05/27/2025
๐ผ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง ๐๐๐ค ๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ฅ๐จ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฃโ๐ฉ ๐
๐ช๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ. ๐๐๐๐ฎโ๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ค๐๐๐๐ก๐ค๐๐ .
The longer I do this work, the more I realize that the best trainers arenโt the ones who claim to have all the answers. Theyโre the ones who keep asking better questions.
Because horsemanship isnโt a destination, itโs a lifelong practice.
This past week, I rode in two clinics taught by Johnny Flores Horses. Iโve enjoyed what Iโve seen of Johnny on social media and even mentioned to my students last year that I was interested in bringing him to Nebraska. So when I heard he was making the trip, I jumped on the opportunity. Very little info was needed to make that decision.
While I, of course, signed up for my own benefit, I was excited that a few of my lesson students decided to join me. When one couldnโt get into the main clinic before it filled up in a matter of hours, she registered for the second one, and I did too. Not just for her but for me. Because every opportunity to ride with someone for more than a day or two is an opportunity to grow.
Cactus, my Mustang, who's had time off after an injury last May and is on the more forward and sensitive side of the spectrum, gave me plenty to work on during the first clinic. Then, during the second clinic, Johnny was able to challenge me and Badger, the gelding Iโve been showing the past couple of years, who falls more toward the other end of that spectrum, with more advanced, dressage-inspired maneuvers and exercises.
Through it all, I also found myself growing more comfortable and confident in how I want to incorporate the hackamore, two-rein, and spade bit as tools within my program. Gaining clarity around how and when I want to use those pieces of tack, based on each horseโs readiness and needs, has been an exciting takeaway.
At the start of each clinic, I made it clear that I wanted to be picked on and challenged. And Johnny delivered. He didnโt brush me off as โgood enough,โ which I appreciate more than I can say. He met each rider where they were. For those who needed simplicity, he kept it clear and digestible. For those of us ready to level up, he brought the challenge. Not every clinician has the ability or willingness to do both.
Even as a trainer, itโs humbling to ride into a clinic knowing Iโm about to be coached in front of others. That discomfort is a teacher, too. It reminds me what it feels like to be a student, and I never want to lose that empathy.
Itโs also incredibly helpful. I ride alone 99% of the time. Getting feedback, fresh eyes, and someone to challenge my habits and sharpen my feel? Thatโs gold.
And honestly, watching someone else coach my students is invaluable. It gives me fresh insight into what theyโre working through and sparks ideas for how I can support them even better going forward. I notice things I wouldnโt always catch when Iโm the one instructing, which helps me refine my own instruction.
I believe a good trainer is like a translator between horse and human. And to do that well, I need to understand as many dialects as I can. Thatโs why I keep showing up as a student.
Itโs easy to say, โWe never stop learning,โ but itโs another thing to live that. It means putting your ego aside and riding with people who might see things differently. Trying something new, even when youโve already built a system that works.
But thatโs the responsibility we carry as trainers.
To remain students.
To stay humble enough to evolve.
To remember that every horse and owner is trusting us with more than just time in the saddle. Theyโre trusting us with their journey.
So no, I donโt know it all. And I never will.
But I do know this: If your trainer isnโt learning, theyโre not leading.
If you get the chance to ride with Johnny Flores, especially if youโre already showing or looking to enter the ranch or versatility arena, Iโd highly recommend it.
Thanks to Lazy K Arena for letting us use your facility. I enjoyed the four days I spent there!
Iโm already looking forward to the next clinic in August!
