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Be Your Best Horsemanship

Be Your Best Horsemanship

Phil Haugen 346 Episodes Aug 19, 2026

"Be Your Best Horsemanship" 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.

Episodes

Always in Growth Mode
Always in Growth Mode Aug 19, 2026 00:39:37 If you want a result you aren't getting, you've got to be willing to do something you aren't doing. In this episode, I'm talking about what it means to stay in growth mode—from developing young horses and recognizing that each one is going to progress differently, to evaluating our own horsemanship and making changes when something isn't working. I also share a few takeaways fr
The Owner's Role in the Training Process
The Owner's Role in the Training Process Aug 11, 2026 00:27:29 As an owner, your role in your horse’s training process starts long before you ever drop them off at the trainer’s barn. In this episode, I talk about how the handling and preparation we put into our young horses as weanlings and yearlings can make a huge difference when it comes time to start them as two- and three-year-olds. I also share why good communication between the owner and trainer matte
Getting Ahead of Your Horse's Hydration with Dr. Jyme Nichols from Bluebonnet
Getting Ahead of Your Horse's Hydration with Dr. Jyme Nichols from Bluebonnet Aug 5, 2026 00:53:11 The summer season puts a different level of stress on your horses. When you are in the 'heat' of training and competition, maintaining adequate hydration is key to proactively preventing physical issues, as well as boosting overall health and performance in your horses. Join me as I sit down with equine nutrition expert, Dr. Jyme Nichols from Bluebonnet, as she shares tips for getting ahea
Adjusting Your Training Routine in the Summer Months
Adjusting Your Training Routine in the Summer Months Jul 29, 2026 00:31:31 Every season requires something different from both you and your horse. In the summer months, heat, humidity, and longer days can take a physical and mental toll, which means your training program has to adapt. In this episode, I talk about why listening to your horse is more important than sticking to a rigid schedule, how to recognize when physical fatigue is turning into mental defensiveness, a
Establishing The Essential Connection With Your Horse
Establishing The Essential Connection With Your Horse Jul 21, 2026 00:21:03 When it comes to horsemanship, connection is key. Establishing that initial connection with your horse is what opens the door to creating trust, confidence, and control—especially at faster speeds. Tune into this episode as I break down the differences between physical manipulation and mental connection and share how to get that essential connection established with your horse.
What You Repeat, You Become
What You Repeat, You Become Jul 15, 2026 00:39:54 This episode is all about habits―developing the routines, mindset, and systems to be your best everyday. Join me as I share some of my favorite takeaways from James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, and how these philosophies carry over into the horsemanship journey.
Why Great Preparation Always Wins
Why Great Preparation Always Wins Jul 7, 2026 00:32:27 One thing I've learned over the years is that preparation has a way of showing up when it matters most. In this episode, I talk about preparing our horses by exposing them to new situations that build confidence instead of fear; preparing ourselves by learning from different trainers and developing a program that fits our horses and our goals; and preparing for the realities of competition, in
Determining Realistic Development Timelines for Performance Horses
Determining Realistic Development Timelines for Performance Horses Jun 30, 2026 00:36:14 Today's performance horses are more athletic and talented than ever before—but that also means it can take time for all those pieces to come together. In this episode, I talk about why you can't always judge a horse after a few rides, the importance of realistic development timelines, and why patience, consistency, and a long-term plan are essential to bringing out a horse's full poten
How To Be Safe Around Reactive Horses
How To Be Safe Around Reactive Horses Jun 23, 2026 00:38:54 One thing about horses—they have a way of keeping you humble. In this episode, I'm sharing a recent buck-off experience that reminded me how quickly things can change when a horse has a reactive moment.After more than 40 years of riding and training horses, I can tell you this: experience doesn't make you immune to getting caught off guard. What it does is make you a better student of the
Staying Consistent with Your Training Program
Staying Consistent with Your Training Program Jun 17, 2026 00:34:48 One of the biggest challenges in horse training today isn’t a lack of information—it’s knowing how to apply it correctly. With podcasts, videos, clinics, and training advice coming from every direction, it’s easy to jump from one method to the next before giving any program enough time to work.In this episode, I talk about the importance of picking a program, understanding the purpose behind it, a
Managing Your Energy & Avoiding Burnout
Managing Your Energy & Avoiding Burnout Jun 9, 2026 00:18:56 In this episode, I share some thoughts on managing your energy and avoiding burnout—both mentally and physically. Tune in as I talk about the importance of staying fresh and sharp, creating routines that help you progress, and knowing when it's time to recharge your batteries. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself and your horse is step back, freshen up, and come back with a better mind
Riding One-Handed vs. Two-Handed
Riding One-Handed vs. Two-Handed Jun 2, 2026 00:29:09 Most of us spend a lot of time riding our horses two-handed, especially when we're training, tuning, and helping them understand new concepts. But at some point, you've got to put one hand down and find out how much of that foundation is really there.In this episode, I talk about the benefits of riding both one-handed and two-handed, how each serves a different purpose in your training pro

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