Groundwork Archives ⋆ The Whoa Podcast

Josh Lyons Horsemanship

January 31, 2023 by John Leave a Comment

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

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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 #210

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Horseman Jeremy Dunn

January 17, 2023 by John Leave a Comment

Horseman Jeremy Dunn

Jeremy Dunn is a horseman and rancher living south of Bakersfield. Jeremy is a horse trainer and clinician, but I don’t think he likes that label much. From what I’ve seen, Jeremy is more of an artist than a technician as he works with horses. As part of their Horsemanship series, Johnny Flores Horsemanship is hosting a clinic with Jeremy done at their ranch, March 11, 2023, in Acton, California. On today’s show, we talk about his philosophy and what you can expect from the clinic.

I met Jeremy in 2014 and the following year he encouraged me to enter The Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge. Little did I realize how much the trajectory of my horsemanship career would change when I started my first horse at age 60. There were more than a few challenges, and Jeremy was always available to offer advice and suggestions. But, just like he said in this interview, Jeremy wanted me and my horse to find the answers on our own. I’ve been to several of Jeremy’s clinics and have enjoyed every one. He has a laid-back teaching style and I always leave with more than a few ideas on how to improve my horsemanship.

Links Heard on the Show

Jeremy Dunn-Vaqueroisms Facebook

Jeremy Dunn Training and JB Cattle Company Website

Johnny Flores Horsemanship – Facebook

Johnny Flores Horsemanship

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 #209

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Building Rider Confidence

May 10, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

Building Rider Confidence

Samantha Shanks-Husbands knows the importance of rider confidence. Once a rider loses confidence, especially an older rider, it is extremely difficult to get it back. Samantha works with equestrians of all ages and skill levels. Her techniques help riders focus on what is important. Breathing is especially important in her program. Samantha feels that proper breathing can lead to a calmer horse as well as relax a nervous rider. Another technique she uses is creative visualization. Seeing the outcome of your ride in your mind’s eye, before the ride even occurs, can improve a rider’s confidence.

Another key to building rider confidence, Samantha believes, is groundwork. Working with your horse from the ground allows you to get to know and build a bond with your horse. Samantha talks about not being in a hurry to get on your horse if you are not a confident rider.

Two of the influences Samantha credits for her interest are Mark Rashid and Philippa Unwin

Links Heard on This Episode

Samantha’s Website

Contact Sam via email: sam@preparetowin.co.uk

if you would like to book a free chat: go.preparetowin.co.uk/initial

Samantha’s Facebook Page

Video for the Confident Rider Course

Welcome to Our New Sponsor

EcoGold Saddle Pads

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 #200

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Two Simple Exercises for Gaining Respect

April 28, 2017 by John Leave a Comment

Two Simple Exercises

Two simple exercises helped my horsemanship at the very earliest stages of my learning. My career as a clinician is very, very young. What I can help teach people are the things I learned about gaining a horses respect and making them safe. I don’t really strive to be a clinician in the classic sense. My goal is to blend an adventure riding experience with a learning experience.

Recently, I got to complete my first one-day adventure ride and clinic. The day began with a little philosophy talk, then moved to dealing with obstacles. Afterward, we went on a trail ride and let our horses simply walk down the trail.

Preparing for My Clinic

In preparation for the clinic, I wanted my students to come prepared. In an effort to get everyone thinking about dealing with obstacles, I wanted them to have two simple exercises down pat. These two exercises can help your horse calm down in difficult situations. They can help you gain more of your horse’s respect. Most importantly, these two simple exercises get your horse using the thinking side of his brain. The more he can use the thinking side, the less he will use the reactive side.

The first of these two exercises is yielding your horse’s hindquarters. When you get a horse to cross his back feet you take his power away. It’s that simple. Once you have control of his power, you can direct his energy.

The second exercise is the sending exercise. Sending your horse gets him moving forward. Very little happens in horsemanship without forward movement. Your horse needs to trust you and think about what you’re asking. Having control of your horse’s power and being able to direct that power will greatly improve your relationship.

The video below explains these two exercises and how to begin the training process. It works best if you have a basic, good relationship with your horse. Be safe. This is a quick video used to help my students prepare for our obstacle course clinic. If you don’t think you or your horse is ready, keep working and learning.

Your Horse’s Feet Builds Trust

February 17, 2017 by John Leave a Comment

Working with Your Horse’s Feet

Here’s a quick tip when working with your horse’s feet.

Do you pick your horses hooves before you ride or as part of the grooming process? Do you do each foot in the same order? Does your horse offer you his feet?

Try this for a week or two. Each time you ask your horse to pick up his feet, start with the same foot. I like the front off-side (right front) for some reason. I tap on the back of the fetlock three times, then pick up the foot. After cleaning, I set it right back down. Then, I move to the right rear, again tapping three times on the back of the fetlock. I repeat the process on the left rear, then the left front.

My horse now picks up her feet right after the tap. As I move around her, she shifts her weight getting ready to lift the next foot. By the time I get to the left front, it is usually off the ground. Then, when I’m finished I’m in good position to do a cinch check (if she’s saddled and we are going riding).

You will find that working on your horse’s feet builds confidence and respect between you and your horse. Your horse’s feet are essential to his survival. When you get him to offer you them, he demonstrates trust and willingness. Build on those characteristics and your relationship will really blossom.

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