The Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship

I've never met FJ Thomas in person.  Our mutual interest in horses and writing brought us together on the internet.   From the moment our Twitter feeds crossed I knew FJ Thomas was cowgirl I would enjoy meeting one day.  FJ has a "motor".  She's going all the time.  As owner of Fairweather Farms She has many irons in the fire and if she sees a need she works to try and fill it.

FJ Thomas noticed how large animals are the last to be helped in natural disasters.  She helped out with a local disaster and then she worked it into a novel that got published.  Lost Betrayal is a story of horses, love and natural disaster.  She's is currently working on getting her children's book illustrated and published for a scheduled release in the summer of 2016.  FJ is also a horse show judge and trainer.  She trains horses and people.

FJ has a lot of things on her mind and she says them.  She is an avid blogger with her Musings from the Leadrope and Talking in the Barn blogs. And she is a regular contributor to the Everybody Needs A Little Romance – (Romance Writers Blog)

Seeing a need for the voice of plus sized horsewomen everywhere, FJ Thomas started Cowgirls With Curves, a website to help encourage and support women of all sizes and their horsemanship.

She's been interviewed by Texas Ranch & Rodeo Weekly, The Earn Your Spurs Podcast, and the Horse Hour Podcast.

TWITTER:  @F_J_Thomas --

INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/f_j_thomas/

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/fJTHOMASAUTHOR1

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES ON FACEBOOK

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES ON INSTAGRAM

COWGIRLS WITH CURVES ON TWITTER

It takes a lot of time an money to put on the podcast.  I've been willingly footing the bill on both for four years now.  My equipment is wearing out.  My travel budget is shrinking.  If yo want to help, there is a simple way to do it.  I've partnered with Patreon.  You can contribute any amount.  Anything you would care to send along would be greatly appreciate.  Thanks.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Cavalia Odysseo has arrived in Irvine, California. We missed the Cavalia performance when it was in Southern California 9 years ago so when the publicist for Cavalia Odysseo invited us to media day and a preview of the show, Ranae and I jumped at the chance. The 125' Big Top was set up in an open field in Irvine in Orange County. The show had taken this open field and transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility. Stables for 65 horses plus all the feed, pellets and bedding, a kitchen that prepares 600 meals a day, plus the gift shop, food concessions, and stage which includes a 3 story "hill" the horses make their grand entrance.

We got to check out the grounds and meet the horses and trainers and grooms. Everyone at Cavalia Odysseo is proud of the work they do and very welcoming to guests. The patiently answered all our questions and showed us where the horses warm up and how some of the backstage mechanisms operated.

Four or five days later the place was ready for a performance. We got front seats in a truncated but very exciting show. There were gymnasts, urban stilts, and horses, lots of horses. An amazing performance of liberty using nine horses. Yes NINE horses. No whips or crops or anything other than hand signals and voice commands. This was the highlight of the show until, near the end of the performance, the flood the stage and create a lake. For the next 10 minutes we watch a high level dressage performance. Horse and rider were one. There were even flying lead changes through the water.

If you live in the Southern California area, you won't want to miss Cavalia Odysseo. Tickets are affordable and the show is so fabulous you will be talking about it for months. You can find out more at the Cavalia Odysseo website.

It takes a lot of time an money to put on the podcast. I've been willingly footing the bill on both for four years now. My equipment is wearing out. My travel budget is shrinking. If yo want to help, there is a simple way to do it. I've partnered with Patreon. You can contribute any amount. Anything you would care to send along would be greatly appreciate. Thanks.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship. I am your host John Harrer. Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse. It could be feeding or supplementation. It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots. We cover training problems, or competing in shows. We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors. We talk about movies, books and magazine articles. And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse. That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works. It's Free. You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

Cavalia Odysseo has arrived in Irvine, California.  We missed the Cavalia performance when it was in Southern California 9 years ago so when the publicist for Cavalia Odysseo invited us to media day and a preview of the show, Ranae and I jumped at the chance.  The 125' Big Top was set up in an open field in Irvine in Orange County.  The show had taken this open field and transformed it into a state-of-the-art facility.  Stables for 65 horses plus all the feed, pellets and bedding, a kitchen that prepares 600 meals a day, plus the gift shop, food concessions, and stage which includes a 3 story "hill" the horses make their grand entrance.

We got to check out the grounds and meet the horses and trainers and grooms.  Everyone at Cavalia Odysseo is proud of the work they do and very welcoming to guests.  The patiently answered all our questions and showed us where the horses warm up and how some of the backstage mechanisms operated.

Four or five days later the place was ready for a performance.  We got front seats in a truncated but very exciting show.  There were gymnasts, urban stilts, and horses, lots of horses.  An amazing performance of liberty using nine horses.  Yes NINE horses.  No whips or crops or anything other than hand signals and voice commands.  This was the highlight of the show until, near the end of the performance, the flood the stage and create a lake.  For the next 10 minutes we watch a high level dressage performance.  Horse and rider were one.  There were even flying lead changes through the water.

If you live in the Southern California area, you won't want to miss Cavalia Odysseo.  Tickets are affordable and the show is so fabulous you will be talking about it for months.  You can find out more at the Cavalia Odysseo website.

It takes a lot of time an money to put on the podcast.  I've been willingly footing the bill on both for four years now.  My equipment is wearing out.  My travel budget is shrinking.  If yo want to help, there is a simple way to do it.  I've partnered with Patreon.  You can contribute any amount.  Anything you would care to send along would be greatly appreciate.  Thanks.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

When she heard of my experience in the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge she invited me on her most excellent podcast the Earn Your Spurs podcast. Alyssa's podcast is all about "Unleashing Your Inner Cowboy". Through her show, Alyssa interviews many of the most exciting people in the rodeo and cowboy industry. To be asked to participate in her show is really an honor. She released her Earn Your Spurs Interview with me last week and now gave me permission to share it with my listeners. You get to hear about my experience training Scratch, my wild horse, from Alyssa's perspective. Her questions and easy going interview style is what makes her show so popular. Please check out Earn Your Spurs in iTunes and on Facebook. If you have time, please leave a comment on Alyssa's Earn Your Spurs page to let her know you heard the show. And be sure to check out the Earn Your Spurs Group on Facebook.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship. I am your host John Harrer. Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse. It could be feeding or supplementation. It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots. We cover training problems, or competing in shows. We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors. We talk about movies, books and magazine articles. And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse. That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works. It's Free. You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

When she heard of my experience in the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge she invited me on her most excellent podcast the Earn Your Spurs podcast.  Alyssa's podcast is all about "Unleashing Your Inner Cowboy".  Through her show, Alyssa interviews many of the most exciting people in the rodeo and cowboy industry.  To be asked to participate in her show is really an honor.  She released her Earn Your Spurs Interview with me last week and now gave me permission to share it with my listeners.  You get to hear about my experience training Scratch, my wild horse, from Alyssa's perspective.  Her questions and easy going interview style is what makes her show so popular.  Please check out Earn Your Spurs in iTunes and on Facebook.  If you have time, please leave a comment on Alyssa's Earn Your Spurs page to let her know you heard the show.  And be sure to check out the Earn Your Spurs Group on Facebook.

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

There was a lot more coverage of this year's Vaquero Heritage Trainers' Challenge. Several local newspapers and photographers had some great pieces and photos of the event. One reporter, Key Budge, covering the event for the Tehachapi News produced several audio interviews of the trainers of the VHTC. Key was kind enough to supply me with those interviews so I could share them with you. The interviews were conducted early in the competition and the trainers of the VHTC have some wonderful insights about the horses and competition.

We used seven of Key's interviews for this show. He talks to David Jeffers, the winner of the event. Erika Underwood came in second and talks about the challenges of training the new colt. Shaula Carboni is from Italy and has worked for a mustang rescue organization. Steve Perron is a two-time competitor of the event. Shane Flanigan traveled from Utah to get an Oak Creek Horse and participate. Dal Bunn watched all three days of the event as the emcee/announcer and has a sharp eye and analysis of these horses and trainers of the VHTC. Finally, Key talks to me about my experience with Scratch. I learned a lot from the experience. Yeah, we made some mistakes, but that's sometimes the best way to learn.

Tehachapi News Coverage

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Boone Campbell Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship. I am your host John Harrer. Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse. It could be feeding or supplementation. It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots. We cover training problems, or competing in shows. We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors. We talk about movies, books and magazine articles. And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse. That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works. It's Free. You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

There was a lot more coverage of this year's Vaquero Heritage Trainers' Challenge.  Several local newspapers and photographers had some great pieces and photos of the event.  One reporter, Key Budge, covering the event for the Tehachapi News produced several audio interviews of the trainers of the VHTC.  Key was kind enough to supply me with those interviews so I could share them with you.  The interviews were conducted early in the competition and the trainers of the VHTC have some wonderful insights about the horses and competition.

We used seven of Key's interviews for this show.  He talks to David Jeffers, the winner of the event.  Erika Underwood came in second and talks about the challenges of training the new colt.  Shaula Carboni is from Italy and has worked for a mustang rescue organization.  Steve Perron is a two-time competitor of the event.  Shane Flanigan traveled from Utah to get an Oak Creek Horse and participate.   Dal Bunn watched all three days of the event as the emcee/announcer and has a sharp eye and analysis of these horses and trainers of the VHTC.  Finally, Key talks to me about my experience with Scratch.  I learned a lot from the experience.  Yeah, we made some mistakes, but that's sometimes the best way to learn.

Tehachapi News Coverage

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Boone Campbell Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

M.A.R.E is an acronym for Mastering Abilities Riding Equines. MARE Therapeutic Riding Center has been helping people with special needs and disabilities for 25 years! Recently, I heard the facility was hosting a big 25 year celebration event. Then, I realized this very special place is right in my backyard and I have yet to visit the place. I contacted Debra Durkin and she agreed to give me the history and tour of such a fantastic facility.

They have a wonderful set of horses and even a more dedicated staff. MARE has a huge staff of volunteers and offers therapeutic riding sessions 44 weeks a year.

The organization is celebrating 25 years with a huge gala called Diamonds to Denim happening on the grounds of the MARE Therapeutic Riding Center. The event happens on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 5 PM. Headlining the event will be equestrian demonstrations in both dressage and reining. There will also be dinner served, along with a silent auction, live music, and dancing.

To learn more about the Diamonds to Denim event click this LINK.

Diamonds to Denim 25 Year Celebration

M.A.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Center website

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship. I am your host John Harrer. Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse. It could be feeding or supplementation. It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots. We cover training problems, or competing in shows. We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors. We talk about movies, books and magazine articles. And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse. That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works. It's Free. You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

M.A.R.E is an acronym for Mastering Abilities Riding Equines.  MARE Therapeutic Riding Center has been helping people with special needs and disabilities for 25 years!  Recently, I heard the facility was hosting a big 25 year celebration event.  Then, I realized this very special place is right in my backyard and I have yet to visit the place.  I contacted Debra Durkin and she agreed to give me the history and tour of such a fantastic facility.

They have a wonderful set of horses and even a more dedicated staff.  MARE has a huge staff of volunteers and offers therapeutic riding sessions 44 weeks a year.

The organization is celebrating 25 years with a huge gala called Diamonds to Denim happening on the grounds of the MARE Therapeutic Riding Center.  The event happens on Saturday, October 24th, 2015 at 5 PM.  Headlining the event will be equestrian demonstrations in both dressage and reining.  There will also be dinner served, along with a silent auction, live music, and dancing.

To learn more about the Diamonds to Denim event click this LINK.

Diamonds to Denim 25 Year Celebration

M.A.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Center website

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship.   I am your host  John Harrer.  Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse.  It could be feeding or supplementation.  It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots.  We cover training problems, or competing in shows.  We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors.  We talk about movies, books and magazine articles.  And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse.   That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed.  Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works.  It's Free.  You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com.  Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast.  We really love getting your feedback.  Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show.  You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com

A Quick Update on Our Progress

Scratch and I have been working hard. We've ridden almost every day. We are working on a liberty routine that I don't think will be ready, but we'll keep trying.

On today's show I give you a quick update and talk about next week's show. Thanks for your support!

Storytelling has always fascinated me. History, particularly oral history, fascinates me too. What better way to hear a story than from the person telling it? While I know I'm not the best storyteller, I have an idea for another podcast (or transform this show into something else) and I would like your help. There are many great old stories cowboys tell. Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear them as a podcast? A storytelling show takes a bit more effort than an interview show, however, and I wonder if there is anyone out there who would like to collaborate on such an adventure. I explain the rough concept in this show. If you are interested, I hope you contact me at [email protected].

Bakersfield Large Animal Hospital

Matt Sheridan Performance Horses

Rancho Rio Stables

Sean McRoberts Horseshoeing

Joanne Galbraith

Downunder Horsemanship

Boone Campbell Horsemanship

Blog about Scratch

Welcome to the Whoa Podcast about Horses and Horsemanship. I am your host John Harrer. Along with my wife, Ranae, each week on the show we talk about some aspect of owning a horse. It could be feeding or supplementation. It could be bits and bridles, tack, or cowboy boots. We cover training problems, or competing in shows. We talk to farriers and horse chiropractors. We talk about movies, books and magazine articles. And, we travel to places we think you would like to take your horse. That’s what the Whoa Podcast is all about.

We have well over 90 episodes up now and you can find them all for free on iTunes, with our Android App in the Amazon store, and now Stitcher, or wherever podcasts are distributed. Get the Stitcher app and let us know how it works. It's Free. You can also find every episode and more about the show at whoapodcast.com. Please take a moment and join our email list. Get in on the conversation with Facebook and Twitter - just look for WhoaPodcast.

You are a big part of why we do this podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. You can email us at: [email protected]

I blog at TrainingJessie.blogspot.com and I have a new blog about my Louisiana Leopard Catahoula puppy named Buster at BusterBrownDog.blogspot.com and if you want to know even more - and I can't imagine why - it's all at JohnHarrer.com