Today’s podcast is on a subject that many riders ask about, "How to get started in Dressage." I decided to use "entry-level dressage," for both English and Western riders, as the first long-term goal and set of lesson plans in my new training app. This big goal can be broken down into almost an infinite number of small steps, lessons, or skills to master, which I'll share in this podcast! Show Notes: Do You have a Codependent Relationship with your Horse: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articl...
Jun 27, 2025•56 min•Ep. 108
In this episode of RideOn, I’ll talk about building your confidence with horses. It’s a huge subject that affects equestrians of all ages and ability levels, and I know you’ll find some helpful tips. And in “What the Hay? Q&A” at the end of this episode, we have questions from listeners about a hard-to-catch horse, ground manners for a young filly, how to correct a mare that pins her ears, PLUS I’ll answer the burning question: why does my horse always roll after I bathe him? Show Notes: htt...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 107
Horses are social animals with a strong herd instinct, and different rules apply when humans are involved. I teach what I call the “no fraternizing” rule at the beginning of all my clinics and here it is: When in the presence of humans, when being handled, led, tied, or ridden, a horse should not interact with, fraternize with, or make any displays of herd behavior toward another horse. Show Notes: Julie Goodnight Horsemanship Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/juliegoodnight Julie Goodnigh...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 106
For years, I’ve been sharing my insights on horsemanship, helping riders like you build better relationships with your horses and reach your full potential in the saddle. And one of the most powerful tools I’ve found in this journey is the simple yet profound act of setting goals. Show Notes: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/horse-goals-or-bust-goal-setting/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/making-time-for-horses/ https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/?s...
Apr 09, 2025•9 min•Ep. 105
We do our annual vet exams, vaccinations, and dental care every Spring. Just as we prioritize annual check-ups for ourselves, a yearly wellness exam by an equine veterinarian is paramount for maintaining your horse's health. Annual Horse Health Maintenance Checklist: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/annual-horse-health-maintenance-checklist/ Issues From The Ground: Ground Manners For The Veterinary Visit https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/issues-from...
Mar 21, 2025•11 min•Ep. 104
Description: In this episode of Ride On, I’ll focus on how you know if your horse needs a new bit, how we evaluate a horse for the right bit, and understanding the impact of a well-chosen bit. And in “What the Hay? Q&A” at the end of this episode, we have questions from listeners about ground manners for senior horses, tips for riding the trot for riders with tight hips, and what saddle pads work best on high withered horses. Rip’s First Trailer Ride Video posted on Julie Goodnight Horsemans...
Mar 07, 2025•56 min•Ep. 103
Rip, Annie’s colt, is nine months old, but technically a yearling. He’s basically a learning machine with the whole world at his hooves. He loves the indoor arena, and he seems to enjoy our short training sessions too... Desensitizing- touch all over, brush, handle face, ears, belly Horse Report: Getting The Band Back Together https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/horse-report-gettin-the-band-back-together/ Issues From The Ground: Desensitizing To Touch in Sensitive Areas https://signin.jul...
Feb 25, 2025•5 min•Ep. 102
Bit selection considerably impacts horse training, comfort, and performance across all disciplines Show Notes for February Blog Post 2025: Bit Overview Talk About Tack: Fitting Curb Chains to Curb Bits: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/talk-about-tack-fitting-curb-chains-to-curb-bits/ Talk About Tack: Snaffle to Curb: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/training-advice/talk-about-tack-snaffle-to-curb/ Julie Goodnight Q & A Bit Tips: https://signin.juliegoodni...
Feb 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 101
In this newest episode of my podcast, I discuss different saddles, how they are constructed, and the pros and cons of rigid trees, flexible trees, treeless, and riding bareback. I'd like you to join me as we embark on this discovery. January 2025 Podcast Show Notes Illusive Concepts that Affect Saddle Fit Is Saddle Fit More Important to the Horse or the Rider https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/is-saddle-fit-more-important-to-the-horse-or-the-rider/ Eddie’s New S...
Feb 01, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 100
Analyzing traffic to our website and the direct questions we get from you, the end-user, we see significant interest in tack and equipment and its appropriate use and adjustment. I love this because it tells me that you are looking out for your horse’s best interests and are committed to being the best partner your horse could have. Show Notes for Perfecting Saddle Fit Skills Julie Goodnight’s Online Academy: online horsemanship library Annual Saddle Fit Assessment Article: annual saddle fit ass...
Jan 09, 2025•4 min•Ep. 99
Podcast Show notes for Ride On with Julie Goodnight: Riding without reins To post a Google Review for Julie Goodnight: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122?hl=en&visit_id=638691238344864984-3495844838&p=search_more_reviews&rd=1#best_practice Sign up for Julie’s newsletter & podcast: http://juliegoodnight.com/NEWS Real help to horsemanship dilemmas https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/goodnight-academy/ December 2024 Blog: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/dece...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 98
Riding Without Reins: It’s not as hard as you think! Most riders can’t imagine having full control of a horse without holding the reins, let alone without a bridle. But it’s not as challenging as you might think. There’s nothing hard about riding without the reins except stopping, turning, and backing! Julie Goodnight Neck Rope https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product/neck-rope-for-bridle-less-riding/ Consistency Counts https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/c...
Dec 12, 2024•8 min•Ep. 97
n this newest episode of my podcast, we’ll dig into the weeds about how horses learn, how we shape behavior, and the important intangible skills horses should learn early on. As an example, I’ll explain the secrets to teaching untrained horses to stand quietly and patiently while tied. And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment at the end of this episode, I’ll answer your questions about the difference in curb and snaffle bits, about switching bits, about the different types of bitless bridles a...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 96
Today’s podcast topic is an extension of my blog about the emergency dismount. I’ll talk about how to stay safe in emergency situations. We’ll start by looking at what constitutes an emergency with a horse, what “over the threshold” behavior looks like and what its causes are, and most importantly, what you can do as a rider or horse handler to keep yourself safe in sticky situations and how to ride your horse back into control. Show Notes: Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events Onli...
Oct 02, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 95
Last month, I talked to Dr. Sarah Matlock, a professor of Equine Behavior at Colorado State University, about her fascinating research into using positive reinforcement to gentle mustangs, the challenges associated with it, and the importance of understanding horse behavior and motivation. This month, we continue our conversation about the impact of positive reinforcement on training wild mustangs, as well as its limitations. She explains the unique challenges associated with gentling mustangs, ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 94
In this episode, I’m talking to Dr. Sarah Matlock, a professor of Equine Behavior at Colorado State University, about her fascinating research into using positive reinforcement to gentle mustangs. We’ll talk about Dr. Matlock's personal journey with horses, and how that led her to a career in equine sciences. Then we’ll delve into Dr. Matlock's exciting work studying the impact of positive reinforcement through clicker training on wild mustangs. She explains the concept of "gentling" mustangs an...
Jun 29, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 93
This is part two of last month’s episode about the new era of horsemanship. (If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to part one from last month!) In this month’s episode, we’ll continue our conversation about science-based, non-forceful training methods, busting old mythology, and changing narratives around the way we talk about horses. I’ll leave you with the 10 principles of horse training, as stated by equine behaviorists, that give us important guidelines to follow when we’re working with...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 92
Today I'll be talking with my good friend and assistant trainer, “T” Cody, about the new revolution in horsemanship that's currently taking place. We'll take a glance back at the history of horsemanship, and how the recreational horse flourished in the mid 1900s. Then we’ll talk about the impacts—both good and bad—that natural horsemanship has had, and what we have to look forward to now. In my new segment. Long Story Short, I'll tell you about the riding instructors who had an early influence...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 91
On this episode, I’m excited to have a very special guest on the show—equestrian fitness and wellness coach, Ifa Simmonds! We'll talk about fitness specific to riders, the importance of your overall well-being,confidence, and how to kickstart your personal fitness journey. Plus, Ifa will share his advice for what we can do—starting RIGHT NOW, in the off-season—to prepare to meet your riding goals this year. I'll also be sharing one of my many stories from the early days of my horse training car...
Jan 20, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, I'll talk about teaching a horse to calm down and focus. I teach horses within just a few minutes of training not to look around excessively, and (you've probably heard this a lot!) to “focus on me or focus on nothing.” But why is this important? What's the big deal with letting your horse look around? Horses that are looking excessively are either frantically searching for something to be afraid of, or they are looking for the exit—and have no intention of staying here with you...
Dec 05, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 89
What causes a 3-year-old colt to freeze under the slightest amount of pressure? I've invited renowned equine behaviorist, Dr. Kate Fenner, to talk about what can cause a horse to "shut down" (and how it's more common than you might think!). We'll also talk about how to help the horse recover, prevention, and what her research has revealed to help improve training methods for horses. But first... I have an exciting surprise announcement that's happening right now at my ranch—and believe me when I...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 88
In this episode, I’m going to help you answer the question, “Should you let someone else ride your horse?” I’ll tell you a story from early on in my horse training career that is, to this day, one of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned. Then we’ll dive into some pros and cons, the value of having different people ride a horse, and the benefits for a rider to get on different horses. I’ll also share my advice for what to consider before you decide, and your responsibilities when you let s...
Sep 08, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 87
Last month, I shared five important tips for you to get the most from your horse and help you feel more prepared to achieve your horsemanship goals. This month, let’s talk about strategies to manage anxiety, in both horse & rider, how to boost your confidence & perform at your best on the day of your event—whatever that is. I’ll also share some specific tools and exercises that you can do with your horse to stay focused and calm, perform at your best, and how to get back on track when t...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 86
We are now 7 months into Horse Goals or Bust—setting goals and planning, training, practicing, and preparing for them. It’s prime riding season in most areas, so now is the time to put our plans for all the activities we’ve been planning into action. For some of you, that may mean going to a clinic, a competition, or hitting the trail. Or you might be more focused on bonding with a new horse, regaining your mojo after an incident, or accomplishing a singular feat with your horse. Throughout this...
Jun 29, 2023•59 min•Ep. 85
I've been traveling non-stop, and I'm still on the road, which makes it hard to find time to record the podcast. So for this month, we’ve chosen an episode that we think will be really useful to you as you continue to work toward your goals. We’ll be back next month with a brand new episode in the "Horse Goals or Bust" series! This episode is about how to deal with training setbacks with your horse. We've all been there at one point or another when things don’t go according to plan. The horse t...
May 17, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, I talk about the clothing and gear to choose to set yourself and your horse up for success—dressing for success, so to speak—no matter what your goals look like. I’ll talk about functional rider apparel, your horse’s attire and accessories and safety considerations. I'll also give you some tips to keep both you and your horse comfortable as you tackle the upcoming riding season. Then in my "What the Hay? Q&A" segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about ear plugs for ...
May 05, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, I talk about assessing your skills as a rider, what to consider in the Rider Skill Assessment worksheet, and how to interpret your results. I’ll share some awesome resources to help you evaluate your horse’s skills and develop a training plan to get you where you need to go with your horse. Then, in my "What the Hay? Q&A" segment I’ll answer questions from listeners about a horse that shows displays of aggression at feedtime, how to correct a horse for kicking at another hor...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 82
This month is all about getting in shape & making a conditioning plan to reach your goal! I talked about rider fitness in my blog this month, which I will touch on, but in this episode we’ll focus on the horse. I’ll walk you through evaluating your horse’s current fitness level, and how to develop the right conditioning plan to help your horse get stronger, prevent injury, and perform better. Show Notes: Download Julie's Horse Goals or Bust Goal Worksheets: JulieGoodnight.com/podcast#horsego...
Feb 25, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, we’re continuing with step #2 of my “Horse Goals or Bust!” series. Last month, we reflected on the past year—what worked, what didn’t, what we wish we did more of, and less of—and we used those revelations to brainstorm new goals for this year. This time, let’s talk about finalizing those goals and how we make a plan to get you where you want to be with your horse, nine months from now! I'll share the stories of two longtime students of mine, who jumped onboard the HGOB train w...
Jan 21, 2023•55 min•Ep. 80
I love New Year’s and all that it represents—ushering out the old, ringing in the new. I’m not much of a partier on New Year's Eve, but I AM at a stage of life where each year is precious to me, and making the most of my life takes on greater significance. I’ve always been serious about planning my time and making new years resolutions, and this year I’m bringing you on this journey with me! Next month, we’re starting a nine month roadmap to help you achieve, accomplish, and soar in your horsema...
Dec 30, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 79
