Whoa Podcast About Horses Horsemanship

Magen Warlick Horsewoman EXCA Champion I first learned of Magen Warlick when I was a member of Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship No Worries Club (NWC).  Clinton has an Academy that trains horsemen and women in his Downunder Horsemanship Method.  It's a tough deal and only a few make it to the end.  Magen was one of those few.  After nearly 10 years as an NWC member, I dropped out and lost track of many of the Downunder folks. Earlier this year, if you've been following along the podcast, Ranae and I participated in several California Extreme Cowboy Race Events.  We met a lot of nice folks and a few we competed with made it to the National Finals in Texas.  As we followed along with that event online, we noticed Magen Warlick's name in the Futurity and Professional Division.  It was a grueling week of competition and Magen came out on top. Because of our interest in EXCA I wanted to have Magen Warlick on the show to talk about her experience.  I also wanted to know if she could give us a few tips on h

Wreck at Trout Creek The Story of Skeeter and Bill The Wreck at Trout Creek with Skeeter and Bill by Bill Mooney. Bill Mooney buckaroo'd on the Spanish Ranch for 4 years, I believe, in the 1970's.  The Spanish Ranch, part of the Ellison, was a big outfit, running to a million and a half acres.  Being a buckaroo can be tough work.  You ride many different horses and there is a wide variety of work to do.  Most days are spent horseback.  As a matter of fact, Bill once wrote that he mounted a horse 320 days one year.  To learn more about Bill's career as a cowboy, listen to our first podcast with him. As with many cowboys, there is a favorite horse, or a favorite story, or even a favorite boss.  Bill Mooney had all these and a whole lot more.  In the episode of Tales from the Moon Man (My nickname for this series - I just made it up right now.  Pretty quick aren't I?), Bill tells the story of the Wreck at Trout Creek with Skeeter and Bill. Long-time listeners will notice I've added a little music for dramatic e

Tommie Turvey Equine Extremist Repodcast Tommie Turvey is an equine extremist.  During this Thanksgiving week, we're off enjoying time with family and working on the next podcast with buckaroo Bill Mooney.  Bill has a great story to tell about the wreck at Trout Creek.  But you'll have to wait for that great story.  I went back into the archives for a repodcast of my interview way back in 2014.  Tommie has had a fascinating life working at a bunch of different places.  He was generous with his time and I love this story.  Tommie's life and work with horses have grown since this interview.  He's been working on commercials, TV shows, and performing live.  You can check out the latest stuff at TommieTurvey.com We hope you enjoy this repodcast with equine extremist Tommie Turvey.  Be sure to check out Tommie's Facebook Page here. Tell Us Your Problems Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us your question and the name of your favorite trainer and we'l

Wranglers Challenge Recognizing Veterans with Lindsay McKenna Wranglers Challenge is Lindsay McKenna's new book. As a writer, Lindsay McKenna created a whole new genre called Military Adventure Romance.   We wanted to do something this year to raise awareness and support for veterans.  As a veteran, Lindsay McKenna knows many of the struggles veterans face after their service.  And, she is quite aware that there are many forms of PTSD. Most of you know I listen to quite a few books on Audible.  Lindsay has several there (Lindsay McKenna has written over 200 books and sold over 23 MILLION copies worldwide!).  Almost all the ratings were 4 and 5 stars.  Many of Lindsay's book deal with veterans and their reintegration back into society after their military service. We talk much more than her new book, Wranglers Challenge.  Lindsay has an amazing life and she tells many tales of her experiences including those with horses. Tell Us Your Problems Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer yo

Catching Up With Sam Finden Sam Finden was on the show a few years ago after he published his first book, Saddle My Good Horse.  Sam is a good guy and we hit it off immediately.  He writes what he knows - horses, hunting, and living in the country.  An avid fan of the outdoors, Sam is loving life in Montana. A lot has happened in the almost two years Sam has been on the show and I wanted to catch up with our friend.  Sam has married and written two more books - Lone Wolf and Big Cat Challenge since we last spoke.  Part of a series, the books deal with life in the wilderness and have a Christian influence.  If you're looking for good winter reading or a Christmas gift for someone special, I urge you to check out Sam's books. The Freelance Remuda Podcast I met Abigail Boatwright at the first event I covered as a freelance writer/photographer in Colorado three years ago.  At the time Abigail was covering the event for the AQHA Journal.  Now, along with friend and freelance writer/photographer Kate Bradley Byer

Krystal Kelly ~ Horsewomen Adventuress Krystal Kelly emailed us to tell us she was the only FEI Level II Show Jumping Coach in the US.  We thought that sounded impressive and wanted to learn more.  We wrote her back and the more we talked the more we discovered the exciting life Krystal Kelly was living.  Horses are definitely a large part of her life, but she also loves to travel. Krystal is living in England these days, but she travels to the US often to give clinics and speak on empowering women.  We talked about many things.  She knows about horses and the Mawari horses.  Krystal tells her story of the Mongol Derby she rode in.  Isn't it amazing how many times the Mongol Derby and riding in Mongolia has come up in the show this year? We love the aspect of adventure horses can bring to your life.  It's worked for Ranae and I, even in riding the trails of the Kern River.  Krystal has traveled all over Asia, and the world for that matter, using her love of horses as her ticket to meeting people who share he

BHP Summit Recap The BHP Summit is in the books.  Organizers and participants called it very successful.  Ranae and I enjoyed the educational seminars, the teaching clinics, and the town of Durango.  The weather was near perfect and every participant we talked to had only good things to say. There were many excellent academic presentations.  One early morning elective even had us holding a horse's brain in the palm of our hands.  Learning how a horse learns from a scientific perspective was the focus of the BHP Summit. We made some new friends, Brian and Charlene Stephenson of East Point Horspice in Nebraska.  What began for them as a horse hospice has grown into a therapeutic riding center and horse retirement home.  We got a chance to talk with them and they are doing some wonderful work. Another person we had the opportunity to meet was Leticia Glen of Natural Horseman Saddles.  She sat down with me to talk about saddle fit and design. Film crews surrounded every presentation and we understand that videos

After Show Norco Horse Affair For a first-time event, the Norco Horse Affair appeared to be a success.  The vendor booths were full.  The clinic arenas were well attended.  The weather in Norco, CA was perfect. While we only got to attend the first day, a Friday, we wanted to share our experience and observations.  I got to haul my camera out and take a few photos of the people and places around the grounds We ran into riding friends.  There were familiar clinicians like Matt Sheridan and Jerry Tindell.  And, awesome entertainment from the Darden Sisters.  Plus, we met with local author Chuck Morris.  It was a good time.

Reckless Korean War Horse Marine Hero  Janet Barrett has written a wonderful account of a Jeju pony "drafted" by the U.S. Marines Fifth Regiment's Recoilless Rifle Platoon. From the racetrack of Korea, Reckless grew into a real-life hero of the Korean War.  On today's show, Janet joins us to share some of the stories about this amazing little horse. We get to know about the background of the men who took a chance on Reckless.  We also gain some insight into how Reckless returned that trust. Janet's has written the book, They Called Her Reckless - A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse.  It is a fascinating true story of how a horse bonded with her Marine "herd" to become an integral part in the Battle of Outpost Vegas of the Korean War. Janet not only tells the story of Reckless' war heroics, but she also paints a wonderful portrait of her personality that endeared her to generals, officers,  and enlisted men alike.  The book covers the life of Reckless based on extensive interviews with over 6

Tom Moates Equestrian Journalist Author Horseman Tom Moates is an equestrian journalist.  You may have read one of his articles in Eclectic Horseman, The AQHA Journal, Ranch & Reata, or Western Horseman magazine.  If you have, you may have noticed his special insight into the trials and tribulations of a beginning horseman.  It's because Tom Moates came late in life to horses.  His journey is very similar to mine.  Tom writes frankly about his challenges, wrecks, and the learning curve we all must endure if we choose to coexist with our equine partners. Luckily for Tom Moates, he came across trainer Harry Whitney.  That name was unfamiliar to me, but then I'm new to the horse world too.  Tom credits Harry's teaching with really improving his horsemanship.  So much so, that Tom has written several books based on the notes and journals he kept while attending Harry's clinics. Tom's 5-book series, Journey into Honest Horsemanship, includes his most popular title A Horse's Thoughts.  The series covers what To

Bill Mooney cowboyed on the some of the biggest ranches in the Great Basin.  He began at the Circle A, then was a buckaroo for the Spanish Ranch as he worked for Bill Kane, the notable cow boss for the Spanish Ranch.  He learned the ropes and worked the ranches in the 70's.  Bill Mooney has cowboy stories to tell.  You can find him on Facebook here: Bill Mooney. Check out some of his stories and you will be hooked.  Now in his 60's, Bill still cowboys for local ranches.  I was surprised to learn he still helps out at branding.  While it's a little tougher flanking a cow, it sounds like Bill takes his turn at the groundwork. It's my hope Bill Mooney will share more of his stories on the podcast.  It's great hearing them for the guy who has lived them.  We hope you enjoy this episode of the Whoa Podcast.  We'd love to hear your thoughts. Best Horse Practices Summit Ranae and I are headed to Durango in October for the Best Horse Practices Summit.  This intimate horse expo brings together experts from all aspects

Jim Thomas of Bar T Horsemanship "Training through Understanding" is the motto of Jim Thomas' Bar T Horsemanship.  Jim feels if you understand what your horse needs to learn, then give it to him, you will improve your relationship. And, Jim Thomas ought to know.  Jim has started scores of mustangs for the BLM and competed in many Mustang Makeovers.  He travels the country year around teaching people how to build a stronger bond with their horse. As one of the speakers at the Best Horse Practices Summit in Durango, Colorado, October 8-10, Jim will be sharing what he has learned about Evidence-Based Horsemanship.  More importantly, Jim hopes you be able to take the principles learned at the Summit and put them to work Immediately for you. Best Horse Practices Summit Ranae and I are headed to Durango in October for the Best Horse Practices Summit.  This intimate horse expo brings together experts from all aspects of horse behavior and is sure to add to our horse knowledge.  The BHP Summit is limiting attendanc

Matt Sheridan Norco Horse Affair 2017 We welcome Matt Sheridan to his third visit to the show.  Matt is a 5th generation horseman and knows his stuff.  As part of the Norco Horse Affair 2017, Matt is presenting several topics to horsemen attending the event.  On this show, he discusses the moving the horse from the hackamore to the bridle and the challenges trainers will face.  Matt is also planning a session on "Bits and Biting", explaining the different mouthpieces and how the horse is expected to respond to them. As a special treat, there will be a basic Ranch Roping segment hosted by Matt.  People will get the opportunity to pick up some tips to improve their Ranch Roping. For those who show, Matt offers some tips on how to impress the judges.  Matt has held his judges' card for years.  He is an experienced showman.  Because he has been on both sides in the show ring - competitor and judge - his insights carry extra weight in helping you become a better showman. Ask the Trainer Matt participates in our fi

Spring Creek Basin Mustangs with TJ Holmes TJ Holmes has been visiting the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs since 2002.  In 2007, she began documenting the herd.  She is essentially the herd's historian.  She keeps track of births, deaths, band structure and so much more.  If something happens in the Spring Creek Basin Mustang herd, TJ Holmes has probably documented it. Working as a volunteer for the BLM, TJ Holmes acts as an advocate for the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs.  Because she knows the horses so well and on an individual basis, she is an integral part of the herd management.  TJ implements the herd's PZP program on the Spring Creek Basin Mustangs.  PZP is a birth control protocol that has kept the Mustang levels at a manageable level. Much of the PZP methods used on Mustangs was taught to TJ by her mentor, Jay Kirkpatrick of the Science and Conservation Center. Wild Horse Organizations and Resources Friends of the Mustangs Mustang Heritage Foundation Horses of the Little Book Cliffs Become a BLM Voluntee

Kalley Krickeberg Versatile Horsewoman Kalley Krickeberg was raised on a cattle farm in Illinois.  From using the horses on the farm, she moved up to riding and training OTTB in playing polo.  As a farm girl, Kalley was active in 4H before moving on to other disciplines.  Kalley rode dressage, jumping, and reining.  She also trained and rode horses in cutting and learned how to train a horse at liberty. Kalley Krickeberg calls her program the "Balanced Horse Training".  She brings what she has learned from the many disciplines she has studied together to build a solid horsemanship program.  Because of her variety of experience, Kalley is not "locked in" to one set of rules or mantra and can look for the solution that best fits the horse. Horsemanship Tip Increasing the Degrees of Difficulty According to Kalley, there are four ways to increase the degrees of difficulty:  Position, Length of Time in Position, Speed, and Environment.  Kalley explains how to use the ways to improve your horse. As a Contributing

Sacramento Wild Horse Program with Joe Misner Joe Misner has competed in 13 Extreme Mustang Makeovers.  He placed in the top ten in 9 of those competitions.  And, Joe Misner loves teaching what he has learned about wild horses.  Joe is dedicated to helping America's wild horses and prisoners looking to change the path of their life. Joe Misner is the manager of the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center Wild Horse Program.  He has developed a horsemanship program for inmates of the Sacramento Sheriff's Department.  The prisoners learn to train wild mustangs from the Bureau of Land Management.  The horses are auctioned off and the proceeds go to the Mustang Heritage Foundation.  It's a win-win situation for both the inmates, wild mustangs, and Joe Misner. The Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center's next adoption sale is October 14 at 9 am.  Find out all the information at Friends of R3C dot com. Tell Us Your Problems Have a problem with your horse?  Do you have a favorite trainer you would like to hear from?  Send us you

Horsetown USA Norco Horse Affair Do you love horse expos?  There is a new one on the West Coast, the Norco Horse Affair.  Norco is a city in Riverside  County, California that, by city ordinance “shall reflect a desired Western theme”.   In 2006, Norco received a federal trademark to call their home Horsetown USA.   The streets are set up with horse trails.  Storefronts and restaurants have hitching posts and pens for people who ride through town. Fran Klovstad owns Thrifty Horse in Norco.  She teamed up with Liza Rogers to create the Norco Horse Affair, October 6-8 at the George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center.  They have a full schedule of clinicians, trainers, and presenters for the whole family.  Everything from dressage to western, and trick roping to freestyle and liberty, will be on display.  On Saturday night, October 7, there will be a Ladies Rodeo Night and there are plans for an All American Horse Competition. The best part is, they are charging $15 for a car load.  So pack up as many friends as

Lester Buckley - Horsetrainer, Clinician, Breeder Lester Buckley was not a trainer I was familiar with. Listener Robin Kane has been helping out getting guests for the show and she is hosting a clinic with Lester Buckley in Willits, Ca. at Berry Creek Ranch, August 18 - 20.  It's great to learn from every trainer, and I wanted to find out Lester's story. We got a hold of Lester via Skype while he was waiting on a load of hay to arrive.  Lester lives in Kentucky and, boy, does he have a story to tell.  Lester worked on the King and Parker ranches.  One is in Texas, the other in Hawaii.  Both are very large cattle operations.  Lester gained a great deal of experience from riding on these to ranches and he talks about it on the show. Lester attributes a lot of his early experience to riding horses at the ranch of Delwin Burch, cutting horse trainer and breeder.  The experience he gained there led him to learn more from Ray Hunt.  After earning a degree in equine science from Sul Ross State University in Texas he

Doug Williamson Legendary Trainer It's been a busy summer and in listening to some of the old shows, I came across this interview with Doug Williamson in 2015.  Doug was 73 at the time.  Now, he's 75 and he's like an Energizer Bunny.  He just keeps going and going!  Doug has trained 42 AQHA champions.  He's been a horseback nearly all his life. It's one of the best parts of doing the podcast, I got to watch Doug work and ride a couple of horses, then he took a break.  We sat in his office surrounded by plaques, ribbons, trophies, and newspaper clippings.  Doug was proud of the things he has accomplished on a horse.  Doug has trained 42 AQHA champions.  But, he was also generous with his time and patiently answered some of my personal questions about horse training.  This interview with Doug Williamson remains one of my favorites. Meeting Up with New Friends There's a horsemanship group called Golden State Horsemanship Club.  We had met up with some of the members when they hold their annual equestrian get-to

Horse Summit Tackles How Horses Think Why do we need a horse summit to learn how they think?  Well, consider any relationship.  The more you know what the other side needs and how they operate, the more you can build the relationship through those needs.  Science has made huge strides in learning what actually goes on in a horse's brain.  It's not anecdotal.  It's evidence based.  Dr. Stephen Peters is a neuroscientist working on the science of how horses think, feel, and learn. Dr. Stephen Peters is a neuroscientist working on the science of how horses think, feel, and learn.  Dr. Peters teamed up with the famed horse trainer, Martin Black, and together wrote the book Evidence-Based Horsemanship.  Back in May of 2014, we interview Martin Black about the book and you can hear it here.  The theories Dr. Peters investigates are gaining acceptance throughout the horse industry. Maddy Butcher is the founder and editor of many equine related websites including Best Horse Practices-dot-com and HorseHead-dot-info.