What if building real rider confidence had nothing to do with just “desensitizing” your horse? In this powerful conversation with Justin Haefner of Riding Far LLC, we unpack how emotional regulation in both horse and rider creates lasting safety, confidence, and partnership.

From foxhunting to dressage to equine osteopathy, Justin brings a unique background that helps him “build bridges” across different horsemanship camps. Together, he and his father (a clinical psychotherapist) are transforming how riders overcome trauma, rebuild confidence, and develop safe, emotionally regulated horses.

We also share highlights from the Appalachian Trainer Face Off (Aug 21–23, Appalachian Trainer Face Off), where rescue horses and skilled trainers prove just how much transformation is possible.

➡️ Watch now + grab my Free Training: Never Fall Off Again

🎧 You can also listen anywhere, anytime → https://greatesthorseman.com/

Available on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts.

#SteadyHorse #TheGreatestHorsmanPodcast #HorsePodcast #AppalachianTrainerFaceOff #HorseTrainingTips

Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue is rewriting the story of horse rescue in Appalachia — one horse, one volunteer, one hard decision at a time.

In this interview, Annette and her team share:

🐎 What it really means to be a “horse person” (hint: it’s not about riding).

🌱 Why some horses don’t need a “job” — they just need a safe place to be.

⚖️ How they make the hardest call of all: when euthanasia is the most compassionate option.

🤝 The incredible role of volunteers and trainers in building a network of hope.

💔 Stories of resilience — from neglected horses to miraculous turnarounds like Gilligan and Slate.

This is horsemanship without the gloss. It’s raw, honest, and deeply inspiring.

👉 Learn how you can support Heart of Phoenix, volunteer from anywhere:

🌐 https://wvhorserescue.org

➡️ And if you want to ride with more peace, connection, and confidence — don’t miss our free training:

https://steadyhorse.com/watch-free-training

Lee McLean a Horsewoman and Author, has been around horses for over 50 years — and the wisdom she brings isn’t just about tack or technique. It’s about soul-level horsemanship.

In this conversation, Lee shares stories that will stick with you for life:

🟢 Why her horses stand at the trailer gate, asking to be included — even in old age

🟢 The truth about horse retirement most people miss

🟢 What really makes someone a horseman worth learning from

🟢 The cost of separating “great with animals” from “poor with people”

🟢 How abuse gets disguised as leadership in the horse world — and how we change that

This interview isn’t just about horses. It’s about becoming a better human through the horse.

🎧 You can also watch it on YouTube - https://youtu.be/irYCeyKPKc0

#SteadyHorse #NoahTY #TheGreatestHorsmanPodcast #HorsePodcast

What happens when you don’t grow up obsessed with riding… but still become one of the most respected horsemen in the game?

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Michael Lyons opens up about how his journey didn’t start with childhood competitions—but with a deep passion for understanding the horse, and the human behind the reins.

We cover:

• Why some riders never get the “weee!” phase—and why that’s okay

• How Michael and his wife Julia navigated fear and rebuilt trust

• The quiet wisdom behind training horses for people, not just performance

• What Michael looks for when breeding a truly versatile, solid-minded horse

• The one thing the horse world needs more of today

Whether you’re a beginner, a pro, or somewhere in between—this episode will give you new language for the journey, and remind you that your timing isn’t too late.

Available on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts: greatesthorseman.com

🎥 You can also watch it here: steadyhorse.com/youtube

I had the pleasure of being a judge at the Appalachian Trainer Face Off put on by The Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue this year! I had the opportunity to interview my fellow judges, Carl Bledsoe and Sonny Garguilo, where we discussed our experiences, what we look for when judging competitions, and even some things we differ on regarding training techniques.