Be Your Best Horsemanship

• Behind-the-Scenes of NFR Dreams with Lorissa Jo Merritt

  During the ten days of the NFR in Las Vegas, we all get to watch the product of a year-long—and often lifelong—journey to the Thomas & Mack. What we don’t always see is the small army behind each competitor who helps make that run possible.In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Lorissa Jo Merritt— sister of Katelyn Scott and sister-in-law to Halyn Lide, who both qualified for this year’s National Finals Rodeo. While Lorissa is a talented horsewoman herself, her role behind the scenes is one we don’t talk about enough—and it is a pivotal role in the road to the NFR.Lorissa shares how she's embraced her role as the “horse finder” and “accountability partner" in Katelyn's journey, the story of how Peanut Seed—Katelyn’s main mount for this year’s finals—came into their lives, how he got his name, and the team effort that goes into an NFR qualification.

  --------  

  51:01

  --------

  51:01
• Perspectives on the EHV-1 Outbreak with Dr. Chrissie Pariseau, Merck Animal Health

  In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Chrissie Pariseau, DVM, MS, DABVP (Equine Practice), cVMA with Merck Animal Health to share some perspectives on the current EHV-1 outbreak.Join us as Dr. Pariseau unpacks the myths and facts about EHV-1 and EHM, including her professional recommendations for monitoring symptoms, testing for the virus, protecting healthy horses in your herd, and caring for those that have been exposed or infected.

  --------  

  49:06

  --------

  49:06
• Playing to Your Horse's Strengths

  In this week’s episode, I’m talking about the importance of playing to your horse’s strengths. One of the biggest responsibilities we have as horsemen and women is to be good leaders — and a big part of leadership is recognizing the strengths of those we lead. Just like people, every horse has a different set of strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Our job is to identify what those are and set them up for success.Tune in as I share tips for how to identify your horse’s natural tendencies and why doing so can strengthen their confidence, willingness, and longevity.

  --------  

  30:45

  --------

  30:45
• Mastering the Art of the Pause

  In this week’s episode, I’m talking about one of the simplest—and hardest—skills to master in horsemanship: the pause.The pause is the brief moment of release and reward that tells your horse, “You did it right.” It’s the part of the process that builds confidence, clarity, and understanding between horse and rider. But it’s also the step that many of us—myself included—tend to rush through.Tune in as I share how developing better self-awareness and patience can transform your communication with your horse, how the pause teaches effort and confidence, and why slowing down might be the most productive thing you can do in your training.

  --------  

  30:49

  --------

  30:49
• Never Stop Believing with Nikki Eggert

  In this week's episode, I am joined by Nikki Eggert, owner and operator of Never Stop Believing Performance Horses based out of Sauk Rapids, MN. Nikki is a recent graduate of our ⁠Foundations Certification Program⁠ and a true example of how self-image and belief can transform your life and horsemanship.Nikki shares her journey through the Certification Program — a process she describes as “truly life changing.” We talk about the mindset shifts, faith, and daily habits that helped her reshape her confidence, grow her business, and strengthen her connection with her horses.Her approach to horsemanship blends solid fundamentals with a focus on self-talk, goal setting, and mental preparation — building both better horses and stronger riders.Learn more about Nikki's journey and program: philhaugenhorsemanship.com/certification/nikki-eggert

  --------  

  1:06:44

  --------

  1:06:44

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Be Your Best Horsemanship