Gentling Mustangs with Positive Reinforcement

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

In this episode, I'll talk about teaching a horse to calm down and focus. I teach horses within just a few minutes of training not to look around excessively, and (you've probably heard this a lot!) to “focus on me or focus on nothing.” But why is this important? What's the big deal with letting your horse look around?   Horses that are looking excessively are either frantically searching for something to be afraid of, or they are looking for the exit—and have no intention of staying here with you. I'll go over two simple ground manners to teach your horse that will help keep you safe (especially when things go sideways), and can help an anxious or spooky horse become calm and able to focus on me.   But before we get to all of that, I’m excited to officially introduce a brand new segment to the podcast called "Long Story Short." I'll kick off each episode by telling you one of my many stories from the early days of my horse training career. Some funny or amusing, others with touches of excitement or inspiration—all have hard-won lessons everyone can benefit from.   And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about about etiquette for correcting bad behavior in someone else’s horse, if horses move into pressure or away from pressure, and about restarting an older horse. Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]

What causes a 3-year-old colt to freeze under the slightest amount of pressure? I've invited renowned equine behaviorist, Dr. Kate Fenner, to talk about what can cause a horse to "shut down" (and how it's more common than you might think!). We'll also talk about how to help the horse recover, prevention, and what her research has revealed to help improve training methods for horses.   But first... I have an exciting surprise announcement that's happening right now at my ranch—and believe me when I say that no one was more surprised than me!   And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, my friend and assistant trainer, T. Cody, joins me to ask a question about a horse recently that left his rider in the dirt. Plus, I’ll answer a question from a rider whose horse unexpectedly lays down and rolls—with her in the saddle!   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ·· There are a few spots left in my Horsemanship Immersion clinic at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO! Get more info here: https://www.clazyu.com/special-event/julie-goodnights-horsemanship-immersion ·· Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference: https://cha.horse/international-conference ·· Equine Affaire, Massachusetts: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts   Resources Mentioned in the Episode: ·· Dr. Fenner’s Website, Kandoo Equine & her free 30 day video training series: https://www.kandooequine.com ·· E-BarQ - Citizen science project: https://e-barq.com ·· Shutdown Resources: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/when-horses-shut-down

In this episode, I’m going to help you answer the question, “Should you let someone else ride your horse?” I’ll tell you a story from early on in my horse training career that is, to this day, one of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned. Then we’ll dive into some pros and cons, the value of having different people ride a horse, and the benefits for a rider to get on different horses. I’ll also share my advice for what to consider before you decide, and your responsibilities when you let someone ride your horse. There’s a lot to think about!   And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about how to find the right saddle fit for a saddle-phobic horse, and a horse owner who wants to take off and travel the world⁠—without losing the years of hard work he’s done with his horse.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ·· The new brushes I just tried out (They’ve got Annie’s seal of approval!): https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/julies-favorite-brushes ·· Join my 5-lb Challenge Facebook Group here: https://facebook.com/groups/goodnightchallenge   Events Coming Up: ·· There are a few spots left in my Horsemanship Immersion clinic at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO! Get more info here: https://www.clazyu.com/special-event/julie-goodnights-horsemanship-immersion ·· Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference: https://cha.horse/international-conference ·· Equine Affaire, Massachusetts: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts   Resources Mentioned in the Episode: ·· Resources for “Cinchy” Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/cinchy ·· Resources for Desensitizing/Advance & Retreat: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/advance-retreat

Last month, I shared five important tips for you to get the most from your horse and help you feel more prepared to achieve your horsemanship goals.   This month,  let’s talk about strategies to manage anxiety, in both horse & rider, how to boost your confidence & perform at your best on the day of your event⁠—whatever that is. I’ll also share some specific tools and exercises that you can do with your horse to stay focused and calm, perform at your best, and how to get back on track when things go wrong.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get everything you need—podcast episodes, blog posts, worksheets and supportive communities—to start your own Horse Goals or Bust! journey: JulieGoodnight.com/horsegoals Follow Annie's Story: JulieGoodnight.com/horsereport 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

We are now 7 months into Horse Goals or Bust—setting goals and planning, training, practicing, and preparing for them. It’s prime riding season in most areas, so now is the time to put our plans for all the activities we’ve been planning into action. For some of you, that may mean going to a clinic, a competition, or hitting the trail. Or you might be more focused on bonding with a new horse, regaining your mojo after an incident, or accomplishing a singular feat with your horse.  Throughout this process I’ve been reminded of the many lessons I have learned throughout my career with horses. Today, I’ll share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned to help you make the most of your equestrian endeavors. And in the "What the Hay? Q&A" segment at the end of this podcast, I’ll answer questions from listeners about teaching an old horse a new behavior, a mother and daughter who have different boundaries with their horses, and a horse that gets anxious and reactive in a particular setting.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get everything you need—podcast episodes, blog posts, worksheets and supportive communities—to start your own Horse Goals or Bust! journey: JulieGoodnight.com/horsegoals Follow Annie's Story: JulieGoodnight.com/horsereport 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 Resources from the Episode: Consistency Counts article: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/consistency-counts Stages of Learning: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/slower-is-faster-with-horses Managing Fearful Behavior in Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/managing-fearful-behavior-in-horses Resources to Calm Your Horse: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/calm-your-horse  Think Forward: Ride Yourself Out of Rough Spots article: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/think-forward-ride-yourself-out-of-rough-spots  Stages Of Life Part 3: The Senior Citizens: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/keeping-your-horse-healthy-through-the-stages-of-life-part-3-the-senior-citizens Julie's Online Coaching Program: JulieGoodnight.com/Coach Golden Moments Video: https://www.facebook.com/juliegoodnight/videos/679868616684014