Listen Now

I'll discuss the top 10 challenges riders have at the canter and how to conquer them. Whether you're just starting out and learning to canter for the first time, you've lost your confidence to canter, or you're an experienced rider training a green horse—whatever the case, this podcast is for you. We'll talk about the most common problems that riders have at the canter, and I'll give you some quick fixes and share some horsemanship secrets that you may not know! Want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com

Have you ever been frustrated with your riding because you think you should be better by now? Have you succumbed to the temptation to compare yourself with another rider, and wondered why you can't ride like that? What do they have that I don't? Or maybe you had a trainer get on your horse when he was acting like a monster, only to see the horse immediately transform into putty in their hands. It's frustrating—I get it. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about how you can ride your own ride and focus on the journey. 

Last time, we talked about the genetic profile of Doc Gunner (who we now call "Doc") regarding his unusual coloration, his deafness, his health conditions, and his behavioral traits. It's fascinating information, and it's invaluable for us in terms of managing his health. In this episode, we're going to discuss Doc's ancestry report—how we can find out more about his real pedigree, find some close relatives of his, and possibly even figure out who his sire and dam are. Plus, we'll talk about how DNA testing works, all of the exciting research being done in this field, and how you might learn more about your horse through DNA testing. Want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com Show Notes: Follow Doc Gunner's story at Doc Gunner's Training Journal: https://www.facebook.com/watch/102611707180/575448296741249/ Learn more about Etalon Diagnostics: EtalonDiagnostics.com Become a Goodnight Academy member or start a Horsemanship Short Course: JulieGoodnight.com/Join

Today's episode is about the genetic profile test report for my 4-year-old foster horse, Doc Gunner. We have no history on this horse prior to December of his 3-year-old year. Given that we know nothing about this horse's breeding or history, it was important to me to get as much data as I could so I can more effectively give him the rehab and training he needs to be successful for the rest of his life.   I'm really excited to have two expert guests in the field of genetic testing and equine veterinary medicine, Christa Lafayette, founder and CEO of Etalon Diagnostics, and Dr. Ben Buchanan from the Brazos Valley Equine Hospital. Join us as we review the full genetic report on Doc Gunner and his unusual genetic traits. We'll get answers to some medical questions we've had, and how we'll manage this horse going forward. Plus, we'll talk about his unique temperament and character, how that relates to his performance potential, and how that is evident in his genes.   Show Notes: Follow Doc Gunner's story at Doc Gunner's Training Journal: https://www.facebook.com/watch/102611707180/575448296741249/ Learn more about Etalon Diagnostics: EtalonDiagnostics.com Become a Goodnight Academy member or start a Horsemanship Short Course: JulieGoodnight.com/Join Read Julie's blog post, The Making of a Trail Horse: JulieGoodnight.com/Blog

In this episode, I'll talk about the counter canter. I'll discuss what it is, when it's the right time to incorporate counter cantering into your training regimen, why you need it, how you and your horse benefit, and most importantly, how to do it. Plus, I've got some brand new questions to answer straight from our listeners in What the Hay? Q&A. Want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com   Show Notes: Doc Gunner's Training Journal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/102611707180/575448296741249 Julie's Building Confidence Short Courses & Memberships: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/goodnight-academy/  Counter Canter Video & Behind-the-Scenes Bonus Footage (available to Library and Interactive Members): https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s=%22counter+canter%22

Today's topic is about how to stay safe with horses. I'll give you some practical guidance and some sage advice. We'll talk about danger zones around horses, how to prevent accidents and we're going to talk about your personal safety habits. Being safety conscious around horses will help you will help build your confidence and help you enjoy the ride even more. Plus, I've got some brand new questions to answer in the What the Hay? Q&A segment! Want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com   Show Notes: Doc Gunner's Training Journal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/102611707180/575448296741249 Julie's Building Confidence Short Courses & Memberships: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/goodnight-academy/  Helmets Julie talked about in the episode: Troxel Helmets (https://www.troxelhelmets.com/) Certified Horsemanship Association: http://cha.horse/

Often, the history of the horse does not follow him throughout his life—maybe you bought a horse at an auction, maybe you rescued an abandoned horse, or were given a horse—but, for whatever reason, you end up with this horse, and zero history on him. So what do you do now? How do you move forward from there? Is he trained or untrained? What's he like to handle? I'll discuss these questions and more in this month's episode. Plus, as always, we have some new questions for What the Hay? Q&A!

Trail riding season is fast approaching, and whether you go out for a few hours or a few days at a time, and whether you're going to take 1 or 2 trail adventures this year or 1 or 2 every week, I want to share some of my tips that I've learned through the years.   Want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com

Today's topic is about dealing with horses that rip and run. I'll talk about this dangerous behavior, what it looks like, how it develops, and situations where it's likely to happen. We'll look at what this behavior means—why the horse does it, and how he benefits. Fortunately, most horses never learn how to overpower people and get away, but once it's been learned, it can't really be unlearned, and it makes the horse particularly difficult to handle. Whether or not you have a horse with this problem, you're going to want to listen to find out how to mitigate the issue, and prevent it before it becomes a problem. Plus, I've got some brand new questions to answer in the What the Hay? Q&A segment!   Show Notes: Short Courses & Academy Memberships: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/goodnight-academy/ FREE Daily Doses of Horsemanship Homework: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/daily-dose-of-horsemanship-homework/ Episodes About Horses That Rip & Run (watch with your Library or Interactive Membership):  Episode 213: The Great Escape http://signin.juliegoodnight.com/videos/horse-master-shows/episode-213-the-great-escape/ Episode 412: Break on Through http://signin.juliegoodnight.com/videos/horse-master-shows/episode-412-break-on-through/ Don't have a membership yet? Get yours here: https://juliegoodnight.com/join

This topic is often asked about, and was also inspired by my first few rides out this spring on my young horse, Pepperoni. We're going to take a look at the behavioral aspects of spooking, how to train the horse to face what he's afraid of, and most importantly, how to execute the emergency stop when all else fails. Want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com

In this episode, let's talk about cantering with confidence! I'll go over the mechanics of the gait, how to cue, how to ride it, how to set your horse up for the correct lead. We'll even talk about controlling and refining the canter, and I'll address the issue all of you advanced riders want to hear about: the flying lead change. As always, we've got some brand new questions to answer straight from our listeners in the What the Hay Q&A segment!

In this episode, let's talk about collection—what it is, and more importantly, what it's not. I'll share with you how to prepare for this skill, how to cue your horse for collection, and how to feel it when you get it right. Plus, we've got some brand new questions to answer straight from our listeners in the What the Hay Q&A segment!   Episode Resources: Refinement & Collection Video: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/refinement-and-collection/ Goodnight's Principles of Riding 1-5: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/goodnights-principles-of-riding/ Goodnight Bitting System: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/bitting-system/ Bit Information: http://juliegoodnight.com/bits

In this episode, I'll talk about having reasonable expectations for your horse, considering the horse's point of view in the discipline you are training, and providing the physical and emotional support your horse needs. Plus, how to avoid training burnout and plateaus in your training. In other words, how do I keep my horse moving forward in his training, progressing, and still staying fresh and enjoying his job? Episode Resources: Perfect Practice Training Video & Booklet: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/?s=Perfect+Practice Balance & Rhythm Training Video: https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/balance-rhythm/ Julie's Clinics & Events Schedule: https://juliegoodnight.com/events/

How to manage your horse's needs in winter, plus some of the secrets I've learned from living in the high mountains of Colorado for the last 30+ years when it comes to staying warm while you ride, when you feed, or while you do your horse chores in winter. Finally, we'll talk about how to stay fit as a rider—even if you can't ride as much over the winter as you usually do. I'll share some of my favorite workout routines, and some exercises you can do in your living room to keep fit for riding all winter long.

Megan and I sifted through the backlog of questions we've been getting from you, because this time I'm dedicating the entire episode to answering as many as I can! Enjoy this special hour-long episode of What the Hay? Q&A! Do you want your question answered in the What the Hay? Q&A segment? Email it to podcast@juliegoodnight.com

"What bit should I start my horse in?" "When should I change bits?" "Are snaffles the mildest bits?" "Does my horse even need a bit?"   There are so many bits out there (not to mention old wives tales—or misinformation), and every horse has different needs. In this episode, I'm talking about bits, sharing my knowledge to help you understand them better, and answering call-in questions in What the Hay? Q&A.    Show Notes: Upcoming Appearances (Clinics, Expos, and other events) More Bit & Bitting Resources (Note: some of these articles/videos are available with a free membership, and some are only available to Library or Interactive members.) Myler's Bit Assistant

In my blog earlier this month, I wrote about what it takes to win an Equine Good Citizen Award. So for this episode, I get more in-depth about the top 10 skills that I think every horse should have. Find out if your horse passes the test—or if you have some new goals to work toward!   Plus, my advice to boost your confidence & what to do about a "cinchy" horse in an all-new What the Hay? Q&A!

I just got back from another trip to C Lazy U Ranch, this time for my Women's Wholeness & Riding Retreat with my good friend and fellow trainer, Barbra Schulte. So for this month's episode, I'm giving you an exclusive listen to a couple of the chats we had with the group about leadership, horse behavior, training, and what happens when our emotions get in the way. Plus, a few guided exercises to help improve your equitation.

Can't wait for winter to give way to warmer riding weather? In this episode of Ride On, I'll talk about some things you can do to prepare for this riding season—from re-establishing a good foundation, to setting realistic goals and planning a training schedule. Resources: Get everything you need to get back on track with your horse with my Spring Training Bundle—now 20% OFF for the entire month of June! You'll get the best equipment, plus a step-by-step video to help you develop a productive relationship with your horse. Includes: Premium Rope Halter 12' Premium Training Lead Goodnight Training Flag Lead Line Leadership DVD Get yours in my shop today!

In part two of this episode, I share my favorite stories over the years from Horse Master—what I remember most about the horses, and what I've learned from them over the last 11 years. Plus, a very special What the Hay? Q&A with questions and favorite memories from listeners.