Finding The Feel

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 http://larsonperformancehorses.com/ (website), https://www.facebook.com/Larson-Performance-Horses-194472354000/ (Facebook), and https://www.instagram.com/larsonreining/ (Instagram)!

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

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

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

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] ] –

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 every