For Your Horse: What Every Rider Should Know About Handling Reins

This month is all about getting in shape & making a conditioning plan to reach your goal! I talked about rider fitness in my blog this month, which I will touch on, but in this episode we’ll focus on the horse. I’ll walk you through evaluating your horse’s current fitness level, and how to develop the right conditioning plan to help your horse get stronger, prevent injury, and perform better.   Show Notes: Download Julie's Horse Goals or Bust Goal Worksheets: JulieGoodnight.com/podcast#horsegoals Join the #HorseGoalsOrBust Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/horse-goals-or-bust Julie's Blog: JulieGoodnight.com/Blog Julie's 5#Challenge Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodnight-challenge Cosamin Joint Supplement Julie Mentioned: https://www.cosamin.com   What the Hay? Q&A Resources: Winter Riding Tips: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/winter-exercises Daily Dose Videos for Respecting Space: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/video-training-tips/?s=ground&orderby=title&order=asc Resources About Spoiling Horses, Hand Feeding Treats, Boundaries: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=boundaries https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=treats

In this episode, we’re continuing with step #2 of my “Horse Goals or Bust!” series. Last month, we reflected on the past year⁠—what worked, what didn’t, what we wish we did more of, and less of—and we used those revelations to brainstorm new goals for this year. This time, let’s talk about finalizing those goals and how we make a plan to get you where you want to be with your horse, nine months from now!    I'll share the stories of two longtime students of mine, who jumped onboard the HGOB train with me, and are kind enough to let me share their journey with you. Finally, I’ll share my own personal horsemanship goals for this year, and how I came to the decision to do something I swore I’d never do...   Plus, in What the Hay, Q&A, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a mule that bolted under some crazy circumstances, how to lead a Thoroughbred by some menacing neighbors safely, and when sharing grooming tools can get a bit... well, "hairy."   Show Notes: Download Julie's Horse Goals or Bust Goal Setting Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XiIke6guNi0nx6YsK4TUM6e61rfuCGjPS6q1qyjhvII/edit?usp=sharing Join the #HorseGoalsOrBust Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/horse-goals-or-bust     Julie's Event Schedule: https://juliegoodnight.com/events Julie's 5#Challenge Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodnight-challenge   What the Hay? Q&A Resources: Resources to Stop a Bolting Horse: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=pulley-rein-resources Resources on Despooking and Encouraging Curiosity: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=spook  

I love New Year’s and all that it represents—ushering out the old, ringing in the new. I’m not much of a partier on New Year's Eve, but I AM at a stage of life where each year is precious to me, and making the most of my life takes on greater significance. I’ve always been serious about planning my time and making new years resolutions, and this year I’m bringing you on this journey with me! Next month, we’re starting a nine month roadmap to help you achieve, accomplish, and soar in your horsemanship. We call it Horse Goals or Bust! I’ll help you set meaningful horsemanship goals, how to assess both you and your horse to come up with realistic training and conditioning plans, guide you through planning and logistics, and help you stay on track and meet your goals by next fall. In this episode of my podcast, I want to talk to you about dreaming big, scheming hard, and imagining your best horse life. We'll talk about reflecting on the year behind us, how to envision an amazing future, and crafting meaningful goals that will fuel your plan of action. Plus, in What the Hay, Q&A, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a green rider on a green horse, a bolting Mustang, and a Standardbred who is over-sensitive to touch.   Show Notes: Download Julie's Horse Goals or Bust Goal Setting Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XiIke6guNi0nx6YsK4TUM6e61rfuCGjPS6q1qyjhvII/edit?usp=sharing Join the #HorseGoalsOrBust Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/horse-goals-or-bust     Julie's Dec 2022 Blog Post: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/check-your-rearview The book Julie mentioned from her friend, Jeanne Griffiths: Equine Science Julie's 5#Challenge Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodnight-challenge What the Hay? Q&A Resources: Julie's blog post on what to expect from professional training: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/what-does-it-mean-to-have-realistic-training-expectations and podcast episode: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-sdjze-132a0bd Resources to stop a Bolting Horse: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=pulley-rein-resources Resources on Despooking and Encouraging Curiosity: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=spook Reward,  Correction and How Horses Learn Article: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/reward-reinforcement-and-punishment HandsOn Gloves Finishing Gloves Julie Mentioned: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/handson-finishing-gloves

In this episode, we'll talk about professional training for you and your horse. I’ll cover why you might need a trainer and how you should expect to benefit from it. Then, I’ll get deep into the weeds of how to find the right trainer for your horse, what type of trainer you should look for, how to know if you’ve found the right match, and how much in time and money this is going to cost you.   Finally, I’ll share some caveats about  horse training for so-called “problem” horses and how training might disguise a horse’s temperament.   Plus, in the “What the Hay, Q&A” segment at the end of this show, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a cold-backed horse that requires a long warm-up and also a horse that rushes into canter when cued to trot.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]   Show Notes: Resources mentioned in this episode to search for trainers in your area: AQHA Professional Horseman’s Association: https://www.aqha.com/find-a-trainer1 Find Certified Horsemanship Association riding instructors at CHA.horse

In this episode of my podcast, you’ll meet my dear friend "T" Cody. We’ve worked together off and on for the last 25 years since we first met at a horsemanship clinic at The Home Ranch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.   We’ll talk about our fabulous trip to Ireland for two weeks of clinics and riding the Wild Atlantic Coast—the horses we rode, where we rode, what we did, and what we learned about the amazing people and horses in Ireland.   Then I’ll talk with T about her return to horse ownership after a 5-year hiatus, the process she went through to find the right horse, and finally finding her young sport horse, Lio. We’ll talk about her plans for this horse and how to develop his training.   Z2WMHz2rETnXU5VlRhJw

In this episode, I’ll talk about raising baby horses to be solid, reliable adults, discuss some do’s and don’ts, and the most common mistakes people make with young horses. I'll also go into what you should and should not do when it comes to training weanlings, foals and yearlings—and why. Finally, I'll share how you can create the ideal environment for young horses, and give them the enrichment they need to start life out on the right hoof.   Plus, in the What the Hay? Q&A segment at the end of the episode, I’ll answer questions straight from listeners about a reactive and temperamental horse, a horse that tries to jump out of the round pen when being worked, appropriate expectations when training an older horse, and how to prepare a horse to carry a parade flag.   To submit your question for "What the Hay? Q&A," email [email protected]   Show Notes & Resources: Julie's schedule: juliegoodnight.com/events Sign up for the my newsletter to get updates from Julie's ranch & more: juliegoodnight.com/news Lead Line Leadership Training Video: shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/lead-line-leadership Round Pen Reasoning Training Video: shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/round-pen-reasoning Resources for Young Horses: signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/resources-for-young-horses  Resources to Calm Your Horse: signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/resources-to-calm-your-horse Julie is a proud sponsor of Cosequin, the joint health supplement she mentions in this episode. Get more information: cosequinequine.com

In this episode, I’ll discuss what we mean by saying a rider has "good hands." I'll talk about hand position, feel, common mistakes, what horses hate that riders do, and what riders can do to improve their communication with their horse.    Plus, in the What the Hay? Q&A segment at the end of this show, I’ll answer questions from listeners about how to teach a horse to neck rein and dealing with emotional horses.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]

In this episode of my podcast, I’ll talk about tricks of the trade I’ve learned throughout my career, about horse grooming and how to get a “bloom” on your horse. I’ll specifically—and separately—address the mane & tail, haircoat, face, and legs. We’ll talk about best practices for keeping your horse comfortable in the hot summer months and glowing with health year-round.   Plus, in the What the Hay? Q&A segment at the end of this show, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a horse that’s been bullied and ostracized from the herd, an older mare that won’t stand still for mounting, and a question from "downunder" about saddle fit on a barrel-shaped draft pony.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]

Whether it’s the main goal or a stepping stone on the way, a clinic of any kind is a big investment of time, money and energy. In this episode, I’ll talk about different types of clinics, how to know if you are ready to attend a clinic, and how to find the right clinic or clinician for you and your horse. I’ll cover how to get ready for the big event, what to expect when you get there, and how to keep a positive mindset throughout the clinic.   Plus, in the What the Hay? Q&A segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a horse that rears, about how to achieve collection while keeping a horse calm and light, and how to know if you are ready to incorporate bareback riding into your development as a rider.   Show Notes: Julie's Trailering Checklists: Part 1: What to Know Before You Hit the Road https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/trailering-checklist-what-to-know-before-you-hit-the-road/ Part 2: Is Your Horse Ready to Hit the Road? https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/trailering-checklist-part-2-is-your-horse-ready-to-hit-the-road/ Resource Links: Rearing: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=rearing-resources Pulley Rein: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=pulley-rein-resources  Collection/Contact: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=collection-resources Proper Use of Seat, Legs & Hands: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=seat-legs-hands-resources Personalized Coaching from Julie: https://juliegoodnight.com/join

A horse is always learning—for better or for worse. The more you understand how horses learn and how this shapes their behavior, the more effective training is, the more responsive the horse is, and the more cohesive the horse-human relationship is.   Plus, in the popular “What the Hay?” segment at the end of the episode, I’ll answer questions from listeners about a young horse with bad trailer loading experiences, a mustang with trouble focusing, and finally, a dominant off-track Standardbred.   Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email [email protected]