Ep 257: Training with a Process-Oriented vs. Results-Oriented Mentality
I’m recording this episode on a Friday morning, and I'm fixing to leave for a clinic up in Kansas, which will be my fourth one this month. Time sure does fly. This has been one of those months where I’ve covered more geography and time zones than I ever have before. I started out in Benton, Maine, made my way to Eagle Point, Oregon, then Helena, Montana, and now I’m off to Lyons, Kansas.
It’s been an interesting month—just when you think you’ve seen it all, life surprises you. This stretch of clinics has been special. I've seen some exceptional trainers and horses. Each place had its own unique atmosphere, and I've felt so blessed to be surrounded by great people in this industry. I often say this, but it's true—our industry is the best, filled with people who have a strong work ethic, a passion for what they do, and a genuine love for their horses.
The clinic in Helena, Montana, was hosted by Erin Van Dyke at the Van Dyke Arena. Erin was a gracious host, and the clinic went off without a hitch. Going into new areas is always a bit of a challenge because you don’t know the facilities or have a strong presence there, but I can tell you that having this podcast helps a lot. By the time people show up, they feel like they already know me. It makes everything so comfortable.
Even though I’m there to teach, I find myself learning just as much from the people I meet. At the Helena clinic, there was a strong ranching influence, and I always love working with people who use their horses every day on the ranch. Those horses learn fast because they have jobs to do, whether they like it or not. One thing we talked about during the clinic was the importance of being aware while doing your job—sending clear signals to your horse so you're not just getting the job done but also training them in the process.
I had a horse once, Mingus, that I bought as a three-year-old. He was a good one, but I learned the hard way that even a good horse can develop bad habits if you’re not careful. I was riding him like he was a ten-year-old, not a four-year-old, and he started to get a little strong and chargey. I had to adjust my approach. Instead of just rushing through doctoring cattle, I started taking my time, making sure Mingus softened and relaxed before I asked him to go in and rope. That small change made a big difference. By the time I took him to the arena, he was confident and relaxed.
It’s little adjustments like that—being mindful of the process and not just focused on the end result—that make all the difference in training. I always remind folks that it's the process, not the destination, that leads to long-term success. Sure, we all want our horses to perform well, but if you focus on small, consistent improvements, the results will come.
This group in Helena really understood that. They were some of the most talented people I’ve worked with, and I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sure I was even needed. But they were so hungry to learn, taking notes and asking questions, always looking for that one percent improvement. That’s what it’s all about in this business—constantly learning, growing, and refining.
As I head out to this next clinic in Kansas, I’m reminded again how fortunate I am to be part of this industry. The people I meet, the horses I get to work with, and the experiences I have—there’s nothing else like it. Each clinic teaches me something new, and I’m grateful for every mile on the road and every moment in the arena.
