The Horsemanship Behind Every Discipline with Brody Hickman

Send a MessageIn this episode of The Long Ride Home, Alex Husner sits down with Brody Hickman, founder of Brody Hickman Riding Academy, for a conversation about horses, horsemanship, and the experiences that shape a rider across disciplines.Brody’s path began with Saddlebreds and Morgans, then expanded into Quarter Horses, reining, Western pleasure, and teaching. Through each chapter, one theme has stayed consistent: before riders choose a discipline, they need to understand the horse.Together, Alex and Brody talk about the value of building strong foundations, respecting the small details, and recognizing how much different corners of the horse world have in common. From the thrill of a Saddlebred down the rail to the feel of a reining horse in a sliding stop, this conversation explores the connection, timing, and care that sit at the heart of good riding.Brody also shares how his riding academy is helping students become more thoughtful, capable horsemen by teaching the lessons that begin long before anyone gets in the saddle.This episode is a warm reminder that every discipline may have its own style, but true horsemanship always starts with the horse.Episode Chapters:00:00 - Welcome to The Long Ride Home01:30 - Brody’s Early Start with Morgans and Saddlebreds03:54 - The Family Influence Behind a Life with Horses12:11 - Learning the Feel of a Quarter Horse14:30 - The Thrill of Connection Across Disciplines18:03 - The Story Behind Brody Hickman Riding Academy18:09 - Why Horsemanship Starts Before the Saddle20:04 - Farm Management Lessons and Real Horse Care22:46 - Teaching True Horsemanship and Horse Ownership24:04 - Building a Foundation Before Choosing a Discipline29:52 - What Brody Has Seen Across the Horse Industry30:59 - Visibility, Awareness, and Growing the Sport32:36 - Seeing Saddlebreds Through Fresh Eyes40:39 - Why Different Disciplines Are More Similar Than They SeemConnect with Brody:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brody_hickman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brody.hickman.16 Follow us on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesaddlebredpodcast/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesaddlebredpodcast #americansaddlebredpodcast #saddlebredindustry #equestrianlifeSupport the show