Fun Stuff Archives ⋆ The Whoa Podcast

Looking Back at the Podcast

September 1, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Looking Back at the Podcast

This week we are looking back at an episode I produced 8 years ago. If you listened to last week’s episode, you heard my interview with Lane Selz. Lane and I met through my farrier Sean McRoberts. While still in high school, Lane qualified for a permit to ride in the PRCA. I got to follow Lane’s pro Rodeo career.

While I research last week’s episode, I came across a recording I did when Lane was just starting out assisting Sean. I’ve edited the old show down quite a bit. It shows the changes in both the podcast and Lane. Back then, we called the podcast the DUH Podcast because I was/am a big fan of the Downunder Horsemanship Method. I used to open the show with a motivational or funny quote. We left that in too.

Throughout the broadcast you can hear the natural sounds from my backyard: cars driving by, birds chirping, nippers and files. My philosophy then was to bring the listener realism and experience. I don’t think I pulled it off.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

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 by Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

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

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #175

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Working Cowboy Lane Selz Ranch Life in California

August 25, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Working Cowboy – Lane Selz

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a working cowboy in 2020? My friend, Lane Selz, day-works for several ranches in the area. He describes life in today’s ranching world.

When I first met Lane, he was still in high school. He was so good at riding bulls in high school, he earned his permit to ride in PRCA. From there, Lane spent a few years riding on the professional circuit, traveling to rodeos across the country. Lane returned to Bakersfield, CA to open up his own farrier service business after working for several prominent farriers locally, including Ernest Forsberg and Sean McRoberts.

But Lane grew up wanting to be a cowboy. As a kid he rode his bike to Denny Watkins place and helped where he could. In Central California, where we both live, there are several big ranches. Lane contracts with many of them as a day-worker. When the ranch needs extra help, they call in day-working cowboys. As extra help, Lane never knows what job he might get for the day. It could be sorting, branding, or gathering. It’s not a total mystery, Lane can usually predict what work needs done by the season. They may brand in the fall, calve in the spring, etc.

I talked to Lane about what it’s like for today’s working cowboy in California. For more info on the Californio Tradition, check out this video with Tommy Thompson.

Join Us on this Journey

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

Thanks for listening,

John & Ranae

Episode #174

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Stallion Springs Trail Ride

August 7, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Stallion Springs Trail Ride

Friends and I explored the Stallion Springs area of the Tehachapi Mountains in Central California. There is plenty of room for your horse trailer at the intersection of Horse Thief and Mustang, called Buckskin Park. You’ll find a few horse pens, hitching posts, and picnic tables to enjoy. From here (our elevation was about 4,000 feet), you can horseback ride in a couple of directions. Some trails are alongside the streets, but the residents are very respectful of horseback riders and take care.

At the time of this video, some trails needed maintenance, but that won’t always be the case. Stallion Springs Trail Maps: https://www.stallionspringscsd.com/equestrian-hiking-trails

There were five of us riding on this outing. Two of the people knew the area well. Stallion Springs, and the Tehachapi area is a very horse-friendly. While we ride through residential areas, the lots are big and far apart. There are lots of oak trees. I believe there are five distinct types of oaks in the area. As we rode through one area, a group had labeled many of the plants.

Most of the group drove from places with a little elevation. Scratch lives at 500 feet. I found he was huffing and puffing going up the hills. The temps can reach the high 80s in the summer. At that elevation, it feels even warmer.

As we wound around the mountains, magnificent vistas of the Tehachapi valley would emerge. Then, we would turn around another corner and trees and mountains surrounded us.

Wildlife and the Old Golf Course

Real estate in the area took a hit a few years back. As a result, the Stallion Springs golf course lost its owner. It’s overgrown now. Golfers knew the course for its fast greens and rocky terrain.

We saw a few deer from the trail. Two elk walked through Buckskin Park as we unsaddled. There have been some reports of rattlesnakes in the area. Keep an eye out.

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Ride Your Horse on Planet Vasquez Rocks

July 31, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Vasquez Rocks ~ Ride Your Horse On Another Planet

Tucked away in the little city of Agua Dulce, just off the 14 freeway in Southern California, are Vasquez Rocks. Vasquez Rocks got its name from the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez. Some have characterized Vasquez as a Robin Hood, while others have made him out as a womanizer. Most agree he lived outside the law. When he allegedly killed some men near Hollister, California, his gang rode to Southern Cal to escape capture. For a time he hid in the area that now bears his name. He eluded capture by using the rock formations and caves to hide.

In the 1930’s, a movie director suggested Vasquez Rocks as a shooting location for Tibet. This was the beginning of a new relationship with Hollywood. Og course it was a favorite setting for Westerns. The Texas Ranger (1931) and the Gambler (1939) used the rocky back drop to simulate the Old West.

When television arrived, Vasquez Rocks’ popularity grew. The Lone Ranger, Cheyenne, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, The Wild Wild West, and Hondo used the rocks at least once.

In 1967, Vasquez Rocks got its big break in Hollywood. The crew of the Enterprise landed right in its backyard. It was used to fight the Gorns. They also used the rocks in the movie production of Star Trek IV as the planet Vulcan.

Our Ride to Vasquez Rocks

It has shortened the park hours because of COVID. But, because the Pacific Crest Trail runs through the park, you can get in through those entrances. There’s parking on Escondido Canyon Road. They charge no admission to get into the park.

Pertinent Information

Vasquez Rocks Website

10700 West Escondido Canyon Road
Agua Dulce, CA 9139

Park Telephone: (661) 268-0840

If you go in the summer, it can get warm so leave early. It wouldn’t hurt to take water and a light snack. There are some trail maps to follow. For most of our ride you could often see the 14 Fwy. on one side or the houses on the other. It really helped with orientation. The terrain can be rock in places. If your horse has tender feet, I would suggest boots.

Enjoy!

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Hansen Dam Group Ride ~ VIDEO

July 24, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Working on my Video Channel

I’ve had a YouTube Channel for 12 years now. Back in 2008, I began shooting experiences with my mare Jessie. The very first video was of us working cows. A lesson my wife bought us for my birthday.

Through the years, I’ve chronicled many of our rides and adventures. Video editing software was difficult to use back then. I wasn’t very good at either shooting or editing. Over the last two years, I’ve studied video editing and production. I’ll admit, it’s still scary in front of the camera. But I have a desire to share our knowledge and experiences, and this is the best way.

My goal is to shoot quality videos of trail rides, travel, horse training, and things-you-should-know. As difficult as it is to be behind the camera and on top of a horse, I’m trying it. I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and offer feedback and suggestions.

Hansen Dam Trail Ride

Several years ago we did an ETI Trail Trial at Hansen Dam Recreational Area in Lakeview Terrace, California. It was my first experience with an ETI trial and we had a lot of fun. Hansen Dam is easy to get to. Just off the 210 Freeway near Sylmar, there is ample parking for a group of trailers.

Gabrielino Equestrian Park is located there. A warm-up arena with good footing is next to the parking lot.

Different sections of the area offer different trail rides. In one section there is thick growth with many creek crossings. In other areas there is rocky, almost desert -like terrain. Our ride took us through both areas. We had an experienced guide, but if you’re good with directions, it would be difficult to get lost. The 210 freeway is visible from almost anywhere, and we use it as a landmark.

On one of our trail rides there, we rode under the freeway, up Little Tujunga Canyon, to a food truck is in the middle of a nursery. It’s called the Hideaway Cafe Food Truck. It serves good Mexican food and there is a place to tie up your horse.