On this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my friend and fellow horseman Nate Horner of Horner Equine. Nate and his wife, Lindsey, run a successful equine vet clinic and ranch in North Dakota, and they're both active competitors in the rodeo world.

We’ve known each other for several years now, and we’ve had some great conversations—conversations that always seem to circle back to the same core truths: what we learn from the horse applies directly to how we show up in life.

This episode was one of those conversations. We dug into the realities of managing a busy life, growing a business, mentoring others, and most importantly—stewarding your mindset so that you can keep going, keep growing, and keep showing up well.

The Tipping Point of “Too Much”

Nate’s story is one a lot of us can relate to: you work your tail off building something from the ground up—only to realize the weight of it is slowly breaking you. For years, he was shoeing horses, starting colts, ranching, helping run the vet clinic, and rodeoing—all while trying to be a good husband and dad.

“We wished for this life. But even your dream life can break you if you don’t manage it well.”

Eventually, the pressure started affecting not just his energy, but his attitude—and that’s when he knew something had to shift. Like he said, once he stopped trying to be everything to everyone, he actually got better at the things that mattered most.

High Expectations vs. Heavy Pressure

We talked a lot about expectations—how they can fuel growth, but also how quickly they turn into pressure when you’re stretched too thin. Nate made some intentional changes, letting go of certain responsibilities so he could lead from a healthier place.

“I was becoming someone I didn’t like. I had to cut some things out—not because I wasn’t capable, but because the pressure was robbing the joy.”

He emphasized that good leadership starts with managing yourself well. If you’re not grounded, it’s hard to lead a team, mentor others, or even show up as your best self at home.

Leadership from the Inside Out

As business owners, competitors, and mentors, Nate and I both know the weight of responsibility. But one thing he shared that stuck with me was this:

“Your purpose isn’t what you do—it’s how you impact people while you’re doing it.”

That shows up in how he treats his clients, how he coaches young team members, and how he leads from the front—not just by working hard, but by bringing value, being consistent, and staying grounded in faith and perspective.

The Power of Mindset and Daily Discipline

One of the biggest shifts for Nate in recent years has been his approach to mindset. Whether it’s running in the early morning before the chaos of the day begins, or mentally preparing to rope a steer he missed once before, he’s learned that everything we do starts with how we think.

“Most people quit at 40%. But if you train your mind, your body will follow.”

He talked about training for a simple Thanksgiving 5K—but treating it like the Olympics. By focusing on the next step, not the whole race, he ran a minute faster than his personal best on race day. That experience became a metaphor for the rest of life: you’re capable of more than you think—if you stop talking yourself out of it.

Recognizing Burnout and Making a Shift

We got honest about burnout and how easy it is to let your attitude slip when the pressure piles up, sharing something we’ve both learned the hard way:

“Anytime I find myself faking a good attitude, it’s time to reset.”

Effort has never been the problem in this industry. Most folks are willing to work hard. But effort without the right mindset wears you down. And over time, that affects everyone around you—your family, your clients, your team.

What You Focus on, Grows

Whether we’re talking about horsemanship or leadership, it all comes back to intentionality. Nate talked about how mentorship, faith, and being present have become priorities—and that none of that happens by accident. You have to make time for what matters.

“Building a disciplined life is the beginning of creating any kind of meaningful impact.”

And it’s not about checking boxes—it’s about showing up in a way that reflects the person you want to be. Whether that’s as a rancher, a mentor, a competitor, or a dad.

Keeping Perspective

In closing, Nate shared something powerful about the rodeo trail—and really, life in general.

“It’s not about beating someone else. It’s about knowing what you’re capable of, giving your best shot, and having the enthusiasm to try again tomorrow.”

That right there sums up the heart of what we’re all doing—chasing goals, yes, but also growing through the process. When your identity is built on your performance, the pressure will crush you. But when it’s built on purpose and perspective, that’s when you start to thrive.

Final Thoughts from Phil

This episode reminded me that no matter what season you’re in, you’ve got to manage more than your calendar—you’ve got to manage your heart, your mind, and your attitude.

There’s no such thing as a pressure-free life. But pressure, when stewarded well, can be a privilege. It means you’ve built something worth carrying. And when you can carry it with grace and grit, that’s when you start to impact the people around you—not just with what you do, but with who you are.