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Self-Defense For Trail Riders

November 13, 2018 by John Leave a Comment

Self-Defense For Trail Riders

Sadly, the world we ride in is changing. We need to take precautions to be safe when we ride. It’s called self-defense for a reason. It’s up to us to take responsibility. Dogs, pedestrians, automobiles, or people with problems can be a menace on the trail. Do you know how to handle a troubling situation?

Many years ago at an equine expo I saw a program by Scott Hanson about safety on the trail. A 90-minute session on what to do if someone tried to attack you while you were horseback. At the time I didn’t think there was much chance of that. Then, a couple of years ago we encountered someone who released their dog on us. It came from completely out of the blue. He released his dog in our direction, then rode his bicycle in the opposite direction. Ranae and I had practiced some of the principles we learned from the class. I had pepper spray. Ranae knew to get in head-to-tail tight to me and my horse, Jessie. I sprayed the dog in the face. He turned and ran after his owner. Had we not prepared, who knows what could have happened?

Be Prepared!

When I saw a flyer for another Self-Defense for Trail Rider class scheduled at our local Rancho Rio Stables, I wanted to cover the event. Elmo Sheeran, the instructor, trains many mounted law enforcement officers on how to protect themselves and their horses in police situations. Elmo offers some great advice. If you ride on the trail, get yourself a $12 can of pepper spray and a $2 whistle. Believe it or not, these two simple, inexpensive items take care of most situations you come across. But, don’t just put them in your cantle bag and forget them. Take them out and practice once in a while. A little preparation goes a long way.

Check out the Self-Defense for Trail Riders video on YouTube

I produce a short video of the event for my YouTube Channel. You can see it HERE

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We have well over 200 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works. We are on Google Play too! You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram– just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #138

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Australian Squatter Coffey

October 23, 2018 by John 1 Comment

Squatter Coffey

Life has been a bit hectic of late. Many months ago I received an email suggesting I have an Australian by the name of Squatter Coffey on the show. As I do with all your suggestions, I try to contact the person and see if they want to be on the show. Squatter did agree to come on the show, but we couldn’t find a convenient time.

You see, Squatter Coffey lives way out in a “rural” area of Australia. The time difference would have one of us up in the middle of the night. We agreed that we would get together when his season changed. It’s just now turning spring in Australia and Squatter, who owns and operates a bush trail riding company, is entering his good riding season.

A Life with Horses

Squatter Coffey has been riding horses so long he doesn’t remember “learning” how to ride. He has just always ridden. Squatter grew up in a family of horses. His 6 siblings are all in the horse business. Squatter raced horse, worked on stations and has done just about everything you can do on a horse.

While it’s sometimes difficult to find something to talk about, Squatter and I share a common love of horses and horsemanship. He has some good stories and he shares his experiences on the show. I hope you enjoy Squatter Coffey.

Contact Us

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #137

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Adriane DeWolfe Horsewoman EXCA Racer

September 25, 2018 by John Leave a Comment

Adriane DeWolfe Horsewoman Extreme Cowboy Racer

Adriane DeWolfe and Toaster

We first met Adriane DeWolfe at a playday with fellow Downunder Horsemanship friends. it was great getting together with like-minded people to work on our collective horsemanship skills. Adriane was there with her horse Toaster, a mustang. Ranae had brought Dusty and I was working with Scratch. It was clear that Adriane was a serious horsewoman. She worked equally hard on both technique and philosophy. Toaster responded well. Later, we learned it was her first time out with Toaster.

While we continued to follow each other on Facebook, it would be some months before we saw Adriane DeWolfe again. Ranae and I thought we would try our hand at Extreme Cowboy Racing. There was a race being held about a 90-minute drive away at Shades of Gold Ranch. Adriane and Toaster were entered in the novice division. When they took the course we saw they had come a long way in a very short time.

Adriane kept challenging herself and her horsemanship to get better. It was always a smooth trail. There were many ups and downs. In 2018, she continued Extreme Cowboy Racing and qualified for the National Competition in Glen Rose, Texas. She and Toaster will compete in November of 2018.

On the course with Toaster.

Adriane DeWolfe bid and won Toaster at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center Wild Horse Training Facility auction. And, her journey to Glen Rose when she pulls into the arena for the EXCA National Finals, has been a long one. It’s an inspiration to all recreational horsemen and women. With a little dedication, a lot of hard work, and the love of a good horse, you can reach your goals.

Contact Us

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #136

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Talking about Large Animal Emergencies

September 4, 2018 by John 2 Comments

Last year we had the privilege of attending the Best Horse Practices Summit in Durango, Colorado. While we couldn’t make it this year, we wanted to see what they had in store.

Maddy Butcher joins to talk about who will be presenting this year and what they will be talking about. This is a very special event that focuses on scientific evidence designed to inspire you to reach for higher levels of your horsemanship.

Find out more about the Best Horse Practices Summit 2018.

Are You Ready for an Emergency?

One of the presenters at this year’s Summit is Rebecca Gimenez/Husted of Technical Large Animal Rescue.

Rebecca instructs a wide variety of professionals and the public about being prepared for large animal emergencies. She hands out a few tips on things you can do to keep your horse safe.

On a side note, after this interview Ranae and I ran a fire drill to see how long it took us to get the trailer hooked up and our three horses loaded in to our two horse warm blood trailer. We made it in less than 12 minutes on the first run. And, it did uncover some problems and other details we need to work on to improve our preparedness.

Contact Us

We have well over 100 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and tell us how it works. We are on Google Play too! You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter and Instagram– just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #135

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Cowboy Dressage Clinic with Dave Ellis

February 13, 2018 by John Leave a Comment

Cowboy Dressage Clinic with Dave Ellis

Cowboy Dressage, Western Dressage, and Working Equitation are all just a little bit different. Their goals are very similar: have your horse negotiate a course using basic horsemanship maneuvers. The scoring is based on your smoothness and accuracy in cueing your horse.

We had an opportunity to experience an “Introductory Cowboy Dressage” Clinic at a local stable here in Bakersfield, Rancho Rio Equestrian Center. The instructor is a 6-Star Certified Parelli instructor by the name of Dave Ellis. The clinic was limited to 10 horse and rider teams and Ranae and I had the opportunity to audit the clinic. We got to watch as Dave Ellis described the maneuvers then help the participants negotiate the course.

In between sessions, we had an opportunity to chat with Dave and get the history of Cowboy Dressage and its founder, Eitan Beth-Halachmy.

Links for Cowboy Dressage

Cowboy Dressage World website

Contact Us

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #134

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