When winter hits hard, the question comes up every year: is it too cold to ride?

In this episode, we talk honestly about cold-weather riding — what actually matters, what doesn’t, and how to make smart decisions for your horse (and yourself) when temperatures drop.

We’ll cover how cold affects muscles, footing, breathing, and mindset, plus when riding still makes sense and when it’s better to adjust expectations. This isn’t about fear or hard rules — it’s about understanding your horse, your environment, and the reality of winter horse life.

Whether you’re dealing with snow, ice, or just brutal wind chills, this episode is here to help you ride smarter, not harder, all winter long.

This episode was one of those conversations that went everywhere — and that’s what made it so good.

I sat down with a guest and somehow found ourselves drawing constant parallels between horses and motorcycles — the mindset, the respect they demand, the discipline, the consequences, and the freedom that comes with doing it right. What started as a simple conversation turned into laughs, side streets, and some surprisingly real observations about life, work, and responsibility.

We talk about learning curves, trust, patience, and why both horses and motorcycles have a way of humbling you if you stop paying attention. No script, no agenda — just a fun, honest conversation full of detours and real-life connections.

If you love horses, motorcycles, or just good conversation that doesn’t take itself too seriously — this one’s for you.

Support the show and shop the merch : https://bulls-barrels-co.launchcart.store/

This week I’m diving into horse hoof care — what I’ve learned, what I do for my own horses, and why.

A few years ago, I seriously considered becoming a farrier, which led me to work closely with my farrier, learn how to trim, study hoof anatomy, read, and spend more time learning than I ever expected. That journey completely changed how I look at hoof care.

I talk about why I trim every four weeks instead of the more common six- to eight-week schedule, how shorter trim cycles help manage issues like white line disease and thrush, and why trim quality and consistency matter just as much as products.

I also share the hoof care products I rely on, why I’m choosing to go barefoot this year, and some alternative options to traditional steel shoes — including boots, glue-ons, and composite shoes.

This episode was inspired by Phil Haugen — and it turned into something much deeper.

I talk honestly about my goals, the vision I have for my life and the uncomfortable truth about the habits, fears, and patterns that keep me from fully achieving them. This is a raw look at the gap between wanting something and actually earning it — the discipline we talk about, but don’t always live.

No highlight reel. No pretending I’ve arrived. Just a real conversation about accountability, growth, and owning where I fall short so I can move forward stronger.

If you’re inspired, driven, and still struggling to fully align your actions with your goals — this one’s for you.

A real, unscripted conversation with Dustin about the highs, lows, and learning curves of building Bulls & Barrels — plus a little life and weather talk along the way. Raw, honest, and straight from the middle of the journey.

Winter in Upstate New York doesn’t make horse training easy, but consistency matters more than perfect conditions. In this episode, I’m sharing a real-time check-in on how my horses’ winter training is going, what’s working, what’s been challenging, and how I’m keeping them moving when riding time is limited.

I also dive into my first impressions of switching to a deep litter stall system — why I decided to try it, how it’s holding up so far, and what I’ve learned early on about managing stalls through the cold months. If you’re juggling winter weather, barn chores, and keeping your horses comfortable and fit, this episode is for you.

Whether you’re riding daily, focusing on groundwork, or just trying to survive winter barn life, this one’s an honest look at progress, patience, and doing the best you can for your horses when Mother Nature has other plans.

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode

🐎 Jec Ballou – Equine Fitness & Training

👉 https://www.jecballou.com

👉 The Hay Pillow – Slow Feeder

https://www.thehaypillow.com

🤎 Bulls & Barrels Co.

👉 https://bulls-barrels-co.launchcart.store

In this special episode, Dustin and I sit down to share the story behind us — how we met, how he built his crane and rigging company with grit and determination, and how we’re aligning our goals for the life we want to create together. We talk about love, purpose, business, and the hard work that holds it all up. If you’re into real conversations, ambition, and building a future with someone who matches your drive, this one’s for you.

Email the show at : [email protected]

Shop the Brand at: https://bulls-barrels-co.launchcart.store/

In this episode, Jess breaks down her winter game plan inspired by Jec Ballou! From groundwork routines to mindset shifts, she shares the exact resource she’ll be using to keep her horses tuned up through the cold months — so when the season rolls back around, they’re not just ready… they’re hustlin’.

Perfect for riders who want to use winter wisely and bring their horses into spring stronger than ever.

In this very first episode, I introduce myself and open about what led me to create Bulls & Barrels Co.

If you want to reach out email us at [email protected]