Be Your Best Horsemanship
Episodes
An Inside Look at Horse Training Internships
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm talking about my first time welcoming interns into my training program. From training young horses to learning the ins and ou...
Being Committed to Progress vs. Comfort
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Challenging conditions have a way of exposing holes in your foundation—both in your horsemanship and your mindset. Those who are willing to saddle u...
Sometimes You Win―Sometimes You Learn
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I'm recapping my recent trip to Las Vegas for the World Series of Team Roping Finale. The week didn’t end with a win—...
Behind-the-Scenes of NFR Dreams with Lorissa Jo Merritt
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. W...
Perspectives on the EHV-1 Outbreak with Dr. Chrissie Pariseau, Merck Animal Health
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am pleased to welcome Chrissie Pariseau, DVM, MS, DABVP (Equine Practice), cVMA with Merck Animal Health to share some perspectives...
Playing to Your Horse's Strengths
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
Mastering the Art of the Pause
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
Never Stop Believing with Nikki Eggert
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. N...
One-on-One with Foundations Certification Graduate, Paige Whittaker
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I am joined by Paige Whittaker, who is a recent graduate of our Foundations Certification Program. When I first met Paige ...
The Power of Committing to the Process
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The power of committing to the process cannot be overstated. In horsemanship and in life, we’re often conditioned to look for quick results—but th...
Never Give Up and You'll Never Fail
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk about a saying I’ve carried with me for many years — never give up and you’ll never fail. It’s a reminder that as long...
Trusting the Timing of Your Success with Katie Scott
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am joined by professional barrel racer and 2025 National Finals Rodeo qualifier, Katie Scott, as she shares her journey from multi-...
Busy is a Blessing
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The changing of seasons always brings about a period of reflection for me. We are entering into a busy fall season both personally and professionally,...
Transforming Your Self Image
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I share some reflections from my recent trip to the Riata Buckle roping and how shifting my self image played a key role in ...
The Growing Shortage of Colt Starters
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m talking about the growing shortage of colt starters in our industry and why it matters for horse owners, breeders, and trainers...
Developing Heightened Awareness in Your Horsemanship
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share some thoughts sparked by watching the Pendleton Roundup this week—one of the most unique rodeos out there with its grass ar...
Finding Confidence Outside Your Comfort Zone
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"I’m so far ahead with this horse" - said no one, ever. The truth is, none of us feel 100% “ready” all the time—whether it’s bring...
Training vs. Competition Mode
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In performance events and horsemanship, there’s a big difference between being in “training mode” and being in “competition mode.” The chall...
Setting Realistic Goals in the Practice Pen and the Arena
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Success in competition doesn’t come from wishing or expecting. It comes from preparation—and part of that preparation is hauling, entering, and pu...
Keeping Your Horse Soft & Focused During Summer Training
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Summer training brings its own unique set of challenges. From heat and humidity to flies and mosquitoes, the extra stress on our horses can chip away ...
Accelerating & Maintaining Speed in a Turn
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In speed events, being able to accelerate and maintain forward momentum through a turn can make all the difference. In this episode, I'm sharing s...
Mastering the Art of Starting Again
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After almost 300 weeks in a row of putting out new podcast episodes, I missed one. And you know what? That’s life. But here's the thing—missin...
Managing Life, Business & Your Mindset―with Nate Horner
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by a very special guest who has become a friend and inspiration in both life and business. Nate Horner with Horner Equine ...
Using the Right Equipment at the Right Time
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Freedom in the Process
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Staying Grounded Through the Building Seasons
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Patience in Training and Competing
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Making Progress When Things Don't Go As Planned
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
Ponies, Priorities & Progress
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I'm recapping a long spring run of clinics and sharing a few thoughts that have been on my mind as I settle back into home life — inc...
Better by Design
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Ben Janssen of Cimarron Trailers to talk about their philosophy of being “Better by Design.” Just like in horsema...
Making the Most of Each Day
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Even though the principles of good horsemanship stay the same, every day—and every clinic—brings new opportunities to learn and grow. In this epis...
Hydration and Hind Gut Health
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jyme Nichols, Director of Nutrition at Bluebonnet Feeds and host of the Feed Room Chemist podcast, for an in-de...
Spring Prep: Fly Control and Prevention Strategies
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am joined by Mark Upton with Central Life Sciences to talk about fly and pest control as we head into a wet spring season. Tune in ...
The Power of Continuous Self Evaluation
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm recapping some key takeaways from our recent mentorship week, reflecting on the power of continuous self evaluation. One thin...
Owning the Process
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the podcast, I’m sharing a few thoughts that have been on my mind as we head into our next mentorship week. In this episode, I talk abo...
Consistency Starts With You
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Your horse is only as consistent as you are. If you want your horse to be more consistent, that consistency has to begin with you first. In this episo...
Road to the Horse 2025 Recap
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Road to the Horse was everything I thought it would be―and more. From picking my colt to riding the obstacle course in the final round, this journey...
Staying True to Your Brand
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I recorded this episode just before heading out to Lexington for Road to the Horse 2025. Now that the event has come and gone, it’s interesting to l...
Final Thoughts Before Road to the Horse 2025
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am sharing some final thoughts before we pack up and head to Lexington, Kentucky, for my first ever Road to the Horse competition. ...
The Importance of Controlling Your Horse's Ribcage
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I am covering the importance of establishing control of one of the five main body parts of a horse: the ribcage. This epis...
Being Mindful and Present While Training
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we are preparing for a week of colt starting mentorships, I want to share one of the most important fundamental skills we cover in our first day of...
Talking Yourself Into Success
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How many times do we let our thoughts get in the way of our own success? As I am preparing for one of the greatest challenges of my training career, R...
Understanding the Factors That Make a Difference in Training
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm breaking down some of the essential elements that truly make a difference in horse training. Whether you're working with ...
Helping Your Horses Face Their Fears
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How many times in life do we make decisions based on fear? Whether it is the fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of uncertainty, or another hesita...
Finding Lessons in Everyday Life
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am sharing a recap of our first public clinic of the year in Llano, TX, as well as a funny story from a recent trip to the chiropra...
Coaching vs. Training
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week , we’re diving into the important distinction between coaching and training. While training a horse often focuses on the physical aspects—...
The Value of a Simple Plan
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I am breaking down the meaning of the quote: "A goal without a plan is just a wish." Join me as I share some ins...
Foundational vs. Genetic Traits
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
By nature, horses come with certain traits and characteristics, some of which are developed early on in their foundation, and others that are purely g...
The Four Phases of a Horse's Mental Game
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am covering the four phases of a horse's mental game, understanding how to identify which phase your horse is in, and how to he...
The Cost vs. Reward Mentality
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What is the cost of doing this? For years, that is the question I used to ask myself any time I considered investing in myself or my training business...
One-on-One with 2024 Road to the Horse Champion, Tik Maynard
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by 2024 Road to the Horse Champion, Tik Maynard. Tik's story is truly inspiring, as he shares his journey from growing up ...
Reflections and Gratitude During the Holiday Season
24 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I'm filled with so much joy and gratitude as I reflect on the past year. Join me as I share some of my main focuses for the ye...
What to Do When Life Forces You to Be Resilient
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Resilience is a trait many of us in the western industry naturally possess, but it’s also a skill that needs to be strengthened from time to time. L...
Adopting a Proactive Approach to Your Training Program
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Mark Upton with Central Life Sciences, parent company of Starbar, Clarifly, and Farnam, to discuss proactive app...
Drawing Opportunities to Yourself
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In life and horsemanship, I believe there are three things you have to have to be successful: work ethic, passion, and opportunity. The great thing ab...
Embracing the Challenge of Being Your Best Every Day
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I'm sharing a wrap up of our 2024 clinic season, along with a very special story about a family who has truly embraced the cha...
Recapping Our Colt Starting Mentorship Weeks
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am sharing a recap of the first colt starting mentorship weeks hosted at our training facility in Weatherford, OK. Join me as I sha...
Teaching the Release in the Round Pen
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, I am breaking down my colt starting methods for teaching the release in the round pen. Join me as I share some ground work tip...
Setting Realistic Goals for Conditioning Yourself and Your Horses
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am previewing our upcoming Colt Starting Mentorship weeks and addressing two questions from our audience about physical conditionin...
Taking Control of Your Thoughts
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am addressing two questions from our listeners about what to do when you feel unprepared or disadvantaged in certain situations. Jo...
Why Continued Investment in Yourself is Critical to Success
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some insights and experiences from our fall mentorship programs, both online and in-person, that really highli...
One-on-One with Charly Crawford
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's show, I am joined by 10X NFR Qualifier and founder of the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation, Charly Crawford. Join us as Charly shares his...
The Power of Moments
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Progression, in any endeavor in life, is dependent upon a series of moments. From the small moments of learning to the big lightbulb moments that chan...
Training with a Process-Oriented vs. Results-Oriented Mentality
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When training a horse, it can be easy to adopt a results-oriented instead of process-oriented mentality. When we focus on short-term results in our tr...
Keeping Things in Perspective
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the training journey, it can sometimes feel like you are in a never-ending season of challenges. But, if there's one thing that I have realized...
Vaccinations & Biosecurity with Dr. Duane Chappell from Merck Animal Health
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Duane Chappell with Merck Animal Health as he shares insights and advice for managing risk of infectious diseas...
Road to the Horse: Preparation and Mental Game
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing more about my journey to Road to the Horse 2025 and the excitement of being selected as one of the Championship Compe...
How to Get More Effort Out of Your Horse
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing some perspectives around getting more effort out of your horse―and, it might not be the advice you're expecting...
Answering Your FAQs About Clinics and Online Training Programs
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm addressing some FAQs about our public and private clinics, mentorship weeks, and online training and mentorship programs. Joi...
Setting Weanlings and Yearlings Up For Success
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm covering a question from one of our listeners: "I would love to hear a discussion about setting yearlings up for success...
Colic Care and Prevention with Dr. Phil van Harreveld from Merck Animal Health
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I am joined by Phil van Harreveld, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, Senior Equine Professional Services Veterinarian with Merck Animal Health...
Reading Your Horse
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm addressing a question from one of our listeners, Abby: "I have a 2 year old who is ready to start under saddle, but I ca...
Controlling Your Thoughts and Your Horses' Thoughts
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You can't always control the first thought that comes into your mind, but you can control the second. Likewise, you can't always control the f...
The Importance of Having a Solid Foundation to Fall Back On
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you are dealing with challenges with your horse or with life in general, having a solid foundation to fall back on is paramount to progress. J...
Preventative Care & Deworming with Dr. Cara Wright from Merck Animal Health
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Cara Wright, DVM, MS, IVCA with Merck Animal Health to discuss best practices for preventative health, deworming a...
Bit Selection 101
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm addressing one of the most frequently asked questions at my clinics: "What bit do you use?" Join me as I break dow...
How to Work Smarter When You Can't Work Any Harder
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is inspired by a comment from one of our listeners on a recent post we made about the power of having a vision: "I remember hearing ...
Finding & Refining Your Niche in the Training Business
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As I work with more and more trainers across the country, business strategy continues to be one of the most prominent topics of discussion for new and...
Regaining Rider Confidence After an Injury
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is inspired by a question from one of our listeners: "I would love a podcast on how a rider can regain their confidence after an inj...
Tips for Overcoming Performance Anxiety
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is a continuation of our series inspired by the Leonardo da Vinci quote: "Success lies in the relentless execution of the...
The Relentless Execution of the Basics
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is inspired by a quote from Leonardo da Vinci shared by one of our recent clinic hosts: "Success lies in the relentless execution of...
Embracing the Journey of Continual Growth
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If there's one thing I've learned over the past 40+ years in the horse training business, it's the power of a growth mindset. One of the r...
Investing Your Time and Energy in the Right Places
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As I get to stick around longer, life constantly reminds me of what is important in life. Over Mother's Day weekend while I was surrounded by fami...
Hustle vs. Hurry
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My dad always used to say, "why do we always seem to have time to do things right the second time around?" In other words, hurrying usually ...
Building Your Horse's Foundation From the Inside-Out with Dr. Jyme Nichols from Bluebonnet
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Jyme Nichols with Bluebonnet to discuss the considerations that go into crafting your horse's nu...
The Formula for Creating Confidence
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm recapping a recent clinic and sharing some perspectives on the relationship between progression and confidence. Join me as I ...
An Inside Look at Clinics
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing an inside look at what it is like to experience a horsemanship clinic, recapping a recent clinic from our 2024 Be You...
The #1 Skill You Must Master to Succeed in the Horse Training Business
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm revealing the single most important skill that you must master to succeed in the horse training business. Join me as I share ...
Finding Balance for Yourself and Your Horse
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing three perspectives on the word "balance" and how you can apply these perspectives to various aspects of you...
Applying a Growth Mindset to Life, Business & Horses
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am recapping two of our recent clinics and mentorship weeks and sharing some of the valuable lessons that came about during these e...
Taking a Proactive Approach to the Spring Training Season with Mark Upton
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm joined by long-time friend, fellow horseman, and fly control expert, Mark Upton, as we discuss how to take a proactive approa...
How to Know When It's Time to Move On
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing some life reflections and thoughts about a question from one of our loyal listeners: "When you've been train...
Tips for Helping Horses with Separation Anxiety
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I am sharing some tips for dealing with horses who are experiencing separation anxiety and how to prepare them for situation...
Having a Resilient Training Mentality
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing some perspectives on resilience and why it is essential to have a resilient training mindset. Tune in as I div...
Embracing the Opportunity to Grow
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm recapping my recent clinic in Stephenville, TX and sharing some important conversations we had around embracing opportunities...
The Challenges & Opportunities That Come With Each Experience
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing some recent experiences that opened my eyes to the inherent challenges and opportunities that each day presents. Tune...
Comparison is the Thief of Joy
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm breaking down a recent philosophy I heard from John Maxwell: "Comparison is the thief of joy." Tune into this episo...
"Train, Compete, Win" Series with Ken Bray - Part 2
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode series, I'm joined by the CEO of Equibrand, Ken Bray, as we discuss what it takes to set yourself up to train, compete and win in ...
"Train, Compete, Win" Series with Ken Bray - Part 1
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode series, I'm joined by the CEO of Equibrand, Ken Bray, as we discuss what it takes to set yourself up to train, compete and win in ...
Paying Attention to the Small Details
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The smallest details are often the ones that make the biggest impact. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the details that are important to pay c...