Be Your Best Horsemanship

This episode is all about habits―developing the routines, mindset, and systems to be your best everyday. Join me as I share some of my favorite takeaways from James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, and how these philosophies carry over into the horsemanship journey.

One thing I've learned over the years is that preparation has a way of showing up when it matters most. In this episode, I talk about preparing our horses by exposing them to new situations that build confidence instead of fear; preparing ourselves by learning from different trainers and developing a program that fits our horses and our goals; and preparing for the realities of competition, including less-than-ideal weather, ground conditions, and unexpected challenges. You can't control every situation you'll encounter, but you can control how prepared you are when it happens.

Today's performance horses are more athletic and talented than ever before—but that also means it can take time for all those pieces to come together. In this episode, I talk about why you can't always judge a horse after a few rides, the importance of realistic development timelines, and why patience, consistency, and a long-term plan are essential to bringing out a horse's full potential.

One thing about horses—they have a way of keeping you humble. In this episode, I'm sharing a recent buck-off experience that reminded me how quickly things can change when a horse has a reactive moment.After more than 40 years of riding and training horses, I can tell you this: experience doesn't make you immune to getting caught off guard. What it does is make you a better student of the lessons that come with it.Join me as I talk about the importance of preparation, awareness, and safety around reactive horses, along with what I learned from this experience and how it will influence my approach moving forward.

One of the biggest challenges in horse training today isn’t a lack of information—it’s knowing how to apply it correctly. With podcasts, videos, clinics, and training advice coming from every direction, it’s easy to jump from one method to the next before giving any program enough time to work.In this episode, I talk about the importance of picking a program, understanding the purpose behind it, and staying consistent long enough to create real progression. Join me as I discuss why long-term success comes from committing to the fundamentals, evaluating progress over time, and trusting the process long enough to let both you and your horse improve together.

In this episode, I share some thoughts on managing your energy and avoiding burnout—both mentally and physically. Tune in as I talk about the importance of staying fresh and sharp, creating routines that help you progress, and knowing when it's time to recharge your batteries. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself and your horse is step back, freshen up, and come back with a better mindset. Remember, it's the little things you do on a consistent basis, over a long period of time, that make a big difference. Just focus on winning the day and being in a better position when it's over than when it started.

Most of us spend a lot of time riding our horses two-handed, especially when we're training, tuning, and helping them understand new concepts. But at some point, you've got to put one hand down and find out how much of that foundation is really there.In this episode, I talk about the benefits of riding both one-handed and two-handed, how each serves a different purpose in your training program, and why riding one-handed is one of the best ways to evaluate your communication, softness, and connection to your horse's mind and feet. I also share some simple exercises you can use to identify holes in your foundation, clean up your signals, and build a horse that stays between your hands and legs—even when the pressure gets turned up.

In this episode, I'm sharing my thought process behind breeding performance horses with a purpose and having the end goal in mind from the very beginning. From cow-run crosses to run-run crosses, I break down some of the strengths, challenges, and tendencies I’ve experienced with different types of horses and why not every cross fits every rider or discipline.Whether you’re raising rope horses, barrel horses, or all-around performance horses, having a plan matters. The better we understand the horse we’re trying to create, the better chance we have of setting them up for long-term success.

There’s a big difference between riding horses and training them. In this episode, I break down the mindset, consistency, and intentionality required to move from just putting miles on a horse to actually helping them progress. Whether you’re starting colts, seasoning performance horses, or simply trying to become a better horseman, this episode will challenge you to think differently about the work you do every time you swing a leg over a horse.

As we get into the busy summer rodeo season, there comes a point where a lot of horses—and riders—need to be put back together a little bit. When you’re hauling hard, competing often, and asking your horse for everything they have every run, it’s easy for confidence, softness, and connection to start slipping.In this episode, I talk about recognizing when the wheels are starting to come off and how to go back to the foundation to restore your horse’s confidence and understanding. Tune in as I discuss reconnecting the horse’s mind, body, and feet, why slowing things down can actually move you forward faster, and how to help your horse get back to feeling relaxed, responsive, and confident in their job.

I think a lot of times, when people come to my clinics―or anyone else's clinics, for that matter―they expect to leave with a magic recipe on how to make a great horse. And, I always tell people: the magic is: there is no magic. There's a basic process of fundamentals, and there's the decision to commit to executing that process consistently over a period of time. Tune into this episode as I share a few stories from this week of training and how we are using our own 'magic' to take some horses from good to great.

In this episode of Be Your Best Horsemanship, I talk about what it really means to be a winner—not just in the arena, but in life. Every day, we’re faced with challenges, distractions, and situations that don’t go as planned, and how you respond to those moments is what ultimately defines you.Tune in as I share some thoughts on staying consistent in your training, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and why real progress comes from the habits you build day in and day out. We’ll also revisit some foundational principles—connecting with your horse’s mind, body, and feet—and why all the knowledge in the world doesn’t replace time and experience in the saddle.At the end of the day, being a winner isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and striving to be a little better every time you step on a horse.

In this episode, I'm answering some questions about what really goes on during my horsemanship clinics. Tune in as I break down some of the key themes, training philosophies, and perspectives that trainers need to have to get the most out of the clinic experience.

There's a big opportunity I see coming in our industry, and that is the growing need for quality colt starters. As the number of registered horses continues to increase, the number of people with the time, experience, and feel to start them right is getting smaller.Join me as I break down my perspectives on this topic, including a recap our recent colt starting mentorship―the conversations, challenges, and wins we had throughout the week, and what experiences like this mean for the next generation of colt starters.

This is a republish of one of our most listened-to episodes, focused on the misconception that multitasking leads to more productivity. This is a topic that I wanted to bring up again because, especially this time of year, the temptation to multitask grows even stronger.As we head into the busy spring and summer seasons, it’s easy to feel pulled in a lot of different directions. When we're busy, we naturally look for ways to stack our tasks and get more done. But in horsemanship, dividing your attention often does more harm than good.In this episode, I break down why doing less, with more focus, leads to better results and a more productive day.

In this episode, I'm joined by one of my long-time friends and fellow horsemen, Mark Upton, as we discuss the importance―and challenges―of staying true to the process, both in life and horsemanship. Mark shares his perspectives on balancing his passion for horsemanship with his corporate career at Central Life Sciences and how he finds time to make meaningful progress with his horses. Join us as we chat about our individual processes for progressing a horse from foundation to finish and some of the key parts of our training process that make all the difference.

In this episode, I sit down with Merck Animal Health’s Dr. Chrissie Pariseau to discuss what we learned from last fall’s EHV-1 outbreak and how it reinforces the importance of maintaining regular vaccination and booster schedules. Dr. Pariseau breaks down common vaccine programs, including core and risk-based vaccines, along with best practices for foals, pregnant mares, and newly purchased horses. We also discuss the importance of minimizing the spread of infectious diseases and maintaining strong biosecurity—both at home and on the road—especially for training facilities with horses coming and going regularly. This is a must-listen heading into the spring season, when increased hauling and exposure can elevate disease risk.

When you’re roping on young horses, introducing the right fundamentals early is key to building confidence, consistency, and setting them up for long-term success. Tune into this episode as I get into the basics of starting rope horses and some of the things to watch for that early on that can create bad habits down the road. I also touch on the tie-down vs. no tie-down conversation and what to consider when integrating this tool into your training routine.

In this episode, I talk about how every response we get from our horses comes back to us—our thoughts, our body position, and the signals we give. That's why it's so important for us to stay sharp and in-tune throughout the training process. When we lack awareness, it often creates anxiety and frustration for the horse. Issues people blame on the gate, the box, or the environment are usually not about the obstacle itself—it’s the discomfort the horse associates with what happens after they’re there. Whether it’s helping your horse get into the right body position or recognizing when something physical might be bothering them, awareness matters. If you learn to listen, your horse will tell you exactly how good of a job you’re doing.

In this episode, I talk about something many trainers struggle with—perfectionism. That drive for perfection can contribute to high performance, but if we’re not careful, it can also become a roadblock to our horses’ progression. Tune in as I share a conversation I had with my interns this week about managing perfectionistic expectations and how to stay focused on a progress-oriented mindset instead of getting stuck chasing perfect outcomes.

In this episode, I talk about something I’ve learned over decades of trial and error — you don’t always have to do it the hard way. I’ve spent a lifetime figuring things out the long way. My interns don’t have to. They’ve chosen to step into an environment where they can learn from the mistakes, adjustments, and experience that took me years to develop. That’s not weakness — that’s wisdom.No matter what you’re trying to get better at, look for ways to shorten your learning curve. Use the resources available to you. Seek out people who are where you want to be. Ask questions. Commit. Put yourself in the room.Progress doesn’t happen by accident. You have to create opportunities for yourself. And sometimes the smartest thing you can do is decide you’re done trying to figure it all out alone.If you’re serious about improving your horsemanship — or any skill — this one’s for you.

In this episode, I'm talking about what we’re doing to prepare our colts as they progress toward the next phase of their training―which, in this case, is the roping disciplines.The goal is to prepare them through solid foundational training and exposure to new obstacles in the roping pen, so when it’s time to add cattle, those colts are mentally ready.No matter the discipline, the process is the same: strengthen the foundation, prepare their mind, and let consistent repetition build the confidence they’ll need for the next phase.

I just returned from a clinic in Stephenville, Texas, with one of the most―if not the most―elite and diverse groups of trainers I've ever had at a single clinic. Regardless of the discipline these trainers specialized in, there was one piece of advice that resonated with everyone: work as hard on yourself as you do your horsemanship. Join me for this episode as I share more about this philosophy and how I've seen this become a life-changing concept in more than one person's life―including my own.

In this episode, I talk about what I call separators—and why they matter if you want to keep progressing. A separator isn’t always about being better than someone else. A lot of times, it’s about separating yourself from the person you used to be. It’s the attitudes, habits, and effort you choose when things aren’t easy that create that separation. If you want to keep moving forward—no matter how slow the progress feels—you have to find those little factors that push you past the point where the old version of you would’ve stopped. Tune in as I share some inspiration around this topic.

In this episode, I talk about the relationship between a horse’s mind, body, and feet—and why understanding that order matters in training. Tune in as I explain why everything starts with the mind, how the body follows, and how real control of the feet comes from clear communication. When you understand how a horse thinks and how their mind connects to their body and movement, your training becomes more effective and consistent.

In this episode, I talk about what actually creates softness and collection in a horse—and why the saying “soft hands create soft horses” doesn’t tell the whole story. Softness isn’t about avoiding pressure or having light hands; it’s about precision, clear signals, and consistent releases. I explain why horses don’t learn from pressure—they learn from the release—and how improving your timing and clarity can completely change your horse’s response. If you want a horse that stays connected, balanced, and soft through their body, this episode will help you cut through some common horsemanship clichés and focus on what really matters.

In this episode, I talk about the importance of developing a clear training strategy for every horse you have in your program. Goals are important, but you can’t just put a goal on the calendar and expect it to happen—you have to build a plan and continually refine it along the way. Tune in as I share why regular check-ins, honest evaluation, and time spent in the saddle are what bring clarity to your approach. The more present you are in your training, the clearer your strategy becomes—and the clearer your strategy is, the more likely you are to achieve the results you’re working toward.

Each year, I always pick a word to guide my focus and my efforts for the coming season. This year, my word is: believe. Join me for this episode as I share the inspiration behind this choice and how making simple mental shifts can change your outlook, self-belief, and follow through on your goals and plans. Whether you are a trainer, horse enthusiast, or are just looking for a little motivation to send you into the new year, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I'm talking about my first time welcoming interns into my training program. From training young horses to learning the ins and outs of facility management, responsibility, and work ethic, this episode is about more than riding—it’s about mindset, commitment, and understanding what it truly means to make a living training horses.

Challenging conditions have a way of exposing holes in your foundation—both in your horsemanship and your mindset. Those who are willing to saddle up on the days that others might not be have a unique opportunity to accelerate their growth in meaningful ways.Tune in as I share a story from the training pen this week where my interns and I braved the elements on a day with less-than-ideal weather conditions—and what we learned in the process.

In this week’s episode, I'm recapping my recent trip to Las Vegas for the World Series of Team Roping Finale. The week didn’t end with a win—or a big paycheck—but it also wasn’t a loss. It was an opportunity to learn.Tune in as I share some reflections on my preparation, how I showed up in the arena, and why I can still be proud of the way I competed. I also tip my hat to the NFR competitors and the level of performance, resilience, and professionalism they displayed through the ups, downs, and moments of adversity on the biggest stage. At the end of the day, there are no true failures—only lessons that help us grow.

During the ten days of the NFR in Las Vegas, we all get to watch the product of a year-long—and often lifelong—journey to the Thomas & Mack. What we don’t always see is the small army behind each competitor who helps make that run possible.In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Lorissa Jo Merritt— sister of Katelyn Scott and sister-in-law to Halyn Lide, who both qualified for this year’s National Finals Rodeo. While Lorissa is a talented horsewoman herself, her role behind the scenes is one we don’t talk about enough—and it is a pivotal role in the road to the NFR.Lorissa shares how she's embraced her role as the “horse finder” and “accountability partner" in Katelyn's journey, the story of how Peanut Seed—Katelyn’s main mount for this year’s finals—came into their lives, how he got his name, and the team effort that goes into an NFR qualification.

In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Chrissie Pariseau, DVM, MS, DABVP (Equine Practice), cVMA with Merck Animal Health to share some perspectives on the current EHV-1 outbreak.Join us as Dr. Pariseau unpacks the myths and facts about EHV-1 and EHM, including her professional recommendations for monitoring symptoms, testing for the virus, protecting healthy horses in your herd, and caring for those that have been exposed or infected.

In this week’s episode, I’m talking about the importance of playing to your horse’s strengths. One of the biggest responsibilities we have as horsemen and women is to be good leaders — and a big part of leadership is recognizing the strengths of those we lead. Just like people, every horse has a different set of strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Our job is to identify what those are and set them up for success.Tune in as I share tips for how to identify your horse’s natural tendencies and why doing so can strengthen their confidence, willingness, and longevity.

In this week’s episode, I’m talking about one of the simplest—and hardest—skills to master in horsemanship: the pause.The pause is the brief moment of release and reward that tells your horse, “You did it right.” It’s the part of the process that builds confidence, clarity, and understanding between horse and rider. But it’s also the step that many of us—myself included—tend to rush through.Tune in as I share how developing better self-awareness and patience can transform your communication with your horse, how the pause teaches effort and confidence, and why slowing down might be the most productive thing you can do in your training.

In this week's episode, I am joined by Nikki Eggert, owner and operator of Never Stop Believing Performance Horses based out of Sauk Rapids, MN. Nikki is a recent graduate of our ⁠Foundations Certification Program⁠ and a true example of how self-image and belief can transform your life and horsemanship.Nikki shares her journey through the Certification Program — a process she describes as “truly life changing.” We talk about the mindset shifts, faith, and daily habits that helped her reshape her confidence, grow her business, and strengthen her connection with her horses.Her approach to horsemanship blends solid fundamentals with a focus on self-talk, goal setting, and mental preparation — building both better horses and stronger riders.Learn more about Nikki's journey and program: philhaugenhorsemanship.com/certification/nikki-eggert

In this week's episode, I am joined by Paige Whittaker, who is a recent graduate of our Foundations Certification Program. When I first met Paige at a clinic in Quinton, VA, it was clear she was a student of the game. She didn’t just show up to improve her horsemanship—she showed up with a desire to grow in every area of her life.Over the past few years, Paige has continued to invest in herself and her program, staying committed to the process and consistently applying what she’s learned. Watching her evolution—as both a person and a professional—has truly been a privilege.Paige is the owner and operator of Still Ridge Farm, a two-generation, family-oriented facility nestled on 37 scenic acres in the heart of Hanover County, Virginia. Still Ridge Farm offers a wide range of services—from equine training and boarding to lessons and camps—all designed to enrich the lives of both animals and people as partnerships are built and strengthened with confidence.Learn more about Paige's journey and program: philhaugenhorsemanship.com/certification/paige-whittaker

The power of committing to the process cannot be overstated. In horsemanship and in life, we’re often conditioned to look for quick results—but the most meaningful transformations are the product of committing to a long-term process. In this episode, I'm sharing an exciting announcement about the launch of our Foundations & Colt Starting Certification Programs—a new opportunity designed to give trainers a framework to commit to their personal and professional growth. Tune in as I share an inside perspective on the transformations I've seen from our first two graduates of the program, as well as some exciting growth moments from our fall clinic season.

In this episode, I talk about a saying I’ve carried with me for many years — never give up and you’ll never fail. It’s a reminder that as long as I keep moving forward, I’m never truly failing. Join me as I share a few thoughts on faith, persistence, and the importance of letting yourself and your horse take risks and make mistakes. The only way to build confidence is to stay in the fight and give yourself the opportunity to learn through trying.

In this episode, I am joined by professional barrel racer and 2025 National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Katie Scott, as she shares her journey from multi-event cowgirl to first-time NFR qualifier. Katie unpacks her life and career leading up to her 2025 WPRA season, as well as the guiding principles that kept her focused, patient, and present when it mattered most.

The changing of seasons always brings about a period of reflection for me. We are entering into a busy fall season both personally and professionally, and while it's easy to look at my calendar and feel overwhelmed, I have to remind myself that being busy is a blessing.In this episode, I'm sharing some reflections from our first clinic of the fall season, some lessons and 'ah-ha' moments gleaned from this experience, and some perspective shifts I am leaning into as we enter into the last quarter of the year. This episode is full of faith, personal growth, and words of encouragement to carry you through this month.

In this week’s episode, I share some reflections from my recent trip to the Riata Buckle roping and how shifting my self image played a key role in my performance. Even without as many competitive runs this year, I’ve learned how powerful it is to mentally rehearse and prepare myself to compete at a high level. I’ll talk about the areas of personal development I’ve been focused on, how I’ve worked to get in the zone, and ways you can replicate a competition environment in your own mind to build confidence and consistency—no matter where you’re at in your training journey.Episode Resources:Learn more about the stallions and training programs mentioned in this episode at eliasonperformancehorses.com.

In this episode, I’m talking about the growing shortage of colt starters in our industry and why it matters for horse owners, breeders, and trainers alike. As more colts are being bred and fewer people are starting them, the demand for skilled colt starters has never been higher. I share some of my thoughts on where the opportunities are heading for those willing to put in the work, along with what I’ve seen in my colt starting mentorships—the transformations that happen when trainers are given the time, support, and real-world experience to do it right. Whether you’re raising colts, riding young horses, or looking at this as a career path, this is an important conversation about the future of horsemanship.

In this episode, I share some thoughts sparked by watching the Pendleton Roundup this week—one of the most unique rodeos out there with its grass arena. What stood out to me was how some riders’ performances looked just as solid on grass as they would in dirt. That kind of consistency doesn’t come by accident. It’s the result of a heightened awareness of horsemanship. In this segment, I share tips for developing better awareness as a rider, improving your balance and timing, and why those fundamentals matter no matter what setting you’re in.

"I’m so far ahead with this horse" - said no one, ever. The truth is, none of us feel 100% “ready” all the time—whether it’s bringing a horse to a clinic, entering a competition, or even stepping into a new opportunity in life. In this episode, I share why confidence isn’t about waiting until everything feels perfect, but about being willing to step outside your comfort zone and learn in the process. I’ll talk about some of the common concerns I hear from trainers, how I’ve experienced the same doubts myself, and why the very thing that makes you nervous is often the exact thing you need to grow.

In performance events and horsemanship, there’s a big difference between being in “training mode” and being in “competition mode.” The challenge for many of us—myself included—is figuring out how to balance the two. In this episode, I talk about the mindset shift that happens when you step into a competitive setting and how to structure your practices so your training prepares you for the pressure of competition. At the end of the day, it’s about keeping your horse solid in training mode while building the confidence and focus you’ll need when it’s time to compete.

Success in competition doesn’t come from wishing or expecting. It comes from preparation—and part of that preparation is hauling, entering, and putting yourself in real-world situations often enough to build confidence. In this week's episode, I'm sharing some stories from a recent roping I entered that reminded me how important it is to set realistic goals for both myself and my horses, as well as some fundamentals I'm focusing on to fine-tune my preparation for next time.

Summer training brings its own unique set of challenges. From heat and humidity to flies and mosquitoes, the extra stress on our horses can chip away at their focus and trainability. In this episode, I’m sharing some tips for keeping your horse soft, focused, and in the right frame of mind, even when conditions aren’t ideal. From simple adjustments in your training routine to the fly control gear that helps keep your horses comfortable and relaxed, this episode is all about setting your horse up for success no matter the season.Episode Resources:Cashel Crusader Fly Mask with Long NoseCashel Crusader Leg Guards (Set of 4)Cashel Lightweight Fly Sheet

In speed events, being able to accelerate and maintain forward momentum through a turn can make all the difference. In this episode, I'm sharing some recent experiences with horses I'm currently training, and the foundational skills we’ve been focusing on to help them stay balanced, responsive, and confident while carrying speed through a turn. Whether you’re working a barrel pattern or tracking cattle, these principles can help you take your horse's performance to the next level.

After almost 300 weeks in a row of putting out new podcast episodes, I missed one. And you know what? That’s life. But here's the thing—missing a week doesn’t mean the streak is broken for good. It just means it's time to start again. In this episode, I’m sharing a few stories from the road, some of the unexpected hiccups that knocked me off my routine, and why learning to reset and restart is one of the most valuable tools we can develop in life and in horsemanship. Because in any pursuit, obstacles are guaranteed. But how we respond—that’s where the growth happens.