Finding The Feel

S2E11 4S Performance Horses, Part 1 – Chasing your dreams (and your heart)

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:00:00 -0500

4S Performance Horses is a third generation horse family, located in Pleasanton Texas. Christa and Randall both apprenticed with Chris Cox, among other great trainers in the roping and cutting industries.

“Todo Corazòn”, which means "All Heart", is the driving force behind their organization...and it shows. Christa and Randall are all heart when it comes to their training methods. Their share their inspiring journeys, and show us that it's always worth chasing your dreams.

We even get to hear about their love story.

Learn more about 4S Performance Horses on Facebook.

This episode is brought to you by Cactus Ropes, who are offering 10% for all Finding The Feel listeners. Just enter FINDINGFEEL at checkout. *Limited time only. Exclusions may apply.

S2E10 Nathan Piper, Part 2 - Becoming an athlete inside & out

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Nathan Piper is a Top 20 NRHA Professional. Nathan continues the stories behind his many successes last year, aboard Patriot bred by Toyon Ranch LLC and owned by Shannon and Hershel Reid. He talks about optimizing his nutrition to be the best athlete possible, and helping horses find their own way.

Nathan runs his reining business out of Toyon Ranch in Pilot Point Texas, with his wife and two daughters.You can connect with Nathan and learn about his business on Facebook and NathanPiper.com.

Nathan Piper Reining Horses is sponsored by Milestone Horse Food.

S2E9 Nathan Piper, Part 1 – Enjoying the ride and being there for your horse

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0500

Nathan Piper is a Top 20 NRHA Professional. Nathan tells us the stories behind his many successes last year, aboard Patriot bred by Toyon Ranch LLC and owned by Shannon and Hershel Reid. He talks to us about his NRBC win, leading up to his AQHA World Championship title, and how he takes care of the special horses like Patriot - the ones who give it their all. Nathan runs his reining business out of Toyon Ranch in Pilot Point Texas, with his wife and two daughters.

You can connect with Nathan and learn about his business on Facebook and NathanPiper.com.

S2E8 Erin Taormino, Part 2 – Horses as teachers and finding focus without overthinking it

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0500

Erin is a leading rider in the NRCHA. In 2015, Erin earned her Reserve Championship at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, scoring a historic 228 down the fence. Erin talks to us about how making mistakes can help you find confidence and consistency with your horse. Erin and her husband Anthony are former apprentices for NRCHA Hall of Fame Horseman Ron Ralls and Multi Million Dollar Rider Todd Bergen.

You can connect with Erin and learn about her business on Facebook .

Introducing Cowhorse Full Contact and Ben Self!

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0500

Ben Self is the producer of Cowhorse Full Contact, the hottest podcast for the reined cow horse industry. Ben tells us a bit about himself, and his process in creating the podcast alongside cohosts Chris Dawson and Russell Dilday.

If you're looking for more horse podcasts, this is a great one! Subscribe now on your favorite platform. Follow Cowhorse Full Contact's Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest and submit questions for their next Q&A!

Subscribe now on

S2E7 Erin Taormino, Part 1 – Making Mistakes and Finding Consistency

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -0500

Learn more in Part 2! You can connect with Erin on Facebook .

Also mentioned in this episode is the new podcast, Cow Horse Full Contact. Subscribe on your favorite app to hear even more from cow horse insiders!

S2E6 Wade Black, Part 2 – Developing Feel & the Three Causes of Resistance

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -0500

You can learn more about Wade and his methodologies on his website Training For The Cross, and on Facebook. You can also watch him compete in Road To The Horse 2020. We’ll be rooting for you Wade!

S2E5 Wade Black, Part 1 – Road To The Horse & competing with a sense of calm

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 09:00:00 -0500

We were lucky enough to have a great phone call with Wade Black, winner of the Wild Card competition at Road To The Horse 2019. Wade is an accomplished horseman and teacher, who has spent his career training prospects to be successful on the ranch and in the show pen. He teaches full-time at the TVCC Equine Program, passing on his knowledge, and the horsemanship philosophies of his father Martin Black and grandfather Ray Hunt. Wade talks to us about how his faith guides him to find success with his horses and his students.

You can learn more about Wade and his methodologies on his website Training For The Cross, and on Facebook. You can also watch him compete in Road To The Horse 2020. We'll be rooting for you Wade!

S2E4 Phillip Ralls, Part 2 – Going for the win, while making good decisions

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Phillip Ralls’ love for reined cow horse and showing began at the young age of 8-years-old when he showed his first bridle horse. From that moment forward, Ralls focused on improving himself and his horses. At the age of 36, Ralls became a National Reined Cow Horse Association million dollar rider. Ralls has ridden many special horses throughout his career, including One Fine Vintage (One Time Pepeto x Shiners Siena x Shining Spark). One of his recent accomplishments was aboard multiple NRCHA champion and reined cow horse sire Call Me Mitch. In addition to being an accomplished horseman and NRCHA Million Dollar Rider, Ralls’ list of accomplishments includes three NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman reserve champion titles.

Phillip will share what happened; what went wrong during a specific fence run. What makes a horse special as well as his favorite thing(s) with working with horses. Know what kind of approach or format that Phillip uses at his program so that the horses would have a long career. He will also be sharing his thoughts on showmanship, riding a horse like Call Me Mitch, and making good decisions while hustling for that win.

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Connect with Phillip on Facebook and learn more about him on the NRCHA’s website.

S2E3 Phillip Ralls, Part 1 – Choosing the right approach for your horse

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Phillip will share what happened; what went wrong during a specific fence run. What makes a horse special as well as his favorite thing(s) with working with horses. Know what kind of approach or format that Phillip uses at his program so that the horses would have a long career. He will also be sharing if there was a horse from his past that stood out compared to the rest. Phillip will discuss about having balance in life and consistency. Furthermore, he will be talking about the lessons he learned from his dad, and his personal struggles along the way.

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Connect with Phillip on Facebook and learn more about him on the NRCHA's website.

S2E2 Bud Lyon, Part 2 – Lessons from ranch riding and perseverance

Digital Horsemanship, LLC — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 09:00:00 -0500

In Part 2, Bud Lyon tells us how he accidentally started competing in ranch riding, how it helped teach him to embrace the journey (in your own way), and how it helped him in reining.

Learn more and connect with Bud on Facebook. Head over to Horse & Rider magazine to check out his training videos on Horse&Rider OnDemand

S2E1 Bud Lyon, Part 1 – Solving puzzles & finding your purpose

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 09:00:00 -0500

Bud Lyon sits down with us to chat about finding purpose for yourself and your horse, what it takes to be a good coach and a good student, and his accidental venture from reining into ranching riding (and the benefits of doing both).

Learn more and connect with Bud on Facebook. Head over to Horse & Rider magazine to check out his training videos on Horse&Rider OnDemand

S1E14 Understanding and empowering your horse with Sandy Bentien

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 05:19:24 -0500

A NRHA Non Pro Futurity & Derby Champion, while riding and training her own horses, Sandy Bentien is the ultimate DIY-er. In this episode, she tells us how building a connection with your horse can give you an edge in the show pen, and how to balance your ambitions with the wellbeing of your horse.

Learn more about Sandy and her horses on Facebook at Bentien Performance Horses, Make It With A Twist (Honey), and Gotta Twist It Up (Ace).

S1E13 Sandy Collier on finding confidence and using your failures to grow

Digital Horsemanship — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 18:36:26 -0500

NRCHA and AQHA World Champion. Cowgirl and NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee. International Clinician and Judge. These are just a few more-than-deserved titles earned by Sandy Collier. Sandy joins us to share how positivity, confidence and patience helps lead to success as a horse person and a showman.

Learn more about Sandy on her website and Facebook, and Be Unstoppable on Facebook.

S1E12 Building a relationship with your horse, even when they’re quirky, with Clayton Edsall

Digital Horsemanship — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 05:43:33 -0500

Reined cow horse trainer, Clayton Edsall talks to us about training horses that can perform in the show pen and on the ranch, empowering a quirky horse to be their best self, and more.

Learn more about Clayton and Clayton Edsall Cow Horses on his website and Facebook.

S1E11 Considering your horse’s emotions and learning to never pick a fight, with Julie Goodnight.

Digital Horsemanship — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 06:02:09 -0500

In this episode we speak with clinician and leader in horse behavior Julie Goodnight about seeing things from your horse’s perspective. She talks to us about working with the horse in front of you that day, why you should never pick a fight with a horse, how horses respond to dynamic versus static pressure, considering your horse’s emotions, and much more.

Learn more about Julie on her website or Facebook, watch her on Horse Master with Julie Goodnight on RFDTV, and listen on her podcast Julie Goodnight’s Horse Master Academy Podcast!

S1E10 Building a work ethic in yourself and your horse, while not overdoing it, with Justin Wright

Digital Horsemanship — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 05:03:25 -0500

After winning the NRCHA Derby two years in a row, Justin Wright shares how staying positive and not trying to force any situation leads to his success. In this chat, he also talks to us about how building trust, paired with a strong work ethic, leads to a horse that loves their love and has your back.

Learn more about Justin, his family, and Justin Wright Performance Horses on Facebook.

S1E9 Inspiring your horse to reach their full potential and trusting the plan, with Billy Williams

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 13:58:29 -0500

Billy Williams sits down with Kaitlyn to discuss developing a horse with confidence, while pushing them to their full potential without fear. Listen in to hear about checking-in with your horse and trusting the plan. As a lifelong horseman and reining competitor, earning his first World Title as a youth, Billy has worked with industry legends and is seeking out a place on that list for himself. He brings his love for the horses and passion for the sport to every ride.

Learn more about Billy and Williams Performance Horses on Facebook.

S1E8 Improving your horsemanship through self-awareness, courage and confidence with Jake and Luke Lundahl

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:30:12 -0500

Jake and Luke Lundahl, of Lundahl Performance and Project Horse Podcast, are on a mission to make performance horses more accessible and inspire people to have the confidence to reach for their goals. With experience covering both the clinician and performance horse worlds, the Lundahl brothers bring a unique perspective to advancing your horsemanship. They share their journey with us, and the lessons they have learned around being open minded and leaving the fear of judgement behind you.

S1E7 Putting your horse first, and success through passion and commitment to the sport with Tracer Gilson

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:27:42 -0500

Tracer Gilson is a leading reining trainer, showman, and coach. Tracer’s deep-rooted passion for the sport, and love for the horses, is evident and a huge factor in his success. In this chat, Tracer talks to us about the importance of knowing your horse, having patience, and how success is the result of (really) hard work.

Learn more about Tracer and Gilson Performance Horses, on his website and Facebook!

S1E6 Winning the NRHA Futurity, believing in your horse, and the importance of faith, friendship and a great partner, with Jordan Larson

Digital Horsemanship — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 03:22:15 -0500

Jordan Larson is a NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider and, without a doubt, one of the best reining showmen of our time. Jordan talks about how he achieved his dream of winning the the Futurity, the critical factors that make him successful, including his faith and wife, and how preparation is the key to confidence.

Learn more about Jordan and Larson Performance Horses, on his website, Facebook, and Instagram!

S1E5 Warwick Schiller on the importance of mindfulness, building a connection with your horse, and the Donkey Kong Principle

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 29 May 2018 07:09:26 -0500

Warwick Schiller helps thousands of people around the world with their horses through his training videos, active Facebook group, and clinics. Warwick has a special talent of communicating with people, most often with perfectly clever analogies, so that they can better understand the principles behind his lessons. He is also an accomplished reining trainer, and will, again, be representing Australia in the 2018 World Equestrian Games. In this episode, Warwick talks to us about the principles of horsemanship, the importance of mindfulness when working with or showing our horses, and the benefit of building the horse-human relationship.

Key Takeaways:

Put your hand down: let your horse make a mistake so you can find the real problems, and the right solutions
Making mistakes is how you learn.
Practice and perfect the basics, before moving on. When you have a problem, look to the beginning and fix the basics.
Mindfulness and being in the moment, without expectations, is critical.
Taking the time to build a connection and relationship with your horse, can often get you a lot further
Be open minded, learn from other people and disciplines, and do what works for you

Show Notes:

[01:04] – Growing up riding in Australia
[01:40] – The passion for horses, then and now. How horses feel like home, and make you a better person.
[03:33] – How working with horses is a form of meditation
[04:02] – From banker to trainer. How horses turned into a lifelong profession
[05:04] – Working for Don Murphy, and coming back to get the girl
[07:29] – Learning the lessons of showing and training a great horse
[09:09] – When a horse can tell whether you’re riding and showing with confidence
[12:02] – The personality of this great horse, going back to the beginning to fix a problem, and why the little things matter the most
[14:03] – A turning point, and why letting your horse make mistakes is critical to improving
[16:55] – An intro to the principles of training
[17:58] – What’s happening this year and taking the time to absorb lessons
[20:15] – Understanding the principles behind horsemanship and the why
[24:01] – Looking to horsemanship lessons as a way to improve reining training techniques, and how the principles are the same across all disciplines
[26:43] – Taking care of big problems, with the basics and The Donkey Kong Principle. Taking two steps back and three steps forward.
[31:14] – Knowing when your horse is ready to leave the first steps behind
[34:33] – Finding the right mentality and how expectations are the root of frustrations
[40:26] – 10 year old girl training. Why building a connection with your horse is important part of riding and how it can get you further
[44:15] – Getting out of your own sandbox and learning from other disciplines
[45:24] – Preparing for the World Equestrian Games, or any show, and learning to not care what other people think
[48:33] – Doing what works for you, no matter who is around
[49:51] – The best advice ever given: put your hand down!
[50:56] – What’s next

Learn more about Warwick Schiller on his website, YouTube Channel and Facebook Group.

S1E4 What it means to never lie to your horse, and helping them find their potential, with Chris Dawson (NRCHA top 5 rider)

Digital Horsemanship — Tue, 15 May 2018 05:27:02 -0500

Chris Dawson is an incredible horseman who, has a special talent for communicating with his horse, and currently sits top five in the NRCHA. In this episode he talks about how to not lie to your horse and how it makes everything simpler, horses that taught him to get out of the way, and letting your horse be themself. He also tells us about his superstitions at horse shows, from lucky underwear to eating beef.

Key Takeaways:

Keep all your thoughts positive. Don’t think about what could go wrong, but rather visualize exactly what you’re going to do to make it go well. And don’t skip any steps.
Stay consistent, keep it simple, and don’t lie to your horse.
If something is working, don’t change anything.

Show Notes:

[00:43] ] – Growing up training appaloosas, and the horses that did everything
[02:39] – Are appaloosas different than quarter horses?
[03:16] ] – Showing at the world show for the first time, and picking yourself up (literally) to finish your run
[05:58] – Working for Todd Crawford and learning to get the potential out of a horse
[08:57] – We all go off pattern eventually
[10:50] – Dealing with your nerves and only visualizing the good things
[13:19] – Work ‘em like you’re at home and keep it simple
[13:35] – Why cowhorse is the epitome of horsemanship
[14:47] – Building a relationship with your horse through consistency, and never lying to your horses
[16:11] – Chris’ favorite event
[16:39] – A great horse, Travelin Jonez who could read a cow all on his own
[17:52] – Each horse has it’s own challenges, and mare that loved to show-off
[19:01] – What is means to get out of your horse’s way, and a teaching moment about just that
[20:33] – Consistency and honesty
[20:48] – Learning from a horsewoman who defined the industry
[21:43] – Horses as milestones, some of the ones that changed Chris’ career
[23:15]} – Learning who your horse is and accepting them for who they are
[24:09] – Chris’ favorite thing about horses
[24:35] – & his training “superpower”. Ignoring the score and helping your horse be the best they can be
[24:47] – Great advice from John Slack
[26:11] – Horse show superstitions
[28:01] – Don’t change something that works
[28:21] – Self awareness. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses

Learn more about Chris and Dawson Performance Horses on their website and Facebook.

S1E3 Chuy Chavez on trusting your horse (or mule), keeping things simple and your mind fresh.

Digital Horsemanship — Fri, 04 May 2018 21:53:45 -0500

Chuy Chavez is reining trainer and stellar coach who has been making waves on the West Coast. He is a prime example of what it means to seek constant improvement through passion and keeping an open mind. In episode 3, Chuy tells us how setting the proper foundation and teaching a horse to want to learn early on is key for any sport, how to focus on the right things without getting overwhelmed, and how he keeps his mindset on learning from his experiences and everybody around him. Chuy’s passion and horse sense has gained him success early in his career and respect from the industry. He’s one to watch.

Key Takeaways:

Learn to listen when your horse is telling you what he/she needs, and whether you need to be a horseman, a trainer, or a showman in that moment.
Refine your approach and understand what works for you and your horse. Test new things with your horse, and pay attention to how they react.
Know your horse. What you have at home, is what you have at the show. Show what you have at home.
Visualize the aspects that you need to work on. Think about it exactly what you are going to do when you enter that pen. Practice on your horse when you can, but you have to be fair to them, so learn to visualize that maneuver in your mind.
Pick a couple of things to really focus on in the show pen, such as your two weakest points. Get those solid, and don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to think about doing everything perfectly.
Simplify more. For yourself and your horse.
Try to keep your movements and mind slow. If you’re moving fast, your horse will follow suit.

Show Notes:

[01:44] – Chuy’s background, getting lost on a mule and trusting your “horse”
[06:32] – Meeting and learning from Warwick Schiller
[08:04] – Teaching a horse how to learn and what to do when they just want to go “home”
[10:03] – A shared lesson. A horse needs you to be 3 things; a horseman, trainer, and showman. And what that means in practice.
[15:22] – A lesson from a failure
[17:29] – Giving your horse confidence and showing what you have
[18:49] – Preparing to show and not getting overwhelmed as a rider
[21:00] – Chuy’s recommendations on what to think about in the show pen
[24:49] – Positive habits to instill in your horse. Practicing show situations
[25:33] – Specializing in being a coach for humans and horses. Understanding your horses’ and clients’ needs.
[27:40] – Mentally preparing to show and slowing everything down
[29:21] – One of the best pieces of advice given as a horseman, and understanding the root of the problem.
[31:55] – the polo wrap superstition
[32:08] – The importance of good confirmation and how to look for it in a great horse
[33:25] – Keep it simple
[34:01] – Learn more about Chuy, his family, and his business Chavez Performance Horses, on their website, Facebook, and.. Instagram!

S1E2 Letting your horse win and finding confidence with Sarah Dawson, reined cow horse world record holder

Digital Horsemanship — Wed, 02 May 2018 05:26:34 -0500

Sarah Dawson is one of the leading riders in reined cow horse and currently sits top ten in the NRCHA. More than that, Sarah has an incredible horse sense and feel under the saddle. During our chat with Sarah, she tell us about her horse that loves peanut butter crackers, how getting started by working with problem horses shaped her views on riding today, how she keeps her cool in the show pen and how you can’t force success, what it was like to hit a world record, and how she applies her same skills to Three Day Eventing.

Key Takeaways:

Find ways to help your horse win, to build confidence and help them enjoy their jobs. Sarah uses cows to train many different maneuvers outside of the cow work, to help her horses have fun and feel confident.
You can’t force wins and successes. Prepare yourself and your horse, then go out there and do what you’ve practiced like you are at home.
Go spend as much time with horse people you respect as you can. It’s the best way to learn.

Show Notes:

[00:45] ] – How growing up with horses, a father who was a clinician and working with problem horse changes perspectives
[4:27] – Getting started in reined cowhorse, and why Lyn Anderson thinks Sarah did it right
[08:32] – What it’s like to find the feel
[10:47] – Lessons from failing in the show pen, and fixing your mistakes before trying again
[13:52] – Training horses is a lifestyle. You have to love it, have a good work ethic, and an even better partner
[15:40] – A great horse that love peanut butter crackers
[18:26] – Shiney Outlaw and what it was like to hit a world record
[22:16] – What it means to have a gritty horse
[23:13] – Dealing with nerves and mentally preparing for competition
[26:43] – Synergies between Three Day Eventing and reined cow horse
[28:05] – Sarah’s advice to people looking to improve as a horse person
[29:44] – Setting a goal to get on the million dollar riders list
[31:48] – What to look for in a special horse
[32:33] – Letting your horse win and building confidence
[35:03] – Why horses are so great
[36:53] – Why the cowhorse industry is so great
[38:53] – The best advice given as a horsewomen
[40:38] – Where you will see Sarah next

Learn more about Sarah and Dawson Performance Horses on their website and Facebook.

S1E1 Trusting your horse, program and priorities with Million Dollar Rider and reining trainer, Jason Vanlandingham

Digital Horsemanship — Wed, 02 May 2018 04:58:44 -0500

Jason Vanlandingham has proven to be one of reining’s leading horsemen, earning himself a place on the NRHA Million Dollar Riders list and respect throughout the industry. In this FIRST episode of Finding The Feel, he sits down with Kaitlyn to discuss how his career started with training Christmas ponies, how his family-run business is essential to his success, how lessons from great horses have shaped his program, and why knowing when to release pressure is the key to working with your horse.

Key Takeaways:

Knowing when to release the pressure on your horse is how you teach them, and is one of the most important parts of training
Find what works for you and your horse, put together a plan, and stick to it while it works
The little things are what separates the great riders from the rest of us. Think about the start of your maneuver: your lead departure, the start of the spin, the transitions. Set your horse up for success, then trust them.
Staying honest and loyal to your priorities helps to keep everything in perspective, and will bring good things your way. For Jason this is his family, God and his faith, and staying honest at all times.

Show Notes:

[01:02] ] – How Jason got started, by training Christmas ponies
[04:55] – Seeing reining for the first time and falling in love with the sport
[05:56] – Working with other trainers and the having the right mentality to learn
- Your coach is just trying to help you
[09:28] – Why knowing when to release your horse is one of the most important parts of training
[13:36] – Teaching a horse to relax under pressure and what that looks like
[17:45] – Dealing with pressure as a rider and a competitor
[23:20] – Why it’s the little stuff that make a big difference
- How to focus on the basics
- Trusting your horse
[29:37] – Constant improvement makes showing fun, and the lessons from a mistake on a great horse
[34:14] – And a time where it all came together
[36:31] – Jason & Not Ruf At All: the backstory
[44:19] – A lesson from a horse with a huge heart and a lot of try
[46:34] – Some solid advice from Tim McQuay to Jason
[50:49] – Learning how to get a horse mentally focused, and focusing as a human to be able to feel your horse
[57:15] – Priorities and personal habits that help Jason find success in life, and with horses

[01:01:26] – Learn more about Jason, his family, and his business Vanlandingham Reining, on their website, Facebook, and . . . Instagram!