Ride On with Julie Goodnight

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:

I've been traveling non-stop, and I'm still on the road, which makes it hard to find time to record the podcast. So for this month, we’ve chosen an episode that we think will be really useful to you as you continue to work toward your goals⁠. We’ll be back next month with a brand new episode in the "Horse Goals or Bust" series! This episode is about how to deal with training setbacks with your horse. We've all been there at one point or another when things don’t go according to plan. The horse that normally walks right into a trailer suddenly refuses to load. Or a frightening incident overwhelmed your normally unflappable horse, and broke down his confidence. It’s unreasonable to think that in the long-term training of a horse (which takes place over years and decades) everything would always go perfectly. Neither human nor equine are robots, and stuff happens! In this episode, we'll focus on what to do after the setback, how to analyze the situation, dissect what went wrong, and be proactive in developing a plan to get your horse back on track. Plus, we'll revisit some listener questions in my "What the Hay? Q&A" segment.

In this episode, I talk about the clothing and gear to choose to set yourself and your horse up for success—dressing for success, so to speak—no matter what your goals look like. I’ll talk about functional rider apparel, your horse’s attire and accessories and safety considerations. I'll also give you some tips to keep both you and your horse comfortable as you tackle the upcoming riding season. Then in my "What the Hay? Q&A" segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about ear plugs for horses, and a fearful mustang mare who has mastered the skill of rip and run. 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 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: Loop Reins & Split Reins: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-category/tack-room/bits-bridles-reins/reins Ultrashield Fly Sprays: https://absorbine.com/collections/fly-control Lead Line Leadership Video: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/lead-line-leadership Rip & Run Podcast Episode: https://juliegoodnight.podbean.com/e/horses-that-rip-run

In this episode, I talk about assessing your skills as a rider, what to consider in the Rider Skill Assessment worksheet, and how to interpret your results. I’ll share some awesome resources to help you evaluate your horse’s skills and develop a training plan to get you where you need to go with your horse. Then, in my "What the Hay? Q&A" segment I’ll answer questions from listeners about a horse that shows displays of aggression at feedtime, how to correct a horse for kicking at another horse on a ride, and how to find the right Western cinch for your horse. 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 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 April 2022 Podcast Episode, Finding the Holes in Your Horse’s Training: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/plugging-the-holes-in-your-horses-training “What is Your Horse's Training Level?” Quiz: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/quiz-whats-your-horses-training-level November 2022 Blog, Finding the Right Horse Trainer: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/what-does-it-mean-to-have-realistic-training-expectations Dictionary Of Equine Terms: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/dictionary-of-equine-terms Gain Confidence with Horses Short Course: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/confidence-short-course E-BARQ Survey: https://e-barq.com (and don't forget to joining my group GOODNIGHT TRAINING, code GJU9721) Feed-Time Aggression Resources: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/feed-time-aggression

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: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XiIke6guNi0nx6YsK4TUM6e61rfuCGjPS6q1qyjhvII/edit?usp=sharinghttps://facebook.com/groups/horse-goals-or-bust https://juliegoodnight.com/eventshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/goodnight-challenge What the Hay? Q&A Resources: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=pulley-rein-resourceshttps://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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com 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.

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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com Show Notes & Resources: juliegoodnight.com/eventsjuliegoodnight.com/newsshop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/lead-line-leadershipshop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/round-pen-reasoningsignin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/resources-for-young-horsessignin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/resources-to-calm-your-horsecosequinequine.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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com

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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com Show Notes & Resources: Grooming Tools: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-category/tack-room/grooming-tools ·· HandsOn Grooming Gloves: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/hands-on-grooming-gloves Grooming How-To Videos: ·· Detangling Tail Video: https://youtu.be/C1P13oxqXRw ·· Banging tail video: https://youtu.be/qxYLPuT0fjs ·· Shortening/evening mane video: https://youtu.be/-cvfXDsX7jw Grooming products mentioned: ·· Witch hazel, soft rag (microfiber) to clean out nostrils, eyes, muzzle, inside of ears ·· Coconut Oil ·· ShowSheen products mentioned: https://absorbine.com/pages/showsheen ·· Absorbine liniment: https://absorbine.com/products/absorbine-veterinary-liniment ·· Ultrashield products mentions & Ultrashield Green: https://absorbine.com/pages/ultrashield ·· Santa fe conditioner and sunscreen: https://absorbine.com/products/santa-fe-coat-conditioner-sunscreen Joint supplement mentioned: Cosequin at cosequinhorse.com Bitting rig to build topline and abdominal muscles: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/goodnight-bitting-system-package/ Stand still for mounting resources: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/my-horse-wont-stand-still-for-mounting

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: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/trailering-checklist-what-to-know-before-you-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: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=rearing-resourceshttps://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=pulley-rein-resourceshttps://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=collection-resourceshttps://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?tag=seat-legs-hands-resourceshttps://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 podcast@juliegoodnight.com

If you are just getting to know a new horse, working with a horse with an unknown training history, going back to basics with a training project, or simply developing a new training plan—start with a thorough evaluation. In this episode, I’ll talk about how to find the holes in a horse’s training, determine what problems need solving, what new skills must be taught, what experiences are needed, and how long it might take to achieve your training goals. I’ll share some of the actual evaluation tools I’ve developed for my online coaching program, that help me understand where the horse is currently in its training and where we need to go from here. Plus, in the popular “What the Hay?” segment at the end of this show, I’ll answer questions from listeners about how to deal with a horse that paws, about a new horse gone rogue, and finally, about re-establishing leadership with a pushy horse. Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Juliegoodnight.com/eventsJulieGoodnight.com/joinJuliegoodnight.com/newshttps://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/nurturing-the-try-in-your-horse/https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/adversarial-relationships-with-horses/

Today’s topic is about the importance of establishing boundaries—in our personal lives, our family lives, and yes, even with our horses. I’ll talk about why establishing boundaries with horses is important for your own safety and the safety of those around your horse, and how clear and consistent boundaries lead to developing a strong bond of trust with your horse. Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com