Ride On with Julie Goodnight

We do our annual vet exams, vaccinations, and dental care every Spring. Just as we prioritize annual check-ups for ourselves, a yearly wellness exam by an equine veterinarian is paramount for maintaining your horse's health. Annual Horse Health Maintenance Checklist: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/annual-horse-health-maintenance-checklist/ Issues From The Ground: Ground Manners For The Veterinary Visit https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/issues-from-the-ground-ground-manners-for-the-veterinary-visit/ First Aid Kit: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/first-aid/ Ground Work: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/lead-line-leadership-full-video/ Stand Still: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/stand-statue-still/ Training: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/head-down-cue/ How to (and How Not to) Handle Your Horse’s Feet (Video): https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/videos/video-training-tips/how-to-and-how-not-to-handle-your-horses-feet/ Free How to Get a 5-Star Rating From Your Farrier: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/how-to-get-a-5-star-rating-from-your-farrier/ Desensitizing Lesson with Truth (Video): https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/videos/video-training-tips/desensitizing-lesson-with-truth/ Issues From The Ground: Desensitizing To Touch In Sensitive Areas: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/issues-from-the-ground-desensitizing-to-touch-in-sensitive-areas/ Vaccine: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/safety-concerns-administering-vaccines/ Fecal Egg Count Kits/Info.: https://horsemenslab.com/faq.html Silver Honey Wound Spray: https://absorbine.com/products/silver-honey-combo-pack?variant=39493392990369 Cosequin Equine: https://www.cosequin.com/horses/julie-goodnight-chooses-cosequin-asu-joint-hoof-pellets/? utm_source=Cosequin&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Julie_endorsement

Description: In this episode of Ride On, I’ll focus on how you know if your horse needs a new bit, how we evaluate a horse for the right bit, and understanding the impact of a well-chosen bit. And in “What the Hay? Q&A” at the end of this episode, we have questions from listeners about ground manners for senior horses, tips for riding the trot for riders with tight hips, and what saddle pads work best on high withered horses. Rip’s First Trailer Ride Video posted on Julie Goodnight Horsemanship FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/juliegoodnight Julie Goodnight’s Schedule: https://juliegoodnight.com/events-2/ Sign up for Julie’s Newsletter: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/wishlist-member-3/?reg=1392669509 Myler Three Ring Combination Bit: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-04-combination-with-rawhide-noseband-myler-bit/ Myler Bits Julie likes in her shop: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-category/tack-room/bits-bridles-reins/bits/ Dale Myler teaches at Julie’s barn: https://juliegoodnight.com/myler-bits/ Myler 36 Mouthpiece: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-36-flat-shank-myler-copy/ https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-36-combination-myler-bit/ https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-36-eggbutt-with-hooks-myler-bit/ https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-36-hbt-myler-bit/ Myler 04 Mouthpiece: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-04-hbt-myler-bit/ https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/mb-04-eggbutt-with-hooks-myler-bit/ Ride On with Julie Goodnight Podcast: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/audios/ride-on-podcast/ February 2025 Blog on Bits: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/goodnight-news-bit-overview/ Evidence-based Horsemanship, Dr. Stephen Peters & Martin Black, Wasteland Press, 2018 Signs a horse needs a new bit: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/my-horse-is-tossing-and-shaking-his-head/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/tongue-trouble/ Tongue Relief: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/issues-from-the-saddle-tongue-over-bit/?_rt=MnwxfHRvbmd1ZSByZWxpZWZ8MTc0MTI5MTk1OA&_rt_nonce=e768fd55ec Bit Wizzard: http://www.mylerbits.com/bitting_assistant.php Rider Skill Assessment: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/rider-skill-assessment-training-plan/ Email Questions for Julie’s Q&A section of her podcast: podcast@juliegoodnight.com Leave Julie a Google Review: https://g.page/r/CSISpaMrd33aEBI/review

Rip, Annie’s colt, is nine months old, but technically a yearling. He’s basically a learning machine with the whole world at his hooves. He loves the indoor arena, and he seems to enjoy our short training sessions too... Desensitizing- touch all over, brush, handle face, ears, belly Horse Report: Getting The Band Back Together https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/horse-report-gettin-the-band-back-together/ Issues From The Ground: Desensitizing To Touch in Sensitive Areas https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/issues-from-the-ground-desensitizing-to-touch-in-sensitive-areas/ Tantrums and emotional meltdowns in Horses https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/back-from-the-brink-managing-emotional-meltdowns-in-horses/ Leading—come with me, rate speed, can’t run away. Lead Line Leadership Course Issues From The Ground: Rearing When Leading https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/issues-from-the-ground-rearing-when-leading/ How to Get a 5-Star Rating from your Farrier https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/how-to-get-a-5-star-rating-from-your-farrier/ September 2021 Horse Report https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/september-2021-horse-report/ Lipping, Nipping, Biting: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/off-to-a-good-start/

Bit selection considerably impacts horse training, comfort, and performance across all disciplines Show Notes for February Blog Post 2025: Bit Overview Talk About Tack: Fitting Curb Chains to Curb Bits: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/talk-about-tack-fitting-curb-chains-to-curb-bits/ Talk About Tack: Snaffle to Curb: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/talk-about-tack-snaffle-to-curb/ Julie Goodnight Q & A Bit Tips: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/horse-illustrated-julie-goodnight-qas-bit-tips/ My Horse is Tossing and Shaking His Head: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/my-horse-is-tossing-and-shaking-his-head/ What Bit Should I Use: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/what-bit-should-i-use-2/

In this newest episode of my podcast, I discuss different saddles, how they are constructed, and the pros and cons of rigid trees, flexible trees, treeless, and riding bareback. I'd like you to join me as we embark on this discovery. January 2025 Podcast Show Notes Illusive Concepts that Affect Saddle Fit https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/is-saddle-fit-more-important-to-the-horse-or-the-rider/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/eddies-new-saddle-how-saddle-fit-changes-over-time/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/saddle-trees-fit-and-riggins/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/top-3-saddle-fit-pains/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090023312002341https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/videos/horse-master-shows/episode-908-cross-dressed-english-to-western-saddles/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fl43qeZLoYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXHNwIrsOAAhttps://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-category/tack-room/saddles-tack/saddles/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/my-favorite-books-of-the-year-and-decade/https://evidence-basedhorsemanship.com/buy-the-book-dvd/https://g.page/r/CSISpaMrd33aEBI/reviewhttps://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/december-blog-2024/https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/refinement-and-collection-full-video/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/interactive-membership-benefits/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/how-to-make-a-perfect-horse/

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: podcast@juliegoodnight.com

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: sarah.matlock@colostate.edu 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: sarah.matlock@colostate.edu 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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com

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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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 JulieGoodnight.com/horsereportJuliegoodnight.com/eventsJulieGoodnight.com/joinJuliegoodnight.com/news

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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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 JulieGoodnight.com/horsereportJuliegoodnight.com/eventsJulieGoodnight.com/joinJuliegoodnight.com/news Resources from the Episode: