On The Move

Ian Bardwell is the wilderness and trails manager on the east side of the Bob Marshall Wilderness in central Montana. He oversees a crew of 20 people and 65 horses and mules for the USDA Forest Service. Ian his crew are responsible for maintaining 1000 miles of trail and all the other infrastructure in the area. All of the work they do is done without the use of motorized vehicles or machinery. Ian has been working in the Montana wilderness since 1996. Join Ben and Joe as they discuss horsemanship, conservation and packing with Ian.

Nick Dowers is a horseman, rancher and NRCHA Million Dollar Rider from Dyer, Nevada. Nick’s interest in working with horses started when he went to Feather River College where he was exposed to the horsemanship ideas of well know clinicians, such as past guest, Bryan Neubert. After college Nick transitioned from colt starting and horsemanship to the show pen where he found a great amount of success. In 2013 Nick won the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Championship. Nick joins Ben and Joe to discuss the roadmap to his success including his training program, his mentors and the attitude he feels has brought him success in the equine industry.

Gene Armstrong was a professional farrier for over 59 years. He spent 35 years as a professor at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo. Gene served as the instructor of the professional Farrier Science class for 25 years and also taught many of the equine classes, including the colt starting class. Topics discussed include teaching horsemanship in an academic setting, applying horsemanship to farrier work and the principles Gene has learned from his various teachers.

Ben and Joe sit down to catch up and talk about Joe’s trip to the colt starting clinic at Houlihan Ranch in Sheridan, Wyoming. Topics discussed include western cinema, the civil war and starting colts.

Jack LaTorre is the founder of Equibody Fitness, a fitness company that seeks to teach riders how to use fitness to improve their riding. Jack is a dressage rider who found himself struggling with stiffness as his riding increased. Fortunately, he was able to resolve his issues through gaining strength, flexibility and mobility. Ben and Joe discuss what inspired Jack to start his business, the concepts he uses for training, and the role fitness plays in one’s riding ability.

Dr. Bill Barnes is an orthopedic surgeon from Forsyth, Georgia. After seeing the equestrian events at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Bill was inspired to start riding horses. This eventually led him to pursue horsemanship and find his mentor and friend, Buck Brannaman. Today, Bill owns Stony Creek Ranch where he helps others pursue horsemanship through lessons, clinics and an internship program. Ben and Joe discuss Bill’s pursuit horsemanship, his perspective on getting better, and how each person has a journey in horsemanship that is unique to them.

Max Young is a trainer and breeder from Estacada, Oregon. Max, along with his father, breeds and sells McCurdy Plantation horses, a lesser known gaited breed. In his early adulthood Max took a unique approach to finding his roll in life by deciding to spend 5 years chasing different things that interested him. His travels took him all over the American west, Hawaii, and Nashville. Ben and Joe sit down with Max to talk about his current operation and the unique path that got him there. Topics discussed include gaited horses, riding for the public and how to discover your true passions in life.

Aaron Vale is one of the most accomplished American show jumpers of all time. He has over 200 Grand Prix wins. Aaron holds the records for the most Grand Prix wins in a year, most double clear rounds in a year, and most money won in a year. Ben and Joe sit down with Aaron to learn more about the path to his success and the unique business model Aaron has compared to some of his peers. Topics discussed include Aaron’s early career with horses, developing a Grand Prix show jumper and the work ethic needed to reach the top of the sport.