Knowledge without application doesn’t get you very far. You can know everything there is to know, but if you don’t apply it at the right time, it won’t do much good—and the same goes for your equipment. In this episode, I’m sharing a few training moments from the week that reminded me how important it is to use your tools with purpose and adjust based on what your horse needs from you that day.
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30:16
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30:16
Freedom in the Process
This week, I’m reflecting on the freedoms we celebrate—both in life and in horsemanship. One of the greatest gifts we have as horsemen and women is the ability to write our own script. We get to take the foundational knowledge passed down from others and apply it in a way that fits our own journey. In this episode, I’m sharing a few thoughts on learning from experience, staying present in the process, and appreciating the moments that matter most.
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30:24
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30:24
Staying Grounded Through the Building Seasons
Life, business, and horsemanship all move in seasons. In this episode, I’m sharing some thoughts on recognizing the season you’re in—whether it’s a time to build, grow, or simply stay the course. Especially with our horses, those slow-building seasons matter. It might not always feel flashy, but laying that foundation is what sets everything else up. Stay the course, stay consistent, and trust the process—the results will come.
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33:40
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33:40
Patience in Training and Competing
If you’re in a season where things feel heavy—like you’re stuck, behind, or just not making the progress you hoped for—this episode is for you. In this segment, I talk about what it means to stay the course, why it’s often darkest before the dawn, and how patience plays a critical role in both training and competition. Great things are right around the corner—keep showing up and being your best.
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27:21
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27:21
Making Progress When Things Don't Go As Planned
This episode is a reminder that even when things don’t go exactly to plan — like when it rains for days and keeps you out of the saddle — there’s still progress to be made. Join me as I share what I’ve been working on despite the weather and why focusing on what you can do matters more than chasing perfection. In this episode, I'm also introducing two new mentorship formats we’ll be offering this fall—one focused on building confidence in horse and rider, and another designed to help rope horses lay a better foundation. If you're navigating a season that feels a little off-track, I hope this episode encourages you to keep showing up and building forward.
"Be Your Best" is hosted by professional horse trainer and clinician, Phil Haugen. Inspired by his “1% better everyday" training philosophy, Phil explains the methods, mindset, and performance tips that drive continuous learning and growth in horsemanship, as well as in life. Join us each week as Phil shares his experiences over the past 30 years in the horse training industry, discussing the methods that have helped him bridge the language barrier between horse and rider to enhance understanding and performance from foundation to finish.
New Zealand