The Making of a Trail Horse, Part 4 (and Other Duties, as Assigned)
I remember my father’s last and best trail horse, Scout. He was a big, bold, grade quarter horse, afraid of nothing, with a motor like a freight train. Aboard Scout,
Julie's Blog
The Making of a Trail Horse, Part 2
Manners and Skills There are many ingredients that go into the making of an exceptional trail horse and just like in the kitchen, quality ingredients can make the difference in
The Making of a Trail Horse
My youngest horse, Pepperoni, just successfully completed his first high mountain ride in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, a steep mountain range in southern Colorado. It was an arduous
Get a Handle on Your Reins
Tack and equipment play an important role in riding and training horses. Knowing the options and making the right choices can make a huge difference in your riding. The four
Too Hot to Trot
I grew up in central Florida, riding year-round in the steamy heat. As a young girl, most of my summer riding was done bareback, barefooted, in a bathing suit (much
My First Covid-Era Horsemanship Clinic
After almost two decades of being a road warrior, traveling 20-30 times a year to clinics and public speaking at horse fairs and conferences, I suddenly found myself grounded when
Helping Horses in Need—It Takes a Village
Dear Friends, This is a story about one horse that needs our help, and the dozens of people stepping up to help horses in need every day. But the truth
Horsemanship Homework
Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned. Despite our best efforts, there are times when life-events will supplant your horsemanship activities. Putting in too many hours at work, an illness in
Free Articles
The Making of a Trail Horse, Part 4 (and Other Duties, as Assigned)
I remember my father’s last and best trail horse, Scout. He was a big, bold, grade quarter horse, afraid of nothing, with a motor like a freight train. Aboard Scout,
November 2020 Horse Report
It was a fitting end to my travel-year, when my last remaining clinic was cancelled, not due to the pandemic, but because of raging wild fires in northern Colorado. This
November 2020 Letter from Julie
Dear friends, As this bizarre year comes ever so slowly to a close, there is so much to reflect on. It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives and
The Making of a Trail Horse, Part 2
Manners and Skills There are many ingredients that go into the making of an exceptional trail horse and just like in the kitchen, quality ingredients can make the difference in
October 2020 Letter From Julie
Dear Friends, At my ranch, here in the “Heart of the Rockies,” fall came fast and furious with 14” of snow on the ground just two days after record heat
September 2020 Horse Report
Summer came to a screeching halt around our ranch, just two days after record heat on Labor Day, when we were hammered with well over a foot of snow and
The Making of a Trail Horse
My youngest horse, Pepperoni, just successfully completed his first high mountain ride in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, a steep mountain range in southern Colorado. It was an arduous
September 2020 Letter from Julie
Dear Friends, This fall brings a transition like no other. Normally, I take a break from business travel in the summer and ease back into full swing, traveling to horse
Training Articles
Behavior Bummers
Does your trail horse paw, walk off when you mount up, or go at an inconsistent speed? Correct these behavioral woes with these techniques from top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. BY
Horse Illustrated Julie Goodnight Q&As – Bit Tips
Q: I just purchased a seven-year-old gelding. The previous owner was riding him in a single-jointed snaffle bit. Now, I’m looking for a bit for him and he has responded
Stop In An Emergency
The Trail Rider ~ May/June 2016 Riding Right Stop in an Emergency The one-rein stop is often taught as the go-to aid for slowing and stopping a
The Pully-Rein Stop
The Trail Rider ~ May 2016 Ride Right with Julie Goodnight To watch Julie Goodnight demonstrate how to perform the pulley-rein stop, go to TrailRiderMag.com. The Pulley-Rein Stop
Q & A – How To Introduce Kids To Horses And Riding
Q: What are safe tips to introduce my kids to horses and riding? I want them to love riding but don’t want to do too much too soon and end
Q & A – How To Make Picking Hooves Easier
Q: Sometimes when I’m picking out my horse’s hooves, she pulls it down onto the floor. If I hold it tightly, she tries to jerk it away. How can I
Extended Trot Instead Of Canter Cue
Julie Goodnight Q&A Q: How do I get my horse to move out at the trot without breaking into a lope? He’s a western horse learning dressage and the extended
Cinching Up Just Enough – Julie Goodnight Q & A
Q: How tight should I tighten my horse’s cinch—and what is the right process. I don’t want to hurt my horse and I want to make sure he never becomes
My Horse Consistently Breaks Gait From A Lope To A Jog On The Right Lead. Q & A
Q: My horse consistently breaks gait from a lope to a jog on the right lead. What may be causing this? –Haley White A: This is an interesting question—and I