negative thoughts, and whether or not you should post on a gaited horse. Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Find More About Ifa Simmonds: Ifa's Website, Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA) & EFA Ultimate ifafit.com Instagram: @ifa.fit Facebook: Ifa Simmonds & IFA FIT Equestrian   Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter