Mustang Heritage Foundation

Mastering the Art of Colt Starting with Shawn Dunn As a seasoned colt-starter with over three decades of experience working with horses across the country, Shawn Dunn has a unique insight into the art of colt starting. From the basics of training to the finer details of horse behavior, Shawn has seen it all and is eager to share his knowledge with others. In this episode, we delve into the world of colt starting and learn about Shawn's approach to horse training. We also explore the importance of starting a horse off on the right foot and the long-term impact it can have on the horse's life. The Art of Colt Starting Colt starting is often considered an art form, requiring a special set of skills and a deep understanding of horse behavior. It is the process of taking a young horse and teaching it the basics of life under saddle. According to Shawn, the key to successful colt starting is understanding that each horse is unique and requires a tailored approach. He believes that the earlier you start training a horse, the better off they will be in the long run. "The best dog I ever had was the one I began training at 7 weeks old," says Shawn. "The start kids get in pre-school is so important to how they will grow up. So, why should it be any different with horses?" Training Techniques Shawn's approach to colt starting centers around building a strong foundation of trust and respect between horse and handler. He believes that creating a safe and secure environment for the horse is crucial for their growth and development. One of Shawn's favorite training techniques is the use of groundwork, which he describes as "teaching the horse to understand the language of the handler." This can include simple exercises like leading, lunging, and ground driving. By working with the horse on the ground, Shawn can establish a clear communication line and build trust with the horse before getting on its back. He believes that this approach results in a smoother and more positive ridin

Josh Lyons Horsemanship Josh Lyons grew up learning horsemanship from his dad. John Lyons was one of the first trainers I remember seeing on back in the early 2000s. I was new to horses and really did not know what I was doing. The TV show showed me there was a whole style of horsemanship that was effective and, with work and study, easy for anyone to learn. Back in 2017, I was lucky enough to catch up and interview Josh's sister, Brandi , about her Lyons's No Limit Clinic. This year, I was working on some basic exercises, and I remembered watching John Lyons TV program, and that got me thinking about the Lyons' Horsemanship Philosophy. A little research, and email to Josh's office, and I connected with Josh. Josh Lyons Legacy Training As part of the Lyons legacy program, Josh is educating horse trainers in every discipline. Education is important to Josh. He wants his trainers to succeed. The Legacy program gives people the right tools to train horses. The Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board, approve and regulates the Lyons Legacy Program. And, because Josh wants to give back to veterans, his Legacy program went through the stringent qualifications to qualify students for VA benefits. Links For Josh Lyons Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ LyonsLegacy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ joshlyonslegacy/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ JoshLyons Website - https://www.joshlyons.com/ Events - https://www.joshlyons.com/ events/ Leave a review - https://g.page/r/ CWO3YYANdMf4EBM/review Contact - info@lyonslegacy.com ; 615-379-1056 Join Us on this Journey We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we'll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey. You are an enormous part of w