"What bit should I start my horse in?" "When should I change bits?" "Are snaffles the mildest bits?" "Does my horse even need a bit?"
 
There are so many bits out there (not to mention old wives tales—or misinformation), and every horse has different needs. In this episode, I'm talking about bits, sharing my knowledge to help you understand them better, and answering call-in questions in What the Hay? Q&A.; 
 
Show Notes:
Upcoming Appearances (Clinics, Expos, and other events)

More Bit & Bitting Resources (Note: some of these articles/videos are available with a free membership, and some are only available to Library or Interactive members.)

Myler's Bit Assistant



Bits & Bitting

Helping horses, one human at a time. Each month, horse trainer, clinician, and host, Julie Goodnight, breaks down the topics riders want to hear about most—whether you’re new to horses or refining your upper-level skills—from building confidence and setting goals to ground-manners, canter departures and more! Listen anytime, while you ride or when you drive to the barn.

To submit your question for ”What the Hay? Q&A,” email podcast@juliegoodnight.com

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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 on my riding career. And in What the Hay? Q&A, I'll answer your questions about a 9-year-old horse with sudden trailer anxiety, the mechanics of treeless saddles, and keeping horses barefoot year-round when you trail ride in the Rocky Mountains.

A New Era of Horsemanship: Part 1

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 career in my brand my new segment, "Long Story Short." This time, I'll tell you a story about a huge turning point for me at a clinic I was teaching decades ago. It was so impactful (a lightbulb moment so-to-speak) that it opened a huge door for furthering my understanding of horse behavior, and more importantly, the interaction between horses and their riders.
And in my “What the Hay? Q&A” at the end of the episode, I’ll answer questions from listeners about coming back to horse sports after a 10-year break, a rider who’s polluting her mind with negative thoughts, and whether or not you should post on a gaited horse.
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Find More About Ifa Simmonds:
Ifa's Website, Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA) & EFA Ultimate ifafit.com
Instagram: @ifa.fit
Facebook: Ifa Simmonds & IFA FIT Equestrian
 
Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events
Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join
Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter

Too Cold to Ride? Focus On Rider Health & Well-Being

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. I'll go over two simple ground manners to teach your horse that will help keep you safe (especially when things go sideways), and can help an anxious or spooky horse become calm and able to focus on me.
 
But before we get to all of that, I’m excited to officially introduce a brand new segment to the podcast called "Long Story Short." I'll kick off each episode by telling you one of my many stories from the early days of my horse training career. Some funny or amusing, others with touches of excitement or inspiration—all have hard-won lessons everyone can benefit from.
 
And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about about etiquette for correcting bad behavior in someone else’s horse, if horses move into pressure or away from pressure, and about restarting an older horse.
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com

Unwelcome Distractions: When Your Horse Pays Attention to Everything (Except You)

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 say that no one was more surprised than me!
 
And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, my friend and assistant trainer, T. Cody, joins me to ask a question about a horse recently that left his rider in the dirt. Plus, I’ll answer a question from a rider whose horse unexpectedly lays down and rolls—with her in the saddle!
 
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
·· There are a few spots left in my Horsemanship Immersion clinic at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO! Get more info here: https://www.clazyu.com/special-event/julie-goodnights-horsemanship-immersion
·· Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference: https://cha.horse/international-conference
·· Equine Affaire, Massachusetts: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts
 
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
·· Dr. Fenner’s Website, Kandoo Equine & her free 30 day video training series: https://www.kandooequine.com·· E-BarQ - Citizen science project: https://e-barq.com·· Shutdown Resources: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/when-horses-shut-down

What Causes a Horse to Shut Down?

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 someone ride your horse. There’s a lot to think about!
 
And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about how to find the right saddle fit for a saddle-phobic horse, and a horse owner who wants to take off and travel the world⁠—without losing the years of hard work he’s done with his horse.
 
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
·· The new brushes I just tried out (They’ve got Annie’s seal of approval!): https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/julies-favorite-brushes
·· Join my 5-lb Challenge Facebook Group here: https://facebook.com/groups/goodnightchallenge
 
Events Coming Up:
·· There are a few spots left in my Horsemanship Immersion clinic at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO! Get more info here: https://www.clazyu.com/special-event/julie-goodnights-horsemanship-immersion
·· Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference: https://cha.horse/international-conference
·· Equine Affaire, Massachusetts: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts
 
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
·· Resources for “Cinchy” Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/cinchy
·· Resources for Desensitizing/Advance & Retreat: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/advance-retreat

Bits & Bitting

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