Travis Dickinson on Cow Horse Training, Gratitude & Sobriety

Neil, with co-host Kyle Johnson, welcome trainer Travis Dickinson, who starts each day in the gym and has 12–15 horses in training, mainly reined cow horses. Travis explains the three events—herd work, reining pattern, and fence work—and he and Kyle recount how they met when Kyle sought help learning reined cow horse after moving to California. Travis describes his background from construction and a strict, successful father to pursuing horse training, defines a "bridle horse" progression, and shares key training lessons about focus, circles, and knowing when to push or quit. The talk shifts to Travis's addiction history, 12-step recovery, two years of sobriety, faith, gratitude-list routine, and the importance of supportive partners, patience, and maintaining success.   Links Visit us online: https://thecowboyperspective.com/ Travis Dickinson on social media: @travisdickinson   Topics 02:23 Travis Daily Routine 03:10 What Is Reined Cow Horse 04:31 Kyle Finds a Mentor 06:28 First Impressions and Intensity 09:07 Training Mindset and Progress 11:14 Horses and Dogs Talk 13:38 Slow Down in the Arena 15:56 Construction Roots and Lessons 19:31 Cowboy Lifestyle Philosophy 21:33 Early Showing and College Detour 24:51 Dad Relationship and Sensitivity 26:23 Back to Horses for Real 27:55 Bridle Horse Explained 29:47 Apprenticeship and Getting Broke 31:45 Fixing Circles and Fundamentals 34:03 Applying Concepts Across Disciplines 35:36 How Trainers Keep Learning 36:53 Chasing Big Events 37:53 Favorite Mare Story 39:20 Training Breakthroughs 41:19 Snaffle Bit Costs 42:45 Hardest Colt Lessons 44:53 When to Push or Quit 48:33 Going Off the Rails 49:38 Family Roots and Shame 52:02 Treatment and Genetics 55:35 Sobriety and Boundaries 01:02:48 Self Worth and Success 01:09:12 Gratitude and Growth 01:10:40 Daily Gratitude Routine 01:12:00 Humility In Sobriety 01:14:07 Gratitude After Success 01:16:23 God Moments And Purpose 01:19:43 Manifestation And Mindset 01:27:24 Patience In The Process 01:32:56 Partnership And Support 01:40:38 Choosing The Right Partner 01:42:27 Final Thanks And Wrap