Even though we haven’t really taken a break, we’re calling this Season 2. That makes this episode, episode 1 of Season 2. Thanks for carrying us through to another season.

Okay, so I wanted to share with you a heat and drought scenario that unfolded with me, my horse and dogs recently. It definitely pushed against the ‘what is safe whilst riding in the heat’ protocols.

Even though it was forecast for hot and dry, for a moment it got overcast and windy and it seemed like it’d be like that for several hours. I saddled up and headed out with my horse, Barry, and two dogs. I took two liters of water, snacks, and a book. We were headed to the river where I'd hobble Barry to graze and the dogs and I could chill for a few hours before heading back. It’d be a 12-mile round trip.

Listen to learn more. 

Okay, so for Episode 1 of our new season, we welcome Ben Longwell of True West Horsemanship.

Ben and his wife, Natalie, live in New Zealand where they run lessons and clinics and produce an online video library. They also come to the States most years to do guided ranch tours – it’s pretty neat, a trip for New Zealanders to ride on working ranches, learn horsemanship and apply some stockmanship, and even to shop at stores like IFA and Big R – where you can get gear and clothes that you just can’t get in New Zealand.

We thank Pharm Aloe Equine and Lucerne Farms for their continued support. Pharm Aloe offers aloe pellets and gel and other products to support horses’ GI health, immune system, and other processes. When you are looking for aloe products, the high quality and effectiveness of active ingredients are really  important. Pharm Aloe’s got that in spaces. Check out the research and the compelling back story at Pharm Aloe Equine. 

Lucerne Farms is a forage company based in Northern Maine. Lucerne has an array of products, with timothy or alfalfa or timothy and alfalfa, with a touch of molasses, or not, for feeding your horses.  Feeding forage is wwaayy better than feeding grain. That’s research based, but of course, your horses will tell you, too. 

Find Lucerne Farms at your feedstore and ask for it by name.

You can also find links to all our sponsors here.  

We also thank Redmond Equine, Kate’s Real Food, and Patagonia WorkWear for their continuing support. Please follow these brands and buy their stuff as they support us and what we’re doing. This month, we’re giving away a Patagonia WorkWear item to two lucky listeners. Check it out here.

Thanks for listening y’all!