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 Nose
• Cashel 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.