Have you ever thought about adopting a wild mustang? With so many programs now available to help horse lovers learn to train these wild horses, having an idea about what to expect in the first few days and weeks of bringing one home could help you decide whether or not a mustang is in your future. Today’s episode features a conversation with horsemanship trainer, Don Jessop, about what to expect when you first bring home a mustang. From setting up food and shelter when they arrive, to training tips and setting realistic expectations. Don is an expert in teaching horse enthusiasts not just about training, but about leadership and healthy working partnerships with our horses. It’s a fascinating conversation, so listen in! 

Whether you are thinking about building a small barn or a large one, there are thousands of decisions to make along the way. When it comes to the actual components of your stalls, this is where you need to really focus on making decisions that are safe and comfortable for your horses. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice beauty. Nick Thornton from Lucas Equine Equipment helps us understand what our choices are when choosing stall components, so we end up with a barn that works as good as it looks. Listen in!

Now that COVID is settling into our rearview mirrors and Helena's out and about with her vaccinated self, she has some neat experiences to share with you. In the past three months, she's traveled to at least a dozen farms, met with barn owners and managers, attended clinics, and hosted some of her own. In this episode, she shares key takeaways from two of her favorite events, plus 10 new tips for helping you host a great clinic. Listen in!

Whether you own your own farm or have dreams about it, this is an episode you want to listen to. Making money in the horse industry is tough. The good news, is that there is help you may not know exists. This week, Buck joins Helena to talk about loan programs available to equestrian businesses. Buck is an Economic Development specialist who works with entrepreneurs (yes, Ms. Horse Trainer, that’s you!) to help them get the financial and business support they need to start or grow their businesses. From farm purchases and arena construction to tractors and new footing, these things are closer to reality than you think. Listen in!

Fuzzy coats, sweaty horses, fancy horses, plain horses, all kinds of horses benefit from having their coats clipped. Did you think that clipping was just for show horses or very specific circumstances?

It turns out that clipping is often necessary to keep our horses comfortable, whether they are competitive or pasture pets. There are many different ways to clip a horse, and doing so thoughtfully and precisely is what today’s guest does every day… so listen in and learn a little! 

What’s the latest in forage-based diets for horses? What myths have plagued you, and what do we need to know in 2021 about feeding hay to keep our horses healthy and happy? Do horses need Omega-3 supplements? Is beet pulp all that helpful? What gut supplement can actually help prevent ulcers?

Carey Williams, Ph.D., a research scientist and professor at Rutgers University Equine Science Center, joins Helena to discuss how to can keep our horses' digestive systems functioning well by focusing on forage. Listen in!

Shopping for a tow vehicle can be a daunting task! In this episode, I recount my experience shopping for a truck that could haul my two-horse bumper pull trailer but also serve as our daily driving family vehicle. It took a lot of online research - and inner work - when talking with dealership sales reps who know little about hauling horses. Listen in!

Barns are the perfect proving grounds for efficient management and thoughtful design. There are many different ways we can improve upon our daily chores - from setting up feed and turning horses out, to sweeping up after all of those picked hooves. This week, I’m sharing a few observations and tips that can keep your barn chores flowing and efficient. Plus, one more update on Siouxsie and the Solitary Witch. Listen in to find out how we fared on the return trip to Hoo Hollow! This episode is brought to you by Load Trail and Purina Omega Match.

This episode was going to be about hoses, but so much has happened in the last three weeks, Helena thought it would be more fun to share her experiences (and epiphanies) with Siouxsie as a temporary client on training board at Unexpected Farm. 

Plus, we get our geek on with Marc Hollahan from Tangent Materials, as he explains just how Tangent Fencing is made and why it's a great choice for horse properties large and small. Listen in! 

It’s springtime in America, and that means many of our horses are back to work in earnest. For some horse owners, separating our horses from their friends in order to work, travel, or show, can mean managing emotions - theirs and ours. Nick Rivera, of The Horseman’s University, joins Helena in this episode to talk about how we can manage our horse’s daily routines in order to help them learn to be more confident and independent. Listen in!