Ride On with Julie Goodnight Julie Goodnight

On this episode, I’m excited to have a very special guest on the show⁠—equestrian fitness and wellness coach, Ifa Simmonds! We'll talk about fitness specific to riders, the importance of your overall well-being,confidence, and how to kickstart your personal fitness journey. Plus, Ifa will share his advice for what we can do—starting RIGHT NOW, in the off-season—to prepare to meet your riding goals this year.
I'll also be sharing one of my many stories from the early days of my horse training career in my brand my new segment, "Long Story Short." This time, I'll tell you a story about a huge turning point for me at a clinic I was teaching decades ago. It was so impactful (a lightbulb moment so-to-speak) that it opened a huge door for furthering my understanding of horse behavior, and more importantly, the interaction between horses and their riders.
And in my “What the Hay? Q&A” at the end of the episode, I’ll answer questions from listeners about coming back to horse sports after a 10-year break, a rider who’s polluting her mind with negative thoughts, and whether or not you should post on a gaited horse.
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Find More About Ifa Simmonds:
Ifa's Website, Equestrian Fitness Academy (EFA) & EFA Ultimate ifafit.com
Instagram: @ifa.fit
Facebook: Ifa Simmonds & IFA FIT Equestrian
 
Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events
Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join
Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter

In this episode, I'll talk about teaching a horse to calm down and focus. I teach horses within just a few minutes of training not to look around excessively, and (you've probably heard this a lot!) to “focus on me or focus on nothing.” But why is this important? What's the big deal with letting your horse look around?
 
Horses that are looking excessively are either frantically searching for something to be afraid of, or they are looking for the exit—and have no intention of staying here with you. I'll go over two simple ground manners to teach your horse that will help keep you safe (especially when things go sideways), and can help an anxious or spooky horse become calm and able to focus on me.
 
But before we get to all of that, I’m excited to officially introduce a brand new segment to the podcast called "Long Story Short." I'll kick off each episode by telling you one of my many stories from the early days of my horse training career. Some funny or amusing, others with touches of excitement or inspiration—all have hard-won lessons everyone can benefit from.
 
And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about about etiquette for correcting bad behavior in someone else’s horse, if horses move into pressure or away from pressure, and about restarting an older horse.
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com

What causes a 3-year-old colt to freeze under the slightest amount of pressure? I've invited renowned equine behaviorist, Dr. Kate Fenner, to talk about what can cause a horse to "shut down" (and how it's more common than you might think!). We'll also talk about how to help the horse recover, prevention, and what her research has revealed to help improve training methods for horses.
 
But first... I have an exciting surprise announcement that's happening right now at my ranch—and believe me when I say that no one was more surprised than me!
 
And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, my friend and assistant trainer, T. Cody, joins me to ask a question about a horse recently that left his rider in the dirt. Plus, I’ll answer a question from a rider whose horse unexpectedly lays down and rolls—with her in the saddle!
 
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
·· There are a few spots left in my Horsemanship Immersion clinic at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO! Get more info here: https://www.clazyu.com/special-event/julie-goodnights-horsemanship-immersion
·· Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference: https://cha.horse/international-conference
·· Equine Affaire, Massachusetts: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts
 
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
·· Dr. Fenner’s Website, Kandoo Equine & her free 30 day video training series: https://www.kandooequine.com·· E-BarQ - Citizen science project: https://e-barq.com·· Shutdown Resources: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/when-horses-shut-down

In this episode, I’m going to help you answer the question, “Should you let someone else ride your horse?” I’ll tell you a story from early on in my horse training career that is, to this day, one of the most powerful lessons I’ve ever learned. Then we’ll dive into some pros and cons, the value of having different people ride a horse, and the benefits for a rider to get on different horses. I’ll also share my advice for what to consider before you decide, and your responsibilities when you let someone ride your horse. There’s a lot to think about!
 
And in the “What the Hay? Q&A” segment, I’ll answer questions from listeners about how to find the right saddle fit for a saddle-phobic horse, and a horse owner who wants to take off and travel the world⁠—without losing the years of hard work he’s done with his horse.
 
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
·· The new brushes I just tried out (They’ve got Annie’s seal of approval!): https://shop.juliegoodnight.com/product-tag/julies-favorite-brushes
·· Join my 5-lb Challenge Facebook Group here: https://facebook.com/groups/goodnightchallenge
 
Events Coming Up:
·· There are a few spots left in my Horsemanship Immersion clinic at C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, CO! Get more info here: https://www.clazyu.com/special-event/julie-goodnights-horsemanship-immersion
·· Certified Horsemanship Association International Conference: https://cha.horse/international-conference
·· Equine Affaire, Massachusetts: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts
 
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
·· Resources for “Cinchy” Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/cinchy
·· Resources for Desensitizing/Advance & Retreat: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/advance-retreat

Last month, I shared five important tips for you to get the most from your horse and help you feel more prepared to achieve your horsemanship goals.
 
This month,  let’s talk about strategies to manage anxiety, in both horse & rider, how to boost your confidence & perform at your best on the day of your event⁠—whatever that is. I’ll also share some specific tools and exercises that you can do with your horse to stay focused and calm, perform at your best, and how to get back on track when things go wrong.
 
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Get everything you need—podcast episodes, blog posts, worksheets and supportive communities—to start your own Horse Goals or Bust! journey: JulieGoodnight.com/horsegoals
Follow Annie's Story: JulieGoodnight.com/horsereport
Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events
Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join
Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter

We are now 7 months into Horse Goals or Bust—setting goals and planning, training, practicing, and preparing for them. It’s prime riding season in most areas, so now is the time to put our plans for all the activities we’ve been planning into action.
For some of you, that may mean going to a clinic, a competition, or hitting the trail. Or you might be more focused on bonding with a new horse, regaining your mojo after an incident, or accomplishing a singular feat with your horse. 
Throughout this process I’ve been reminded of the many lessons I have learned throughout my career with horses. Today, I’ll share some of the most important lessons I’ve learned to help you make the most of your equestrian endeavors.
And in the "What the Hay? Q&A" segment at the end of this podcast, I’ll answer questions from listeners about teaching an old horse a new behavior, a mother and daughter who have different boundaries with their horses, and a horse that gets anxious and reactive in a particular setting.
 
Want your question answered in What the Hay? Email podcast@juliegoodnight.com
 
Show Notes & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Get everything you need—podcast episodes, blog posts, worksheets and supportive communities—to start your own Horse Goals or Bust! journey: JulieGoodnight.com/horsegoals
Follow Annie's Story: JulieGoodnight.com/horsereport
Julie’s upcoming events: Juliegoodnight.com/events
Online coaching, memberships, and short courses: JulieGoodnight.com/join
Go to Juliegoodnight.com/news to sign up for Julie’s newsletter
Resources from the Episode:
Consistency Counts article: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/consistency-counts
Stages of Learning: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/slower-is-faster-with-horses
Managing Fearful Behavior in Horses: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/managing-fearful-behavior-in-horses
Resources to Calm Your Horse: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/tag/calm-your-horse 
Think Forward: Ride Yourself Out of Rough Spots article: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/think-forward-ride-yourself-out-of-rough-spots 
Stages Of Life Part 3: The Senior Citizens: https://signin.juliegoodnight.com/articles/free-articles/julies-blog/keeping-your-horse-healthy-through-the-stages-of-life-part-3-the-senior-citizens
Julie's Online Coaching Program: JulieGoodnight.com/Coach
Golden Moments Video: https://www.facebook.com/juliegoodnight/videos/679868616684014