Best Horse Practices Podcast

We offer these shows for free. If you think it's worthy of a small contribution, we sure would appreciate it.

This is Episode 6 of Season 4, and in it, Jec talks with Kerry O'Brien, a Colorado trainer who is competing in the Meeker Mustang Makeover.

Kerry has been on the show before in which she talks about using positive reinforcement as a training method. We're glad to have her back!

First, thanks to many of you who connected with us to offer feedback from last week's show and the mental health initiatives we are talking about.

Second, thanks to our title sponsor, Lucerne Farms, Maine producers of quality forage feeds. But did you also know that they make chicken bedding. It's called Coop Klean and it's not your everyday chicken bedding.

Also, thanks to Chill Angel, a Colorado company that makes luxurious superfine merino wool sleepwear, perfect for combatting hot flashes.

I was really glad to hear about the Meeker Makeover. Some of you who follow Best Horse Practices or get the Cayuse Communications newsletter, might have heard WiseAssWallace talk about colt starting competitions. A lot of times, Wallace says, it is not set up for the success of the horse. And that's a shame. Seems like Meeker and Kerry have the horses' best interests at heart. So good to hear!

We thank Sampson Moss and his business, Prairie Wind Hat Works for their generous sponsorship. Sampson makes custom hats from his place in Pincher Creek, Alberta. Here he is talking about some regional distinctions. He starts when I ask him to consider with Alberta and hat preferences there. But then he expands on the preferences of certain parts of the US. I'm coming to know that what's true with horses is also true with hats: the more you learn, the more you realize there's a lot to learn.

Thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Our show is a space for riders and horse owners of all disciplines to learn best practices and to discover skills, strategies, tools, ideas, and insights for better connecting with their horses, with all horses and for getting work done.

We love to hear from listeners and often incorporate listener questions or suggestions for topics and guests into our podcast. So, let us hear from you. Contacting us is easy.

We offer these shows for free. If you think it's worthy of a small contribution, we sure would appreciate it.

This is Episode 5 of Season 4, and it's a good one.

We have Jec and Amy talking about trail-riding preparation in their Coaches' Corner. When I saw this topic, I was doubtful. I mean, What's to know? What's to prepare? Out here in rural Colorado, where the closest arena is 20 miles away, my horses and I would definitely experience more trepidation heading to the fairgrounds and an arena, than heading out on National Forest.

There, we travel on gravel roads and dirt paths. We often bushwhack across country. We meet bikers, hikers, trucks, cars, dogs, and other horses. Last weekend, as I was ponying my young horse, we rode through cows and stopped to cool off at a pond.

But Jec and Amy's conversation gave me a whole new insight to what's involved in successful trail rides. It pointed out some holes in my training and areas where I could definitely make improvements. Regardless of your riding routines, I think you will love it.

Check out Amy's Six Weeks to Calm, Forward, and Straight.

First, though, I'm following up on last week's mention of mental health and horse work.

Recently, the LOR Foundation, a philanthropic organization serving the mountain west with an office here in Cortez, awarded the Best Horse Practices Summit a small grant to help with a two-day mental health forum for working cowboys and horse professionals.

This project has been on my mind for a few years. I've been wanting to organize a gathering like this and am excited that the LOR Foundation recognized the purpose and the niche need. Being awarded the grant is a huge step forward. We hope to offer this forum, (all expenses paid to attendees thanks to LOR!) to a small group of working horse professionals this winter. Interested? Contact us here.

For some thoughts on how horses, horse work, best practices, and mental health weave together, read more here.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. It's hay season, the rain has let up for a while, and the James family is busy in the fields of northern Maine. That's where they're cutting, tedding, and baling alfalfa and timothy. The forage, wrapped tightly in plastic, is perfect for traveling to competitions or horse camping vacations.

Thanks to Chill Angel, maker of superfine merino loungewear and sleepwear. Love their jammies!

We thank Sampson Moss and his business, Prairie Wind Hat Works for their generous sponsorship. Sampson makes custom hats from his place in Pincher Creek, Alberta. In our next show, we'll talk more with Sampson about the finer points of ordering and, for him, making a custom felt hat. We'll talk about regional preferences for hat wearers, brim size and shape, crowns and creases.

Thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

We offer these shows for free. If you think it's worthy of a small contribution, we sure would appreciate it.

This is Episode 4 of Season 4, and in it, I talk with Pete Reinholz. Maybe this is a departure of sorts. Pete does not have a website or a book or anything to sell. He does write songs. He sings and plays guitar, and that's the context in which I met him several years ago in Elko, Nevada.

Pete graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Natural Resources and Rangeland Ecology. Since then, he's been mostly horseback, working in southern Montana and northern Wyoming. But last year, he made the leap to the showjumping world as a trainer.

To me, that seems like a big, interplanetary leap, so I was happy to talk with him for a bit. I think it takes a lot for a cowboy to step out of jeans and away from big country and pull on a pair of breeches and work in an arena. Pete was pretty philosophical when I asked him about it.

"Being a more refined and versatile rider never screwed anybody up," he said.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. It's hay season, the rain has let up for a while, and the James family is busy in the fields of northern Maine. That's where they're cutting, tedding, and baling alfalfa and timothy. The forage, wrapped tightly in plastic, is perfect for traveling to competitions or horse camping vacations.

We also thank Chill Angel, makers of superfine merino loungewear, and Prairie Wind Hat Works, where Sampson Moss crafts custom-built, felt hats to your specifications.

After I stopped recording, Pete mentioned that, oh, by the way, he played polo for three years at MSU. Turns out Sheridan, Wyoming, not far from where he lives now, has quite the polo scene. Riders have been playing there since the 1890's, he said, making it the oldest polo venue west of the Mississippi.

Hey, in past seasons, we have talked a bit about mental health and how it may or may not interfere with our horse work. We know there is a connection with wellness and the therapy horses offer us. But I'd be the first to admit that horses aren't there to magically solve our problems. Horse pros and working cowboys, along with horse vets, can be strained and stressed by their work. I'm guessing you know of a friend, or a friend of a friend in your horse circles who has struggled with substance abuse and/or suicide.

While Jec and I want to steer clear of discussions around aromatherapy or crystals, we would like to be open to ideas and conversations and strategies for improving the mental health situation in our horse communities. So, if you have any thoughts in that vein, hit us up with an email here.

Thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!

We love to hear from listeners and often incorporate listener questions or suggestions for topics and guests into our podcast. So, let us hear from you. Contacting us is easy here.

We offer these shows for free. If you think it's worthy of a small contribution, we sure would appreciate it.

Hey, it's hot out there and I wanted to direct your attention to an article I wrote about dogs, horses, and us managing heat. How to help. What to be aware of. With comments from a Harvard dog expert and an accomplished endurance rider. Read more.

This is Episode 3 of Season 4, and in it, Jec talks with Lynn Acton, author of "What Horses Really Want." Lynn and Jec discuss the behavioral and physical consequences of weaning early and how healthy weaning should go. Even if you don't have or aren't thinking of acquiring a young horse, I think this show will still interest you.

We try to steer clear of any anthropomorphizing, but you'll hear that sometimes Lynn and Jec refer to horses in a human-y manner, which makes the topic more approachable without being romantic or inaccurate. Weaning how-to's are closely associated with an article I wrote on imprinting. That's a technique that some misguided professionals, including Dr. Robert Miller and Clinton Anderson, performed and advocated in what I sincerely hope are gone-bye days.

After that segment, we hear from Sampson Moss and his business, Prairie Wind Hat Works, as he discusses the finer details of crafting a custom hat.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. It's hay season, the rain has let up for a while, and the James family is busy in the fields of northern Maine. That's where they're cutting, tedding, and baling alfalfa and timothy. The forage, wrapped tightly in plastic, is perfect for traveling to competitions or horse camping vacations.

I have written a lot about the power of a good start and the hazards and pitfalls of a bad start. Mostly, I've talked about my experiences with restarting horses who have been in bad homes or with neglectful or abusive owners or trainers. But this weaning conversation gives us a whole new perspective on what good and bad starts can mean.

Dr. Sheryl King, professor emeritus at Southern Illinois University and a perenial favorite Best Horse Practices Summit presenter oversaw many weanings and had this to say:

"At the University we weaned at about four or five months and did so by removing one mare from the mare/foal pasture at a time until there were finally no adults in with the foals. After trying a number of weaning methods, this seemed to be the one that worked best for us and created the least stress for the foals."

Thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!

This is Episode 2 of Season 4, and in it, Jec and I reconnect after some time off and have an On the Fence chat in which we talk about some summer projects, those of our listeners, and personal pet peeves, specific to our horse worlds: "analysis paralysis", group rides, not having rider etiquette, and underestimating our equine partners, for examples. (Oh, but we have more ;)

Did you know?

Jec has a great shop here, where you can find the fantastic exercise and conditioning books she's written.

Cayuse Communications has a library full of great books, too, by Yours Truly as well as Amy Skinner, Katrin Silva, as well as a terrific, horse-y mystery series by Mark Stevens.

Check out listener summer plans and projects here.

After that segment, we hear from Sampson Moss and Prairie Wind Hat Works. In upcoming episodes, we'll feature snippets from an interview I did with Sampson and you can learn about all the many aspects of hat making and what goes into crafting the perfect custom hat.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. It's hay season, the rain has let up for a while, and the James family is busy in the fields of northern Maine. That's where they cut alfalfa and timothy for their products. The bales, wrapped tightly in plastic, are perfect for traveling to competitions or horse camping vacations.

And thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Welcome to Season Four!! of Best Horse Practices with Jec Ballou.

Our show is a space for riders and horse owners of all disciplines to learn best practices and to discover ways, skills, strategies, tools, ideas for better connecting with their horses, with all horses and for getting work done.

Our shows are short and concise, or, at least, shorter and more concise than many shows out here in the digital universe.

We love to hear from listeners and often incorporate listener questions or listener suggestions for topics and guest into our podcast. So, let us hear from you. Contacting us is easy through the contact button here.

We offer these shows for free. If you think it's worthy of a small contribution, we sure would appreciate it.

In this Episode, I chat with Daniel Dauphin, a trainer in Louisianna, a Best Horse Practices Summit presenter, an expert in horse mouth anatomy and bits. We talked about setting back, pulling back, and trials with tying. It's a quick topic that I think you will really enjoy.

Also, we have a new sponsor in Sampson Moss and his business, Prairie Wind Hat Works. Sampson makes custom hats from his place in Pincher Creek, Alberta. In upcoming shows, we're going to talk with Sampson about the details and finer points of ordering and, for him, making a custom felt hat. We'll talk about regional preferences for hat wearers, brim size and shape, crowns and creases. Check out his beautiful hats on Instagram or at Prairie Wind Hat Works .

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. It's hay season, the rain has let up for a while, and the James family is busy in the fields of northern Maine. That's where they cut alfalfa and timothy for their products. The bales, wrapped tightly in plastic, are perfect for traveling to competitions or horse camping vacations.

So, listeners, thank YOU for all the summer news on plans and projects and progress. Some great goings-on and we were excited to hear about them all, notes from horsewomen in Canada, Michigan, Washington, and elsewhere. Check them out here.

As mentioned during the segment, I have been working with my young gelding, Lorenzo, but probably not as diligently as I should. We have been ponying, packing, day grazing on National Forest. I trim his feet. We work on little things and big things. He's making progress and is being handled in one way or another every day. I try to be cognizant of how I'm being when I'm with him – what am I bringing into the dry lot when I halter him? What kind of behaviors and energies and I sending his way? What am I conveying? How can I help him trust me and gain confidence? I think he's coming to understand that I am not going to throw anything at him that he can't handle and that he can know me as a level-headed partner.

But. My subconscious and my partner, Shane, gave me a pretty hilarious perspective the other day:

First, the dream. I am a trainer and walk into my astroturfed arena that's full of riders and horses, ready for my tutelage. Apparently, I have instructed them to all recline with their steeds and there they are – horses and riders all lounging on the astroturf. One guy is wearing flipflops. One brought his St. Bernard. Because he didn't have a horse? I remember thinking, in my dream, what the heck am I going to teach these folks? I woke up.

Shane said: You? Teaching people how to relax?

Yeah, I have my own personal challenges with being present and calm and I don't exactly see myself as a zen-ish instructor. We are all works in progress.

Thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode and another season in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!

Hi there, this is Maddy Butcher, producer of Best Horse Practices with Jec Ballou.

We're taking a little break before launching our fourth season, but we wanted to say "Thank You" to our listeners and to our sponsors.

It's been a great 90-show journey in which we've talked about hooves, brain science, property management, parasites, gender gyrations, fitness, and much, much more. We're pretty pleased with our content. We're also excited that so many listeners have reached out to make suggestions or even sometimes become part of the show. It's great to be engaged with our audience. So, yes, thanks for your emails.

Coming in Season 4, we plan to continue with listener suggestions, and tackle topics we haven't discussed, and return to some popular subjects. As usual, our conversations will have a heavy helping of common sense approaches to riding and horse work, supported by science, and devoid of the niche-y-ness that can so often contaminate horse spaces. We all love horses, so let's focus on that and on trying to optimize what's in horses' best interests.

While we move on Season 4, we hope that you might consider dropping a tip in the proverbial tip jar. Yes, we have some support from sponsors and are grateful. But shows take a lot of effort to produce. There are platform fees, equipment, software, and most of all, time. And as they say, time is money.

Thanks again and stay tuned for Season 4. It's going to be great!

Jec interviews Lee McLean from Alberta Canada. Lee likes to approach horse work with an eye on common sense, pragmatism, and fun. She grew up in a ranching family, but is savvy in side saddle, dressage, and other disciplines. While there was probably no end to topics for Jec and Lee, they picked one that I think we can all relate to, that is, how to nurture well-being for our horses in a holistic way, in a way that conjures athleticism and good movement without the snootiness and specificity that folks say is plaguing our circles.

Can you ride and do yoga and play tennis or soccer? Well, your horse could and should be versatile like that, too.

I really love the idea of mixing it up with our horses. Trying new things. Asking them to do something, as Lee says, outside the box. Especially outside the sandbox of an arena. You know, for me, the arena is actually the novel space. So, this interview reminded me to get our butts down to the fairgrounds for some exploratory time there. And, yes, Lee, I will make it fun!

Check out her NickerNews guest columns here: 10 Hard Truths and Riding as We Get Older.

Visit her website or Facebook page.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. It's hay season and the James family is busy in the fields of Aroostock County, Maine. That's where they cut alfalfa and timothy for their products. The bales, wrapped tightly in plastic, are perfect for traveling to competitions or horse camping vacations.

Oh, before signing off for a few weeks, I want to remind you to check out the links in the show notes for discounts on Chill Angel, Bobo's, and for reviews on Duckworth, Patagonia, Hoka, Helle and Kershaw knives, and more.

Thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

Enjoy your summer! We hope to hear from you. Stay tuned for Season Four in a few weeks.

This is Episode 29 of Season 3 and in it, Jec interviews Donna-Maria Flood of DMventions. Donna Maria has scores of simple fixes and DIY projects for your horse spaces and equipment. Most are inexpensive and don't require a year-long carpentry apprenticeship. Make it in 10 minutes, for less than 10 bucks is more like it.

This episode may require you to do some visualization, and, if you're interested. Check out Donna-Maria's website for instructions and videos on many of the projects. We also have a few DIY projects on NickerNews, for saddle racks and headstall hangers.

Oh, one more thing:

This is a busy time of year for trying out gear and getting more active. For instance, Jec and I are trying out some new styles of Hoka running shoes. The best brand, in our humble, for trail running. Also, Duckworth and Chill Angel are two fantastic brands using fine wool and making clothing in the US. We like wool because it's more durable and a whole lot less body odor-y than other fabrics. I'm wearing Duckworth's hooded henley in spruce green. Like Chill Angel's sleepwear, it is warm when I need it to be and cool when I need it to be. Kind of magical.

Head here for giveaways and discounts.

Also, I want to mention Helle knives, made in Norway and perfect for your horse camping or glamping set up.

Oh, and stay tuned after Jec's interview for another poem by Sampson Moss, our Canadian friend, working cowboy, and occasional rodeo competitor who runs Prairie Wind Hat Works in Alberta, Canada.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. Forage is chopped, packaged hay. Sometimes it's alfalfa, sometimes timothy, sometimes blended, and sometimes with a touch of molasses. Always scrumptious. After hay and grass, it's pretty much the best alternative and a great way to supplement feed for your hard keeper.

And thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets which you can simply sprinkle on your horse's feed and Redmond's Rock on a Rope which you can simply hang on a fence. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!

This is Episode 28 of Season 3 and in it, Jec interviews Amy Skinner for another Coaches' Corner. This interview concerns the use of round pens and I found it very insightful. Like many of you, I have used round pens for working my horses. It was especially a go-to place years ago. I feel like I knew less and had images of several roundpen-using clinicians in my head. So I was, like, yeah, of course, I'm headed to the round pen to do some fundamental ground work. Like ya do.

Turns out, like so many things, what you do in a round pen and even IF you use a round pen, needs much more consideration.

Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds. Forage is chopped, packaged hay. Sometimes it's alfalfa, sometimes timothy, sometimes blended, and sometimes with a touch of molasses. Always scrumptious. After hay and grass, it's pretty much the best alternative and a great way to supplement feed for your hard keeper.

We have a new sponsor in Chill Angel! Chill Angel is a Colorado-based company that makes luscious, super-fine merino wool sleepwear and loungewear. Jec's trying out the Essential Tank and says it's super comfortable, "like I'm wearing a soft, little cloud." More on Chill Angel in upcoming shows.

Big thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe's aloe pellets and Redmond's Rock on a Rope. We think you'll love 'em.

Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Check out the all season vest or the light and soft but tough ranch jacket – two great tops for this time of year. Both are made of hemp which has an already-broken in feel while also being super durable.

Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you'll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don't forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.

That's it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y'all!