Episode Resources:

Road to the Horse: ⁠https://roadtothehorse.com/⁠
Tik Maynard Bio: ⁠https://roadtothehorse.com/tik-maynard-canada-2/

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have a special guest, Tik Maynard, the 2024 Road to the Horse Champion. I’ve been looking forward to this conversation because Tik has a wealth of experience and insight that I know you’ll find valuable.

Tik’s Journey into Horsemanship

Tik’s story starts in Vancouver, Canada, where he grew up in a family that was deeply involved in riding—his parents were both English riders in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. Tik’s introduction to horses came through pony club and mounted games, which was his first taste of competitive riding. He loved the fast-paced, team-oriented nature of the sport, but it wasn’t until later that he found his true calling.

After working with some big names in the equestrian world, Tik was introduced to natural horsemanship. This was a pivotal moment in his journey, as it opened his eyes to a completely new way of thinking about and working with horses. His experience working in British Columbia further solidified his interest in this approach, where he saw the importance of understanding horses from the ground up.

Tik’s journey took him to Texas, where he learned the ropes of the western riding industry from Bruce Logan, a cutting horse trainer and colt starter. The experience was a major turning point in Tik’s career, as it introduced him to the real, raw aspects of horsemanship that go beyond riding—like reading a horse’s mind and building trust and respect from the ground up.

The Road to the Horse Journey

Tik’s preparation for Road to the Horse was anything but easy. When he got the call to compete, he knew he had some serious work to do. Like many of us, he had to overcome the nerves and pressure that come with such a high-stakes event. But rather than letting those nerves paralyze him, Tik channeled them into his preparation. He made a plan to get out of his comfort zone as much as possible, and that meant putting in the work both mentally and physically leading up to the competition.

One of the things that stood out to me during our conversation was Tik’s commitment to staying authentic. As he prepared for the competition, he made sure not to get bogged down by trying to emulate someone else’s style. He wanted to stay true to himself, which is something I believe is crucial in horsemanship. As he said, there’s no one right way to work with a horse—there’s your way, and that’s what matters most.

Tik took it upon himself to learn from the best, whether it was attending clinics with Chris Cox and Martin Black or learning techniques from unlikely sources, like a chicken training camp in Seattle. He knew that to truly connect with a horse, he had to understand the psychology behind their behavior, which is why he studied horse training techniques from all angles. That’s a mindset I really respect—there’s always more to learn, and Tik’s willingness to expand his knowledge is a testament to his growth as a horseman.

Preparing for the Road to the Horse Event

Leading up to Road to the Horse, Tik put himself through rigorous simulations of the event, practicing under the same time constraints he would face during the competition. He had his pen wrangler help him with timing and communication, making sure he was ready to handle the pressure. Tik’s focus wasn’t just about rushing through the tasks, though—he stayed true to his method, working at a pace that felt natural to him, and only used the time constraints as a reference to gauge his efficiency.

The thing that really impressed me about Tik’s preparation was how he went into the event with a mindset of being present. It’s easy to get caught up in the clock or the pressure of competing, but Tik’s ability to slow down and truly connect with the horse in front of him was key to his success. The connection he built with his horse early on in the competition was undeniable, and it showed in his ability to maintain that bond even as the competition wore on.

The Challenges of Day Three

One of the hardest things about Road to the Horse, or any competition, is handling the physical and mental challenges that come with it. Day three, in particular, can be grueling for both horse and rider. Horses, just like athletes, get sore and fatigued after a few intense days of work, and it’s up to the trainer to manage that discomfort while continuing to build trust and respect. Tik acknowledged how challenging this part of the competition can be, but his approach to staying calm, slowing down, and allowing the horse to process the work was a major strength.

The Importance of Mental Focus

What really stood out to me during our conversation was Tik’s ability to stay mentally focused. He described feeling “dialed in” during the competition, and I think that’s something many of us strive for in our training. Whether we’re working with a colt or in a high-pressure situation like Road to the Horse, being present and focused on the task at hand is key to success. For Tik, that feeling of being in the zone was something unique, and it’s a reminder of how powerful mental focus can be in horsemanship.

The Selection Process: It’s More Than Luck

At Road to the Horse, each competitor gets to select the horse they work with. Tik explained that the process is part science and part luck. He shared that, although there's some skill involved in selecting the right horse, in the end, much of it boils down to good fortune.

Tik outlined his method for picking a horse in three parts. First, he looked at bloodlines. Though he doesn’t consider himself to be an expert on quarter horse pedigrees, he consulted with people who were to guide his decision. Second, he considered the horse's physical confirmation—how they were built and whether they looked balanced and athletic. And third, he focused on their behavior. How did they react to people? Were they curious or easily frightened?

The real test came when the horses were turned loose in a herd, and Tik was able to observe their behavior up close. Despite their similarities in appearance, he found that his third pick stood out, not because of the way he looked but because of how the horse responded to him. When Tik approached, the horse softened and made eye contact, signaling that he was ready for a connection. That moment of trust sealed the deal for Tik, and he chose this horse, even though he was initially third on his list.

The Mental Game: Managing Nerves and Expectations

Once the horse was chosen, the hard work really began. Tik and I had a great conversation about the mental challenges of Road to the Horse. Even with his extensive preparation, Tik admitted that the nerves were intense. He wasn’t alone—many competitors experience the same level of anxiety, especially when it comes to the pressure of competing in front of a large crowd. But Tik found a way to channel those nerves into his performance, focusing on staying present with his horse instead of worrying about the outcome.

I really appreciated how Tik shared his strategy for managing those nerves. In the lead-up to the event, he had a plan: get out of his comfort zone, practice under pressure, and prepare as much as possible. But once the competition began, he made sure to focus on being present and staying authentic to his own horsemanship style. It wasn’t about doing what someone else would do; it was about doing it his way.

Balancing the Competition and Personal Experience

As Tik continued to prepare, I asked him how he managed to balance the competitive side of Road to the Horse with the experience of being there with his family and friends. Tik shared a very relatable perspective—he knew how important it was to stay dialed in, but he also made sure to make time for his core support group. Family and friends are a huge part of the experience, but the real magic happens when you stay grounded and connected to the task at hand.

He reflected on how stressful it can be when people around you are giving unsolicited advice or adding pressure, even if it’s well-meaning. Tik, like many of us, finds that the less you focus on the expectations of others, the more you can enjoy the process.

The Real Rewards: Enjoying the Process and Embracing Mistakes

One thing that really stood out to me in our conversation was Tik’s perspective on enjoying the process. He’s right when he says that results aren’t always a direct reflection of the hard work you put in, and that’s a common frustration for many. If you focus too much on the outcome, you can get discouraged. But if you focus on the learning process and embrace the challenges along the way, the results will come.

Tik mentioned that even though he won the competition, the real reward came from the connections he made with his horse and the people around him. It wasn’t about getting the title; it was about learning and growing through the experience. In fact, he shared that even after winning, there were things he wished he’d done differently, mistakes he learned from, and areas he knew he could improve. That’s what makes a true horseman—embracing the journey, not just the destination.

Advice for Aspiring Horsemen: Embrace the Struggle

As we wrapped up, I asked Tik to share some advice for aspiring horsemen. His answer was simple, but impactful: enjoy the process. He emphasized that the challenges and frustrations are part of the learning curve. If you can embrace the ups and downs of training, the progress you make will be far more meaningful than simply chasing results. Tik’s message resonated with me—if you stay curious, humble, and committed to learning, you’ll continue to grow as a horseman.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for years, the road is filled with obstacles, but it’s those very challenges that shape us into better trainers and riders. Tik’s journey to becoming the Road to the Horse champion is a reminder that no matter how skilled you are, there’s always room for growth—and that the connection you build with the horse is what truly matters most.