After nearly two weeks on the road for a spring clinic run, I finally got back to Weatherford, Oklahoma. From Wyoming to the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Colorado, I had the privilege of working with some incredible people and horses. Every stop brought new insight, but the recurring theme was this: you’ve got to focus on what matters most — both in horsemanship and in life.

The Power of Repetition and the Basics

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip is the realization that I’m a better horseman every time I come home. When you teach and work horses every day, your ability to explain and communicate improves — not just with words, but through feel, timing, and balance. Whether I’m sorting steers at home or helping riders at a clinic, the foundation never changes: clear communication, consistent signals, and learning to respond before you react.

Just like horsemanship, teaching people is about helping them find confidence. You don’t do that through pressure or frustration — you do it by setting them up for success, one step at a time.

Great Clinics Start With Great People

I say this all the time, but it’s worth repeating — good people who want to be better are who I want to surround myself with. From Verndale to Eaton, every group was filled with folks who love the horse, love learning, and show up with a growth mindset. That energy is contagious.

I’m especially thankful for the hosts who go the extra mile to make clinics run smoothly. When the arena is spotless, the stalls are clean, and someone’s checking in to make sure everything’s right — it shows. And when riders and trainers leave with more confidence than they came with, that’s the real payday.

At the Eaton clinic, we got hit with a big rainstorm the night before we started. By morning, the horses were wound up, and so were the riders. But by the end of the day, the entire building had shifted. The horses were thinking instead of reacting. The riders were calm, clear, and confident in their communication. That transformation — that progress through the process — is what keeps me coming back.

Buy the Pony

Now for the best part of the trip: I finally brought home a pony for my granddaughter, Stevie. Hot Rod, a little pony with a heart of gold, came from our friend Carrie Schiotz up in Minnesota. Watching Stevie grab my finger and say “Gramps, let’s check Hot Wod,” just about melts me. There’s nothing like the bond between a kid and a good pony. If you ever have the chance — buy the dang pony. You never know how one little horse can change a life. I know that firsthand.

Living a Blessed Life

This life isn’t about fancy titles or how much money you make. It’s about sharing what you know, helping others grow, and being around good people. I’ve learned more from my mistakes than my wins, and I’m still learning every day. That’s what keeps it interesting.

Thanks to everyone who made this spring run one to remember. And thanks to Hot Rod for reminding me what it’s all about.