On The Move Ben Cunningham and Joe McDonald

Sam Cockburn is a steeplechase trainer and Jockey from Middleburg, VA. Sam grew up surrounded by the steeplechase industry that is father was involved in. Today Sam pursues his goals of making successful steeplechase horse. Join Ben and Joe as they sit down with Sam to learn about the American Steeplechase industry and what it takes to be successful. Topics discussed include the confirmation needed for longevity in racing, the difference between hurdle and timber racing and what it takes to prepare a horse to be accurate to a jump while putting forth such large physical exertion. Tune in for a fun conversation about an industry rich in tradition and excitement.

Ben and Joe sit down for a solo episode to celebrate and reflect on making it to 100 episodes. They reflect on how the podcast and their time in the horse business has changed them. Topics discussed include the importance of not rushing to judgement, the power conversation has to build empathy and understanding, and what it means to be an onlooker versus the man in the arena. Join Ben and Joe as they celebrate this milestone and look forward to hundreds of more episodes thanks to listeners like you!

Josey Wales (his nickname that was affectionately bestowed upon him by the 6666s cowboys) came to the US for the first time in 2017. Ever since he was young, Josey wanted to be a cowboy. However, he was not born in the heart of Texas, rather the rural hills of Wales. After graduating from university, Josey decided to pursue his boyhood dream of cowboying and went to Texas. This led him to the 6666s ranch of all places where he would meet cowboys such as former guest, Dusty Burson, and cowboy legend, Boots O’Neal. Though the road wasn’t easy and the learning curve was steep, Josey continues to pursue the craft of cowboying today. Join Ben and Joe as they sit down with Josey to discuss this tale of determination, toughness and a man who is turning himself into a true Texas cowboy, despite the odds.

Scot “Indy” O’Connor is the head trainer at the Arizona Wild Horse and Burro Inmate program. Indy works for the state of Arizona in conjunction with the federal government to take wild horses and burros and start them using inmates from the Arizona Correctional Industries. Indy joins Ben and Joe to share the story that led him to finding this role. Topics covered include getting started in horsemanship, the impact a horse can have on human and how Scot came to have his famous nickname, Indy.

Damien is a horse trainer from England. Originally from Ireland, Damien has built his business from the ground up. While working as a groom, he discovered that most folks around him worked around horse problems, rather than fixing them. This led Damien to study horsemanship and begin searching for how to work with a horse. After working for several different trainers from across the globe, Damien was able to start full time on his business in northern England. Tune in for an interesting conversation about what it’s like to be a horse trainer and business owner in the UK.

Ben and Joe sit down to discuss their thoughts from their most recent clinic. Topics discussed include how to apply horsemanship ideas, giving the horse freedom to choose, and the importance of having goals. Tune in for a fun, philosophical conversation about the journey of horsemanship.